The Power of the Tungsten700 SMARC in Next-Gen Industrial Devices

Industrial tablets and handheld devices have become the backbone of industrial facilities as these devices spread across many sectors including manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, healthcare, and field services. These devices handle critical tasks like inventory management, equipment monitoring, patient care, and in-the-field diagnostics to help workers make informed decisions quickly and accurately. But these devices are used in environments ranging from factory floors and warehouses to outdoor agricultural fields and remote healthcare facilities, so they must operate flawlessly, resisting the wear and tear of daily use while also including IP (Ingress Protection) ratings such as IP65 or IP68. 

Despite their crucial role in enhancing efficiency and productivity, industrial tablets and handheld devices face significant challenges. The increasing complexity of industrial tasks demands devices to have enough computational power to process and analyze large volumes of data. One example is integrating AI and machine learning algorithms, but developing and integrating algorithms is one of the biggest bottlenecks in AI applications as there are many challenges related to software compatibility, hardware limitations, and optimizing AI models to run efficiently on devices with low computing power. 

In past years to address some of the evolving demands, tablets and handheld devices have begun to incorporate additional components, such as customizable I/O ports and expansion slots to accommodate an increasing number of peripherals, including USB 3.0, HDMI, and wireless connectivity options like WiFi and Bluetooth. Yet, the million-dollar question remains: how can we accommodate the growing number of components, along with the increasing computational power required, into the compact enclosures of next-generation devices? 

Addressing Computational Hurdles in Handheld Devices

To address the challenges faced by these handheld devices, an embedded solution that provides both high-efficiency computing core and AI acceleration is needed. The Tungsten700 SMARC, a system-on-module (SOM) designed for next-generation industrial devices, is the ideal solution. At its core lies the MediaTek Genio 700 processor, engineered for smart home, industrial, and commercial applications to leverage edge AI technologies in handheld and human machine interfaces (HMI). 

In terms of processing power, envision the Genio 700’s architecture like a highly efficient, multi-skilled team. The dual-core 2.2GHz Cortex-A78 acts as the team leader, handling the most demanding tasks quickly and efficiently, while the hexa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 operates as the support crew, taking on smaller tasks simultaneously, optimizing overall performance and energy use. This combo ensures that industrial devices can tackle complex computations and AI-driven analysis without missing a beat. For instance, in industrial tablets and handheld devices, the Genio 700 alongside the integrated AI accelerator from the Tungsten700, could improve predictive maintenance. Devices can analyze equipment health (transmitted from sensors) in real-time and foresee potential failures before they occur, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. 

Memory and Storage: The Backbone of Efficiency

Alongside the powerful MediaTek Genio 700 processor, a high-speed LPDDR4 RAM and eMMC storage work hand-in-hand. Let’s continue with our multi-skilled team analogy. The MediaTek Genio 700 processor is the leader of the team’s operations. Imagine this team now operates within the framework of industrial tablet and handheld devices. The high-speed LPDDR4 RAM acts as the team’s communication system, ensuring clear coordination among team members, much like how a well-informed crew on the factory floor or in the field can execute tasks quickly and without error. 

The eMMC storage, on the other hand, acts as the team’s extensive library, housing all the necessary data and tools that the team needs to access at a moment’s notice. This setup enables our “team” – the industrial tablets – to handle, process, and analyze vast amounts of data efficiently and with incredible speed. 

Future Proofing Industrial Devices

With these features, we’ve solved some of the challenges industrial handheld devices face. One of the biggest challenges though is futureproofing. As we look ahead 5, 10, or even 15 years, the demand for faster processors and the latest in wireless connectivity, such as WiFi 6 or 7, becomes inevitable. This is where the Tungsten700 shines as it's positioned to meet these demands through its SMARC 2.1.1 form factor. This smart architecture supports a flexible and scalable platform, allowing for easy integration of new SMARC modules without the need to redesign the board. If a WiFi 6 & Bluetooth 5.3 module is needed, our upcoming Sona™ MT320 WiFi 6 module can be included within the SMARC module. This not only conserves time, effort, and resources of engineering teams, but also makes sure that industrial devices can stay ahead in the rapidly evolving IoT environment, providing reassurance that the product’s life cycle is covered by a progressive ecosystem of module updates. 

In environments where industrial handhelds are crucial, like inventory management or maintenance checks in large plants, the importance of devices with prolonged battery life cannot be overstated. The Tungsten700 has a fine balance between extended battery life and high-performance computational power. Leveraging cutting-edge power management strategies, including a class-leading 6nm process technology, it achieves reduced power consumption and lower heat output than the competition. This makes it a leader for devices that rely on battery power in industrial settings for extended periods of time. 

About our Tungsten700 SMARC

Ezurio (formerly Laird Connectivity) stands at the forefront of offering innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of industrial handheld devices. As a trusted partner in embedded IoT, our Tungsten700 SMARC module helps to enhance next-generation devices and future-proof their designs. With Ezurio, companies gain not just a provider, but a collaborator committed to driving their success in adopting Industry 4.0. 

Learn more at: https://www.ezurio.com/product/tungsten700-smarc