Embracing the Future: AMD’s Evolution in Microprocessors and Embedded Systems

Exploring the journey of AMD from its early days to its current innovations in the world of AI and embedded technology.

Embracing the Age of Innovation: AMD’s Evolution and the Kira K26 SOM

I’ve often heard that “60 is the new 40.” This sentiment reflects how those in their 60s today are frequently just as vibrant and active as people in their 40s used to be in generations past. It seems fitting, especially as I recently celebrated the 47th anniversary of my 21st birthday. I certainly don’t feel a day over… wait, what were we discussing?

One of the few silver linings of aging is the wealth of knowledge accumulated over the years. This perspective helps to appreciate the trajectory of groundbreaking companies like AMD (Advanced Micro Devices), which has made substantial strides since its inception in 1969.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Initially, AMD focused on manufacturing memory chips and components for computers. In 1975, it made its first foray into the microprocessor market with a clone of Intel’s 8080. This partnership blossomed into a cross-licensing agreement with Intel, paving the way for AMD to tap into Intel’s microcode and carve its niche in the burgeoning world of microprocessors.

With Intel’s introduction of the x86 architecture series in the late ’70s and ’80s—recognizable by their names ending in “86”—AMD found itself in a unique position. While Intel reigned supreme in the market for personal computer processors, AMD crafted its x86-compatible chips, often offering more cost-effective alternatives. This rivalry has spurred a decade-long run of innovation, leading to better performance and lower costs for consumers.

The Shift to Embedded Systems

As the personal computer market plateaued, AMD pivoted towards embedded systems—compact, specialized computing solutions for applications in cars, industrial machines, and consumer gadgets. Rather than abandoning its roots, AMD diversified its offerings by developing processors focused on reliability, low power consumption, and longevity.

The 2022 acquisition of Xilinx, renowned for its Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), was a game-changer. This strategic move propelled AMD into the programmable logic market, positioning it to offer integrated solutions combining CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs in a single powerful package.

Spotlight on the Kira K26 SOM

Recently, I had the pleasure of engaging in a discussion with Yingyu Xia, market lead for Smart Cities, Security, and Retail within AMD’s Adaptive Embedded Core AI group, and Michael Zapke, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Industrial. We dove deep into AMD’s innovative Kira family of System-on-Modules (SOMs), where “Kira” symbolizes creativity and innovation.

One particularly striking model is the Kira K26 SOM. This compact design houses a custom-built Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC, perfectly suited for vision AI, robotics, and industrial applications. Its impressive specifications include:

• Application Processor: Quad-core Arm Cortex-A53 MPCore
• Real-Time Processor: Dual-core Arm Cortex-R5F MPCore
• Graphics Processing Unit: Mali-400 MP2
• Video Codec Unit: Capable of handling up to 32 streams
• On-chip SRAM: 26.6 MB

The Kira K26 then extends its capabilities off-chip with 4GB DDR4 and 16GB eMMC, showcasing a current power that dwarfs the mainframe computers I encountered in the ’80s.

Applications of the Kira K26

The flexibility of the Kira SOM finds it being employed in varied applications, from AI in smart cities to monitoring casino tables for any mischief. A compelling application was presented by Solectrix GmbH, which utilized the Kira SOM to create a vision processing system for mobile industrial machines. Their system incorporated four cameras, allowing machines to react in real-time, even under challenging conditions.

Moreover, by adopting a custom board rather than a standard carrier from AMD, Solectrix managed to support multiple GMSL2 interfaces, streamlining the process of transmitting high-definition video over long distances.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

The advancements encapsulated in AMD’s Kira SOMs and their innovative applications underscore a renaissance in the tech industry—one that highlights efficiency, creativity, and ingenuity. The capabilities that today’s technology offers would have seemed like science fiction in the ’80s.

As we venture deeper into the 21st century, it’s clear that AMD is not just keeping pace; it’s setting the pace. Have you had any experiences or insights into how technology has shaped our daily lives? Let’s engage in this exciting conversation!