SparkFun Edge 2 Development Board - Artemis

Edge computing is here! You've probably heard of this latest entry to the long lineage of tech buzzwords like "IoT," "LoRa," and "cloud" before it, but what is “the edge” and why does it matter? The cloud is impressively powerful but all-the-time connection requires power and connectivity that may not be available. Edge computing handles discrete tasks such as determining if someone said "yes" and responds accordingly. The audio analysis is done at the edge rather than on the web. This dramatically reduces costs and complexity while limiting potential data privacy leaks.

In collaboration with Google and Ambiq, SparkFun's Edge 2 Development Board is based around the newest edge technology and is perfect for getting your feet wet with voice and even gesture recognition without relying on the distant services of other companies. The truly special feature is in the utilization of SparkFun's open-source and FCC Certified Artemis module, whose ultra-efficient ARM Cortex-M4F 48MHz (with 96MHz burst mode) processor, is spec’d to run TensorFlow Lite using only 6uA/MHz. The SparkFun Edge 2 board currently measures ~1.6mA@3V and 48MHz and can run solely on a CR2032 coin cell battery for up to 10 days. Artemis sports all the cutting edge features expected of modern microcontrollers including six configurable I2C/SPI masters, two UARTs, one I2C/SPI slave, a 15-channel 14-bit ADC, and a dedicated Bluetooth processor that supports BLE5. On top of all that the Artemis has 1MB of flash and 384KB of SRAM memory - plenty for the vast majority of applications.

On the Edge 2 you'll have built-in access to sensors, Bluetooth, I2C expansion, and GPIO inputs/outputs. To support edge computing cases like voice recognition the Edge 2 board features two MEMS microphones, an ST LIS2DH12 3-axis accelerometer on its own I2C bus, and a connector to interface to an OV7670 camera (sold separately & functionality coming soon). As TensorFlow updates their algorithms more and more features will open up for the SparkFun Edge 2. An onboard Bluetooth antenna gives the Edge 2 out-of-the-box connectivity. Also available on the board is a Qwiic connector to add I2C sensors/devices, four LEDs, and four GPIO pins. To boast the low-power capabilities of the board we've outfitted it with battery operation from the CR2032 coin cell holder. Programming the board is taken care of with an external USB-serial adapter like the Serial Basic Breakout via a serial bootloader, but for more advanced users we've also made available the JTAG programming and debugger port.

As a brave explorer of this new technology, you'll have to use some advanced concepts but don't worry. Between Ambiq Micro's Software Development Kit and our SDK Setup Guide you'll have access to plenty of examples to begin working with your hardware.

Now get out there and make something amazing with the latest machine learning technology at your very own fingertips!

Artemis Module

  • 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4F processor with Direct Memory Access
  • 48MHz CPU clock, 96MHz with TurboSPOT™
  • Extremely low-power usage: 6uA/MHz
  • 1MB Flash
  • 384KB SRAM
  • Dedicated Bluetooth processor with BLE 5
  • Bluetooth antenna

Onboard

  • ST LIS2DH12 3-axis accelerometer
  • 2x MEMS microphones with operational amplifier
  • OV7670 camera connector
  • Qwiic connector
  • 4 x GPIO connections
  • 4 x user LEDs
  • 1 x user button
  • FTDI-style serial header for programming
  • CR2032 coin cell holder for battery operation

What It Does

  • High processing to current consumption ratio enables machine learning applications on the 'Edge' of networks, without the need for a central computer or web connection.
  • Voice, gesture, or image recognition possible with TensorFlow Lite. (Note: Voice examples are provided. Gesture and image examples hope to be released by TensorFlow soon)

General

  • 1.8V - 3.6V supply voltage range
  • Small 1.6in x 1.6in x 0.35in (40.6mm x 40.6mm x 8.9mm) form factor

SparkFun Edge 2 Development Board - Artemis Product Help and Resources

SparkFun Edge Hookup Guide

September 26, 2019

Get to know your Edge board, including both the hardware features for you to utilize as well as how to get talking to it.

Core Skill: Programming

If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.

4 Programming

Skill Level: Experienced - You will require a firm understanding of programming, the programming toolchain, and may have to make decisions on programming software or language. You may need to decipher a proprietary or specialized communication protocol. A logic analyzer might be necessary.
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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.

2 Electrical Prototyping

Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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Comments

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  • Member #1508751 / about 5 years ago / 1

    Why has it been retired?

  • Member #1508751 / about 5 years ago / 1

    How is the SparkFun Edge 2 different from SparkFun Edge?

    • nbunnell776 / about 5 years ago / 1

      I'm guessing its that the Artemis module is now FCC certified (and the associated board rev for the new footprint)? I'm also curious if there are any other differences; I still haven't done more than plug in my original Edge module.

      • Besides the Artemis FCC module being added to the board, it should be pretty much the same hardware. Try looking at the v2.0.0 release tag for the specifics.

        • Member #1508751 / about 5 years ago * / 1

          I have been using the SparkFun Edge version 1 since April continuously almost everyday because I am using it in a machine learning project. I see they have changed camera connections, mics and reset circuitry. I think there were serious design issues in the previous version that's why micro speech example did not work reliably. SparkFun should replace my SparkFun Edge v1.

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