Advantech launches a new single-board computer for EV charging applications

Computing firm Advantech has introduced a new single-board computer (SBC) for EV charger and energy storage applications.

The new AFE-E420 uses semiconductor supplier NXP’s i.MX 93 applications processor series, which is designed to increase performance while reducing power consumption with its upgraded Arm Cortex-A55. The Cortex-M33 co-processor is an independent, MCU-like core that handles real-time domain and critical function tasks such as control pilot monitoring between charger and EV communications.

The i.MX 93 applications processor is the first in the i.MX family to adopt the Arm Ethos-U65 microNPU, enabling developers to create more advanced machine learning applications with cost effectiveness and energy efficiency, Advantech said.

The AFE-E420 aims to integrate EVSE and SECC to simplify EV charger design, manufacturing and maintenance. The 145 x 115 mm SBC provides dual displays, 4 Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate (CAN-FD) ports, 6 ports of selectable RS-232/422/485, 6 Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD) channels and 2 ports of control pilot. It integrates multiple, independent CAN-FD and Powerline communication (PLC) interfaces for CCS1, CCS2, NACS, GB/T and CHAdeMo compliance.

“The highly integrated i.MX 93 applications processors combine the capabilities of the Arm Ethos-U65 microNPU with advanced security and a high degree of integration to deliver efficient, fast, secure machine learning at the edge,” said Alexandra Dopplinger, Director of Product Marketing, Building and Energy at NXP. “Advantech’s AFE-E420 SBC enables the i.MX 93 SoC’s comprehensive capabilities to deliver faster time to market for EV chargers and energy storage applications.”

Source: Advantech