ASUS IoT Unveils Tinker V: A Versatile RISC-V-based Single-Board Computer for Diverse IoT Applications

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ASUS IoT, a prominent worldwide AIoT solution provider, has announced its latest invention that is Tinker V. Tinker V. This versatile single-board computer (SBC) is powered by a 64-bit RISC V-based processor, and is set to transform the IoT market. It supports the Linux Debian and Yocto operating systems The Tinker V packs an array of features in a compact Pico-ITX design, providing not just versatility, but also durability and long-term support. This makes it a perfect option for a variety of IoT and gateway applications.

Moving forward with RISC V Architecture for greater flexibility

The core of Tinker V is its RISC-V processor, which uses the free-of-cost Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) developed by Arm(r) which is built around concepts of Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC). What makes RISC-V stand out is its open source nature that allows developers as well as businesses to tweak, optimize and implement according to the architecture, without copyright and licensing limitations. The shift in strategy to the RISC-V architecture underscores ASUS IoT’s constant determination to accelerate IoT technologies and establishing user-friendly environments across the globe.

Perfect for Industrial IoT Applications

It is designed to run seamlessly Linux Debian and Yocto, the Tinker V SBC is tailor-made to run industries that require IoT applications. Despite its small size, it has impressive performance, a wide range of functions as well as a wide range of connectivity options. This makes it the ideal solution for a wide range options for industrial IoT applications.

Tinker V Tinker V features a Renesas RZ/Five MPU which incorporates the RISC-V AndesCore(tm) AX45MP single-core supporting 1.0 GHz operating frequencies. Its engineering expertise extends to a range of industrial-grade connectors for peripheral usage, such as GPIO micro-USB and dual gigabit Ethernet and interfaces for CAN bus, as well as RS232 ports for COM. With 1GB of built-in RAM as well as an option for 16 GB of eMMC and a 16 GB eMMC, the Tinker V remains versatile across an extensive range of operating temperatures, which range from -20degC up to 60degC.

Collaboration Catalyzes RISC-V’s Growth

Shigeki Kato vice president for Renesas’ Enterprise Infrastructure Business Division is enthusiastic to work with ASUS to extend RISC-V into IoT systems. Integrating Renesas gadget into Tinker V SBC marks a significant moment, paving the way for a wide range of RISC-V-based MPU solutions that will improve the lives of customers.

Dr. Charlie Su, President and CTO of Andes Technology, emphasized the importance of their partnership together with ASUS IoT in bringing the Tinker V to life. Its Tinker V leverages the powerful Andes AX45MP processor that is designed to help facilitate the initial use of devices in the world’s industrial market which are built using Andes advanced RISC-V processor families.

A Promise of Long-Term Support

Tinker V customers who choose to purchase Tinker V will enjoy a minimum of five years of assistance through ASUS IoT. In addition, technical support on-site can be provided to speed up customer development cycles and speed up the implementation of apps.

With the introduction of Tinker V, ASUS IoT is poised to transform IoT. IoT landscape, bringing in the new age of possibilities that are powered by RISC-V technology.

What is Pico-ITX

Pico-ITX is a type of form device for computers with single boards (SBCs) which is smaller than the well-known Mini-ITX design. Pico-ITX computers are designed to be extremely compact and space-efficient and are therefore suitable for applications that require a small physical space or in which the size of the computer is an important factor.

Pico-ITX boards are typically 3.9 inches x 2.8 inches (100 72 millimeters) they are significantly smaller than Mini-ITX models. Despite their dimensions, they often provide a variety of connectivity and features that include a variety of ports to connect peripherals, storage as well as networking devices.

Because of their small size the Pico-ITX boards are typically employed in applications that are limited in space for embedded systems, small industrial PCs as well as robotics, digital signage smaller-scale IoT projects, as well as other applications that require a compromise between the performance of a computer and its size.

The Pico-ITX format factor is part of the wider range of ITX (Information Technology Extended) form factors. This includes Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX and ATX. Each of these forms is unique in size and specifications, which allows system developers to choose the one that is most suitable for their particular requirements.

What is Instruction Set Architecture

Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) is an instruction set that the microprocessor of a computer is able to execute. It acts as an link between the physical hardware (the microprocessor) and the software (the software and applications which run in the computers). The ISA specifies the instructions the microprocessor understands and execute, and the format of these instructions.

Important elements that make up the Instruction Set Architecture are:

Instruction Set Instruction Set: It is a set of instructions that processors can be able to comprehend and carry out. Each instruction specifies a particular procedure that the processor must execute, including math operations and data movement, branching and many other things.

Data Types Data Types: The ISA defines the types of data that processors are able to handle, such as integers, floating-point numbers, characters and much more.

Registers: Registers can be described as tiny storage areas within the microprocessor, which store data for a short period of time during processing. The ISA defines the registers that are that are available, their size and the functions they serve.

Addressing Modes define the manner in which memory locations are accessed and accessed by instructions. Different addressing methods enable instructions to deal with data that is located in different parts of the hierarchy of memory.

Memory Organization The ISA defines how memory is organized as well as how data is accessed through memory. It also provides information on address of memory in byte ordering and alignment.

Control flow: The instructions that regulate the execution flow, like branches (jumping to a different area within the application) as well as subroutine calls are outlined as part of the ISA.

I/O Operations I/O Operations ISA specifies instructions for output and input operations which allow communications between the microprocessor and external devices.

The ISAs are a variety of various microprocessor families and architectures. The most common ISAs are x86 (used for Intel as well as AMD processors), ARM, RISC-V, MIPS, and more. Different ISAs have distinct strengths and weaknesses that affect the performance, power efficiency and compatibility.

Software developers and programmers communicate with the hardware of a computer through the ISA creating software that adheres to the conventions and instructions defined in the architecture. This distinction between software and hardware is essential to allow software portability between different hardware platforms.

Michal Pukala

Electronics and Telecommunications engineer with Electro-energetics Master degree graduation. Lightning designer experienced engineer. Currently working in IT industry.