Article by IoT Service Hub
The IoT Service Hub of III is committed to promoting the AIoT ecosystem in Taiwan and integrating upstream domestic IC chip design and manufacturing resources. Under this context, it seeks to connect with professional manufacturers to formulate specs and optimize the development of module components, thereby introducing customized development according to the needs of end users. The application of domestic ICs was demonstrated in multiple perspectives, and innovative service applications were presented to showcase Taiwan’s strong innovation capabilities in AIoT applications and smart manufacturing, highlighting Taiwan’s indispensable role in the field of tech innovation.
IoT Service Hub held an Annual Conference focused on the theme of “Smart Manufacturing in HUB! ” and key forums, with representatives from major domestic IC manufacturers such as MediaTek, Realtek, and PixArt Imaging to discuss various AIoT development projects in Taiwan in 2023.
Industry-leader MediaTek Launching World’s First Wi-Fi 7 V2X Solution
Focusing on the popular topic of electric vehicles and automotive Internet of Things, MediaTek shared how its technology would enhance the driving experience in the future.
The smart wireless connection technology of MediaTek’s Filogic Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7 chipsets represents fast, reliable, and always-on connected experiences. The speed was increased from 1024QAM to 4096QAM, which can accommodate more signals and increase the maximum connection rate by 20%; multi-RU batch processing reduces transmission latency by 25%, using non-contiguous frequency bands more efficiently and shortening transmission delays. Also, OFDMA adds new multi-user resource allocation methods and more detailed wireless resource allocation/spatial multiplexing to avoid interference. Wi-Fi 7 supports three bandwidths, dynamically switching link connections and increasing overall transmission speed and coverage to ensure the quality of both connection speed and coverage.
This exciting solution brings consumers a different experience from traditional vehicles. For example, consumers in North America often purchase telecom services when buying a new car. Using 5G & Wi-Fi 7 as an access point (AP), this technology can connect in-vehicle information and allow Wi-Fi sharing in the car via wireless network. At the same time, a more comprehensive in-car infotainment system features the possibility of casting the video being watched on the smartphone onto the cockpit screen through CarPlay/Android auto/multi-screen display technology via Wi-Fi. Also, on some charging piles for Software-Defined Vehicles (already in implementation in North America), Wi-Fi APs are available to meet the needs of IoT, allowing vehicles to become residential APs.
Smart Living in Various Aspects to Spark a Safer, More Convenient Future
Realtek also introduced its new fifth-generation Ameba E series, which gives smart devices the ability to perceive, interact, and decide, reshaping the definition of “intelligence, interaction, and connection.” The Ameba E series solutions cover aspects from personal wearables to Smart Home, screen monitoring, voice assistants, etc., which is basically centered around people’s daily life needs. The new product Ameba E (Wi-Fi 6 Solution) has three main specs: Ameba Lite (entry-level model), Ameba Lite+ (mainly developed for smart voice recognition), and Ameba Smart (the first dual-band device that supports Linux OS).
The Ameba E series integrates three major technologies, including Wi-Fi sensing, smart voice recognition, and Wi-Fi audio. By using algorithms to detect signal disturbances, it can detect whether there are human activities in the space. This function brings more possibilities for environmental sensing and monitoring of IoT devices. For example, it can be applied for products such as baby cam, gas burner monitoring, record-keeping of sleep quality (toilet visits), etc. Other practical applications include connecting air conditioners, reminder to turn off lights/gas. Users can also set a “safe mode” to send a notification when someone breaks in their house.
In addition, Realtek has also cooperated with third-party partners to develop algorithms to achieve a more seamless smart connection between home appliances and smart wearables. In the future, Realtek will invest more resources in sensor fusion IoT. With this technology, smart home appliances can be converted into multi-functional smart devices offering multiple settings for specific times or scenes, supporting the latest technologies including smart voice, dual core, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and Matter. The solutions are an easy and effective upgrade to smart home systems, with voice control functions to improve convenience and user experience.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRTjOek4qJk&t=643s
Diverse Applications of AIoT Smart Network, Domestic IC-AI Modules to Enter Global Market
Last but not least, Mr. Lai, Senior Product Manager of PixArt Imaging, shared how the company has focused on the development of imaging IC that integrates light source lenses and PPG (photoplethysmography) Sensors in recent years. Its core CMOS imaging sensing technology is paired with the AIoT smart networking process to perform the series of “data capture, processing, analysis, learning, decision-making, and action.” For example, its Rolling Shutter is mainly used in security cameras, smart doorbells, and smart door locks. Its ultra-low-power design only requires half of the electricity consumption for other similar products, and it also has high-resolution and pre-recording functions to meet other application needs. Global Shutter Image Sensor, another outstanding product of PixArt, is mainly used for the decoding and identification of fast-moving imaging products, such as drones, electric vehicles, machine vision, machine decoding, educational scanning translator pens, eye tracking for VR equipment, face tracking for automotive driver safety, etc.
Its smart motion detection technology compares two frames of the image and executes the computing program on the device instead of on the cloud, achieving lower latency, instant response, and reduced power consumption. As for its human-machine interface technology Sensor Fusion, it features expanded functions like thermal imaging and radar detection. Through fusion technology, it can achieve two- or even three-in-one sensing and enhance the application functions of end products.
With major semiconductor manufacturers like MediaTek, Realtek, and PixArt Imaging in the AIoT ecosystem, industrial synergy has been accumulated through the interaction and cooperation of the entire industry chain, benefiting SMEs through the implementation of joint projects. With all these inspiring examples, the IoT Service Hub of III aspires to continuously build a more solid AIoT ecosystem and stimulate further developments. With chips featuring top specs manufactured by prestigious IC design companies, developers and makers in Taiwan will strive to keep expanding their functions with innovative modules, so as to realize more creative IoT applications in the future.
For more information, please visit our website or email Yi Hua Lin at yhlin@iii.org.tw
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