The new RZ/V2L shares several features with its predecessor, the RZ/V2M, such as high-precision AI inference capabilities combined with best-in-class energy efficiency. It also includes optimizations such as adapting the DRP-AI operating frequency and memory interface for an entry-level MPU.

The DRP-AI offers real-time AI inference and image processing functions with essential camera support capabilities, such as color correction and noise reduction. This allows customers to develop AI-based vision applications, such as point-of-sale (POS) terminals and robotic vacuum cleaners, without the need for an external image signal processor (ISP). Furthermore, the RZ/V2L's excellent energy efficiency eliminates the need for heat dissipation measures such as heatsinks or fans. AI can now be cost-effectively deployed not only in surveillance cameras and industrial equipment but also in a wide range of applications, including household appliances and consumer electronics.

The RZ/V2L is also compatible with existing RZ/G2L general-purpose MPUs. This allows RZ/G2L users to easily upgrade to the RZ/V2L for additional AI capabilities without modifying system configurations, thus reducing migration costs.

As part of the RZ/V2L development environment, Renesas offers a complementary DRP-AI translator, a tool that automatically converts AI models into an executable format. The input format is the industry-standard Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX). Developers can leverage the DRP-AI while using the tools they are already familiar with, enabling them to immediately begin using the RZ/V2L to evaluate AI models based on proven machine learning data.

Key features of the RZ/V2L MPUs:
64-bit Arm® Cortex®-A55 (1.2 GHz, dual or single core) and Cortex-M33
processors; DRP-AI accelerator (TOPS/W Class 1) capable of running the Tiny YOLOv2 program at 28 frames per second (fps);
DRP library provides basic ISP functions required for machine vision (supports up to Full HD);
16-bit single-channel DDR memory interface;
3D graphics capabilities (Arm Mali™-G31 GPU)
; H.264 video codec;
CMOS sensor interfaces (MIPI-CSI and parallel) for camera input;
Display interfaces (MIPI-DSI and parallel);
Error-correcting and checking (ECC) memory;
Verified Linux Package (VLP) based on the Civil Infrastructure Linux platform, an industrial-grade Linux implementation; Available
in 15 mm square or 21 mm square BGA packages. Compatible with RZ/G2L pins.

As part of a series of comprehensive solutions to aid rapid development, called "winning combinations," Renesas offers solutions that utilize mutually compatible devices that work seamlessly together to reduce design risk. RZ/V2L evaluation boards are provided as a "SMARC (Smart Mobility Architecture) SoM (System-on-Module) Solution" to enable rapid validation for various applications. The "SMARC Solution" is also available for existing RZ/G2 MPUs. These reference designs provide an optimized circuit diagram and board layout, including a power supply circuit and timing tree. In addition, an optimized power management IC (PMIC) for the RZ/V2L is currently under development, and solutions incorporating the RZ/V2L and the new PMIC are expected to be available in the second half of 2021. The "winning combinations" are engineering-validated system architecture solutions that combine Renesas' expertise in analog, power, and embedded computing to help customers get to market faster.

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