AMD launches Embedded+: a new architecture that combines an AMD Ryzen CPU with Versal accelerators, consisting of ARM cores and an FPGA component.

AMD launches Ryzen Embedded+: a computing platform whose specifications read like a catalog of AMD architectures. The solution primarily consists of an AMD Ryzen Embedded R2314 processor with four Zen+ cores and integrated Radeon Vega graphics. This means that the Zen architecture and Graphics Core Next (GCN) are already represented.

AMD then connects the processor to its AMD Versal AI Edge VE2302 Adaptive SoC via PCIe (3.0). This in turn has two Arm Cortex-A72 processors and two Cortex-R5 cores on board, combined with an FPGA.

Attached to each other

AMD combines all components into a whole on one motherboard. The first solution is based on a Sapphire Edge+ VPR 4616-MB: a Mini-ITX board from Sapphire. The system will optionally be available as a complete package including RAM, storage, power supply and housing.

AMD focuses its architecture portfolio on the embedded applications market. The goal is for the system to be able to perform various tasks, including inference and visualization, in an economical manner and with low latency. The hardware must last a long time and can be used in demanding environments, for example in an industrial context or as part of a transport solution.

Reliable for modern times

The hardware is not the most modern, but that is typical for embedded applications. They should generally last for years without too much maintenance. The CPU and FPGA that AMD integrates have already proven themselves. Hardware validation is more important than pure performance. In addition to Sapphire, other manufacturers should also design their overall solutions based on the proposed Embedded+ designs.