Stories with Tag SBC

• Raspberry Pi RP2350 Now Available for Purchase, Stacked Memory Variant Coming

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  Posted: 2025-03-17 13:11:33

  Verbose tl;dr

  The Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller is now available as a standalone chip, the RP2350, allowing manufacturers to integrate it into their own designs. This dual-core Cortex-M0+ processor with 264KB of SRAM is offered in two package variants: a QFN-56 and a future LGA package with stacked external flash memory. The QFN-56 is available for immediate purchase, offering a cost-effective solution for diverse embedded applications. The stacked memory variant promises simplified design and reduced board space, though pricing and availability for that package are yet to be announced.

  The Raspberry Pi Foundation has officially launched the RP2350 microcontroller, a pivotal component in their broader strategy to expand beyond single-board computers and delve deeper into the microcontroller unit (MCU) market. This newly available chip, detailed extensively in a Phoronix article, marks a significant step for the Foundation as it's their first foray into designing a microcontroller in-house. Previously, they relied on third-party microcontrollers for products like the Raspberry Pi Pico. The RP2350, manufactured using a 40nm process, distinguishes itself with a dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 processor clocked at 133MHz, offering substantial processing power for embedded applications. Importantly, this processor incorporates the Armv8-M architecture, bringing with it TrustZone security features for enhanced device protection and secure boot capabilities.

  Beyond the processing power, the RP2350 comes equipped with a flexible memory configuration. The currently available version features 264KB of tightly coupled memory (TCM), which provides low-latency access for critical code and data. However, the article reveals that a future variant is planned with 4MB of stacked external flash memory integrated directly onto the chip package. This forthcoming option will significantly expand the storage capacity for more complex applications and data-intensive operations, catering to a wider range of embedded projects.

  The release of the RP2350 aims to cater to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and other businesses seeking to integrate the chip into their own products. While not explicitly designed for the hobbyist market like some other Raspberry Pi offerings, the chip’s availability opens up new possibilities for customized embedded solutions across various industries. The article underscores the strategic significance of this release for the Raspberry Pi Foundation, marking their evolution beyond the single-board computer domain and solidifying their presence within the growing microcontroller market. The dual-core architecture, robust security features, and upcoming memory options position the RP2350 as a versatile and powerful solution for a broad spectrum of embedded applications.

  • Raspberry Pi
  • RP2350
  • Microcontroller
  • Arm
  • Cortex-M8
  • Embedded Systems
  • Single-Board Computer
  • SBC
  • Hardware
  • Electronics
  • Availability
  • Purchase
  • Stacked Memory

  Summary of Comments ( 16 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43388221

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally expressed excitement about the RP2350's availability and potential, particularly its low cost and the possibilities opened by the stacked memory variant. Several commenters discussed the chip's suitability for specific applications, including robotics, industrial control, and amateur radio. Some expressed skepticism about the real-world performance impact of the stacked memory, wanting to see benchmarks. Others debated the merits of the RP2350 compared to other microcontrollers like the ESP32, highlighting trade-offs in processing power, memory, and peripheral options. A few users also mentioned challenges they've faced with Raspberry Pi availability in the past, hoping this release would be smoother.

  The Hacker News comments section for the post "Raspberry Pi RP2350 Now Available for Purchase, Stacked Memory Variant Coming" contains several interesting discussions. Many commenters focus on the potential applications and implications of this new chip.

  Several users express excitement about the RP2350's potential for embedded systems, particularly in industrial control and robotics. They highlight the chip's real-time capabilities and its ability to handle demanding tasks. Some anticipate it being a strong contender against existing industrial microcontrollers. The relatively low cost compared to other industrial-grade solutions is mentioned repeatedly as a major advantage.

  A significant thread discusses the stacked memory variant and its benefits. Commenters anticipate that this will simplify designs and reduce board space, making it even more attractive for compact embedded systems. Some speculate about potential performance improvements from having the memory closer to the processor.

  Another thread explores the availability and pricing of the RP2350. Some users express concern about potential supply chain issues, drawing parallels with the difficulties encountered with other Raspberry Pi products. Others discuss the different purchasing options and the potential markups from resellers.

  A few comments delve into the technical specifications of the RP2350, comparing it to other microcontrollers and discussing the implications of its architecture. There's some discussion of the development tools available for the RP2350 and how easy it will be to integrate into existing projects.

  Several commenters share their own project ideas and potential use cases for the RP2350, ranging from simple control systems to more complex robotic applications. This demonstrates the enthusiasm and creative potential within the community surrounding this new chip.

  Finally, some users comment on the wider implications of the RP2350 for the microcontroller market. Some speculate that it could disrupt the existing landscape and put pressure on established players to lower their prices. Others predict a surge in innovation and new applications as developers explore the possibilities of this new platform.

• R1 Computer Use

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  Posted: 2025-02-06 20:02:03

  Verbose tl;dr

  The "R1 Computer Use" document outlines strict computer usage guidelines for a specific group (likely employees). It prohibits personal use, unauthorized software installation, and accessing inappropriate content. All computer activity is subject to monitoring and logging. Users are responsible for keeping their accounts secure and reporting any suspicious activity. The policy emphasizes the importance of respecting intellectual property and adhering to licensing agreements. Deviation from these rules may result in disciplinary action.

  This GitHub repository, titled "R1 Computer Use," meticulously documents the author's personal philosophy and comprehensive system for utilizing a singular computer, designated as "R1," for all computational tasks. The author posits that focusing on a single, powerful machine, as opposed to distributing workloads across multiple devices, fosters a deeper understanding of the system and promotes a more streamlined and efficient workflow. The document outlines a detailed methodology for achieving this centralized computing paradigm, encompassing hardware selection, operating system configuration, software management, and data organization.

  The author emphasizes the importance of choosing robust and reliable hardware components for the R1 machine, prioritizing performance and longevity to minimize disruptions and maximize the return on investment. This includes careful consideration of the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripheral devices. The chosen operating system, NixOS, is highlighted for its declarative configuration and reproducible builds, which contribute to a stable and maintainable system environment. This declarative approach extends to the management of software packages, ensuring consistency and simplifying the process of updating and maintaining the system's software ecosystem.

  A key aspect of the R1 philosophy is the meticulous organization of data, employing a hierarchical structure with well-defined categories and consistent naming conventions. This rigorous approach to data management facilitates efficient retrieval and manipulation of information, minimizing the time spent searching for files and maximizing the overall productivity of the user. The author advocates for regular backups and version control to safeguard against data loss and enable seamless recovery in case of unforeseen circumstances.

  Furthermore, the document delves into the specific software tools and utilities employed in the R1 workflow, covering a wide range of applications for tasks such as text editing, software development, data analysis, and communication. The author stresses the importance of selecting tools that integrate seamlessly within the overall system and contribute to a cohesive and productive working environment. The document represents a comprehensive and detailed guide to implementing a centralized computing paradigm, emphasizing the benefits of focusing on a single, well-maintained machine for all computational endeavors. This approach, according to the author, leads to a more efficient, streamlined, and ultimately, more satisfying computing experience.

  • R1
  • RISC-V
  • Computer Architecture
  • Single Board Computer
  • SBC
  • Embedded Systems
  • FPGA
  • Hardware Design
  • Open Source Hardware
  • Verilog

  Summary of Comments ( 1 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42965954

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters on the "R1 Computer Use" post largely focused on the impracticality of the system for modern usage. Several pointed out the extremely slow speed and limited storage, making it unsuitable for anything beyond very basic tasks. Some appreciated the historical context and the demonstration of early computing, while others questioned the value of emulating such a limited system. The discussion also touched upon the challenges of preserving old software and hardware, with commenters noting the difficulty in finding working components and the expertise required to maintain these systems. A few expressed interest in the educational aspects, suggesting its potential use for teaching about the history of computing or demonstrating fundamental computer concepts.

  The Hacker News post titled "R1 Computer Use" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42965954) has a modest number of comments, generating a brief discussion around the linked GitHub repository detailing computer use policies at R1 Capital. While not a highly active thread, several comments offer interesting perspectives.

  A recurring theme is the perceived strictness of R1's policies. One commenter likens the rules to those of a high security environment, questioning whether such stringent measures are necessary in a financial firm, albeit one engaged in high-frequency trading. They specifically mention the prohibition of USB drives and restrictions on personal devices as examples of this strictness. This sentiment is echoed by another commenter who expresses surprise at the seemingly extreme limitations, particularly the ban on personal devices and the mandated use of company-issued laptops even for remote work.

  Another commenter focuses on the impracticality of some rules, highlighting the restriction on using personal accounts for work-related communication and cloud storage. They argue that such policies hinder productivity and collaboration, especially in a fast-paced environment where quick access to information and seamless communication are crucial. This commenter also questions the blanket prohibition of external drives, suggesting that it might be excessively restrictive.

  The discussion also touches upon the security implications of R1's policies. While some acknowledge the need for strong security measures in finance, others debate the effectiveness of the specific rules outlined. One commenter suggests that the focus on physical security, such as USB drives, might be misplaced in the current threat landscape where social engineering and phishing attacks are more prevalent. They argue that investing in employee security awareness training would be a more effective approach.

  A few commenters also offer alternative interpretations of the document. One suggests that the rules might be a baseline for employees, with exceptions granted on a case-by-case basis. Another speculates that the strictness could be a reflection of regulatory requirements or specific contractual obligations with clients.

  Finally, one comment shifts the focus to the tone of the document, criticizing its perceived authoritarian nature and suggesting that a more collaborative approach to security policy development would be more beneficial.

  While not a lengthy discussion, the comments on this Hacker News post provide a range of perspectives on the practicality, effectiveness, and implications of R1 Capital's computer use policies. The discussion highlights the tension between security and productivity, and the challenges of implementing effective security measures in a modern work environment.