Particle, a provider of IoT Edge-to-Cloud platforms, has introduced Tachyon, its inaugural Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered single-board computer (SBC). This device is designed to make advanced chipsets and AI tools accessible to both consumers and businesses.
Tachyon delivers the capabilities of a modern smartphone to remote locations, featuring high-performance hardware, a powerful AI accelerator, integrated high-bandwidth 5G, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and a Linux-based Ubuntu operating system. By offering a comprehensive Edge-to-Cloud infrastructure, Particle allows customers to concentrate on their applications.
The growing demand for AI-enabled Edge solutions is driving the need for powerful devices and platforms to manage these systems. Key device requirements include rich peripherals, robust AI and graphics accelerators, and wireless connectivity, all powered by open-source software and supported by a vibrant development community.
“Any engineer or technically minded person should have access to the building blocks of a modern smartphone, but that’s not the case right now,” said Zach Supalla, Founder and CEO of Particle. “5G connectivity and AI accelerators are limited today because they’re not democratised; only a few large players have access to the bleeding-edge technology that will power the next wave of connected devices. Exploration is the beginning of the innovation cycle, and we want Tachyon to enable that spark of imagination to take root.”
Particle is known for accessible IoT products and tools, beginning 10 years ago with its record-breaking Kickstarter projects for the Spark Core and the Electron. Today, the company powers hundreds of connected products for well-known brands such as Jacuzzi, Trek, and Anytime Fitness.
Particle is launching a new line of IoT modules, starting with Tachyon, a device capable of handling intensive AI/ML workloads while supporting wide-ranging wireless connectivity, all at an affordable price.
This Raspberry Pi-compatible SBC enables anyone, whether for large-scale deployment or personal use, to create remotely-deployed AI-enabled IoT products. Such capability has previously been exclusive to smartphone and PC manufacturers and was not readily available to the general public or businesses.
Particle’s new Linux-based SBC is a comprehensive IoT module. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon system on a chip (SoC), Tachyon combines modern computing speed and efficiency with extensive high-bandwidth wireless connectivity, all in a compact design:
- Powerful Snapdragon chipset: Octa-core Qualcomm Kryo CPU (1x 2.7GHz, 3x 2.4GHz, 4x 1.9GHz)
- Robust connectivity: 5G cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E with on-device antennas
- AI and graphics accelerators: 12 TOPS NPU and Adreno 643 GPU
- Ample storage with fast performance: 4GB RAM and 64GB built-in UFS flash storage
- Computer vision ready: 2 x CSI 4-lane with ISP, supporting 20+ different camera sensors (e.g. IMX519, OV13850) up to 25MP
- Broad peripheral compatibility: USB-C 3.1 PD with DisplayPort, 1 x 2-lane PCIe Gen 3 (NVMe compatible), and DSI 4-lane up to 1200×2520 resolution
- External power and built-in battery support: Powered by USB-C, DC input or lithium-ion battery with a built-in battery charger
Tachyon’s credit card-sized form factor is designed with modularity in mind. USB-C ports offer connectivity to a wide range of cameras, displays, and sensors, while the integrated antennas ensure a seamless plug-and-go experience from initial setup to commercial deployments. Power can be supplied via USB or through built-in lithium-ion battery support.
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