The first BLE and Matter wireless MCUS equipped with neural coprocessors for AI/ML workloads

     Arif Semiconductor has introduced the Balletto series, the world's first BLE wireless microcontroller hardware-optimized for AI/ML workloads. The MCU comes in an ultra-small WLCSP package that allows manufacturers to implement complex AI/ML functions such as speech recognition, adaptive noise cancellation, sound localization, and beamforming in TWS earbuds, as well as sensor fusion in lifestyle wristbands and other types of space-constrained devices.

     The Balletto series offers particularly strong performance in audio and sensor functions, thanks to its excellent DSP and AI/ML capabilities as well as large on-board memory. The device's Arm Cortex-M55 core achieves an EEMBC CoreMark score of 704 at 160MHz, including the Arm Helium M-profile Vector Extension (MVE), which improves DSP performance by 500%.

     In addition to the Cortex-M55 CPU, Balletto includes an Arm Ethos-U55 NPU that can perform up to 46 GOPS and is supported by a large 2MB tightly coupled memory (TCM) that expands the audio capabilities of AI/ML models with hardware acceleration. The processing performance of the neural network is 15 times that of the Cortex-M4 processor. This produces excellent results in terms of audio encoding/decoding capabilities, including high bitrate, low latency LC3 codecs that support BLE Auracast TM broadcast audio technology.

     The series uses Arif Semiconductor's aiPM technology to dynamically power only the logic and associated memory in use at any given time, resulting in the lowest overall system power consumption. The aiPM power management unit implements four system-level power modes, including a stop mode that consumes only 700nA.

     Thanks to its independent processor and memory, its radio supports concurrent Bluetooth LE 5.3 and threaded operation via a single on-chip antenna, making it ideal for home automation networks and systems that support the Matter protocol. In addition, the special reception sensitivity of -101dBm and advanced algorithms help avoid interference from other devices and coexist with other protocols that share the 2.4GHz band.

     The series also features dual pa architecture: High Power amplifier (HPA) delivers +10dBm output for maximum range and signal strength; With a low power amplifier (LPA), the output is +4dBm to optimize power consumption.

     The family includes the most advanced multi-layer security architecture, introduced for the first time in Arif Semiconductor's integrated family of MCUS and fusion processors. It is managed by an advanced security enclave with its own dedicated processor and memory, providing hardware for the root of trust and chain of custody.

     "More on-device intelligence is needed if device manufacturers and developers are to deliver on the promise of edge AI in consumer, enterprise and industrial markets," said Paul Williamson, senior vice president and general manager of Arm's iot business. Alif's new family of arm chips offers significant performance gains for machine learning applications, making smaller, cost-sensitive devices smarter and more powerful."

     Reza Kazerounian, President and co-founder of Arif Semiconductor, said: "Arif Semiconductor's Ballet line addresses the BLE challenges currently facing the wireless audio and smart home industries by introducing a platform that adapates to the high bitrate audio and material ecosystem. "With the introduction of multi-protocol support, coupled with our industry-leading AI/ ML-powered MCUS, building battery-life-friendly connected smart edge devices has never been easier."