Introducing the OpenMV N6 and OpenMV AE3, two powerful yet low-power cameras designed for real-time computer vision applications. Whether you’re building a smart security system, automating industrial processes, or creating AI-powered robotics, these versatile cameras are built to meet your needs.
The OpenMV N6 and AE3 cameras are designed to bring efficient AI processing to embedded systems. With onboard AI acceleration, advanced sensors, and robust connectivity options, these cameras excel in various real-world applications.
Both cameras run MicroPython, making them highly accessible
for developers familiar with Python. Combined with the powerful OpenMV IDE, the
N6 and AE3 offer a seamless development experience for computer vision and AI
model deployment.
Key Features and Applications
Onboard AI Acceleration
- The OpenMV
N6 leverages the STM32N6 processor with a 1 GHz Neural
Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 600 GOPS of AI compute power.
This allows for real-time object detection with models like YOLO running
at 30+ FPS.
- The OpenMV
AE3, powered by the Alif Ensemble E3, boasts dual NPUs that
enable parallel AI model execution, ensuring efficient processing for
tasks like motion detection, sound recognition, and more.
Ultra Low Power Efficiency
- The OpenMV
AE3 consumes just 0.25W when running YOLO, 0.12W in idle
mode, and <2.5mW in deep sleep. This power efficiency allows it
to operate on batteries for months or even years.
- The
AE3’s deep-sleep mode ensures minimal power draw while waking up on sound,
motion, or scheduled events.
Versatile AI and Vision Capabilities
Both cameras support a wide range of computer vision
algorithms, including:
- Color
tracking
- AprilTag
detection
- QR
and Barcode reading
- AI-powered
object detection, pose estimation, and image segmentation
Flexible Integration and Control
- GPIO
pins allow the N6 and AE3 to interface with other hardware directly.
- They
support I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN protocols, offering seamless integration
with sensors, motors, and microcontrollers.
OpenMV N6 Specifications:
- MCU
– STM32N6 with a 1GHz Neural Processing Unit (NPU) delivering 600 GOPS
- Camera
– Up to 5MP with Image Signal Processor (ISP) support
- Video
Recording – Hardware H.264 encoder for MP4 video recording
- Storage
– μSD card slot for expandable storage
- Connectivity
– WiFi/BLE, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB support
- Power
Supply – 5V via USB-C or via external battery (support for LiPo, DC
power supplies, etc.)
- Power
Consumption – Designed for efficient power use with adjustable power
profiles
OpenMV AE3 Specifications:
MCU – Alif Ensemble E3
- Dual-core
CPU
- Arm
Cortex-M55 core @ 400 MHz
- Arm
Cortex-M55 core @ 160 MHz
- Dual
AI accelerator
- Arm
Ethos-U55 microNPU @ 400 MHz (256 MAC/c, 204 GOPs)
- Arm
Ethos-U55 microNPU @ 160 MHz (128 MAC/c, 46 GOPs)
- Both
NPUs can be used simultaneously
- 2D
GPU for image scaling
- Memory
– 13.5MB SRAM
- Storage
– 32MB flash (200MB/s read speed)
- Camera
– 1MP Color Global Shutter with 120 FPS at VGA resolution
- Audio
– Built-in microphone
- Wireless
– 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth LE 5.1
- USB
– 1x USB-C port (480 Mbps)
- Sensors:
- 8x8
ToF sensor with a 4-meter range
- 6-axis
IMU sensor (accelerometer and gyroscope)
- Expansion:
- Qwiic
connector
- 7
GPIO through-holes with 3.3V and GND
- 10-pin
GPIO B2B header on the back of the board
- Debugging
– SWD via Edge Connector
- Miscellaneous:
- User
Button and User RGB LED
- Power
Supply – 5V via USB-C
- Power
Consumption (5V):
- 60mA
(0.25W) when running YOLO at 30 FPS
- 30mA
(0.12W) while idling
- <500uA
(2.5mW) in deep-sleep mode for extended battery life
- Dimensions
– 2.54 x 2.54 cm (board only)
The OpenMV N6 and AE3 offer a range of accessories to expand
functionality:
- Thermal
Camera Sensors – For advanced thermal image processing
- Visible
Light Camera Sensors – Including a 5MP HDR camera and a Prophesee
GENX320 Event-Based Vision Camera
- Servo
Shield – Ideal for robotics and automation
- Gigabit
PoE Ethernet Shield – Perfect for building an IP camera
- OLED
Breakout Board – With a 128x128 OLED screen, joystick, and GPIO access
Pricing and Availability
- OpenMV
AE3: $80
- OpenMV
N6: $120
- Bundle
Offer (N6 + AE3): $200
Add-ons and accessories are available separately to expand the camera’s capabilities.
The OpenMV N6 and AE3 is currently available on Kickstarter are powerful tools for developers, hobbyists, and engineers
seeking to embed AI into real-world applications. With incredible performance,
low power consumption, and Python programmability, they are ideal solutions for
computer vision, IoT, and AI-driven projects.
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