Microchip Introduces Second-Generation PolarFire FPGA Ethernet Sensor Bridge Platform, Upgrading Edge AI Sensor Connectivity
Microchip Introduces Second-Generation PolarFire® FPGA Ethernet Sensor Bridge Platform, Upgrading Edge AI Sensor Connectivity
— Smaller form factor and multi-camera support deliver a scalable Ethernet architecture for NVIDIA edge AI systems, while reducing power, cost and integration complexity
The rise of compact, high-performance edge AI systems is redefining sensor connectivity, pushing developers to build future-proof architectures that are secure, scalable, low-power and space-efficient. To address these challenges, Microchip Technology has introduced the second-generation PolarFire® FPGA Ethernet Sensor Bridge Platform. This development board leverages NVIDIA Holoscan Sensor Bridge (HSB) technology for standardized sensor integration, is significantly smaller and is production-ready.
The version 2.0 board supports HSB, is 60% smaller, doubles camera support, features USB-C power for simplified rack deployment and is priced lower than the first generation. These enhancements enable designers to replace complex multi-interface sensor connections with a scalable, power-efficient 10 Gb Ethernet architecture, reducing overall system cost and bill-of-materials complexity. These benefits are critical for medical, industrial and humanoid robotics applications powered by NVIDIA edge computing platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson and IGX.
The updated design is built on PolarFire FPGA technology, supports up to four cameras, features NVIDIA Jetson-compatible camera connectors and includes on-board optical latency measurement circuitry. This enables end-to-end latency validation from sensor capture to AI inference using the NVIDIA Latency Display Analysis Tool.
The board includes an FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) expansion connector for future feature expansion and supports interfaces including MIPI® CSI-2®, I²C®, UART and GPIO. The flexible design allows support for a variety of sensors and video interfaces such as SLVS-EC™ 2.0, 12G-SDI, HDMI® and DisplayPort™ without redesigning the core platform. Standard PMOD connectors further enhance system scalability.
"Developers want to spend their time building high-value edge AI applications, not piecing together proprietary sensor interfaces," said Shakeel Peera, Vice President of the FPGA Business Unit at Microchip. "Built around low-power PolarFire FPGA technology, this second-generation Ethernet Sensor Bridge Platform delivers a power-efficient, secure foundation in a dramatically smaller footprint, helping teams move edge AI systems from development to deployment faster."
With the energy efficiency, security and reliability of PolarFire FPGAs, this HSB-enabled development board enables real-time, multi-sensor data processing over Ethernet in compact, power-constrained edge environments. Built-in security and protection features help safeguard edge AI devices and support reliable long-term deployment. The board integrates the NVIDIA Holoscan SDK and is accompanied by optimized libraries, AI models and reference applications to accelerate development.
The solution includes cameras, cables, reference designs, board schematics and design collateral, and supports RTL development through the Libero® SoC Design Suite. Integrated Microchip timing and power management ICs (including the MCP16701 PMIC) have been validated with PolarFire FPGAs, helping achieve production-grade power and clock management while reducing third-party integration risk. This integrated approach helps lower system integration risk, shorten development cycles and reduce total cost of ownership for Ethernet-based edge AI inference. This is especially important in robotics and industrial automation applications, where energy efficiency, deterministic latency and compact size are stringent requirements.
Visit the website to learn more about Microchip's full portfolio of PolarFire devices.
The second-generation PolarFire FPGA Ethernet sensor bridge platform is available directly from Microchip, or through Microchip sales representatives or worldwide authorized distributors.
About Microchip Technology Inc.
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of smart, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs which reduce total cost of ownership, lower risk and shorten time to market. Microchip is headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, and provides outstanding technical support along with reliable delivery and quality for customers across the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications and computing markets. For more information, visit the company website at www.microchip.com.