The new chip integrates an NPU and vector engine to accelerate data recognition, audio analysis, and anomaly detection directly on compact devices.
Nuvoton Technology launches its new NuMicro M55M1 microcontroller, designed to bring AI processing directly to edge devices. It is built to handle data recognition, intelligent audio, and other on-device AI workloads without depending on cloud resources.
The chip integrates an Arm Cortex-M55 processor and an Arm Ethos-U55 NPU, delivering up to 110 GOPS of computing power. This allows it to run AI inference tasks that typically require higher-end processors. A built-in Helium vector engine enhances signal and data processing for real-time operations.
It includes up to 1.5 MB of RAM and 2 MB of Flash memory, with external memory expansion options through HyperRAM and OctoSPI. This configuration supports complex AI models on compact, low-power systems.
To simplify AI deployment, Nuvoton provides the NuML Tool Kit, which enables developers to import and run models using standard MCU development workflows. This support makes it easier to integrate features like object detection, voice recognition, and anomaly monitoring in embedded applications.
Operating at up to 220 MHz, the device offers five low-power modes suited for energy-constrained IoT systems. Connectivity options include Ethernet, USB, I3C, CAN-FD, and SD card interfaces, along with camera and microphone inputs for sensor-based use cases.
Security is reinforced through Arm TrustZone, secure boot, and a hardware crypto engine, in compliance with Arm PSA Certified Level 2 standards. The chip is available in LQFP64, LQFP128, and LQFP176 packages and is supported by the NuMaker-X-M55M1D development board, along with IDEs such as Keil MDK, IAR EWARM, and Eclipse GCC.
Key technical features:
- Arm Cortex-M55 core with Arm Ethos-U55 NPU up to 110 GOPS
- Operating frequency up to 220 MHz with five low-power modes.
- Built-in Helium vector processor for enhanced Digital signal processing.
- 1.5 MB RAM and 2 MB Flash memory with external memory support (HyperRAM/OctoSPI)
- Peripheral support: Ethernet, USB HS/FS OTG, I3C, CAN-FD, SD card, camera (CCAP), and digital microphone (DMIC)
- Analogue peripherals: two 12-bit ADCs, two 12-bit DACs, and four analogue comparators
- Security: Arm TrustZone, secure boot, hardware crypto engine, PSA Certified Level 2
- Supported tools: NuML Tool Kit, NuMaker-X-M55M1D board, Keil MDK, IAR EWARM, Eclipse GCC
