ADLINK Technology, Inc. announced the release of SMARC module Revision 2.1. The Standardization Group for Embedded Technologies, SGET, has just released the new, future-proof specification 2.1. It is fully backward compatible with the current specification 2.0, since the new features can either be multiplexed with existing signals or are additions that do not compromise pins on the edge connector already assigned in the 2.0 specifications. The major feature updates include: Support of up to four MIPI CSI ports to anticipate the needs of the AI and Robotics markets. Allowing multiplexing of SERDES signals over the 3rd and 4th PCIe x1 interfaces for additional Ethernet ports. Various minor additions over earlier reserved pins such as plus 2 GPIO pins and PCIe clock request signals. By allowing up to four native CSI MIPI camera inputs, the SGET 2.1 specification addresses the fast-growing trend of SOCs that come with integrated Neural Processing Units (NPUs) and multiple camera inputs for video-based AI solutions. The third and fourth camera port are realized through FFC feature connectors on the module itself, each supporting up to 4 MIPI CSI data lanes. Multi-camera support is needed for 360-degrees situational awareness for fast-growing segments such as robotic vehicles and autonomous driving, both of which draw heavily on AI. The specification update positions SMARC as the preferred standard for scalable, low power, silicon independent AIoM (AI on Module) solutions in the industrial embedded market. To allow multiplexing SERDES signals over the 3rd and 4th PCIe x1 interfaces, there is additional support for two more Ethernet ports. This potentially allows a module to work with up to 4 GbE Ethernet ports. These ports can again support the same number of GigE-Vision cameras with a strong focus on AI vision applications.