AMD Unveils Versal Gen 2 Series to Propel Embedded AI Advancements

AMD announced the further expansion of its Versal adaptive system-on-chip (SoC) product portfolio, introducing two new devices: Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 and Versal Prime Series Gen 2. These two products aim to provide end-to-end powerful acceleration capabilities for AI-driven embedded systems by integrating preprocessing, AI inference, and post-processing functions on a single chip, achieving more efficient computing experiences.

The Versal Series Gen 2 takes a step further from the previous generation, especially the AI Edge Series Gen 2, which is expected to deliver up to 3 times higher TOPs/Watt performance compared to the first-generation product, thanks to its next-generation AI engine technology. Additionally, the integrated Arm CPU provides up to 10 times higher scalar computing capability compared to the first-generation Versal AI Edge and Prime series devices, significantly improving performance.

Subaru Corporation is one of the first customers planning to deploy Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 devices. This well-known automobile manufacturer has chosen these devices for its next-generation advanced driver-assistance system visual system, EyeSight, to further advance autonomous driving technology.

Satoshi Katahira, General Manager of Subaru Corporation's Advanced Integration System Division and ADAS Development Division, said, "With its outstanding AI inference performance, ultra-low latency, and functional safety capabilities, Versal AI Edge Gen 2 devices will be able to meet the driver's demand for cutting-edge AI-based safety functions, making driving safer and smarter."

Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 devices cleverly combine FPGA programmable logic, next-generation AI engines, and Arm CPU cores for preprocessing, AI inference, and post-processing stages, achieving single-chip intelligence. This design eliminates the need for multi-chip processing solutions, helping to develop smaller, more efficient embedded AI systems and significantly reducing time to market.

Meanwhile, Versal Prime Series Gen 2 provides an end-to-end acceleration solution for non-AI-based traditional embedded systems by integrating programmable logic for sensor processing and high-performance embedded Arm CPUs. Compared to the first-generation product, its scalar computing capability has increased by up to 10 times, and it is equipped with new high-throughput video processing hard IP, making it ideal for applications such as ultra-high-definition video streaming and recording, industrial PCs, and flight computers.

AMD's Vivado Design Suite tools and libraries are dedicated to improving the efficiency of embedded hardware system developers and simplifying the design process. The Vitis Unified Software Platform provides users with the convenience of developing embedded software, signal processing, and AI designs at their preferred abstraction level.

Designers can now access early documentation, first-generation Versal evaluation kits, and design tools. According to AMD, Versal Series Gen 2 silicon samples are expected to be available in the first half of 2025, followed by evaluation kits and System-on-Modules samples in mid-2025, and production silicon is expected to be available by the end of 2025.