Nvidia releases Jetson TX2 with Pascal GPU in credit card format

Nvidia has announced the Jetson TX2 module. The platform for embedded systems is equipped with a Pascal GPU and contains twice as much RAM and storage memory as its predecessor, the Jetson TX1.

Compared to that predecessor, the TX2 according to Nvidia performs twice as well or it can perform identically, but with a significantly lower consumption of 7.5W. This performance or efficiency improvement is due to the switch from a GPU based on the Maxwell architecture to a Pascal GPU. Both have 256 cuda cores in the Jetson modules, but the Pascal architecture brings significant improvements.

Nvidia does not name the soc, but judging by the specifications, it is a Denver soc. Produced by TSMC at 16nm, it consists of two ARM Denver 2 cores in a big.Little design, combined with four A57 cores. The soc can run on the Denver cores at low load for additional savings.

Nvidia provides applications for the module in the fields of robotics, drones and smart cameras. The company combines the Jetson with its JetPack 3.0 SDK, which allows the small computer to be used for the TensorRT engine for neural networks, the cuDNN 5.1 library that can use the GPU and the VisionWorks 1.6 development environment for image processing.

The company will make the Jetson TX2 available on March 14 as a Developer Kit, consisting of the module, carrier board and cables, for $599. The suggested retail price of the TX1 has been lowered to $499.

Update, 12.50: The Jetson TX2 Developer Kit can also be ordered in the Benelux for 649 euros plus shipping costs. Educational institutions receive a discount. (thanks to Balance)