The Coral USB Accelerator is a compact USB device that enhances machine learning (ML) inferencing capabilities by integrating Google’s Edge TPU coprocessor. Priced at approximately $59.99, this device is designed to be easily connected to various systems, including those running Linux, macOS, and Windows 10, making it a versatile tool for developers and hobbyists alike[1][5].
Key Features
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High-Speed ML Inferencing: The Edge TPU is capable of executing 4 trillion operations per second (TOPS) while consuming only 0.5 watts per TOPS, resulting in efficient performance. For instance, it can run advanced mobile vision models like MobileNet v2 at nearly 400 frames per second (FPS) in a power-efficient manner[1][3].
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Broad Compatibility: The USB Accelerator connects via a USB 3.0 Type-C interface and is compatible with various operating systems, including Debian Linux (and Raspberry Pi), macOS, and Windows 10. It also supports TensorFlow Lite, allowing users to compile existing models for deployment on the Edge TPU without needing to start from scratch[1][2].
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Compact Design: Measuring 65 mm x 30 mm, the device is small enough to fit into various setups without taking up significant space, making it ideal for embedded AI applications[1][2].
Applications
The Coral USB Accelerator is particularly useful for applications requiring real-time ML inferencing, such as image recognition, object detection, and other AI-driven tasks. Its ability to perform high-speed computations while maintaining a low power footprint makes it suitable for edge computing scenarios, where efficiency and performance are critical[3][5].
The device has garnered positive feedback for its ease of installation and robust performance, often being used in projects involving home automation and surveillance systems, where rapid processing of visual data is essential[3][4].
In summary, the Coral USB Accelerator stands out as a powerful, efficient, and user-friendly solution for integrating machine learning capabilities into various systems, facilitating the development of intelligent applications in a range of fields.
Further Reading
1. USB Accelerator | Coral
2. Products | Coral
3. Amazon.com: Google Coral USB Edge TPU ML Accelerator coprocessor for Raspberry Pi and Other Embedded Single Board Computers : Electronics
4. https://www.reddit.com/r/selfhosted/comments/198vw7k/can_you_use_the_google_coral_usb_tpu_in_2024/
5. Google Coral USB Accelerator – Seeed Studio