AMD expanded its Versal adaptive system on chip (SoC) portfolio with the new Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 and Versal Prime Series Gen 2 adaptive SoCs which brings preprocessing, AI inference, and postprocessing together in a single device delivering end-to-end acceleration for AI-driven embedded systems.

The initial devices in the Versal Series Gen 2 portfolio build upon the first generation with new AI Engines expected to deliver up to 3x higher TOPs-per-watt than first generation Versal AI Edge Series devices, while new high-performance integrated Arm CPUs are expected to offer up to 10x more scalar compute than first gen Versal AI Edge and Prime series devices.
“The demand for AI-enabled embedded applications is exploding and driving the need for solutions that bring together multiple compute engines on a single chip for the most efficient end-to-end acceleration within the power and area constraints of embedded systems,” said Salil Raje, senior vice president and general manager, Adaptive and Embedded Computing Group, AMD. “Backed by over 40 years of adaptive computing leadership in high-­security, high-reliability, long-lifecycle, and safety-critical applications, these latest generation Versal devices offer high compute efficiency and performance on a single architecture that scales from the low-end to high-end.”

Balancing performance, power, area, together with advanced functional safety and security, Versal Series Gen 2 devices deliver new capabilities and features that enable the design of high-performance, edge-optimized products for the automotive, aerospace and defense, industrial, vision, healthcare, broadcast, and pro AV markets.

Mix of Processors for All Phases of AI-driven Acceleration 

To meet the complex processing needs of real-world systems, AMD Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 devices incorporate an optimal mix of processors for all three phases of AI-driven embedded system acceleration: 

• Preprocessing: FPGA programmable logic fabric for real-time preprocessing with unparalleled flexibility to connect to a wide range of sensors and implement high-throughput, low-latency data-processing pipelines 
• AI Inference: An array of vector processors in the form of next-gen AI Engines for efficient AI inference
• Postprocessing: Arm CPU cores providing the postprocessing power needed for complex decision-making and control for safety-critical applications. 

This single-chip intelligence can eliminate the need to build multi-chip processing solutions, resulting in smaller, more efficient embedded AI systems with the potential for shorter time-to-market.

Acceleration for Traditional, Non-AI-based Embedded ­Systems

The Gen 2 provides end-to-end acceleration for traditional, non-AI-based embedded systems by combining programmable logic for sensor processing with high-performance embedded Arm CPUs. Designed to offer up to 10x more scalar compute compared to the first generation, these devices can efficiently handle sensor processing and complex scalar workloads.
With new hard IP for high-throughput video processing, including up to 8K multi-channel workflows, Versal Prime Gen 2 devices are ideally suited for applications such as ultra-high-definition (UHD) video streaming and recording, industrial PCs, and flight computers. 

Powering Subaru’s Next-Gen ADAS Vision System 

Subaru Corporation has selected Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 devices for the company’s next-generation advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) vision system, known as Eyesight. This system is integrated into select Subaru car models to enable advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking.
“Subaru has selected Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 to deliver the next generation of automotive AI performance and safety for future Eyesight-equipped vehicles,” said Satoshi Katahira, General Manager, Advanced Integration System Department & ADAS Development Department, Engineering Division at Subaru. “Versal AI Edge Gen 2 devices are designed to provide the AI inference performance, ultra-low latency, and functional safety capabilities required to put cutting-edge AI-based safety features in the hands of drivers.”

Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 ­Samples Available in the First Half of 2025

Designers can get started with AMD Versal AI Edge Series Gen 2 and Versal Prime Series Gen 2 early access documentation and first-generation Versal evaluation kits and design tools available today. AMD expects availability of Versal Series Gen 2 silicon samples in the first half of 2025, followed by evaluation kits and System-on-Modules samples in mid-2025, and production silicon expected in late 2025.