NVIDIA Jetson TX1 Supercomputer-on-Module Drives Next Wave of Autonomous Machines

Today, NVIDIA introduced Jetson TX1, a small form-factor Linux system-on-module, destined for demanding embedded applications in visual computing.

Dustin Franklin
10 min readintermediate
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Overview

NVIDIA has launched the Jetson TX1, a compact Linux system-on-module designed for advanced embedded applications in visual computing. It offers teraflop-level performance, integrates a Maxwell GPU and ARMv8 CPU, and supports a rich software ecosystem, making it suitable for developers working on autonomous machines.

What You'll Learn

1

How to deploy the Jetson TX1 module in embedded applications

2

Why Jetson TX1 outperforms Intel's Core i7-6700K in deep learning tasks

3

How to utilize JetPack for software configuration on Jetson TX1

Prerequisites & Requirements

  • Basic understanding of embedded systems and visual computing
  • Familiarity with NVIDIA JetPack and CUDA Toolkit(optional)

Key Questions Answered

What are the key features of the Jetson TX1 module?
The Jetson TX1 module features a 50x87mm size, integrates a Maxwell GPU, ARMv8 CPU, and supports up to 4GB LPDDR4 memory and 16GB eMMC flash. It is designed for low power consumption and high performance in embedded applications.
How does Jetson TX1 compare to Intel's Core i7-6700K?
In deep learning classification tasks using Caffe, Jetson TX1 achieves 258 images per second while consuming only 5.7W, compared to Intel's Core i7-6700K, which processes 242 images per second at 62.5W. This results in Jetson TX1 being 11.5 times more efficient in terms of performance per watt.
What software tools are included with JetPack for Jetson TX1?
JetPack for Jetson TX1 includes Linux For Tegra R23.1, Tegra System Profiler, Graphics Debugger, and OpenCV4Tegra. It simplifies the installation of necessary tools and drivers for development, enhancing the user experience.
What is the power consumption profile of the Jetson TX1?
The Jetson TX1 draws as little as 1 watt when idle, around 8-10 watts under typical CUDA load, and up to 15 watts TDP at maximum utilization. This dynamic power scaling allows for efficient performance management.

Key Statistics & Figures

Performance per watt comparison
11.5x
Jetson TX1 achieves this efficiency compared to Intel's Core i7-6700K in deep learning tasks.
Power consumption under typical load
8-10 watts
This is the typical power draw during CUDA workloads on the Jetson TX1.
Maximum power draw
15 watts TDP
This occurs during maximum utilization scenarios, such as demanding vision routines.

Technologies & Tools

Software
Jetpack
Used for software configuration and deployment on Jetson TX1.
Software
Cuda Toolkit
Provides support for parallel computing and deep learning applications on Jetson TX1.
Software
Visionworks
Offers optimized vision processing capabilities for applications using Jetson TX1.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Leverage the Jetson TX1's compact size and low power consumption for deploying AI applications in mobile environments.
This is particularly useful for developers working on autonomous machines or drones, where space and power are critical constraints.
2
Utilize JetPack to streamline your development process on Jetson TX1, ensuring all necessary tools are configured correctly.
By automating the installation of drivers and tools, JetPack helps reduce setup time, allowing developers to focus on application development.
3
Consider the performance-per-watt advantage of Jetson TX1 when designing energy-efficient embedded systems.
With its ability to outperform high-end CPUs while consuming significantly less power, Jetson TX1 is ideal for applications requiring high efficiency.

Common Pitfalls

1
Overlooking the power consumption characteristics of Jetson TX1 can lead to inefficient designs.
Developers should carefully consider the power profiles when designing applications to ensure they meet performance and efficiency requirements.
2
Failing to utilize the full capabilities of JetPack may result in extended setup times.
Not leveraging JetPack's automation features can lead to unnecessary delays in development, impacting project timelines.

Related Concepts

Embedded Systems Design
Deep Learning Frameworks
Computer Vision Applications
Power-efficient Computing