[jkravitz61]

The development kit has been available for the last month. One of the problems no one talks about is that this platform (along with tx2/tx1) runs arm64 which makes it a HUGE pain for getting many libraries to work. I’ve been using these for a while, and consistently need to hunt down library source code and compile it for arm64 since most libraries are distributed without arm64 support. There’s also plenty of device specific closed source SDKs (such as point grey ladybug cameras) which just don’t support arm64 so your only option is to attempt to write your own or pressure the manufacturer to publish an arm64 version. I do not recommend this platform for hobbyists for this reason- go buy a small x64 computer and spend 1/10th the time designing a better battery system.

[jacquesm]

If you're into this kind of thing a little bit of compilation should not scare you. The norm in the embedded world is to bootstrap your toolchain first, the availability of a good compiler and libraries that are endian clean is amazing progress.

[jkravitz61]

I would argue that it should scare you. This is targeted towards people who are working in the AI world and are likely not embedded experts. Also, the bigger problem is closed source libraries and drivers that choose not to support arm64.

[jacquesm]

When building a product for embedded applications closed source libraries and drivers that do not support your platform are no obstacle at all. You contact the vendor and make a deal. That's in their - and your - interest.

This is a totally different world than the open source world that you are referencing, likely that embedded product will also not be open source. Commercial licensing is your only option in that case anyway, unless you are just looking for FOSS stuff with permissive licenses, but in that case those won't be closed source to begin with...

So the problem you perceive simply does not exist. The biggest questions will revolve around commercial viability, proof-of-concept and time to market. Rarely around such details as closed source libraries or drivers. Though, in case your supplier goes belly up those could become factors, but for that you have escrow agreements.

[jkravitz61]

Respectfully, it is absolutely an obstacle. Not every manufacturer wants to play ball and in some cases it requires much more investment than playing around with the compiler settings. I would also argue that a large fraction of research teams/ companies are just looking for a platform to prototype on rather than actually deploy services on tomorrow. Most applications of this processor are such low volume that it’s not in most manufactures interests financially to care at this point.

[ianhowson]

Practically every chip vendor provides a free toolchain for their products. The only major exception I can think of are automotive parts, where the customer is always a multi-billion-dollar corporation.

arm64 is very common (Android!) and Xavier runs stock Ubuntu. If your camera manufacturer doesn't ship a driver for arm64, you should speak to them. It's extremely likely that they have one already.

[stevenhuang]

Sorry, no. It's still a problem. You can say there are work arounds. Just because it's always been this way doesn't mean it can't be made better.

[jacquesm]

Could you give an example for when this has been a problem? I've done quite a few embedded projects and have not encountered any to date, though I'm not too old to learn.

[voltagex_]

Try that with Broadcom and get back to me.

[jacquesm]

Mostly a matter of MOC. If you're a hobbyist that definitely isn't going to fly. If you need a few million chips then you're going to be able to make a deal.

The problem is that chips like that are about as hacker unfriendly as they could be. But in industry hardly any of that matters.

Being in the middle - hundreds to tens of thousands of units to ship - is the toughest place of all. No vendors will talk to you and you're going to be out of options if someone decides to EOL that chip your design depends on.

In that case I would advise to only use open hardware and to take the associated performance, size and power requirements hit. At least your product will live.

[null000]

> I do not recommend this platform for hobbyists for this reason

There's also the fact that the article suggests that they come in batches of 1000 at $1100 each.

[jkravitz61]

You can buy the development kit by itself, The article is referring to the processors themselves for the 1000/batch