Specifications:

The technical specifications of the Arduino Portenta H7 highlight its capabilities as a powerful board designed for industrial applications, IoT, and edge computing.

• Main Processor: STM32H747XI dual-core MCU, which includes an Arm Cortex-M7 processor running at 480 MHz and a Cortex-M4 processor at 240 MHz. This dual-core arrangement allows for parallel execution of high-level code and real-time tasks, enabling efficient multitasking.
• Memory: It comes with 8 MB of SDRAM and 16 MB of NOR Flash by default, supporting complex applications and providing ample storage for code and data.
• Connectivity: The board includes a Murata 1DX module that supports Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 5.1, offering wireless connectivity for various applications. Additionally, it provides multiple wired interfaces, including UART, SPI, I2C, and Ethernet, to connect to other devices and networks.
• USB-C Connector: Features a USB-C connector for programming, power supply, USB Hub functionality, connecting a DisplayPort monitor, or delivering power to OTG connected devices, enhancing the board’s flexibility and utility.
• Security: Equipped with an onboard crypto authentication chip (either Microchip ATECC608A or NXP SE050C2), providing a high degree of tamper resistance and enabling secure features such as cloud authentication, firmware validation, and IP protection.
• Expandability: The Portenta H7 can be customized based on the needs of the project, with options for increased SDRAM (up to 64 MB) and QSPI Flash memory (up to 128 MB), external UFL connectors for higher gain antennas, and choice between crypto chips.
• Operating Conditions: Designed to operate within a wide temperature range, making it suitable for industrial environments and outdoor applications. It supports operating voltages of 3.3V and input voltages of 5V, with a current rating of 8 mA per I/O pin and a standby current of 2.95 μA.
• High-Density Connectors: Features two 80-pin high-density connectors, exposing all the board’s peripherals to other devices, which is particularly useful for more extensive projects requiring access to a broad range of board functionalities.
• Supported Battery : Li-Po Single Cell, 3.7V, 700mAh Minimum (integrated charger)
• Display Connector MIPI DSI host & MIPI D-PHY to interface with low-pin count large display
• GPU: Chrom-ART graphical hardware Accelerator™
• Timers : 22x timers and watchdogs
• UART : 4x ports (2 with flow control)
• Ethernet PHY : 10 / 100 Mbps (through expansion port only)
• SD Card : Interface for SD Card connector (through expansion port only)
• Operational Temperature : -40 °C to +85 °C
• MKR Headers : Use any of the existing industrial MKR shields on it
• Camera Interface : 8-bit, up to 80 MHz
• ADC : 3× ADCs with 16-bit max. resolution (up to 36 channels, up to 3.6 MSPS)
• DAC : 2× 12-bit DAC (1 MHz) available, only one is accessible by the user through the external A6 pin

Learning Resources:

Portenta H7 Documentation

Applications and Projects:

The Arduino Portenta H7’s versatility and powerful specifications make it suitable for a broad range of applications, especially in professional and industrial settings. Its dual-core architecture and robust hardware capabilities enable it to handle complex computing tasks, making it an ideal choice for:

• High-End Industrial Machinery: Its computational power and ability to operate in harsh environments make it suitable for controlling and monitoring advanced machinery.
• Laboratory Equipment: The precision and reliability of the Portenta H7 can enhance the capabilities of equipment used in scientific research and experiments.
• Computer Vision: With its processing power and support for running AI algorithms, it’s capable of driving projects involving real-time image recognition and processing.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): The board can serve as the brain for PLCs in automation systems, where reliability and real-time responses are critical.
• Industry-Ready User Interfaces: Its ability to connect with various display interfaces and process high-level graphical data makes it suitable for developing sophisticated user interfaces for industrial applications.
• Robotics Controllers: The dual-core processor allows for efficient handling of control algorithms and real-time operation in robotics applications.
• Mission-Critical Devices: Its reliability under various conditions and security features make it a solid choice for devices that require uninterrupted operation.
• Dedicated Stationary Computers: Its computational power and connectivity options enable it to act as a central unit in IoT and edge computing solutions.
• High-Speed Booting Computation: Suitable for applications that require quick start-up times and high reliability.
• AI Applications and Low-Latency Control Projects: The Portenta H7 Lite variant, being streamlined for AI and control applications, highlights the board’s suitability for projects requiring high performance and reliability without the need for extensive connectivity or security features.