I've been wanting to do an AskHN for this, but seeing as the Snapdragon855 is directly related to my question, I'm hoping someone here has some insights that could point me in the right direction. I'm currently developing a specialized UAV, and I've gotten to the point where I've got MCU-based FC hardware almost running that is based off of open source Pixhawk designs. But the long term plan is to introduce a variety of tasks that rely on computer vision and/or machine learning, and so the general approach is to go with a companion computer. It seems the default choice for things like this in the prototype stage is a raspberry Pi or Jetson module, but I would really like to develop the entire system as a single module with an eye toward serial production, which means I'm looking at embedding an SOC, as opposed to wiring up an external module. And that has led me to look at the Snapdragon SOCs, in large part due to the GPU capabilities. But now I'm getting into unfamiliar territory, because I can't do ordering/research via digikey like I have done with everything else up until now.
When we're talking about new development, what are the expectations that I should have for direct procurement of higher end components (this goes for Sony/Samsung camera sensors too)? Are there typically very large minimum purchase quantities? Do I have to already have a large production output before I can even talk to them about it? Is it possible to get datasheets even if I'm not at that stage yet?
I get the feeling I'm stuck with the Jetson + Off-the-shelf camera approach until I can demonstrate the ability to mass produce and sell my existing designs, but it would be nice if I could find out more about how that is supposed to play out.
When we're talking about new development, what are the expectations that I should have for direct procurement of higher end components (this goes for Sony/Samsung camera sensors too)? Are there typically very large minimum purchase quantities? Do I have to already have a large production output before I can even talk to them about it? Is it possible to get datasheets even if I'm not at that stage yet?
I get the feeling I'm stuck with the Jetson + Off-the-shelf camera approach until I can demonstrate the ability to mass produce and sell my existing designs, but it would be nice if I could find out more about how that is supposed to play out.