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Bidirectional Counters

Introduction

A bidirectional counter is a binary counter that operates synchronously in both up and down directions. It is capable of counting both toward & away from a predefined number and back to zero. Any given count sequence can be counted by such bidirectional counter in either the up or down direction.

It is occasionally required to count “down” from a predefined value to zero and count “up” from zero and grow or increment to some preset number. This allows us to create an output that activates when the zero count or any other pre-set value is reached.

When an external clock pulse is applied to a binary or Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) down counter, the count drops by one from a predetermined number. Typically, this counter is called a Down Counter (CTD).  Special dual-purpose integrated circuits (ICs) with an additional input pin to select the up- or down-count mode are 4-bit binary up- or down-counters, such as the TTL 74LS193 or CMOS CD4510.

Design of Bidirectional Counters

Flip-flops, which store the count, and extra logic circuits that regulate the counting’s direction are the fundamental parts of a bidirectional counter. When designing a bidirectional counter, the right flip-flops and logic gates must be chosen, and a circuit that appropriately processes the U/D control signal to regulate the counting direction must be created. The counting range (modulus), counter type (synchronous or asynchronous), and counting sequence (binary or decade) must first be defined. Second, choose the flip-flops (D, JK, etc.) according to the kind of counter required. Then, create the necessary flip-flop inputs by designing the combinational logic circuit to process the U/D control signal. Make sure the design is validated and that the counting behavior is correct in both directions by using simulation tools.

Advanced bidirectional counter designs provide extra features including cascade capabilities, configurable counting ranges, and preset and clear functionality for complicated applications. The counting range can be increased by cascading numerous counters. For example, an 8-bit counter that can count from 0 to 255 is produced by cascading two 4-bit counters. For adaptive systems that require real-time adjustments, programmable counters allow for the dynamic modification of the counting range and direction based on external inputs. While clean functionality resets the number to zero, preset functionality allows the counter to be set to a specified value. These characteristics improve flexibility and control.

4-bit Count Down Counter

Fig-1: 4-bit Bidirectional Down Counter

As shown in the figure, instead of being activated by the Q output as in the up-counter configuration, the 4-bit counter uses the Q̅ output of the preceding flip-flop to trigger the state change of each flip-flop on the falling edge (1-to-0 transition) of the CLK input. Consequently, rather than moving from 1 to 0, each flip-flop will change states when the one before it goes from 0 to 1 at its output.

Bidirectional Counter

While both synchronous and asynchronous counters can count “Up” or “Down,” bidirectional counters are a more “universal” kind of counter that can count in both ways, Up or Down, depending on the condition of its input control pin. Bidirectional counters, also referred to as Up/Down counters, may count in either way throughout any given count sequence. As seen below, they can be reversed at any time by applying an extra control input.

Synchronous 3-bit Up/Down Counter

Fig-2: 3-bit Bidirectional Counter



The circuit shown above is a typical three-bit synchronous counter that counts from zero (000) to seven (111) and back to zero using JK flip-flops that are set to function as toggle or T-type flip-flops. The 3-bit counter then proceeds in one of two ways: either upward (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7) or downward (7,6,5,4,3,2,1,0).

Most bidirectional counters are often configured to flip their count direction up or down at any time throughout their counting cycle. This is accomplished by employing a second input pin that controls the count direction (up or down). The timing diagram illustrates how the counter functions when the state of this Up/Down input changes.

Fig-3: Timing Diagram of Bidirectional Counter

Nowadays, a complete bidirectional counter chip consists of an Integrated Circuit (IC) that has both up and down counters integrated into it. This IC may be completely programmed to count in both directions from any preset number. The “74F569” is a completely synchronous Up/Down binary counter, the 74HC190 4-bit a BCD decade Up/Down counter, and the CMOS 4029 4-bit Synchronous Up/Down counter are common devices.

Applications of Bidirectional Counters

These counters can count events or readings that are subject to bidirectional fluctuations in telemetry systems. For example, Monitoring and adjusting levels in a water reservoir.

They are used in systems for controlling and timing the length of traffic signals. Changing the length of the green and red lights by traffic flow is one example.

They are employed for accurate angular position control and measurement in motor shafts and other rotating machinery. For instance, they are used to provide feedback on the precise location of the motor shaft in servo motors.

In Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and robots, they are essential to monitor the location of moving components. Like, tracking the position of a robotic arm in an industrial robot.

Bidirectional counters are used to count time in two modes: reducing for countdowns and growing for elapsed time. An example would be a microwave oven’s countdown timer.

Advantages of Bidirectional Counters

Bidirectional counters are more useful for a wider range of applications than basic (unidirectional) counters because they offer various benefits. For example:

  • Scenarios requiring both increment and decrement operations without the requirement for separate devices for each function is one of the main advantages.
  • Separate up and down counters use more space on a circuit board than a single bidirectional counter.
  • Up and down counting can be combined into a single device, which lowers the system’s overall cost and makes the system more attractive from an economic standpoint.
  • Bidirectional counters improve accuracy and reaction times by giving instantaneous data on direction changes in control systems like motor controllers or robotic arms.
  • Ideal for intricate jobs including reversible procedures, dynamically adjusting systems, and location tracking.

Conclusion

  • A bidirectional counter is a binary counter that can count both up and down, moving towards or away from a predefined number and back to zero.
  • These counters can handle any given count sequence in either direction (up or down) and are capable of activating outputs when zero or any preset value is reached.
  • Bidirectional counters can be configured as either synchronous or asynchronous and typically include a control pin for switching between up and down counting modes. Examples include the TTL 74LS193 and CMOS CD4510.
  • Widely used in applications such as telemetry systems, traffic signal control, angular position measurement in motors, CNC machines, and countdown timers in devices like microwave ovens.
  • These counters offer versatility by combining up and down counting in one device, reducing space and cost while enhancing accuracy and responsiveness in control systems. They are ideal for reversible processes and dynamic adjustments in various systems.

Electric Potential In Nonuniform Fields

Electric Potential Due To Point Charges

In physics, electric fields are regions in space where an electric force is experienced by a charged object due to the presence of another charged object. These fields can be either uniform or non-uniform. A uniform field is one where the field strength (or the force) is the same at every point in the field. This means that the magnitude and direction of the field are constant throughout. We will consider these types of fields in the next article.

Non-uniform fields are those where the field strength and direction vary from point to point. This means that the magnitude and direction of the field can change depending on different positions in the field. The electric field due to a point charge is an example of a non-uniform field since it decreases with distance away from the source charge. Recall that a point charge is an electric charge considered to exist at a single point, and thus having neither area nor volume, i.e., an idealized mathematical concept.

Consider the case of a nonuniform electric field such as exists in the vicinity of the positive point charge Q in Figure 1. Let us assume a positive test charge q0 is located at point P in the field E associated with the charge Q.

Figure 1: The configuration of the point charge Q and the test charge q0 at infinity 
Figure 1: The configuration of the point charge Q and the test charge q0 at infinity

Naturally, there is a nonuniform electric field at point P caused by the charge Q, and so there is an electric force F at point P which is exerted to the test charge q0 as it explained by Equation 1:

Equation 1: The electric force exerted on the test charge q0 in the electric field E

Generally, Field lines indicate the directions of the force on a positive test charge introduced into the field. If the test charge is released in a field, it moves in the direction of field lines in each position. In the case of a point charge Q, it moves radially away from Q, so that the field lines are radial, like the spokes of a wheel. The field intensity also varies inversely as the square of the distance from Q. For this reason, In Figure 1 the field lines become more widely separated as the distance ‘r’ increases.

In Figure 1 configuration, we want to find the potential energy U associated with the test charge at point P. First, we need a reference configuration for zero potential energy (U = 0). A reasonable choice is for the test charge q0 to be infinitely far from the charge Q, because then there is no interaction between charges.

We know that if we want to move the test charge q0 against the electric force F, it requires physical work. The work done by the applied force F on the charge q0 changes its potential energy U. Then, we assume that we bring the test charge from infinity to point P in the configuration of Figure 1.

The electric potential V at the point P in space is defined as the work done in bringing a positive test charge q0 from infinity to that point, divided by the magnitude of the charge. Let’s use the notation ∞ for W to emphasize that the test charge is brought in from infinity and also use a negative sign for W∞ because it is done opposite to the electric force F. Then, the electric potential V at point P is given by Equation 2:

Equation 2: The electrical potential in terms of the work or the potential energy and the test charge q0

So, the electric potential V is the amount of potential energy per unit charge. The charge Q sets up this potential V at point P regardless of whether the test charge happens to be there. The work and thus the potential energy can be positive or negative depending on the sign of the charge Q.

From Equation 2 we see that V is a scalar quantity (because there is no direction associated with potential energy or charge) and can be positive or negative (because potential energy and charge have signs). The work W∞ done by the field is also scalar and path-independent.

Figure 2: Movement of the charge q0 caused by the field E in a linear path AB
Figure 2: Movement of the charge q0 caused by the field E in a linear path AB

If the test charge q0 moves from an initial point A to a second point B in the electric field of a charged object, as depicted in Figure 2, the electric potential changes by ΔV = VB – VA. We can relate the potential energy change ΔU to the work WAB done by the electric force as the particle moves from A to B by substituting from Equation 2 to conclude Equation 3:

Equation 3: The relationship between the work, changing potential energy and electric potentials

Generally, if the test charge q0 moves between points A and B in the field, the work WAB done is given by Equation 4:

Equation 4: General definition for the work done by force F in the path AB

where F is the electric force on the test charge and is the path vector which indicates the moving of the test charge q0 between points A and B.

Because in our assumption the test charge q0 moves between points A and B in the field E along a radial path, therefore, the vectors have the same direction, and the dot-product of vectors inside the integral in Equation 4 simply changes to the scalar product of magnitudes of the two vectors.

In our previous articles we have already calculated the intensity of electric field E based on Coulomb’s law as explained in Equation 5:

Equation 5: The definition of the electric field

 

With this choice, simple mathematics can be used to show that by substituting Equation 5 in Equation 4 and Equation 2 and assuming that the point B is in infinity (VB = 0), we can calculate the electric potential VA. Finally, this electric potential created by a particle of charge Q at any radial distance r from the particle is given by Equation 6:

Equation 6: The definition of the electric potential

Generally, every charged object sets up an electric potential VP at all points throughout its electric field. The electric field of a point charge extends throughout space, so its electric potential does, also. The zero point of electric potential could be taken anywhere but is usually taken to be an infinite distance from the charge, far from its influence and the influence of any other charges.

The SI unit of electric potential, which is also referred to as voltage drop, is ‘Joules per Coulomb’ or volt (V) after Alessandro Volta (1745-1827), an Italian physicist and chemist who was a pioneer of electricity, where 1 V = 1 J/C. it means 1 J of work must be done to move a 1-C charge between two points that are at a potential difference of 1 V.

Equation 6 shows that the electric potential (VA) increases as the positive test charge q0 moves closer to the point charge Q. This can be shown numerically if we assume (Q = +1.11 × 10-9C = +1.11 nC). Now we can calculate the electric potential and the electric field in terms of different values of r. The results are provided in Table 1:

Table 1: The electric field and the electric potential values versus distance r

Figure 3 shows the plot of the electric field and the electric potential based on the numerical data in Table 1.

Figure 3: The electric field and the electric potential versus distance r



This visual representation summarizes the fundamental principles regarding how the electric potential and field strength vary with distance from a point charge source. Figure 3 confirms these key points:

  1. The electric potential V (blue curve) decreases inversely with increasing r, following a 1/r dependence as described by Equation 6.
  2. The electric field strength E (red curve) decreases more rapidly, following an inverse square 1/r2 dependence as described by Equation 5.
  3. At smaller values of r, both V and E have higher magnitudes since the test point is closer to the point charge source.
  4. As r increases towards larger values, V decreases gradually while E drops off more sharply.

Electric Potential Due To A Group Of Charged Particles

We can find the net electric potential at a point due to a group of charged particles with the help of the superposition principle. It means the total electric potential at some point P due to several point charges is the algebraic sum of the electric potentials due to the individual charges. Compared to the electric field, it is simpler to sum several scalar quantities than to sum several vector quantities whose directions and components must be considered.

Figure 4 shows a configuration of 4 charged particles, q1 to q4, which are placed in corners of a square. We can calculate the electric potential at point P in the center of the square.

Figure 4: Finding the net electric potential due to 4 charges
Figure 4: Finding the net electric potential due to 4 charges

 

The electric field vectors (E1, E2, E3, E4) due to each charge are shown at the center point P. The distance ‘r’ from each charge to the center point P is also indicated in the diagram.

Recall that the electric potential created by a point charge Q is generally given by Equation 7 which is another form of Equation 6:

Equation 7: The definition of the electric potential based on the Coulomb constant

where, ke = 8.9875 × 109 (Nm2/C2) is the Coulomb’s constant.

Unlike electric field superposition, which involves a sum of vectors, the superposition of electric potentials simply requires evaluating a sum of scalars. Equation 8 gives the simple key to find the net electric potential in a general configuration of ‘n’ charged particles.

Equation 8: Finding the net electric potential for a group of n charges

Here qi is the value of the ith charge and ri is the radial distance of the given point from the ith charge. In this configuration all the charges have equal distances to the point P. Using Equation 7, an algebraic sum with the plus or minus sign of the charge included, we calculate separately the potential resulting from each charge at the given point. Then we sum the potentials.

In our example with n = 4 charges in Figure 4, we assume the value of charges are: q1 = +12nC, q2 = -24nC, q3 = +31nC, q4 = +17nC and the distance between charges and point P is r = 0.919 m.

Thus, the net potential at point P is calculated by Equation 9:

Equation 9: Finding the net electric potential for a group of 4 charges in our example

Finally, the net potential at point P is V = 352 volts! It may seem strange that a combination of such small changes can make such big voltage!

Equipotential Surfaces

An equipotential surface is the collection of points in space that are all at the same electric potential. The potential difference between any two points on an equipotential surface is zero. Hence, no work is required to move a charge on an equipotential surface. The electric field at every point of an equipotential surface is perpendicular to the surface.

Equipotential surfaces can be represented on a diagram by drawing two-dimensional equipotential contours. Figure 5 depicts the concentric circular equipotential contours (brown dotted circles) surrounding the positive point charge +Q.

Figure 5: Finding the equipotential surfaces for the point charge +Q

Following our previous example, if Q = +1.11 nC, the equipotential contours are plotted as S1 to S6. Each circle can be assigned a constant electric potential (V1 to V6) and the voltage values are provided in a table in Figure 5. These values are mapped to the different equipotential contours in the plot.

It is also to be noted that electric potentials rise in the opposite direction to E. As we start from the location of the charged object +Q and move outward, by increasing distance, the equipotential values decrease from 9.98 volts (V1) to 1.66 volts (V6) at the outermost circle.

This relation shows that, for a single-point charge, the potential is constant on any surface on which ‘r‘ is constant. Imagine that by rotating the two-dimensional plot in Figure 5 about the vertical axis, the complete three-dimensional plot is generated and the dashed circular equipotential lines in the present plot are changed to spherical equipotential surfaces. It follows that the equipotential surfaces of a point charge are a family of spheres centered on the point charge.

Summary

  • If an electric field has the same magnitude and direction everywhere in a particular space, it is said to be uniform.
  • A non-uniform electric field varies in magnitude according to different positions.
  • The electric potential is the amount of potential energy per unit charge when a positive test charge is brought in from infinity.
  • The word ‘Potential’ at a point is a scalar quantity.
  • The amount of work per unit charge is equal to the force per unit charge (or field intensity E) times the distance through which the charge is moved.
  • Voltage is another term for electric potential, it measures the difference in electric potential between two points.
  • The electric potential difference between points A and B, (VB-VA) is defined to be the change in potential energy of a charge q moved from A to B, divided by the charge.
  • The SI unit of electric potential is the joule per coulomb (J/C), called the volt (V).
  • Because the electric force is conservative, the change in potential energy ΔU between two points is the same for all paths between those points (it is path-independent).
  • The electric potential of two or more charges is obtained by applying the superposition principle.
  • A surface on which all points are at the same potential is called an equipotential surface.
  • Equipotential surfaces are always perpendicular to electric field lines.
  • It is obvious that with increasing r, the electric potential VA associated with the point charge Q decreases as 1/r, in contrast to the magnitude of the charge’s electric field, which decreases as 1/r2.

Conexio Stratus Pro- nRF9161 Powered Dev Kit with LTE-IoT, DECT NR+, GNSS and Much More

Posted on by Debashis Das

Conexio Technologies, Inc. has recently introduced Conexio Stratus Pro, a battery-powered development board built around Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9161 cellular modem. The unique aspect of this board is that it has support for LTE-M, NB-IoT, and GPS connectivity and to make things even more interesting it has also support for DECT NR+, and GNSS making it suitable for environmental monitors, smart meters, and industrial automation devices.

Other features of this board include support for solar energy harvesting and an onboard Qwiic connector which gives access to various modules. The form factor of this board also resembles Adafruit Feather so many HATS and adapter modules are compatible with this board.

Previously, we have written about similar development boards like the Waveshare ESP32-S3-SIM7670G-4G and the ESP32-S3-A7670E-4G, the LuckFox LuckFox Pico Pro, and WeAct ESP32H2-N4, feel free to check those out if you are interested in those topics.

The company designed the board to be easy to use and compatible with various software platforms. Not only that the board comes preloaded with 10 years of mobile data and SMS, as a value-added feature. Developers can leverage the preprogrammed MCUBoot bootloader, a Visual Studio Code plugin, and integrations with cloud platforms like Edge Impulse, Golioth, and Memfault for machine learning, OTA updates, and remote device management. Additionally, it connects to Datacake for easy data visualization. Documentation and resources are available on the company’s website and GitHub.

 

Conexio Stratus Pro Dev Kit Specifications

  • MCU:
    • Nordic nRF9161 SiP
    • ARM Cortex-M33 with 1 MB Flash
    • 256 kB RAM
    • Pre-programmed MCUBoot bootloader
  • Modem:
    • Transceiver and baseband
    • 3GPP LTE release 14 LTE-M/NB-IoT support
    • DECT NR+ ready
    • Global coverage RF Transceiver supporting bands: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B12, B13, B17, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28, B65, B66, and B85
    • Supports 4FF Nano SIM, optional eSIM, or software SIM
  • Cellular Data:
    • 500 MB of cellular data
    • 250 SMS messages
    • Valid for 10 years, reloadable, transferable to a new plan
    • Service available in 100+ countries (LTE + NB-IoT)
  • Power Management:
    • Nordic nPM1300 Power Management IC
      • 800 mA battery charger
      • Dual 200 mA buck DC/DC regulator
  • Charging:
    • Texas Instruments BQ25185 Charging IC
      • Charge inputs: 3 V to 18 V
      • Supports Li-ion, Li-Poly, and LiFePO4 battery chemistries
  • External Storage:
    • 16 KBit I2C EEPROM memory (24CW160T)
  • Power:
    • Operating range: 1.8 to 5.5 V
    • External LiPo battery connection (2 Pin JST type)
    • Maximum output current: 800 mA
    • Output voltages: 1.8 V, 3.3 V, 5 V (VUSB), VBAT
    • SPDT slide switch for power control (on/off)
    • Quiescent current of entire board < 9 μA
  • Onboard Sensors:
    • Battery fuel gauge enabled by nPM1300
    • STMicroelectronics LIS2DH MEMS high-performance 3-axis accelerometer
  • I/O:
    • USB Type-C for various functions
    • U.FL connectors for LTE-M/NB-IoT and GPS antennas
    • Total I/O pinouts: 36
    • Feather-compatible header for user I/O
    • 28 programmable GPIO pins
    • 2 push buttons (1 reset, 1 programmable)
    • 1 programmable LED
    • QWIIC connector for external peripherals
    • Supports J-Link and CMSIS-DAP-based programmers
    • Onboard 10-pin 0.05 ” (1.27 mm) mini SWD/JTAG pin connector
  • Dimensions: 66.04 mm x 25.40 mm

The company also provides a helpful table where the Conexio Stratus Pro is compared with devices like the Actinius Icarus, nRF9160 Feather, and Arduino MKR NB1500, which gives you a clear idea about the board’s capabilities in a very interesting way.

For those who are interested in the Conexio Stratus Pro dev board,  the dev kit is available on Crowd Supply. The early bird price is $83, and the regular price is $89, with shipping starting in September 2024.

Raspberry Pi Connect: Remote Access Tool for the Small Computer

Posted on by Aditi Ambadkar

Raspberry Pi Connect

The Raspberry Pi now has an official remote access tool. Raspberry Pi Connect makes setting up remote access to the small computer easier.

With Raspberry Pi Connect, you can access your single-board computer from anywhere in the world using a browser. Provided it is a Raspberry Pi 400, 4, or 5, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has released a beta version of the new remote access tool, which will make things a lot easier for newcomers in particular, or for those who are not satisfied with previous solutions using VNC, SSH, and the like.

You need the 64-bit distribution of  Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm (with Wayland Window Server) to benefit from the tool. You can download this with the Raspberry Pi Imager and install it on your RPI 400, 4, or 5. If you already use the OS, you can update to the new tool. To do this, open the terminal and enter the commands “sudo apt update,” “sudo apt upgrade,” and “sudo apt install rpi-connect” in sequence. After a restart, a new taskbar icon should appear in the top right-hand corner of the screen. To get started, click on it and select “Login.”

Access Raspberry Pi Connect at the top right of the taskbar.

Remote access is established with Pi Connect via a secure peer-to-peer connection. The “In-Browser VNC Client” and the “VNC Server,” i.e., your Raspberry Pi, are connected as with Zoom, Teams, and others: The open standard WebRTC is used.

The connection is established with an “RPI-Connect Daemon” via Foundation servers. Once the connection has been established, data traffic is normally direct. Unless there is a connection problem, in which case the data traffic is DTLS-encrypted via the manufacturer’s servers. You can find out whether the existing connection is being forwarded by moving the mouse over the padlock symbol in the browser. As the tool is currently still a beta version, there are still limitations. On the one hand, the new service only has a single relay server, which is located in the UK. This means that the latency can still be high at the moment as long as communication is taking place with the relay.

You can find out what other limitations there are in this documentation.

The Foundation intends to keep the use of Raspberry Pi Connect free of charge for private users in the future, as long as a direct remote access connection (no connection forwarding via server) is used.

Minisforum AtomMan X7 Ti Mini PC with Touchscreen and Intel 185H Processor

Posted on by Aditi Ambadkar

AtomMan-X7-T

The newly launched AtomMan X7 Ti by Minisforum is a compact mini PC designed for diverse computing needs. It features robust specifications, including the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor for high processing power and Intel Arc Graphics for enhanced performance in gaming and graphic design.

AtomMan-X7-T-interfaces
AtomMan-X7-T-interfaces

Memory capabilities are substantial, with support for DDR5 Dual channels in SODIMM slots that can handle speeds up to 5600MHz and a maximum capacity of 96GB. For storage, the device is equipped with an M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 SSD and an additional M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 SSD slot, providing fast data access and extensive storage space. 185H — 16C/22T (6P+8E+2LP-E), (Up to 5.1 GHz); 24 MB Intel Smart Cache, 35W – 115W TDP, Intel Arc Graphics (up to 2.35 GHz), 8 Xe-cores.

Connectivity options include an M.2 2230 Wi-Fi module supporting the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 standards. The device features a variety of output ports including HDMI 2.1, DP 2.0, and dual USB4 ports, facilitating multiple types of external connections. It also comes with two RJ45 5G Ethernet ports and a range of USB ports from USB2.0 to USB3.2 Gen2, along with an OCulink port.

AtomMan-X7-T-design
AtomMan-X7-T-design

The AtomMan X7 Ti features dual DMICs and a full HD 1080P camera with Windows Hello for enhanced security and user interaction. It supports clear audio-visual outputs through HDMI 2.1 and DP 2.0 ports, enabling a quad-screen display with two additional USB 4.0 ports for extensive multi-display setups. The unit also includes a 4-inch 480P touchscreen for basic output and interactivity. The design of the AtomMan X7 Ti measures 145 x 145 x 48.6mm, allowing it to be placed in limited spaces without significant compromise to functionality. It operates on a DC 19V power supply and the system comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Home.

On the other hand, the DEG1 eGPU Dock by Minisforum enhances external graphics performance with its PCIe 4.0×4 interface, supporting up to 64GT/s for reduced performance loss. It features a built-in signal amplifier for stable high-speed connections and a minimalist design that accommodates video cards of any length, including high-end models like the NVIDIA RTX 4090 and AMD RX 7900 XTX. Compatible with ATX/SFX power supplies, it also simplifies the operation with a startup system linked directly to the host computer’s main power switch, saving both electricity and effort according to the company.

The AtomMan X7 Ti by Minisforum is available at an early bird discount. The barebone version is priced at $669.00, while a configuration with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD is available for $849.00. An optional DEG1 eGPU Dock can be added for an additional $50.00. All options are set to ship on July 10th.

BreadboardOS Firmware for Raspberry Pi RP2040 Features a Linux-Like Terminal

Posted on by Aditi Ambadkar

Cavin McKinley’s BreadboardOS is an open-source firmware platform for the Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU, built around FreeRTOS and featuring a command-line interface (CLI) reminiscent of the Linux terminal. The terminal implementation is based on a customized fork of the Microshell project, organized into POSIX-style folders/files, providing a familiar user interface for interacting with the hardware on the MCU. This innovative firmware platform brings a range of Linux-like capabilities to the RP2040, enhancing its functionality and ease of use.

BreadboardOS highlights include its FreeRTOS foundation, tools for checking system resources such as ps, top, free, and df commands, and the ability to interact with chip I/O and serial buses directly from the terminal using commands like cat and echo.

For example, you can print the list of GPIOs with cat gpio. It features an onboard flash filesystem with wear-leveling (leveraging the LittleFS project), peripheral hardware initialization routines, a watchdog service for system failsafe recovery, and an RTOS task manager for dynamically controlling system services at runtime. The “rootfs” includes familiar directories (mnt, etc, bin, proc, dev, and lib) similar to a minimal Linux distribution.

You’ll find the source code released under an MIT license and instructions to build BreadboardOS on GitHub.

Raspberry-Pi-RP2040-terminal-GPIO-control
Raspberry-Pi-RP2040-terminal-GPIO-control

Currently, BreadboardOS (or BBOS for short) is implemented on the Raspberry Pi RP2040 only, but it was built with portability in mind. The project is structured so that all hardware-specific code resides in a single directory (hardware_pico) with a header file (hardware_config.h) providing HAL functionality. The source code is released under an MIT license, with instructions to build BreadboardOS available on GitHub. While there isn’t extensive documentation on the available commands, you can explore them by watching the accompanying video or installing BreadboardOS on a Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W. More information can be found on GitHub.

source: www.cnx-software.com

Makerfabs AgroSense Review – A LoRa Powred Temperature and Humidity Sensor for Industrial and Agricultural Applications

Posted on by Debashis Das

The Makerfabs Agrosense_Air is a LoRa-powered temperature and humidity sensor designed for use in agricultural and industrial environments.

AgroSense is a multifunctional LoRa temperature and humidity sensor with advanced LoRa technology, especially suitable for industrial and agricultural applications. It not only realizes long-distance data transmission, but also has the advantages of high accuracy and low power consumption, and can work stably in various harsh environments while performing well in a wide range of application scenarios.

Functionality and Features

The Makerfabs AgroSense is a robust LoRa-powered temperature and humidity sensor designed for use in agricultural and industrial environments. As the module features built-in LoRa capabilities, it features wireless data transmission over long distances (up to 2km in urban settings and 5km in line-of-sight) while remaining compatible with worldwide LoRaWAN networks (EU868/US915).

The device is engineered to be durable and long-lasting with an IP68 waterproof rating on top of that it has an operating temperature range of -40℃ to 85℃, making it ideal for use in harsh outdoor conditions where precise monitoring is essential.

This sensor is designed to monitor temperature and humidity levels in various environments. It features high-precision measurement, real-time data transmission, and remote monitoring to ensure that the user can keep track of changes in environmental parameters. That is why the device has a range of (-40°C to 85°C for temperature, and 0-100% RH for humidity) which makes it compatible with diverse agricultural environments, from greenhouses to open fields. The accuracy (±0.3°C for temperature, ±2% RH for humidity) is commendable, ensuring reliable data collection for informed decision-making.

  • Ideal for agricultural use: for greenhouse environment monitoring, soil moisture management and crop growth monitoring to help farmers optimize irrigation strategies and improve yields.
  • Ideal for industrial use: for temperature and humidity control in warehouses and environmental monitoring in manufacturing plants to ensure quality control and equipment maintenance during the production process.

As mentioned in the intro section the sensor has built-in LoRaWAN capabilities which is a massive advantage for large fields as now there is no requirement for you to wire up all the sensors in the field and meet their power requirements. LoRaWAN’s long-range communication capabilities (2km in urban areas, 5km in line-of-sight) eliminate the need for complex wiring, simplifying deployment and reducing infrastructure costs. As LoRa is very energy efficient and in a practical environment you don’t need a constant data flow from the sensor the device is designed for battery-powered operations and can run for one year without changing the battery, allowing for placement in remote or hard-to-reach locations.

Durability and Environmental Resilience

The sensor features a rugged construction, with an IP68 rating meaning it is water resistant in fresh water to a maximum depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes, and is protected from dust. So it can handle heavy rain dust even the water that comes during the irrigation of plants, ensuring uninterrupted operation even in challenging conditions. The wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) adds another layer of resilience, making it suitable for various climates and seasonal variations.

Cost-Effectiveness and Value Proposition

Another interesting thing about this temperature and humidity sensor is its cost, Makerfabs mentions that the sensor is comparably priced which is half the cost of comparable sensors on the market. This affordability makes it easy for large-scale deployments in farms, greenhouses, and other agricultural settings.

AgroSense LoRaWAN agriculture IOT is powered by a high-capacity battery with a range of up to one year or more, suitable for use in long-term unattended environments. Its housing is waterproof and IP65 rated, allowing it to operate normally in all types of adverse weather conditions.

Limitations and Considerations

The AgroSense sensor is really good in many ways, but it does have a few downsides we should talk about. First, while it’s usually pretty accurate, it might not be perfect for really specific jobs that need super precise measurements. Also, it uses LoRaWAN tech to send data, which means you’ll need a special gateway to make it work, and that could cost you more money.

Ease of Use and Configuration

One of the standout features of the AgroSense sensor is its user-friendliness. The provision of LoRaWAN DEV EUI, APP EUI, and APP Key streamlines the configuration process, enabling users to quickly connect the sensor to their LoRaWAN network. The compatibility with popular platforms like The Things Network further enhances accessibility.

Makerfabs Agrosense Features and Specificatios:

  • Sensor Type: groSense LoRaWAN Temperature & Humidity Sensor
  • Measurement Range:
    • Temperature: -40℃ to 85℃
    • Humidity: 0% to 100%RH
  • Accuracy:
    • Temperature: ±0.2℃
    • Humidity: ±0.2%RH
  • Waterproof Rating: IP68
  • Transmission Protocol: LoRaWAN
  • Frequency Bands Supported: EU868/US915
  • Transmission Range:
    • Urban Scenes: At least 2km
    • Line of Sight Scenes: At least 5km
  • Operating Temperature: -40℃ to 85℃
  • Enclosure Type: Industrial-grade IP68-rated
  • Power Source: Battery-powered
  • Battery Life: Up to 1 year
  • Compatibility: Works with LoRaWAN gateway

The device supports LoRaWAN gateways, but if you are planning to purchase one for your industrial or agricultural project, you can surely check out Makerfabs’ Sensecap M2. LoRaWAN gateway which also the company recommends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AgroSense LoRaWAN Temperature & Humidity Sensor offers a compelling combination of functionality, durability, and affordability. Its accurate measurements, long-range communication, and robust construction make it well-suited for agricultural monitoring. The sensor’s ease of use and compatibility with popular LoRaWAN networks further enhance its appeal. While it may not be the most precise sensor on the market, its value proposition is undeniable, especially for large-scale deployments where cost-effectiveness is a priority.

If you’re seeking a reliable, user-friendly, and budget-friendly solution for agricultural monitoring, the AgroSense LoRaWAN Temperature & Humidity Sensor is a worthy contender. Its features and performance make it a valuable tool for farmers, agronomists, and researchers looking to optimize crop yields and resource utilization.

Product list:

The Agrosense Temperature, LoRaWAN light sensor and Humidity Sensor are available at Makerfabs for $22.90 other than that the company produces other sensors such as the Agrosense Barometric Pressure Sensor, Agrosense_Light Intensity Sensor, Agrosense_RTD PT1000 Temperature Sensor which you can check out from the companies website.

Guidelines Wiki page:  https://wiki.makerfabs.com/AgroSense_LoRaWAN%C2%AE_Sensor_Instruction_Manual.html

e-con Systems Unveils new Robust All-Weather Global Shutter Ethernet Camera for Outdoor Applications

Posted on by mixos

e-con Systems™, a global leader in embedded vision solutions, introduces a new Outdoor-Ready Global Shutter GigE camera — RouteCAM_CU25, the powerful addition to its high performance Ethernet camera series, RouteCAM. This Full HD Power over Ethernet (PoE) camera excels in delivering accurate and fast capture of moving scenes at high frame rate, making it ideal for applications like smart traffic, road safety and law enforcement, and forklift safety.

With PTP Synchronization, RouteCAM_CU25 camera achieves sub-microsecond levels of time synchronization for precision-critical applications and ensures that frames captured by multiple Ethernet cameras are precisely synchronized.

RouteCAM_CU25 camera seamlessly integrates with our cutting-edge cloud-based device management platform, CloVis Central™, providing comprehensive remote management of all on-field device operations. This integration facilitates quicker time to market, cost reductions, and improved application success rates. Additionally, the camera meets industrial-grade standards such as ISO 16750 and ISO 20653:2013, ensuring it can endure extreme temperatures and guaranteeing durability and resilience for outdoor use in any environment with an IP67 rating.

This GigE camera boasts the ability to stream high-quality, compressed Full HD data in a range of industry-standard formats including MJPEG, H.264, and H.265.

“Building on the success of our RouteCAM lineup, RouteCAM_CU25 combines Global Shutter and PoE technologies to deliver advanced capabilities for a wide range of industrial applications. The camera offers a significant competitive advantage with its direct cloud connectivity through our device management platform, CloVis Central™, streamlining maintenance and accelerating time to market while also providing PTP synchronization capabilities. With its high performance, rugged design, and flexible features, RouteCAM_CU25_IP67 is well-suited for applications such as Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) for road safety, law enforcement, and smart parking, as well as industrial safety measures including perimeter safety for forklifts,” said Suresh Madhu, Head of Industrial Business Unit at e-con Systems.

Availability

To evaluate the capabilities of the RouteCAM_CU25, please visit the online web store and purchase the product.

DC-DC Boost & Buzzer Driver Reference Design

Posted on by mixos

Author: Irena Zhuravchak, Technical Documentation Apps Engineer, Renesas Electronics, Lviv, Ukraine

Introduction

What do alarm systems, timers, smart keychains, and other notification systems have in common? They all need a buzzer, and consequently, a buzzer driver. The driver must satisfy specific criteria, such as delivering the requisite current and intensity, the possibility to add different patterns, and others.

The aforementioned audible systems are usually battery-operated, so there is a need to increase the voltage for reliable operation and great sound. This can be done with a voltage DC-DC boost converter. The boost converter driver provides the necessary voltage for system operation and also includes overcurrent and undervoltage protections.

The HVPAK SLG47105 is a flexible configurable mixed-signal IC that combines a Boost DC-DC Converter and a Piezo Driver in a single package with a few external components.The main goal of this publication is to show how to configure HVPAK to drive a 2.5 kHz Piezo and how to create a Boost DC-DC Converter from 3 V to 13 V. The whole circuit is powered with a 3V CR2032 battery. Such a schematic can be used in devices that require short-term notifications (keychains for finding things, and others). When the push button is pressed, the DC-DC Converter boosts the voltage to 13 V which powers the Piezo Driver. Then the short pattern is played, and the circuit goes to sleep mode until the button is pressed again. When the circuit is ON – it consumes nearly 15 mA, and in sleep mode less than 50 nA. This ensures up to 800 activations on one battery.

Operating Principle and GreenPAK Design

The DC-DC Boost & Buzzer Driver Circuit Diagram is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. DC-DC Boost & Buzzer Driver Circuit Diagram

The design consists of a DC-DC Boost Converter and Buzzer Driver parts.

For the DC-DC Boost Converter, the PWM0 forms the ~197 kHz signal. The DFF1, DFF5, and DFF6 form the clock for a soft start to reduce inrush current, which can occur when the device is first turned on. Minimum and maximum duty cycles are set by Pipe Delay and CNT4/DLY4.

The VDD and VDD2_B are connected to a 3 V battery. VDD2_A is connected to Boost output. To monitor this voltage, the resistors R2 and R4 form the resistive divider with a feedback signal, which goes to PIN20 (Analog Input). This feedback voltage is compared with 1024 mV Vref by ACMP1H forming the ACMP signal which goes to the CHOP input of the PWM Chopper 0. If the VDD2 exceeds 9.5 V, the ACMP signal is HIGH and chop the formed PWM signal. The PWM Chopper 0 output goes to HV OUT CTRL1 (Half Bridge) input IN0. Then PIN 9 drives an NFET of Boost Converter.

To reduce the current consumption, a resistive divider is connected to PIN 10 (Low Side ON) with a GND input.

Note: it’s possible to change the ACMP1H Vref and boost the voltage up to 13 V.

The GreenPAK Design is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. DC-DC Boost & Buzzer Driver GreenPAK Design

The HV OUT CTRL0 (Full Bridge) drives a Piezo. PWM1 is used as a frequency divider and forms a 2.5 kHz signal (resonant frequency of a piezo), this signal comes to PH input of HV OUT CTRL0.

The 3-bit LUT4 forms the EN signal for the HV OUT CTRL0. It consists of the sound pattern signal and the general EN signal. The PGEN generates the sound pattern (01010101101011). The EN signal – the general ENABLE signal for the whole design is HIGH for 875 ms (CNT3/DLY3 One Shot) if the button is pressed (MF1) and the VDD is higher than ~2.6 V (ACMP0H + MF0).

The 3-bit LUT9 inverts the EN signal forming the SLEEP signal to shut down the blocks when they are not used to reduce the power consumption.

The 3-bit LUT0 forms the BOOST_SLEEP signal. The Boost will power down if there is no POR signal, the SLEEP signal is HIGH, or the OCP signal is HIGH. The CCMP0 monitors the piezo current and if it exceeds 200 mA, the OCP signal is HIGH (MF2).

Design Testing

Channel 1 (blue / 1st line) – PIN 7 (Piezo).

Channel 2 (yellow / 2nd line) – GND (current).

Figure 3. PIN 7 Piezo Signal (blue) & Current Consumption (yellow)

As can be seen in Figure 3, the VDD2 level is 9.5 V as expected, and the Piezo frequency is 2.5 kHz. The average current consumption is 15 mA. The current in sleep mode is below 50 nA, which means up to 800 activations without replacing the battery!

PCB Design

The proposed Demo PCB Design is shown in Figure 4 (top) and Figure 5 (bottom). As can be seen in Figure 4, the design is so compact that it can be placed under the buzzer.

Figure 4. Boost & Buzzer Driver Demo PCB Design (Top Side)
Figure 5. Boost & Buzzer Driver Demo PCB Design (Bottom Side)

List of Materials Used to Manufacture a Boost & Buzzer Driver

Conclusion

This article outlines the configuration process for the HVPAK SLG47105 to establish a Boost & Buzzer Driver device compatible with a single 3V CR2032 battery. By its notably low current consumption, it can accommodate up to 800 activations without necessitating battery replacement.

The internal resources of the device offer considerable flexibility, facilitating seamless adaptation to the specific requirements of users.

New Incremental Encoder Supports Smaller Shaft Sizes from 1 to 6.35 mm

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CUI Devices’ Motion and Control Group today announced the introduction of a new model to its AMT incremental encoder family that supports smaller motor shaft sizes from 1 mm to 6.35 mm (1/4 inch). The AMT12 series, based on CUI Devices’ proprietary capacitive ASIC technology, brings the same high levels of durability, accuracy, and immunity to environmental particulates as current AMT encoder models in an even more compact 22.2 x 22.2 x 12.8 mm package. Thanks to its 16 programmable resolutions from 96 to 4096 PPR and low current consumption of 16 mA at 5 V, the AMT12 incremental encoder is ideally suited for a variety of robotics, industrial, and automation applications.

Available in radial or axial orientations, the AMT12 series carries a wide -40 to +125°C operating temperature range and single-ended quadrature A/B output channels. Its digital nature and compatibility with CUI Devices’ AMT Viewpoint™ software makes the AMT12 encoder highly customizable with the ability to easily configure the resolution and set the zero position.

Summary

  • Product name: AMT12 Series, AMT12-V Kit
  • Availability: Stock to 8 weeks
  • Possible users: Robotics, industrial, automation applications
  • Primary features: Supports shaft sizes from 1 to 6.35 mm, compact 22 mm package
  • Cost: $21.66 per unit at 100 pieces through distribution

The AMT12-V kit affords users further flexibility in their design with the support of 8 different sleeve bore sizes from 1 mm to 6 mm and simple mounting tools to assist in the easy installation process onto a motor.

The AMT12 series is available immediately with prices starting at $21.66 per unit at 100 pieces through distribution. Please contact CUI Devices for OEM pricing.

For helpful resources and tools on encoders and motion control, check out our Resource Library which houses a range of blog posts, videos, and more. Or for specific questions on our AMT encoder line, search our AMT FAQ page.

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