Page 180 – Electronics-Lab.com

Orbex Group Introduces Ultra-Small Pancake-style Gimbal Motors

Posted on 17 February, 2022 by mixos

Orbex Group has introduced a line of ultra-compact high-performance gimbal motors. Featuring a pancake-style form factor, the motors are wound to operate at low speeds typical for gimbals while exhibiting a high torque constant for fast response when needed.

The new gimbal motors are engineered to minimize cogging torque, ensuring smooth rotation for stable imaging or pointing. Because these brushless motors are electronically commutated, they can change speeds quickly and offer exceptional reliability. Orbex gimbal motors are also lightweight — an important characteristic for drones, UAVs and other airborne craft that need to maximize flight time.

Orbex gimbal motors are available in two sizes: 16 millimeters (OD) by 10 millimeters (H) and 26 millimeters (OD) by 12 millimeters (H). In addition to these standard units, Orbex can engineer your motor according to your application’s needs, with special windings, connector configurations or mounting interfaces. The motors also allow users to easily integrate a magnetic encoder for feedback.

For more information, visit www.orbexgroup.com.

INA350 – Tiny and low-power (100 µA) selectable gain instrumentation amplifier

Posted on 15 February, 2022 by mixos

INA350 is a selectable-gain instrumentation amplifier that offers four gain options across INA350ABS and INA350CDS variants available in small packages. INA350ABS has gain options of 10 or 20 and INA350CDS has gain options of 30 or 50. These gain options can be selected by toggling the gain select (GS) pin. INA350 is ideal for bridge-type sensing and for differential to single-ended conversion applications.

Built with precision matched integrated resistors, INA350 saves on BOM costs, pick-and-place machine handling costs, and board space by removing the need for precise or closely-matched external resistors. The device interface directly to low-speed, 10-bit to 14-bit, analog-to-digital converters (ADC) and is ideal for replacing the discrete implementation of instrumentation amplifiers built with commodity amplifiers and discrete resistors.

Designed with the three-amplifier architecture, INA350 is optimized for delivering performance. It achieves 85 dB of minimum CMRR and 0.6% of maximum gain error, along with 1.2 mV of maximum offset across all gain options, while consuming just 125 µA of maximum quiescent current. It has an integrated shutdown option to turn off the amplifier when idle for additional power savings in battery powered applications.

Features

Ideal for size, cost, and power conscious designs
Selectable gain options
- G = 10 or G = 20 (INA350ABS)
- G = 30 or G = 50 (INA350CDS)
Space saving ultra-small package options
- 10-pin X2QFN (RUG) – 3 mm²
- 8-pin WSON (DSG) – 4 mm²
- 8-pin SOT23-THN (DDF) – 4.64 mm²
Optimized performance for 10-bit to 14-bit systems
- CMRR: 95 dB (typ) across all gains
- Offset voltage: 0.2 mV (typ) across all gains
- Gain error (typ):
  - 0.05% for G = 10; 0.06% for G = 20
  - 0.075% for G = 30; 0.082% for G = 50
Bandwidth: 100 kHz for G = 10 (typ)
Drives 500 pF with less than 20% overshoot (typ)
Optimized quiescent current: 100 µA (typ)
Shutdown option for power conscious applications
Supply range: 1.8 V (±0.9 V) to 5.5 V (±2.75 V)
Specified temperature range: –40°C to 125°C

Block Diagram

more information: https://www.ti.com/product/INA350

Texas Instruments TPS61023 3A Boost Converters have input voltage as low as 0.5V

Posted on 15 February, 202215 February, 2022 by mixos

Texas Instruments TPS61023 3A Boost Converters provide a power supply solution for portable equipment and smart devices powered by various batteries and supercapacitors. The TPS61023 has a typical 3.7A valley switch current limit over a full temperature range and a 0.5V ultra-low input voltage. The TPS61023 supports supercapacitor backup power applications with a wide input voltage range of 0.5V to 5.5V, which may deeply discharge the supercapacitor.

The TPS61023 3A Boost Converters operate at 1MHz switching frequency when the input voltage is above 1.5V. The switching frequency decreases gradually to 0.5MHz when the input voltage is below 1.5V down to 1V. The TPS61023 enters power-save mode at light load conditions to maintain high efficiency over the entire load current range. The device consumes a 20µA quiescent current from V_OUT in a light load condition.

During a shutdown, the TPS61023 is completely disconnected from the input power and only consumes a 0.1µA current, achieving a long battery life. The TPS61023 has 5.7V output overvoltage protection, output short circuit protection, and thermal shutdown protection.

Features

Input voltage range: 0.5V to 5.5V
1.8V Minimum input voltage for start-up
Output voltage setting range: 2.2V to 5.5V
Two 47mΩ (LS) / 68mΩ (HS) MOSFETs
3.7A Valley switching current limit
94% Efficiency at V_IN = 3.6V, V_OUT = 5V and I_OUT = 1.5A
1MHz Switching frequency when V_IN > 1.5V and 0.5MHz switching frequency when V_IN < 1V
Typical 0.1µA shutdown current from V_IN and SW
±2.5% Reference voltage accuracy over -40°C to +125°C
Auto PFM operation mode at light load
Pass-through mode when V_IN > V_OUT
True disconnection between input and output during shutdown
Output overvoltage and thermal shutdown protection
Output short-circuit protection
1.2mm × 1.6mm SOT563 (DRL) 6-pin package

Block Diagram

more information: https://www.ti.com/product/TPS61023

DFRobot 0.96″ 160×80 Color SPI TFT Display

Posted on 15 February, 202215 February, 2022 by mixos

DFRobot 0.96″ 160×80 Color SPI TFT Display employs an edge-to-edge design and offers a 160×80HD 16-bit color display. The display is suitable for wearable projects, mobile devices, and smart home products. It supports the DFRobot GDI display interface and can be conveniently connected to a GDI main-controller with FPC, plug, and play, and is easy to wire.

Features

TFT material, the better display effect
GDI interface, no soldering required
Narrower PCB, easy to be integrated into small projects

Layout

more information: https://www.dfrobot.com/product-2445.html

Texas Instruments TPS1HB08-Q1 Smart High-Side Switch

Posted on 15 February, 202215 February, 2022 by mixos

Texas Instruments TPS1HB08-Q1 Smart High-Side Switch is intended for use in 12V automotive systems. The device integrates robust protection and diagnostic features to ensure output port protection, even during harmful events like short circuits in automotive systems. The device protects against faults through a reliable current limit, which, depending on the device variant, is adjustable from 6.4A to 70A or set at 94A. The high current limit range allows for usage in loads that require large transient currents, while the low current limit range provides improved protection for loads that do not require high peak currents. The device is capable of reliably driving a wide range of load profiles.

The TPS1HB08-Q1 also provides a high accuracy analog current sense that allows for improved load diagnostics. By reporting load current and device temperature to a system MCU, the device enables predictive maintenance and load diagnostics that improve the system lifetime. The TPS1HB08-Q1 is available in an HTSSOP package, which allows for a reduced PCB footprint.

Features

AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications
- Temperature grade 1: –40°C to 125°C
- Device HBM ESD classification level 2
- Device CDM ESD classification level C4B
- Withstands 40V load dump
Functional safety capable
- Documentation available to aid functional safety system design
Single-channel smart high-side switch with 8mΩ R_ON (T_J = 25°C)
Improve system-level reliability through adjustable current limiting
- Current limit set-point from 6.4A to 70A
- Version F: 94A fixed I_LIM
Robust integrated output protection
- Integrated thermal protection
- Protection against short to ground and battery
- Protection against reverse battery events including automatic switch-on of FET with reverse voltage
- Automatic shut off on loss of battery and ground
- Integrated output clamp to demagnetize inductive loads
- Configurable fault handling
Analog sense output can be configured to accurately measure
- Load current
- Device temperature
Provides fault indication through SNS pin or FLT pin
- Detection of open load and short-to-battery

Block Diagram

more information: https://www.ti.com/product/TPS1HB08-Q1

TPSM63606 High-Density 6 A Power Module

Posted on 14 February, 2022 by mixos

Texas Instruments’ module is a highly-integrated 36 V DC/DC solution that comes in an enhanced HotRod™ QFN package

Texas Instruments’ TPSM63606 is a highly integrated 6 A, DC/DC synchronous buck power module that combines power MOSFETs, a shielded inductor, and passives in an enhanced HotRod QFN package. The module has pins for V_IN and V_OUT that are located at the corners of the package for optimized input and output capacitor layout placement. The four larger thermal pads beneath the module enable a simple layout and easy handling in manufacturing. With an output voltage range of 1 V to 16 V, the TPSM63606 is designed to quickly and easily implement a low-EMI design in a small PCB footprint. The total solution requires as few as four external components and eliminates the magnetics and compensation part selection from the design process.

Although designed for small size and simplicity in space-constrained applications, the TPSM63606 module offers many features for robust performance including precision enable with hysteresis for adjustable input voltage UVLO, resistor-programmable switch node slew rate, and a spread-spectrum option for improved EMI. The integrated V_CC, bootstrap, and input capacitors provide increased reliability and higher density, constant switching frequency over the full load current range, and a PGOOD indicator for sequencing, fault protection, and output voltage monitoring.

Features

Functional safety-capable: documentation available to aid functional safety system design
Versatile 36 V_IN, 6 A_OUT synchronous buck module:
- Integrated MOSFETs, an inductor, and a controller
- Adjustable output voltage range: 1 V to 16 V
- Package: 5.0 mm x 5.5 mm x 4 mm over-molded QFN
- Junction temperature range: -40°C to +125°C
- Adjustable frequency range: 200 kHz to 2.2 MHz
- Negative output voltage capability
Ultra-high efficiency across the full load range:
- Peak efficiency: 95%+
- External bias option for improved efficiency
- Shutdown quiescent current: 0.6 µA (typ.)
Ultra-low conducted and radiated EMI signatures:
- Low-noise package with dual input paths and integrated capacitors reduces switch ringing
- Spread-spectrum modulation (S-suffix)
- Resistor-adjustable switch-node slew rate
- Meets CISPR 11 and 32 Class B emissions
Suitable for scalable power supplies:
- Pin-compatible with the TPSM63604 (36 V, 4 A)
Inherent protection features for robust design:
- Precision enable input and open-drain PGOOD indicator for sequencing, control, and V_IN UVLO
- Overcurrent and thermal shutdown protection

more information: https://www.ti.com/product/TPSM63606

Analog Devices LT8333 Current-Mode DC-DC Converter

Posted on 14 February, 2022 by mixos

Analog Devices Inc. LT8333 Current-Mode DC-DC Converter integrates a 40V, 3A power switch and operates from a 2.8V to 40V input. With a unique single feedback pin architecture, this device is capable of Boost, SEPIC, or inverting configurations. Burst Mode® operation consumes as low as 9μA quiescent current to maintain high efficiency at very low output currents while keeping typical output ripple below 15mV.

The LT8333 operates over an input range of 2.8V to 40V, suitable for automotive, telecom, and industrial applications. The converter provides adjustable and synchronizable operation from 300kHz to 2MHz with the SSFM option. The LT8333 integrates other features such as programmable soft-start, bias pin, and input undervoltage lockout. The device can exhibit a low quiescent current down to 9μA in Burst Mode and 1μA in shutdown, making it ideal for battery-operated systems.

The Analog Devices Inc. LT8333 Current-Mode DC-DC Converter is available in a thermally enhanced 3mm x 3mm Dual Flat No-Leads (DFN) package with a -40°C to +150°C operating junction temperature range.

Features

Wide 2.8V to 40V input voltage range
Ultralow quiescent current and low ripple
Burst Mode operation: I_Q = 9μA
3A, 40V power switch
Positive or negative output voltage programming with a single feedback pin
Programmable 300kHz to 2MHz frequency range
Synchronizable to an external clock
Spread spectrum frequency modulation for low EMI
Bias pin for higher efficiency
Programmable undervoltage lockout (UVLO)
Overcurrent and overtemperature protection
Thermally enhanced 3mm x 3mm DFN-10 Package

Application Circuit

more information: https://www.analog.com/en/products/lt8333.html

High Current MOSFET Based Power Switch with Gate Driver

Posted on 14 February, 2022 by mixos

This power load switch project provides a simple and inexpensive method for power control. It is intended for driving a resistive or inductive load. A TTL logic signal from the system turns the load switch ON and OFF. The project consists of a low ohm N-Channel Power Trench MOSFET FDB0300N1007L and Gate driver MAX5048 chip. The load can be controlled by applying a PWM signal or Logic input.

The MAX5048A is a high-speed MOSFET driver capable of sinking/sourcing 7.6A/1.3A peak currents. These devices take logic input signals and drive a large external MOSFET. The MAX5048A has noninverting inputs that give the user greater flexibility in controlling the MOSFET. They feature two separate outputs working in a complementary mode, offering flexibility in controlling both turn-on and turn-off switching speeds.

High Current MOSFET Based Power Switch with Gate Driver – [Link]

Single Key Touch Sensor using LM2907

Posted on 14 February, 202215 February, 2022 by mixos

This is a single key device featuring a touch ON (Momentary) output. The project is built using the LM2907 chip. The board provides stable sensing and has a wide working power supply range 5V to 12V DC and consumes 20mA. D1 power LED, D2 function LED.

Touch sensors are used in many applications, from remote controls, LED light controls to appliance control panels. This is a simple solution to replace a mechanical button and can be implemented in a wide variety of applications. The sensor provides a great user experience. It is easy and more convenient to use as it has no moving mechanical parts.

Single Key Touch Sensor using LM2907 – [Link]

End-to-End Circuit Testing Using Zoolark

Posted on 14 February, 2022 by Saumitra Jagdale

Zoolark is a lean integrated implementation of Function Generators and Oscilloscopes. It is extremely handy for testing circuits without waiting in line for the high-end equipment at the lab.

The use of function generators and Oscilloscopes is to test circuits in an isolated environment. A function generator mimics the real expected input. Oscilloscope records the circuit output in a visual format.

Zoolark has it all, just smaller in size. It is an abstraction of useful features without the unnecessary high-end stuff.

Device Overview

There are 5 modes: Function Generator, Oscilloscope, FFT, PWM, DC Offset. It has a Type-C USB port for charging/UART communication for debugging mode, a 3-way toggle to increment, decrement and confirm values, and a dedicated debugging port.

In Function Generator mode, Zoolark can mimic 3 input waveforms: Triangular, Square and Sinusoidal. It can generate frequencies in the range 0.1Hz to 1MHz. Amplitudes and DC Bias range from -4.0V to 4.0V. It has a DC impedance of 50 Ohm and the input signal to the circuit is in WAV format.

In Oscilloscope mode, Zoolark can record signals with a max peak-to-peak amplitude of 30V. It has a sampling rate of 5 Msps and analog bandwidth of 1 Mega Ohm. It has horizontal resolution with a time-base range from 50 microseconds to 50 seconds, vertical resolution with 50mV to 10V and CH1, CH2 ports for taking signal input.

Sampling Rate, or an average number of continuous signal span shots per second, is a very important parameter. The oscilloscope captures discrete snapshots of the continuous output signal and reconstructs the signal, up to the Nyquist limit. The number of signals it can capture is limited by the max sampling rate. The sampling rate for digital signals must be at least 4 times faster than their bandwidth. Similarly, it must be at least 10 times faster for analog signals. So make sure that you calculate the minimum sampling rate as per your requirement and check if it is lesser than the max sampling rate of the device.

In PWM mode, it can generate PWM signals with a voltage range of 0 to 3.3V, frequencies of 0.1Hz to 1MHz, duty cycle from 10% to 90%.

Developing on Zoolark

The microcontroller used for zoolark is STM32G491. Zoolark provides you the option to customize the UI of the device by programming and flashing the firmware.

Testing with Zoolark

Zoolark can be used to test circuits in various ways – input signals using function/PWM mode or capture output with Oscillator mode. You can probe an output signal on your PCB, DC Reference signal with custom precision, change the PWM duty cycle to adjust motor speed or sound decibel levels on speaker, or test LED configuration by generating various signals.

This concludes the article on Zoolark. Learn, build a circuit on a breadboard, connect zoolark to test out your LEDs or spin your motors. All you need is a table, a circuit and lots of interest.

For more details please visit this link