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Diodes Incorporated AP3928 Universal AC Step Down Power Switcher

Posted on 8 February, 2022 by mixos

Diodes Incorporated AP3928 Universal AC Step Down Power Switcher is intended for home appliances and IoT applications with a non-isolated buck solution. The AP3928 integrates a 700V high-performance MOSFET and coordinates with a single-winding inductor. This high-level integration results in fewer external components and allows a low bill of materials (BOM) cost solution.

The Diodes AP3928 Universal AC Step Down Power Switcher delivers a high output current, excellent constant voltage regulation, and high conversion efficiency. The peak current and switching frequency continuously reduce as the load decreases, enabling superior performance at light load and improving overall system efficiency.

Multiple protection features on the AP3928 switcher enhance the system’s safety and reliability. These protections include overtemperature protection, under-voltage lock function, output short protection, overload protection, and open-loop protection.

The AP3928 is offered in the SO-8 (standard) package.

Features

Universal 85VAC to 300V_AC input range
Internal MOSFET of 700V
1.1A Typical maximal peak current
Maximum 600mA rated output current
Up to 10W output power
<30mW with External bias no-load power consumption
Frequency modulation to suppress EMI
OTP (Overtemperature protection), OLP (Overload protection), SCP (Short-circuit protection)
Fewer components
Low audible noise solution
SO-8 (Standard) package
Totally lead-free and fully RoHS compliant
Halogen and antimony free, “green” device

Application Diagram

more information: https://www.diodes.com/part/view/AP3928/

Picoclick C3T IoT Button Built Around ESP32-C3 RISC-V Processor – Supports WiFi and BLE

Posted on 8 February, 2022 by Abhishek Jadhav

For smart home and automation applications, you might require a user button featuring advanced wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low-Energy. In most cases, this wireless connectivity helps the operator connect the user button to its hardware system. Also, with the recent innovation and adoption of RISC-V instruction set architecture, manufacturers and makers desire to produce embedded devices that feature at least one RISC-V component. As we saw, Sipeed’s Tang Nano 9K does not include a hardcore RISC-V processor but shows compatibility with RISC-V softcore PicoRV. A German maker, [makermoekoe] designed a compact Wi-Fi and BLE IoT button, named Picoclick C3T IoT button, which can be used as an actuator for IFTTT automation (“an automation tool that lets you script actions together across apps and services, without needing to code”) or as an MQTT device.

The IoT button is built on the ESP32-C3 RISC-V processor which is clocked at 160MHz frequency. This ultra-low-power system-on-chip featuring a single-core CPU supports wireless connectivity IEEE 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 5. For the Wi-Fi subsystem, the die supports Station mode and SoftAP mode. State-of-the-art power and RF performance along with reliable security features ensured by cryptographic hardware accelerator, random number generator, and permission control on accessing internal memory and peripherals.

Specifications of Picoclick C3T IoT button

SoC: ESP32-C3 RISC-V processor @160MHz
- 32-bit RISC-V single-core processor
- CoreMark score: 1 core at 160MHz: 407.22 CoreMark; 2.55 CoreMark/MHz
- Memory: 400kB SRAM (16kB for Cache) and 8kB for RTC
- Interfaces: SPI, Dual SPI, Quad SPI, QPI
- Peripheral Interfaces: 22x GPIOs, 3x SPI, 2x UART, 1x I2C, 1x I2S, LED PWM Controller, USB Serial/JTAG controller, Remote control peripherals, General DMA controller
- Analog interfaces: 2x 12-bit SAR ADCs, 1x temperature sensor
Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n supporting 20MHz and 40MHz bandwidth in 2.4GHz band, Bluetooth LE: Bluetooth 5 and Bluetooth Mesh
Power consumption: 3µA in standby mode
Powering options: Single-cell LiPo battery and USB Type-C for battery charging
LED: WS2812 2020 RGB LED
Dimension: 10.5×18 mm

“The Picoclick makes use of the native USB/JTAG-console of the ESP32-C3 and therefore doesn’t need a USB2Serial adapter like a CP2102N or CH340,” the maker explains. “Flashing and working with the serial console/monitor can be done as usual.”

If you are interested in purchasing the hardware, priced at $22.00 on the Tindie store.

E-peas’ EDMS105N General Purpose Microcontroller For Sensing Applications

Posted on 8 February, 2022 by Abhishek Jadhav

At CES 2022, Belgium fabless semiconductor company, E-peas, known for ultra-low-power and high-performance circuits in reducing energy consumption for IoT applications, announced a general-purpose microcontroller, EDMS105N. As the name suggests, EDMS stands for edge device microcontroller for sensing applications is an ultra-low-power device with an active power management unit. Low power consumption both in active and standby mode has made it a competitive choice for sensing applications. This saves power in standby mode and consumes minimum power for processing capabilities.

At the heart of EDMS105 microcontroller is the 32-bit Arm Cortex-M0 processor running at a clock frequency of 24MHz. Tightly integrated processor core demonstrates 18µA/MHz CoreMark performance with a required power supply of 1.8 to 3.3V. Also comes the built-in power management unit featuring inductive buck converters and LDOs for reduced BOM. There are multiple operating models based on the Arm Active, Sleep, and Deep-sleep modes for different levels of power and clock gating.

Specifications of EDMS105N Microcontroller:

Processor: ARM Cortex-M0 32-bit architecture
- Clock speed: 24MHz
- DeepSleep current: 340nA
- Active current: 18µA/MHz
Memory: 32kB SRAM
Flash: 256kB of non-volatile single-cycle flash memory
Communication: 2x UART, 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 2x I2S, 48x GPIOs
Security: 1x 128-bit AES module, Random number generator
Analog interfaces: 1x 12-bit ADC with 8 channels, 1x rail-to-rail analog comparator

According to the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of E-peas, Geoffroy Gosset,

“The release of our EDMS105N MCU is the culmination of many years of in-depth research and development work, and we are excited to see how extensive an impact it will have on the IoT sector in the years ahead.” “This is the first of a series of announcements that are going to take us towards being a one-stop-shop for all the key IC components needed for extremely low power systems,” he continues.

The manufacturer did not provide details on the availability and pricing of the microcontroller, but you can discuss your use case with the team for ease of integration.

Download this free MEMS accelerometers Whitepaper from Analog Devices to learn why they are used in CbM applications

Posted on 8 February, 20228 February, 2022 by mixos

The global condition-based monitoring (CbM) market has experienced significant growth over the past few years, and this looks set to continue. This growth coincides with the rapid advancement of MEMS accelerometers for use in vibration sensing applications, now rivaling the once-dominant piezoelectric or PZT accelerometer. There is an increased demand for CbM on less critical assets as well as a growing adoption rate of wireless CbM systems, and MEMS accelerometers are the key to this. This article will compare MEMS accelerometers to piezoelectric accelerometers to highlight just how far MEMS sensors have come in their short lifetime. Key design considerations for MEMS accelerometers in CbM applications will also be discussed with a comparison of five MEMS sensors from three different vendors.

DOWNLOAD WHITEPAPER

Texas Instruments TPSM8282x/TPSM8282xA Buck Converter Power Modules

Posted on 7 February, 2022 by mixos

5.5-V input, 2-A step-down module with integrated inductor in 2 x 2.5 x 1.1-mm μSIP package

Texas Instruments TPSM8282x/TPSM8282xA 1A/2A/3A Buck Converter Power Modules are converters in a MicroSiP™ power module optimized for small solution size and high efficiency. The TI power modules integrate a synchronous step-down converter and an inductor to simplify design, reduce external components, and save the PCB area. The low profile and compact solution are suitable for automated assembly by standard surface mount equipment. To maximize efficiency, the converter operates in PWM mode with a nominal switching frequency of 4MHz and automatically enters Power Save Mode operation at light load currents.

In Power Save Mode, the device operates with typically 4µA quiescent current. Using the DCS-Control topology, the device achieves excellent load transient performance and accurate output voltage regulation. The EN and PG pins, which support sequencing configurations, bring a flexible system design. An integrated soft startup reduces the inrush current required from the input supply. Over temperature protection and hiccup short circuit protection deliver a robust and reliable solution.

Features

Low profile MicroSiP™ power module
Up to 95% efficiency
2.4V to 5.5V input voltage range
0.6V to 4V adjustable output voltage
4µA operating quiescent current
DCS-control topology
Power save mode for light load efficiency
100% duty cycle for the lowest dropout
Hiccup short circuit protection
Output discharge
Power good output
Integrated soft startup
Overtemperature protection
2.0mmx2.5mmx1.1mm 10-Pin µSiL package
29mm² total solution size

Block Diagram

more information: https://www.ti.com/product/TPSM82822

N-Channel MOSFETs deliver ultra-low on-resistance

Posted on 7 February, 2022 by mixos

Vishay’s N-Channel MOSFETs combine ultra-low on-resistance with high temperature operation for telecom and industrial applications.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has introduced two new N-channel TrenchFET MOSFETs that combine ultra-low on-resistance with high temperature operation to 175°C and high continuous drain current handling. Together, these features offer increased power density, efficiency, and board-level reliability in telecom and industrial applications.

In addition, the 60 V SiJH600E and 80 V SiJH800E N-channel MOSFETs, housed in the space-saving PowerPAK 8x8L package, helps deliver board-level reliability thanks to its bond wireless construction and gullwing leads for mechanical stress relief.

The ultra-low on-resistance of the SiJH600E and SiJH800E — 0.65 mΩ and 1.22 mΩ typical at 10 V, respectively — is 54% and 52% lower than same-generation devices in the PowerPAK SO-8, said Vishay. This results in energy savings by minimizing power losses due to conduction added the company.

For increased power density, the SiJH600E and SiJH800E deliver continuous drain current of 373 A and 288 A, respectively, in a package that is 60% smaller and 57% thinner than the D²PAK. Each MOSFET can be used in place of two PowerPAK SO-8 devices in parallel to save space, said Vishay.

Target applications include synchronous rectification in power supplies, motor drive control, battery management, and power tool applications. The SiJH600E and SiJH800E devices are lead (Pb)-free, halogen-free, and RoHS-compliant. They also are 100% Rg and UIS tested. Samples are available now.

more information: https://www.vishay.com/ppg?63073

ROHM Semiconductor BU27006MUC-Z Digital Color Sensor ICs

Posted on 7 February, 2022 by mixos

ROHM Semiconductor BU27006MUC-Z Digital Color Sensor ICs sense Red, Green, Blue (RGB), and Infrared and converts them to digital values. The high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and excellent IR cut characteristics make it possible to obtain the accurate illuminance and color temperature of ambient light. It is also possible to detect flicker light noise of display and room lighting. It is ideal for adjusting LCD backlight of TV, mobile phone, and tablet PC.

Features

RGB/IR + flicker detection
Built-in IR cut filter
Rejecting 50Hz/60Hz light noise for the color sensor
I²C Bus interface (f/s mode support)
Correspond to 1.8V logic interface
LUX resolution 0.015lx/count (Typ) in the color sensor (in the highest gain and the longest measurement time setting)
Sampling frequency 1kHz/2kHz is selectable in flicker sensor

more information: https://www.rohm.com/products/sensors-mems/color-sensor-ics/bu27006muc-z-product

DFRobot Non-contact Flexible Liquid Level Sensor

Posted on 7 February, 20227 February, 2022 by mixos

DFRobot Non-contact Flexible Liquid Level Sensor uses a flexible substrate with a light and thin design. With temperature-resistant and waterproof 3M adhesive tape on the back, it can be easily attached on surfaces of any kind of non-conductive container whose thickness is less than 5mm. The sensor outputs digital high/low level (low when liquid detected) and adopts a 3-pin DuPont connector.

Working Principle

The intelligent liquid level sensor uses the sensing capacitance of water to detect the presence of liquid. When there is no liquid approaching the sensor, the sensor has a certain static capacitance due to the distributed capacitance. When the liquid level slowly rises close to the inductor, the parasitic capacitance of the liquid will be coupled to the static capacitor, causing the final capacitance of the inductor to become larger. The changed capacitance signal is then input to the control IC for signal conversion, which will change. The capacitance is converted into the amount of change of an electrical signal, and then a certain algorithm detects and judges the degree of the change. When the amount of change exceeds a certain threshold, the liquid level is considered to reach the sensing point.

Specification

Working Voltage: 2.5~5.5VDC
Working Current: 5V – 290uA 3V – 235uA
Output: low (liquid detected), high level (no liquid detected)
Detection Distance: 5mm
Hysteresis: ±0.25%FS
Protection Level: IP62
Working Temperature: -30~85℃
Weight: 2g

Features

With light and thin design
Can be attached on surfaces of the non-conductive container

Applications

Water tank detection
Beverage machine
Water pipe level detection
Scientific experiment test tube level detection

more information: https://www.dfrobot.com/product-2463.html

Raspberry Pi Ramps Up The Production of RP2040, Beats the Chip Shortage

Posted on 7 February, 2022 by Abhishek Jadhav

Eben Upton, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of one of the very famous and successful embedded electronic hardware manufacturers, Raspberry Pi, has published news on January 17, 2022, aiming to beat the semiconductor chip shortage by introducing a dedicated Raspberry Pi store to purchase RPi’s inhouse silicon tape out RP2040 at a very low-cost. Due to chip shortages and increased demand for the compact and powerful RP2040, Raspberry Pi Foundation saw an opportunity to play big. With this offer and introduction to increased production and purchasing power, other manufacturers can now take the benefit of RP2040 to design their own prototype and dedicated hardware for specific applications.

As an embedded electronic device manufacturer, the Raspberry Pi Foundation seems to have taken the step to increase its footprint in the embedded systems market. Even though it can be competitive with its original Raspberry Pi Pico, the integrated RP2040 still in turn benefits the manufacturer. According to the executive at Raspberry Pi, the company is claiming to be able to produce more than 20 million chips at the moment and more efforts are put in place to increase production. Built on the modern semiconductor process of TSMC under 40nm technology, the RP2040 chip is one of the most efficient chips in terms of silicon usage. The chip die is assumed to occupy only 2mm2 of the area and with a 300mm wafer, there can be around 21,000 dice.

Back in June 2021, Raspberry Pi decided to swim in the ocean of producing system-on-chips and the news broke out with the $1/single-unit headline. “This remains the best way to get your hands on the chip for prototyping, and for small- to medium-scale production,” says the CEO of Raspberry Pi Foundation. “But as RP2040 products begin to ramp to scale, and the global semiconductor shortage has transmuted most other microcontrollers into unobtainium, we’ve started to see people asking to buy tens of thousands of chips at a time.”

Raspberry Pi Direct is the go-to platform to order RP2040 chips in bulk quantity which is currently priced at $0.80 for reels of 500 chips and $0.70 for the reel of 3,400 chips.

Wappsto:bit GO – An ESP32 Based, BBC Micro:bit Compatible IoT Board

Posted on 7 February, 2022 by Emmanuel Odunlade

As IoT technology continues to find widespread applications, manufacturers continue to develop various development boards, with different capabilities and features, to make prototyping faster, and improve the time to market for IoT products. One of such boards is the Wappsto:bit GO recently launched on Crowd Supply by Denmark-based electronics manufacturer Seluxit.

The ESP32 based board, similar to BBC micro:bit in functionality and breakout feature, is the latest member of Seluxit’s Wappsto:bit family. It features an integrated NXP MKL27Z256VFM4 MCU with 256kB flash, and an ESP32-WROOM-32E with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a built-in antenna. The Wappsto:bit GO also comes with a Raytac MDBT50Q-512K Bluetooth 5.2 module based on nRF52833 with 512kB of flash memory as additional support for wireless communication.

Thanks to these communication features, the Wappsto:bit GO comes pre-configured for cloud applications with out-of-the-box connectivity to the Wappsto iOS or Android App, over WiFi, allowing users to easily connect their project to the cloud without having to set up their own cloud infrastructure, as device and data are immediately accessible on Wappsto.com, where they can configure their Dashboard or extract data for further analysis.

For sensing and actuation purposes, the board features 20 pin edge connectors that are compatible with micro:bit breakout boards, 20 fully populated GPIO pin headers for connection with DuPont jumpers, and alligator-clip connectors for easy attachment of sensors and actuators. The Wappsto:bit GO comes embedded with a number of sensors including the STLSM303AGRTR IMU accelerometer/magnetometer sensor alongside a temperature sensor, light sensor, Knowles SPU410LR5H-QB analog microphone, 25 programmable LEDs, buzzer, and two programmable reset buttons (A and B).

The board also features 5V pin headers, a USB-C power/data port operating at 4.5 – 5.5V levels, and two buttons for resetting the network and restarting the microcomputer.

Key Features and Specification of Wappsto:bit GO:

Wireless Connectivity:
- ESP32-WROOM-32E module with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE connectivity, built-in antenna
- Raytac MDBT50Q-512K Bluetooth 5.2 module based on nRF52833 with 512KB Flash
Microcomputer:
- NXP MKL27Z256VFM4 ARM Cortex-M0+ Kinetis KL2 microcontroller, with 256KB Flash
Sensors and Actuators:
- 25 programmable LEDs, Temperature sensor, Light sensor
- Sound sensor (Knowles SPU0410LR5H-QB analog MEMS microphone)
- ST LSM303AGRTR IMU – Compass, Magnetometer, Accelerometer
Expansions:
- 1x 20-pin edge connector (BBC Micro:bit compatible)
- 5 alligator clip connectors (edge)
- 3 paralleled 20-pin headers for GPIOs, 3.3V and GND signals respectively
- 1x USB – USB Type-C port (for power and data)
Misc:
- 2x programmable buttons (A and B),1x microcomputer reset button, 1x network reset button, buzzer, Logo with capacitive touch
Power Supply: 4.5V- 5.5V via USB-C port or 3.3V via edge connector and Croc-clip
Dimension: 70mm x 90mm

On the firmware part, the board supports programming with Visual code blocks, JavaScript or Python via Microsoft MakeCode and provides a larger library of extensions for accessories and sensors, more than that of the BBC micro:bit, via its Wappsto Extension Library. The board enables access to the Wappsto IoT platform featuring live data dashboards, distributed and encrypted cloud, and Wappsto Blocks App that allows your devices to interact with each other and the Internet. The Wappsto Block also allows you to build custom apps in line with your application. Its source code is available on the Wappsto GitHub repository.

The Wappsto:bit GO is available on Crowd Supply with a campaign reward starting at $95.00 for a Wappsto:bit GO Starter Kit that includes one board and a USB type-C to USB type-A cable. Deliveries are to commence on August 03, 2022. More information is available on CrowdSupply.