Page 30 – Electronics-Lab.com

Qoitech ends 199 USD annual Pro subscription for IoT power analysis and optimization tools

Posted on 9 April, 2024 by mixos

Qoitech, a manufacturer of power analysis and optimization tools for embedded systems, has ended its $199 per annum license subscription previously charged for the Pro version of its software suite as it upgrades this to Otii Software 3.5. All the advanced Pro features for Otii Ace and Otii Arc test hardware are now offered free of charge. These include simultaneous recording of multiple power profiles, unlimited time for recording, UART debugging, and many more functions.

The Otii Ace Pro and Otii Arc Pro each combine a power profiler, DC energy analyzer, smart power supply, digital multimeter, source measure unit, and power debugger in one box. The Otii Arc Pro power supply is up to 5V and has a sampling rate of 4ksps while the Otii Ace Pro extends this to 25 V and features a sampling rate of up to 50 ksps. Both are used to evaluate the dynamic power profiles of IoT-embedded systems and the power characteristics of batteries and energy harvesting systems.

Otii tools enable accurate matching of power sources to IoT devices and emulation of real-world operating conditions. This can eliminate or reduce the need to change batteries over the life of these devices, avoiding energy wastage that can be up to 50% of the original battery capacity.

Commenting on the change of licensing strategy, Qoitech CEO, Vanja Samuelsson, said:

“Although software licensing is standard practice amongst test and measurement equipment vendors, we are always striving to give our customers the best experience as soon as they take our products out of the box. Offering Otii Software 3.5 free of charge contributes to that goal. It will not only enable advanced functionality immediately after downloading the software but will save a typical customer at least $2,000 over the operating life of our products.”

Where required, license fees are still payable for more advanced battery analysis and automation tools, either as annual fees or as a perpetual license.

more information: www.qoitech.com

IBASE Showcases MediaTek Genio-based Edge AI Computer at Embedded World 2024

Posted on 8 April, 2024 by mixos

IBASE Technology Inc., a renowned provider in the design and manufacturing of edge computing solutions, will showcase its MediaTek Genio-based ISR500 rugged edge AI computer at Embedded World 2024, April 9-11, 2024. Feel free to visit IBASE booth 3-351 in Hall 3 for a closer look at the ISR500.

The ISR500 is a high-performance edge AI IoT platform designed for smart home, interactive retail, industrial and commercial applications. It leverages the leading 6nm chip design, which is powered by the MediaTek Genio 700/MT8390 2.2GHz or Genio 510/MT8370 2.0GHz processor, to deliver highly responsive multi-core and real-time AI performance up to 3.2 TOPS, enabling deep learning, neural network acceleration, and computer vision capabilities.

The ISR500 integrates a powerful eight-core CPU, including dual-core Arm Cortex-A78 and six-core Cortex-A55 as efficiency cores, along with an excellent graphics engine, Arm Mali-G57. Additionally, it supports up to 8GB of ultra-low power consumption. It supports 1x HDMI (4K60) + 1x HDMI (FHD60) display outputs for real-time video processing and super-resolution enhancements. The system, which is compatible with Yocto and Linux Ubuntu operating systems, helps device manufacturers easily develop new products that meet powerful edge processing requirements.

High Performance. Future-Proof. Empowering Next-Gen AI

Posted on 8 April, 20248 April, 2024 by mixos

Toradex, a leading embedded systems solutions provider, has launched its newest family of pin-compatible and scalable System on Modules (SoMs) – Aquila.

Aquila is tailored for demanding applications in the fields of medical, industrial and robotics. Engineered with a focus on rugged durability, future-proof scalability, and power efficiency, it integrates cutting-edge AI and machine learning capabilities alongside a modern software stack to expedite time-to-market and effortlessly adapt to evolving security regulations.

Aquila is not just about meeting today’s requirements but powering the potential of tomorrow.

“With Aquila, we’re thrilled to push the boundaries of embedded computing. We’ve leveraged extensive market research and invaluable customer feedback to develop this highly powerful yet cost-effective solution for high-performance applications. Aquila represents our unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, delivering unmatched performance, reliability, and value.” said Samuel Imgrueth, CEO of Toradex.

Key Features:

High-Performance Real-Time Computing: Aquila delivers exceptional computing power, rivaling traditional x86 platforms and proprietary GPU-accelerated hardware, making it ideal for applications executing computationally intensive workloads.
AI and Machine Learning Optimized: With built-in high-performance deep learning accelerators, Aquila SoMs enable seamless integration of artificial intelligence capabilities into embedded systems; unlocking new possibilities for intelligent automation, predictive analytics, LLM, computer vision applications, and more.
Industrial Reliability: From the mechanical design and component selection to continuous testing, the Aquila form factor and Aquila SoMs are engineered for long-term reliability; making those a trusted choice for mission-critical applications.
Power Efficiency: Featuring power-efficient Arm® cores and optimized dedicated Deep Learning Accelerators, Aquila SoMs deliver exceptional performance with a small thermal footprint, reducing energy costs and enabling passive cooling designs.
Cost Optimization: Offering a superior alternative to expensive x86 and other GPU-accelerated hardware, Aquila SoMs provide for cost-effective solutions for high-performance computing and machine learning in embedded applications, ensuring a low total cost and minimal maintenance requirements.
Easy-to-use and LTS-maintained Software: Aquila SoMs seamlessly integrate with Torizon, Toradex’s Linux-based software platform, streamlining development, monitoring, and updating processes‍‍‍. Toradex Linux support simplifies compliance with new security regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)

Toradex Aquila AM69 System on Module

Introducing Aquila AM69

The first SoM in the new series is the Aquila AM69, which is based on the Texas Instruments (TI) AM69A Arm-based processor.

TI AM69A processor: Aquila AM69 is powered by the TI AM69A Arm-based processor, known for its exceptional performance and reliability
Exceptional Performance and for demanding applications: With 8x Arm Cortex-A72 cores and a 32 TOPS deep learning accelerator, Aquila AM69 is the ideal solution for embedded applications requiring the highest performance and low power consumption. Featured Applications include:
- High-Performance Edge Computing
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Computer/Machine Vision and Image Processing
- Automated and Autonomous Vehicles and Robots
- High-Resolution HMIs
- Real-time Processing and Control
- and more
With modern high-speed interfaces and about 400 pins, the Aquila AM69 provides the connectivity and power required for harsh industrial environments, all based on a rugged board-to-board connector, with up to 30W TDP.

For more information on the Aquila AM69 and to get the latest updates, see https://www.toradex.com/computer-on-modules/aquila-arm-family/ti-am69.

Rohde & Schwarz introduces new R&S NPA family of compact power analyzers for all power measurement requirements

Posted on 8 April, 20248 April, 2024 by mixos

A new family of Rohde & Schwarz power analyzers is now available in three models to meet all requirements for measuring voltage, current, power and total harmonic distortion on both DC and AC sources. The R&S NPA101 power meter provides all basic measurements, the R&S NPA501 power analyzer adds enhanced measurement functions and graphical analysis, and the R&S NPA701 compliance tester includes evaluation functions in line with IEC 62301 and EN 50564 for power consumption and EN 61000-3-2 for EMC harmonic emission testing.

The electrical characteristics of a device or module are a fundamental property that is measured throughout the electronics industry, starting with the development, during compliance testing, throughout production and during service. All models of the new R&S NPA family of power analyzers meet the requirements at all of these stages for power measurements at levels from 50 µW to 12 kW, at potential differences from 1 mV to 600 V and currents from 1 mA to 20 A. The R&S NPA501 and R&S NPA701 include interfaces for external probes or shunts to extend the range even further. All three models feature a high sampling rate of 500 ksample/s to detect even the shortest transient ripples in output. The 16-bit resolution A/D convertor ensures an accuracy of ± 0.05 % for both current and voltage readings.

The three instruments of the R&S NPA family include the same 23 standard measurements of power, current, voltage, harmonic distortion and energy. Users can select up to ten measurements to be displayed from a total of 37 to display simultaneously on the screen with a refresh rate of 100 ms. The screen contents can be output as a graphic to the USB port, the values can be recorded over time for all measurements with the logging function. The 5V measurement range provides best-in-class resolution for both power and energy measurements. A choice of Crest factor values of 1, 3 or 6 provides best-in-class flexibility to capture all peaks and maximize dynamic range.

All instruments of the family incorporate a LAN and USB interface for remote control; the R&S NPA501-G and R&S NPA701-G models also have a GPIB interface. A complete set of SCPI commands as well as drivers for LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI and IVI.net are available for easy integration of the instruments into systems. Users benefit from the compact form and footprint; for system use, two instruments can be mounted side-by-side in a 19” rack.

In addition, all R&S NPA501 and R&S NPA701 models have maximum and minimum peak values for voltage, current and power. With the PASS/FAIL function, users can define up to six sets of maximum and minimum values to check easily whether the DUT’s output remains within the limits. Both instruments also feature a graphical display mode. In the time domain, users can view the power-up inrush characteristic, the voltage and current waveforms simultaneously, or a selection of parameters over longer periods. In the frequency domain, users can view up to the 50th harmonic, logarithmically if required or as a table.

The top model of the family, the R&S NPA701 compliance tester, additionally provides step-by-step procedures in line with IEC 62301 and EN 50564 for power consumption in low-power modes, and EN 61000-3-2 for EMC harmonic emissions. Users who are not familiar with the official standard procedures can be confident that they are performing compliance tests correctly and that the results are valid. The R&S NPA701 is the only power analyzer in its class that does not require a separate PC to perform compliance tests.

The R&S NPA family of power analyzers replaces the R&S HMC8015 power analyzers, both as a drop-in replacement and to use together as required. The instruments are part of the R&S Essentials portfolio, available from Rohde & Schwarz and selected distribution channel partners.
Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate the new R&S NPA family of power analyzers at Embedded World Exhibition in Nuremberg at booth 4-218 in hall 4.

For more information on the R&S NPA family of power analyzers visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/NPA

Rohde & Schwarz presents new R&S NGC100 power supply series with market-leading functions

Posted on 8 April, 20248 April, 2024 by mixos

The latest DC power supplies from Rohde & Schwarz for every-day manual use in the laboratory as well as for automated applications offer an extremely wide range of functions for entry level instruments. The R&S NGC100 power supply series includes one, two, and three-channel models supplying up to 32 V, 10 A and 100 W DC power.

DC power supplies are essential throughout the electronics industry to provide the basic requirement of accurate and stable DC power from an AC source that may be subject to fluctuations and surges. The new R&S NGC100 power supply series not only meets this fundamental requirement, but also includes features, functions, and remote-control capabilities to support applications far more complex than steady output power. The series includes one, two, and three-channel models supplying 0-32 V per channel at up to 10 A and 100 W power output. The single-channel R&S NGC101 delivers up to 10 A, the two-channel R&S NGC102 up to 5 A per channel, and the three-channel R&S NGC103 up to 3 A per channel. Small and light, two R&S NGC100 can be mounted next to each other in a 19” rack to optimize test setup footprints.

Each channel in the two and three channel models is fully isolated for maximum flexibility. Users can use the channels independently as fully independent, extremely compact power supplies. Or they can combine the channels in series to increase the maximum potential difference to 96 V, or in parallel for currents up to 10 A. Full galvanic isolation means that channels can be connected to supply balanced circuits without worrying about grounding complications.

The basic performance of the R&S NGC100 as a power supply is excellent, both in terms of output range and output quality regarding low ripple and noise. The application support and additional features exceed expectations for this class of instrument. The remote sensing function ensures accuracy as users measure the voltage at the input of the circuit being powered, not at the output of the power supply. Users can also program voltage or current changes for a test sequence or avoid steep ramp-ups to protect the device being powered, or simulate operating conditions.
The R&S NGC100 puts safety first by providing a full range of protective functions for electrical and thermal properties. Users can set the time and define sequences for switching on channels. Voltage and current values for the circuit to be powered can be logged.

All models of the R&S NGC100 have a standard dual interface with USB and LAN ports, and an optional GPIB interface is available for remote control. For external control, a digital trigger supports input in Transistor-Transistor-Logic format to trigger functions such as logging. It is also possible to input sequences of voltage or current changes from an external program. An analog interface with a maximum input of 10V and 20 mA controls near-immediate changes in output voltage or current across the full range.

The R&S NGC100 power supply series replaces the R&S HMC804x power supplies, both as a drop-in replacement and to use together as required. The instruments are part of the R&S Essentials portfolio, available from Rohde & Schwarz and selected distribution channel partners.
Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate the new R&S NGC100 power supply series at Embedded World Exhibition in Nuremberg at booth 4-218 in hall 4.

For more information on the R&S NGC100 power supply series visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/NGC100

Radxa’s Latest ROCK 5C and ROCK 5C Lite Boast PCIe 2.1 Interfaces and PoE Support

Posted on 8 April, 20248 April, 2024 by Debashis Das

Radxa has recently launched two new single-board computers – the ROCK 5C and the ROCK 5C Lite. The ROCK 5C is built around the RK3588S SoC, while the ROCK 5C Lite is built around the RK3582 SoC. The company has made these boards fundamentally different; the only commonalities between them are an 8K display output, USB ports, and interfaces for cameras and displays, along with a PCIe 2.1 interface and PoE support.

The ROCK 5C features an RK3588S SoC with Quad Cortex-A76 and Quad Cortex-A55 cores, while the ROCK 5C Lite is equipped with an RK3582 SoC, which includes Dual Cortex-A76 and Quad Cortex-A55 cores. The memory configuration also differs; the ROCK 5C can have a maximum of 32GB DDR4 memory, whereas the Lite version can support up to 16GB of memory.

Finally, the RK3588S (ROCK 5C) features an Arm Mali-G610MC4 GPU and a 6TOPs@INT8 NPU, while the RK3582 (ROCK 5C Lite) has a 5TOPs@INT8 NPU but no GPU support.

Previously we have covered many different SBCs including the Banana Pi BPI-M2, Milk-V Duo S, Toybrick TB-RK3588SD, and many others feel free to check those out if you are interested in SBCs like this.

ROCK 5C and ROCK 5C Lite Specifications:

ROCK 5C:
- SoC – Rockchip RK3588S
- CPU – Octa-core (Quad Cortex-A76 & Quad Cortex-A55)
- GPU – Arm Mali-G610MC4
- NPU – 6TOPs@INT8
- Memory – 2GB to 32GB LPDDR4x
- Multimedia – 8K H.265/VP9 decode, 4K H.264 decode, 8K encode
- Storage – eMMC connector, microSD card slot
- Audio – 3.5mm headphone jack with mic input
- Video Output – HDMI 2.1 (up to 8K), MIPI DSI (up to 2K)
- Video Input – 4-lane MIPI CSI or 2x 2-lane MIPI CSI
- USB – 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.0 Type-A OTG
- Ethernet – Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support
- PCIe – 1x PCIe 2.1 interface
- Wireless – WiFi 6 and BT 5.4 with external antenna connector
- GPIO – 40-pin header with multiple interfaces
- Power – 12V input, various DC power in/out
- Form Factor – 86mm x 56mm
ROCK 5C Lite:
- SoC – Rockchip RK3582
- CPU – Hexa-core (Dual Cortex-A76 & Quad Cortex-A55)
- GPU – N/A
- NPU – 5TOPs@INT8
- Memory – 1GB to 16GB LPDDR4x
- Multimedia – 4K H.264 and H.265 decode at 60fps
- Storage – eMMC connector, microSD card slot
- Audio – 3.5mm headphone jack with mic input
- Video Output – HDMI 2.1 (up to 8K)
- Video Input – 2-lane MIPI CSI
- USB – 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.0 Type-A OTG
- Ethernet – Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support (additional HAT required)
- PCIe – 1x PCIe 2.1 interface
- Wireless – Not Specified
- GPIO – 40-pin header with multiple interfaces
- Power – 12V input, various DC power in/out
- Form Factor – 86mm x 56mm

As we all know, RADXA provides complete support for software and documentation for their products. The company mentions that it will support operating systems like Ubuntu, LibreELEC, OpenWrt, FreeBSD, and many others. In terms of documentation, you can find more information about the Rock 5C on their docs page. However, as of now, I have not found any related documentation for the ROCK 5C Lite.

Arace Tech’s online store is accepting pre-orders for ROCK 5C and ROCK 5C Lite in various memory options, with the Lite ranging from $29.90 for 1GB to $104.90 for 16GB, and the standard 5C ranging from $49.90 for 2GB to $199.90 for 32GB. Additionally, a Heatsink 6540B is available for $4.99, and a 25W PoE HAT for $18.99. For more details, check the Radxa’s announcement page.

Introducing Mini Pini: A Powerful Wi-Fi 6 Module with OpenWrt Support

Posted on 8 April, 20248 April, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

The Mini Pini emerges as a cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 radio module engineered to effectively tackle the challenges of demanding wireless environments. Leveraging Qualcomm’s advanced QCN9074/72 chipset, this product promises efficient and reliable wireless performance across various applications, including industrial settings.

Harnessing the power of Qualcomm’s QCN9074/72 chipset, the Mini Pini series delivers exceptional performance and reliability as emphasized by 8Devices. Featuring a 4×4 or 2×2 MU-MIMO configuration, it enhances data transfer rates and signal quality through multiple data streams. The support for a 160MHz channel width enables faster data transmission and optimal bandwidth utilization.

The standard mini PCIe form factor ensures broad compatibility and ease of integration. With impressive data rates reaching up to 4.8Gbps, the Mini Pini proves ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications.

Noteworthy is the support for up to 4 download and upload OFDMA users, optimizing channel efficiency and reducing latency. The dual-band support across 2.4 and 5GHz bands ensures adaptability and peak performance in diverse wireless conditions.

The Mini Pini series offers three distinct versions tailored to different applications and environments:

Mini Pini25 2×2: Optimized for standard commercial environments (0-60°C), offering 2×2 MIMO and 160 MHz support for 2.4/5GHz bands.
Mini Pini25-I 2×2: Designed for industrial temperature ranges (-40 to +85°C), providing a robust solution for challenging environments with 2×2 MIMO capability.
Mini Pini25 4×4: Ideal for standard enterprise environments, this version features 4×4 MIMO, 160 MHz support, and a commercial temperature range (0-60°C).
Mini Pini25-I 4×4: Catering to demanding settings, this variant offers 4×4 MIMO and industrial temperature range (-40 to +85°C) for enhanced reliability.

Per the 8Devices Wiki page, the Mini Pini supports Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and OpenWrt 23.05 (OS kernel >= 5.19 or wireless backports >= 6.1 required).

Specifications for the 8Devices Mini Pini:

Connectivity: MIMO Configurations (2×2/4×4) with 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 support, Dual-band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Data Rates up to 4804 Mbps in 5GHz (4×4) and 2402 Mbps in 5GHz (2×2), and Channel Support ranging from 5/10 MHz to 20/40/80/160 MHz.
Advanced Features: MU-MIMO, MU-OFDMA, TxBF, STBC, with up to 37 users per PPDU, and Standard Compliance with IEEE 802.11 ac/ax and other 802.11 standards.
Security: Encryption Protocols (AES-CCMP/GCMP, WEP, TKIP, WAPI-2), Access Security (WPA/WPA2-Personal/Enterprise, WPA3 Personal), and Standards Compliance (FIPS ECB).
Other Features: DFS and Agile DFS, support for monitor mode, explicit transmit beamforming (TxBF), Mechanical specifications (30 x 50.95 x 15.05mm, PCIe radio card, PCI Express 3.0 dual-lane).

Each model in the Mini Pini25 series, powered by the Qualcomm QCN9074 chipset, is available for preorder at competitive prices, making it an enticing option for versatile Wi-Fi 6 solutions tailored to diverse needs.

Waveshare’s New ESP32-C6-Pico Board Shares the Same Form Factor as the Raspberry Pi Pico

Posted on 8 April, 2024 by Debashis Das

Waveshare has recently launched a new ESP32-C6-Pico Board that has a similar form factor to the Raspberry Pi Pico. However, instead of an RP2040 chip, the board is built around an ESP32-C6-MINI-1 module. This little tweak makes the board compatible with a series of Waveshare LED displays, RS-232, NB-IoT, and other boards.

The ESP32-C6-MINI-1 enables the board to access features like Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5, Zigbee 3.0, and Thread 1.3. On top of that, the board also includes a TCA9554PWR IO expander IC, which adds seven more pins to this board.

Previously, we have covered many similar boards based on the ESP32-C6 module. These include the Beetle ESP32-C6 Board, FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6, SparkFun ESP32-C6, and other similar boards. Feel free to check those out if you are looking for ESP-based boards.

RPi Pico Compatible ESP32-C6-Pico Board Specification

Wireless Module: ESP32-C6-MINI-1
- SoC: ESP32-C6H4
  - Type: 32-bit RISC-V microprocessor
  - Speed: up to 160 MHz
  - Memory: 320KB ROM, 512KB High-Performance SRAM, 16KB Low-Power SRAM
  - Storage: 4MB flash
- Wireless Connectivity:
  - WiFi: 2.4 GHz WiFi 6 with Target Wake Time (TWT) support
  - Bluetooth: 5.3 LE and Mesh
  - Radio: 802.15.4 with Zigbee, Thread, and Matter support
- Antenna: PCB Antenna
USB: 1x USB Type-C port for power/charging and programming
Expansion:
- GPIO: 20x multi-function GPIO pins
- IO Pins: 7x expanded IO pins
Power Management:
- Supply Voltage Options:
  - 5V via USB-C port
  - 3.3 to 6V via VBUS pin
- Converter: MP28164 buck-boost with 2A max load
- Power Consumption:
  - Deep sleep: ~18uA above 3.3V or ~33uA below 3.3V
Dimensions: 57.3 x 21 mm (Raspberry Pi Pico compatible)

The company provides a convenient wiki page to help users get started with the development board. Along with that, there is also a hardware parts diagram for an easy understanding of the many features of the board.

Waveshare’s ESP32-C6-Pico board is available for $12.99 on Amazon and $13.49 with shipping on AliExpress. However, prices drop to as low as $6.99 on Waveshare’s online store, and the version with soldered headers (ESP32-C6-Pico-M) is $7.99.

Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C6 Dev Board Features a Compact Form Factor

Posted on 8 April, 2024 by Debashis Das

SeeedStudio has recently introduced XIAO ESP32C6 Dev Board with Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth 5 and integrates Matter compatibility all built onto a thumb-size footprint.

After the initial release of the ESP32-C6 SoC last year we have seen boards like the SparkFun ESP32-C6 Thing Plus, the ePulse Feather C6, the Beetle ESP32-C6, and the FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 and many other built around this chip. but what makes this XIAO ESP32C6 special is its compact size, its ease of use, and its $5.20 price point.

The XIAO ESP32C6 features an onboard antenna with up to 80m BLE/Wi-Fi range and a connector for an external UFL antenna, offering flexible RF performance. It includes efficient power management with four modes, such as a deep sleep mode that uses only 15 µA, and supports lithium battery charge management for better energy use.

The XIAO ESP32C6 comes with a plethora of different features including secure boot, encryption, TEE, and cloud integration like AWS IoT, Arduino, Azure, and Google Cloud for IoT security. It matches the XIAO series form factor, offers 15x GPIO pins, and supports Arduino and ESP-IDF for flexible programming.

XIAO ESP32C6 Dev Board Specifications:

ESP32-C6 SoC featuring:
- Single-core, 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller that can be clocked up to 160MHz
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3/Bluetooth mesh connectivity
- Zigbee, Thread (802.15.4) support
Memory:
- 320KB on-chip SRAM
- 256KB ROM
- Quad SPI flash
- Quad SPI PSRAM at up to 120MHz
I/O interfaces include:
- 1x UART, 1x Low Power (LP) UART
- 1x I2C, 1x LP I2C, 1x SPI
- 11x GPIO with PWM capability, 7x ADC, 1x SDIO
- 1x User LED
USB connectivity:
- 1x USB Type-C port
Additional features:
- 1x Reset button, 1x Boot button
- 1x Status LED
Operating temperature ranges from -40°C to 85°C
Power options:
- 5V DC via USB Type-C
- 4.2V via Battery (BAT) connection
- Charging battery current of 350mA
Compact size measuring 21 x 17.5mm

As of now, the XIAO ESP32C6 isn’t ready to ship and is available for backorder. You can place an order for $5.20 on the SeeedStudio Store, with shipments expected to begin on April 15, 2024.

MCX A: All-Purpose MCU and FRDM Development Platform

Posted on 8 April, 20248 April, 2024 by Saumitra Jagdale

In embedded systems and IoT devices, versatile and powerful microcontrollers are essential. NXP Semiconductors addressed this demand by introducing the MCX A series of MCUs, which are designed to fulfill a wide range of application requirements. This series is part of the MCX Family which shares a common Arm Cortex-M33 core platform and was founded to combine the components of NXP device features dedicated to devices for edge applications.

The MCX A Series is specially made to provide general-purpose MCUs with expandable device options, low power consumption, and peripherals that may be used in various applications.

Architecture and Features

MCX A is available in many versions, including A14x and A15x, with varying speeds and package sizes to meet a variety of requirements. These MCUs act as the primary processing units of embedded systems, communicating with other devices using protocols such as UART, SPI, and I2C. Also, MCX A includes modern technologies such as MIPI I3C to boost communication efficiency.

USB compatibility offers interaction with PCs and other smart devices, allowing firmware updates and data exchange. Furthermore, the addition of a boot ROM function makes field updates easier, increasing the device’s flexibility and usability. In terms of memory management, MCX A has a strong memory subsystem, which includes a Low Power Cache Controller (LPCAC) for efficient instruction and data caching. The result is low latency and high-performance operation, which is critical for demanding applications like motor control and industrial sensing.

The analog subsystem of MCX A is very effective, with a high-speed ADC, comparators, and an 8-bit reference DAC. These components provide precise measurement and control of analog signals, increasing the MCU’s utility in a variety of applications.

Development Tools for MCX A

NXP provides the MCUXpresso suite, an extensive collection of tools and libraries. It helps in the creation and development of MCX A applications. This comprises IDEs, setup tools, and software development kits (SDKs) that work with major IDEs. These IDEs include MCUXpresso IDE, Visual Studio Code, IAR Embedded Workbench, and Arm Keil MDK.

NXP provides the FRDM development board for hardware prototyping and experimentation, which includes on-board debugging, sensors, and power management functions. The board gives developers a platform to test the capabilities of MCX A and create proof-of-concept apps. To summarize, MCX A represents a major development in microcontroller technology, providing high flexibility, performance, and usability. With its complete feature set, strong architecture, and broad development ecosystem. MCX A has a strong chance to promote innovation and enable the development of next-generation embedded systems.

For more information on the MCX A family, you can visit the blog published by NXP Semiconductors.