Page 312 – Electronics-Lab.com

Himax WE-I Plus EVB: Computer vision and AI on the Edge

Posted on 18 January, 202118 January, 2021 by Micael Coutinho

Edge computing has many great advantages. When you take some resource-heavy work from servers and let your less capable but still slightly powerful microcontrollers, you end up freeing server resources. Also, depending on what you are doing, you can get away with not using a server at all! There is a lot you can do these days, when it comes to AI and machine learning on the edge. A great example of it lies on the Himax WE-I Plus EVB development board, which we will take a look today.

The Himax We-I Plus EVB is a small, yet powerful development board for AI and computer vision applications. Being developed by Sparkfun, it makes use of Google Tensorflow Lite for Microcontrollers framework and Synopsys embARC MLI library, it contains all the necessary ingredients for your computer vision projects. It makes use of a WE-I Plus ASIC with an embedded DSP developed by Synopsys running at 400 MHz and some beefy 2 MB internal SRAM and Flash to deploy your neural network models. Regarding peripherals, you have at your disposal a CMOS image sensor capable of delivering 640 x 480 pixel images at 60 frames per second, along with a 3-axis accelerometer, and 2 microphone sensors.

Taking a detailed glance at the specs:

WE-I Plus ASIC (HX6537-A) – ARC 32-bit EM9D DSP with FPU, clocked at 400 MHz
Memories – 2 MB SRAM and 2MB Flash
Himax HM0360 AoS TM ultra-low power CCM – 1 / 6” CMOS sensor, with 640 x 480 pixel resolution at 60 FPS
FTDI USB to SPI / I2C / UART bridge
STM LSM9DS1 3-axis accelerometer
2x microphones (L/R)
2x LED’s
Expansion: 1x I2C port, 3x GPIO, power and ground pins

The Himax WE-I Plus EVB's size really is impressive — The Himax WE-I Plus EVB’s size really is impressive

Now, besides the interesting hardware package it proves to be, a means to develop your projects easily and fast is still needed. This is where its integration with Edge Impulse comes in. Being the leading development platform for machine learning on edge devices, based on TinyML (which you can read about below), making this process a lot easier for you. There, you can train models with the datasets collected with your edge device and then deploy them on your device with almost no hassle. It is a very powerful tool, whether if you are taking your first steps in machine learning or an advanced developer, so I recommend you give it a try. It has a free tier, so you have nothing to lose.

As some final thoughts on the Himax We-I Plus EVB, it comes at a price of $65, which seems reasonable, considering you can fit it almost anywhere and also its processing capabilities.

TinyML article: https://www.electronics-lab.com/tinyml-enables-ai-in-smallest-endpoint-devices/
Himax WE-I Plus EVB link: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/17256
Edge Impulse link: https://www.edgeimpulse.com/

DFI’s AL05P is a 2.5-inch Pico-ITX SBC with PoE and an Apollo Lake Processor

Posted on 18 January, 2021 by Emmanuel Odunlade

DFI has launched AL05P – a 2.5-inch Pico-ITX SBC that offers PoE and is powered by an Intel Atom® Processor E3900 Series.

AL05P is not the first Intel Apollo Lake Pico-ITX board to appear in the market, but it is amongst the first to come with a PoE support (Power-over-Ethernet). The Linux-ready AL05P board is equipped with 4GB RAM, up to 64GB eMMC, a mini DisplayPort output, two USB 3.1, one GbE port with isolated PoE, and one mini PCIe for seamless and stable operations. The board also has an extended temperature range of -20 to 70°C that seems to be absent in many of the small SBCs with PoE.

Highlights:

Intel® Pentium®/Celeron®/Intel Atom® Processor E3900
Support LPDDR4 memory down up to 4GB
Rich I/O: 1 LAN, 1 COM, 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0
Expansion and Storage: 1 Mini PCIe, 1 SMBus, 1 eMMC
PoE single board solution support PoE PD 48VDC
15-Year CPU Life Cycle Support Until Q4′ 31 (Based on Intel IOTG Roadmap)

Features and Specifications include:

Any of the following SoCs:
- Intel Atom x5-E3940 processor, quad-core, 2MB cache, 1.6/1.8 GHz, Intel HD Graphics; 9.5W TDP
- Intel Atom x5-E3930 processor, dual-core, 2MB cache, 1.3/1.8 GHz, Intel HD Graphics; 6.5W TDP
- Intel Pentium N4200 processor, quad-core, 2MB cache, 1.1/2.5 GHz, Intel HD Graphics; 6W TDP
- Intel Celeron N3350 processor, dual-core, 2MB cache, 1.1/2.4 GHz, Intel HD Graphics, 6W TDP
Up to 4GB LPDDR4-2400 via single channel
16GB/32GB/64GB eMMC
128 Mbit SPI flash (UEFI boot only)
Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
Mini DP++ up to 4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz
Full-size Mini PCIe slot
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports
2x USB 2.0 interfaces
1x RS-232/422/485 header
1x 8-bit GPIO
1x SMBus header
RTC + CR2032 coin cell battery
Watchdog timer
TPM 2.0
15mm thick heat spreader for fanless operation
Power Supply: 12V DC header or 48V DC via PoE
Power Consumption:
- Typical: E3950:12V @ 0.33A (3.96Watt)
- Max: E3950:12V @ 1.76A (21.12Watt)
Temperature Range:
- Operating: 0 – 60°C, -20 – 70°C
- Storage: -40 – 85°C
Humidity: 5 – 90% RH (operating and storage)
Dimensions: 100 mm x 72 mm (2.5″ Pico-ITX form factor)
Operating System: Linux, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise (64-bit)

The Intel Atom® E3900 series in the AL05P is of high-performance and low-power (9W), so we expect it to be able to give a real-time response to edge events, handling image recognition and data streaming analysis easily.

AL05P can be closely compared with a similar AL051 that sells for $320 on Amazon. One major difference between them is that AL05P has PoE support while AL051 does not. It is believed that the AL05P replaced one of the two GbE ports found on the AL051 to provide its 48VDC PoE capability. AL05P also has just one (mDP++) with no M.2 socket and no SATA port while AL051 also has up to three display interfaces (mDP++, VGA, LVDS), one M.2 socket, and one SATA port.

DFI AL05P has been launched but there’s no word on pricing and availability yet. You might want to take a look at the datasheet of the board or check on DFI’s announcement page or the product page for additional information concerning the board.

$149 BeagleV is a powerful and open-hardware RISC-V Linux SBC

Posted on 18 January, 2021 by Emmanuel Odunlade

Two reliable parties, BeagleBoard.org foundation, and Seeed Studio have partnered with a leading RISC-V solutions provider, StarFive, to design the most affordable Linux-capable RISC-V SBC called BeagleV. So now, you don’t have to spend several hundred dollars, or even over a thousand dollars to have a complete system that runs Linux on RISC-V hardware.

The $149 BeagleV is a perfect edge computing device with powerful AI performance. The board is equipped with RISC-V U74 dual-core with 2MB L2 cache @ 1.0GHz with 8GB of LPDDR memory, ISP/NNE, PCle 3.0, GbE, and dedicated hardware encoder/decoder supporting H.264 4k@60fps. The processor offers rich and powerful AI features including the Vision DSP Tensilica-VP6 for computing vision, NVDLA engine, and the neural network engine.

Features and Specifications:

SiFive U74 RISC-V Dual core processor running at 1.5GHz and with 2MB L2 cache
Highly integrated Vision DSP Tensilica-VP6 for computing vision
NVDLA Engine (configuration 2048 MACs running at 800MHz – 3.5 TOPS)
Neural Network Engine (1024 MACs running at 500MHz – 1 TOPS)
8GB LPDDR4 (2x 4GB LPDDR4 SDRAM)
1x MicroSD card slot (operating system and data storage)
2.4GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi 4
Bluetooth 4.2
Video Decoder/Encoder (H264/H265) up to 1 channel 4K@60FPS or 8 channel 1080p@30FPS
Dual channels of ISP with each supporting up to 4K@30FPS
Audio Processing DSP and sub-system
2x MIPI-CSI
1x MIPI-DSI up to 4Kp30
1x HDMI support up to 1080P@30FPS
MIPI-CSI TX support for video output after ISP and AI processing
JPEG Encoder/Decoder
4x USB 3.0 ports
1x GbE port
1x 3.5mm Audio jack
40-pin GPIO header (28 x GPIO, I2C, I2S, SPI, UART)
TRNG and OTP support
DMAC and QSPI support
1x Reset button
1x Power button, and,
5V@3A power supply with USB Type-C

Layout

The first production batch of BeagleV due in March will be “GPU-less”, while the next batch slated for September will integrate an Imagination Technology GPU core. The first version will also be coming with only the $149 8GB RAM model but subsequent production will eventually include a cost-reduced $119 4GB model.

Since the demand for the board is expected to be higher than supply, at least for the first batch, BeagleBoard.org foundation and Seeed Studio have asked those who are interested to pre-order now ahead of its May/April launch. They are to fill in an application form with details of their planned projects.

BeagleV will be open-source hardware, so we expect that design files, firmware, and the software will be made available publicly. The board will also be supported by mainline Linux, Debian-based software image, Fedora, and FreeRTOS.

Further details may be found on the official website.

LED Fading Effect / LED Strobe using 555

Posted on 18 January, 2021 by mixos

In general, generating an LED fade effect requires a microcontroller or another expensive circuit. We have built this low-cost LED fading board using an inexpensive 555 Timer. The 555 timer is used as an astable multivibrator, which generates low-frequency pulses, further, this pulse train is feed to the base of BJT transistor TIP122 with a series resistor along with a high-value electrolytic capacitor. The combination of resistor R5 and capacitor C6 at the base of Q1 gradually increases and decreases the base voltage which provides soft ON/OFF (Ramp) to the load. The circuit can drive a load up to 18W without heatsink. An onboard potentiometer is provided to adjust the frequency of flash. Connector CN1 DC is for 12V Input, Connector CN2 is provided to connect the LED. This circuit also can be used as a LED Strobe Light and covert a regular 12V LED Light into a Flashing Strobe Light with few changes of components.

LED Fading Effect / LED Strobe using 555 – [Link]

MPS taps EPC for 48V GaN DC-DC converter

Posted on 18 January, 2021 by mixos

The combination of MPS (Monolithic Power Systems) controllers with ultra-efficient eGaN^® FETs from EPC (Efficient Power Conversion) enable best-in-class power density of 1700 W/in³in high efficiency, low cost LLC DC-DC Conversion

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (MPS), a leading company in high-performance power solutions, announced the launch of a new family of 48 V – 6V digital DC-DC power modules for 48 V Data Center Solutions, utilizing eGaN^® transistors from Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) Corporation. These power modules target applications for high-density computing and data centers, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and multi-user gaming.

MPC1100-54

48 V – 6 V
LLC 10:1
300 W
27 mm x 18 mm
1700 W/in³

The MPC1100-54-0000 is the first in the new product family that will include modules in an LLC topology that utilize eGaN FETs to achieve an overall efficiency above 97% in a footprint of only 27 mm x 18 mm x 6 mm for 48 V – 6 V conversion. A key advantage of 48 V – 6 V front-end conversion includes the enabling of a high-frequency secondary stage that is small enough to be placed much closer to the xPU/ASIC/GPU to reduce the power distribution loss by 4x compared to the commonly used STC topology for 48V – 12V conversion.

For high-density server applications, record power density and efficiency can be achieved with simple, low-cost topologies such as an LLC DC-DC converter. eGaN FETs are well suited for LLC converters due to their combined low gate charge with 5 V gate operation that yields very low gate power consumption, ultra-low on-resistance, and low output capacitance charge.

With power levels ranging from 300 W to 1000 W, these modules are scalable to accommodate a range of high current and high power applications. Customers can add up to three modules to address higher power requirements, or scale down to one or two modules for lower power requirements.

“The 48 V – 6 V module family offers an extremely powerful and versatile solution set for high-performance computing, high-density data centers, and artificial intelligence systems migrating to the 48 V power distribution architecture,” said Maurice Sciammas, Sr. VP Marketing & Sales, MPS. “With the EPC devices inside our modules, we can increase power density significantly to meet the demanding requirements of these advanced applications.”

“Advanced computing applications are putting higher demands on power converters, and silicon-based power conversion is not keeping pace,” said Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC. “We are delighted to work with MPS, a leader in this space, to implement GaN into their modules, allowing customers to increase the efficiency, shrink the size, and reduce system cost for 48 V power conversion.”

more information: https://epc-co.com/

ams Introduces World’s First AEC-Q102 and ISO 26262 Compliant VCSEL Flood Illuminator

Posted on 17 January, 2021 by mixos

ams announced the pre-release of the new TARA2000-AUT family of VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) flood illuminators for automotive applications. According to the company, the TARA2000-AUT flood illuminators are the industry’s first to be qualified to the AEC-Q102 automotive quality standard and the ISO 26262 functional safety standard.

The TARA2000-AUT products are ideal for new optical in-cabin sensing (ICS) systems based on 2D NIR imaging or 3D time-of-flight sensing which support the next generation of assisted and autonomous driving technologies in vehicles.

In Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) high optical power distributed over the whole field of illumination (FOI) means that a single TARA2000-AUT illuminator can replace multiple lower-power emitters. This offers automotive OEMs savings in space, component count, and cost. With peak optical output centered at 940nm and a narrow spectrum, the TARA2000-AUT also makes it ideal for automotive OEMs to achieve high immunity to interference by sunlight.

Features

>4W optical output power in a pulsed mode
4 product configurations fitting different in-cabin sensing applications
High power conversion efficiency
AECQ-102 and ISO26262 ASIL A compliant
2D barcode for unit level traceability

The TARA2000-AUT is also available with an ultra-wide FOI to give responsiveness in gesture-sensing applications for use by both the driver and passengers. The wide-FOI version is also suitable for interior monitoring systems.

Automotive manufacturers can take assurance from ams’ vertically integrated manufacturing model for VCSEL illuminators, which enables ams to make high-volume production commitments without depending on third parties for key elements of its product. The TARA2000-AUT is a combination of a VCSEL emitter designed and manufactured in-house by ams, and an optical diffusor made with proprietary ams micro-lens array technology, all integrated into a single module.

Matching the micro-optics to suit the characteristics of the VCSEL emitter, the illuminator produces a uniform beam with edge-to-edge high-power illumination over a rectangular field. This tightly controlled illumination profile and FOI match the field of view of the IR image sensors used in 2D and 3D systems, so increasing the strength and integrity of the reflected optical signal.

The TARA2000-AUT family of illuminators offers two wavelength options:

850nm for systems requiring maximum sensitivity at the CMOS image sensors
940nm to avoid visible red glow and interference from sunlight

Depending on the wavelength of choice, TARA2000-AUT is available with an ultra-narrow, narrow, or ultra-wide FOI.

For more information, visit: https://ams.com/TARA2000-AUT

ADG5401F SPST Switch has Low ON resistance

Posted on 17 January, 202117 January, 2021 by mixos

Analog Devices’ ADG5401F fault protection,10 Ω Ron, SPST switch with 1 kΩ feedback channel

ADI’s ADG5401F is a single-pole/single-throw (SPST) low on-resistance switch that features overvoltage protection, power-off protection, and overvoltage detection on the source pin. The ADG5401F also features a protected feedback channel for use with digital to analog converter or amplifier outputs.

When no power supplies are present, the switch remains in the off condition, and the switch inputs are high impedance. When powered, if the analog input signal levels on the S pin exceed V_DD or V_SS by a threshold voltage (V_T), the switch turns off, the normally high fault flag (FF) pin drops to a logic low, and a high resistance path between D and DFB is switched on to prevent an open-loop condition on an amplifier output. Input signal levels up to +60 V or -60 V relative to ground are blocked in both the powered and unpowered condition. The selectable POC function allows the protected switch terminal, S, to be driven to GND to prevent glitches on the output. The switch turns on with a Logic 1 input and conducts equally well in both directions. The digital input is compatible with 1.8 V logic inputs over the full operating supply range.

Features

3 mm x 2 mm LFCSP analog I/O protection and detection solution
- Overvoltage protection up to ±60 V on source pins
- Power-off protection up to ±60 V on source pins
- Overvoltage detection on source pins
- Integrated 1 kΩ feedback loop for outputs
Fault propagation eliminated from supply/signal path
- No current shunted to supplies during fault condition
- Removes fault power dissipation
Known and stable output under all conditions
- User enabled power-on condition pulls source to 0 V
- Known state without digital inputs present

Optimized resistance for measurement channel and feedback loop
- Low on-resistance of 10 Ω typical on signal channel
- Low on-resistance flatness on signal channel
- 1 kΩ resistance on feedback channel
5.5 kV human body model (HBM) ESD rating
Latch-up immune under any circumstance
V_SS to V_DD -2 V signal range
- Fully specified at ±15 V, ±20 V, +12 V, and +36 V
- ±5 V to ±22 V dual supply operation
- 8 V to 44 V single-supply operation

more information: https://www.analog.com/en/products/adg5401f.html

The OSLON® UV series is designed to provide efficient UV-C radiation

Posted on 17 January, 2021 by mixos

OSRAM OSLON® UV 3636 SU CULBN1.VC & SU CULDN1.VC LEDs

Imagine a world in which light makes your everyday life healthier, safer, and more pleasant. With UV-C solutions powered by OSRAM OS, this vision becomes reality.

The OSLON® UV series is designed to provide efficient UV-C radiation. It allows flexible designs for various types of UV-C applications in the areas of air, water, and surface disinfection and purification, as well as treatment or sensing. Design possibilities are endless, and range from point-of-use water treatment, automotive interior disinfection to air purification in portal devices or air conditioning systems. The portfolio will expand into the high power range in spring 2021.

Key features

Color: typ. λpeak = 275.0 nm (UV-C)
Package: ceramic package with integrated glass cover
Radiant Flux: typ. 4.7 mW (low-power), typ. 42mW (mid-power)
Radiant Efficiency: typ. 2.6 % (low-power), typ. 2.1% (mid-power)

Additional features

Environmentally friendly:
- UV-C LEDs are environmentally friendly. Unlike mercury lamps, UV-C LEDs do not contain hazardous materials.
Purification and disinfection without the use of chemicals
ESD: 2 kV acc. to ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001 (HBM) (low-power)
ESD: 5 kV acc. to ANSI/ESDA/JEDEC JS-001 (HBM) (mid-power)
Typ. Radiation: 120° (Lambertian emitter)
Chip technology: AlGaN based Flip chip

more information:

LED Fading Effect / LED Strobe using 555

This circuit can be used as a high-power LED Strobe with the following modifications:

Do Not Populate C6
Use R5 2K2 Ohms SMD Size 0805
Use R6 0 Ohms

Note 1: This circuit can drive 12V LED directly, thus use R1, R3, R4 at 0 Ohms, to drive bare LED choose appropriate series resistor R1, R3, and R4 as per LED load current requirement.

Note 2: The circuit is built for low-frequency operation, to use as a high-frequency flasher choose C4 10uF /25V or lower capacitance.

Features

Operating Supply 12V DC
Load 1.5A Continues (Max)
Frequency 1Hz to 5Hz Adjustable (Approx.)
Header Connector for Power Supply and LED
Large Thermal Area on PCB provided for heat decapitation
PCB Dimensions 60.48x 49.53 mm

Schematic

Parts List

SR.	QNTY.	REF.	DESC.	VENDOR/DIGIKEY/MOUSER
1	1	CN1	4 PIN MALE HEADER 2.54MM PITCH	DIGIKEY S1011EC-40-ND
2	1	CN2	4 PIN MALE HEADER 2.54MM PITCH	DIGIKEY S1011EC-40-ND
3	2	C1,C5	0.1uF/50V SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO
4	1	C2	DNP	OMIT
5	1	C3	100uF/16V SMD SIZE 1210	YAGEO
6	1	C4	100uF/25V OR 16V ELECTROLYTIC	DIGIKEY 493-13451-1-ND
7	1	C6	220uF/16V OR 25V ELECTROLYTIC	DIGIKEY 732-8797-1-ND
8	1	PR1	100K PRESET	DIGIKEY 3362P-104LF-ND
9	1	Q1	TIP122	DIGIKEY 497-2543-5-ND
10	3	R1,R3,R4	0.1E OR 0E 5% SMD SIZE 2512	YAGEO
11	1	R2	10K 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO
12	1	R5	33K 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO
13	1	R6	0E SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO
14	1	U1	NE555 SOIC8	DIGIKEY 296-6501-1-ND

Connections

Gerber View

Photos

Video

NE555 Datasheet

Axiomtek’s DIN-Rail Modular Network Appliance Empowers Industrial IoT Security – iNA600

Posted on 16 January, 2021 by mixos

Axiomtek – a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted in the research, development and manufacture of series of innovative and reliable industrial computer products of high efficiency – is proud to announce the iNA600, a DIN-rail industrial-grade network appliance with a built-in 16-port Layer 2 managed switch for use in edge AI inference, cybersecurity and function virtualization. This rugged system is powered by the Intel® Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 and Xeon® processor (Coffee Lake) and supports two DDR4-2666 U-DIMMs for up to 32GB of non-ECC/ECC memory. To boost the performance of various workloads, including massive data transition, computing acceleration and edge AI computing, this future-ready network communication platform supports NVIDIA® MXM GPU card and Intel® Movidius™ M.2 VPU card. Through the modular slot design, the efficient iNA600 can be fast integrated and flexibly applied to the IIoT world.

“While the industrial systems become more connected, they are being exposed to more vulnerabilities. Axiomtek’s iNA600 features a 16-port L2 managed switch (8-port PoE for optional) which ensures the data flows at a pace that will not overwhelm the sending and receiving devices. In addition, this industrial IoT edge computing platform supports Intelligent Platform Management Interface 2.0 (IPMI 2.0) to monitor data transition and operations between servers or systems. It also supports Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) to securely store critical data. This industrial-grade network appliance aims to fulfill system integrators’ needs and meets the changing demands of diverse industrial IoT applications,” said Gordon Cho, a product manager of the Network Computing Platform Division at Axiomtek. “The durable iNA600 is built to withstand harsh operating environments with a wide operating temperature range of -20°C to 60°C. It also has a 24V DC terminal block power input.”

The iNA600 has a built-in L2 managed switch with sixteen 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports with optional eight PoE ports for optimized network performance. To meet different customization requirements, the advanced iNA600 is expandable with an optional module slot upon request. It also supports one PCIe Mini Card slot (USB + PCIe interface), one PCIe x8 MXM slot for GPU card (optional) and two PCIe x4 M.2 or mPCIe slot for VPU (optional). It is equipped with two 2.5″ SATA 3.0 SSD and one SATA DOM for storage. Exclude the features mentioned above, more I/O options include four GbE ports (one is sharing with IPMI), one HDMI port, one VGA port, two USB 3.0 ports, one RS-232/422/485, one RS-232, one 4-in/4-out DIO, two stack switches, one power input connector, and two antenna openings. Besides, the DIN-rail IIoT edge server runs well with Windows® 10 and Linux operating systems.

Advanced Features:

Intel® Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 & Xeon® processor (Coffee Lake)
2 DDR4-2666 U-DIMM for up to 32GB of memory
16 ports L2 managed switch (8 port PoE for optional)
Supports IPMI 2.0 remote management
Module design for flexible and fast provision
Supports NVIDIA® MXM GPU card (optional)
Supports Intel® Movidius™ M.2 VPU card (optional)
Ideal for edge AI inference, cybersecurity and function virtualization

Axiomtek’s DIN-rail modular Network Appliance, the iNA600, is now available for purchase. For more product information or pricing, please visit our global website at www.axiomtek.com or contact one of our sales representatives at info@axiomtek.com.tw.