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Waveshare’s ESP32-H2-DEV-KIT-N4 is A $5.99 RISC-V Dev Board with Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth Connectivity

Posted on 4 March, 20244 March, 2024 by Debashis Das

The Waveshare’s ESP32-H2-DEV-KIT-N4 is an ESP32-H2-MINI-1-based dev board featuring a 96MHz RISC-V 32-bit core, 320KB ROM, 128KB HP SRAM, 4KB LP SRAM, 4MB Flash, Zigbee 3.0, Thread, and Bluetooth LE connectivity. All these features make it suitable for applications like smart homes, industrial automation, and many more.

Previously, we have covered many ESP32-H2-based dev boards and modules like the LILYGO T-Panel, ESP32-H2-DevKitM-1, and others feel free to check those out if you are looking for products with this ESP module.

The board also supports Bluetooth LE and IEEE 802.15.4 and other features similar to the SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32-C6 board we covered last month. The form factor of this board and the SparkFun board are also the same.

Waveshare’s ESP32-H2-DEV-KIT-N4 Specifications:

Module: ESP32-H2-MINI-1-N4 with RISC-V 32-bit single-core processor
Processor Speed: Up to 96MHz main frequency
Memory: Built-in 4MB Flash
Wireless Communication:
- Integrated Bluetooth 5
- IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee 3.0 and Thread) for superior RF performance
Connectivity:
- Type-C USB connector for easy use
- Onboard CH343 and CH334 chips for USB and UART development
Peripheral Interfaces:
- SPI, UART, I2C, I2S
- LED PWM, ADC
- Compatible with ESP32-H2-DevKitM-1 development board pinout
Development Support:
- Supports ESP-IDF and Arduino
- Comprehensive SDK, development resources, and tutorials available
BLE Support:
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5 and Bluetooth Mesh support
Form Factor:
- Compact size with castellated module for direct soldering to carrier boards

The Wiki page shows this board’s pinout matches the ESP32-H2-DevKitM-1 board, making it easy to use with many add-on boards with similar footprints. Waveshare also provides a guide to start using this board with Visual Studio Code, using the Espressif IDF plugin for easy development.

At the time of writing you can get the Waveshare’s ESP32-H2-DEV-KIT-N4 from both AliExpress and Waveshare store. On Waveshare the board costs $6.99 and on AliExpress it will cost you $11.15 with shipping.

Milk-V Duo S is A SOPHON SG2000 Based SBC with Enhanced Multimedia and Connectivity Features

Posted on 4 March, 20244 March, 2024 by Debashis Das

The Milk-V Duo S is another compact SBC powered by the SOPHON SG2000 Dual-Core RV64 Processor. The SOPHON SG2000 is a hybrid SOC With Dual C906 RV64 Cores and an ARM Cortex-A53 Core. Additionally, the board features an 8051-based 6KB MCU and a 0.5 TOPs (Int8) TPU similar to the Milk-V Duo launched in June 2023. This new Duo S variant steps up with 512MB DDR3 RAM and 8GB eMMC for storage.

The board includes features like 100Mbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5, microSD, and SPI connectivity, on top of that the board has a 5M,30FPS Image Signal Processor(ISP) for quality imaging and video recording at 30FPS. Continuing on it has 2x MIPI CSI lanes, and 1x MIPI DSI 4-lane ports for multimedia, plus hardware H.264/H.265 encoding for video applications, and audio support via GPIO. all these features come in a compact 43x43mm board with pre-soldered headers for ease of use.

We are not finished with the feature as this device has 39x GPIOs, USB-C power input, 3.3V/2A output with low battery detection, USB 2.0 Type-A (Host mode), and an optional PoE HAT for expanded connectivity.

Milk-V also talks about a camera module that is compatible with the Duo series and provides an affordable imaging solution with its GALAXYCORE GC2083 CMOS sensor. This hardware version 1.1 features a 1/3 inch sensor with 1920×1080 resolution, RAW 10bit/8bit support, and up to 30fps video capture. Which makes it perfect for the onboard Image Signa Processor.

The Milk-V Duo S, Specifications:

Processor:
- Dual C906 RV64 Cores at 1GHz and 700MHz
- ARM Cortex-A53 Core at 1GHz
- 8051 6KB MCU
AI Acceleration:
- 0.5 TOPs (Int8) TPU
Image Processing:
- 5M @ 30FPS ISP
Memory:
- 512MB DDR3 RAM
Storage:
- 8GB eMMC Onboard (OPTIONAL)
Networking:
- 10/100 Ethernet Onboard
- Wifi 6 & Bluetooth 5 (OPTIONAL)
Connectivity:
- USB 2.0 Type-A Host Port
- TF/microSD & SPI
- PoE HAT (OPTIONAL)
Camera Interface:
- 2x MIPI CSI 2-Lane
Display Interface:
- 1x MIPI DSI 4-Lane
I/O Ports:
- 39 GPIOs
- I2C, ADC, PWM, UART, SPI, SDIO, and JTAG Support
Power Management:
- USB-C Power and Data
- 5V Input
- 3.3V 2A Output
- Low Battery Detection
Audio:
- Audio via GPIO Pads
Video:
- Hardware H.264/H.265 Encoding
Physical Characteristics:
- Header Pins Pre-Soldered
- 43x43mm Form Factor

In terms of documentation the company provides, a Wiki page where all the technical information about the board is hosted. They also have their own GitHub repo where you can find more technical details with code examples.

The Milk-V Duo S can be pre-ordered for $11.00 without Wi-Fi or storage, and a Wi-Fi version costs $14.00. SD cards and cables are sold separately. Shipping is expected to begin on March 18, 2024. The company also offers a camera module that is available for $8.00 on the shop.plati.ma site.

WeAct ESP32H2-N4: A Low-Cost Development Board with Bluetooth 5.2 LE, Zigbee 3.0, and Thread Connectivity

Posted on 4 March, 20244 March, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

The WeAct ESP32H2-N4 is an affordable development board featuring the ESP32-H2 wireless microcontroller, offering Bluetooth 5.2 LE, Zigbee 3.0, and Thread connectivity. Priced at just $5.70 plus shipping, it provides a cost-effective solution for IoT (Internet of Things) projects requiring low-power nodes in short-range networks.

The ESP32-H2 is a variant of the ESP32-C6 microcontroller, minus the WiFi capability, making it suitable for applications where WiFi connectivity is not needed. It is designed to operate efficiently in low-power scenarios, making it ideal for IoT devices that require long battery life.

Although the ESP32-H2 has been utilized in Espressif Systems’ development boards like the ESP32-H2-DevKitM-1 and the ESP Thread Border Router, the WeAct ESP32H2-N4 marks its entry into the third-party board market. With its low cost and versatile connectivity options, the WeAct ESP32H2-N4 opens up opportunities for developers and hobbyists to explore and implement various IoT projects and applications.

WeAct ESP32H2-N4 specifications:

Wireless module: ESP32-H2-MINI-1
MCU: Espressif Systems ESP32-H2 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller at up to 96 MHz with 320 KB SRAM, 128 KB ROM, 4 KB LP memory, Bluetooth 5.2 LE/Mesh, and 802.15.4 (Zigbee/Thread/Matter) radios.
Storage: 4MB flash storage
Antenna: PCB antenna
Dimensions: 13.2×16.6×2.4 mm
USB:
- 2x USB Type-C ports:
  - One USB 2.0 Full Speed (12 Mbps max)
  - The other for USB UART via CP2102 USB-to-TTL chip
I/Os:
- 2x 15-pin headers with 19x programmable GPIOs
- 1x UART, 3x SPI, I2C, I2S, 5x ADC, Remote Control Peripheral, LED PWM, Full-speed USB
- Also includes 5V, 3.3V, VBatt, and GND power signals
Debugging:
- USB-C UART
- J5 for current measurement (Note: This feature is present on the ESP32-H2-DevKitM-1 board but not found on the WeAct board)
Miscellaneous:
- Power LED
- RGB LED
- Boot and Reset buttons
Power Supply:
- 5V via USB Type-C port
- 5V to 3.3V LDO
Dimensions: 48.26 x 25.40 mm

These specifications outline the features and capabilities of the WeAct ESP32H2-N4, making it suitable for a wide range of IoT development projects requiring Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Thread connectivity in a compact form factor.

The WeAct ESP32H2-N4 board, being akin to the ESP32-H2-DevKitM-1, likely shares firmware support with Espressif’s ESP32-H2 series. Documentation available on Espressif’s website can serve as a reference for firmware details. Notably, both ESP32-C6 and ESP32-H2 are supported in the Arduino IDE, potentially influencing WeAct’s decision to launch the board now.

While Bluetooth LE functionality is expected to be operational, progress on the 802.15.4 radio for Zigbee and Thread connectivity is less certain. However, eventual compatibility for these protocols is anticipated. The WeAct ESP32-C6 may eventually serve as a WiFi<->Zigbee/Thread gateway, connecting multiple WeAct ESP32H2-N4 boards or other ESP32-H2 devices.

It’s essential to note that ESP32-H2 chips currently available may differ from those mass-produced in the future. Espressif Systems advises checking the ESP32-H2 Errata for any potential issues, particularly for products planned for mass production before March 2024. While experimentation may not be affected, early adopters planning product integration may need to adapt firmware accordingly.

Waveshare RP2040-PiZero: A Compact Raspberry Pi RP2040 Board in the Pi Zero Form Factor

Posted on 4 March, 20244 March, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

The Waveshare RP2040-PiZero is a new board that adopts the form factor of the Raspberry Pi Zero while integrating the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller instead of a Linux-capable application processor.

Resembling the Raspberry Pi Zero, the RP2040-PiZero board maintains a familiar layout with two USB Type-C ports, a mini HDMI/DVI connector, a microSD card slot, and a 40-pin GPIO header. However, it introduces additional features such as support for LiPo batteries via a 2-pin connector and an integrated charging circuit. This combination of form factor familiarity and enhanced functionality makes the RP2040-PiZero an intriguing option for various projects and applications.

Raspberry-Pi-Zero-RP2040

Here are the specifications for the RP2040-PiZero:

MCU: Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core Cortex M0+ microcontroller @ 133 MHz with 264 kB of embedded SRAM
Storage: 16MB SPI flash, microSD card slot
Video: Mini HDMI port that can output DVI signals
USB: 1x USB Type-C port for data using PIO-USB host/device implementation
Expansion: 40-pin color-coded header with 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 2x UART, 4x 12-bit ADC, 16x PWM, 8x Programmable I/O (PIO) state machines for custom peripheral support
Misc: “Clock and timer on-chip”, temperature sensor
Power Supply:
- 5V via USB Type-C port
- Support for Lithium battery via recharge/discharge header
- Low-power sleep and dormant modes
Dimensions: 65mm x 30mm

These specifications outline the features and capabilities of the RP2040-PiZero board, making it suitable for a wide range of projects and applications requiring compact yet powerful embedded systems.

Waveshare offers support for MicroPython, Arduino, and the C/C++ SDK for the RP2040-PiZero board. Leveraging existing projects for HDMI/DVI output (PicoDVI) and USB data (USB-PIO), they provide comprehensive instructions to get started, along with code samples and the PDF schematic in the wiki.

While this isn’t the first Raspberry Pi RP2040 board to adopt the Pi Zero form factor, it closely resembles it with features such as the “PIO-USB” and micro HDMI ports. In comparison to other similar boards like SB Components StackyPi, the RP2040-PiZero offers a closer match.

The Waveshare RP2040-PiZero is available for purchase on Aliexpress for approximately $15, inclusive of shipping. Alternatively, it can be bought directly from the company’s store for $9.99, with shipping costs being additional.

Raspberry Pi’s HAT+ Standard: Simplified Specs and Future Plans

Posted on 4 March, 20244 March, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

Raspberry Pi has recently shared two significant updates: one about the PCIe FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) connector and the other introducing the new Raspberry Pi HAT+ (HAT Plus) standard. The PCIe FFC connector specifications, previously undisclosed, have now been made available and many boards come out to support it. This connector, featured in the latest Raspberry Pi 5 and likely in future models, has garnered attention from enthusiasts despite the lack of official specifications. Some have even gone as far as developing products like an M.2 HAT for the Raspberry Pi 5 without concrete specifications.

Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe Pinout cable

PCIe FFC

The 16-pin 0.5mm pitch FFC connector, which incorporates a single lane PCIe interface, is a feature that was previously known. However, the recent release has provided additional details including the pinout diagram and recommendations for the FFC cable. The cable is specified to be up to 50mm in length with a controlled impedance of 90 ohms (+/- 10%). Furthermore, the PCIe interface has been reaffirmed to be PCIe Gen 2 in both the specifications and the official announcement. It’s worth noting that despite this confirmation, Jeff Geerling could modify settings to enable PCIe Gen 3 functionality, demonstrating some flexibility in the system.

Raspberry Pi HAT+

Raspberry Pi has introduced also a new standard called HAT+ (Hardware on Top Plus), signaling the deprecation of the original HAT (Hardware on Top) specification established in 2014. The HAT+ specification, although still in a preliminary phase, brings forth several notable changes:

STANDBY Power State Compatibility: HAT+ boards are now required to be electrically compatible with the STANDBY power state. In this state, the 5V power rail remains active while the 3.3V rail is inactive. This feature is supported by Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5, unlike older models.
Flexibility in Physical Dimensions: The specification is less prescriptive regarding the physical dimensions of HAT+ boards. This change allows for greater flexibility in design and form factors.
Simplified HAT EEPROM Content: The content of the HAT EEPROM is now much simpler, streamlining the board identification and configuration process.
Support for Stacking: HAT+ introduces a special class of boards that can be stacked, allowing for a maximum stack of two HATs. This enables users to expand their Raspberry Pi’s capabilities further.
Backward Compatibility: HAT+ boards maintain electrical compatibility with older Raspberry Pi models. However, they may require up-to-date software and firmware to ensure proper functionality.

The introduction of the STANDBY power state in Raspberry Pi boards is particularly significant for power consumption management during standby modes. While WARM-STANDBY, the default mode in Raspberry Pi OS, maintains both 5V and 3.3V power rails active, STANDBY mode powers only the 5V rail. This distinction is crucial in reducing power consumption, especially in scenarios where the Raspberry Pi is powered off. Although some HATs necessitate both 5V and 3.3V power, the new HAT+ add-on boards are designed to operate exclusively in the STANDBY mode with 5V power, ensuring compatibility with this power-saving feature.

One reason for the preliminary nature of the recently released HAT+ specification is the pending update of EEPROM utilities to accommodate the new, simplified EEPROM parameters. This delay contributes to the ongoing refinement process. As a result, the finalized version of the specification, alongside the official M.2 HAT+ board, is expected to launch next year.

iBASE IB952 – A 3.5-inch SBC with AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000 Processors

Posted on 4 March, 2024 by Debashis Das

iBASE IB952 is a 3.5-inch single-board computer (SBC) powered by the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000 processors. The device supports up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, dual Gigabit Ethernet, and four 4K displays via AMD Radeon Vega graphics, all these features make this board suitable for enhanced computing and IoT applications like POS, digital signage, and factory automation.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000 series processors are built on the “Zen 2” architecture with a 7nm process, featuring up to 8 cores and 16 threads, integrated Radeon Vega graphics, and designed for high-performance, low-power embedded applications.

The board comes with a TPM chip for extra security and offers lots of connection options like USB ports, SATA connections for storage, serial ports for older devices, and M.2 slots for fast storage or other expansions. It works with both Windows 10 and Linux Ubuntu, giving you flexibility in choosing your operating system.

iBASE IB952 SBC Specifications:

CPU: AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000 series processor onboard
PCH: Not applicable
Memory: Supports DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM up to 64GB, ECC compatible
BIOS: AMI
Watchdog Timer: Supports 256 levels
Hardware Monitoring: Yes
Storage Device Interface:
- 1x M.2 (M-Key) for storage
Mini Type Slots:
- 1x M.2 (M-Key, type 2280, supports NVMe)
- 1x M.2 (E-Key, type 2230)
Graphics Controller: AMD Radeon™ Vega integrated graphics
Video Output:
- 2x DisplayPort (DP connector & Type-C)
- 1x 24-bit Dual-channel LVDS
- 1x eDP (Embedded DisplayPort)
Ethernet: 2x Intel® I211AT or I210AT Gigabit LAN
I/O Chipset: Fintek F81964
Serial Ports:
- 1x RS232/422/485 (Jumper-less selection)
- 3x RS232
USB Ports:
- 2x USB 2.0 onboard
- 3x USB 3.1 onboard
Serial ATA: 2x SATA III
Audio: Built-in audio with Realtek ALC888S
TPM: TPM 2.0 for security
Other Features:
- Digital I/O (4-in/4-out)
- EuP/ErP compliant
- Power input: +12V~+24V DC-in (+/-10%)
Dimensions: 102mm x 147mm (4″ x 5.8″)
Power Consumption:
- AMD Ryzen™ Embedded V2748 2.9GHz with 2x 16GB DDR4-3200: +12V, 7.61A
- AMD Ryzen™ Embedded V2718 1.70GHz with 2x 16GB DDR4-3200: +12V, 3.92A
Operating Temperature: 0°C~60°C (32°F~140°F)
Storage Temperature: -20°C~80°C (-4°F~176°F)
Relative Humidity: 95% non-condensing at 60°C

For the IB952, you’ll find datasheets, manuals, and an embedded computing catalog for setup and info. It supports Windows 10 drivers for the AMD V2000 APU, AMD graphics, Realtek audio, and Intel I211-AT LAN, ensuring smooth operation.

At the time of writing iBASE did not release any pricing information for this particular SBC, but more information can be found on their products page.

Particle Announces M-Series – Multi-Radio Connectivity Solutions with BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRa, and Satellite Support

Posted on 4 March, 20244 March, 2024 by Debashis Das

Particle recently launched their new M-Series devices, including M-SoM modules and their development boards. These modules are designed to cater to different needs, offering a variety of features to support quick prototyping.

At the time of writing this series is built with three distinct modules and their dev boars: M-SoM LTE-M/2G + Wi-Fi (M404) for North America, M-SoM LTE CAT1/2G/3G + Wi-Fi (M524) for Europe, and M-SoM LTE-M/2G/Satellite + Wi-Fi (M635) for global use.

The series also introduces development boards tailored for different regions, including the Muon LTE-M/2G + Wi-Fi + LoRaWAN Dev Board (MUON404) for North America, the Muon LTE CAT1/3G/2G + Wi-Fi + LoRaWAN Dev Board (MUON524) for Europe, and the Muon LTE-M/2G/Satellite + Wi-Fi + LoRaWAN Dev Board (MUON635) for global applications.

All three M-SoM modules feature a Realtek RTL8722DM MCU that includes BLE and Wi-Fi. Powered by a 200MHz Arm Cortex-M33 CPU, with dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi on 2.4GHz and 5GHz. They offer 2MB for user applications memory and 3MB of RAM.

The M404 model, for North America, features a Quectel BG95-M5 LTE Cat M1 modem with 2G fallback and integrated GNSS. The European-targeted M524 has a Quectel EG91-EX LTE Cat 1 modem with 2G/3G fallback and GNSS. The global M635 model includes LTE Cat 1 with satellite fallback and GNSS, designed for worldwide use.

The Muon carrier board works with all M-series modules, featuring a LoRa radio, QWIIC connector, and expansion card interface. It has an onboard temperature sensor, EEPROM, a real-time clock, and a watchdog chip. Power options include USB-C, VIN (6-12 VDC), and LiPo battery, plus it has an RGB status LED and Mode & Reset buttons.

Particle M-Series devices Specification:

M-Series SoM Options:
- M404 (North America): LTE Cat M1 with 2G fallback
- M524 and M635 (EMEAA): LTE Cat 1 with 2G/3G fallback, M635 includes Satellite fallback
- Global: LTE Cat 1 with Satellite fallback option
MCU and CPU:
- Realtek RTL8722DM MCU for BLE and Wi-Fi
- Arm Cortex-M33 CPU at 200MHz
Form Factor:
- M.2 SoM, similar to B-SoM
Connectivity:
- Built-in GNSS for location services
- Dual-band 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz)
- BLE 5 with shared antenna for Wi-Fi/BLE
- Cellular connectivity with variants for specific regions
Antennas:
- PARANTGN1EA/GN1: GNSS antenna
- PARANTCW1: Certified wide band cellular antenna
- PARANTWM1: Certified Wi-Fi/BLE antenna
- LoRaWAN antenna for Muon Carrier Board
Memory:
- 2048KB (2MB) maximum user application size
- 3072KB (3MB) RAM available to user applications
Muon Carrier Board Features:
- LoRa radio
- QWIIC connector for easy peripheral addition
- Expansion card interface
- Onboard temperature sensor
- Configuration EEPROM
- Real-time clock and watchdog chip
- RGB status LED
- Multiple power input options: USB-C, VIN (6-12 VDC), and LiPo battery with a temperature sensor (3-pin JST-PH)
- Mode & Reset buttons for easy operation

Particle’s new devices are now up for pre-order, set to ship in April, and can be purchased individually or as part of a bundle with the carrier board. For a deeper dive into these products, check Particle’s official website.

The pre-order pricing for each model is as follows:

M404 (North America, LTE-M/2G + Wi-Fi): $45.95
M524 (Europe, LTE CAT1/2G/3G + Wi-Fi): $59.95
M635 (Global, LTE-M/2G/Satellite + Wi-Fi): $54.95
MUON404 (North America, LTE-M/2G + Wi-Fi + LoRaWAN): $49.95
MUON524 (Europe, LTE CAT1/3G/2G + Wi-Fi + LoRaWAN): $69.95
MUON635 (Global, LTE-M/2G/Satellite + Wi-Fi + LoRaWAN): $59.95

Banana Pi BPI-M7 – A RK3588 Powered SBC with Dual 2.5GbE Ethernet Now Available for $165

Posted on 4 March, 20244 March, 2024 by Debashis Das

The Banana Pi BPI-M7 SBC is a Pico ITX Single Board Computer(SBC) powered by the Rockchip RK3588 SoC. The board includes an Arm Mali-G610 GPU, and a 6TOPS NPU, designed for high-performance computing, multimedia applications, and deep learning tasks. It supports up to 32GB RAM, and 128GB eMMC storage, and offers advanced display outputs and wireless connectivity.

If you’re interested in similar single-board computers (SBCs) that use the Rockchip RK3588 processor, you might want to check out these: BROADCOM Idea3588S, Indiedroid Nova, Radxa ROCK Pi 4, Orange Pi 5 Plus and some Banna Pi boards like the BPI-W3 and BPI-RK3588 They’re all worth looking into if you’re searching for SBCs with similar features.

The RK3588 is a quad-core Cortex-A76 (2.4 GHz) and Cortex-A55 (1.8 GHz) CPUs combined with an Arm Mali-G610 MP4 GPU for graphics processing. It also includes a 6 TOPS Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for efficient handling of AI and deep learning tasks, making it well-suited for a wide range of high-performance applications.

The Banana Pi BPI-M7 offers 8GB to 32GB RAM and up to 128GB eMMC storage. It supports 8K video decoding/encoding and a variety of formats like H.265 and VP9. It also features HDMI 2.1, USB-C, and MIPI DSI outputs for high-resolution displays. Additionally, The board’s NPU supports frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Specification of Banana Pi BPI-M7 SBC:

Processor: Rockchip RK3588 with quad-core Cortex-A76 (up to 2.4 GHz) and quad-core Cortex-A55 cores (up to 1.8 GHz)
GPU: Arm Mali-G610 MP4
NPU: 6 TOPS Neural Processing Unit
Memory/Storage Options:
- Up to 32GB LPDDR4X RAM
- Up to 128GB eMMC storage
- 1x MicroSD card slot
Connectivity:
- 2x 2.5GbE ports
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 via AP6275S module
Display Outputs:
- 1x HDMI 2.1 for 8K@60FPS
- 1x USB-C with DisplayPort for up to 8K@30FPS
- 1x MIPI DSI for 4K@60fps
Expansion:
- 1x M.2 KEY M interface
Camera Interface:
- 2x MIPI CSI
I/O Interfaces:
- 40-pin GPIO header
Other Features:
- RTC battery
- 1x Power button, 1x Reset button
- 1x MaskROM button
- 1x Fan connector
USB Ports:
- 2x USB 3.0 ports
- 2x USB Type-C ports
Dimensions: 92 x 62mm, Pico ITX form-factor

The Banana Pi BPI-M7 model, equipped with 8GB RAM and 64GB eMMC storage, is now available for purchase at $165.00 on AliExpress and Youyeetoo. A Getting Started guide for this version is also accessible for users.

12V Step-Up DC-DC Converter from 1.8V to 5V Input

This is a DC/DC converter that combines a traditional voltage feedback loop and a unique current feedback loop to operate as a constant-current, constant-voltage source. The project has been designed using the LT1618 chip. The board provides 12V/150mA output, from input supply 1.8V to 5V_DC. The LT1618 uses a constant frequency, current mode control scheme to provide excellent line and load regulation.

Features

Input Supply 1.8V to 5V
Output 12V @ 150mA
Boost Converter with 500mA Input Current Limit
Operating Frequency 1.4Mhz
Efficiency up to 80%
Header Connector for Input and Output
Low Profile, small size PCB
PCB Dimensions 18.89 x 14.13mm

The LT1618 step-up DC/DC converter combines a traditional voltage feedback loop and a unique current feedback loop to operate as a constant-current, constant-voltage source. This fixed frequency, current mode switcher operates from a wide input voltage range of 1.6V to 18V, and the high switching frequency of 1.4MHz permits the use of tiny, low-profile inductors and capacitors. The current sense voltage is set at 50mV and can be adjusted using the I_ADJ pin.

Connections

Pin 1 = Input Supply 1.8V To 5V DC
Pin 2 = GND
Pin 3 = GND
Pin 4 = Output 12V DC

Schematic

Parts List

NO	QNTY.	REF.	DESC.	MANUFACTURER	SUPPLIER	SUPPLIER PART NO
1	1	CN1	4 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	ADAM TECH	DIGIKEY	2057-PH1RB-04-UA-ND
2	2	C1,C3	4.7uF/16V X7R CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	SAMSUNG	DIGIKEY	1276-2970-1-ND
3	1	C2	10nF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
4	1	C4	2.2uF/16V X7R CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	TDK	DIGIKEY	445-1420-1-ND
5	1	D1	SS14 FAST DIODE	ON SEMI	DIGIKEY	SS14CT-ND
6	1	J1	OPEN/SOLDER JUMPER
7	1	L1	10uH	BOURNS	DIGIKEY	SRR4011-100YLCT-ND
8	2	R1,R2	0.2E 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
9	1	R3	2K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
10	1	R4	DNP
11	1	R5	0E SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
12	1	R6	909K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
13	1	R7	107K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
14	1	U1	LT1618 MSOP 10PIN	ANALOG DEVICES	DIGIKEY	LT1618EMS#TRPBFCT-ND

LT1618 Block Diagram

Gerber View

Photos

Video

LT1618 Datasheet

Signal Conditioner for Piezoelectric Sensors

This is a simple signal conditioner circuit for Piezoelectric sensors. The circuit converts the input charge to voltage and the level shifts to the ADC input range of 0.1 V to 2.4 V. The circuit is built using AD8608 OPAMP from Analog devices. Piezoelectric elements are used to construct transducers for a vast number of different applications. Piezoelectric materials generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical movement, or vice versa, produce mechanical movement in response to electrical input. The board shown here is suitable for the Kistler type 8002K sensor. The K8002K is a high-precision accelerometer for shock and vibration measurements.

Piezoelectric elements are commonly used for the measurement of acceleration and vibration. Here, the piezoelectric crystal is used in conjunction with a seismic mass m. If the mass is subjected to acceleration a, then there is a resulting inertial force F = m × a acting on the seismic mass and the piezoelectric crystal. This results in the crystal acquiring a charge q = d × F, where d (measured in Coulombs/Newton, C/N) is the crystal charge sensitivity to force.

The first stage of the signal conditioning circuit is a charge amplifier (U1A and capacitor C2), The output of the circuit is shifted to handle bipolar input signals (for example, vibration measurements). The zero of the circuit is shifted to the middle of the input range of the ADC, using a reference of 1.25 V. The second stage of the signal conditioning circuit is a non-inverting amplifier which provides the output.

Reference Voltage approx. 1.25V is generated through resistor dividers R9 and R11. An optional chip U2 TLV431 SOT23-3 can be used for accurate reference voltage. The circuit is from the Analog Device’s Application Note. Considering the tolerances of the parts, the minimum output voltage (low limit of the range) is set to 100 mV to allow for a safety margin. The upper limit of the output range is set to 2.4 V to give 100 mV headroom for the positive swing at the ADC input. Therefore, the nominal output voltage range of the input op amp is 0.1 V to 2.4 V.