xTendLoRa mesh-capable LoRa data radio Supports AT commands & MODBUS

A Crowdfund campaign is set to be launched soon for the XTendLoRa, which is a mesh-capable LoRa data radio with support for AT commands & MODBUS.

“Whether you are designing an Internet of Things (IoT) product, constructing a smart home, rolling out a sensor network, developing a building automation solution, or just trying to make your machines talk to one another (and to their SCADA overlords), xTendLoRa will help you avoid many of the usual pitfalls. And if your project has to contend with RF noise, large metal objects, and extreme temperatures, xTendLoRa is likely one of the only affordable wireless mesh technologies capable of getting the job done.”

Operating over the 915 MHz, license-free Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) bands, the xTendLoRa capitalizes on the spread-spectrum modulation of LoRa to derive reliable, long-range, high-sensitivity communication—over a multi-hop mesh—even when faced with significant RF or physical interference. You can use basic AT commands or a MODBUS register map to configure and control its complete wireless mesh stack. This combination of simplicity and flexibility is important to reducing development and deployment times for projects that depend on robust communication in harsh environments.

The device features a multi-hop mesh stack and RS485 serial interface. It enables simple AT commands, compatible with a MODBUS Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) profile, and has Good interference immunity. Repeater functionality is field configuration via IO pin. Devices can be allocated to different virtual networks, and it offers Unicast, multicast, and broadcast messaging. It also offers a flexible sink node setting for gateway Device and enables device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) over UART. The device is hardware competent for OTA, and supports 915 MHz ISM-band operation, 4.5 v to 30 V operating volt, and operation temperature from -20° C to 85° C. It has a fixable output power up to +17 dBm, with receiver sensitivity down to -12dBm at SF 8. Finally, it enables AES- 128 CBC packet encryption, and MUI – 64 modem identity

xTendLoRa’s modem—which, thanks to its RS485 interface, can talk to any device with a serial port—will arrive factory-provisioned for guaranteed out-of-the-box connectivity but with full support for custom configurations. For now, there is not much information about the device, so we do not know when the campaign will kickoff, but hopefully very soon. There is also no information about the price, but we will surely get information when the campaign goes live.   You can visit crowd supply’s page to sign up for information about when the campaign will go live.

Panasonic introduces polymer tantalum solid capacitors

Panasonic Industry Europe introduces the new TPS series, a surface mount Conductive Polymer Tantalum Solid capacitor series. The POSCAP TPS series capacitors feature sintered tantalum as an anode and highly conductive polymer as the cathode.

TPS series also has a compact design of only 3.5×2.8.x1.1mm and a high-temperature rating of 105°C for up to 2.000 hours. The new capacitors benefit from a rated voltage of 2.5 to 6,3V and a low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) of only 30mΩ. The capacitance range is rated from 150 up to 330µF.

The very compact TPS series capacitors aim to ensure optimal quality and reliability that renders them ideal for demanding applications like placement close to the processor (CPU) of a notebook or a very compact desktop PC, for example at the rear side of a PCB or under the heat sink.

Also, IoT applications or wearables can benefit from the features of the new POSCAP TPS series by Panasonic Industry Europe.

more information: industrial.panasonic.com

ATmega328-Based Smartwatch Keeps Track Of Drugs In Your System by Analyzing Your Sweat

Wearables have been part of the medical field for a while now, making the work of medical practitioners easier. They help monitor heart rate, temperature, oxygen levels etc. However, to achieve the mission of personalized medicine, centering on delivering the right drug to the right patient at the right dose, therapeutic drug monitoring solutions are necessary. This has moved engineers from the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering and the Stanford School of Medicine to develop a smartwatch capable of tracking a wearer’s metabolization of medicines, by analyzing their sweat. About the smartwatch, Assistant Professor Sam Emaminejad who is the study lead says :

“We wanted to create a wearable technology that can track the profile of medication inside the body continuously and non-invasively…This way, we can tailor the optimal dosage and timing of the intake for each individual. And using this personalization approach, we can improve the efficacy of the therapeutic treatments.”

 

voltammetric sensing interface

The engineers devised a surface engineering strategy, which enabled them to create a voltammetric sensing interface, featuring an “undistorted potential window,” within which the target electroactive drug’s voltammetric response is dominant and interference is eliminated, rendering reliable target quantification in noninvasively retrievable biofluids (sweat and saliva).

“Leveraging this sensing interface, a fully integrated, wearable solution was constructed to seamlessly render drug readouts with minute-level temporal resolution. To inform its clinical utility, the solution was utilized to demonstrate noninvasive pharmacokinetic monitoring of a pharmaceutical (here, acetaminophen, a widely used analgesic and antipyretic) in a wearable format.”

The smartwatch features an on-board LCD panel for live monitoring and a Bluetooth connection that transmits to an external data capture system for later analysis. At the core of the smartwatch is a Microchip ATmega328-based microcontroller which is connected to a 16-bit Texas Instrument DAC8552 digital-to-analog converter. It also features a Linear Technology LT1462 transfer impedance amplifier, a TI 12-bit ADS1015 analog-to-digital converter, and a Wurth Electronik AMB2621 Bluetooth module for communication. The smartwatch takes advantage of the small molecular structure of many drugs, which enables them to be present in our sweat. This enables the device to analyze the drug due to the quantities found in the sweat, and also detect how much of the drug is still circulating in the wearer’s system. The engineers carried out the test of the watch by tracking acetaminophen (an over-the-counter painkiller) over a short period, using a small electric current to force the wearer to sweat under the sensor.

About the smart watch, co-author Professor Ronald W. Davis says:

“This technology is a game-changer and a significant step forward for realizing personalized medicine.” He continues “Emerging pharmacogenomic solutions, which allow us to select drugs based on the genetic makeup of individuals, have already shown to be useful in improving the efficacy of treatments. So, in combination with our wearable solution, which helps us to optimize the drug dosages for each individual, we can now truly personalize our approaches to pharmacotherapy.”

We can find the full study which has been published under closed-access terms in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) website.

SRG-3352: Bringing Edge Networks Together

AAEON, an industry leader in Edge Computing solutions, announces the SRG-3352 Edge IoT Gateway System. The SRG-3352 offers reliable and cost saving edge network operations, with flexibility to connect edge nodes and sensors with cloud services.

The SRG-3352 is powered by the Arm® Cortex-A8 800 MHz RISC processor. This innovative processor reduces the energy requirements of the system, saving electricity costs and allowing the system to be deployed with solar power or battery operated. With very little heat output, the system can operate in a wide range of temperatures from 0°C up to 60°C without loss in performance.

The SRG-3352 is designed to provide a great value and cost-effective platform not only with initial investment, but also in long term costs. With rugged design and Arm processor, the system provides stable and reliable operation, reducing maintenance needs. To connect from edge to cloud, the SRG-3352 supports 3G/4G LTE as well as NB-IoT to help reduce carrier costs.

The SRG-3352 provides flexibility in connecting with edge nodes. Featuring two Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 2.0 and Micro USB ports, and two RS-485 ports, users can connect a wide range of sensors and devices. With optional wall mounting and DIN rail kits, the SRG-3352 can be deployed anywhere it’s needed. The SRG-3352 is also compatible with popular cloud services including AWS, Azure, and Arm Pelion, or can be configured to work with a customer’s own cloud platform.

AAEON offers customers total end-to-end support to deploy their edge networks, from hardware solutions to helping build and design edge networks from the ground up. AAEON also offers customization and OEM/ODM services to help build the edge network solution customers need.

“The SRG-3352 offers customers better flexibility and reliable operations to bring edge networks together,” said Seven Fan, Product Manager with AAEON’s IoT Division. “Together with AAEON’s industry leading support, the SRG-3352 can help customers build effective and efficient edge networks from Smart Cities to Smart Factories and beyond.”

for more information visit www.aaeon.com

Optically Isolated Bidirectional I2C Shield For Arduino

Optically isolator Arduino Shield has been designed to provide optically isolated I2C communication between Arduino and any other device or sensors that works with I2C protocols. I have used the ISO1540 Low-Power Bidirectional I2C Isolator IC from Texas Instruments to build this project, and the device is compatible with I2C interfaces. These devices have logic input and output buffers that are separated by Texas Instruments Capacitive Isolation technology using a silicon dioxide (SiO2) barrier. When used with isolated power supplies, these devices block high voltages, isolate grounds, and prevent noise currents from entering the local ground and interfering with or damaging the Arduino board. The ISO1540 has two isolated bidirectional channels for clock and data lines. The project is suitable for multi-master applications. For applications where clock stretching by the slave is possible. LED D1 is the power indicator for side two. This board requires two separate supplies, side one powered from Arduino UNO 5V, side 2 require separate 3.3V to 5V.

Features

  • Isolated bidirectional, I2C compatible, communication
  • Supports up to 1-MHz operation
  • 3-V to 5.5-V supply range, Side 1 Connected to Arduino Uno 5V Supply
  • Side 2 Supply 3.3V to 5.5V DC
  • Open-drain outputs with 3.5-mA Side 1 and 35- mA Side 2 sink current capability

The I2C bus is used in a wide range of applications because it is simple to use. The bus consists of a two-wire communication bus that supports bidirectional data transfer between a master device and several slave devices. The master, or processor, controls the bus, specifically the serial clock (SCL) line. Data is transferred between the master and slave through a serial data (SDA) line. This data can be transferred in four speeds: standard mode (0 to 100 kbps), fast mode (0 to 400 kbps), fast-mode plus (0 to 1 Mbps), and high-speed mode (0 to 3.4 Mbps). The most common speeds are the standard and fast modes. The I2C bus operates in bidirectional, half-duplex mode, while standard digital isolators are unidirectional devices. To make efficient use of one technology supporting the other, external circuitry is required that separates the bidirectional bus into two unidirectional signal paths without introducing significant propagation delay. These devices have their logic input and output buffers separated by TI’s capacitive isolation technology using a silicon dioxide (SiO2) barrier. When used in conjunction with isolated power supplies, these devices block high voltages, isolate grounds, and prevent noise currents from entering the local ground and interfering with or damaging sensitive circuitry.

Schematic

Parts List

Connections

Diagram

Pin Function

Gerber View

Photos

 

ISO1540 Datasheet

Adjustable Constant Current LASER Diode/LED driver

I was testing a couple of low-cost laser diodes that come from china and I was wondering why those diodes don’t have any protection/driver circuitry. Those diodes come with a simple series resistor for current control which is not a good idea nor stable. Laser diodes are harmful and should have some sort of constant current circuit as a basic protection for the laser diode. As a result, I built this circuit which provides highly accurate current control.  The module is a great tool to drive low-cost laser diodes with superb accuracy. This circuit can drive diode starting from 0 mA to 115mA, usually, these cheap diodes require around 30mA current. The project has an onboard multi-turn potentiometer to adjust the output current with great accuracy. It is advisable to turn the trim-pot to zero level and then hook-up the laser diode.

Adjustable Constant Current LASER Diode/LED driver – [Link]

Saelig Announces The PF08H1 Facial Temperature Screening Kiosk

This slim, plug and play, free-standing thermal screening system offers a touch-less way to protect environments from risks of illness and viruses via advanced thermal imaging, providing instant body temperature measurements with an accuracy of +/-0.5°F

Saelig Company, Inc. has introduced the PF08H1 Facial Temperature Screening Kiosk – an easy-to-use, self-contained personnel temperature screening device that scans in under 3 seconds, thus allowing or denying entry. Using Heimann sensor technology from Germany, a global leader in thermal imaging technology, the PF08H1 Thermal Guard system detects face temperature with an accuracy of ±0.5degF. This touchless, plug and play standalone system does not require any operator participation, with network connection optional. The 11.6″ x 5.2″ x 1″ Thermal Guard, mounted on a 40” sturdy floor-stand, features an 8”high-resolution LCD display, and provides individual body temperature measurements. It can trigger alerts when readings are higher than normal. With face shape recognition technology, the device can also detect individuals with or without protective facial masks. This provides an unobtrusive way of scanning personnel and makes working environments safer. Access can be denied if no mask is detected. The system can be set up to send an alert via email and/or text when a user has a high temperature or isn’t wearing a mask. It can use facial recognition to deny access to strangers, and also time-stamp employee arrival. The device comes with facial biometric recognition technology using Dual Wide Angle Binocular Cameras. It can support various RFID card readers to allow card access identification.

The high-quality infrared thermal sensor detects body temperature from 32 multi-points on the face with an accuracy of ± 0.5degF. The large, high-resolution LCD can be used as a real-time surveillance visual display. The device can be integrated with turnstiles and magnetic lock doors to provide automated and contactless access. This avoids the unpleasant experience of having an employee or security guard pointing handheld devices at guests, and allows business owners to protect their establishment with minimal distraction & effort. This product is not a medical device and is not intended to be used for diagnostic purposes.

  • Instant – scan each person in under 3 seconds – no calibration needed.
  • Accurate – 32 averaged facial multi-points detect body temperature with an accuracy of ± 0.5ºF.
  • Easy to Use – simple plug and play with a slim, modern design.
  • Contactless – touch-less to the user and does not require any participation from an employee.
  • Mask Detection – unobtrusively way scan employees and patrons. Deny access if no mask detected.
  • Facial Recognition – can deny access to strangers and unauthorized people. Time-stamp employee entrance.
  • Comfortable – avoids unpleasant security guard interaction with handheld devices.
  • Push Notifications – via email or SMS.

The unit can be managed over the LAN remotely by a Central Management Server (CMS) Application installed on a PC. The CMS has powerful capabilities including time-stamping employees, managing multiple devices, registering users and provisioning each device with specific organizational and user information. Security and temperature alerts from the devices can be displayed on the event management console for security personnel to take action. The data can be stored on a local networked computer, with all data kept internal for security reasons.

The PF08H1 Thermal Guard Temperature Screening System with its 40” floor-mount stand suits front entrances and lobbies, airports, stores, factories, warehouses, shopping malls, restaurants, schools, government, offices, and anywhere people are entering and exiting. Thermal imaging technology can protect both work environments and staff – the most valuable business assets. As businesses start to reopen and return to normal, this is the ideal technology to have in place.

The PF08H1 Thermal Guard Temperature Screening System is available now from technical distributor Saelig Company, Inc.

Maxim MAX77958 standalone USB Type-C and USB power delivery controller

The MAX77958 is a robust solution for USB Type-C® CC detection and power delivery (PD) protocol implementation

The MAX77958 is a robust solution for USB Type-C® CC detection and power delivery (PD) protocol implementation. It detects connected accessories or devices by using Type-C CC detection and USB PD messaging. The IC protects against overvoltage and overcurrent, and detects moisture and prevents corrosion on the USB Type-C connector. The IC also has a D+/D- USB switch and BC 1.2 detection to support legacy USB standards. It contains VCONN switches for USB PD and an enable pin for an external VCONN boost or buck converter.

Key features

  • Customizable Firmware
  • USB Type-C Support and USB-PD Support
  • Supports BC 1.2 Legacy/Proprietary Charger Detection
  • High Voltage VBUS (28 V)

Additional features

  • Customizable Firmware
    • USB Compliant Default Embedded Firmware
    • Supports Customizable Actions on Events
    • Firmware Updates for Future Specification Revisions
  • USB Type-C Support and USB-PD Support
    • USB Type-C Version 1.3 and PD 3.0 Compliant
    • Mode Configuration: Sink/Source/Dual Role Port
    • Programmable Power Supply (PPS) Sink Support
    • Fast Role Swap (FRS) Initial Sink Support
    • Cable Orientation and Power Role Detection
    • Integrated VCONN Switch with OCP
    • Support Try.Snk State
    • Audio and Debug Accessory Sink/Source Mode
  • Supports BC 1.2 Legacy/Proprietary Charger Detection
    • Integrated D+/D- Switches
  • Moisture Detection/Corrosion Prevention
  • High Voltage VBUS (28 V)
  • Short to VBUS Protection on CC Pins (22 V)
  • Dead Battery Support
  • Dual Supply Inputs from SYS and VBUS
  • I2C Programmable Configuration
  • I2C Master to Control External Charger or Direct Charge IC
  • Nine Configurable GPIOs (GPIO6 for SID)
    • SuperSpeed Mux/Detection/IRQ
    • EN/DISABLE External Switches or Devices
  • WLP 6 x 5 Bumps 0.5 mm Pitch Package

more information: www.maximintegrated.com

Texas Instruments Announces 300-mA, Low-Dropout Regulator With Foldback Current Limit

Texas Instruments launches new low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator. The TLV740P is a low quiescent current LDO with excellent line and load transient performance designed for power-sensitive applications. This device provides a typical accuracy of 1%.

The TLV740P also provides inrush current control during device power up and enabling. The TLV740P limits the input current to the defined current limit to avoid large currents from flowing from the input power source. This functionality is especially important in battery-operated devices.

The TLV740P is available in standard DQN and DBV packages. The TLV740P also provides an active pulldown circuit to quickly discharge output loads.

Features

  • Foldback overcurrent protection
  • Packages:
    • 1-mm × 1-mm, 4-pin X2SON (preview)
    • 5-pin SOT-23
  • Very low dropout: 460 mV at 300 mA
  • Accuracy: 1%
  • Low IQ: 50 μA
  • Input voltage range: 1.4 V to 5.5 V
  • Available in fixed-output voltages: 1 V to 3.3 V
  • High PSRR: 65 dB at 1 kHz
  • Active output discharge

more information: https://www.ti.com/product/TLV740P

802.11bgn Cortex®-M4F Wi-Fi Modules

TAIYO YUDEN’s modules feature an onboard antenna and filter to reduce the components required for wireless designs

TAIYO YUDEN’s 802.11bgn Cortex-M4F Wi-Fi modules feature an onboard antenna and filter to reduce the number of supported components to be integrated into wireless designs. Based on the NXP 88MW320, embedded Arm® Cortex-M4F processor can help drive applications. FCC, ISED, and Japan pre-certified, optional embedded TAIYO YUDEN software can help simplify designs.

Features

  • IEEE802.11b/g/n module with onboard trace antenna and band pass filter
  • NXP 88MW320 SOC with embedded Arm Cortex-M4F processor
  • FCC, ISED, and Japan pre-certified
  • Optional integrated WLAN driver, OS, and protocol stack
  • Interface: UART
  • Outline: 21.4 mm x 14.0 mm x 2.4 mm (max)
  • Output power: 15 dBm (11 b), 9 dBM (11 g), 9 dBM (11 n)
  • Operating temperature range: -30°C to +85°C

Applications

  • Smart homes
  • Industrial
  • Smart devices
  • Smart appliances
  • Smart accessories
  • Gateways

more information: www.digikey.tw

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