Page 40 – Electronics-Lab.com

SparkFun’s New Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) Is Designed for Hands-On Learning and Educational Use

Posted on 21 February, 2024 by Debashis Das

The Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) integrates a Raspberry Pi Pico W and a 6-axis motion sensor with Blockly, Python, and WPILib for educational robotics development. Designed for tool-free assembly, it enables progression from basic to advanced robotics projects for students and educators.

This board uses a Raspberry Pi Pico W with an RP2040 chip. It has Bluetooth, a 6-axis motion sensor, and controls for up to four motors and two servos for accurate robot movement and connection.

like the GNSS-RTK L1, SparkFun Pro Micro – ESP32-C3, and the SparkFun LTE Stick this board also features a Qwiic connector which makes it easy to add sensors and accessories, customizing your robot as you like. The XRP Controller Board suits everyone, from beginners using Blockly to experts programming with Python. It’s great for FIRST Robotics teams too. You can build, program, and control robots to do almost anything. Its user-friendly design and versatility are ideal for learning, teaching, and creative projects.

Features of Experiential Robotics Platform:

Raspberry Pi Pico W Features:
- RP2040 microcontroller by Raspberry Pi, UK
- Dual-core ARM Cortex M0+ up to 133 MHz
- 264kB SRAM, 2MB onboard Flash
- Infineon CYW43439 Wireless Module
- USB 1.1 Host/Device support
- Low-power modes
- On-chip accurate clock and timer
- Onboard temperature sensor
- Accelerated floating-point libraries
XRP Controller Features:
- LSM6DSO 6DoF IMU for motion sensing
- DRV8835 Motor Driver for motor control
- Connectors for 4x DC and 2x servo motors
- Vertical Qwiic Connector for easy sensor addition
- Line Follower, Range Sensor, and Extra Connector for peripherals
- Power and Ground Pins
- GPIO28 & GPIO22 Pins for additional functionalities
- Power options: Barrel Jack, micro B USB (on Pico W), Power Switch

The XRP Robotics Platform comes with easy-to-use online lessons, a guide for coding, a hardware overview, and 3D printing files for the robot’s body. You can also find the code for the XRP Controller on GitHub. If you want to buy or learn more, it’s available on the SparkFun products page.

Mixtile Edge 2 Kit is A Mini PC, IoT Gateway with External 20Ah Battery Pack Support

Posted on 21 February, 2024 by Debashis Das

The Rockchip RK3568 features a quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 CPU running at up to 2.0 GHz, a Mali-G52 EE GPU, an NPU with 0.8 TOPS, and supports 4Kp60 video decoding for H.265/H.264/VP9, plus 1080p100 video encoding for H.265/H.264.

We’ve previously explored several single-board computers (SBCs) and mini PCs, including the Youteetoo Cyboboard R1, Indiedroid Nova, and FriendlyElec NanoPi R6C feel free to check those out If you’re interested in SBCs and mini PCs.

This 3.5-inch industrial mini PC features Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 6, three USB 3.0 ports, M.2 and mPCIe expansion sockets, and a U.2 connector similar to the Mixtile Blade 3 SBC’s, albeit with different interface routing.

The U.2 connector on the RK3588 board supports PCIe 2.0, enabling USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, SPI, and I2S interfaces. Mixtile introduces a router add-on with four Ethernet ports and a Hi-Fi add-on with RCA and S/PDIF inputs. The 20Ah battery pack, powered via a 12V SATA port, contains five 18850 batteries (4,000 mAh each), ideal for renewable energy setups, offering advanced battery management for safe shutdowns.

Mixtile Edge 2 Kit Specification:

SoC: Rockchip RK3568 quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 @ 2.0 GHz, Mali-G52 EE GPU, 0.8 TOPS NPU
Memory: 2GB or 4GB LPDDR4
Storage:
- 16GB or 32GB eMMC
- MicroSD 3.0 slot
- NVMe SSD support via M.2
Video Output:
- HDMI 2.0
- On SBC: 2x MIPI DSI, eDP
Camera Interface: On SBC: 1x MIPI CSI
Audio: 3.5mm jack, HDMI digital audio, DMIC
Connectivity:
- Gigabit Ethernet RJ45
- WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.0 (AP6275S)
- 4G/5G support via M.2 or mPCIe, 2x SIM card slots
- Multiple antenna support
USB: 3x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0 Type-C (power)
Serial: RS485 (3-pin), CAN Bus
Expansion:
- M.2 (PCIe 3.0, USB 2.0)
- Mini PCIe (USB 2.0, I2C)
- U.2 (SATA/PCIe 2.0, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, SPI, I2S)
- Internal headers (ADC, 2x UART, I2C)
Misc: RTC, backup battery, LEDs, Reset/Maskrom pinholes
Power Supply:
- USB-C PD (20V/3A)
- 12V DC jack
- 12V DC via SATA
Dimensions: 145 x 105 x 22mm
Temperature Range: 0 to +80°C

In terms of software, Mixtile supports Android 11 and Linux containers (Mixtile OS) for the Blade 3, but plans to develop a standalone Linux image due to customer feedback. This approach may extend to the Edge 2, although currently only Mixtile OS is mentioned. The mini PC and SBC are suitable for various applications, including autonomous vehicles, NAS, AI & deep learning, IoT gateways, and routers, with the potential as an edge gateway.

You can buy the kit starting at $212 on the company’s website, depending on the 2GB/16GB or 4GB/32GB option you choose. On Aliexpress, the products are available in bundles for $139. More details may be found on the product page.

Phase-Shifted Full-Bridge Controller with Synchronous Rectification using UCC28950

This Phase-shifted Full-Bridge controller with synchronous rectification carrier board contains all of the features necessary to implement a phase-shifted full-bridge with a synchronous rectification topology power converter. All inputs and output pins are accessible using a header connector. A High-efficiency DC-DC converter can be created using this carrier board + external H-Bridge and Transformer. Refer to the datasheet of UCC28950 and schematic to configure the various frequencies, current feedback, voltage feedback and delays.

Features

Operating power supply 12V (Range 8V to 17V DC)
Internal reference voltage 5V
Converter switching frequency setting range, FSW (nom) 50-1000Khz
Programmable delay range between OUTA, OUTB and OUTC, OUTD set by resistors DELAB and DELCD and parameter KA(1) : 30ns-1000ns
Programmable delay range between OUTA, OUTF and OUTB, OUTE set by resistor DELEF, and parameter KEF(1): 30ns-1400ns
Programmable DCM range as percentage of voltage at CS(1) : 5% – 30%
Programmable TMIN range: 100ns-800ns
Enhanced Wide Range Resonant Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) Capability
Direct Synchronous Rectifier (SR) Control
Light-Load Efficiency Management Including
Burst Mode Operation
Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM), Dynamic SR On and Off Control with Programmable Threshold
Programmable Adaptive Delay
Average or Peak Current Mode Control with Programmable Slope Compensation and Voltage Mode Control
Naturally Handles Pre-Biased Start Up with DCM Mode
Closed Loop Soft Start and Enable Function
Programmable Switching Frequency up to 1 MHz with Bi-Directional Synchronization
(±3%) Cycle-by-Cycle Current Limit Protection with Hiccup Mode Support
150-µA Start-Up Current
VDD Undervoltage Lockout
Wide Temperature Range –40°C to +125°C
PCB Dimensions 36.20 x 25.24 mm

Connections: Connectors CN1

Pin 1 VS = Voltage Sense (Voltage Feedback)
Pin 2 VCC = Power Supply 12V DC (Range 8V-17VDC)
Pin 3 = GND
Pin 4 = Enable/Soft start
Pin 5 = Output A
Pin 6 = Output B
Pin 7 = Output C
Pin 8 = Output D
Pin 9 = Output E
Pin 10 = Output F
Pin 11 = SYNC
Pin 12 = GND
Pin 13 = Current Sense (Current Feedback)
Pin 14 = VREF 5V DC

The UCC28950 enhanced phase-shifted controller builds upon Texas Instrument’s industry standard UCCxx8950 phase-shifted controller family with enhancements that offer best-in-class efficiency in today’s high-performance power systems. The UCC28950 implements advanced control of the full-bridge along with active control of the synchronous rectifier output stage.

The primary-side signals allow programmable delays to ensure ZVS operation over wide-load current and input voltage range, while the load current naturally tunes the secondary-side synchronous rectifiers switching delays, maximizing overall system efficiency.

The UCC28950 also offers multiple light-load management features including burst mode and dynamic SR on/off control when transitioning in and out of Discontinuous Current Mode (DCM) operation, ensuring ZVS operation is extended down to much lighter loads.

In addition, the UCC28950 includes support for current or voltage mode control. Programmable switching frequency up to 1 MHz and a wide set of protection features including cycle-by-cycle current limit, UVLO and thermal shutdown. A 90-degree phase-shifted interleaved synchronized operation can be easily arranged between two converters.

Schematic

Parts List

NO.	QNTY.	REF.	DESC.	MANUFACTURER	SUPPLIER	SUPPLIER PART NO
1	1	CN1	14 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5325-ND
2	3	C1,C2,C8	1uF/25V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
3	1	C3	10uF/25V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
4	1	C4	22uF/25V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 1210	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
5	1	C5	0.1uF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
6	12	R3,C6,R8,R9,C9,R13,R16,R17,R19,R20,R23,R25	DNP	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
7	1	C7	33nF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
8	1	C10	1nF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
9	1	C11	100PF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
10	1	D1	1E 5% SMD SIZE 1206	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
11	5	R1,R2,R4,R5,R15	10K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
12	2	R6,R7	17.8K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
13	1	R10	29.4K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
14	1	R11	59K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
15	2	R12,R24	1K 1 % SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
16	1	R14	90.9K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
17	1	R18	2.2nF/50V SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
18	1	R21	1.58K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
19	1	R22	0E SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
20	1	R26	10E 5% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
21	1	U1	UCC28950	TI	DIGIKEY	296-34760-5-ND
		All Optional/DNP capacitors and resistors are SMD size 0805

Connections

Block Diagram

Typical Application

Timing Diagrams

Gerber View

Photos

Video

UCC28950 Datasheet

Linear Capacitive Proximity Sensor

The project presented here is an analog capacitive proximity sensor. The circuit is from Texas Instruments application note. Most conventional capacitive proximity sensors produce a “1” or “0” output, this circuit produces a DC output that is a function of the size and relative permittivity of an object passing between the sense capacitor plates. Different sized and density objects will produce a different output voltage. The oscillator input for this circuit is a 50Khz sine source. The low frequency and sine characteristics keep RFI problems at a minimum. This proximity detector may prove difficult to construct because of the small capacitances involved, parasitic capacitances in the sensor circuit, and noise pickup. The circuit requires an external 50Khz sinewave with 1V_pp Signal. The circuit operates with a dual 15V DC supply.

Features

Power Supply +/-15V (Dual 15V DC)
Header Connector for Sensor Inputs and Outputs
On Board Power LED
PCB Dimensions 60.17 x 16.19 mm

Connections

CN1: Pin 1 = +V 15V DC, Pin 2 = Frequency Input 50Khz Sine Wave 1V Peak to Peak, Pin 3 GND, Pin 4 = GND, Pin 5 = Sensor, Pin 6 = -V 15V
CN2: Pin 1 = +V 15V DC, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 = -V 15V, Pin 4 = GND, Pin 5 = Output
D3 Power LED

Schematic

Parts List

NO.	QNTY.	REF	DESC	MANUFACTURER	SUPPLIER	SUPPLIER PART NO
1	1	CN1	6 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5319-ND
2	1	CN2	5 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5318-ND
3	1	C1	680PF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
4	1	C2	220PF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
5	1	C3	2.2nF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
6	1	C4	4.7nF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
7	1	C5	3PF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
8	10	C6,C7,C8,C9,C10,C12,C13,C14,C15,C16	100nF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
9	2	C11,C17	10uF/25V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
10	2	D1,D2	1N4148 SMD	MICROCHIP	MOUSER	494-1N4148UR-1
11	1	D3	RED LED SMD SIZE 0805	OSRAM	DIGIKEY	475-1278-1-ND
12	1	R1	8.66K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
13	1	R2	78.7K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
14	1	R3	9.76K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
15	1	R4	100K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
16	1	R5	10M 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
17	1	R6	1K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
18	4	R7,R8,R10,R11	10K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
19	1	R9	5K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
20	5	U1,U2,U3,U4,U5	OPA132 SOIC8	TI	MOUSER	595-OPA132UA/2K5

Connections

Application Data

Gerber View

Photos

Video

OPA132 Datasheet

Arduino Portenta X8: Leading the Charge in EU Cyber Resilience Compliance

Posted on 12 February, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

The collaboration between Foundries.io and Arduino to integrate security software into the Portenta X8 represents a significant milestone in achieving compliance with the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The Portenta X8 is the first system-on-module (SoM) to meet CRA standards, positioning it as a leader in cybersecurity for IoT devices.

The EU’s CRA sets forth stringent security requirements for all IoT devices in Europe starting in 2025. These requirements include establishing standards for secure products, mandating manufacturers to prioritize security at every stage of a product’s life cycle, increasing user awareness of cybersecurity features, and necessitating prompt resolution of vulnerabilities in existing devices.

Under these regulations, all digital products must adhere to new security standards, with exceptions for certain categories such as medical devices, aviation equipment, and motor vehicles. Depending on their risk levels, some products will require independent security assessments, with OEMs responsible for ensuring compliance. EU member states will oversee enforcement with support from the Commission, and there’s a special cybersecurity certificate for highly critical products requiring extra security measures.

The collaboration between Foundries.io and Arduino ensures that the Portenta X8 SoM complies with these regulations. Foundries.io provides cloud-native development and deployment solutions for secure IoT and edge devices, while Arduino contributes the hardware. Together, they enable users to manage device security, data protection, and software efficiently in a single, cloud-based environment, offering enhanced security against cyberattacks and malware.

Key security features of the Portenta X8, enabled by the Linux micro Platform and FoundriesFactory platform, include secure boot, trusted execution environment, remote attestation, key installation, cloud authentication, TUF-compliant secure OTA updating, and automatically generated SBOMs after every software update.

The complexity of implementing these capabilities is mitigated by Foundries.io’s software interface and the user-friendly X8 Board Manager tool, which integrates seamlessly with the Arduino IDE.

Fabio Violante, CEO of Arduino, emphasized the importance of prioritizing security in Linux-based edge devices, stating that the Portenta X8 was designed with security as a top priority, from hardware and firmware to Linux distribution and device management with FoundriesFactory technology.

For further information, visit the Foundries.io website to learn about the features of the FoundriesFactory platform and the Linux micro platform, as well as online resources regarding the Cyber Resilience Act and the EU Cybersecurity Regulation Proposal for Digital Products.

Makerfabs MaTouch ESP32-S3 Features a 2.8″ IPS Display Module and OV3660 Camera

Posted on 12 February, 202412 February, 2024 by Debashis Das

Makerfabs recently introduced the ‘MaTouch ESP32-S3 SPI IPS 2.8″ module’, a simple ESP32-S3-based display with OV3660 camera support, designed for applications like remote monitoring and facial recognition.

The module features an ESP32-S3 controller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, 16MB Flash, and 8MB PSRAM. It includes a MicroSD slot for storage. Key highlights are its 2.8-inch LCD (320×240, ST7789V driver, SPI interface) and a 5-point capacitive touch panel (GT911 driver, I2C).

The OV3660 camera on the module, with 3MP, captures up to 2048 x 1536 resolution, which is suitable for applications like facial recognition. It supports RAW, RGB, and YCbCr formats and has a 1.4um pixel size with a rolling shutter.

This module operates between -40℃ to +85℃, supports Arduino, and includes USB to UART (CH340K) and native USB. USB Type-C powers it. More info on MaTouch ESP32-S3 SPI IPS 2.8 is available on the company’s Wiki Page.

MaTouch ESP32-S3 SPI IPS 2.8 Specification:

Controller: ESP32-S3, offering robust processing capabilities.
Wireless Connectivity: Includes WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 for versatile wireless options.
LCD Display: 2.8-inch screen with a 320×240 resolution, utilizing the ST7789V driver for clear visuals.
Interface: Utilizes SPI for the LCD and I2C for the touch panel, optimizing pin usage on the ESP32.
Frames Per Second (FPS): Greater than 30, ensuring smooth display performance.
Camera: Equipped with a 3MP OV3660 camera, featuring a DFOV of 66.5°, capable of capturing high-resolution photos and videos up to 2048×1536.
Memory: Includes 16MB of Flash and 8MB of PSRAM for ample storage and processing power.
Touch Panel: Supports 5-point touch with capacitive technology, using the GT911 driver for responsive interaction.
USB Ports: Features one USB to UART and one native USB port for versatile connectivity.
Power Supply: Powered via USB Type-C, supporting 4.0V to 5.25V.
Buttons: Comes with a Flash button and a reset button for easy operation.
Expansion Interface: Offers one GPIO and one I2C port for further customization and expansion.
MicroSD Card Slot: Integrated MicroSD slot for additional storage options, eliminating the need for external storage purchases.
Arduino Support: Fully compatible with Arduino for ease of programming and development.
Operating Temperature Range: Capable of operating in extreme conditions, from -40℃ to +85℃.

For a limited period, Makerfabs has discounted the ESP32 module to $22.78 from the usual $26.80. Check out Makerfabs’ Twitter for a quick demo.

Tinko HUSH – An Electroluminescent Light Engine for Silent, Versatile Lighting Solutions

Posted on 12 February, 2024 by Debashis Das

Tinko HUSH is a compact, silent electroluminescent light engine that transforms 5 VDC into 230 V_AC at 800 Hz, enabling it to power up to 40 in² of EL panel or 240 inches of EL wire. Designed for a wide range of applications, it features GPIO control for interactive lighting effects, making it ideal for creative projects in wearables, case mods, and more.

Electroluminescence, the process of generating light by passing alternating current through phosphor materials, is not new. However, integrating this technology into wearables without the associated noise of traditional inverters has been a challenge. Tinko HUSH overcomes this hurdle by delivering silent operation while converting 5 VDC into 230 VAC at 800 Hz, capable of powering up to 40 in² (101 cm²) of EL panel or 240 inches (610 cm) of EL wire, all within a compact and lightweight package.

Taking a look at the features of this board, it has several safety features including reverse polarity, overcurrent, no-load, and over-temperature protection, are housed in a drop-resistant injection-molded ABS enclosure. It has a USB Type-C port for power and is controllable via GPIO/PWM from microcontrollers or FPGAs, making it a turnkey solution for EL applications.

The company elaborates that the Tinko HUSH is quieter, easier to control, and safer than other inverters. Its small size and power make it a top choice for lighting up big areas with EL material.

Daedal Technologies introduces VynEL, a bendy and water-proof light material that works great with Tinko HUSH. Together, they make it easy to add lights to clothes and other fabrics, making them look good and last long without losing their shape or getting damaged.

Features and Specifications of Tinko HUSH

Power safety:
- reverse polarity protection
- overcurrent protection
- no-load protection
- over-temperature protection
- drop resistant injection molded ABS
Input: 5V 350 mA
Output: 230 VAC 800 Hz
Drives EL Products:
- Panels: 40 in² (101 cm²)
- Wire: 240 inches (610 cm)
Reversible USB-C connector
Externally controllable by MCU or FPGA GPIO/PWM
Utilizes Microchip HV816 EL Lamp Driver
Power/status indicator LED
Industry-standard JST-SM connector
dimensions: 48 mm x 24 mm x 11 mm (13 g)

At the time of writing, the Crowd Supply campaign for Tinko HUSH is in the ‘coming soon’ phase but you can learn more and stay updated on the launch, by visiting Daedal Technologies, LLC official page.

Orange Pi 5 Series Now Features 32GB RAM Options

Posted on 12 February, 2024 by Debashis Das

In the last few years, we have seen many development boards and SBCs featuring the Rockchip RK3588 SoC. This chip is known for supporting up to 32GB of RAM. However, this higher RAM option wasn’t available until Firefly released their RK3588 boards and modules with 32GB RAM earlier this summer.

Continuing that trend we have seen Orange Pi come up with Orange Pi 5, Orange Pi 5B, and Orange Pi 5 Plus powered by the Rockchip RK3588S or RK3588 SoC.

Apart from the upgrade to more RAM, everything else about the board stays the same. In terms of competitors, you can check out the Topton M4 N100 Mini PC and the other N100-based products.

The New Orange Pi 5 Specifications:

SoC: Rockchip RK3588
CPU: Octa-core with 4x Cortex-A76 cores (up to 2.4 GHz) and 4x Cortex-A55 cores (up to 1.8 GHz)
GPU: Arm Mali-G610 MP4, supports OpenGL ES1.1/2.0/3.2, OpenCL 2.2, Vulkan 1.2
AI Accelerator: 6 TOPS, supports INT4/INT8/INT16/FP16 operations
VPU: 8Kp60 H.265/VP9/AVS2 10-bit decoder, 8Kp30 H.264 decoder, 4Kp60 AV1 decoder, 8Kp30 H.265/H.264 encoder
System Memory: 32GB LPDDR4/4x
Storage Options:
- 16MB or 32MB QSPI NOR Flash
- MicroSD card slot
- eMMC module socket (32GB, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB)
- M.2 2280 PCIe 3.0 x4 socket for NVMe SSDs (up to 2,000 MB/s)
Video Output:
- 2x HDMI 2.1 ports (up to 8Kp60)
- DisplayPort 1.4 (up to 8Kp30 via USB-C port)
- 2x 4-lane MIPI DSI connectors (up to 4Kp60)
- 6-pin FPC socket for touchscreen
Video Input:
- 4-lane MIPI CSI connector
- HDMI 2.0 input (up to 4Kp60)
Audio:
- ES8388 audio codec, AWINIC AW8733ATQR audio amplifier
- 3.5mm audio jack (headphone and microphone support)
- Onboard MIC
- HDMI 2.1 eARC support
- Speaker connector
Networking:
- 2x 2.5GbE RJ45 ports (RTL8125BG controllers)
- Optional WiFi and Bluetooth via M.2 module
USB Ports:
- 2x USB 3.0
- 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type-C
- 2x USB 2.0
Expansion:
- 40-pin header (GPIO, UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, I2S, PDM, AUDDSM, SDIO, PWM)
- M.2 Key-M socket (PCIe 3.0 x4) for 2280 NVMe SSDs or PCIe modules
- M.2 Key-E socket (PCIe 2.0 x1/PCM/UART/USB2.0) for 2230 modules (WiFi 6, Bluetooth)
Debugging: 3-pin UART header for serial console
Miscellaneous:
- Power, MaskROM, and Recovery buttons
- Power LED, status LED, RGB LED
- IR receiver
- 5V fan connector
- 2-pin connector for RTC backup battery
Power Supply: 5V/4A via USB Type-C port
Dimensions: 100 x 70 mm (slightly wider than Orange Pi 5B)
Weight: 86.5 grams

The cost of adding 32GB RAM to the Rockchip RK3588 was high before, which is why makers didn’t offer it at first. But now, the price has dropped a lot, and Orange Pi has set new, much lower prices for it and you can get both of those on Amazon and AliExpress.

The Orange Pi 5 with 32GB RAM is priced at $159, available on both Aliexpress and Amazon. The Orange Pi 5B, offering 32GB RAM and 256GB eMMC flash, and the Orange Pi 5 Plus with 32GB RAM are both set at $248.13 and also available on Aliexpress and Amazon.

52Pi NVMe HATs for Pi 5 will Support 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 Sizes SSDs

Posted on 12 February, 202416 February, 2024 by Debashis Das

52Pi recently launched two NVMe M.2 SSD HATs for the Raspberry Pi 5, called N04 and N05. It supports a range of NVMe SSDs like 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280, with Gen 3 speeds. Additional features include cooling vents, slots for display/camera cables, and a gold-plated PCB for better performance.

Previously, we have seen many companies build NVMe HATs for the Pi5 like Waveshare M.2 HAT+, Pimoroni NVMe Base, PineBerry Pi HatDrive, SupTronics X100x Series, and Geekworm X1004 HAT+ feel free to check those out if you are looking for NVMe HATs.

The N04 and N05 boards support NVMe M.2 SSDs, offering PCIe Gen2 and Gen3 connectivity, enhanced cooling, and gold-plated PCBs for improved performance. Both feature ultra-short PCIe lines for reliable connections, LED activity indicators, and a compliant 3A power system. Each package includes installation accessories.

52Pi NVMe HATs Features:

Raspberry Pi 5 Ready: Specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi 5.
NVMe M.2 Support: Compatible with 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 sizes, easy to install.
PCIe Gen2 & Gen3: High-speed PCIe x1 interface.
Cooling Design: Enhanced with ventilation holes.
FPC Cutouts: For Display/Camera cables.
Gold-Plated PCB: Superior electrical performance.
Optimized PCIe Lines: Reliable, fast PCIe 3.0 signaling.
Activity LED: For M.2 disk activity.
M.2 Power System: Up to 3A on the 3.3V rail, M.2 compliant.
Included Accessories: FPC PCIe ribbon, screws, spacers, custom SSD mount.

Inside the box for the N04, you’ll find everything you need to get set up: the main M.2 2280 PCIe to NVMe adapter, a 40mm long PCIe FFC cable, four M2.5x16mm spacers, six M2.5x5mm screws, and one M2x4mm screw to securely attach your NVMe M.2 SSD. Additionally, if you are looking for documentation it can be found on 52Pi N04 and N05 Wiki page.

You can buy the N04 HAT for $16.99 and the N05 HAT for $15.99 directly from the 52Pi website. Additionally, these products are available on AliExpress, with the N04 priced at $15.29 and the N05 at $14.39, offering a more affordable option for shoppers.

Renesas Introduces RZ/G3S: Power-Efficient SoC for IoT Edge with Advanced Connectivity

Posted on 12 February, 2024 by Aditi Ambadkar

RZ/G3S 64-bit MPU for IoT Edge and Gateway Devices

Renesas has introduced the RZ/G3S, a new addition to its RZ/G microprocessor family, tailored for the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) market. This system-on-chip (SoC) features a single Arm Cortex-A55 core alongside two Cortex-M33 cores, optimized for system control, power management, and sensor communication. The primary CPU supports a Verified Linux Package (VLP) for efficient boot-up and runs at speeds up to 1.1GHz. The SoC boasts 1MB of on-chip RAM and a 16-bit DDR4 interface for external memory expansion.

The RZ/G3S microprocessor includes a Cortex®-A55 (1.1GHz) CPU, 16-bit LPDDR4 or DDR4 interface and low-power mode. It also has many interfaces such as PCIe, CAN FD, and 12-bit ADC, making it ideal for applications such as IoT edge applications.

One of the key highlights of the RZ/G3S is its low power consumption, with standby power as low as 10µW, thanks to integrated Error Correction Code (ECC) and efficient sub-CPU operation. Renesas emphasizes the SoC’s suitability for IoT gateway applications by showcasing its integration into a single-board computer reference design, leveraging its advanced peripherals such as gigabit Ethernet, USB, PCIe, and various communication interfaces.

“Renesas’ RZ/G has seen a steady increase in adoption in the global industrial human machine interface market,” said Daryl Khoo, Vice President of Embedded Processing 1st Division at Renesas. “The RZ/G3S represents the next generation products that will extend our reach to the rapidly growing 5G IoT and Gigabit Wi-Fi 7 gateway markets. Renesas has been aggressively expanding our connectivity portfolio in these markets through strategic acquisitions to offer advanced connectivity solutions that are power efficient at the system level and enhance data utilization.”

The RZ/G3S is now available for purchase, with pricing starting at $19.75 before volume discounts. Renesas aims to extend its market reach to 5G IoT and gigabit Wi-Fi 7 gateway markets with this new offering, emphasizing power efficiency and enhanced connectivity solutions.