A basic open-source multi-GHz sampling oscilloscope for experimenters on a budget. Still a work-in-progress, with key pieces on separate PCBs, but showing bandwidths in the 7-8 GHz range with >= 100 GSa/s equivalent-time sampling, and around 500 k comparisons/second real time. by Ted Yapo @ hackaday.io
This particular project uses a latched comparator as a voltage sampler, specifically the ADCMP582 from Analog Devices. Built on SiGe, this $20 (single-quantity) comparator has a sampling aperture of 5 ps, and a typical front-end bandwidth of 8 GHz. This ultimately limits the bandwidth of the resulting instrument, but other factors in the current design reduce the system bandwidth into the 6 GHz range. Very preliminary tests estimate the rise time of the scope to between 50 and 70 ps, corresponding to between 7 and 5 GHz bandwidth, respectively. I’m calling it 6 GHz for now, and I expect it can be improved somewhat,
8 GHz Sampling Oscilloscope for experiments – [Link]
Congatec is introducing a new CoM, the Conga-SMX8-Nano that offers up to 4x ARM Cortex-A53 and 1x Cortex-M7 core along with 1,000’s of different possible configurations. This SMARC 2.0 module based on NXP i.MX 8M Nano processor series can meet ultra-low-power requirements with high-level performance while being very cost-effective.
Conga-SMX8-Nano module featuring the i.MX8M Nano offers up to 4x 14nm-fabricated Cortex-A53 cores with a boost clock frequency of 1.5GHz. It also has a Vivante GC7000UL 3D/2D GPU with support for OpenGL, OpenCL, and Vulkan. There’s also a powerful 600MHz Cortex-M7. This new module is also rated for 2W TDP.
The default SKU houses 16GB eMMC 5.1 with support to expand to up to 128GB and 2GB LPDDR4 (3200 MT/s) DRAM. The module has a GbE controller with IEEE 1588 support and an optional WiFi/Bluetooth M.2 card. The Conga-SMX8-Nano supports a dual-channel 24-bit LVDS, or alternatively, an optional eDP 1.4 or 4-lane MIPI-DSI interface. There is a single USB 2.0 host or OTG interface and it also supports up to 4x USB 2.0 ports via a hub. The dimension of the module is 82 x 50mm. The standard module has an operating temperature range of 0 to 60°C while being clocked at 1.5GHz, but industrial models back the clock down to 1.4GHz to support -40 to 85°C range.
Other highlighted specifications are MIPI-CSI x2 and x4, up to 3x UART, multiple GPIOs, 2x I2S, and single SDIO 3.0, I2C, and SPI connections. There are many security features like cryptography, RNG, 32KB secure RAM, and High Assurance Boot. The module has a watchdog, JTAG debug, and optional RTC. The company has assured up to 15 years of lifecycle support for this module.
conga-SMX8-Nano Rear View
Spec List for Conga-SMX8-Nano:
Form factor – SMARC 2.0
CPU – NXP i.MX 8M Nano Quad (4x 1.5GHz ARM Cortex-A53, 1x 750MHz ARM Cortex-M7)
DRAM – Up to 2 GByte onboard LPDDR4 memory (3200 MT/s)
Ethernet – 1x Gigabit Ethernet with IEEE 1588 support
I/O Interfaces –
1x USB 2.0 or 1x USB OTG client
1x SDIO 3.0
I²C bus
SPI up to 3x UART
GPIOs optional M.2 1216 WiFi/BT module
Graphics – Integrated into NXP i.MX 8M Nano Series GC 7000UL 3D GPU
Operating Systems – Linux, Android, Yocto
Operating Temperature Range –
Extended Commercial : Operating: 0 to +60°C Storage: -20 to +70°C
Industrial: Operating: -40 to +85°C Storage: -40 to +85°C
Humidity – Operating: 10 to 90% r. H. non-cond. / Storage 5 to 95% r. H. non-cond.
Video Interfaces – 1x dual-channel 24bit LVDS (default), optional eDP 1.4 or MIPI-DSI 4-lanes (shared with LVDS)
Size – 82 x 50 mm (3,23” x 1,97”)
No pricing or availability information is available yet for the Conga-SMX8-Nano. More information may be found in Congatec’s announcement and product page.
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has developed the GRM011R60J104M, the world’s first multi-layer ceramic capacitor to feature a maximum capacitance of 0.1µF in 008004 inch size (0.25×0.125mm). Mass production of this new product is scheduled to begin in 2020.
As smartphones supporting 5G become more widespread and devices such as wearable devices become increasingly multifunctional and more compact, the demand for smaller and higher density electronic circuitry is growing. Among the components employed in this circuitry, multi-layer ceramic capacitors are essential for electronic devices and are used for a wide range of applications such as in smartphones and wearable devices. As the high end smartphones are equipped with around 800 to 1,000 capacitors, there is a considerable need for such components to be made even more compact.
By using our original ceramic and electrode material atomization and homogenization technology, Murata has achieved a mounting surface area approximately 50% smaller and a volume approximately 80% smaller than that of our conventional product (01005 inch size) with a capacitance of 0.1µF. Moreover, the new product has a capacity of around 10 times that of the same-sized product (008004 inch size) initially mass-produced by the Company.
Specifications
In future, Murata will continue to conduct research and development into ceramics and high-precision, microscopic layering technology for electrode materials, expand our lineup to meet the needs of the market, and contribute to the further miniaturization and greater functionality of electronic devices.
Lenovo has recently ventured into the community-backed SBC market, flagging off with a Rockchip-based board. They follow suit with fellow PC makers Asus. Their flagship Leez P710 boasts a more powerful, hexa-core Cortex-A72 and -A53 Rockchip RK3399 than that of the Asus Tinker Board’s RK3288. The Leez P710 was announced last February at Mobile World Congress and has been launched on AliExpress for $141.
At 85 x 85 x 15mm, the Leez P710 is dubbed the Smartfly Leez SBC P710 on AliExpress. It has the same price range as the early set of Rockchip RK3399 development boards like, the $149 and up Firefly-RK3399. For $141, you get 4GB LPDDR4, 16GB eMMC, WiFi/BT, and a heatsink. The $149 package includes a 5V/3A power adapter, a USB Type-C, and USB/serial cables. The $169 or $173 package gets you a camera, and the $177 package offers a 4G M.2 module. Finally, the $258 package offers a 10.1-inch touchscreen in place of the camera or 4G. Lenovo also posted pinouts, and also schematics and images for Ubuntu and Android 7.1 and 9.0. The SBC is targeted at applications for digital billboards, new retail, face recognition, and service robots.
Leez P710 board details
The specs listed adds a 2GB RAM option, but its not clear if it’s currently available. Available also is a microSD slot in addition to the 16GB eMMC, and also a GbE port, a wireless module with 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0. The M.2 B-key 3042 slot offers support for the optional 4G module, also featuring and a micro-SIM slot and an IPX connector. For display features, there are triple simultaneous displays via an HDMI 2.0a port, and a USB 3.0 Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.2 support. They both offer 4K@60 video. However, the third display interface is 4-lane MIPI-DSI. It also has 2- and 4-lane MIPI-CSI, headphone jack, and a mic interface. Available also is a second Type-C for power input and a pair of USB 2.0 host ports. Additional feature set includes 40- and 8-pin GPIO connectors, a debug header, an RTC with battery connector, and power and recovery keys.
Lenovo also announced an upcoming Leez P515 SBC based on the Sitara AM5708 and a Lenovo LeapIOT platform for industrial IoT management during the MWC
The Leez P515, is an open hardware board with a more industrial focus. At 92 x 65mm, the Leez P515 features the Sitara AM5708, one of Texas Instruments’ Cortex-A15 based Sitara AM57x SoCs. The spec list shows GbE, HDMI, USB Type-C PD, and 2x USB 3.0 ports. Available also is a MIPI-CSI2 camera connector, 80-pin GPIO, and a connector for a WiFi/Bluetooth module. The spec list also reveals 1GB DDR3L-1333, 8GB eMMC, and a microSD slot. The Leez P515 is equipped with an optional 10/100 Ethernet port in addition to the GbE. The optional wireless module is equipped with 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0, and the HDMI 1.4a port is limited to 1080p@60 resolution. It has a -35 to 75°C operating range, powering at 5V/3A. No OS support is listed, but likely Linux or Ubuntu.
Lenovo Leez P515
Lenovo’s LeapIOT platform is designed to enable fast deployment of industrial IoT solutions with features like equipment connection, system coordination, and data analysis. The cloud-based IoT platform consists of more than 100 industrial and Big Data modules, which includes field data acquisition, industrial system connectivity, Big Data storage and computing engine, public and private cloud resource scheduling, script execution engine, and visualization of data analysis. LeapIOT functions with a separate, “enterprise level” LeapAI platform for analytics. The LeapIOT platform consists of a LeapIOT Edge client component that runs on gateways and other devices like the Leez SBCs. The lightweight edge framework enables interfaces to industrial protocols and sensors through TCP/MQTT and RS485/232. Working with the cloud platform, it enables features like message queuing, real-time streaming, and digital twins.
LeapIoT Platform
The Leez P710 is available on AliExpress with price starting from $141 with 4GB RAM. There is no pricing or availability information for the Leez P515. More information about the Leez P515 can be found on Lenovo’s MWC teaser page, and more information on the P710 can be found on the AliExpress page and the GitHub page. More on LeapIOT can be found on Lenovo’s LeapIOT page.
Replace any potentiometer with this motion control device in your project!
This 3 axis gyroscope is perfect for FPV head tracking, robotics, movement control and more… It allows you to track the movement of the head or arm and convert it in analog signals outputs, exactly like a potentiometer. Like other versions of the mhpro.net’s Gyroscopes, it can be configured as normal or reverse action mode. For Do It Yourself (DIY) home project lover who dreams of doing a movement tracking system himself. This system has been specially designed for DIY in electronics or robotics for all ages; people who want to explore electronics and want their own system, but are less comfortable with advanced programming of accelerometers. You can use one or more axes (X, Y, Z) independently. According to your needs.
The gyroscope outputs analog signals: 0 to input power voltage (5-12 volts) or 0 – 3.3 volts. Your choice. And independently for each axis. When turning on, the X and Y axis will output 2,5 volts (in case of 5 volts input) and will tend to 0 volt if you rotate the gyroscope one way (-90 degree) and tend to 5 volts the other way (90 degrees). The Z axis will do the same but with +- 180 degrees of rotation.
The “legacy” serial port is still used a lot for interfaces between electronic devices and PCs. Here we present a compact implementation, based on the FT232H IC from FTDI, which can be connected over USB 2.0 after you install the right drivers. That gives you USB High Speed capability.
Schematic
Quick Features of the Project
USB 2.0 High Speed
Pin compatible with the FTDI-USB-TTL (UART) cable
Right-angle USB connector for space-saving mounting
Selectable 3.3 V or 5 V supply voltage on the output connector
Automatically recognized as a COM port (after installation of VCP drivers
Like what you’re seeing? The go to the article page and download a pdf copy of the full, original article. Downloading is free between Friday 6 December and Friday 13 December, 2019.
Original publication: Elektor Magazine no. 11/2015 on page 45.
Authors: Ton Giesberts (Elektor Labs) and Thijs Beckers (Netherlands Editorial)
Texas Instrument’s USB Dedicated Charging Port Controller TPS2514 is specifically designed to implement the charging schemas mentioned below. An auto-detect feature monitors USB data line voltage and automatically provides the correct electrical signatures on D+ and D– data lines. Note that the chip datasheet never mentioned Samsung or Apple in particular apparently due to the copyright issues. Instead, it mentioned 1.2V mode and different Apple charging modes as Divider 1, Divider 2 and Divider 3. There are two modifications of the chip. TPS2514 has Dividers 1 and 2 for configuration #2 and #3 when TPS2514A only Apple Divider 3 for configuration #4. Both chips support DCP and Samsung charging. Note that Divider 1 or Divider 2 is configured by flipping connection to USB data lines. In other words, it is pre-wired and there is no way do it on the fly.
The TPS2514 IC is a USB dedicated charging port (DCP) controller. An auto-detect feature monitors USB data line voltage, and automatically provides the correct electrical signatures on the data lines to charge compliant devices among the following dedicated charging schemes:
Divider 1 DCP, required to apply 2 V and 2.7 V on the D+ and D– Lines respectively (TPS2513, TPS2514)
Divider 2 DCP, required to apply 2.7 V and 2 V on the D+ and D– Lines respectively (TPS2513, TPS2514)
Divider 3 DCP, required to apply 2.7 V and 2.7 V on the D+ and D– Lines respectively (TPS2513A, TPS2514A)
BC1.2 DCP, required to short the D+ Line to the D– Line
Chinese Telecom Standard YD/T 1591-2009 Shorted Mode, required to short the D+ Line to the D– Line
1.2 V on both D+ and D– Lines
With TPS2514 device implementing the USB charging adapter is simple, see the schematic below. When charging Apple devices the current is limited to 1A as it is implemented Divider 1 charging schema with D+ = 2.0 V and D− = 2.7 V. Also, try to use good quality charging cables. The one particularly bad cable I was using introduced a significant voltage drop forcing my Samsung device switching to the slow charging mode.
Schematic
Features
Supports USB DCP Shorting D+ Line to D– Line per USB Battery Charging Specification, Revision 1.2 (BC1.2)
Supports Shorted Mode (Shorting D+ Line to D– Line) per Chinese Telecommunication Industry Standard YD/T 1591-2009
Supports USB DCP Applying 2.7 V on D+ Line and 2 V on D– line (or USB DCP Applying 2 V on D+ Line and 2.7 V on D– Line) (TPS2513, TPS2514)
Supports USB DCP Applying 2.7 V on D+ Line and 2.7 V on D– Line (TPS2513A, TPS2514A)
Supports USB DCP Applying 1.2 V on D+ and D– Lines
Automatically Switch D+ and D– Lines Connections for an Attached Device
Lumileds LUXEON IR ONYX Broadband Infrared Emitters feature a continuous broadband Infra-Red (IR) emission from 650nm to 1100nm with good light output characteristics. These IR emitters come in industry-standard 2720 package and footprint for easy integration in the existing designs. The IR spectrum consists of a broad, flat emission without any peaks, and enables ease of calibration. These LUXEON IR ONYX emitters offer over 40mW radiant power, reducing exposure time. Typical applications include spectroscopy, machine vision, healthcare, and hyperspectral imaging.
FEATURES
Continuous broadband IR emission from 650nm to 1100nm
Over 40mW IR (600nm–1050nm) radiant power that reduces exposure time
More than 80µW/nm over a broad range of 750nm–1000nm
2.75mm x 2.00mm package with a 2 pad configuration that is compatible with the industry common footprint
Aven’s SharpVue PLUS/SharpVue XT feature 30x optical magnification and DisplayPort and USB outputs.
Aven’s SharpVue PLUS and the SharpVue XT are two inspection systems built on the SharpVue legacy. The SharpVue PLUS combines cutting-edge technology with comfort and ease of use. The SharpVue XT has an innovative feature that allows users to upgrade their magnification or working distance as well as scan over larger objects.
SharpVue PLUS Features:
30x optical, up to 300x digital magnification
DisplayPort and USB outputs
Built-in LEDs with on/off switch
Fixed 11 inch working distance
Autofocus camera
Includes remote control for on-screen settings
SharpVue XT Features
30x optical magnification
DisplayPort and USB outputs
Adjustable vertical and horizontal positioning
Capture instant images to USB storage with no computer required
22 inch post stand with 11.5 inch x 17.7 inch base