CES 2024: Orbbec Incorporates Deeplearning with Stereo Vision – A Leap Forward in Robotic Vision

The Gemini 2 XL is made for AI-based vision developers looking for an affordable, wide FOV RGB-D PoE camera with high-performance over a long range and varied lighting condition

Orbbec, an industry leader dedicated to 3D vision systems, today announced the launch of the Gemini 2 XL at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Ideal as the primary visual system for a variety of robots and numerous AI-based video analytics and interaction systems, the Gemini 2 XL is a long-range, 3D camera that delivers accurate and reliable data in various lighting conditions from pitch black to outdoors.

Orbbec’s mission is to make 3D vision accessible and the Gemini 2 XL will enable robot designers to access premium visual information at a fraction of the cost of current solutions.

The newly released camera unit is easy to set up and operate with the Orbbec SDK and features:

  • Superior RGB-D Quality: Providing data suitable for a wide range of demanding AI-driven recognition and tracking applications that require detection of small objects and while excelling in high-reflectivity environments. The deep learning algorithms can generate a complete phase map around small objects and fixtures by overcoming challenges faced by traditional algorithms due to shadow, speckle pattern size, illumination condition, etc.
  • Minimal Environmental Light Impact: Offers exceptional performance in various lighting conditions, including direct sunlight and outdoor environments. Conventional algorithms struggle to calculate depth/phase in environmental conditions with highly reflective surfaces, direct sunlight, low visibility, sharp shape-cased shadows, small texture-caused shadow, etc. to calculate the depth/phase which results in a spotted image with missing depth areas. Orbbec’s AI algorithms create a solid complete phase map output even under these challenging conditions.
  • No Need for Costly Vision Processors: While similar cameras in the market are either very expensive or require costly external computing power, the high-performance Gemini 2 XL provides engineers with a cost-efficient, high-accuracy option.

“We are excited to demonstrate the superior capabilities of Gemini 2 XL at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show,” said David Chen, Co-Founder and Head of Products at Orbbec. “As Orbbec’s learning library continues to expand, the camera’s capabilities will continue to improve, broadening their applicability in robotics and AI-based vision solutions.”

ODM services: Smarter automation needs intelligent robots with reliable, yet affordable depth perception. Orbbec is dedicated to 3D vision and customers interested in custom solutions to meet their specific application needs can leverage Orbbec’s expertise in R&D, in-house manufacturing and supply chain.

  • With the NVIDIA Jetson platform: The Gemini 2 XL, when paired directly with the powerful NVIDIA Jetson Orin system-on-modules instead of the OBox, allows for additional image processing resulting in further improvement in the depth frame rate, accuracy, and scene versatility. This optimized deeplearning pipeline and camera calibration service will be offered only as part of Orbbec’s ODM package.
  • Customizable, Scene-Specific Algorithms: Support for customization of the AI depth output and the ability for customers to re-train the model with their own data sets to achieve better performance under their specific application environment will be available only through Orbbec’s ODM services engagement.

Robotics developers, enthusiasts and media interested in checking out the Gemini 2 XL are invited to come by Orbbec’s CES booth at the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center (LVCC), North Hall, 9745.

For those unable to attend CES this year and eager to explore the bounds of robotic vision and intelligent automation, visit here to get in touch with our team.

D3’s Advanced Radar Development Kit Simplifies RF Development Challenges

Built on Texas Instruments’ AWR2944 RFIC, D3’s mmWave Radar Sensor Evaluation Kit offers a production-ready platform for efficient and versatile field testing, sensor evaluation, and algorithm development.

The DesignCore RS-2944A mmWave Evaluation Kit features the TI AWR2944, a 76-GHz to 81-GHz automotive radar chip with integrated DSP, microcontroller, and radar accelerator. It includes a PLL, four transmitters and receivers, a baseband ADC, 12 dBm transmit power, and a noise figure of 15 dB. The WR2944 also has a C66x DSP for FMCW signal processing, a radar cube processing hardware accelerator, and an Arm Cortex-R5F microcontroller.

The DesignCore RS-2944A mmWave Evaluation Kit includes a high-density connector for easy integration with baseboards for extra interfaces and functionality, like raw baseband ADC data access. It supports multiple connections like RGMII Ethernet, CAN-FD, I2C, SPI, GPIO, and UART. The kit’s main interface is a USB-C connector used for power and dual serial UARTs for console and radar data outputs. D3 also offers custom firmware for compatibility with the latest TI SDK.

Specifications of D3’s DesignCore RS-2944A mmWave Radar Sensor Eval Kit:

  • Processor: TI Arm R5F (up to 300MHz).
  • DSP: TI C66x (up to 360MHz).
  • Hardware Acceleration: Includes pre-processing, FFT, Log-Magnitude, and CFAR-CA Coprocessor for efficient data handling.
  • Memory: Equipped with 16Mb QSPI Flash.
  • Wireless: RF Spectrum range of 76 to 81GHz, with a 4GHz bandwidth. Features 4x Rx and 4x Tx channels.
  • Sensors: Capable of forward human detection within a range of 75 to 80 meters.
  • I/O: Offers a range of interfaces including Integrated MIMO antenna, I/O, JTAG, I2C, SPI, UART, CAN, and LVDS.
  • USB: 1x USB Type-C port.
  • Power: Supports a voltage input range from 5V to 36V.
  • Dimensions: Compact stand-alone circuit card measuring 76.2 x 50.8 mm.
  • Additional Features: Provides an angular separation capability to resolve separate objects at 9.5° and 58°, with a Field of View of +/-60° to +/-15°.

The announcement indicates that the Design Core Evaluation Kit is priced at $799.00 and can be purchased from their product page.

EDATEC Unveils Two New Fanless Cases for Raspberry Pi 5

With great power comes great responsibility, and in the world of computing, greater power often leads to significant heat generation. This seems to be the case with the new Raspberry Pi 5, so much so that they had to introduce an active cooler to cool the Pi.

Active coolers are well and good and they do their job perfectly, but the noise can be bothersome in quiet environments like home automation systems in bedrooms. To solve this issue EDATEC has introduced two new fanless cases for Raspberry Pi 5: the low-profile, enclosed ED-Pi5Case-B, and the open ED-Pi5Case-O with dual heatsinks on top and bottom.

Both cases are made from CNC-milled aluminum and come in silver or black color options.  The cases also offer access to most Raspberry Pi 5 ports and interfaces. The closed case restricts access to the battery and UART connectors, while both designs cover the fan connector, which isn’t a concern for these models.

The case features a small black plastic window for improved WiFi and Bluetooth signal, as stated by EDATEC. this is required for the closed case but the open case does not have this cavity.

EDATEC states the ED-Pi5Case-B (178g) lowers temperatures by 20-25°C, and the lighter ED-Pi5Case-O (130g) by up to 15°C, but the reference points for these reductions weren’t specified. While searching YouTube I found videos by leepspvideo where he does proper thermal tests with and without the case and the EDATEC video shows the assembly process of the case.

Features of EDATEC Fanless Cases:

  • EDATEC Fanless Cases for Raspberry Pi 5 SBC:
    • Two models: ED-Pi5Case-B (closed design) and ED-Pi5Case-O (open with heatsinks).
    • Made of CNC-milled aluminum, available in silver or black.
    • Easy access to Raspberry Pi 5 ports and interfaces.
    • ED-Pi5Case-B blocks the battery and UART connectors; both models cover the fan connector.
  • Thermal Management:
    • ED-Pi5Case-B reduces temperature by 20-25°C; ED-Pi5Case-O by up to 15°C.
    • Include thermal pads for the CPU, wireless module, and PMIC.
    • Added thermal conductive silicon on the board’s bottom.
  • Wireless Connectivity:
    • Small black plastic window for wireless signal in the closed case.
    • Claims of strong WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • Availability and Pricing:
    • Sold on Aliexpress: ED-Pi5Case-B for $18, ED-PiCase-O for $10 (excluding shipping).
    • Flirc’s Raspberry Pi 5 case is available for pre-order at $16.95.
  • Performance Testing:
    • EDATEC provided temperature charts from stress tests.
    • Tests were performed at 30°C ambient temperature.
  • Additional Details:
    • Jean-Luc Aufranc of CNX Software provided the review.

The ED-Pi5Case-B and ED-PiCase-O are priced at $18 and $10 on Aliexpress, excluding shipping costs of around $20 to the USA and Thailand. More information is on their product page.

EDATEC ED-IPC3020 is A Fanless RPi 5 PC with M.2 SSD and RS485/RS232 Interfaces

The EDATEC ED-IPC3020 is a fanless PC based on the Raspberry Pi 5. It stands out because it supports NVMe M.2 SSD and features RS232 and RS485 serial ports. It also offers the standard I/O capabilities of the Raspberry Pi 5.

The new Raspberry Pi 5 SBC has a PCIe 2.0×1 interface that lets you connect various devices, like SSDs. Companies like PineBerry Pi have used this feature to create add-ons like the PineBerry Pi HatDrive. Now, with the EDATEC series, we get a full Raspberry Pi 5 computer that includes M.2 NVMe storage.

The fanless industrial PC integrates the Raspberry Pi 5 with accessible ports and an add-on board for M.2 NVMe, serial ports, RTC battery, and buzzer. It also includes speaker and 5V output connectors for potential future use with a Raspberry Pi 5 smart display.

EDATEC’s ED-IPC3020 supports all Raspberry Pi OS variants and includes scripts for drivers and configuration to enable additional features. Its design features a thermal pad for cooling and an M.2 SSD connected to the Pi 5 via GPIO and PCIe.

EDATEC ED-IPC3020 specifications(Mostly RPI-5 Specs):

  • SoC:
    • Broadcom BCM2712 quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 processor, up to 2.4 GHz
    • VideoCore VI GPU
    • 4Kp60 H.265 decoder
  • Memory:
    • Options: 4GB or 8GB LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM
  • Storage:
    • MicroSD card slot for the OS
    • M.2 Key-M PCIe socket for 2230, 2242, or 2260 NVMe SSD (can also boot OS)
  • Video Output:
    • 2x micro HDMI ports, up to 4Kp60
  • Networking:
    • Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port (optional PoE support)
    • Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi 5
    • Bluetooth 5.0 Classic and BLE
  • USB Ports:
    • 2x USB 2.0 Type-A (up to 480Mbps)
    • 2x USB 3.0 Type-A (up to 5Gbps)
  • Audio:
    • 3.5mm stereo audio output jack (green)
    • 3.5mm stereo audio LINE IN jack (red)
  • Serial Ports:
    • RS485 via 3-pole Phoenix terminal with 120Ω terminal resistor
    • RS232 via 3-pole Phoenix terminal
  • Expansion I/Os (internal only, not usable with ED-IPC3020 enclosure):
    • 3-pin 5V/1A DC OUT 2.0mm pitch WTB connector (extended LCD)
    • 4-pin speaker 1.5mm pitch WTB connector (dual channel stereo audio output)
    • 2x MIPI CSI/DSI connectors (extended LCD screen, supporting I2C touchscreen and backlight adjustment)
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Power button
    • Power LED, ACT LED, 2x green UART LEDs (COM1 and COM2)
    • RTC with SuperCAP and CR1220 battery backup
    • Buzzer (alarm for bad configuration)
  • Power Supply:
    • 5V DC/5A via USB-C port
    • Power Consumption: 25 Watts (Max)
  • Physical Specifications:
    • Dimensions: 102.8 x 89.5 x 32.5mm
    • Weight: 300 grams
    • Temperature Range: Operating: -25°C ~ 60°C; Storage: -25°C ~ 60°C
    • Humidity: 5% ~ 95% (non-condensing)
  • Certifications:
    • FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart B
    • Various EN IEC standards (62368-1, 62311, 61000-3-2, 61000-3-3, 55032, 55035)
    • Various EN 301 standards (489-1, 489-3, 489-17, 489-52, 328, 440, 511, 908-1, 908-2)

EDATEC’s ED-IPC3020 starts shipping in January, with pre-orders on Aliexpress ranging from $165 to $243, based on RAM (4GB/8GB) and storage options (microSD or 128GB/256GB SSD).

Introducing HyperAIBox’s Compact PCs: Powered by Rockchip 3568 and Rockchip 3588 Processors

HyperAIBox H2

IBM is introducing new tools to make it easier for developers to write code for quantum computers. Qiskit Patterns is a set of tools that helps developers map classical problems, optimize them for quantum circuits, and execute them using Qiskit Runtime. With Qiskit Patterns and Quantum Serverless, users can create and run workflows that combine classical and quantum computing in different environments, like the cloud or on-premises.

IBM is also using generative AI, called watsonx, to automate the development of quantum code for Qiskit. This involves fine-tuning the IBM Granite model series, making it simpler for developers to work with quantum algorithms. Overall, these tools aim to provide building blocks for users to easily build and run quantum algorithms.

The HyperAIBox H2 is a compact Mini-PC with a robust Rockchip 3588 processor. This processor includes four high-performance Cortex-A76 cores running at speeds up to 2.4 GHz and four energy-efficient Cortex-A55 cores running at speeds up to 1.8 GHz. Complementing this, it features an Arm Mali-G610 MP4 GPU for graphics and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a substantial 6 tera-operations per second (TOPS) capacity.

Similar to the PlanetPC XR2, the HyperAIBox H2 provides ample storage with 32GB internally and the option to expand up to 2TB using M.2 technology. It supports 4K video input through its HDMI port and offers versatility in display options, including dual outputs for 4K and 8K resolutions or VGA.

HyperAIBox H2 interfaces
HyperAIBox H2 interfaces

In essence, the HyperAIBox H2 stands out as a small yet powerful computing solution, sharing similarities with the PlanetPC XR2 in terms of features and capabilities.

The product announcement states the following:

“The HyperAIBox features pre-installed software, allowing users to run nodes from homes, offices, and retail shops, basically anywhere. The HyperAIBox is easy to use and has an integrated LED touchscreen for real-time monitoring. It is designed to handle tasks autonomously and comes with updates and support from many developers including the HyperCycle and SingularityNET ecosystems.”

The HyperAIBox H2 emerges as a video powerhouse, boasting robust decoding capabilities for various formats. With the ability to handle 8K video at 60fps in H.265, VP9, and AVS2, as well as 8K at 30fps for H.264 AVC/MVC, it covers a broad spectrum of video requirements. Additionally, the H2 can decode 4K video at 60fps in AV1 and 1080P video at 60fps for MPEG-2, -1, VC-1, and VP8, supporting up to 32 channels at 1080P at 30fps. On the encoding front, it excels in producing 8K videos at 30fps in H.265 and H.264, and it efficiently manages up to 16 channels at 1080P at 30fps.

Connectivity is a key highlight, featuring dual Wi-Fi antenna sockets for enhanced options. This stands in contrast to the H1, which utilizes internal antennas, providing users with a choice based on their preferences. The ease of use is emphasized with pre-installed software, enabling users to run nodes from various locations such as homes, offices, or retail shops. The integrated LED touchscreen facilitates real-time monitoring, and the system is designed to autonomously handle tasks, receiving ongoing updates and support from developers within the HyperCycle and SingularityNET ecosystems.

Specifications:

  • Memory/Storage: Up to 16 GB LPDDR5, Up to 2TB SATA HDD
  • Display/Audio: Touchscreen display, VGA port, HDMI in, 2x HDMI out, Speakers, 3.5mm Audio jack
  • Connectivity: 802.11 AX Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports
  • Expansion: 1x M.2 NVMe slot
  • USB: 4x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type-C
  • Other Features: Power button, 2x Status LEDs
  • Power: 1x Power input port
  • Mechanical: Dimensions – 29 x 26 x 6cm

In terms of pricing, the HyperAIBox H1 is listed at $1,199.00, while the HyperAIBox H2 starts at $1,259.00. Moreover, there’s a hint of the impending HyperAIBox H3, promising enhanced computing power and modular features shortly.

STMicroelectronics unveils the VL53L8CX ToF Sensor

STMicroelectronics' new VL53L8CX Multi-Zone Time-of-Flight Sensor, Features a 285cm daylight range, surpassing170cm range of its predecessor.

STMicroelectronics recently unveiled the VL53L8CX, a new Multi-Zone Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor, that has a daylight range of 285cm, a significant improvement over the 170cm range of its predecessor, the VL53L5CX.

In 2021, STMicro first introduced its first multi-zone ToF sensor, that sensor used laser light to measure distances. Improving upon that their latest VL53L8CX sensor features significant upgrades including a greatly enhanced daylight range, overcoming previous constraints caused by bright light conditions.

As mentioned in the intro, the new VL53L8CX sensor offers a 285cm range in full daylight, an improvement from the previous 170cm. While it doesn’t reach the 400cm maximum (according to the datasheet), it achieves this range with lower power consumption, down to 1.6 mW. Additionally, it features a 64-location, 8×8 sensing grid over a 45×45° field, all with a 60Hz frame rate. This capability makes the device suitable for gesture-based systems and allows integration with STM32 AI for hand posture recognition.

This sensor can very accurately measure container contents and liquid levels, making it suitable for autonomous robots and camera autofocus systems. It features SPI connectivity, in addition to the I2C, found in earlier models.

Key Highlights of this VL53L8CX Multi-Zone Time-of-Flight (ToF) Sensor:

  • Multizone Ranging: 64 zones for detailed detection.
  • Extended Range: Up to 400 cm in dark, 285 cm under ambient light.
  • Enhanced Range Over Predecessors: Increased from 170cm in the VL53L5CX model.
  • Field of View: 45×45° with 65° diagonal.
  • Low Power Use: 1.6 mW in autonomous mode.
  • High Frame Rate: 60 Hz capability.
  • Ambient Light Immunity: Enhanced performance in bright conditions.
  • Multi-Target Detection: In each zone.
  • Glass Crosstalk Immunity: Effective beyond 60 cm.
  • Versatile Applications: Robotics, smart buildings, liquid level monitoring, gesture recognition, etc.
  • Connectivity: Includes SPI and I2C options.

The VL53L8CX can be ordered from STMicro’s website, starting at $8.91 for a single unit and reducing to $3.60 each for orders of 1,000-unit trays.

This PD Trigger Board Features a Potentiometer – Adjust Output Voltage

Engineer and designer Vincent "CentyVin" has designed a simplified USB-C PD (Power Delivery) based PPS (Programmable Power Supply) trigger board, that allows users to easily set different output voltages by simply using a potentiometer.

Engineer and designer Vincent “CentyVin” has designed a simplified USB-C PD (Power Delivery) based PPS (Programmable Power Supply) trigger board, that allows users to easily set different output voltages by simply using a potentiometer.

CentyVin in his Hackday Post Explains that this board is

A much simplified USB-C PD and PPS trigger board, [that]  allow users to select arbitrary voltage from PPS-capable power brick via potentiometer

Vincent mentioned that the board includes Diodes Incorporated’s AP33772 USB PD Sink Controller, along with an RP2040 that sends instructions to the PD controller and the PD controller then sets the output voltage. The device prioritizes using the PPS profile; if unavailable or the voltage range is insufficient, it switches to a fixed PDO.

In the board, there are jumpers through which fixed outputs of 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, or 20V, can be set quickly. But by default, you can adjust voltage through a potentiometer. You can also use the potentiometer to select a voltage during boot-up, which remains constant until the next restart.

In a brief test using a UGREEN 140W charger, the board effectively accessed the full 3.3V to 21V range. A 15-minute stress test at 20V 5A showed the board’s temperature reaching 62C, within the safe operating limit of 85C for all onboard ICs.

Feature of  PD Trigger Board:

  • Simplified USB-C PD and PPS trigger board.
  • Arbitrary voltage selection via potentiometer.
  • Jumpers for fixed 5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V outputs.
  • Voltage remains constant after board reboot.
  • Uses AP33772_CPP library for efficient USB-PD operation.
  • Compatible with various USB-C chargers.
  • Stable in 15-minute stress test at 20V 5A.
  • Option for custom screw terminals.

Though the device allows voltage adjustment via a potentiometer one concerning thing is that the device has no current limit. Drawing more current than the charger’s rating will cause it to reset as a standard USB-PD safety feature.

Nguyen has now launched a limited batch of the PPSTrigger boards for sale on Tindie at $9.50 each. For further details and updates, visit his project on the Hackaday.

Topton M4 Fanless Mini PC Features an Intel N100 Processor at a $106 Price Point

The Topton M4 is a fanless mini PC powered by an Intel N100 Alder Lake-N quad-core/quad-thread processor. It supports up to 32GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and includes M.2 and SATA III SSD sockets. Priced at $106, it makes it the cheapest Mini PC on the market.

The Topton M4 is another fanless mini PC powered by an Intel N100 Alder Lake-N quad-core/quad-thread processor. It supports up to 32GB of DDR4-3200 RAM and includes M.2 and SATA III SSD sockets. Priced at $106, this is the most affordable Mini PC on the market.

The Topton M4, priced at $106, is notably affordable but the catch is it ships without RAM, storage, or a wireless module. While this might be seen as a drawback, it also offers an opportunity for those who have spare RAM SSDs or USB Wi-Fi dongles lying around. You can add all that in and get yourself a pretty powerful mini PC with a 50% lower price.

Previously, we’ve reviewed several mini PCs, including the  Chaco Canyon, the XULU XR1, and the PICO-V2K4-SEMI, among others. If you’re interested in a mini PC setup, you might find these reviews helpful.

Topton M4 Fanless Mini PC specifications:

  • CPU: Intel N100 Alder Lake-N Quad-Core, Turbo up to 3.4 GHz, 6MB Cache.
  • Graphics: 24EU Intel HD, up to 750 MHz; 6W TDP.
  • RAM: Max 32GB DDR4-3200, SO-DIMM.
  • Storage:
    • 2 2280 (NVMe/SATA III SSD).
    • SATA III (2.5-inch HDD/SSD).
  • Video Outputs:
    • 2x HDMI 2.0 (4Kp60).
    • 1x DisplayPort (4Kp60).
    • Supports triple displays.
  • Audio: 3.5mm headphone and mic jacks; digital via HDMI/DP.
  • Connectivity:
    • Dual Gigabit Ethernet (Realtek).
    • Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2 (external antenna).
  • USB: 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0.
  • Serial: 2 COM ports (DB9).
  • Other Features: Power button, RTC, battery.
  • Power: 12V DC (3A-5A).
  • Size: 135 x 127 x 39 mm.

The mini PC supports Windows 11, OPNsense, Ubuntu, and more. While similar N100 processor computers support up to 16GB RAM, the M4 offers a 32GB/1TB option, though its compatibility is unconfirmed. The TopTon M4 includes a power adapter, cord, SATA cable, and two antennas. Pre-installed Windows 11 is provided in models with RAM, storage, and Wi-Fi. Unlike others in its price range, it features customizable RAM, storage, and wireless options.

 

In my opinion, this is a great deal and you can easily find the RAM, SSDs, and Wi-Fi adapters on the used market at low prices. Another variant with an Intel Pentium J6426 or Celeron J6413 Elkhart Lake processor is available for $96.85 in a barebone configuration.

More details about this mini-PC are available on cnx-software, or androidpctv.

Melexis squeezes ultimate performance in a tiny 3D Magnetometer

Melexis announces the MLX90394 Triaxis® micropower magnetometer, a tiny Hall-effect based sensor. It perfectly balances the design trade-off between low noise, current consumption and cost. With on-the-fly selectable modes and advanced configurability, it enables high reuse and fast time to market. This contactless solution is suitable for rotary, linear and 3D joystick control in gaming and industrial peripherals.  

Replacing mechanical solutions, the MLX90394 provides an elegant, flexible and highly reliable solution overcoming concerns inherent to traditional potentiometers, such as contamination of the wiper surface and packaging constraints. The magnetometer’s versatility allows for deployment in linear, rotary, joystick and push button operations, offering a cost-effective simplification of the supply chain by replacing numerous existing components. Both the smart nature of the device, which allows for future configuration changes, and the non-contact design help to provide a longer lifespan than potentiometers and contact based switches. Moreover, the ultra slim and small design (2×1.5×0.4 mm) helps make slicker HMIs.

The MLX90394’s architecture delivers several benefits compared to existing solutions. This design enables measurement and output of each magnetic axis individually, along with a built-in thermometer that allows selectable temperature measurement for additional digital signal processing (DSP) compensation. Both the temperature and position data are output in 16-bit resolution, with I2C interface pins supporting 0.1MHz, 0.4MHz and 1.0MHz modes. Moreover, one product has two I2C addresses inside, which can be selected by changing the electrical pinout connection.

At the core of the product is Melexis Triaxis technology. This innovative technology helps to deliver low noise (<9μT) independent 3-axis measurement in micropower operation. Average current consumption is just 3μA for X or Y measurement and 4.3μA for Z, at 10Hz in single measurement mode. With its counting current of 10μA, the chip does the counting for you, while your microcontroller is in deep sleep and consumes little. While the Wake-up On Change (WOC) functionality enables a swift return to operation with pulsed or latched hardware pin-interrupts (XYZ). WOC thresholds can be configured as either against an initial measurement (Static Delta), against the previous measurement (Dynamic Delta) or a predefined measurement (Absolute). This allows accurate transition from the Power Down mode to active in both high movement applications and those which exhibit slow drift movements.

The embedded design grants easy integration and high accuracy tracking of both rotational joystick movements and push/slide button applications. Two compact UTDFN-6 (LD) packaged designs are available featuring different measurement ranges: ±5mT (0.15μT/LSB) and ±50mT (1.5μT/LSB). All variants are RoHS certified, and suitable for deployment in ambient conditions between -40oC to 105oC with supply voltage between 1.7V to 3.6V, ideal for most embedded and IOT electronics environments.

“The MLX90394 brings unprecedented value and performance, meeting the demands of a wide range of modern applications. Whether engineers are developing computer peripherals, industrial cylinders or controls for smart appliances, this optimized and flexible chip will bring customers long-term performance not possible with existing potentiometers, mechanical switches and sliders,” commented Minko Daskalov, Product Manager at Melexis. “Its compact packaging and efficiency will increase design freedom and simplify integration within existing products, as well as allowing for new novel solutions.” 

more information: www.melexis.com/MLX90394

Load switch ICs extend battery life

Littelfuse has expanded its protection IC product line to include five load switch ICs that deliver power savings in a small package.

Littelfuse, Inc. has announced the release of five load switch ICs in its protection IC product line. Featuring a small form factor and high efficiency, they target IoT, mobile, handheld devices, SSD storage, building automation, consumer electronics and wearable electronics applications.

The ICs combine low-power consumption and power savings and easy-to-power on/off controls. The small chip-scale form factor not only saves space, but also integrates functions such as slew rate control, true reverse, current blocking and quick output discharging. They support the industry’s lowest quiescent current (IQ), low RON and shutdown current (ISD) to reduce parasitic leakage current, improve system efficiency and increase overall battery lifetime, Littelfuse said.

The new load switch ICs include the following series: LQ05021QCS4 (5 V, 2 A, ultra-low power consumption with slew rate control), LQ05021RCS4 (5 V, 2 A, ultra-low consumption with true reverse current blocking), LQ05022QCS4 (5 V, 2 A, ultra-low consumption with slew rate control), LQ05041QCS6 (5 V, 4 A, ultra-low power consumption with slew rate control) and LQ05041RCS6 (5 V, 4 A ultra-low power consumption with true reverse current blocking).

The load switch ICs are currently available in tape and reel in quantities of 4,000 in the following series: LQ05021QCS4, LQ05021RCS4 and LQ05022QCS4) or in quantities of 3,000 for the LQ05041QCS6 and LQ05041RCS6. Sample requests can be ordered through Littelfuse’s authorized distributors.

The devices are available in a small, chip-scale package with four bumps in a 0.77 × 0.77 × 0.46 mm package size on a 0.4-mm pitch, four bumps in a 0.97 × 0.97 × 0.55 mm die size on a 0.4-mm pitch or six bumps in a 0.97 × 1.47 × 0.55 mm package size on a 0.5-mm pitch.

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