The Broadcom® APDS-9251-001 and APDS-9253-001 devices are low-voltage digital RGB, IR and ambient light sensor device that convert light intensity to digital output signals.
Key features
Up to 20-bit resolution
I2C compatible interface with dedicated interrupt pin
Individual channels for red (R), green (G), blue (B) and infrared (IR)
Approximate human eye response with green channel
Additional features
The devices use four individual channels of red, green, blue, and IR (RGB+IR) in a specially designed matrix arrangement. This allows the devices to have optimal angular response and accurate RGB spectral response with high lux accuracy over various light sources. They support I2C-bus interface and have a programmable interrupt controller that takes minimal micro-controller (MCU) resources. The color-sensing feature is useful in applications such as LED RGB backlight control, solid-state lighting, reflected LED color sampler and fluorescent light color temperature detection. With the IR sensing feature, the devices can be used to read the IR content in certain lighting condition and detect the type of light source.
Further features:
Miniature package size: L2.00 x W2.00 x H0.65 mm (APDS-9251-001)
Miniature package size: L1.70 x W1.30 x H0.60 mm (APDS-9253-001)
Precise light intensity measurements under diverse lighting conditions and various attentuation materials including dark glass
ALS and RGB sensing with integrated IR-blocking filter
Specially designed matrix arrangement of photodiodes to have optimal angular response
AAEON, an industry leader in AI solutions, announces the BOXER-8150AI, the latest in the BOXER-8100AI family of compact embedded AI Edge solutions powered by NVIDIA Jetson TX2. Featuring eight USB 3.0 ports, the BOXER-8150AI is designed to maximize framerates by providing higher bandwidth for USB connected cameras.
The BOXER-8150AI features the powerful NVIDIA Jetson TX2 CPU paired with 8GB LPDDR4 memory and 32GB eMMC storage onboard. The NVIDIA Jetson TX2 utilizes a unique design to provide 6-cores of processing power by pairing the Dual Denver 2 and Quad ARM 57 processors into a single SOC. The NVIDIA Jetson TX2 is capable of supporting up to 256 CUDA cores and supports AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and Caffe, and can be configured to utilize the customer’s own AI inference software.
The BOXER-8150AI stands out from the crowd with its unique configuration of eight USB 3.0 ports. The BOXER-8150AI is designed with four USB chips, each controlling a pair of USB 3.0 ports. By dedicating one chip to one pair of ports, each chip handles less data traffic overall, improving bandwidth from connected devices and allowing the BOXER-8150AI to maximize processing speeds and framerates. Higher framerates allow for AI software to process images faster, more reliably and with greater accuracy.
With this configuration, the BOXER-8150AI is able to support up to eight USB connected cameras or devices, each operating independently of one another. This powerful configuration is perfect for a wide range of computer vision applications like visual inspection, quality control, and facial recognition.
The I/O features of the BOXER-8150AI doesn’t just stop with its USB ports. The BOXER-8150AI features a COM port for easy integration into industrial systems. It also features a Gigabit Ethernet port and two antenna ports for easy connection to any kind of network, or even as a mobile device. Other I/O features include two HDMI 2.0 ports, an SD Card slot, USB OTG, and remote ON/OFF.
Built for Industry 4.0, the BOXER-8150AI features a fanless design and all aluminum chassis, making it tough enough to handle he rigors of any work place. It is capable of operating in temperature ranges from -20°C to 50°C and features a wide input voltage range of 10 to 24 VDC. With a compact size only 30 mm thick, it’s another design from AAEON that is built to work anywhere you need it.
“The BOXER-8150AI offers a unique design which maximizes bandwidth and provides higher framerates for developers and customers who require their application to interface with a large number of USB connected devices,” said Ethan Chiu, Product Manager with AAEON System Platform Division. “The BOXER-8150AI is the embedded system that offers AI at the speed of sight.”
IBASE Technology Inc. a leading provider of Embedded Motherboard and Computing Systems, introduces its latest COM Express Type 10 (ET875) and Type 6 (ET870) COM Express; Modules based on the Intel® Atom™ processor E3900 series, Intel® Pentium® processor N4200 and Intel® Celeron® processor N3350.
Designed for the needs of IoT embedded applications including amusement gaming, ATM/POS, medical imaging, and industrial control, these highly scalable mini modules combine powerful graphics performance and energy-efficient computing power to effortlessly handle various tasks. The ET875 and ET870 have a wide-temperature operating range from -40°C to +85°C and long-term availability, while supporting two serial ports, four high-speed PCI-e Gen2 lanes and TPM 2.0 for data encryption management.
Measuring 84mm by 55mm, the new ET875 is equipped with the Intel® Gen 9-LP SoC-integrated HD graphics with 18 execution units and supports two independent displays – 1x DD and 1x LVDS or 1x eDP and eMMC storage option (up to 32GB). Its interfaces comprise two USB 3.0/3.1, eight USB 2.0, and two SATA III (via IP417 carrier board). The compact ET870 (95mm x 95mm), on the other hand, has three USB 3.0, four USB 2.0 and two SATA III (via IP419 carrier board). It features the Intel Gen 9 SoC-integrated HD graphics, and two display interfaces – 2x DDI and 1x 24-bit dual-channel LVDS or eDP.
The IBASE ET875 and IBASE ET870 are currently available. For more information, please visit www.ibase.com.tw.
ET870 FEATURES:
Onboard Intel® Atom™ x7-E3950, 2.0GHz or x5-E3930, 1.8GHz [i-Temp support]
2x DDR3L-1866 SO-DIMM sockets, Max. 16GB
Supports 2x independent displays, DisplayPort/ DVI-D/LVDS or eDP via Carrier Board (IP419)
Supports HD audio via Carrier Board (IP419)
Wide-range operating temperature
ET875 FEATURES:
Onboard Intel® Atom™ x7-E3950, 2.0GHz or x5-E3930, 1.8GHz [i-Temp support]
Infineon Technologies will launch a monolithically integrated linear Hall sensor which was developed entirely according to the safety standard ISO26262 for automotive applications.
With just one device, the XENSIV TLE4999I3 enables the development of fault-tolerant systems that have to meet the highest level of functional safety (ASIL D). These include, for example, electric steering systems, electric throttle control systems, and pedal applications.
ISO26262 requires a system to keep functioning even if a single fault occurs, and so the TLE4999I3 allows uninterrupted operation at system level. The device consists of a monolithic design with two independent Hall elements. Their signal paths are separate from each other. Internal control mechanisms carry out a plausibility check of the sensor data already within the chip. Furthermore, the new linear Hall sensor also provides extensive status information to the system.
In addition to functional safety, the TLE4999I3 also offers high magnetic sensitivity with an error tolerance of less than 2 percent. The offset error drift, also an important parameter for magnetic sensors to determine the absolute position in a magnetic field, is maximum 100µT. This is just half that of comparable products, Infineon adds. The values of these parameters apply across the entire temperature range and lifetime of the product.
With the TLE4999I3, two magnetic ranges of ±12.5 mT and 25 mT can be adjusted. These low values allow the use of relatively small and, consequently, inexpensive magnets.
The device features a PSI5 communication interface. Physically, this is a current interface, the advantages of which, according to Infineon, are a low wiring effort and an excellent electromagnetic performance. The TLE4999I3 is suitable for applications in which it is connected to the control unit over large distances: It supports cable lengths up to a distance of 12 m.
The TLE4999I3 sensor comes in a PG-SSO-3 package, which allows a high degree of flexibility due to its small space requirement and shape. The device is qualified according to AECQ100, Grade 0 and can thus be used in applications with ambient temperatures of 150°C during average operational conditions.
SolidRun has announced pre-sales for $550 for its developer-oriented “early access” edition of a high-end networkingboard that features NXP’s 16-core, Cortex-A72 LX2160A. The beta-stage HoneyCombLX2K early version board will ship in September, and the $750 model with extra features will go on sale in October 2019. The HoneyComb LX2K is a sandwich-style board designed based on a COM Express Type 7 module, and it’s equipped with 2x 10GbE SFP+ ports and a standard GbE port. The LX2160A is presently the highest-end model in NXP’s series of networking-oriented QorIQ Layerscape processors.
The LX2160A offers twice as many Cortex-A72 cores as the Layerscape LS2084, which features in Imago’s VisionBox Le Mans and EdgeBox computers. The 16-core SoC enables datapath acceleration optimized for L2/3 packet processing, security offload, and robust traffic management and quality of service.
The early version of the HoneyComb LX2K clocks at 2.0GHz while the final version will clock the processor at 2.2GHz. The processor is loaded into the CEx7 LX2160A Type 7 module, that features up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4. The early version’s RAM clocks at 2900MT/s while the final version will boost the clock rate to 3200MT/s.
HoneyComb LX2K
The module on the early version offers 64GB eMMC while the final version lists “eMMC.” The Mini-ITX board which houses the module is fitted with a microSD slot, 4x SATA III ports, and an optional M.2 2240/2280 slot built to support SSDs. It features dual 10GbW SFP+ slots and Ethernet slots, and also an open PCIe x8 Gen 3.0 slot that can support x16 boards. The 170 x 170mm module features USB ports 3x USB 3.0, 3x USB 2.0, a micro-USB serial debug port, and “USB to STM32 for remote management, with also a GPIO header.
The HoneyComb LX2K features an ATX power supply, and will be available in 0 to 70°C and -40 to 85°C models. The early version doesn’t have an optional metal enclosure like the final model, and its software support is limited to Linux 4.14x. The final version lists support for mainline Linux, UEFI, and U-Boot, and additionally, SBSA compliance. SolidRun says that the early version does not support the “workstation configuration” available for the final model.
A digital multimeter is an electronics measurement tool which is a necessary and powerful tool for every hacker, engineer, and maker. It can be used as a voltmeter, ohmmeter, ammeter, continuity meter, and some even offer more features than this. At the hand of a creative hacker, it might just be the only debugging or measurement tool you might need if you lay your hands on the right one.
With a multimeter, you can understand what is happening in your electronic circuit board, or figure out how your spaghetti wiring is really connected with a continuity test. Their use is unbounded and is limited to the quality of the meter you have and your own experience.
What Multimeter Should I Use?
typical digital multimeter
One of the questions that usually pop-ups to upcoming makers or someone trying to get a new meter is which meter I should buy? There are quite a wide variety of multimeters out there with different functionalities and accuracy. At the minimum, it is expected your meter should be able to provide the below basic functionality:
Measure Voltage (DC and AC)
Measure Current (DC and AC)
Measure Resistance
Able to test for continuity
After you have decided what meter to buy, the next thing you will look into is how to actually use it. A typical multimeter is shown above. The Selection Knob is one of the essential parts of most meters, and it is used to select what you want to measure. Depending on your experience with using multimeters, you might have a hard time knowing how to choose what you want. Selecting the wrong option might destroy your meter, waste your valuable time, or add to your debugging frustration only to find out you are using the wrong setting. The APEXEL ET8103 is a smart meter that removes those challenges and makes you focus on the most thing instead of figuring out what setting to put the knob.
APEXEL ET8103 Smart Multimeter
APEXEL ET8103 a Full Intelligent Digital Multimeter
The Apexel ET8103 is a fully intelligent multimeter that can auto-identify what you need to measure, thus saving you valuable time. Just like other meters, the APEXEL ET8103 can measure voltage (AC and DC), current, resistance, capacitance, continuity test, and even have a true RMS measurement. It comes with features like a flashlight (an extra light boost), buzzer, auto shutdown, auto range and even mains Electric Field Measurement (NCV). Just put it on, connect your measurement probe, and see it do its magic. See below some of the meter features and specifications:
Display: Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Maximum Display: 5999 (3 5 / 6) bit automatic polarity display
Measurement method: double integral A/D conversion
Sampling rate: about three times per second
Overrange display: The highest position shows “OL.”
Working environment: 0 – 40 Deg.C
Relative humidity: less than 80 percent
Weight: 0.25 kg
Dimension: 13.90 x 6.30 x 2.85 cm
The Multimeter package consists of 1x APEXEL ET8103 Multimeter, 1x Measuring Probe, 2x AAA Battery, and 1x English Instruction.
APEXEL ET8103 a Full Intelligent Digital Multimeter
According to a reviewer on Gearbest:
The APEXEL takes the guesswork out of what should be the best settings for the measurements you wanna make. It does voltage, amperage, resistance and even micro-farads for capacitance values AND con-tactless voltage potential detection… It’s all there! Presented in a handy package containing the backlight-able multi-meter, cabled probes and manual, I would say that this is a must-have for anyone’s toolkit particularly if one is just starting out in electronics or electrics.
The APEXEL ET8103 is an affordable multimeter available for purchase at Gearbest for $16.99 which is currently on a special promo.
Backward compatible with the legacy 8500 series protocol as well as offering support for industry-standard SCPI commands, B&K Precision’s 8500B series of programmable DC loads is suitable for testing DC-DC converters, batteries, battery chargers, and photovoltaic arrays.
The programmable DC electronic loads support constant current, constant voltage, constant resistance, and constant power operation, with list mode, transient operation, automatic test mode, battery test function and an adjustable slew rate. Transient mode in CC mode is up to 10kHz. The 16-bit voltage and current measurement system provides up to 0.1mV / 0.1mA of resolution with flexible triggering options including from the front panel, an external input, a timer, or a bus. The loads also include PC software for front panel emulation and generating test sequences and are compatible with B&K Precision’s battery test software for discharge tests. The 8500B series consists of four models each in a 2U (half-rack) form factor.
Specifications
Maximum input power up to 600 W
CC/CV/CR/CW operating modes
Transient mode up to 10 kHz in CC mode
16-bit voltage and current measurement system with up to 0.1 mV / 0.1 mA resolution
List mode and adjustable slew rate in CC mode
Short circuit test
Built-in battery test function with voltage level, capacity level, and timer stop conditions
CR-LED mode to simulate the loading behavior of typical LEDs
Remote voltage sensing to compensate for the effect of voltage drop in wires
Analog current control and monitoring
TTL (DB9) interface, includes TTL to USB adapter
OVP/OCP/OPP/OTP and local/remote reverse voltage (LRV/RRV) protection
The B&K Precision’s 8500B series of programmable DC loads is available from various distributors online starting from $910 for the 8542B model.
Hamamatsu Photonics has developed an InGaAs area image sensor for hyperspectral cameras capable of detecting short-wavelength-infrared light up to 2.55 µm which is the world’s longest wavelength detectable by this type of area image sensor.
By applying compound opto-semiconductor manufacturing technology fostered in-house over many years, we designed and developed a new area image sensor G14674-0808W made of indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) capable of detecting short-wavelength-infrared light up to 2.55 µm which is the world’s longest wavelength detectable by this type of area image sensor. Installing this new InGaAs image sensor into hyperspectral cameras for plastic recycling will boost the plastic recycling rate since hyperspectral cameras can screen and sort plastics containing flame-retardant resin to separate them out from other plastics, which has been extremely difficult up till now. They start accepting product orders from domestic and overseas industrial camera manufacturers on July 1, 2019.
This new InGaAs image sensor will be on display at the IMAGE SENSING SHOW 2019 held in Pacifico Yokohama for 3 days from June 12 to June 14, where domestic and overseas manufacturers and experts in image processing devices and sensing technology gather to show off and check out new technology.
X-FAB Silicon Foundries, the leading analog/mixed-signal and specialty foundry, together with crowd-sourcing IC platform partner Efabless Corporation, today announced the successful first-silicon availability of the Efabless RISC-V System on Chip (SoC) reference design. This open-source semiconductor project went from design start to tape-out in less than three months using the Efabless design flow based on open-source tools. The mixed-signal SoC, called Raven, is based on the community developed ultra-low power PicoRV32 RISC-V core. Efabless has successfully bench-tested the Raven at 100MHz, and based on simulations the design should be able to operate at up to 150MHz.
Raven is unique in that the open-source top-level design utilizes X-FAB proprietary analog IP and is created with an open-source design flow. This hybrid open-source design brings the power of open innovation and at the same time protecting significant investment in proprietary IP.
Efabless and X-FAB chose to manufacture the Raven on X-FAB’s high-reliability XH018 process. This is a flexible 180nm 6-metal process with a wide variety of options including a low power option, on-chip isolation for high voltages, and high-temperature flash memory. X-FAB’s XH018 process meets automotive quality requirements and is popular in a wide range of automotive, industrial and medical applications.
The semiconductor design is fully functional and Efabless is now engaged with its initial customers on design of derivative offerings. To the Efabless community Raven is available from the Efabless marketplace as a reference design without license fee consequentially advancing the Efabless open innovation model of community design.
“The successful partnership with Efabless demonstrates X-FAB’s continued commitment to open-source semiconductor development”, said Ulrich Bretthauer, Product Marketing Manager at X-FAB. “Nearly 75% of Raven’s die area is covered by X-FAB standard library blocks and macros. Using these proven IP blocks increased the reliability of the Raven while minimizing first-silicon risk.”
According to Mohamed Kassem, Efabless co-founder and CTO, “This project would not have been possible without the support of X-FAB. They have been an early adopter of the Efabless open-innovation model and this project is the logical extension of our collaboration.”
For companies that want to learn how to get started with open-source IP semiconductor design, X-FAB provides a series of free webinars including “Handling of Complex & Diverse IC Designs Made Easier”, “Design Robustness”, and “IC Lifetime Calculation Made Easy”. Design kits and PDKs for open source IP designs are available. Contact X-FAB for more information.