Mini-ITX form factor board has four video outputs with up to 6-core performance

WADE-8211-Q370 Scalable Processing Power Gives Design Flexibility and Is Ideal for Industrial Automation, Medical Equipment and IoT Applications.

Portwell , a world-world-leading innovator in the Industrial PC (IPC) market and an Associate member of the Intel Intelligent Systems Alliance program, today announces the release of the WADE-8211-Q370, a new Mini-ITX form factor embedded system board based on the 8th Generation Intel Core™ processor (formerly Coffee Lake) and Intel Q370 Express chipset. Along with four independent video outputs, the WADE-8211 also utilizes the 8th Generation Intel Core Processor, built on 14nm process technology utilizing 3D Tri-gate transistor technology, resulting in increased performance and improved energy efficiency. The Mini-ITX Board includes Intel Turbo Boost Technology for faster processing, Intel vPro™ Technology for superior remote configuration capabilities and Intel Hyper-threading for multithreaded processing. These features translate into reduced manageability cost and improved security, making the WADE-8211 an ideal solution for Industrial Automation, Medical Equipment, Transportation and Retail Systems.

Based on Mini-ITX form factor, the WADE-8211 is right-sized perfectly for applications with small footprint computer and supports the powerful Intel Core™ i7 / i5 / i3 (8th gen.) and the Intel Pentium® / Intel Celeron® processor series. It is equipped with the highly performant Intel Q370 Express Chipset and guarantees highest functionality on a small-sized surface with Intel AMT 12.0 and vPro support, 2x Intel GbE LAN and BIOS configurable PCI Express Lane. It is designed and tested for enhanced operating temperature range up to 60°C and 24/7 continuous operation.

The WADE-8211-Q370 supports up to 32GB Non-ECC DDR4 memory up to 2133MHz on two 260-pin SO-DIMM sockets making it faster than its predecessor. Its expansion interface supports one PCI Express x16 Gen3 (8.0GT/s) for enhanced video performance and support one Mini-PCIe and two M.2 slots (one M.2 Type E socket (2230) for Wireless, one M.2 Type M socket (2242/2260/2280) for SSD).

The board supports four type independent displays, dual DP (Display Port), VGA and 24bit LVDS with greater 3D performance compared to its previous generation. Running with a low TDP CPU (35 watts), the WADE-8211 can provide superior performance in various environments. Moreover, the enhancement in flash playback, rich 2D/3D graphics quality, security and power efficiency enables a fascinating visual experience in a variety of market segments such as Industrial Automation, Medical Imaging, Retail Automation, Transportation, and Digital Signage.

Superconductivity at –23 degrees Celsius?

Researchers at the University of Chicago have managed to beat the previous world record for high-temperature superconductivity (HTSC) by 50K. This new material reaches superconductivity at –23 °C (under very high pressure conditions). by Thomas Scherer @ elektormagazine.com

Even though the material needs to be under extreme pressure at this temperature for superconductivity to occur, Vitali Prakapenka and Eran Greenberg of the ANL (Argonne National Laboratory) see this as a significant step towards superconductivity at room temperature.

Superconductivity and energy saving

The use of Superconducting electrical conductors which do not need such extremely low temperatures to become effective would allow the design of a new generation of super-efficient wind turbines and slash costs for other applications such as maglev trains, MRI scanners and particle accelerators. Keeping these superconductors at their superconducting temperature uses so much energy that the practical application is almost always uneconomical.

The previous world record is –73 °C but this material is not ductile and cannot therefore be drawn into flexible wires to make windings for electric motors or electromagnets. At the moment this is also not possible with this latest superconducting compound, but the researchers hope that practical use could be made possible in the future. Practical superconducting materials in use today only work at –240 °C.

… read more

New Tinker Boards with RK3399Pro and Features Google’s i.MX8M

Asus displayed two new open-spec Tinker boards at Computex last week, the “Tinker Edge R” SBC with a RK3399Pro, the  “Tinker Edge T,” and “CR1S-CM-A” variants of Google’s i.MX8M and Edge TPU equipped Coral Dev Board. They also unveiled an 8th Gen Core-based “PN60T” mini-PC with an Edge TPU.

The Tinker Edge R has a larger 100 x 72mm Pico-ITX form factor than the Raspberry Pi-sized Tinker Board S or Asus’ new Coral Dev Board variants. It’s in league with other open-spec SBCs equipped with Rockchip’s RK3399Pro like the Vamrs Toybrick RK3399Pro and the Geniatech DB3399 Pro SBC. The RK3399Pro incorporates a hexa-core RK3399 with a 3.0-TOPS performing Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU) which supports Tensorflow, Tensorflow Lite, Caffe, and other deep learning models.

Asus Tinker Edge R

The Tinker Edge R is equipped with 4GB LPDDR4 plus 2GB LPDDR3 dedicated to the NPU. The board Is further equipped with 16GB eMMC, a microSD slot, a GbE port, and 802.11ac with Bluetooth 4.2. Available also are 4x USB 3.1 Gen1 ports, one is a Type-C with DisplayPort support. Media support features include an HDMI port, 2x MIPI-DSI, 2x MIPI-CSI2, and an audio jack. The board has a 40-pin GPIO header with similar pinout as the Tinker Board, and also a mini-PCIe slot with a nano-SIM slot that enables 4G/LTE “extended.” Other features include a 12-19V input and an RTC battery header.

The Tinker Edge T and CR1S-CM-A boards are the products of a collaborative effort between Asus’s new AIoT business unit and the Google Coral business unit. The boards integrate the same 48 x 40mm Coral SOM module present in Google’s $150 Coral Dev Board. The SOM module runs Debian Linux on the quad-core version of NXP’s 1.5GHz Cortex-A53 i.MX8M. The Coral SOM incorporates the Edge TPU chip, which connects with the i.MX8M via PCIe and I2C/GPIO. Available also is a crypto coprocessor, 1GB LPDDR4, and 8GB eMMC. The sandwich-style Tinker Edge T and CR1S-CM-A have the 85 x 56mm dimensions as the Tinker Board S and the Coral Dev Board. The Tinker Edge T is built for AI-powered projects like cameras, game emulators and smart home devices, while the CR1S-CM-A is aimed at AI solutions for business intelligence, signage, and security applications.

Asus Tinker Edge T

The Tinker Edge T is presumably open-spec, at least for the carrier board. The Tinker Edge T is fitted with 1GB LPDDR4, 8GB eMMC, a GbE port, and 802.11ac with BT 4.1. 2x USB 3.0 ports and a USB Type-C port are available without the DP support. There are also dual MIPI-CSI2 camera interfaces with support for stereoscopic applications. An HDMI port, a MIPI-DSI interface, and a 40-pin header with Raspberry Pi compatibility is available.

The 115 x 115mm PN60T mini-PC has several Intel 8th Gen Kaby Lake Refresh chips and includes a 1.8GHz/4GHz, quad-core, octa-threaded Core i7-8550U, a dual-core, quad-threaded 2.2GHz/3.4GHz Core i3-8130U, and a 1.8GHz, dual-core Celeron 3867U. The system integrates the Edge TPU via Google’s PCIE-E Accelerator card. The PN60T is also equipped with dual-channel DDR4 up to 32GB and features a SATA SSD and an M.2 slot. No Likely OS support includes Linux and/or Windows. No pricing or availability information is available for the Tinker Edge R, Tinker Edge T, or CR1S-CM-A SBCs. The PN60T is expected in 4Q 2019.

More information can be found in the Asus Tinker Edge T and CR1S-CM-A announcement.

Record-smashing Snapmaker 2.0 3D printers now available for website pre-orders

The modular 3D printer line, available in 3 models, is now available for pre-order from Snapmaker.com after becoming the most-funded technology project on Kickstarter

After breaking multiple records with the Snapmaker 2.0 Kickstarter campaign, Snapmaker is today announcing that the 3D printer line is now available for pre-orders on Snapmaker.com. The Snapmaker 2.0 raised $7,850,866 USD by 7,388 backers on Kickstarter, making it the most funded-technology project ever on the platform, and one of the top ten most-funded projects on Kickstarter overall. The Snapmaker 2.0 is available for pre-orders on Snapmaker.com starting at $799 USD. Orders will ship worldwide and will be delivered in March 2020.

Snapmaker first launched the Snapmaker Original 3-in-1 3D printer on Kickstarter in 2017, ending the campaign with over $2 million in pledges and fulfilling all orders. With feedback from the community, the Snapmaker team began to work on even more innovative improvements for the Snapmaker 2.0, pushing modularity to the next level and giving creators even more flexibility. To achieve this goal, Snapmaker adopted CAN (Controlled Area Network) bus expansion, a technology that allows microcontrollers to ping information without the need for a wired connection. This enables Snapmaker to add new features to the Snapmaker 2.0 with just software – no hardware upgrades necessary. Snapmaker 2.0 is the first 3D printer using the CAN bus protocol.

The Snapmaker 2.0 garnered the attention of thousands of backers on Kickstarter by combining a 3-in-1 functionality, top-notch manufacturing, and an affordable price point. Key features include:

  • Improved 3-in-1 capabilities for 3D printing, laser engraving and cutting, and CNC carving
  • Compatibility with dozens of everyday materials such as leather and food items, to popular 3D printing materials like wooden PLA
  • A modular design so users can easily and quickly change between modes and set up the product in just 10 minutes
  • High quality metal construction with aerospace-grade aluminum alloys
  • A large workspace with each model of different sizes so you can make large projects or multiple smaller objects at once
  • Intuitive touchscreen and software to control the printers, and also select and preview your projects
  • CAN bus protocol for future upgrades means Snapmaker 2.0 buyers can take advantage of future upgrades via software downloads

“Since their first campaign on Kickstarter, Snapmaker has had a deep focus on building a true community with their backers from the ground up,” said Heather Corcoran, Director of Design and Technology, Kickstarter. “That community clearly came out in force to help them break this record. The best part about it is that the product is such a powerful creative tool – those thousands of backers will in turn bring a whole new wave of ideas and inventions to life using Snapmaker 2.0. When you’re building tools like this alongside a community, the potential for impact is kind of exponential. We can’t wait to see what all these backers are going to make with Snapmaker 2.0.”

“The Snapmaker team has been blown away by the public response to the Snapmaker 2.0 so far,” said Daniel Chen, CEO, Snapmaker. “We were proud to see that not only was the Snapmaker 2.0 the fastest Kickstarter campaign to ever reach $1 million in just seven minutes, but we finished our campaign with another record, becoming the most funded technology project on the platform. We are excited to start accepting pre-orders on our own website, expanding the reach of the Snapmaker 2.0 even further.”

Snapmaker 2.0 Technical Specifications:

About Snapmaker

Snapmaker is a tech startup team of passionate engineers and designers with working experience in the fields of aviation, robotics, and 3D printing. Snapmaker creates products designed to bring innovative technology into daily life. It focuses particularly on the 3D printing technology, starting with the Snapmaker 3D Printer — the all-metal and all-in-one 3D printer that can do more at a lower cost. Snapmaker is dedicated to creating a set of modules to allow everyone to build easy-to-use and budget-friendly fabrication machines.

For more information, visit snapmaker.com

Next-generation IoT wireless modules accelerate development

Radio modules using STMicroelectronics’ STM32WB55 wireless microcontroller are available from Arrow Electronics. The Sharky modules were co-developed with Italian designer, Midatronics. By Caroline Hayes

The microcontroller integrates a 2.4GHz RF transceiver supporting Bluetooth 5 (including Bluetooth Low Energy), Thread, and ZigBee stacks. Its dual Arm Cortex-M core architecture enables real-time secure application performance running on the 64MHz Cortex-M4F core, and concurrently manages the radio subsystem and security tasks on the integrated but independent Cortex-M0+

The MDX-STWBP-01 and MDX-STWUP-R01 Shrarkypro modules have an on-board PCB antenna or a UFL connector, respectively, for attaching an external antenna. Balun circuitry for connecting the antenna is integrated in the microcontroller. There is also the MDX-STWBC-R01 and MDX-STWBW-R01 modules, with a choice of a chip antenna or no antenna, respectively.

The power-efficient modules draw 13nA in shutdown mode and 600nA in standby with the microcontroller real-time clock and RAM powered up. Receive sensitivity is -96dBm and RF output is programmable, with low active current at 4.5mA receive and transmitting at 0dBm.

For security, the microcontroller’s hardware-based encryption consists of public key authorisation (PKA) and random number generator (RNG), with customer key storage to keep keys hidden.

The modules are supplied with the RF (32MHz) and 32.7kHz crystals required by the microcontroller, already fitted. Developers can use ST’s STM32Cube development ecosystem, with configuration tools, middleware, and new extensions for the microcontroller, including peripheral drivers, connectivity libraries, and a monitoring tool for RF testing.

The Sharky modules measure 16mm x 27.25mm and the Sharkypro variants are 14.6mm x 23mm or 14.6mm x 14.6mm.

Open hardware SBC module based on AT91SAM9260 @200MHz with 128MB RAM

The second installment in the embedded Linux hardware development learning exercise. The board is an updated version of the previous AT91RM9200_SBC. Detailed documentation and resources can be found in the docs and resources folders.

Note: the CPU comes in two variants, 208 pin PQFP and 217 pin BGA. The PFQP version is pin compatible with AT91SAM9XE. The BGA version is compatible with the improved AT91SAM9G20 and has its own board.

Features

  • CPU – AT91SAM9260 processor (ARM926EJ @ 200MHz)
  • RAM – 1Gb SDRAM max ( 3V3 and 1V8 types supported)
  • NVM – AT45DB dataflash for U-boot
  • microSD card slot
  • microUSB client interface
  • USB host breakout
  • RMII interface for Ethernet
  • standard Apollo.IoT expansion header

Resources

You can find all necesary information to build or evaluate the module here:

Current status and changelog

  • v1.1.0 sent to factory, expected to be ready for assembly and testing in mid June.

SODIMM module features i.MX8M Mini/Nano with up to 8GB RAM

iWave Systems, a leader in embedded systems and solutions, will be launching a new System on Module based on NXP® i.MX8M Mini/Nano application processor. SOM will feature a powerful combination of 4 x ARM Cortex®-A53 @ 1.8GHz*, 64-bit processor and 1 x ARM® Cortex®-M4 core @ 400 MHz. The powerful SoC coupled with other advanced features such as flexible LPDDR4 & eMMC memory options, sophisticated audio, video, graphics, high speed wired/wireless connectivity and a wide range of I/O interfaces makes it ideal for delivering low power and high performing solutions for demanding embedded applications. This SOM provides comprehensive features yet cost-effective solution in a small and highly integrated SODIMM form factor and is ideal for enabling innovations in IoT, portable hardware, video /audio streaming, industrial HMI, Home Automation etc.

i.MX8M Mini/Nano is NXP®’s first embedded SOC built using advanced 14LPC FinFet process technology. The SOM can provide enhanced video/audio experience by combining media specific features such as 1080p60 VPU, GC Nano ultra 3D graphics, GC320 2D graphics, MIPI DSI, MIPI CSI interface and extensive audio interfaces including I2S, AC97, TDM and SPDIF. SOM can easily be connected to the network with the help of a wide range of high-speed interfaces and connectivity options such as USB, PCIe, Dual Gigabit Ethernet and on-board Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac + BLE v4.2 Combo Module. It runs Linux 4.0 and Android Oreo*.

Highlights

  • Cortex-A53 @ up to 1.6 GHz
  • Cortex-M4F @ 400 MHZ
  • 64-bit Armv8-A architecture
  • 1080p60 VP8, 1080p60 VP9, 1080p60(AVC/H.264) Encoder & 1080p60 (HEVC/H.265, AVC/H.264) Decoder VPU
  • GCNanoUltra and GC320
  • Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac + BLE v4.2
  • Dual 1000/100/10 Mbps Ethernet (One is optional)
  • 2GB LPDDR4 memory (Expandable)
  • Modular & Compact SODIMM form factor 67.6mm X 37mm

Each cores of i.MX8M Mini SOM consists of 32 KB L1 Instruction Cache, 32 KB L1 Data Cache, Media Processing Engine (MPU) and Floating Point Unit (FPU).The ARM® Cortex®-M4F microcontroller can operate in low power standby mode, independent of the main processor and is proficient in handling real time system monitoring. The M4F incorporates 16 KB L1 Instruction Cache ,16 KB L2 Data Cache and 256 KB TCM.The SOM is equipped with high speed on-chip RAM (256 KB+32 KB) and 256 KB Boot ROM and features NXP’S highly efficient power management units for ensuring prolonged battery life. The SOM ensures secured infrastructure with Arm Trust Zone architecture, Resource Domain Controller and High Assurance Boot.

(Remarks) ARM and Cortex are registered trademarks of Arm Limited (or its subsidiaries) in the EU and in other countries. PowerVR is a registered trademark of Imagination technologies Limited (or its subsidiaries) in the EU and in other countries. All registered trademarks or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Availability:

i.MX8M mini SODIMM SOM modules are in sampling and shipping to customers from mid-2019. The i.MX8M Nano based SOM modules will be launched later this year.  iWave also supports comprehensive development platform with TFT panel to evaluate all the features of the i.MX8M Mini/Nano CPU. The i.MX8M Mini/Nano SOMs will be supported with both Linux and Android BSP.

Littelfuse setP™ temperature indicator helps protect USB Type-C plugs from overheating

Littelfuse expands its PolySwitch setP series of digital temperature indicators, introducing the SETP0805-100-CC which is designed to protect USB Type‑C and USB power delivery charging cables from overheating. It is optimised for use in cables equipped with USB Type-C connectors at both ends.

Typical applications for SETP0805-100-CC temperature indicators include consumer electronics, primarily for mobile and wearable devices equipped with USB Type-C cables (with a Type-C plug on each end) and USB Type-C chargers (such as cables fixed or captive to a charger for laptops).

When dust, dirt, or other debris is trapped in a USB Type-C cable connector or the connector has deformed pins, it creates a resistive fault from the power line to ground, which can cause a dangerous temperature rise without increasing the current. When the temperature reaches the setP’s indicating temperature (100 degrees C), the setP switches from low resistance to very high resistance, shutting down the flow of power. Once the user disconnects the cable and removes the debris, the cable can resume normal operation.

The compact 0805 footprint of Littelfuse’s setP temperature indicators makes them at least 50 per cent smaller than other versions that require placing a device on the power line, claims Littelfuse. The setP devices can be used to protect cables designed for 100 W of power or more.

The number of consumer electronics, wireless, and computing devices equipped with USB Type-C connectors sold each year is estimated to reach 5bn by 2021. This is expected to spur demand for products that can protect cables and connectors from overheating damage. The SETP0805-100-CC temperature indicators are claimed to offer the smallest, most energy-efficient solution available today to protect people and electronics against overheating.

The setP temperature indicators have a rigid structure which is compatible with conventional assembly and moulding operations used in cable and connector manufacturing. They are independent of power simplifies part selection to protect systems that operate at 100 W of power or more.

The setP indicator is an easy drop-in replacement for over-temperature protection to existing designs as there is no disruption of the communication channel, reports Littelfuse.

The original (single-end) setP series digital temperature indicator (part number SETP0805-100-SE) and the SETP0805-100-CC are available as surface mount devices in tape and reel packaging. Sample requests may be placed through authorised Littelfuse distributors worldwide.

http://www.Littelfuse.com

Panasonic’s ETQP Series metal-composite type power choke coils now available

Panasonic’s ETQP Series metal-composite type power choke coils offer exceptional robustness for use in harsh automotive and industrial applications. AEC-Q200 qualified, they are ideal for use as noise filters in drive circuits, and in step-down and step-up circuits in DC-DC converters, voltage regulators and buck-boost converters.

The ETQP Series inductors are notable for their high current capability, high heat resistance and excellent thermal stability. Made with a high temperature-capable resin material, the ETQP Series inductors are rated for an operating temperature of up to 160°C.

ETQP Series | Available now from Future Electronics – You can find full pricing and delivery information here

Other key features of these Panasonic power inductors include:

  • Vibration resistance of 10g-30g
  • Up to 40% smaller than equivalent ferrite-type inductors
  • High tolerance of thermal shock when cycle-tested at -40°C to 150°C
  • Metal-composite core with magnetic shielding
  • Non-hard saturation

In industrial equipment, the ETQP series devices are suitable for:

  • Automation
  • Servers
  • LED drivers
  • Power supply modules

Saelig’s SAE106S Digital PCB Microscope has 1080p resolution

High resolution inspection tool with built-in LCD designed for standalone PCB inspection.

Saelig Company, Inc. announces the introduction of the Saelig SAE106S Digital Microscope, a versatile tool designed specifically for PCB inspection, but it will also prove to be useful in many other fields such as coin or mechanical part examination.  The SAE106S may be used as a standalone inspection device for circuit board examination using its built-in 4.3” LCD screen, or it may also be connected to a PC.  Illumination is enhanced by an 8-LED adjustable ring light and two additional repositionable, dimmable side lights to allow optimal contrast viewing.  The SAE106S offers 10X-220X magnification for discovering the smallest blemish or trace problem, and resultant images and videos may be stored on an SD card or transferred to a Windows PC.  The SAE106S features a large non-conducting ABS plastic base for supporting the PCB being examined.

Visual inspection is a premier tool in PCB debug activities.  Searching for missing, incorrect or charred components, bad solder joints, and solder bridges is the first order of business when a bad board comes in for repair. This becomes so much easier with a powerful microscope such as the SAE106S.  Looking for solder whiskers or bridges between pads or solder joints is especially challenging between the pins of fine-pitch SMD chips without significant magnification.  If the problem is a short, it may be plainly visible on the full-color LCD screen as a burned spot that is discolored brown, instead of the normal green solder mask of the PCB.

Specification

  • 4.3inch full HD LCD screen.  10x-220x continuously adjustable magnification
  • High quality optics for extremely sharp 1080p images
  • High-quality precision-adjustable stand adjusts the camera-object distance and magnification.
  • UV filter protects the lens, reduces reflections and stray light.
  • Images and videos can be saved to a microSD card (< 32GB).
  • USB 3.0 SD Card reader and SD card included.
  • 8 LED ring illumination with adjustable intensity control for optimal illumination levels.
  • Two arm-mounted movable/dimmable fill lights for additional lighting control and contrast
  • Comprehensive English user manual

The SAE106S Digital PCB Microscope is available now from Saelig for $199.99

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