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Thermistor Signal Amplifier for Thermoelectric Cooler using INA330

The INA330 breakout board is a great tool for TEC plate temperature measurements. The INA330 based precision amplifier is designed for thermoelectric cooler (TEC) control in optical networking applications. It is optimized for use in 10k thermistor-based temperature controllers. The INA330 provides thermistor excitation and generates an output voltage proportional to the difference in resistances applied to the inputs. The board uses only one precision resistor R3 plus the thermistor RT1, thus providing an alternative to the traditional bridge circuit. The circuit maintains excellent accuracy for temperature control applications. An excitation voltage is applied to the thermistor (R_THERM) RT1 and precision resistor (RSET) R3, generating current I1 and I2. The current conveyor circuit produces an output current, I0, equal to I1 – I2, which flows through the external gain-setting resistor. A buffered voltage output proportional to I0 is also provided.

The loop controls temperature to an adjustable set-point of 22.5°C to 27.5°C. The nominal 10kΩ at 25°C thermistor ranges from approximately 11.4kΩ to 8.7kΩ over this range. A 1V excitation voltage is applied to V1 and V2, producing a nominal 100µA current in the 10kΩ R_SET resistor. The thermistor current is approximately 100µA at 25°C, but will vary above or below this value over the ±2.5°C set-point temperature range. The difference between these two currents flows in the gain-set resistor, RG. This produces a voltage output of approximately 0.9V/°C. The set-point temperature is adjusted with VADJ. Thus, the voltage at VO is the sum of (IO)(RG) + VADJ. VADJ can be manually adjusted or set with a Digital-to-Analog (D/A) converter. Optionally, the set-point temperature can be adjusted by choosing a different fixed-value resistor more closely approximates the value of R_THERM at the desired temperature.

Temperature Control Loop using INA330

Connections and Important information

CN1: Pin 1 = VCC 5V DC, Pin 2 = V Output, Pin 3 = GND
CN2: Pin 1 = Reference Control Loop 0 to 5V, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 VCC 5V DC, Pin 4 = GND, Pin 5 = Enable-High/Disable-Low, Pin 6 = VCC 5V DC
D1: Power LED

Note: INA330 can also use a 3.3V supply, however, components must be chosen appropriate to the smaller output voltage range

Features

Supply 5V DC
Reference Input 0 to 5V
Output 0.9V/C Centigrade
On Board Power LED
On Board Precision Reference Generator Chip LM385
PCB Dimensions 23.34 x 17.62 mm

Schematic

Parts List

NO.	QNTY.	REF.	DESC.	MANUFACTURER	SUPPLIER	PART NO
1	1	CN1	3 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5316-ND
2	1	CN2	6 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5319-ND
3	1	C1	0.1uF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
4	1	C2	10uF/16V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 1206 OR 1210	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
5	1	C3	500PF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
6	1	C4	22KPF/50V CERAMIC SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
7	1	D1	LED RED SMD SIZE 0805	OSRAM	DIGIKEY	475-1278-1-ND
8	2	R3,R5	10K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
9	3	R1,R2,R4	1K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
10	1	R6	4.99K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
11	1	R7	200K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	YAGEO/MURATA	DIGIKEY
12	1	U1	LM386-1.2V	TI	DIGIKEY	LM385BXZ-1.2/NOPB-ND
13	1	U2	INA330	TI	DIGIKEY	296-13861-1-ND
14	1	RT1	10K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	AMPHENOL	DIGIKEY	235-1058-ND

Connections

Gerber View

Photos

Video

INA330 Datasheet

Pika Power Board is a simple breadboard power supply

Posted on 19 December, 202219 December, 2022 by Emmanuel Odunlade

It’s with excitement that we bring to your attention the new Pika power board designed for outstanding user experience and aimed at making powering your projects and gadgets easy. The board was built by Uk-based electronics solutions specialist, TikStation.

Pika power board is designed to sort out the common issues people usually face with the typical power solutions currently in the market. Most of the available mini kits that we see around are really not cheap, not portable and they do not offer more than one output but the Pika power board is different. The portable Pika power solution is quite affordable, easy to use, widely compatible, and provides more than one output at the same time. The board accepts a wide range of inputs and provides up to five simultaneous outputs (3.3V, 5V, +12V, -12V and adjustable 1.2 – 25V), with high currents (up to 1.5A). The board also accepts multiple inputs and has a wide range of input and output ranges.

“Pika Power Board comes in handy for all kinds of applications,” the product page explains. “Use it to facilitate remote or in-person education related to hardware engineering, product design, and other STEM-related topics — be it for kids, colleges, students, and geeks for all ages. Up your power game for that Arduino-based robotics project. Or, if you’re between projects, press it into service as a portable, general-purpose power supply and battery charger.”

For additional flexibility, the board is provided with an extension board that runs from the main board pins to block terminals on the extension board.

“With the extension board, you can connect to a wide variety of other boards and systems. After all, this system is here to make your life easier,” the board maker added.

Features and Specifications of the Pika Power Board include:

Up to 2x adjustable outputs
Breadboard compatible
Capable of supplying different loads with high current, up to 1.5 A
Wide input and output range (3.3 – 25 V and 1.2 – 25V respectively)
Accepts multiple input choices: USB-C (5-20V), standard USB (5V), Li-ion battery (3.7V and above), Lead Acid Battery (6-24V)
Provides multiple outputs at the same time (3.3V, 5V, +12V, -12V and adjustable 1.2 – 25V)
It allows you to connect more than one input at the same time but it gives the upper hand to the highest input
Each output has its own LED indicator
Protection against short circuits and overheating
Ensures a uniform thermal distribution so as to lower heating and increase the life

Use Cases

For educational purposes in Colleges, Universities, STEM Clubs, etc
As a portable power supply powered by a power bank
For the development of a wide range of applications in Robotics, control, communication, and power
Can be used as a battery charger

More Information

Further details on the Pika Power Board can be found on the Crowdsupply page where the project was launched with a $5,000 funding target. Less than $1,000 has been raised so far but the figures are expected to go up as there are still more days to the end of funding. You can pre-order the Pika Power Station which includes the main Pika Power board, an output extension board, and other necessary accessories for $60. Expected shipping costs are $8 for customers in the US and $18 for the rest of the world. Deliveries are scheduled to start in June 2023.

next-V2K8 is the World’s Smallest SBC Powered by AMD Ryzen V2000 Series Processors

Posted on 15 December, 202224 December, 2022 by mixos

Again smashing board-space limitations, AAEON’s de next-V2K8 combines industrial-grade features with AMD’s next-generation processing power.

Following the success of the Intel^® Core™-powered de next-TGU8, AAEON has now released its counterpart, de next-V2K8, featuring AMD Ryzen™ V2000 Series processors.

Built on the same 3.31” x 2.17” (86mm x 55mm) form factor, the de next-V2K8 is the world’s smallest single-board computer to host AMD Ryzen™ V2000 processors, with models currently available with AMD Ryzen™ Embedded V2718 and V2516 processors, providing 8 cores and 16 threads alongside Zen 2 x86 core architecture, integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics, and 16GB onboard LPDDR4x memory.

The board targets the edge AI, drone, robotics, and smart transportation markets, as demonstrated by its full-function I/O with multiple high-speed interfaces. With a 2.5 GbE port, dual RS232/422/485 pin headers, and a total of six USB slots, the de next-V2K8 is designed to accommodate a range of peripheral cameras and sensors. To complement the board’s integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics, the board also contains eDP and HDMI 1.4b ports for 4K @30Hz, enabling two simultaneous displays.

These dense features, along with an M.2 2280 M-Key port in such as small, lightweight board make the de next-V2K8 a very attractive option for applications that require industrial-grade power in restrictive deployment spaces.

AAEON expects the de next-V2K8 to be a leading choice for projects in the robotics, drone, and, smart transport spheres.

For more information about the de next-V2K8, please visit our product page. Alternatively, contact an AAEON representative directly.

Newhaven Display 5-inch IPS HDMI TFT Modules

Posted on 13 December, 2022 by mixos

Newhaven Display 5-inch IPS HDMI TFT Modules are 800 x 480 high-resolution IPS screens with built-in HDMI compatibility for a streamlined connection between devices with fewer cables. These TFT modules feature IPS technology which delivers sunlight-readable image quality with higher brightness, better color reproduction, image consistency, and optical characteristics at any angle. The 5-inch IPS HDMI TFT modules include EMI shielding on the cable and are RoHS compliant.

The NHD-5.0-HDMI-N-RSXP-CTU TFT module features a USB-HID capacitive touchscreen. This touchscreen does not require any external driver installation. With the custom PCB assembled to the display, this HDMI module provides the user with an all-in-one, plug-and-play HDMI + USB touch solution.

The NHD-5.0-HDMI-N-RSXP TFT module does not come with a touchscreen. With the custom PCB assembled to the display, this HDMI module provides the user with an all-in-one, plug-and-play HDMI solution.

Features

NHD-5.0-HDMI-N-RSXP-CTU:
- USB-HID capacitive touchscreen
- 900cd/m² luminous intensity
- Interface:
  - HDMI
  - USB

NHD-5.0-HDMI-N-RSXP:
- No touchscreen
- 1100cd/m² luminous intensity
- Interface:
  - HDMI

Specifications

5V supply voltage
800 x 480 high-resolution
24-bit true color
In-Plane Switching (IPS)
Full viewing angles
TFP401A TFT driver IC
Anti-glare
-20°C to 70°C operating temperature range
135.8mm x 75.8mm x 17.55mm (L x W x H) outline dimensions
109mm x 65.8mm ( L x W) viewing area
108mm x 64.8mm ( L x W) active area

CUI Devices Introduces Ultra-Compact 3 x 2 mm Tactile Switch

Posted on 13 December, 2022 by mixos

CUI Devices’ Switches Group today announced the introduction of one of the industry’s smallest tactile switches. Housed in an ultra-compact 3 x 2 x 0.6 mm package, the TS19 series carries an IP67 rating for dealing with moisture and environmental contaminants as well as a rugged lifecycle rating up to 300,000 cycles.

These tactile switch models feature surface mount packages, gull wing terminations, SPST circuit types, and operating force ratings up to 240 ± 50 gf. The TS19 series also offers reflow solder compatibility, rated voltage and current ratings of 12 Vdc and 50 mA, and an operating temperature range from -30 to 85°C.

The TS19 series is available immediately with prices starting at $0.26 per unit at 1000 pieces through distribution. Please contact CUI Devices for OEM pricing.

For helpful resources and tools on switches, check out our Resource Library that houses a range of blog posts, videos, and more.

Cybercore X1 A Powerful yet Efficient Wi-Fi Module in Tiny Form Factor

Posted on 13 December, 202222 December, 2022 by Saumitra Jagdale

In the current market scenario, the size of modules is one of the crucial factors while implementing projects on a utility level. FILDZ launches Cybercore X1, which is a tiny Wi-Fi module that can be used in small-scale projects. The module comes with the latest version of Wi-Fi 6 which is compatible with all current devices. The small size of the board differentiates it from the other prominent boards when Wi-Fi connectivity is used as a significant parameter for comparison.

Features and Hardware Specifications of Cybercore X1

Cybercore X1 is just 8.6mm x 9.6mm x 1.8mm and the PCB thickness is just 0.8mm which makes it ultra lightweight.
It is powered by Espressif’s ESP8285 highly integrated Wi-Fi SoC. Espressif’s ESP8285 delivers a highly integrated Wi-Fi SoC. It’s the solution that fulfills demands for efficient power usage and compact design in the Internet of Things industry.
Cybercore X1 has an integrated antenna for wireless programming and has a range of applications in projects like remote-controlled robots and drones. The Antenna works efficiently up to 20 meters.
The Wi-Fi module includes 1Mb memory. Cybercore X1 operates upon a 2.7-3.3V voltage source.
The module comes with the latest version of Wi-Fi 6 which enables it to connect various Wi-Fi-enabled devices seamlessly.

Connectivity and Ports

In terms of connectivity, CybercoreX1 has 13 GPIOs which gives many options to users to attach various types of sensors to the module. The module features UART and Wi-Fi for programming and flashing. The users will receive a fully assembled module with all soldered parts and a breakout board. This breakout board will enable Cybercore X1 in various breadboards which are compatible with a 2,54mm pitch. All things considered, users are able to use a development board for adding more features to their projects.

The module comes with preloaded firmware. The pre-installed firmware on the module lets users build an access point to which they may connect wirelessly. The Arduino IDE makes it simple to program in the C/C++ programming language, and anything you create is wirelessly updated through OTA.

Who should buy the Cybercore X1?

So overall Cybercore X1 is a small yet powerful Wi-Fi module for small-scale projects for makers and hobbyists. This module has its use in small-scale projects because of its small footprint. The lightweight of the module makes it useful for projects such as drones and remote-controlled planes even when used in long range.

The power with great efficiency in a miniature form factor is what makes this module stand out from its competitors.

EsPiFF Brings Out Best of Both ESP32 and RP2040 in a Single Package

Posted on 13 December, 202223 December, 2022 by Saumitra Jagdale

Due to the lockdowns that happened in 2020, the industry currently is facing a huge semiconductor shortage. The crisis has led to a major price increase and shortage queue for graphic cards, processors, and other products that require semiconductors. In such times the only solution is modules like EsPiFF which are replacements for ESP32 and RP2040.

EsPiFF brings out the best of both modules. ESP32-WROVER-B Wireless Module is a powerful, generic WiFi-BT-BLE MCU module that targets a wide variety of applications. RP2040 is a microcontroller chip designed by a global brand Rasberry Pi. RP2040 is a low-cost high performance microcontroller that uses C/C++ SDK and Mirco python.

Hardware and Connectivity Features of EsPiFF

EsPiFF comes with 8 MB of high-end ISSI flash storage and 2 KB of FRAM, which is much faster than the EEPROM. These hardware features result in high speed and storage for process variables.
The state-of-the-art 8Mbit ISSI flash is ideal for various applications like base stations, Smart meters, Bluetooth communications, smart grids, and IoT.
EsPiFF reuses Rasberry Pi accessories which enable the use of already existing Pi HATs. 100 Mhz signal processing and 40 pin header are also some of the additional features.
EsPiFF is equipped with a micro SD card reader which helps to expand the storage of the module.
The EsPiFF handles heating issues far more efficiently compared to Rasberry Pi. For applications like temporary supply holdups, the module has a Supercapacitor.

The EsPiFF is made for communication purposes which are also evident by its connectivity features. The module supports Ethernet as well as Wi-Fi. For wireless connectivity, the module is equipped with Wi-Fi antennas. This enables users to use the module inside plastic and metal enclosures and still be able to have great connectivity. It can be powered by a USB-C(5V/3A) port for high power-consuming HATs.The module has an onboard supercapacitor to keep the real-time clock running for days, even without power. The supercapacitor has, in contrast to a battery, a practically infinite lifetime. BOOT button for the RP2040, to switch between USB-Programming and USB-Host/Device.

The EsPiFF is programmed with the Arduino IDE, or with the Pico SDK (RP2040), Espressif IDF (ESP32), uPython, JavaScript and many more. In addition, Apache Nuttx and FreeRtos are also supported. EsPiFF is fully open source and you can find design files on GitHub, along with the datasheet.

Due to the module’s vast capabilities, EsPiFF is a viable alternative for different kinds of projects which previously used RP2040 and ESP32. The EsPiFF is live on CrowdSupply and has 13 days left to complete.

Challenger RP2040 SD/RTC – Feather-Compatible RP2040-Based Microcontroller Board with RTC and microSD Card Reader

Posted on 13 December, 2022 by Emmanuel Odunlade

Invector Labs (ILABS) has released a new Raspberry Pi Pico-based board equipped with a micro SD card reader and a Real Time Clock. The Challenger RP2040SD/RTC takes the popular RP2040 chip, pops it on an Adafruit Feather form factor board, and adds a micro SD card and an RTC.

Features of the Challenger RP2040 SD/RTC

RP2040 Microcontroller Chip

Raspberry Pi’s RP2040 is a high-performance low-cost dual-core Cortex M0 microcontroller chip that can run on a clock up to 133MHz. Since it became available to buy in single-chip quantities on its own, the chip has found its way into a wide range of designs. ILABS paired the RP2040 microcontroller with an 8MByte high-speed flash memory that works at a maximum speed to store instructions for the microcontroller as well as data in a file system. The chip is also equipped with a 264KB on-chip SRAM and support for up to 16MB off-chip flash memory.

Micro SD card reader

The micro SD card connector located at one end of the board is one that accepts standard micro SD cards. This allows your application to store huge amounts of data, especially where you need to catch important sensor data.

Real-Time Clock

Including an RTC makes it perfect for data-logging applications. The onboard RTC used in the board is the highly-integrated Microchip MCP79410 that can provide very high accuracy, allowing you to capture the exact time that the data came in. It has a battery switchover circuit, a timestamp, and digital trimmings. Connect the RTC-backup battery so you would not have to deal with time-related issues anymore especially when dealing with sensor data.

Battery and Power

The low-cost feather board can be powered by a LiPo battery. The battery can be connected using a standard 2.0mm JST connector and can be charged either by connecting either via a USB voltage or an external 5V power source. The company also notes that there are other ways to power the board.

“The board can be powered from multiple sources,” said the company. “The most obvious way to run the board is by plugging it into a USB cable and attaching it to your computer. In this mode, you can write software and test the board with all its functionality. There is also a third way to supply the board. This way is more invasive and will disable the onboard 3.3V power regulator. You will have to pull the EN header pin low and then supply your own 3.3V voltage on the 3.3V header pin. Please note that when disabling the onboard power regulator you will have to supply the 3.3V also when running the system on battery power.”

Others

The small embedded computer measuring 50.80mm by 22.86mm has equipped with a user-programmable LED and a small indicator LED which indicates the charging status of the connected battery. It is also said to be compatible with Arduino and CircuitPython.

Specifications

MCU: Raspberry’s 133MHz dual-core RP2040 Cortex M0
133MHz 8MByte of flash memory
264 KByte of SRAM memory
Full-speed USB 2.0 controller (up to 12 MBit per second)
1x SPI, 1x I2C, 1x UART, 4x Analog input
1x JST battery connector
Onboard LiPo charger (500 mA charge current)
Dimensions: 50.80 mm x 22.86 mm x 3.20 mm

More Information

Further details on the new RP2040-based microcontroller development board including the source codes, datasheet, and design files can be found on the product page and ILABS’ Tindle store. It is currently priced at $15.50.

Texas Instruments Releases New SDKs for WiFi and Thread MCUs

Posted on 13 December, 202213 December, 2022 by Emmanuel Odunlade

To further broaden the impact of wireless connectivity and accelerate the development of connected systems, manufacturing companies are beginning to come up with new connectivity options for Industry 4.0 and beyond — ultra-modern microcontroller platforms, software, and modules to cater to the needs of emerging applications. Texas Instruments just made a public announcement of their new Matter-enabled software development kits for WiFi and Thread wireless MCUs. This is targeted at unifying different IoT ecosystems and streamlining the adoption of the Matter open-source protocol in IoT applications.

“Matter runs on Thread and WiFi network layers and uses Bluetooth Low Energy for commissioning, allowing devices from different ecosystems to communicate, even if they are manufactured by different brands,” TI explains. “By providing a unified application layer based on proven technologies, manufacturers can leverage this open-source protocol to accelerate IoT development. Engineers can use the new software and wireless MCUs such as the CC3235SF and CC2652R7 to create ultra-low-power and secure, battery-powered smart home and industrial automation IoT applications that seamlessly connect with devices across proprietary ecosystems.”

The software builds on the company’s active collaboration with the Connectivity Standards Alliance.

“In a matter of weeks, we’re quickly seeing alliance members building on the new capabilities of Matter and bringing innovation to the ecosystem, in this case a streamlined approach for MCUs and IoT applications over Wi-Fi and Thread,” says Chrisi Lapre, Technology Unit Lead at Connectivity Standards Alliance. “TI’s new wireless MCUs for IoT applications will help designers seamlessly and securely connect with interoperable Matter devices.”

Grundfos Holding, an advanced pump solutions and water technology specialist, also confirmed that working with TI to bring these “low-power, Matter-enabled radio solutions” to the market will be a huge profit to them because they are certain of its ability to bring comfort to their end users and also help in the reduction of carbon emissions.

The matter-enabled SDKs are best suited for secure smart home devices as well as for industrial IoT applications. The new matter-enabled SimpleLink wireless MCUs are highly efficient and can extend battery lifespan. The company claims that it can potentially help to reduce standby battery power consumption by up to 70% in Thread applications compared to other devices.

“For long-range connectivity applications, the highly efficient integrated power amplifier in these wireless MCUs enables reliable connectivity by consuming 101 mA at +20 dBm — the industry’s lowest power consumption,” TI further explained.

The matter-enabled SimpleLink wireless MCUs also come with security-enhanced WiFi capability. It can help to secure device data and protect it against cyberthreats.

Other useful details can be found on the announcement page. The LaunchPad development kits for Thread LP-CC2652R7 and WiFi LP-CC3235SF sell for $40 and $55 respectively.

Meet the Tiny 0.5mAh Rechargeable 3D Solid State Batteries from ITEN

Posted on 13 December, 202214 December, 2022 by Emmanuel Odunlade

ITEN, the specialist in the manufacturing and selling of energy and power solutions, has unveiled a really tiny battery that may soon replace non-rechargeable batteries found in most electronic designs — something that could solve the power supply issues in many different use cases.

“A lot of electronics designs rely on very polluting coin cells, difficult to assemble on printed circuit boards, costly to recycle, and requiring periodic maintenance to replace the battery once empty. Depending on the countries, only 30 to 50 percent of such coin cells are effectively recycled,” the company explained, adding that, “autonomous embedded systems require less and less energy to operate; however, from time to time, the power supply must deliver high current pulses for instance to drive RF transceivers or actuators. Most electronic designers therefore must use oversized coin cells because such batteries are known to deliver only small currents.”

To address these challenges, ITEN has designed some solid-state lithium-ion micro batteries that could deliver the required power and could also be recharged regularly — a good alternative to the bigger non-rechargeable coin-cell batteries, delivering up to 0.5mAh of energy and can be topped with energy-harvesting techniques.

The 3D solid-state batteries are designed to offer energy and power without constraints. They operate on a wide temperature range (-40 to 85°C) and are claimed to have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. Additionally, the solid-state micro batteries are also way smaller than the sizes of their coin-cell equivalents. They are small enough that they would almost disappear on the tip of your finger.

The batteries may not be able to power your next smartphone but they could be used to drive usable IoT systems and ultra-low power sensors. It could also be used inside BLE tags, and beacons, and as a backup power supply to real-time clocks and microcontrollers, to send maintenance alerts in case of power failure from the primary power source.

ITEN even designed an autonomous asset-tracking system to test and showcase the efficiency of these batteries. The system runs both sensors and a BLE radio-equipped microcontroller from the 100mAh tiny battery topped by a photovoltaic energy-harvesting system. The tracking system worked round the clock (24/7 operation), sending data every 10 seconds during the day and every 4-5 minutes at night throughout. A 100mAh coin cell alternative will need to be a thousand times this capacity to achieve this.

Hopefully, very soon, we would start seeing many manufacturers adopt this type of battery in their designs as there is now a new recommendation from a European Directive to eliminate the use of non-rechargeable batteries in electronic system designs.

Further Details

Other useful details can be found on the company’s website. You may have to contact the company directly to order samples of the SMD batteries, modules, and evaluation kits using 30mAh to 500mAh batteries. They can easily tailor the sizes and capacities to meet your needs.