This is a low noise Headphone Amplifier capable of delivering 105mW per channel of continuous average power into a 16Ω load with 0.1% (THD+N) from a 5V power supply. The project is based on the LM4811 chip from the boomer series. The board provides high-quality output power with a minimal number of external components. It features a digital volume control that sets the amplifier’s gain from +12dB to −33dB in 16 discrete steps using a two−wire interface or onboard 3 tactile switches. On-board jumper implements the shutdown feature. The chip also has an internal thermal shutdown protection mechanism.
Connector CN1 Audio Input
Pin 1 Audio Signal Input 1
Pin 2 GND
Pin 3 GND
Pin 4 Audio Signal Input 2
Connector CN3 Power Supply
Pin 1 +5V DC Input
Pin 2 GND
Others
Connector LS1 and LS2: Optional Speaker or Headphone Connection
Connector CN4: 3.5MM Stereo EP Female socket for Headphone
Connector CN2: External/Optional 2 Wire Gain Control
Jumper J1: Closes = Enable, J1 Open Shutdown
LED D1: Power LED
Switch 1: Clock Input, Increment Steps
Switch 2: Volume Down Operation
Switch 3: Volume Up Operation
Features
Operating Power Supply 5V DC
Output 105mW Stereo
On-Board Power LED
Digital Volume Control Range from +12dB to −33dB
“Click and Pop” Suppression Circuitry
THD+N at 1kHz, 105mW Continuous Average Output Power into 16Ω 0.1 % (typ)
THD+N at 1kHz, 70mW Continuous Average Power into 32Ω 0.1 % (typ)
Low Shutdown Current
3 Tactile Switches to set the Gain
Optional 3 Pin Header Connector for 2 Wire Interface for Micro-Controller for Gain
On-Board Stereo EP Socket for Easy Headphone Interface
Optional 2 x Header Connector for Headphone/Speaker Connections
This project offers a dual−channel low component count interface solution for ground-referenced variable reluctance sensors. Each of the two identical channels interfaces with a variable−reluctance sensor, and continuously compares the sensor output signal to a user−programmable internal reference. An alternating input signal of appropriate amplitude at IN1 or IN2 will result in a rectangular waveform at the corresponding OUT1 and OUT2 terminal, suitable for interface to either standard microprocessors or standard logic families. A diagnostic input, common to both channels, provides a means to test for degradation or loss of the physical connector to both sensors. Each channel of the circuit has independent input bias and clamp circuitry, and independent comparators with Hysteresis voltage generators. Both channels share a common reference generator for normal and diagnostic modes. Basically, the circuit converts the sinewave signal of the sensor into a clean rectangular wave signal.
Input Protection
An active clamp is provided on each input to limit the voltage on the input pin and prevent substrate current injection. The clamp is specified to handle ±12 mA. This puts an upper limit on the amplitude of the sensor output. With resistor value R3 = 22 k, then, Therefore, the VRS (pk−pk) IN1 and In2 voltage can be as high as 480 V. The circuit will typically run at a frequency up to 1.8 MHz if the input signal does not activate the positive or negative input clamps. Frequency performance will be lower when the positive or negative clamps are active. A typical performance will be up to a frequency of 680 kHz with the clamps
Note: The project is built using an NCV1124 chip, refer to the datasheet of the chip for further information on internal functions.
Connections:
CN2 and CN3 Sensor 1 and Sensor 2 Interface
Jumper 1 Diagnostic Mode Selection
D1 Power LED
CN1: Pin1 and Pin 2 = VCC, Pin 3 and Pin4 = GND, Pin5 = Output 1, Pin6 = Output 2, Pin 7 and Pin 8 = GND
Stepper Motor based 2 Channel Incremental Encoder Channel A and Channel B Phase Shift Output to detect the rotation direction
Other than a reluctance sensor, the project can help to use a stepper motor as a rotary encoder. Connect the 4 wires of a bipolar stepper motor at input terminal S1, GND, and S2 and GND. The project provides 2 channel rotary encoder output channel A and Channel B, the output is 200 Lines per rotation and both outputs are phase-shifted which can help to detect the direction of the encoder.
Applications
Anti−Skid Braking and Traction Control
Vehicle Stability Control
Drive Belt Slippage Detection
Crankshaft/Camshaft Position Sensing
Features
Power Supply 5V DC +/-10%
Two Independent Channels TTL Output
Internal Hysteresis
Input Threshold +/- 160mV
Input Signal Sensitivity 250mV to 250V Peak to Peak
Built−In Diagnostic Mode – Jumper Selection
Site and Control for Automotive Applications
Direct Reluctance Sensor Interface – Screw Terminal Connectors
This is a powerful yet small size low profile brushed DC motor drive system with a few key features like adjustable constant current control, direction control, brake controls, Alert output, PWM for speed control etc. BD63130AFM chip is the heart of the project which is an H-bridge motor driver for the DC brush motor. This driver can facilitate low power consumption by direct PWM or PWM constant current control. There are various built-in protection circuits in this IC. It is possible to output an abnormal detection signal for Wired-OR that notifies each protection circuit operation, and this contributes to set high reliability.
Constant Current Mode or Direct PWM Mode Selection
Constant Current Mode: By default, this project works in constant current mode. Constant current can be set using Trimmer Potentiometer PR1. Use Input1 and Input2 of CN2 to control the Motor Forward, Reverse, and Brake, Refer to Table 1 for input logic.
PWM Mode: Replace the resistor R1 with 0 Ohms. Adjust the PR1 trimmer potentiometer to 1 to 2V. Use Input 1 and Input 2 as external PWM/Logic Input, Maximum Allowable PWM frequency 100Khz. Refer to table 4 for input signals.
Features
Single Power Supply Input Range 8 to 46V DC (rated voltage of 50V)
Rated Output Current (peak): 3.0A(4.0A)
Low ON-Resistance DMOS Output
Forward, Reverse, Brake, Open Function
Power Save Function
External PWM Control – PWM Control Mode
PWM Constant Current Control Adjustable (current limit function)
Built-in Spike Noise Cancel Function (external noise filter is unnecessary)
Built-in Logic Input Pull-down Resistor
Cross-conduction Prevention Circuit
Output Detection Signal during Abnormal states (Wired-OR)
Thermal Shutdown Circuit (TSD)
Over-current Protection Circuit (OCP)
Under Voltage Lockout Circuit (UVLO)
Over Voltage Lockout Circuit (OVLO)
Ghost Supply Prevention (protects against malfunction when the power supply is disconnected)
PCB dimensions: 37.47 x 36.83 mm
Inputs and Outputs CN2
Pin1: VDD 5V DC @ 10-20mA- Input
Pin2: Input 1 PWM Input or Logic H/L input Constant for Current Mode
Pin3: Input 1 PWM Input or Logic H/L input Constant for Current Mode
Pin4: GND
Pin5: Fault
Pin5: PS
Pin7: VDD 5V DC @ 10-20mA – Input
CN3 Motor Supply Input
Pin1: +DC 8 to 46V Motor Supply
Pin2: +DC 8 to 46V Motor Supply
Pin3: GND
Pin4: GND
CN4 DC Bushed Motor
Pin1: Motor 1 (Output1)
Pin2: Motor 1 (Output1)
Pin3: Motor 2 (Output2)
Pin4: Motor 2 (Output2)
Trimmer Potentiometer PR1
Constant Current Adjust
LED D1: Power LED
PS/ Power Save Pin Low = Power Same Mode Standby Mode, High=Active
PS can put the circuit into a standby state and make motor outputs OPEN. Be careful because there is a delay of 40μs (Max), as PS=L→H, until it is returned from standby state to normal state and the motor output becomes ACTIVE.
Input1 and Input2 (Refer Table-1)
IN1, IN2/ H Bridge Control Pin It decides the output logic for H-bridge
FAILA/ Fault Signal Output Pin (Refer to Table 2)
FAILA outputs an abnormality detection signal when Over-Current Protection (OCP) or Thermal Shutdown (TSD) operates. Even if Under Voltage Lock Out (UVLO) or Over Voltage Lock Out (OVLO) operates, the FAILA signal doesn’t turn abnormality detection signal (i.e., high). This signal can be connected to the microcomputer and the system can be shut down. This pin is an open-drain type, and a Pull-up resistor R4 is used. Normal output is High, this pin goes low when fault condition arises.
Thermal Shutdown (TSD)
This IC has a built-in Thermal Shutdown circuit for thermal protection. When the IC’s chip temperature rises 175°C (Typ) or more, the motor output becomes OPEN. Also, when the temperature returns to 150°C (Typ) or less, it automatically returns to normal operation. However, even when TSD is in operation if heat is continued to be applied externally, heat overdrive can lead to destruction.
Over-Current Protection (OCP)
This IC has a built-in Over-Current Protection circuit as a provision against destruction when the motor outputs are shorted to each other or VCC-motor output or motor output-GND is shorted. This circuit latches the motor output to an OPEN condition when the regulated current flows for 4μs (Typ). It returns with power reactivation or a reset of the PS pin. The over-current protection circuit aims to prevent the destruction of the IC only from abnormal situations such as when motor output is shorted and it is not meant to be used as protection or security for the device. Therefore, the device should not be designed to make use of the function of this circuit. After OCP operation, if abnormal situations continue and returned by power reactivation or reset of the PS pin happens repeatedly, then OCP operates constantly. The IC may generate heat or otherwise deteriorate. When the L value of the wiring is great due to the wiring being long, if the output pin voltage jumps up and the absolute maximum values may be exceeded after the over current has flowed, there is a possibility of destruction. Also when the current which is the output current rating or more and the OCP detection current or less flow, the IC can heat up to Tjmax=150°C or more and can deteriorate, so the current exceeds the output rating should not be applied.
Under Voltage Lock Out (UVLO)
This IC has a built-in Under Voltage Lock Out function to prevent false operations such as IC output during power supply under-voltage. When the applied voltage to the VCC pin goes 5V (Typ) or less, the motor output is set to OPEN. This switching voltage has a 1V (Typ) hysteresis to prevent false operation by noise etc. Be aware that this protection circuit does not operate during power save mode.
Over Voltage Lock Out (OVLO)
This IC has a built-in Over Voltage Lock Out function to protect the IC output and the motor during power supply over voltage. When the applied voltage to the VCC pin goes 52V (Typ) or more, the motor output is set to OPEN. This switching voltage has a 1V (Typ) hysteresis and a 4μs (Typ) mask time to prevent false operation by noise etc. Although this over voltage locked out circuit is built-in, there is a possibility of destruction if the absolute maximum value for power supply voltage is exceeded. Therefore, the absolute maximum value should not be exceeded. Be aware that this protection circuit does not operate during power save mode.
Ghost Supply Prevention (protects against malfunction when the power supply is disconnected) If a control signal (IN1, IN2, PS, and VREF) is applied when there is no power supplied to the IC, there is a function that prevents a malfunction where voltage is supplied to the power supply of this IC or other IC in the set via the electrostatic destruction prevention diode from these input pins to the VCC. Therefore, there is no malfunction in the circuit even when voltage is supplied to these input pins while there is no power supply.
PWM Constant Current Control(Table 3)
This function can limit the peak current such as switching current in driving the DC brush motor.
Current Control Operation: The output current increases due to the output transistor being turned on. When the voltage on the RNF pin, the output current is converted it due to connecting the external resistance to the RNF pin, reaches the voltage value set by the VREF input voltage, the current limit comparator engages and enters current decay mode. Thereafter the output turned on again after a period of time determined by the CR pin. The process repeats itself constantly.
Blank Time (Fixed in Internal Circuit): In order to avoid misdetection of the current detection comparator due to RNF spikes that occur when the output turns ON, the internal voltage between 0.4V and 0.8V is provided as minimum ON time (tONMIN 1.5µs Typ). During this time, the current detection is disabled after the output transistor is turned on. This allows for a constant-current drive without the need for an external filter.
Internal Timer (Fixed in Internal Circuit): Repeat charging and discharging between 0.4V to 0.9V internal voltage determined by IC internal circuit. When internal voltage is changed charge from discharge, the output is then ON from the current decay mode.
The global semiconductor giant STMicroelectronics has simplified interaction with trained devices with its new inertial sensor ISM330ISN featuring an Intelligent Sensor Processing Unit (ISPU). ISPU is essentially a low-power, high-performance programmable core with high computational efficiency. As a result, this processor will be able to execute the signal processing and AI algorithms in real-time. Before transmitting data to the MCU and gateway/cloud, the ISPU processes data without waking up the system. In addition to 32KB of program memory and 8KB of data memory, ISPU has an FPU capable of performing addition, subtraction, and multiplication. This special processor enhances machine-learning applications and reduces power consumption and also its size by up to 50% making it superior to other typical MCUs.
The ISM330ISN has an “always-on” 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for detecting precise motion and position. The IMU provides incomparable accuracy and performance for its compact size by using the intelligence embedded in this sensor. ISM330ISN’s embedded intelligence allows it to perform advanced motion detection functions without interacting with an external MCU. Thus, helping in consuming less power at the system level.
ISM330ISN’s Features
The ISM330ISN supports programmable interrupts as well as an on-chip sensor hub with up to six sensors. The six sensors include two internal sensors, a 3-axis accelerometer and the 3-axis gyroscope and four other external sensors.
The selectable full scale for the accelerometer and the gyroscope is ±2/±4/±8/±16 g and ±125/±250/±500/±1000/±2000 DPS respectively.
With sensor hub functionality, it is possible to collect data from up to four external sensors.
The sensor guarantees consistent high accuracy with the ISPU while utilizing merely 0.59mA in combination mode with the accelerometer and gyroscope engaged.
ISM330ISN provides up to 70 μg/√Hz low noise sensing in high performance and the output data rate of 6.6Hz
This inertial sensor gets the support of SPI / I2C serial interface protocols.
The developers can use NanoEdge AI Studio to program the ISPU. It is a market-proven ST product and also a developer’s choice to build AI applications on STM32 microcontrollers. With this tool, anybody can simply construct strong machine learning libraries that use on-sensor learning.
ISM330ISN’s Pin Diagram
The ISM330ISN is a 14-pin sensor that has the same dimensions of 3mm x 2.5mm x 0.83mm as other conventional inertial sensors. While interfacing with the host, ISM330IS provides two modes of operation and functionality.
Mode 1: I2C or SPI (3- and 4-wire) serial interface is available.
Mode 2: I2C or SPI (3- and 4-wire) serial interface and I2C interface master for connecting external sensors are available.
The following table describes the functionality of each pin in mode 1 as well as mode 2 respectively.
See the user manual for more information about ISM330ISN’s pin diagram and features.
During an event, Simone Ferri, General Manager of Marketing, Analog MEMS and Sensors Group, STMicroelectronics said “Intelligence which was once implemented at the network edge, in an application processor, is now being implemented at the deep edge, inside the sensor”. Mr Ferri continued “Our ISM330ISN IMU ushers in a new generation of smart sensors, employing integrated AI to handle complex functions like pattern recognition and anomaly detection with much higher efficiency and performance.”
Coming from ST’s iNEMO family of IMUs, ISM330ISN is ideal for IoT purposes. It has applications in industrial robotics, asset tracking, anomaly detection and condition monitoring. This smart sensor can be equipped with alarms for event detection or even in smart homes. It is also beneficial in complex motion sensing and gesture recognition for personal health
ST’s 10-year longevity program protects the ISM330ISN, which provides a guarantee to the product designers and manufacturers of long-term product availability. The ISM330ISN is set to go into production in H2 2022 and will cost $3.48 for purchases of 1000 pcs. For more updates about this product visit ST’s official website.
Specialist in extreme low-power wireless IoT modules and a fabless semiconductor company, InnoPhase has announced its partnership with Ingenic Semiconductor Co Ltd. which is known to be superior in the world of microprocessors and CPU technologies. The primary aim of this partnership is to jointly market AI-vision systems. This remarkable collaboration has launched its Smart Video ADK (Application Development Kit) based on InnoPhase’s Talaria TWO WiFi module and Ingenic’s T31 Video Processor.
The incredible run of this Smart Video ADK is largely due to Talaria TWO and T31 video processors. Talaria TWO Wifi Module‘s digital radio offers ultra-low power cloud connectivity and T31 Video Processor provides quick, high-performance image processing. Providing deep learning algorithms, Smart Video ADK enables a user to create cutting-edge solutions. Integrating the Smart Video ADK with high-performance video processing and Wi-Fi networking made it possible to build a low-power device.
Specifications of Core Components
The SoC’s novel architecture meets the requirements of video devices such as high-performance processing and encoding of high-quality photos and videos.
The CPU provides ultra high-frequency up to 1.5GHz and an independent RISC-V lite core. This video processor also gets an SMD128-based Vector Deep Learning accelerator enhancing the 3D graphics and audio/video processing.
It consists of an H.264/H.265/MJPEG video encoder having a maximum resolution of 2592 x 1920 at 30fps along with a memory capacity of 512Mbit or 1Gbit.
Ingenic’s T31 video processor includes low light and surveillance scenario-specific optimizations. It features 2D / 3D noise reduction and distortion correction to achieve clear image quality for better object recognition.
The featuring integrated Audio Codec encodes/decodes the echo-less audio with the support of an I2S interface for the video processor.
The T31 video processor has applications such as mobile cameras, security surveys, video analysis, and video and voice communication.
For more information on this video processor, visit the official website.
InnoPhase Talaria TWO Wifi Module
The Talaria TWO platform is the most power-efficient solution with single-band 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0 long-range wireless standards.
With the Arm Cortex-M3 running at 800 MHz, it supports maximum frequency up to 2.4GHz.
The Talaria TWO consists of an SDIO peripheral interface to link with the T31 video processor.
Ultra-low-power Wi-Fi maintains internet/cloud connectivity for battery-based products. It also features a “Dual-Stack” software that divides the processing work between the T31 and Talaria TWO for low power consumption.
Due to its exceptionally low constant current, the device facilitates a new generation of battery-operated direct-to-cloud IoT devices.
Smart homes and surveillance, asset tracking, smart buildings, and equipment maintenance can be some of its applications.
For more information on InnoPhase Talaria TWO check out our blog.
Smart Video ADK’s modes of operation
A user can operate this smart video kit in two modes:-
Wi-Fi Idle Connected Mode
Talaria TWO is linked to a Wi-Fi router, where it processes beacons and sends Keep-Alive messages as needed.
Ingenic T31 Video Processor platform is completely shut down
Active Video Capture Mode
The Ingenic T31 actively captures video in High-Resolution/30fps and transmits it to the Talaria TWO through the SDIO interface.
Talaria TWO remotely transmits vast data packets utilising high-bandwidth Wi-Fi.
Smart Video ADK’s Long Lasting Battery Life
The main focus of this Smart Video ADK is to provide a less power-consuming battery. As a result, the idle Wifi usage is incredibly low, allowing the active video capturing mode to use its maximum power. The estimated battery life is 14.4 months on a 3000mAh while operating at a 99.3% idle with a 0.7% video capture ratio. This will give rise to AI cameras that can work for several months on a single charge under any circumstances.
Standard Linux commands can easily control and instruct the Wifi and BLE wireless connections. The Ingenic T31 provides Linux drivers as well as AI algorithms for person detection, facial detection/recognition, cry detection, vehicle detection, pet detection and also quick start and user guides. Therefore this Smart Video ADK can be used as security cameras, baby monitors, access control systems, and identity verification systems.
In the press release Wiren Perera, Vice President and the General Manager at InnoPhase said
“The incredible power efficiency of InnoPhase’s wireless modules along with Ingenic’s industry-leading T31 video processor will be a game-changer for our joint customer.”
To know more about the product and its availability, visit the product page.
Since machine vision is increasingly becoming important in the field of robotics development, several top-level companies in the robotic industry are taking interest in projects that aid the rapid development of hardware-accelerated applications for robotics, machine vision, and communication and control.
AMD-Xilinx recently designed the Kria KR260 Robotics Starter kit for robotics and industrial applications, complete with the high-performance interface, a standard framework, and native ROS 2 support. The AMD-Xilinx Kria KR260 is indeed a robotic starter kit for the future. It is the latest addition to the Kria portfolio of adaptive SoMs and developer kits, offering a seamless path to production deployment with existing Kria K26 adaptive SoMs.
On the other hand, Framos, a certified partner of AMD-Xilinx, and one of the leading companies in the supply of custom vision solutions and imaging components has also now introduced a new fully integrated camera accessory for the Robotics Starter kit.
The newly launched FSM-IMX547 camera accessory is capable of streaming high-quality monochrome or color images to the Robotic starter kit. It is compatible with the 10GigE Vision camera app available for free download and testing purposes at the AMD-Xilinx App store. The camera kit is equipped with a 5 MegaPixel shutter CMOS image sensor which it uses to transmit color or black/white images to the starter kit at up to 12fps. It also uses Framos’ SLVS-EC Rx IP, allowing the starter kit to stream at up to 2472 x 2128 pixels effortlessly. According to Nathan Dinning, the Director of Product Management at FRAMOS,
“the most demanding imaging projects in the robotics industry that require robust data transfer will leverage this technology to its full extent. The SLVS-EC high speed interface paired with the Kria KR260 is a powerful combination that will give Vision to a new age of robotics.”
The camera modules offer input voltages of 1.1V, 1.8V, 2.9V, and 3.3V. They are designed specifically for applications that require mid-to-high resolution with a fully-featured sensor. The FSM-IMX547 camera modules and its versatile adapter framework is also a camera kit for all levels of product creation, especially at the evaluation and proof-of-concept stages where they can be used to interface the Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kit or other open processing platforms with the latest image sensor technology.
Other specifications include 2.74µm pixel pitch, 1/1.8 type optical format, 5:4 aspect ratio, and I2C communication interface. The kit can also be used to develop machine vision applications with high-speed, high-performance, and high output. Included in the package as accessories are a matching lens and a corresponding amount to give the best out-of-the-box experience to users.
Other useful information and availability of the Kria KR260 Robotics Starter Kit can be found on the company’s product page, while product details of the monochrome version of the FSM-IMX547 camera accessory are available on Mouser’s website here, and the color version can be found here.
Japanese communications and embedded device manufacturer, Brookman Technology, collaborated on using a hybrid Time-of-Flight method developed by Prof. Shoji Kawahito of Shizuoka University. The collaboration has led to the (as claimed) “world’s first” next-generation 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor, which is capable of operating over a distance of up to 30 meters. This sensor is able to measure an expanded range which is more than 5x that of a traditional indirect ToF-based 3D sensor.
Brookman Technology’s ToF 3D range sensor uses CMOS image sensor capabilities to provide enhanced image quality for autonomous drones and robot carriers. The hybrid ToF 3D sensor also has a light canceling function, which also makes it the “world’s first” CMOS image sensor that can measure a distance of up to 20 meters under illuminance of 100,000 lux.
“Together with Brookman Technology, we hope these new sensors will contribute to greater safety and convenience by functioning as ‘3D sensing eyes’ that expand the possibilities for autonomous robots and industrial devices,” said Tatsuo Noguchi, head of Toppan’s ToF Business Development Center. “Toppan will drive further development of cameras with range sensors employing the new ToF technology.”
The key features of the new ToF sensors are the measurement distance, noise cancellation function, high-speed imaging, and simultaneous operations. As mentioned earlier, the use of a hybrid ToF method makes the new 3D sensor capable of working at a measuring distance of up to 30 meters. For high-speed imaging, the ToF sensor does not blur the image to cause errors but also eliminates ambient light noise in a single frame. The sensor can take a maximum of 120 range images per second, which is approximately four times that of the existing techniques. The simultaneous operations also provide a unique control to cancel out signals emitted from other cameras, making it possible to work with up to 256 cameras without the interference of signals.
Further details on the ToF sensor technology have been presented by Toppan, Brookman Technology, and Shizuoka University at the 2022 IEEE Symposium on VLSI Technology & Circuits (VLSI Symposium). According to the company, testing and validation of the sensors will begin in December 2022 with commercial sales in Fall 2023.
Microchip Technology has announced the first system-on-chip Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), MPFS250T, based on the open-standard RISC-V instruction set architecture to enter mass production. The news comes as the continued adoption of PolarFire SoC FPGA and exponential growth for the Mi-V ecosystem streamline RISC-V adoption across various industrial, IoT, and edge computing embedded devices.
Microchip previously announced the production qualification of MPFS025T, and the company has started taking orders for both the RISC-V SoC FPGAs. The volume production of Microchip MPFS250T extends the PolarFire SoC portfolio of multi-core RISC-V FPGAs to deliver a smaller thermal footprint and low power for embedded vision applications. Other applications include automotive, industrial automation, communications, defense, and IoT systems.
“We now have a large funnel of customers who have designed in the PolarFire SoC family with our suite of Mi-V tools and solutions,” said Shakeel Peera, vice president of marketing for Microchip’s FPGA business unit. “These customers have developed innovative products that bring best-in-class solutions to the market with superior thermal and power efficiency, as well as unprecedented compute capability in small form factors. We are now writing a new chapter in the history of RISC-V with the availability of production-qualified SoC PolarFire devices.”
The PolarFire SoC FPGAs provide configurable processing capabilities with real-time Linux-capable RISC-V-based microprocessor subsystems in the FPGA fabric. All developments are aligned to the Microchip Mi-V ecosystem roadmap and long-term commitment to public availability of the RISC-V SoC FPGAs. These devices leverage open-standard RISC-V ISA to enhance power efficiency, security, and reliability. Some new functionalities include deterministic Asymmetric Multiprocessing mode, which allows users to run Linux operating systems while running high-performance, real-time applications.
The PolarFire SoC FPGAs family delivers the combination of low-power consumption, thermal efficiency, and defense-grade security with a RISC-V CPU cluster and L2 memory subsystem. As part of the Microchip Mi-V ecosystem, several partners contribute to increasing RISC-V adoption through a comprehensive variety of IP, hardware, OS, middleware, debuggers, compilers, and design services.
“Microchip’s PolarFire SoC FPGA and Mi-V ecosystem provide an excellent platform to evaluate a Linux-capable multicore RISC-V-based SoC,” said Calista Redmond, CEO at RISC-V International. “The market now has a production-qualified RISC-V solution to procure and adopt in their designs. The FPGA fabric is an innovative platform that enables hardware acceleration for system design.”
At Mi-V Virtual Summit held on July 20-21, 2022, sixteen Mi-V partners will demonstrate their use cases using Microchip PolarFire SoC FPGA. For more information on the Microchip PolarFire SoC FPGA family, head to the official website.
The SONOFF POWElite is a smart meter switch that tracks the real-time power consumption of an appliance. This smart monitoring device aims to serve household appliances. It can withstand a maximum load of 20A to monitor the power consumption in an entire room. Driven with the new dual-core ESP32 chip offering 300 % more RAM and 200% higher clock frequency than the previous single-core ESP8622 chip. This smart power meter switch comes with reliable protection against overloading offering more safety.
Along with high-power appliance measuring capability, SNOW POW Elite comes with CE, FCC and SRRC certifications. The ability to prevent fire outbreaks makes this smart switch the highest flame retardant with a great safety grade. This device has been rigorously tested to meet the UL94v-0 safety standards.
The built-in reset chip assures the device’s long-term reliability along with 0.87mm thicker and 2.5g heavier terminal wirings. Made with the most stable and dependable cold-rolled steel, the terminal wirings offer safe operation while carrying high currents. The presence of Tin in this smart power meter reduces the chances of safety hazards. The terminals that allow enormous current to flow use Tin in order to reduce overheating and hence ensure long-term reliability.
Smart Power Consumption at Fingertips
A user can access this SONOFF POW Elite smart power meter switch via the eWelink app. This app provides real-time data visualizations with timers to turn appliances on/off, LAN Control, and many more functions. It can also save up to 6 months of power consumption data. A user can view this data in the excel sheet on the linked phone. In order to receive an efficient electricity bill, a user may also establish a goal threshold restricting power use. This app also sends push notifications alerting the user after reaching the set threshold. With such smart features, a user can easily save energy and money. The SONOFF POW Elite also gets access to third-party solutions such as Home Assistant, IFTTT, and Alexa Energy dashboard, making it a truly smart device. For more details on this smart power meter visit the official website.
A user can also check the accurate cumulative power consumption with the app. SONOFF POW Elite is a user-friendly gadget with smart features and excellent safety solutions. For pricing and more details about the device, visit the official website.
Maxim Integrated DS28E30 1-Wire® ECDSA Secure Authenticator is a cryptographic-based authentication solution that provides a root-of-trust to detect and prevent counterfeit products and to enable secure use management of limited life peripherals. The DS28E30 provides a highly secure and easily deployed turnkey authentication solution based on the FIPS-186 ECDSA standard. The DS28E30 combines ECDSA challenge and response authentication with secured EEPROM to store the keys and user data.
The DS28E30 features a core set of cryptographic tools derived from integrated blocks. These tools include an asymmetric hardware engine, a true random number generator (TRNG), 3Kb of secure EEPROM, a decrement-only counter, and a unique 64-bit ROM identification number (ROM ID). The ECC public/private key capabilities operate from the NIST-defined P-256 curve to provide a FIPS 186-compliant ECDSA signature generation function to support a bidirectional asymmetric key authentication model. The unique ROM ID is used as a fundamental input parameter for cryptographic operations and serves as an electronic serial number within the application. In addition, the authenticity of the chip can be verified with a Maxim-provided public key certificate.
The DS28E30 communicates over the single-contact 1-Wire bus at overdrive speed. The communication follows the 1-Wire protocol with the ROM ID acting as a node address in the case of a multidevice 1-Wire network.
The Maxim Integrated DS28E30 1-Wire ECDSA Secure Authenticator is offered in a tiny 1.2mm x 1.4mm Wafer-Level Package (WLP) ideal for space-constrained applications.
Features
Robust countermeasures protect against security attacks
All stored data is cryptographically protected from discovery
ECC P-256 secure compute engine
Preprogrammed and write-protected ECC P-256 key pair
FIPS 186-4 compliant ECDSA for strong challenge and response authentication
ECDSA authenticated R/W of configurable memory
SP800-90B TRNG used for secure ECDSA nonces
Supplemental features enable easy integration into end applications
17-bit, one-time settable, nonvolatile decrement- only counter with authenticated read
3Kb of secure EEPROM for user data, keys, certificate, and secure counter
Unique and unalterable factory-programmed, 64-bit identification number (ROM ID)
Authenticity verification with ECDSA Using preprogrammed maxim certificate
Advanced 1-wire protocol minimizes interface to single contact
Full-time overdrive communication speed
1.62V to 5.0V input voltage range
5µA typical input load current
High ESD immunity of 1-wire pin: ±8kV Human Body Model (HBM)
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With such smart features, a user can easily save energy and money. The SONOFF POW Elite also gets access to third-party solutions such as Home Assistant, 
