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SparkFun Analog MEMS Microphone Breakout for remote IoT applications

Posted on 5 May, 2022 by Abhishek Jadhav

SparkFun has announced an Analog MEMS Microphone Breakout board built around the famous SPH8878LR5H-1 analog microphone. A MEMS microphone is an electro-acoustic transducer housing a sensor (MEMS) and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in a single package. The board features an OpAmp to boost the microphone’s output to a reasonable level, letting you connect it straight to a microcontroller’s ADC or a SparkFun Spectrum Shield. This makes it much simpler and easier to bring audio into your projects.

Knowles Electronics’ SPH8878LR5H-1 microphone is a high-performance analog silicon microphone supporting single-ended and differential modes. The design of the SPH8878LR5H-1 microphone is built around the SiSonic MEMS technology, of which the microphone consists of an acoustic sensor, a low noise input buffer, and an output amplifier. The product features a flat frequency response and low phase distortion enabling superior noise cancellation algorithm performance. The typical applications of the MEMS microphone are smart speakers, beamforming applications, and proximity detection.

The SparkFun Analog MEMS Microphone Breakout – SPH8878LR5H-1 is a simple and easy-to-use microphone for a variety of sound-sensing projects. The onboard microphone is a low-power, omnidirectional microphone with an analog output. It works for both near and long-range uses and is particularly good for portable applications due to its low power consumption.

The SparkFun breakout board has a Texas Instruments operational amplifier, OPA344, a CMOS amplifier for precision and low-power miniature applications. OpAmp has a gain of 64 and a frequency response range of 7.2Hz to 19.7KHz. The AUD output signal will be about 200mV for sound sources a few feet away from the microphone. The microphone is omnidirectional, meaning it can pick up sound sources from all directions.

The Analog MEMS Microphone Breakout board design can operate at voltages ranging from 2.3 to 3.6V, with an estimated average current usage of 265µA. The microphone’s frequency ranges from 7Hz to 36kHz. Additionally, it also features a signal-to-noise ratio of 66dBV/Pa, a sensitivity of 44dBV/Pa, and an acoustic overload point of 134 dB SPL.

However, this isn’t the first time SparkFun has released a MEMS microphone breakout board. The company, in the past, has released two models, one based on the Analog ADMP401 and the other based on the InvenSense ICS-40180. The new model, however, is expected to be a pin-compatible drop-in replacement, according to SparkFun.

For more information on the breakout board, kindly check out the hookup guide. Priced at $6.95, the breakout board can now be ordered from the SparkFun store.

BeanCounter is an “Affordable” SMT Parts Counter that operates on a CR2032 coin cell

Posted on 5 May, 20225 May, 2022 by Abhishek Jadhav

As a part of the Microchip Get Launched design competition, Virginia-based Great Big Factory, an electronic device manufacturer, has designed SMT parts counter that runs on a CR2032 coin cell– BeanCounter. Yet to be launched for crowdfunding on CrowdSupply, the manufacturer has provided enough details to decide if this is a product you would want to support. A pocket-sized parts counter works with any opaque, 8 mm wide carrier tape up to 2 mm in height.

To get started with BeanCounter, users simply need to turn the device on and start pulling tape through. Thanks to the onboard two IR photo interrupters that have the ability to count parts as fast as the user can pull them through. The device has two modes in which it can count the parts– inventory mode and dispense mode. In inventory mode, the device will use only one sensor to count long tapes and partial reels at its fastest rate, while in the dispense mode, the hardware uses both sensors. BeanCounter can detect the direction in which the user is pulling the tape and also allows it to count upward and backward in both directions, only for dispense mode.

Digging a little deeper, what BeanCounter does is count feed holes and divide by the part pitch. Since it does not detect empty pockets, you will need to make sure it begins counting after any empty tape has been pulled through and stops counting before it reaches the tail. To help with this, we’ve added a “pause” button that you can use to freeze the count while pulling empty tape.

Claimed as “Scales From a Single Drawer to a Room Full of Bins,” the manufacturer wants the users to know the scalability of the BeanCounter. Because traditional reel counters are complicated to operate, they only work for counting reels, while BeanCounter provides more granular inventory tracking by allowing the user to count cut tapes as well.

The manufacturer has provided a detailed demo video for interested customers who would like to see the hardware working. The device features an adjustable part pitch and a pause button to start or stop the count. Being an open-source project, the manufacturer wants users to look at the CAD files and the firmware used to build the parts counter. The Great Big Factory claims BeanCounter to be affordable, but it will only be clear after the project goes live on CrowdSupply. If you are interested you can consider subscribing to get notified of any updates regarding the project.

SOCORAD32 is a new ESP32 powered walkie-talkie

Posted on 5 May, 20225 May, 2022 by Abhishek Jadhav

We recently covered a soon-to-be-live crowdfunding project called BeanCounter that lets you count cut tapes and reels. Another upcoming project on CrowdSupply is a software-controlled radio walkie-talkie powered by an ESP32 microcontroller. However, the manufacturer, Mord Technologies, has not provided more details on the specific ESP32 controller. Being an open-source project, the team promises to publish hardware CAD files on the GitHub repository soon. One of the speculated reasons can be the availability of ESP32 microcontroller and last moment change in the hardware components.

Coming back to the professional-grade, hackable walkie-talkie that features a dedicated Push to Talk (PTT) button and can be used right out of the box without playing around with the firmware. With a speaker and battery, SOCORAD32 will act as a fully functional walkie-talkie radio for voice and data communication using AT commands. Additionally, there are more things you can do with the radio device using AT commands, and some of these are adjusting audio volume, tone squelching, CTCSS, CDSS codes, etc.

In addition to all of this, SOCORAD32 utilizes powerful ESP32 Bluetooth functionality. All SOCORAD32 settings can be adjusted via a connected mobile device using a serial Bluetooth app of any choice, while also being adjustable via the dedicated physical buttons. You can store as many channels as you would like in the onboard memory of the ESP32. SOCORAD32 can also communicate data, so you can explore amateur radio frequencies for IoT or send texts. Texts can be read via the onboard OLED screen or via a Bluetooth connected mobile device.

SOCORAD32 is not only a walkie-talkie, but can also be adapted to work as an intercom system, a pager, an audio monitor, and more. The ability to connect to a mobile device through an onboard wireless community gives the user more flexibility to make tweaks around the device. Operating in the frequency range of 400 and 470 MHz, SOCORAD32 covers most of the allocated license-free walkie-talkie bands internationally.

The project is expected to go live soon, and interested people can consider subscribing to get notified of every update about the project. High-level radio enthusiasts can play with the RF module to explore features like upgrading the power amplifier, among other adaptations. These people can also contribute to the official GitHub repository.

MEMS accelerometer is aimed at healthcare, industrial applications

Posted on 5 May, 20225 May, 2022 by mixos

Analog Devices Inc. has launched ADXL367 three-axis MEMS accelerometer intended for applications such as vital signs monitoring, hearing aids, and motion-enabled metering devices. The accelerometer lowers power consumption by a factor of two compared a previous generation of the device (ADXL362) while improving noise performance by up to 30 percent.

The accelerometer lowers power consumption by a factor of two compared a previous generation of the device (ADXL362) while improving noise performance by up to 30 percent.

The ADXL367 consumes 0.88 microamps at a 100Hz output data rate and 180nA when in motion-triggered wake-up mode. Unlike accelerometers that use power duty cycling to achieve low power consumption, the ADXL367 does not alias input signals by under-sampling but rather samples the full bandwidth of the sensor at all data rates.

The unit consumes 200nW motion detection in wakeup mode, and 970nW in measurement. The component includes a multimode output FIFO, a built-in micropower temperature sensor, an internal ADC for synchronous conversion of an additional analogue input, single/double tap detection and state machine to prevent a false triggering.

It operates from supply voltages down to 1.1V allowing for single cell battery operation without external boost converters.

The chip comes in a package measuring 2.3mm by 2.2mm by 0.87mm. It is in full production and priced at $2.95 per unit in quantities of 1,000.

more information: https://www.analog.com/en/products/adxl367.html

Streaming 4x Cameras with Small Carrier Board: Fast Prototype

Posted on 29 April, 202229 April, 2022 by mixos

How to quickly prototype 4x machine vision applications on one small embedded system.

Embedded vision components are ever-popular and are being incorporated into a plethora of applications. What all these applications have in common is the need to pack more and more functionality into tight spaces. Often, it is also very advantageous for these systems make decisions on the edge. To enable such systems, including the ability to prototype quickly, Teledyne FLIR has introduced the Quartet™ Embedded Solution for TX2. This customized carrier board enables easy integration of up to 4 x USB3 machine vision cameras at full bandwidth. It includes the NVidia Jetson deep learning hardware accelerator and comes pre-integrated with Teledyne FLIR’s Spinnaker® SDK. Often, it is also very advantageous for these systems to make decisions on the edge, especially in inspection, mobile robotics, traffic systems, and various types of unmanned vehicles.

To highlight what the Quartet with Spinnaker SDK pre-installed can enable, we describe steps taken in developing an ITS (traffic systems) inspired prototype running four simultaneous applications, three of which use deep learning for:

Application 1: License plate recognition using deep learning
Application 2: Vehicle type categorization using deep learning
Application 3: Vehicle color classification using deep learning
Application 4: See through windshield (past reflection & glare)

Read this very practical article which includes (1) a shopping list, (2) development time for each application, (3) number of training images required, and finally, actions to optimize overall system performance.

https://www.flir.com/discover/iis/machine-vision/streaming-4x-cameras-with-small-carrier-board-fast-prototype/

Maxim Integrated DS28E38 DeepCover® Secure ECDSA Authenticator

Posted on 28 April, 2022 by mixos

Maxim Integrated DS28E38 DeepCover® Secure ECDSA Authenticator is an ECDSA public key-based secure authenticator that incorporates Maxim’s patented ChipDNA™ PUF technology. ChipDNA technology involves a physically unclonable function (PUF) that enables the DS28E38 to deliver cost-effective protection against invasive physical attacks. The DS28E38 uses the random variation of semiconductor device characteristics that naturally occur during wafer fabrication. The ChipDNA circuit generates a unique output value that is repeatable over time, temperature, and operating voltage.

Features

Robust Countermeasures Protect Against Security Attacks
- Patented Physically Unclonable Function Secures Device Data
- Actively Monitored Die Shield Detects and Reacts to Intrusion Attempts
- All Stored Data Cryptographically Protected from Discovery
Efficient Public-Key Authentication Solution to Authenticate Peripherals
- FIPS 186-Compliant ECDSA P256 Signature for Challenge/Response Authentication
- Options for ECDSA Public/Private Key Pair Source Include ChipDNA Generated, Chip Computed, and User Installed
- TRNG with NIST SP 800-90B Compliant Entropy Source
Supplemental Features Enable Easy Integration into End Applications
- 17-Bit One-Time Settable, Nonvolatile Decrement-Only Counter with Authenticated Read
- 2Kbits of EEPROM for User Data, Key, Control Registers, and Certificate
- Unique and Unalterable Factory Programmed
- 64-Bit Identification Number (ROM ID)
- Single-Contact, 1-Wire Interface Communication with Host at 11.7kbps and 62.5kbps
- Operating Range: 3.3V ±10%, -40°C to +85°C
- 6-Pin TDFN-EP Package (3x3mm)

Typical Application

more information: https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/embedded-security/secure-authenticators/DS28E38.html

Current-Sense Amplifier with Dual Over Current Level Monitor & Alert Output

The project presented here is a high common-mode current sense amplifier with two high-speed comparators to detect out-of-range current conditions. The comparators are configured to detect and respond to dual over current conditions. These devices feature an adjustable limit threshold range for each comparator set using an external limit-setting resistor. Limit 1 Resistor is R10 and Limit 2 Resistor is R11. The board measures differential voltage signals on common-mode voltages that can vary from 0 V up to +36 V, independent of the supply.

The project is built using an INA302A1 chip which has a gain of 20V/V. The board can also be used with INA302A2 which has a gain of 50V/V or INA302A3 with a gain of 100V/V.

The open-drain alert outputs are configured to operate in either a transparent mode (output status follows the input state) or in a latched mode (alert output is cleared when the latch is reset). Jumpers J1 and J2 are provided to select this option. The alert response time for comparator 1 is under 1 µs, and the alert response for comparator 2 is set through an external capacitor ranging from 2 µs to 10 s.

Note: This project can be configured in many ways, it is advisable to read the datasheet of the chip INA302A1 for more details. The following configurations are possible:

Limit 1 = R10
Limit 2 = R11
Current Measurements Range (By changing Shunt resistor Value) or Chip INA302A1, INA302A2, INA302A3
Delay Time for Alert 1 and Alert 2 using resistor R7 and C3
Bidirectional Current Sense, by applying a reference voltage to Pin 3 of CN2 or Installing Resistor R8 and R9

Features

Supply 5V DC @ 20mA
Input Signal Range 0 to 36V DC
Input Current Range 0 to 2Amps
Alert 1 and Alert 2 Dual Current Level TTL Outputs
Alert 1 and Alert 2 Dual Current Level LED Indicator
Delay Settings Between Alert 1 and Alert 2
Current Sense Amplifier Voltage Output 0 to 4V
Latch or Transparent Mode Selection Jumpers J1 and J2
Alert2 LED On @ 200mA and Alert 1 LED On @ 2Amps Load
PCB Dimensions 32.10 x 23.13 mm

Connector CN1

Pin1 + DC Input
Pin2 + DC Input
Pin3 GND
Pin4 GND
Pin5 Load +
Pin6 Load +
Pin7 GND
Pin8 GND

Connector CN2

Pin1 VCC 5V Power Supply Input
Pin2 OP Current Sense Amplifier Voltage Output 0 to 4V
Pin3 Not in Use (Reference Voltage Input)
Pin4 Latch 2 No Use
Pin5 Latch 3 No Use
Pin6 Alert1 Normally High, Goes Low When Load Current = 2Amps
Pin7 Alert2 Normally High, Goes Low When Load Current = 200mA

Limit Inputs: – Limit 1 = R10, Limit 2 = R11

The project includes onboard resistors that set the voltages at LIMIT1 and LIMIT2 to about 4 V and 400 mV, respectively.

Latch Inputs Latch 1 and Latch 2

Jumpers J1 and J2 are provided to select the transparent mode or latched operation. Default transparent mode is selected, and latched operation can be enabled by closing Jumpers J1 and J2.

Amplifier Output (0 to 4V)

The output of the internal current sense amplifier is accessible through the VOUT (OP) Pin 2 of connector CN2

ALERT1 and ALERT2 Outputs

The ALERT1 and ALERT2 pins are accessible through the Pin6 and Pin 7 of Connector CN2 labeled ALR1 and ALR2, respectively. For gross testing, users can also monitor the states of the ALERT pins using the corresponding LED-D1 and LED-D2 indicators provided on the PCB.

Signal Inputs

Input Signal Range 0 to 36V and Current sensing Range 2Amps.

Delay Input

The DELAY pin of the INA302A1 is a high-impedance node and highly susceptible to noise pickup. For this reason, all routing to the DELAY pin has been kept as short as possible. Resistor R7 and C3 allow users to control the propagation delay of the ALERT2 signal. C3 is intended for installing a load capacitor to GND. Note that the ALERT2 delay increases with load capacitance on the DELAY pin, R7 is a pull-up load resistor to VCC and helps minimize the ALERT2 delay. Installing a 50-kΩ to 100-kΩ resistor at R7 is recommended for minimal delay. Using values below 50 kΩ increases the supply current without yielding any significant reduction in the ALERT2 delay.

Schematic

Parts List

NO.	QNTY.	REF.	DESC.	MANUFACTURER	SUPPLIER	PART NO
1	2	CN1,CN2	8 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5321-ND
2	1	C1	10uF/6.3V SMD SIZE 0805	MURATA/YAGEO	DIGIKEY
3	2	C2,C3	0.1uF/50V SMD SIZE 0805	MURATA/YAGEO	DIGIKEY
4	2	D1,D2	LED SMD SIZE 0805	LITE ON INC	DIGIKEY	160-1427-1-ND
5	2	J1,J2	2 PIN MALE HEADER PITCH 2.54MM	WURTH	DIGIKEY	732-5315-ND
6	2	Q1,Q2	FDN304P	ON SEMI	MOUSER	512-FDN304P
7	4	R1,R2,R9,R12,R13	10K 5% SMD SIZE 0805	MURATA/YAGEO	DIGIKEY
8	3	R3,R4,R6	1K 5% SMD SIZE 0805	MURATA/YAGEO	DIGIKEY
9	1	R5	0.1E/2W 1% SMD SIZE 2512	CTS RESISTOR	DIGIKEY	73M1R100FCT-ND
10	2	R7,R10	49.99K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	MURATA/YAGEO	DIGIKEY
11	1	R11	4.99K 1% SMD SIZE 0805	MURATA/YAGEO	DIGIKEY
12	1	U1	INA302A1	TI	DIGIKEY	296-INA302A1IPWRCT-ND
13	2	JMP	JUMPER SHUNT	SULLINS CONNECTOR	DIGIKEY	S9001-ND
14	1	R8	DNP		DIGIKEY
15	1	R9	0E SMD SIZE 0805	MURATA/YAGEO	DIGIKEY

Connections

Reference Circuit

Block Diagram

Gerber View

Photos

Video

INA302 Datasheet

Mixtile Edge 2 IoT edge device is a multipurpose computer with RK3568

Posted on 28 April, 2022 by Abhishek Jadhav

We recently covered the release of Mixtile Blade 3 single-board computer, which is going to be launched in Crowdfunding, and comes equipped with Rockchip RK3588 SoC, runs a hybrid Android and Linux distribution. Chinese embedded device manufacturer Mixtile Limited has gone ahead and unveiled another Edge 2 single-board computer and an Edge 2 Kit both with a customizable enclosure. As the name suggests, the Edge 2 Kit is an IoT edge computer with an enclosure and two external Wi-Fi antennas. Both devices are powered by the same Mixtile System-on-Module core using the integrated Rockchip RK3568.

At the heart of both edge computing devices is the RK3568 chip with a quad-core Arm Cortex-A55 SoC that can be clocked up to 2.0 GHz and tightly integrated with LPDDR4 SDRAM providing two variants of 2GB and 4GB. In terms of flash storage, the embedded manufacturer has provided options between 16GB and 32GB storage. The Mixtile System-on-Module Core 3568 offers 0.8 TOPS NPU and comes with a Mali G52 2EE graphics processor supporting 4K decoding and 1080 pixels encoding. The chip can be used for lightweight AI applications and is not suitable for advanced complex edge AI deployments.

For wireless connectivity, the Mixtile Edge 2 single-board computer offers Wi-Fi 6 IEEE802.11ax and dual-mode Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity along with support for 4G/5G and LoRa/Zigbee devices, among other wireless technology modules. The onboard high-power M.2 and Mini-PCIe expansion sockets support a combination of these wireless connectivity options. The same goes for the Mixtile Edge 2 Kit as well in terms of wireless technology.

When it comes to software, Mixtile Edge 2 single-board computers run both Android 11 and Linux systems targeting industrial markets such as IoT gateways, Robotics, Industrial control panels, industrial equipment, cloud terminals, and vehicle control centers. You can find further information on the software support here and tutorials or detailed documentation are available in the public domain.

The high-performance edge computing Mixtile Edge 2 Kit is based on the Mixtile Edge 2 single-board computer, but only adds one customizable enclosure and two external Wi-Fi antennas (Edge 2 is designed with 6 reserved holes) which are evidently visible in the product image. The onboard connectivity’s include PCIe 3.0, USB2.0, USB 3.0, SIM Socket, and HDMI 2.0. For interfacing camera and display, they have provided MIPI-CSI and MIPI-DSI connectors while the HDMI 2.0 port will support 4K at 60 frames per second for H.265 and H.264 video decoder while 1080 pixel at 100 frames per second for H.265 and H.264 video encoder.

Analysis

The Mixtile Edge 2 single-board computer is listed from $183 to $259 depending on the memory and storage requirements, while the Mixtile Edge 2 Kit is priced from $199 to $279. The manufacturer also offers a discount for those who are comfortable with a delayed shipment of 15% discount for 40 days and 20% discount for 60 days. For those looking for pre-installed firmware, Mixtile Edge 2 and Edge 2 Kit comes preloaded with Android 11 and Linux container.

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) MPQ2178 Synchronous Step-Down Converters

Posted on 28 April, 2022 by mixos

Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) MPQ2178 Synchronous Step-Down Converters are monolithic and switch-mode converters with internal built-in power MOSFETs. These converters achieve 2A of continuous output current across a 2.5V to 5.5V input voltage range with a good load and line regulation. The output voltage (V_OUT)of the MPQ2178 synchronous step-down converters can be regulated to as low as 0.6V for the adjustable output version. These converters feature 1% Feedback (FB) accuracy, 2.4MHz switching frequency, fixed output options, 100% duty cycle, and external Soft Start (SS) control.

The MPQ2178 synchronous step-down converters use a Constant-On-Time (COT) control with input voltage feed-forward to stabilize the Switching Frequency (f_SW) across the full input range. Typical applications include automotive infotainment, camera modules, key fobs, industrial supplies, and battery-powdered devices.

Features

Designed for automotive applications:
- 2.5V to 5.5V input operating voltage range
- Up to 2A output current
- 1% FB accuracy
- -40°C to 150°C operating temperature range
Optimized for EMC/EMI:
- 2.4MHz switching frequency
- Forced Continuous Conduction Mode (FCCM) across full load range
- MeshConnect flip-chip package
Optimized for board size and BOM:
- Built-in internal power MOSFETs
- Fixed output options
- Integrated compensation network
High performance for improved thermals:
- 70mΩ and 40mΩ internal power MOSFETs
Additional features:
- EN for power sequencing
- Power Good (PG)
- 100% duty cycle
- External SS control
- Output discharge
- Output Over-Voltage Protection (OVP)
- Short-Circuit Protection (SCP) with hiccup mode
- Available in a compact QFN-8 (1.5mm × 2mm) package
- Available in a wettable flank package
- Available in AEC-Q100 grade 1

Typical Application

more information: https://www.monolithicpower.com/en/mpq2178-aec1.html

NJL5830R – Optical Touchless Sensor to control a switch without physical contact

Posted on 28 April, 202228 April, 2022 by mixos

Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc. has introduced a new reflective type optical sensor NJL5830R that contains a high-power infrared LED, a photodiode sensor, and a signal processing IC in a unique package and has a high resistance to ambient light to prevent operation interference and can even be used for outdoor applications. Typical applications for touchless sensors are control panels and buttons for elevators, vending & ticketing machines, toilet flush & water tap control, soap dispensers, beverage server machines, etc.

It has a high resistance to ambient light to prevent operation interference and can even be used for outdoor applications. In addition, the sensor has a reliable built-in interference prevention function between adjacent sensors. The intended applications are devices to be operated via touchless buttons without physical contact, providing a contribution to infection control and hygiene improvement.

Especially due to the Covid-19 pandemic, touchless sensors became much more popular to prevent contamination by bacteria or viruses through specific applications for public use.

Key Features of NJL5830R Reflective Optical Sensor

Interference prevention function between buttons is installed
Resistant to disturbance light
Detectable even the gloves on
Small and thin package

Typical applications for touchless sensors are control panels and buttons for elevators, vending & ticketing machines, toilet flush & water tap control, soap dispensers, and beverage server machines to name a few. The sensor has a reliable built-in interference prevention function between adjacent sensors, a detection distance of up to 50 mm is guaranteed and it even operates when wearing gloves. The integrated light modulation offers, besides reliable interference prevention, high resistance to ambient light, making it even suitable for outdoor use.

In addition, the IC is embedded in a thin miniature COBP package measuring only L3.6 x W5.8 x H1.2 mm, occupying only 21 square millimetre PCB area.

more information: https://www.nisshinbo-microdevices.co.jp/en/products/optical_technology/