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Meet Alibaba T-Head RVB-ICE RISC-V SBC – Supports Android 10/Debian 11 and 3D GPU Acceleration

Posted on 21 October, 202121 October, 2021 by Emmanuel Odunlade

Single-board computers (SBC) have seen widespread application in the hardware ecosystem owing to the growing demand for mobile, portable, and embedded systems with reduced system’s overall cost and connectors problems. Amongst the variety of SBC architectures available in the market, the RISC architecture has become makers’ favorite for its low number of cycles per instruction (CPI), through its load/store design to support very high-speed devices. However, a large number of RISC SBCs still lack the ability to offer 3D GPU acceleration that is in demand.

Sipeed’s new launch is targeted to solve this problem. The board aptly called Alibaba T-Head RVB-ICE, proves to be the first RISC-V SBC that is 3D GPU capable.

Alibaba T-Head RVB-ICE is designed on the architecture of Alibaba T-Head ICE dual-core XuanTie C910, 1.2 GHz RISC-V processor furnished with Vivante GC8000UL GPU and an AI accelerator NPU. Its SoC incorporates an additional 1.2 GHz C910V core with 128-bit capable vector extension, a DDR4 with speed up to 2400 Mbps, a GMAC interface, and a single-core 3D GPU for 3D graphics acceleration. The board supports Debian 11 and Android 10, with support for a capacitive touchscreen display.

The board also debuts a 4 GB LPDDR4 system memory, a 16 GB eMMC flash, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interface, LCD interface, a micro USB 3.0 OTG port of full-size Type-A USB ports, a USB-C serial port, and a 2×24-pin GPIOs header. It also supports interfaces like Bluetooth keyboard and mouse.

Key Features and Specifications Include:

Alibaba T-Head ICE with dual-core XuanTie C910 RISC-V processor @ 1.2 GHz, Vivante GC8000UL GPU, NPU
4GB LPDDR4
16 GB eMMC flash
MicroSD card slot
AI Accelerator: NPU present
Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
RGB888 LCD interface up to 1080p; the devkit includes a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen display with 1024×600 resolution
1x micro USB 3.0 OTG port
1x USB-C port for serial and power
2x 24-pin header with GPIOs, 2xUART, I2C, 1x SPI, ADC
2x User buttons
1x reset button
1x LED
Power Supply: 5V via power barrel (or USB-C port)

The Alibaba T-Head RVB-ICE is available for pre-order on RVB-ICE and Aliexpress for $399 alongside its 7-inch display. Patches and scripts for AOSP for the XuanTie RISC-V chip are available on T-head/RISCV-aosp’s Github repository for a guide on successful development with the board. The cost is probably on the high side because it’s only available in low quantities. Hopefully, with time, more lower-cost RISC-V boards with GPU should be released. Shipping for the Alibaba T-Head RVB-ICE board is scheduled to start next month.

Further details can be found on RVB-ICE and Github.

Sipeed’s New Embeddable SoM Board Built Around RISC-V Allwinner D1 chip will launch for Around $20

Posted on 21 October, 2021 by Emmanuel Odunlade

Maker culture and its DIY subculture have seen continued strides, creating a need for low-cost open-source devices with edge technology and instruction set architecture, with compatibility with high-end OS like Linux. Sipeed has released a new system-on-module board to meet these requirements for a fee under $20.

According to Caesar’s telegram post, the Lichee RV module is a style board furnished with an edge connector to support industrial applications. The compact module will be equipped with an Allwinner D1 chip with a 1.0 GHz 64-bit single-issue Linux-capable core with draft Vector extension 0.7.1, 1 Gbyte DDR3, and an inbuilt Nand Flash of 256 Mbyte. The module also has a SODIMM-like form factor with an edge connector, which breaks out most functions of the chip. The module can function as a standalone device with few input and output interfaces and peripherals.

The module is also expected to launch with an optional carrier board that can offer the same connectivity like the one provided by the $99 Nezha single board computer. Other details revealed by Bruce Hoult include 2.5 x 4.5cm dimension, 512 MB DDR3, OTG USB-C, 4 pin UART, short TF slot, 2×67 pin NGFF breakout, and extra 1.14-inch SPI LCD. As for the efficacy of the board, Bruce rates it the best length-agnostic vector implementation available in the hardware ecosystem at the moment.

As noted by CNX Software, here’s a list of some of the key features and specifications of the Allwinner’s D1 chip:

Alibaba XuanTie C906 64bit RISC-V core with 32 KB I-cache + 32 KB D-cache
HiFi4 DSP 600MH with 32 KB I-cache plus 32 KB D-cache, 64 KB I-ram plus 64 KB DRAM
Up to 2GB DDR2/DDR3
SD3.0, eMMC 5.0, SPI Nor/Nand Flash
Video decoding:
- H.265 up to 1080p@60fps, or 4K@30fps
- H.264 up to 1080p@60fps, or 4K@24fps
- MPEG-1/2/4, JPEG, VC1 up to 1080p@60fps
Video encoding: JPEG/MJPEG up to 1080p@60fps
RGB LCD output interface up to 1920 x 1080@60fps
Dual-link LVDS interface up to 1920 x 1080@60fps
4-lane MIPI DSI interface up to 1920 x 1080@60fps
HDMI V1.4 output interface up to 4K@30fps
CVBS OUT interface, supporting NTSC and PAL format
8-bit parallel CSI interface
CVBS IN interface, supporting NTSC and PAL format
2x DAC’s and 3x ADC’s
- Analog audio interfaces – MICIN1P/N, MICIN2P/N, MICIN3P/N, FMINL/R, LINEINL/R, LINEOUTLP/N, LINEOUTRP/N, HPOUTL/R
- Digital audio interfaces – I2S/PCM, DMIC, OWA IN/OUT
Networking – 10/100/1000M EMAC with RMII and RGMII interfaces
USB2.0 OTG, USB2.0 Host
SDIO 3.0,
2 x SPI6
6 x UART
4 x TWI
PWM (8-ch)
GPADC (2-ch)
LRADC (1-ch)
TPADC (4-ch)
IR TX/RX

As of the time of this writing, Sipeed has not created a sales page nor put the product on a commercial third-party site, but further information and discussions on the new Allwinner D1 chip can be gotten from Bruce Hoult’s Reddit post.

Penguino STM32WL MAMWLE-C1 LoRa development board Features Move Solutions’ MAMWLE SoM

Posted on 21 October, 2021 by Emmanuel Odunlade

Electronics maker Orkhan Amiraslan has unveiled a new GPIO-Rich Lora-capable Penguino board based on Move Solutions’ MAMWLE SoM.

The compact Penguino STM32WL MAMWLE-C1 LoRa dev board differentiates itself in terms of power, size, and flexibility. It is equipped with STMicroelectronics’ STM32WL‘s core that purposely targets low-power operation. It also breaks out all available GPIOs and offers the option of choosing either the +14dBm or the +22dBm output path.

“This allows the user to carefully choose the max output power and save on the battery life,” says Amiraslan. The LoRa dev board also has an Adafruit Feather-compatible form factor that makes it compatible with many addons needed to complete any solution. “Be sure to check out the awesome-feather repo,” he added.

The low-power feather-compatible board also comes with all the necessary components for rapid prototyping.

“This board packs everything you need for LoRa/LoRaWAN Development. It has a lot of GPIO to access sensors and peripheral control, a STM32WLE5x MCU, and a Cortex M4 CPU with enough power,” says a review that was left by a user identified as “Rony”. “You’ll however need some development skills for STM32 devices or use their Arduino port which will need some adjustments to work on this board,” he added.

Specs of the SoC:

STM32WLE5JC SoC
ARM Cortex-M4 core that focuses on low-power
Integrated SX1262 RF transceiver
150 MHz to 960 MHz frequency range.
LoRa®, (G)FSK, (G)MSK and BPSK Modulations
Up to +22 dBm transmitter power

The MAMWLE-C1 SoM itself is a 15 x 16 millimeter board that combines an STM32WL microprocessor and a Semtech SX1262 sub-GHz radio.

Features of the MAMWLE-C1 SoM Include:

Multiprotocol LPWAN 32-Bit Arm Cortex-M4 running at 32 MHz
LoRa, (G)FSK, (G)MSK and BPSK support
128 kilobytes of flash memory
64 kilobytes of SRAM
ADC, DAC, DMA, comparators, timers and independent watchdog timer
Various ultra-low-power features
Frequency range: 868Mhz ~ 915Mhz
Up to 37 general-purpose IOs, 2x SPI, 3x I2C, 2x USART, 1x LPUART, 1x JTAG, 1x SWDIO
Clock: 32MHz TCXO, 32.768KHz XTAL
Tx power:
- Up to +14dBm (low power path)
- Up to +22dBm (high power path)
Dimensions: 16.5mm x 15.5mm x 2.0mm

You might have to get a male 868/915MHz SMA antenna at hand or order for one as there’s a default antenna path routed to the SMA edge connector but no antenna feature on the board.

Further details on the Penguino STM32WL MAMWLE-C1 can be found on Tindie where it currently sells for $34.95. You can also visit GitHub for the KiCad design files, Gerbers, and an example STM32Cube project.

Rohde & Schwarz extends portable analyzer frequency ranges up to 44 GHz

Posted on 21 October, 2021 by mixos

New base models for the rugged R&S Spectrum Rider FPH analyzers take spectrum analysis capability up to 44 GHz. They combine the functionality of benchtop instruments and the lightweight portability of a handheld instrument, with intuitive features to make high performance measuring on the go fast and simple.

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH combines the functionality of benchtop instruments and the lightweight portability of a handheld instrument.

Rohde & Schwarz has extended its popular R&S Spectrum Rider FPH family with the introduction of new base models offering measurement frequencies up to 44 GHz. A new 44 GHz model has been added to the existing R&S FPH models having measurement frequencies from 5 kHz to 6, 13.6, and 26.5 GHz. In addition, three new versions with tracking generators are available with measurement frequencies up to 13.6, 26.5 and 44 GHz.

The R&S Spectrum Rider FPH was the industry’s first handheld spectrum analyzer to deliver solid RF performance for measurements in the field and in the lab. Large buttons and multi-touch gesture screen make it very easy to operate. New higher frequency models enable the versatile R&S Spectrum Rider to perform a broader range of measurement tasks. With high sensitivity of –160 dBm and measurement accuracy of typically 0.5 dB between 10 MHz and 3 GHz, the R&S Spectrum Rider offers class-leading RF performance. The new models support field applications such as verification of 5G, broadcast, radar, defence and satellite communications links.

Weighing just 3.2 kg for 44 GHz model, the R&S Spectrum Rider is optimised for mobile use. Its battery lasts up to 4.5 hours, making it the most lasting 44 GHz handheld spectrum analyzer for field task. The backlit keypad allows users to work in the dark, and the non-reflective display supports a daylight mode for improved readability in direct sunlight.

This handheld spectrum analyzer family boasts a large-format capacitive touchscreen that makes it easy to intuitively adjust settings such as frequency, span and reference level, and to set markers. Plus, large buttons and a practical multifunction wheel facilitate operation with gloves in outdoor environments. The analyzer can be remotely controlled via USB, or LAN and, for even more convenience, the R&S MobileView app for iOS or Android provides seamless remote control of the device.

The R&S Spectrum Rider spectrum analyzers are part of the R&S Essentials portfolio.

All models are now available from Rohde & Schwarz and selected distribution partners.

VCSEL modules for 3D gesture recognition

Posted on 21 October, 2021 by mixos

Sensor solutions provider ams has expanded its family of vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) devices with four new modules for 3D gesture recognition.

Combining a VCSEL emitter and photodiode in one compact package, the Bidos P2433 Q flood illuminator is available in four different versions including two different fields-of-illumination and two output power levels. The new devices, says the company, simplify the integration effort for system suppliers for applications that utilize 3D sensing technology.

For augmented and virtual reality devices, as well as other 3D world-facing applications, the focus is on maximum user experience combined with compact and light-weight design. In the 3D sensing market, says the company, VCSELs have a huge impact due to their good beam quality, cost efficiency, and simple design.

“With the expansion of our Bidos family we offer one of the smallest VCSEL packages available on the market for 3D applications at given power levels and field-of-illumination”, says Simon Gubser, Product Manager at ams OSRAM. “By integrating the matching emitter and photodiode in one compact module, we reduce the installation effort for our customers significantly.”

The VCSEL-based modules with a size of 3.3 mm x 2.4 mm are suitable for 3D sensing applications using Time-of-Flight (ToF) measurement, which require a homogeneous illumination of the scene. Due to their wavelength of 940 nm, all modules are also free from the red glow effect, which is perceived by the human eye as disturbing flickering.

Module Features:

VCSEL Power Array with typical 3W optical output power, resp. 6.5W for double junction versions
Efficiency up to 45% with double junction VCSEL
Wavelength: 940nm
Multiple FoI (Field of Illumination) available
Compact module footprint of 3.3 mm x 2.4 mm x 1.2 mm
Integrated monitoring photodiode with high linearity for simple eye safety integration

The two higher power modules with 6.5 watts use dual-junction VCSELs for high performance and efficiency of up to 45%. In addition, a photodiode monitoring system is integrated into the module as a special protection mechanism for eye safety. If the photodiode registers a change in the incidence of light – for example, if the optics are damaged – the current supply to the VCSEL is interrupted.

Besides 3D gesture recognition, says the company, the four new modules can also be used in industrial robotics for obstacle avoidance and virtual fencing, or in 3D face authentication systems in smart door locks or point-of-sale payment terminals.

more information: https://www.osram.com/os/products/product-promotions/vcsel/bidos-family.jsp

Vishay Intertechnology Releases AEC-Q100 Qualified Ambient Light Sensor

Posted on 21 October, 202121 October, 2021 by mixos

For Automotive and Consumer Applications, Device Offers High Dynamic Range to 228 klux and Resolution of 0.0034 lx/ct for Dark Lens Designs

The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. today introduced a new AEC-Q100 qualified ambient light sensor for automotive and consumer applications where very high sensitivity is needed for sensing light through dark cover materials. The Vishay Semiconductors VEML6031X00 features a highly sensitive photodiode, low noise amplifier, 16-bit ADC, and infrared (IR) channel in a miniature, opaque 2.67 mm by 2.45 mm surface-mount package with a low 0.6 mm profile.

The Automotive Grade device released today enables ambient light spectral sensitivity close to that of the human eye. The sensor offers detection with highly linear behavior from 0 lx to 228 klux — eliminating the need for a correction formula — while its resolution down to 0.0034 lx/ct allows for operation in applications with low transmittance (dark) lens designs. The VEML6031X00’s IR channel enables light source detection and sensitivity adjustments to compensate for lux errors.

Offering a high operating temperature range to +110 °C and a robust package with an improved signal-to-noise ratio, the device will be used for display backlight controls, infotainment systems, rearview mirror dimming, interior lighting control systems, and heads-up displays. The sensor supports the easy to use I²C bus communication interface for these applications and offers an interrupt function.

The flexible device supports multiple slave addresses for applications requiring more than one sensor, while a selectable integration time down to 3.125 ms allows for fast response times. The sensor provides excellent temperature compensation to maintain stability despite changes in ambient temperature and features low shut down current consumption of 0.5 μA typical.

The VEML6031X00 features a supply voltage range of 2.5 V to 3.6 V and I²C bus voltage range of 1.7 V to 3.6 V. RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay green, the device offers a Moisture Sensitivity Level of 2a and a floor life of four weeks in accordance with J-STD-020.

Samples and production quantities of the new ambient light sensor are available now, with lead times of eight to 12 weeks for large orders.

M5Stack Launched a 32-bit RISC-V Bluetooth Module embedded with Espressif-C3 Chipset

Posted on 21 October, 2021 by mixos

M5Stack just added a new family to its popular series of modules with the Stamp-C3. the new Stamp-C3 features ESPRESSIF ESP32-C3 RISC-V MCU with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (LE) connectivity for IoT edge devices such as home appliances and Industrial Automation. By combining RSA-3072-based secure boot and the AES-128-XTS-based flash encryption, M5Stack offers a more secure way to answer the Bluetooth security concerns, while also making it optimal for industrial IoT equipment collecting sensors data within a factory or a building.

The Stamp-C3 is based on a 32-bit RISC-V microcontroller and operates at a maximum clock frequency of 160 MHz. With 400 KB of internal RAM and 4 MB Flash, it can facilitate many different use-cases involving connected devices. The Stamp-C3 provides full Bluetooth® 5.0 long-range (LR) support including long-range and mesh networking functions and achieves building devices with great coverage and improved usability. Furthermore, the exceptional heat resistance plastic enclosure is sustained at a higher operating temperature.

Product Features

MULTIPLE STYLE: Three types of soldering options are available(SMT, DIP, flywire), with a high-temperature resistant plastic enclosure, Peak temperature = 230℃
HIGH INTEGRATION: Stamp-C3 contains 5V->3.3V DC/DC design, GPIOx13, programmable RGB LED x1, Reset button x1, button x1, 3D antenna,providing stable and reliable wireless communication.
LOW-CODE DEVELOPMENT: Stamp-C3 is fully compatible with Arduino, ESP32-IDF, and other mainstream development platforms to quickly build various applications. (UIFlow support coming soon)

Applications

DIY Prototyping
Home Appliances
Industrial Automation

more information: https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5stamp-pico-5pcs

Seeed’s Open Parts Library (OPL) adds SnapEDA models for faster electronics production

Posted on 21 October, 2021 by mixos

The addition of SnapEDA CAD models into the OPL further streamlines parts selection, design and manufacturing

Today, Seeed, a leading global PCB manufacturer based in Shenzhen, is adding SnapEDA computer-aided design (CAD) models to the Seeed and ShenZhen Open Parts Libraries (OPLs), to help electronics designers move from idea to fabrication with ease.

The OPLs are a collection of commonly used components, designed to be used with the Seeed Fusion PCB Assembly (PCBA) service, that are widely available in the supply chain, cost-effective, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) friendly. Today it contains a wide selection of over 150,000 commonly used parts, from integrated circuits (ICs) to passives, to cut costs and reduce the turnaround times for turnkey PCB assembly.

During the parts selection stage, the OPLs save engineers time and reduce delays, since the parts are carefully selected to ensure they are widely available in the local supply chain, eliminating the need to import parts and undergo lengthy and costly customs clearance processes. This is especially helpful given the current global component shortage affecting the electronics industry. In addition to preventing delays, engineers also save money since the components in these libraries are sourced from Seeed’s affiliated partners network and/or are purchased in bulk.

During the design and manufacturing stage, the addition of the SnapEDA CAD models to the OPLs make them even more valuable. By downloading ready-to-use CAD models for the parts they select, engineers can save weeks of time, and reduce costly prototype iterations during the manufacturing process.

To get started with the new SnapEDA integration, engineers simply visit the Downloads section on the Seeed’s OPLs. Once they click the Symbol, Footprint and 3D model link, a viewer will popup allowing engineers to preview the models, and download instantly.

“With the current constraints in the global electronic component supply chain, we’re pleased to be able to support the Seeed and ShenZhen open parts libraries, which are helping engineers streamline part selection and manufacturing. With the addition of SnapEDA models, engineers will now be able to design-in these parts in mere seconds,”

said Natasha Baker, Founder and CEO of SnapEDA.

Before SnapEDA, engineers needed to spend hours of time creating digital models from scratch. With the sheer number of components a project can have, the process of creating and verifying each component can be tedious and error ridden. This is why SnapEDA created the first search engine focused on CAD models, as well as its own patented verification technology to optimize the quality of each model.

Over 15 PCB design formats are accessible with the new SnapEDA integration in the Seeed and ShenZhen OPLs, including Altium, KiCad, Fusion360, Cadence Allegro, OrCAD, EAGLE, DesignSpark PCB, DipTrace, Proteus & more.

Engineers can also find SnapEDA’s symbols, footprints and 3D models on the main SnapEDA website, as well as on distributors’ websites including Digikey, Mouser, and RS Components’ DesignSpark. SnapEDA can also be found in software tools like Autodesk Fusion 360, Proteus and DipTrace. Millions of engineers are benefiting from the syndication of these CAD models on over 30 affiliated partners’ platforms.

To learn more about the SnapEDA’s network, visit www.snapeda.com/syndication

Signal Conditioner for Sensorless BLDC Operations

Posted on 18 October, 2021 by mixos

This is a back EMF signal conditioning circuit that can be used to develop high-voltage sensorless motor drivers. When a sensorless algorithm is used to control the BLDC motor speed, the Back EMF (BEMF) signals are used. Based on zero crossing of BEMF signals, motor commutation is decided in the firmware. The signal conditioning circuit has mainly three blocks: the first is a low-pass filter for each phase voltage the second is a comparator circuit for determining the zero crosspoints and the third is a high-speed optocoupler. The optocoupler provides isolation between high-voltage motor driver circuitry and microcontroller.

Signal Conditioner for Sensorless BLDC Operations – [Link]

4-Channel Remote Receiver Using NRF24L01 Radio Module – Arduino Compatible

Posted on 18 October, 2021 by mixos

Controlling 4 devices using an RF remote is very easy with this project. This is an Arduino compatible project. NRF24L01 module, Atmega328 microcontroller, 3.3V regulator, and few other components are part of the project. Onboard power LED and an additional functional LED is provided. The project provides 4x TTL outputs that can be interfaced with a relay board, solid-state relay boards, motor drivers, and other projects. The circuit works with 5V DC and requires a few milliamps current. D2 Power LED, D1 optional function LED.

4-Channel Remote Receiver Using NRF24L01 Radio Module – Arduino Compatible – [Link]