Learn more about Amlogic S905X3 SOC for Multimedia Applications

Amlogic S905X3 SOC

A couple of weeks ago, SinoVoip Co. Limited introduced a Banana Pi BPI M2 Pro that was powered by the Amlogic S905X3 quad-core Cortex-A55 processor. The next-generation 12nm design, Amlogic S905X3 comes with an ARM 64-bit processor clocked at 1.9GHz that makes the SOC the best-in-class for several multimedia applications. The SOC integrates an ARM-based Cortex-M4 processor with a neural network accelerator function for virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, Google Now.

With a 12nm design, each processor core runs at a frequency of 500MHz and CPU utilization of 17%. Thanks to the manufacturing process as it boosts performance, providing low power consumption. Along with the powerful CPU cores, there is an integrated GPU, Mali-G31 MP2 that has a maximum speed of 650MHz and delivers performance up to 1.3Gpix/s per core. This famous GPU also comes with the support for OpenGL ES 3.2 and Vulkan 1.0, which brings performance and graphical improvements for complex processing tasks.

Amlogic S905X3 SOC Block Diagram
Image credit: CNX-Software

When it comes to multimedia applications, the vision processing unit is an important piece of hardware in the SOC. To support this, Amlogic S905X3 comes with the advanced video engine generation 10 for decoding that supports H.256 and V9 codecs with various HDR formats. Using this SOC, the user can take videos up to UHD 4K at 75 frames per second. Thanks to the HDMI 2.1 video output for automatic refresh synchronization.

Features of Amlogic S905X3 SOC:

  • CPU: Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 Processor with ARM Cortex-M4 for Neural engine
  • GPU: Mali-G31 MP2 at 650MHz and performance of 1.3Gpix/s per core
  • NPU: 1.2 TOPS (Optional)
  • VPU: Support H.256 and V9 with various HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, Advanced HDR10, HDR 10+, HLG, Prime HDR
  • Application: Multimedia
  • Manufacturing process: 12nm
Amlogic S905X3
Image credit: AndroidpcTV

Speaking of performance, it is always relative in nature that it is in terms of another SOC sharing a similar price range and features. The benchmarking done by AndriodpcTV using various tools shows some insightful results. From the benchmarks done on ANTUTU V6.0, we can see that Amlogic S905X3 has outperformed Amlogic S905X2, S905X-H, S912 SOCs. Even though it isn’t the most powerful SOC in the market, it can aid most multimedia applications and can be used in a TV box.

For more information on Amlogic S905X3 SOC, visit the official product page.

Meet the ALL NEW Tiny Acoustic Development Board for $99.00

μMoth

When it comes to recording audio in wildlife or nature, you require something with a small form factor that does not harm the environment. There are several wildlife species that produce noise in ultrasonic frequencies like bats, moths, etc. Here comes the name for the credit card-sized open-source sound recording deviceμMoth” – designed to listen to audible frequencies, as well as ultrasonic frequencies.

As mentioned, the size of the device is just 25 x 36mm and weighs only 4 grams making it best for remote applications that are located in wildlife forests. This full-spectrum acoustic development board is based on the Silabs’ EFM32 Gecko processorthat is an ARM Cortex-M3 core running up to the clock frequency of 32 MHz. The SOC is integrated with up to 128kB flash memory and up to 16kB of RAM is specially designed for battery-operated applications that require high performance and low power consumption.

μMoth Size

The tiny acoustic development board, μMoth is capable of recording at sample rates up to 384kHz, which means you can record uncompressed audio directly to the SD card with a sampling rate of 8,000 to 384,000 per second. The files are stored in the Waveform Audio File format which is an accurate and lossless audio file format.

The μMoth audio recording device features an analog MEMS microphone which is typically used when the analog output is fed to the input of an amplifier for analog processing. One of the other reasons for choosing an analog MEMS microphone can be the power consumption, which is significantly lesser than the digital MEMS microphone. The device is also manufactured with an onboard real-time clock that keeps track of time in UTC.

μMoth Views
Image credit: Alex Rogers

If you have known the other devices manufactured by Open Acoustic Devices, then this μMoth shares the existing software and firmware as the AudioMoth. The hardware is powered by the Li-Ion battery that is connected through the standard 2-pin JST-PH connector. The manufacturer notes that the SparkFun battery is compatible with the development board.

The crowdfunding campaign is live on GroupGets, but the backing is currently disabled due to the production shortage. But we expect the product to be in stock soon at a price of $99.00.

Meet Longon Labs’ Squama CAN FD to Ethernet board with Power-over-Ethernet

Squama CAN FD to Ethernet board with PoE

A couple of weeks back, we covered Squama’s Ether Board that can – with optional POE support – ethernet applications. Chinese startup Longan Labs has introduced its second product in the Squama series. The board is integrated with a high-performance ATSAME51 Cortex M4 processor core and an Ethernet control chip W5500. It’s interesting to see how the board comes up with hardwired support for TCP/IP protocols: TCP, UDP, ICMP, IPv4, ARP, IGMP, PPPoE. Using this, the user can design applications that require TCP/IP socket programming.

The integrated 32-bit ATMEL SOC ATSAME51 is an ARM-based Cortex M4 processor core clocked up to 120MHz frequency. The chip features a 512KB in-system self-programmable flash memory and a 192KB SRAM memory, but no EEPROM. The hardware is designed to support Wake on LAN over UDP, which allows the user to remotely power on PCs with a network message. When it comes to power saving, you need to stop an on-chip oscillator that freezes the clock to stop all the functions of the microcontroller. This is done using the power-down mode supported by the hardware.

Squama CAN FD

Specifications:

  • MCU: ATSAME51 32bit Cortex M4 core running at up to 120MHz with 512KB flash memory and 192KB RAM
  • Interfaces:  Grove connector for I2C and UART, RJ45 Connector, 10/100M
  • Power Supply: 5V via USB and 48~57V via PoE
  • Output Current @ 5V: 2A
  • Size: 62×30 mm
  • Weight: 15g (without PoE), 20g (with PoE)
  • Indicative LED: WS2812B LED
  • Onboard buttons: Reset Button and User Button

With the compact and same form factor as the other Squama series products, the hardware is primarily designed for Ethernet and CAN FD applications. However, with the support of PoE, you can minimize the wiring by powering the hardware using one ethernet cable. The hardware supports Arduino IDE for programming that can be done through a USB Type-C connector.

Squama CAN FD to Ethernet board

To get started with the product, you first need to download and run the Arduino IDE on Windows, Linux, or Mac operating system. After that, you need to install the appropriate board from the Additional Boards Manager URLs option in the Arduino IDE. With this, you are ready to work with the board along with installing the libraries required.

The Arduino Ethernet library also works on the board and for more information, you can visit the product Wiki page. If you are interested in buying the board, it is currently out of stock but is priced at $34.90 You can also check a similar compute module with PoE feature for your Raspberry Pi here.

Switchmode Power Supply Topologies Explained

Switched Mode Power Supply SMPS

The role of power supply is crucial for electronic circuits because without sufficient power, the circuit cannot function at its optimal level. On the other hand, an exceeded power supply can deteriorate the circuit components by heating effect. There are usually two choices for power supply topologies; Linear Power Supply and Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS).

The linear power supply is traditionally an old topology, thus it had its presence in the design and architecture of older electronic components. But the new Switched Mode Power Supply topology is preferred over Linear Power Supply for current circuit designs due to its increased efficiency and compact size. However, the SMPS has more components and complex design still its advantages outweighs the linear power supply.

Also, the cost of SMPS was high initially

“but with the birth of the electronic age, component costs have dropped so low that the high raw material content of copper and iron in the linear transformer has made the SMPS technology more cost-effective.”

We saw the introduction of SMPS technologies by Microchip’s A1114 application note, which described the working of SMPS circuits in December 2015. The application note highlights the applications of various SMPS technologies and the design specifications of components for SMPS. It also suggests the factors for consideration while selecting SMPS topologies.

Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

As Switch Mode Power Supply contains a large number of components, thus it needs different stages. Every stage takes care of all the factors necessary for optimal performance. Example: If the input supply is AC, then the input stage has a provision of rectifier and low-pass filter for AC to DC conversion. There is also an inverter stage available for DC to AC conversion by simultaneous switching DC voltage on and off. The rate of switching decides the frequency of the AC output.

We also saw the Open Electronics’ Switched Mode Power Supply known as Torpedo, with a SEPIC configuration. Its circuit structure came with three different stages; Input Stage, Battery Charger, and SEPIC Converter. A transition from battery power to another source without interruptions was one of the unique features of the Torpedo circuit.

Comparison between Linear Mode and SMPS

Comparision between SMPS and Linear Mode

From the above image, it is quite clear that SMPS is preferred over linear mode power supply when design criteria are taken into consideration. Also, the compact size and efficiency also act in favour of SMPS as discussed in the previous sections. Although SMPS outweighs linear mode, the selection of different topologies of SMPS is also a difficult choice. There are various SMPS topologies:

Buck

Generally, Buck topology needs a single inductor for single-phase use cases. But there is a necessity for catalog inductors in the case of robust applications. As the topology comes with an inductor in series and capacitor in shunt, it is ideal for DC to DC conversion. Although buck converters provide high efficiency and power levels with poly-phase topologies, it is not an appropriate choice for use cases where isolation is necessary.

Buck Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

One of the major drawbacks of buck converters is that the input current is always discontinuous which results in larger EMI. However, it can be solved with filter components such as chip beads, common mode chokes and filter chokes. Additionally, one can also build custom inductors for specific cases and for applications that need additional coils for sensing and providing power.

Boost

Boost topology is preferred for non-isolation use cases. It helps in stepping up voltages because of the switch in shunt position with respect to the input voltage. The topology also provides a wide range of catalog options for inductors in boost circuits depending on the functionality requirement. Additionally, the provision for the use of custom inductors helps with the dynamic designing of circuits for various applications.

Boost Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

The power factor variation from the unity value reduces the efficiency of the circuits. Hence, there is a necessity for a power factor correction circuit to bring this value close to one. Boost topology draws continuous current when operating in conduction mode, thus it improves the power factor in case of significant variations.

Buck-Boost

As the name suggests, buck-boost topology is the combination of individual Buck and Boost topologies. Hence, the topology is suitable for both step-up and step-down voltage applications. As the connection of the inductor to the main circuit varies with the switch position, thus the flow of the drive circuit is a bit complex.

Buck-Boost Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

This topology is specifically useful for battery applications because the input voltage varies over time but it comes with the drawback of inverting the output voltage.

SEPIC/Ćuk

The SEPIC and Ćuk topologies both utilize capacitors for energy storage along with the two inductors in the circuit. “The two inductors can be either separate inductors or a single component in the form of a coupled inductor.” The step-up or step-down feature makes them suitable for battery applications.

SEPIC Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

SEPIC topology is preferred over both the Ćuk and the buck-boost due to its non-inverting output. Capacitors in both topologies provide limited isolation, hence it addresses the isolation issue.

Flyback

Flyback topology consists of a transformer that acts as a storage inductor for providing isolation. The transformer also opens the option for variable voltage by adjusting the turns ratio. Additionally, the use of a transformer creates the possibility for multiple outputs.

Flyback Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

Flyback topology is the simplest and most common of the isolated topologies for low-power applications. Additionally, the flyback transformer avoids the requirement for a separate inductor, thus it is a cost-effective topology.

Forward

The forward topology comes with a transformer along with an extended buck circuit at the output side of the transformer. Hence, it is also known as a transformer-isolated buck converter. Forward circuits are flexible for high current supply due to non-pulsating output current. Thus it is a good choice for applications with excessive current specifications of 15A.

Forward Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

“Like the flyback topology, the forward converter is specifically for lower power applications. While efficiency is comparable to the flyback, it does have the disadvantage of having an extra inductor on the output and is not well suited for high voltage outputs.”

Push-Pull

As seen from the circuit, push-pull topology comes with dual primary windings of the forward topology circuits to build a two-drive winding. Hence, it increases the efficiency as the utilization of the transformer core is optimal than any flyback or a forward converter. Push-pull converters also have a provision of scaling up during high-power requirements.

Push-Pull Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

As the use of copper is 50% at an instance, thus it leads to an increase in the copper loss values. For alike power levels, the push-pull circuits feature compact filters with respect to the forward converter. Additionally, the switching functionality is crucial because if both the switches turn on simultaneously. Then it will cause an equal and opposite flux in the transformer, thus reducing the impedance of the circuit. This sudden drop in the impedance value rises the current value exponentially. Hence, there is a potential chance for the damaging of the circuit.

Half-Bridge

The half-bridge topology also features the functionality of scaling up to higher power levels like the push-pull topology.  Hence, it also has the same issue of a sudden rise in the current if the switches are on simultaneously. “In order to control this, there needs to be a dead-time between the on-time of each switch. This limits the duty cycle to about 45%. Beneficially, the half-bridge topology switching stresses are equal to the input voltage. This makes it much more suited to 250VAC and PFC applications.”

Half-Bridge Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

Resonant LLC

Resonant LLC circuit has a design similar to Half-Bridge topology, it further uses the concept of resonance to cancel the leading and lagging effect. This decreases the switching losses because of the zero voltage switching even if the circuit is in the no-load mode.

Resonant LLC Switched Mode Power Supply Topology

This topology is a very good choice for standby mode power supplies, as the resonant tank circuit requires a continuous supply of energy. The resonant LLC is preferred over both push-pull and half-bridge topologies as it is flexible for a wide range of input voltages. The only drawback to the resonant LLC topology is its “complexity and cost.”

For detailed information on the specifications and parameters of every topology, you can download this pdf file by clicking here.

source: https://www.we-online.com/web/en/electronic_components/news_pbs/blog_pbcm/blog_detail-worldofelectronics_45887.php

How to Build a Mini Mac Classic with Raspberry Pi and 3D Printing

Mini Mac Pi

The Mini Mac Pi is another project developed by Ruiz Brothers on the Adafruit Learning System. This miniature MAC comes with Raspberry Pi, 320×240 Mini touch screen display, and a speaker. This article will focus on building the Mini Mac classic with 3D printing and the Raspberry Pi.

To get started with Mini Mac Pi, one needs to understand the working of the Raspberry Pi and the Adafruit PiTFT display. A mini PiTFT touch screen display mounts to the front bezel and easily detaches from the enclosure using magnets. Behind the PiTFT screen is a Raspberry Pi model B for controlling display use cases. Mini Mac pi comes with a 3-pin slide switch connected to the power boost 500C and 6000mAh rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery makes it easy to power on and off. This power boost 500C allows you to recharge with a battery or wall charger using a micro USB. Also, the power boost 500C raises the voltage of a Li-Ion battery pack to 5V.

Components for Mini Mac Pi

The enclosure even has enough space for a thin 8ohm 0.25W speaker and Stereo Class D amplifier. If you want audio features from internal speakers then you can purchase these as an optional add-on because vmac does not support audio. Additionally, the ethernet and USB ports are easily accessible for networking and connecting other devices. A panel mount HDMI extension cable allows connecting to an external display.

Building Mac Pi with 3D Printing

3D Printed Parts

The outside casing is entirely made of 3D printed materials and separated into five parts. This five parts enclosure is optimal for desktop 3D printing using ABS/PLA filament. But PLA material is preferred because ABS prints tend to warp with surfaces that feature fillets and chamfers. According to the Ruiz brothers, you have the option of having the components printed by a service or printing them yourself with an FDM 3D Printer. The open-source design is free to download and available to customize using CAD software. If you are working on 3D printing for the first time, then refer to this documentation.

After assembling all the hardware parts, we’ll move on to the software. This DIY build lets you boot into Mac OS 7 and run classic mac apps like mac paint. The Pi runs a flavor of Mini vMac and emulates booting into Mac OS 7, allowing you to run old school mac apps.

The Mini vMac is an emulator that runs software for early Macs that ran Motorola’s 680×0 microprocessors. This project doesn’t require original hardware and runs alongside raspbian.

Even though mac emulator can run some basic apps, there are some limitations:

  • Minor Application Support
  • No Audio Support
  • Only Mac 7
  • No Networking
  • Screen Size Cut to 320 x 240 so we can use the PiTFT (original was 512×342)

You can make this project even more interesting by using a Raspberry Pi camera module as a webcam. They will also provide you with the STL files for 3D printing so you can customize the housing with whatever other features you want, such as a webcam port. Depending on the cost of 3D printing, the project might cost anywhere from $140-$160.

For more information and step by step tutorial, visit the official product page

HaneSOM: the most compact Linux computer module

Linux capable IoT boards are considered a better option over embedded C boards by many makers and hackers due to rapid prototyping. One can build a lot of IoT projects effortlessly on Linux-based boards within minutes. IoT-specific boards that run Linux are, however, costlier and sizeable as compared to embedded-C capable boards. Take, for example, Raspberry Pi and Arduino UNO. But the physical size and cost of Linux-capable microcontrollers are steadily decreasing over time. Moreover, the progress from bare-metal programming to a complete OS is also very captivating. Embedded Linux undoubtedly simplifies integration, and one can now create a viable product based on small Linux-capable microcontrollers within months.

DAB-Embedded, an independent design house based in Belgium, recently launched the smallest Embedded Linux PC, HaneSOM. It measures only 2cm x 2cm. It is a fully functional Linux computer with 128MBytes of DDR2 RAM, ARM Cortex-A5 CPU with NEON instructions, and more features. The embedded module features a Microchip SAMA5D2 MPU with ARM Cortex-A5 (ARMv7 32-bit) architecture. The SAMA5D2 MPU is a compact microcontroller that provides high-performance and ultra-low power. It is suitable for applications with a small OS or bare metal.

Source: https://dab-embedded.com/upload/iblock/ae8/HaneSOM_User_manual.pdf

The DAB-Embedded team says about the MPU,

“Microchip has a long-term support plan for SAMA5D2 family, and it guarantees stable delivery for long-life products. SAMA5D2 is a highly integrated MPU with various industrial and consumer protocols.”

The MPU has 69 I/O pins available. Moreover, there is a bootable 32 MB QSPI and a MIC2800 PMIC onboard. The PMIC is an LDO that enables the HaneSOM embedded module to run from a 3.3V single volt rail. The board has independent power rails for SD card I/Os, camera I/Os, and RTC.

The board, just like other development boards, features a wide range of I/O interfaces like:

  • LCD TFT support (24bit RGB)
  • 5MPix CMOS camera sensor support
  • Audio interfaces (SSC, I2S)
  • Capacitive touch controller
  • USB 2.0 High-speed ports (OTG and Host)
  • 10/100 MBit Ethernet MAC
  • microSD memory interfaces
  • SPI buses
  • I2C buses
  • UARTs
  • CAN-FD buses
  • 12-bit ADC
  • PWM outputs

Supported Software includes Yacto, Buildroot, OpenWRT, and Baremetal. The team says,

“The Microchip SAMA5D2 has very good software support for Baremetal application and as a Linux-based system (Yocto, Buildroot, and OpenWRT). QT can be used as a GUI framework.”

For system control, the board consists of a global system reset pin and shutdown pin. The global system reset pin is an output pin of MIC2800 and can be forced externally in case of a system crash. The shutdown pin switches off the main 3.3V power supply.

Plus, when running Linux in IDLE mode, the board consumes only 160mA.

Due to the wide range of I/O pins available, software support, small form factor, and low power consumption, the board is well suited for applications like Wi-Fi camera, an IoT gateway, LCD HMI panel, small AI machine, etc.

Active Rectifier Controller with Reverse Protection for Battery and Solar cell

This demonstration circuit is an active rectifier with reverse protection for batteries in automotive applications. The project is designed for 5A load current. Two clamping diodes, D1 and D2, are used on the board to protect the IC from overvoltage spikes at the input. The input supply range is 12V to 24V.  The active rectifier controller chip LT8672 controls an external N-channel MOSFET (Q1) to form an ideal diode. The GATE amplifier senses across DRAIN and SOURCE and drives the gate of the MOSFET to regulate the forward voltage to 20mV. As the load current increases, GATE is driven higher until a point is reached where the MOSFET is fully on. If the load current is reduced, the GATE amplifier drives the MOSFET gate lower to maintain a 20mV drop. If the voltage VDRAIN is reduced to a point where a forward drop of 20mV cannot be supported, the GATE amplifier drives the MOSFET off.

During fast SOURCE–DRAIN transients such as fast varying input (SOURCE) signals where the regulating 20mV loop is too slow, fast pull-up (FPU) and fast pull-down (FPD) current paths turn on and off the external MOSFET quickly. This rectifies the input signal the same way a diode would do but with much less power dissipation. The SOURCE and GATE pins are protected against reverse input voltages of up to –40V. GATE is pulled to SOURCE when SOURCE goes negative, turning off the MOSFET and isolating DRAIN from the negative input. The gate voltage for the external MOSFET is provided by the auxiliary boost regulator, which regulates its output AUX to 11V above DRAIN. D2 Input power LED, D4 output power LED, CN1 input , CN2 output.

What is Active Rectification?

Active rectification is a technique for improving the efficiency of rectification by replacing diodes with actively controlled switches like MOSFET-based circuits, whereas normal semiconductor diodes have a roughly fixed voltage drop of around 0.5-1 volts, active rectifiers behave as resistances, and can have an arbitrarily low voltage drop. Active rectification has many applications. It is frequently used for arrays of photovoltaic panels to avoid reverse current flow that can cause overheating with partial shading while giving minimum power loss. The constant voltage drop of a standard p-n junction diode is typically between 0.7 V and 1.7 V, causing significant power loss in the diode. Electric power depends on current and voltage: the power loss rises proportionally to both current and voltage.

The LT8672 is an active rectifier controller for reverse input protection. It drives an external N-channel MOSFET to replace a power Schottky diode. It’s very low quiescent current and fast transient response meet the tough requirements in automotive applications where AC input signals of up to 100kHz are present. These signals are rectified with minimum power dissipation on the external FET, simplifying thermal management on the PCB. With a drop of only 20mV, the LT8672 solution eases the minimum input voltage requirement during cold crank and start-stop, allowing simpler and more efficient circuits. If the input power source fails or is shorted, a fast turn-off minimizes reverse current transients. An available shutdown mode reduces the quiescent current to 3.5μA. An integrated auxiliary boost regulator provides the required boost voltage to turn the external FET fully on. A power good pin signals when the external FET is ready to take load current.

Features

  • Input Supply Range 12V to 24V DC
  • Load Current 5Amps
  • Very Low drop across MOSFET 20mV (Between Input and Output)
  • True Rectifier with very low ohms and fast reverse protection
  • PCB Dimensions 70.01  x 45.56 mm

Schematic

Parts List

NOQNTY.REF.DESCMANUFACTURERSUPPLIERPART NO
11CN12 PIN SCREW TERMINAL 5.08MM PITCHPHOENIXDIGIKEY277-1247-ND
21CN22 PIN SCREW TERMINAL 5.08MM PITCHPHOENIXDIGIKEY277-1247-ND
31C10.1uF/50V SMD SIZE 0805MURATA/YAGEODIGIKEY
41C21uF/50V SMD SIZE 0805MURATA/YAGEODIGIKEY
51C34.7uF/50V SMD SIZE 1210TDKDIGIKEY445-181656-1-ND
61C4470uF/50V ELECTROLYTICRUBYCONDIGIKEY1189-4126-1-ND
71D1TPSMB33ALITTILEFUSE INCDIGIKEYF6322CT-ND
81D2TPSMB18ALITTILEFUSE INCDIGIKEYF6310CT-ND
91L1100uHBOURNS INC.DIGIKEYSRN6045-101MCT-ND
101Q1NVD5862N-DON SEMIDIGIKEYNTD5862NT4GOSCT-ND
111R110.5K, 5% SMD SIZE 0805MURATA/YAGEODIGIKEY
121R291K, 5% SMD SIZE 0805MURATA/YAGEODIGIKEY
131U1LT8672ANALOGDIGIKEYLT8672EMS#PBF-ND
142D3,D4LED SMD SIZE 0805 RED OR RED/GREENLITE ON INCDIGIKEY160-1422-1-ND
152R3,R42.2K, 5% SMD RESISTOR SIZE 0805MURATA/YAGEODIGIKEY

Connections

Gerber View

Photos


Video

LT8672 Datasheet

Toshiba TLP4590A & TLP4590AF Photorelays

Toshiba TLP4590A and TLP4590AF Photorelays integrate a photo MOSFET optically coupled to an infrared light-emitting diode. These devices are designed to replace mechanical relays in applications to save space and increase reliability. The TLP4590A and TLP4590AF Photorelays are normally closed (1-Form-B) and feature a low 0.6Ω ON-state resistance. These devices also feature an isolation voltage of 5000Vrms, making them ideal for applications that require reinforced insulation.

The Toshiba TLP4590A and TLP4590AF Photorelays are offered in compact 6-pin DIP packages with through-hole and surface mount lead options.

Pin Diagram

Features

  • Normally closed (1-Form-B)
  • ON-state current (ION)
    • A connection: 1200mA
    • B connection: 1200mA
    • C connection: 2400mA
  • ON-state resistance (RON)
    • A connection: 0.6Ω
    • B connection: 0.3Ω
    • C connection: 0.15Ω
  • 60V (min) OFF-state output terminal voltage (VOFF)
  • 2.0mA (max) trigger LED current (IFC)
  • 0.9pF total capacitance (CS)
  • 5000Vrms isolation voltage (BVS)
  • 0.3ms typical turn-on time
  • 2.0ms typical turn-off time
  • -40°C to +110°C operating temperature range (Topr)
  • +125°C junction temperature (TJ)
  • 6-pin DIP package

 more information: https://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/semiconductor/product/optoelectronics/photorelay-mosfet-output/detail.TLP4590A.html

C&K Switches ILT Illuminated Toggle Switches

C&K Switches ILT Illuminated Toggle Switches feature an LED in the tip of the actuator with six color options: white, red, yellow, blue, green, and purple. The built-in LED saves panel space because there is no need for separate indicator light, and this light makes it easy to determine whether the switch is ON or OFF at any distance. ILT switches offer a 20A current rating, 50mΩ contact resistance, and 6.3mm quick-connect terminals for easy installation that doesn’t require soldering. C&K Switches ILT Illuminated Toggle Switches are ideal for telecommunications, medical equipment, and instrumentation applications.

Features

  • LED is built into toggle handle
  • 6 LED color options available
  • 20A current rating
  • 6.3mm quick-connect terminals

more information: https://www.ckswitches.com

ORTUR Laser Master 2 Pro: High Precision laser engraver for the ultimate engraving experience

Laser engraving is a common practice of using lasers to engrave anything on an object like designs, photos, any form of data, etc. This drawing tool is now an increasingly adopted tool for small businesses, product designers, makers, as well as hobbyists. A laser engraver machine consists of three main parts: a laser, a controller, and a surface. The laser is the part that leaves a mark on the surface. The controller determines the direction, intensity, speed of movement, and spread of the laser beam aimed at the surface. The laser beam is highly focused and collimated and can remove the material from the surface very effectively and precisely.

 

Laser Master 2 pro

For commercial use, many aspects affect the choice of a laser engraver, like engraving speed, accuracy, heat management, longevity, and most importantly, safety. Modern laser engravers are improving in all of these aspects of performance and safety. Contributing to this trend, ORTUR is officially launching Laser Master 2 Pro, an upgrade of Laser Master 2. It provides higher precision, higher engraving speed, and consistency. It is easy to use and can cover the requirements of medium or even higher levels of users at an accessible price.

It consists of an OLM-PRO-V10 motherboard and a 32-bit MCU +24V Circuit. With the help of a 12bit precision PWM control signal, it is as accurate as 0.08mm*0.15mm. Talking about the speed, the ORTUR team, through optimization, increased the maximum speed from 4000mm/min to 10000mm/min. As compared with the traditional USB to the serial port with only a 921,600 baud rate, the MCU native USB CDC interface supports a baud rate as high as 2,000,000, significantly reduce the delay caused by command transmission, shorten the engraving time. The Laser Master 2 pro is three times faster than the average engraver in the market.

The Laser Master 2 pro is thoroughly tested and is proved to be easy-to-use by “Laser”, the world’s most popular free and open-source laser control software. Through testing, the team determined that the towline-covered cable can withstand more than 5,000,000 bends, which provides a longer life for the engraver. Moreover, due to its high-quality connections, the engraver can ensure 24 hours uninterrupted operation and consistent engraving results.

 

Software

The engraver comes with the LaserGRBL software and a screenshot can be seen below. It seems a pretty basic piece of software with basic functionality and we are wondering if it supports English on the UI.

The ORTUR engraver is also equipped with safety features like an Emergency Stop Button to stop the machine manually, a flame detector, and an automatic function that will turn off the laser beam while the machine is displacing, tilting, or computer crashes. These features prevent damage to the machine and its users.

Specifications:

  • Motherboard: 32 bits motherboard with STM32 MCU
  • Firmware: Ortur Laser Master Firmware
  • OS of Upper Computer: Windows ( Working with LaserGRBL ), MAC OS and Linux ( Working with LightBurn )
  • Power of Laser Engraver: 36W, 12V 3A
  • Electrical Power of Laser Module: 20W
  • Wave Length: 445nm
  • Variable Focus: Yes
  • Default Focal Length: 55MM for 15W & 20W Laser Module; 58MM for 7W Laser Module
  • Input Format: NC, BMP, JPG, PNG, DXF, etc.
  • Engraving Area: X: 400MM x Y: 400MM
  • Engraving Speed: up to 3000MM / Min.
  • Image size: No Limit ( The pixel accuracy could be adjusted freely, and the default is 300 pixels per inch, it’s about 0.81um pixel precision )

The Laser Master 2 Pro feels like a highly improved machine providing the ultimate engraving experience to the users with safety. The machine is a result of 9 months of research and development. The founder of ORTUR, Justin beta-tested the product from engineers, designers, small business owners and tested the product among end-users. He consistently heard from his users giving reviews and feedback, so that the best engraving experience can be delivered to the customers.

Now, Laser Master 2 Pro is available on www.ortur.net at $399. The first 100 consumers will get a $10 cashback, and the first five consumers every day will get a free Ortur YRR2.0 Rotary Roller for Cylinder Engraving worth $67.99.

Use ORTURPRO promo code to avail of early bird discount.

Product Link: https://s.zbanx.com/r/Eatq4igJrGyj

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