Page 259 – Electronics-Lab.com

Seeed Studio reServer: A Mini Edge Server for High Performance Computing Applications

Posted on 15 June, 202115 June, 2021 by Abhishek Jadhav

We have seen several edge servers by Compulab and AAEON that were specially designed for high-performance industrial computing applications. Seeed Studio has introduced reServer – a compact edge server powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 1115G4 processor and Intel UHD Graphics 48EUs that is capable to deliver high CPU and AI performance for industrial and robotics applications.

The manufacturer has launched the edge server in two variants, with the basic version getting the Intel Core 11th Gen. i3 1115G4 or Intel Core 11th Gen. i5 1135G7 along with the Microchip ATSAMD21G18 32-bit Arm Cortex M0 coprocessor. The basic version does not come with the error correction code memory support. On the other hand, the high-performance variant has Intel Core vPro 11th Gen. i5 1145GRE or Intel Core vPro 11th Gen. i7 1185GRE along with Raspberry Pi RP2040 32-bit Dual Arm Cortex-M0+ coprocessor.

The edge server is designed with a small form factor of 132 x 124x233mm still providing rich peripherals including dual 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.0 Type-A port, USB 2.0 Type-A port, HDMI port, and DP port. The user also gets to explore wireless capabilities through support for 5G, LoRa, BLE and WiFi. However, note that 5G and LoRa require additional modules for your long-range IoT applications.

“From our point of view, we see that edge computing and IoT are jointing to create new demand for powerful computing, storage, and communications. You deserve to have a new form of hardware and that’s reServer. We developed it as a platform for different players to create edge computing for the next generation. ”stated Eric Pan, Founder, and CEO at Seeed.

reServer is shipped with 256GB or 512GB SSD storage, but that does not stop you from increasing the internal memory. The hardware comes with dual SATA III 6.0Gbps data connectors that give you an option to connect up to two 2.5” or 3.5” SATA internal hard disk drives. If you want to interface your SSD, the server has M.2 adapters for faster read and write speeds.

Features

Compact design for a server with an overall dimension of 132mm*124mm*233mm
Powered by the latest 11th Gen Intel® Core™ i3 CPU running up to 4.10GHz and Intel UHD Graphics 48EUs running up to 1.25 GHz
Rich peripherals including dual® 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.0 Type-A port, USB 2.0 Type-A port, HDMI port and DP port
Support hybrid connectivity including 5G, LoRa, BLE and WiFi (5G and LoRa need additional modules)
Dual SATA III 6.0 Gbps data connectors for 3.5”/2.5″ SATA hard disk drives with enough space inside the enclosure to store them both
M.2 B-Key/ M-Key/ E-Key for expandability such as SSD, 4G/5G modules, WiFi 6
Quiet cooling fan with a large VC heat sink for excellent heat dissipation
Easy to install, upgrade and maintain with ease of access to the internal components after opening the enclosure

Application

Small office, home office server
Industrial Automation
Robotics
Healthcare
Smart Agriculture

LoRa support

With the support of LoRa wireless technology, you can now connect to many sensors and collect data for processing at the edge. This is interesting for those looking for long-range low-power and less data rate-based applications like logistics and tracking. Most of the time, such an edge server is under heavy workloads and heating can always be an issue for the performance. To get over this, the manufacturer has designed this edge server with a cooling fan as well as a large VC heatsink that manages the heat dissipation.

For more details on the Seeed Studio reServer, please head to the product page.

According to CNX-Software, the reServer is priced at 8G RAM/256GB SSD version for $669, and the 16GB/512GB model for $769 with shipping expected in late June. If you are interested in the high-performance i5 and i7 variant, then the pre-orders will start in late July and late August respectively.

IP66/IP69K-Rated Stainless Steel Fanless Touch Panel PCs for Food Processing Industry

Posted on 15 June, 2021 by mixos

Axiomtek – a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted to the research, development, and manufacture of series of innovative and reliable industrial computer products of high efficiency – is pleased to introduce the GOT815W-511 and GOT812W-511, the 15.6-inch and 12.1-inch stainless steel fanless touch panel computers powered by the Intel® Core™ i5-7300U processor (code name: Kaby Lake). The high-reliability touch panel PCs are completely waterproof with IP69K/IP66 level of protection and adopt full-grade 316 stainless steel enclosures for a higher level of resistance to corrosion. The GOT815W-511 and GOT812W-511 are well suited for use in food and chemical factories, the pharmaceutical industry, and heavy-duty outdoor applications.

The GOT815W-511 adopts a 15.6-inch FHD TFT flat bezel LCD display with 1920 x 1080 resolutions; the GOT812W-511 adopts a 12.1-inch WXGA TFT flat bezel LCD display with 1280 x 800 resolutions. Both come with 400 nits of brightness and the choice of a projected capacitive touchscreen or 5-wire flat resistive touchscreen. Besides, both panel PCs feature five IP66-rated M12-type I/O connectors and a wide range power input of 9V to 36V DC for reliable operation. Moreover, they can operate under wide temperature settings ranging from -20°C to +50°C and withstand vibration up to 1G.

“The GOT815W-511 and GOT812W-511 have a full grade 316 stainless steel enclosure, IP66/IP69K ratings, wide temperatures, and wide voltage input are designed to serve the needs of diverse industrial applications in harsh environments. Besides, these ruggedized panel computers adopt a rounded corner design and a seamless flat front bezel, creating a sleek design that does not sacrifice durability,”

said Wesley Lee, the product manager of IPS Product PM Division at Axiomtek.

Axiomtek’s GOT815W-511 and GOT812W-511 offer multiple I/O options, including two RS-232/422/485 ports, four USB 2.0 ports, one Gigabit LAN (with Intel® Ethernet controller I210-IT) and one M12-type DC power connector. Moreover, the all-in-one industrial panel PCs come with one 260-pin DDR4-2133 SO-DIMM slot for up to 16GB of system memory and offer a choice of either one 2.5″ SSD HDD or one 2.5″ SATA HDD for extensive storage. For flexible communication, both panel PCs have one full-size and one half-size PCI Express Mini Card slots for Wi-Fi/3G kit. Moreover, they support the VESA mount and are compatible with Windows® 10 and Windows® 10 IoT.

Advanced Features:

6″ FHD TFT flat bezel LCD display (GOT815W-511)
12.1″ WXGA TFT flat bezel LCD display (GOT812W-511)
IP66/IP69K-rated (NEMA 4X) water/dust/corrosion-proof design
Full stainless steel enclosure with type 316
-20°C to +50°C wide operating temperature range
Fanless design with Intel® Core™ i5-7300U processor (code name: Kaby Lake)
Optional Wi-Fi/3G kit for wireless network connectivity
9 to 36 VDC wide range power input
Supports VESA mount
M12 type connectors for harsh environments

Now the GOT815W-511 and GOT812W-511 are available for purchase. For more product information or customization services, please visit their global website at www.axiomtek.com or contact one of our sales representatives at info@axiomtek.com.tw

ReVolt: An eco-firendly design for replacing small batteries

Posted on 15 June, 2021 by DM

The AA and AAA-sized batteries provide power to our everyday handheld devices like radio, remote control, gamepads, synths, etc. Most of these batteries used are non-rechargeable, and one has to dispose of them after their usage. According to a report, more than 80% of zinc-carbon cells end up in a landfill. The improper disposal of the batteries has adverse effects on the environment. Each battery contains hazardous, toxic, and corrosive materials like mercury, cadmium, lithium, and lead. When the outer covering of the batteries corrode, the prior-mentioned toxic heavy metals mixes with the soil and may also contaminate ground and surface water. If got burned, they also pollute the air.

Luke Brennan and his team developed a simple, effective way to replace the small batteries. They have launched the ReVolt Bridge Cable, a simple swap, you take out your device’s batteries (either AAA, AA, C, or D) and instead put the bridge cable. Now you can power your device via USB, wall phone charger, solar cell, or from your laptops.

The team says about the device,

“At myVolts, we have 20 years’ experience developing power solutions, leading the field in USB power. We’ve put in the hard hours of R&D, which has yielded a simple solution to a problem we all need to solve: Everyone hates buying, using, and disposing of batteries.”

In the ReVolt bridge cable, one end of it is battery-shaped and goes into the battery-shaped cylinder. The other end has a power connector and they both are connected by a thin ribbon cable that allows you to easily close the door on the device’s battery compartment.

Features of the bridge cable:

Adaptable: Use in 1000’s of devices: toys, radios, small synths, handheld games consoles, etc.
Flexible: Use any USB port.
Mobility: Use your device with a USB power bank for total power freedom.
Global: ReVolt can be safely used anywhere in the world.
Multi-use: Take it out of a device, use it in another.
Non-destructive: Remove it, and your device can take standard batteries again, any time.
Economical: Buy once.
Durable: Use 100s of times.
Environmentally friendly: No consumables to dispose of.
Modular: Get add-ons from the system to power different devices.
No cut-outs: Always know your device will have power.
No leaks: Safely store devices with ReVolt installed

The ReVolt bridge cable consists of battery contacts and a voltage regulator circuit on one end and on the other hand, it consists of a DC jack and a DC adapter with an indicator LED. The battery shell made PC-ABS with UL-94V0 Flame retardant. The DC connector is made of a hardened PVC, molded twice to ensure that the internal LED is visible. The most innovative thing here is the flexible cable which allows the device to be powered from an external supply.

Source: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/48955335/revolt-usb-power-your-battery-devices

The team says about the construction of the ribbon cable,

“Our longest struggle was to find a flexible ribbon that had the toughness to withstand multiple installations and removals. It also had to be flexible enough that it could bent in a number of directions while still holding its shape.”

Summarizing the ReVolt bridge cable, it is a simple, sustainable solution for powering handheld devices without using and disposing of the batteries over time. It is a long-lasting design that provides reusability as well as recyclability.

ReVolt Kickstarter page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/48955335/revolt-usb-power-your-battery-devices

Arduino Compatible programmable universal IR blaster

Posted on 15 June, 2021 by DM

Universal remote controls are very cool devices that can be programmed to operate various brands of one or more types of electronic devices. You can point the universal remote control to any device and control it with buttons available on the remote. Low-end remote controls can control few appliances of the same brand, but high-end universal remote control allows the user to program new control codes to the remote. The control codes programmed can be updated to support new brands or models of devices not currently supported by the remote. There are also learning remotes that can adapt the code for any button on many other IR remote controls.

Mitch Altman invented the TV-B-Gone, consisting of an infra-red LED, two CR2032 cells, and an integrated circuit containing the television power code database. It is a very well-known kit among makers and hackers. This device can be pointed at any noisy TV in the public space and turn it off. The TV-B-Gone covers almost any television, including the latest flat-screens and plasma TVs. Hundreds of IR remote codes in the code database intended to power off the TV makes the IR LEDs blink out in rapid succession. This way, any TV can be turned off with a single button, but the functionality of this device is limited for this use.

Djordje Mandic from Serbia recently showcased his Arduino compatible programmable universal IR blaster. He designed the firmware for the TV-B-Gone hardware, and he describes it as a “TV-B-Gone on steroids”. The IR blaster can connect to your computer and control it directly through the serial connection provided by its CP2104 USB to Serial Converter chip. The designed hardware is 25.5mm x 45mm in dimension and can be powered by a li-ion or polymer battery.

Besides Arduino compatibility, the designed IR blaster has an onboard battery charging and protection circuit, measurement circuit of charging current, ESD protection for USB data lines, high power output stage for IR LEDs, and a PTC Resettable PolyFuse on VBUS. Moreover, the board is expandable. It has a flat-flex cable and dummy pull-down resistors for debugging and expansion. Talking about controllability, it has four buttons, one of them connected to INT0.

With the upgraded hardware, along with the newly designed firmware, one can do anything else than controlling TV by simply writing codes on Arduino IDE for the device’s ATmega328P microcontroller. One can use a simple plain-text control protocol to modify the behavior of the device and monitor its status.

The firmware designed by Djordje includes the following key features:

EEPROM check to prevent the firmware from running on different hardware
Internal 1V1 reference voltage is stored in EEPROM for calibration and better accuracy
Control via Serial port
Multiple ‘users’ that are selectable using option switches and via Serial port
Watchdog timer protection for IR LEDs in case something goes wrong
Sleep mode can be temporarily disabled during boot
Codes are decompressed into a 1kB buffer in RAM before actually emitting code elements for better ‘off’ time accuracy
Charging current and supply voltage can be monitored
STAT LED blinking every 2 seconds if sleep mode is disabled (overridden)
STAT LED brightness controllable using PalatisSoftPWM by per1234 & Palatis
Low Battery indication via STAT LED fading out 2 times

Source: https://github.com/DjordjeMandic/Universal-IR-Blaster-TV-B-Gone

Nanograf hits 800Wh/l milestone with silicon battery

Posted on 14 June, 2021 by mixos

Nanograf in the US has developed a cylindrical lithium-ion cell with an energy density of 800Wh/l using a silicon battery anode.

The 18650 format cylindrical lithium-ion cell with a silicon anode developed by Nanograf provides 3.8Ah, 28 percent more power that graphite-based anode technologies.

“This is a breakthrough for the battery industry,” said Dr. Kurt (Chip) Breitenkamp, president of Nanograf, which is a spinout of Northwestern University and Argonne National Laboratory. “Energy density has plateaued, only increasing eight percent or so over the last decade. We just achieved a 10 percent increase in a little under a year. This is over a decade’s worth of innovation in one technology.”

The 800Wh/l target has been a focus for electric vehicle makers to reduce “range anxiety”. Cars such as the Tesla Model S would last approximately 28 percent longer on a single charge, says the company. Tesla has also been exploring the use of silicon anodes for cyclindrical cells in a larger 4680 form factor to boost the range of its vehicles.

Other silicon anode battery developers are looking at using high energy density technology for aircraft.

NanoGraf is also aiming for the silicon battery to power military electronics and equipment, as the US Army helped fund the research with a $1.65m grant. US soldiers on patrol carry upwards of twenty pounds of lithium-ion batteries, often the second heaviest category of equipment after body armor. NanoGraf’s batteries improve run time on U.S. soldiers’ equipment and can reduce their battery pack weights by over 15 percent.

NanoGraf says it works with more than 50 companies, including some of the world’s leading consumer electronics, household appliance, and power tool brands, and over 12 strategic partners in electric mobility from startups to large companies.

www.nanograf.com

Low Profile 2 Channel Solid State Relay for AC Loads

Posted on 13 June, 2021 by mixos

This project offers an extremely compact solution for interfacing 2 high voltage resistive or inductive loads. At a low profile, this is the most compact & versatile optically isolated 2 channel solid state relay system. The circuit consists of 2x Triacs and isolated Triac drivers. The circuit is compatible with TTL input signals and controls 90V-220V AC loads. Sscrew terminal connectors are provided for an easy connection of the AC loads and AC supply input. Interfacing an Arduino/Micro-controller or other circuit is easy using the 4 Pin header connector. A snubber circuit across Triacs is formed using R2, R6, C1, and C2 and is optional for inductive loads. For resistive loads do not populate the snubber circuit. Resistors R3, R4 are for current limiting for internal LED of the isolator. Use jumper J1 for common cathode, otherwise, 2x anode and cathode can be used. Each channel can drive a load up to 100W (220V AC). This circuit can on/off load like Solenoid, AC motor, Fan, Lamp.

Low Profile 2 Channel Solid State Relay for AC Loads – [Link]

TINY DC-DC Power Module – Input 8-28V DC – Output 5V DC 1A

Posted on 13 June, 2021 by mixos

This tiny power module is an easy-to-use integrated power solution that combines a 3A DC/DC converter chip with inbuilt power MOSFETs, an inductor, and passives into a 3-pin, through-hole package. The standard TO-220 pin-out allows a much-improved replacement of linear regulators packaged in this industry-standard footprint. The circuit provides much higher efficiency and output current without the need for a heatsink. This is an easy replacement of the LM7805 linear regulator with higher input voltage and output current than LM7805. Operating supply 8-28V DC, output 5V DC at 1A. The project is built using the TPS54302 chip from Texas instruments.

TINY DC-DC Power Module – Input 8-28V DC – Output 5V DC 1A – [Link]

TSC210 – Low / High side bidirectional, zero-drift, current sense amplifiers

Posted on 13 June, 2021 by mixos

The TSC210, TSC211, TSC212, TSC213, TSC214 and TSC215 are a series of zero-drift current sense amplifiers that can sense current via a shunt resistor over a wide range of common mode voltages from -0.3 to +26 V, whatever the supply voltage is. They are available in three different versions, each of them having a different gain. The TSC21x are designed with a specific zero-drift architecture, which can achieve high precision. The TSC21x are current sense amplifiers that may be used in various functions such as precision current measurement, over current protection, current monitoring, feedback loops.

These devices fully operate over the broad supply voltage range of 2.7 to 26 V and over the industrial temperature range -40 to 125 °C.

Features

Wide common mode voltage: -0.3 to 26 V
Offset voltage: ±35 µV max. (TSC210)
2.7 to 26 V supply voltage
Different gain available
- TSC210 (200 V/V)
- TSC211 (500 V/V)
- TSC212 (1000 V/V)
- TSC213 (50 V/V)
- TSC214 (100 V/V)
- TSC215 (75 V/V)
Gain error: ±1% max.
Offset drift: 0.1 µV/°C max.
Gain drift: 20 ppm/°C max.
Quiescent current: 100 µA
QFN10 (1.8×1.4) and SC70-6

more information: https://www.st.com/en/amplifiers-and-comparators/tsc210.html

Miniature Buck Converter Delivers 4A

Posted on 13 June, 202113 June, 2021 by mixos

RECOM announces the RPX-4.0 cost-effective buck converter in a QFN package.

RECOM has added a 4A option to its RPX series of miniature buck converters. The RPX-4.0 is rated to 3.8 to 36V input and programmable 1 to 7V output at 4A. With a compact 5mm x 5.5mm footprint and low 4.1mm height in a thermally-enhanced QFN package, the buck module pushes the limit on power density. The product features on-off control, a power good signal, and soft start, and is fully protected including under-voltage, short-circuit, over-current, and over-temperature.

The RPX-4.0 efficiency is high, allowing full power operation up to 65°C and derated operation up to 90°C. Construction follows the RECOM ‘3D Power Packaging^®’ technology for high power density, with flip-chip on leadframe construction, an integrated shielded inductor for low EMI, and intelligent control of switching frequency to maintain high efficiency even at light load.

The RPX-4.0 needs just voltage setting resistors and input/output capacitors for a complete high-performance solution and is delivered with the RECOM 3-year warranty. An evaluation board, RPX-4.0-EVM-1, is also available, allowing customers to exercise all of the product features and optimize filtering to meet target system requirements.

“We are excited to launch the latest in our RPX series of buck converters” commented Matthew Dauterive DC/DC product manager of RECOM, “Users will find it particularly suitable for industrial automation, test and measurement, portable devices, and high density or weight-sensitive applications”.

more information: http://www.recom-power.com

Nordic Power management IC for nRF52/nRF53 Series SoCs

Posted on 13 June, 2021 by DM

Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52/nRF53 series of SOC (System On Chip) devices embed a powerful ARM microprocessor and is compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy and other communication standards. This compatibility provides the freedom to develop your wireless system using the technology that suits your application the best. These SOCs are power efficient, allowing you to make ultra-low power wireless solutions. nRF53 series, moreover, provides security solutions and has extensive wireless protocol support, including Bluetooth 5.1 Direction Finding, Bluetooth 5 Long Range, NFC, Bluetooth Mesh, Thread, and Zigbee.

Dedicated to these Bluetooth Low Energy SOCs, Nordic Semiconductor announced the launch of its first power management IC (PMIC), the nPM1100. The PMIC consists of an input USB voltage regulator, 400mA battery charger, and 150mA DC/DC step-down converter in an extremely compact form factor. nPM1100 ensures reliable power supply and stable operation for Nordic’s nRF52 and nRF53 SOCs as well, for any application using rechargeable Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer batteries. It can supply 3.3V to 5V unregulated voltage to any application at the maximum output current of 500mA. It aims to efficiently charge and power the applications and maximize the battery life.

The PMIC, just like any other power management device, draws its power from either the USB input or from the connected battery input. The input voltage regulator includes overvoltage protection for transient voltage spikes up to 20V.

The DC-DC step-down voltage regulator features an efficiency of 90% down to below 100µA load current. The output regulated voltage is selectable from 1.8, 2.0, 2.7, or 3.0V. The regulator features soft startup and automatic transition between hysteretic and pulse width modulation (PWM) modes. It also has a forced PWM mode (this mode allows reverse current from the inductor at light load) to ensure the cleanest power operation possible.

The battery charger is a three-stage charger. In the very first stage, a constant current is applied to the battery until it is 80% charged. In the second stage, the constant voltage is maintained across the battery, and the charging power continues to increase. In the final trickle charging state, a steady current is applied to maintain its fully charged level. The charger in the PMIC also features battery thermal protection and a discharge current limitation.

The nPM1100 requires no configuration software to operate as all settings are pin configurable. As mentioned earlier, it can be applicable for all the devices that run on the output voltage of this PMIC. Due to its flexibility and small form factor, it is suitable for applications in wearables, connected medical devices, and other space-constrained applications.

Geir Kjosavik, Product Manager for Nordic’s PMIC range says regarding the impact of this device,

“The nPM1100 marks Nordic’s commitment to establishing a line of PMIC products. Over the past decade, we have made it easy for the world to connect things to the Internet and it makes a lot of sense that we also help the same customers charge the batteries in the same things and further extend battery life,”. He further added, “The resulting platform leverages Nordic’s low power expertise by combining proven technology blocks to offer even more ways to conserve energy. We are kicking this off with a device that targets the smaller applications by enabling charging of small batteries while providing efficient power management where physical space is at a real premium.”

Source: https://www.nordicsemi.com/News/2021/05/nPM1100-PMIC-is-Nordics-first-power-management-product