Intel has launched three embedded 11th gen, 10nm SuperFin fabricated Tiger Lake ULP3 “E” processors, keeping in mind the growing need for embedded applications. These new processors join with the earlier released nine Tiger Lake U-series ULP3 and lower-power Y-series ULP4 chips. Taking benefit from these new chips Adlink has now released a COM Express Compact Type 6 module which is called the cExpress-TL. It supports all three of the new “E” models plus a fourth, yet to be announced Celeron 6305E.
Adlink cExpress-TL
The Tiger Lake ULP3 lineup consists of at least seven new processors. These cover the latest three “E” Core models along with the unannounced Celeron 6305E, also there are three more rugged embedded variants with “RE” suffixes. The “E” stands to its end to indicate the “extended purchase availability” and a slightly lower base and Turbo frequencies than the similarly named ULP3 siblings without the “E” prefix. By lowering the base and turbo frequencies, they ensure a wider operating range of about 0 to 100ºC for the new Core i7-1185G7E.
Summary for the new four 11th Gen Tiger Lake ULP3 “E” series processors :
Core i7-1185G7E: quad-core with 1.2GHz (12W), 1.8GHz (15W), 2.8GHz (28W) and 4.4GHz Turbo; 96EU Iris Xe Graphics
Core i5-1145G7E: quad-core with 1.1GHz (12W), 1.5GHz (15W), 2.6GHz (28W) and 4.1GHz Turbo; 80EU Iris Xe
Core i3-1115G4E: dual-core with 1.7GHz (12W), 2.2GHz (15W), 3.0GHz (28W) and 3.9GHz Turbo; 48EU Iris Xe
Celeron 6305E: dual-core – other specs TBA
Intel also lists three other industrial “GRE” series processors, the Core i7-1185GRE, i5-1145GRE, and i3-1115GRE. These processors have the same specs and embedded features as their similarly named “E” counterparts. The sole features that take them apart from the “E” processors are that they add Intel Time Coordinated Computing (Intel TCC) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) networking features.
More information can be found about these new chips at their listing page and about the cExpress-TL at their product page.
The emergence of HDMI 2.0 and the widespread acceptance of this technology is making a deep impact on the multimedia and entertainment industry in our emerging economy. And the urge to support high-speed data transmission and ongoing advancements has made industries to focus on providing a diverse category of products that can support all necessary logic to deliver HDMI functionality.
The iWave’s Zynq® Ultrascale+™ MPSoC Platform supports HDMI 2.0 specifications such as bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, resolutions up to 4K @ 60 Hz, and various other key enhancements. Since it is backward compatible with the earlier version the user can integrate into existing systems with ease.
iWave’s ZU19/ZU17/ZU11 Zynq® Ultrascale+™ MPSoC development platform supports a wide range of interfaces from high speed to low speed that covers various multimedia interfaces, network interfaces, and storage devices. The combination of ARM® + Xilinx FPGA architecture presents a highly adaptive platform with high performance for multimedia applications. The System On Module(SOM) is equipped with Quad-core ARM Cortex A53 with CPU running at 1.5GHz, Dual Cortex R5 Real-Time processor running at 600MHz, ARM Mali 400MP2 Graphical Processing Unit, and up to 1143K logic elements. It has onboard 4GB DDR4 RAM with Error-correcting code for the Processing System(PS), dual 4GB DDR4 RAM for Programmable logic(PL), 8GB eMMC flash(expandable up to 128GB) for storing 4K UHD videos, and supports 12G SDI In/Out & HDMI 2.0 In/Out interfaces making it ideal for any 4K image, video or signal processing applications. Along with these it also offers SATA for extended storage via the M.2 expansion slot.
This module delivers an extensive set of peripherals such as 10G Ethernet, QSFP, FMC & FMC+ via IBERT design transceiver loopback, PMOD I/O’s, SFP+ via IBERT design from PL end and 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet support via GEM0 & GEM3, standard SD connector via SD1, USB2.0, CAN0, I2C0, UART0 as debug, USB3.0 via PS GTR, UART, UART1, PS JTAG, PCIe as the root port, presenting diverse options to the end-user towards various used cases.
To help users to create video solutions with HDMI interfaces, the platform is incorporated with pre-packaged subsystems for HDMI transmission and reception. The HDMI 2.0 TX subsystem is hierarchically packed for easy configuration in Vivado Integrated Design Environment(IDE) interface to create required hardware accordingly. With integrated modules such as Video Timing Controller & AXI4-Stream to video out bridge, allows the HDMI 2.0 TX subsystem to support AXI4 Stream-based video input for seamless performance with other Xilinx video processing IP cores. According to casino utan spelpaus experts, the AXI4-Stream video interface supports dual-pixel per clock with 8 bits, 10 bits, 12bits, and 16 bits per component for RGB, YUV color spaces. The subsystem allows the end-user to build an HDMI source device that negotiates with the targeted HDMI sink device for supported features and capabilities. Communication between the source device(s) and the sink device is implemented through the Display Data Channel(DDC) lines, which is an I2C bus included on the HDMI cable. The Separate PHY and Control layer provides the user flexibility to share GTs between Receive and Transmit. And the extended display identification data(EDID) allows an engineer to easily verify the flexibility of the sink.
For quick prototyping and time to market, iWave provides design engineering and manufacturing services around the Zynq® Ultrascale+™ MPSoC platform to help customers to reduce design cycles and accelerate innovations. The Board Suppor Package for HDMI Input & HDMI Output that includes FPGA design and up-to-date software packages providing immense flexibility to the customer to validate the design for any multimedia applications. iWave also offers a comprehensive ecosystem around Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC platform with good technical support for hardware, software, and FPGA for the customer to quickly get started with the development of their product and solution.
More information on the Zynq® Ultrascale+™ MPSoC development platform can be found here.
iWave Systems is a well-established product engineering company that designs and manufactures high-performance FPGA modules based on the Zynq & Zynq MPSoC SoC series offering an extensive portfolio of FPGA System On Modules, Single-board computers, and FPGA IP cores. With 20+ years of diverse experience in the FPGA domain, iWave strives to transform your ideas into reality with a balance in performance, cost, and reliability.
Following the success of the original Gameduino, Excamera Labs now announces its successor – the Gameduino 3X Dazzler. This compact (83mm x 53mm x 20mm) Arduino-compatible shield features a Bridgetek BT815 embedded video engine (EVE) graphics controller with 32-bit internal color precision. Running at speeds reaching 1.1Gps, this takes care of all the graphics processing activities and can support up to 2000 sprites.
Alongside the EVE IC is a Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA (with 8MBytes of embedded flash), a 24-bit HDMI video interface, plus JTAG, SPI and UART I/Os. There is accommodation for a microSD memory card (with a 16GByte card supplied on certain package options) and a pair Wii Classic controller ports (again with the controllers being provided for some packages).
Thanks to the BT815, the new Gameduino can deliver 1280 x 720 pixel high-definition graphical content, as well as 48KHz stereo audio, to a large format display or TV screen. This translates into a much more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. It also enables high-definition video playback at 30fps frame rates.
Gameduino is suitable for the development of compelling games, and various other multimedia projects, via C+. Alternatively, the CircuitPython open source programming language can be used. It has the capacity to deal with both 2D gaming projects and sophisticated 3D renderings. An array of project examples and helpful demos are available online to get aspiring game developers started. In addition to the Arduino-compatible shield, the new Gameduino can be offered as a streamlined core module too. This still has the graphic controller, programmable logic and HDMI capabilities, but allows easy integration into existing hardware.
Nowadays, the requirements for industries such as medical, consumer electronics, industrial, and appliances force the manufacturers to come out with more efficient sensors, that also need to take into account environmental conditions and user expectations. The HTU31, by TE Connectivity, is an interesting, highly accurate digital sensor for relative humidity and temperature, ready to be deployed in harsh environmental conditions.
The HTU31, as described by TE Connectivity, “is one of the smallest and most accurate humidity sensors on the market”. With 20+ years of experience, they promise with this sensor fast response time, low hysteresis, high precision measurements and reliable performance even when the environmental conditions go to an extreme, regarding both temperature (-40 ºC to 125 ºC) and humidity (0% to 100% RH).
But what exactly are we looking at, when it comes to characteristics?
Typical accuracy ±2% RH and ±0.2 °C
Active current consumption of 450 µA, with sleep modes down to 0.05 µA
Application-friendly voltage range, from 3 V to 5.5 V (6 V peak)
Power dissipation as low as 3.78 µW (digital version) or 15 µW (analog version)
Fast response time
Compact 6-Pin DFN package (reflow solderable, compatible with automatic assembly procedures), measuring only 2.5mm x 2.5mm x 0.9mm. Lead free
Both digital (fast I2C interface with 2 configurable addresses) and analog interface versions
Quick recovery after long periods in the saturation phase
Full interchangeability with no calibration required in standard conditions
Fully calibrated, temperature compensated measurements
Qualified according to AEC Q100 Grade 1 standards
From what we have talked about, you may be wondering: quality does not come cheap! Well, you will rethink that, as both versions of the sensor come at a small price, as the digital (HTU31D) comes as low as $2.76 and the analog (HTU31V) is priced at $1.60. I would say it is a really good price point, for the value you are getting!
Regarding the applications, relative humidity and temperature sensors are some of the most popular and most used out there, either on your maker projects (of course, this package would require a PCB, which will take you longer, and not everyone has access to reflow ovens or hot air guns) or on professional products. Whether it is home appliances, medical, printing hardware, humidifiers, automotive, meteorology or environmental monitoring, this one has got you covered! And the flexibility of being able to choose between the analog or the digital version does come in handy.
What do you think? Is this something worth picking up, or do you still prefer another one from the wide range that exists out there? From what we have seen, we think this one is worth at least a try.
Acconeer’s Low-power radar module with a solderable design features a land grid array for connection to a host PCB
Acconeer’s XM132 entry module is a low-power radar module with a solderable design featuring a land grid array for connection to a host PCB. This entry module integrates the A111 pulsed coherent radar with a 32-bit 64 MHz Arm® Cortex® M0+ MCU, the STM32G071CBU6 from STMicroelectronics with 128 KB of Flash memory and 36 KB of RAM. The module supports a single supply operating voltage range from 1.8 V to 3.6 V.
The XM132 entry module is an integration-ready module intended to be used for evaluation and development purposes as well as for integration into commercial products. With software adapted for specific use cases, cost and time-to-market are streamlined.
The XM132 can be used as a stand-alone module where customers can embed their application on top of the Acconeer RSS (radar system software) using the RSS API (application programming interface). It can also be used with an external host controller where communication to the module is via a register command protocol using one of the following interfaces: UART, I2C, and GPIO. The Acconeer RSS including a software development kit (SDK) for stand-alone usage is available for download to the XM132 via the Acconeer web page. An exploration tool that helps visualize the radar measurement results can also be downloaded.
To quickly get the XM132 up and running, use the evaluation board XE132, which has the XM132 entry module soldered to it. The XE132 has support for UART communication over USB, which enables a straight-forward way to flash and debug the module, as well as easy access to all interfaces from the XM132 module via pin-headers.
Features:
A111 60 GHz PCR sensor with 32-bit Arm Cortex M0+ MCU (STM32G071CBU6) 64 MHz, 128 KB Flash; 36 KB RAM
Form factor: 25 mm x 20 mm
All components mounted on PCB top side and solder pads (LGA) on PCB bottom side
36 KB SRAM and 128 KB Flash
Single-supply operating voltage range: 1.8 V to 3.6 V
Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
Included on XE132 breakout board for evaluation purposes
Compliant with LH132 lens kit for evaluation purposes
Support for customer embedded applications (SDK supported)
External interfaces: UART, I2C, GPIO, and reset
SW flash and SW debug with the XE132 breakout board
Support for a simplified protocol for host configuration
IXYS’ solid state relay with optically coupled MOSFET technology and 105°C temp is able to provide enhanced input to output isolation
IXYS Integrated Circuits has a PLA172P series 800 V normally-open solid state relay with 105°C specs and 5000 VRMS input-to-output isolation. It is offered in a single-pole, normally open (1 Form A) configuration with a unique device pinout. This provides more than 6.8 mm of pad-to-pad separation between the high voltage output pins that can accommodate peak load voltage of 800 V. It features a rugged design built from UL 94 V-0 materials with a guaranteed operating temperature range of -40°C to +105°C.
Features
Guaranteed specifications at +105°C
Operational temperature range: -40°C to +105°C
5 mA input control current over operating temperature range
KEMET’s analog gas sensors feature a fast and stable response over a wide operating frequency range
KEMET’s QGC thin film pyroelectric gas sensors can be reduced in physical size and still provide high sensitivity with fast frequency operation, enabling this highly stable one to four element sensor in a TO39 package. The sensor element is built into a low noise circuit that has an internal CMOS operational amplifier with a 10 GΩ feedback resistor outputting a voltage signal centered around half the supply rail.
The evaluation kit includes USEQGCDAC82L00 dual-channel CO2 sensor, IR emitter (with reflector and sapphire window), brass gas cell (5 cm), PCB with microcontroller and ADC, 9 V power supply, micro USB cable, and a software CD. The PCB enables adjustment of 2nd stage amplification, sampling, and filtering parameters, followed by analog-to-digital conversion with USB connection to a PC.
Features
Fast, stable response over a wide operating frequency range
1, 2, or 4 sensor elements in one package
TO39 package
Analog output
Integrated op amp
Applications
Gas and gas flues
HVAC (refrigerant or CO2-driven ventilation system)
Industrial process and safety
Medical capnography and anesthesia
Handheld breath analysis and breath rate measurement
Breath actuated dispensers
Automotive cabin air quality
Exhaust (CO2 content)
Home and building technology
Environmental monitoring (ambient CO2 levels)
Pollution air quality in home, office, and car (excessive CO2 levels)
Microchip’s PolarFire SoC FPGA Icicle Kit is an evaluation platform for the company’s mid-range PolarFire SoC FPGA family, a portfolio of RISC-V-based devices that contain secure hardware features, are capable of running off-the-shelf Linux and/or real-time operating systems (RTOS), and consume up to 60 percent less power than competing FPGA solutions, according to the company.
The SoC FPGA onboard the PolarFire SoC FPGA Icicle Kit, the MPFS250T-FCVG484EES, contains 254k logic elements with a four-input lookup table (LUT) and D-type flip-flop, 784 18×18 multiply accumulate (MACC) blocks, a five-core RISC-V CPU subsystem from SiFive, and 2 MB of L2 cache memory with support for deterministic modes (Figure 1). Data can also be stored off-chip in either a 2 GB LPDDR4, 1 Gb SPI flash, or 8 GB eMMC flash (muxed with an SD card slot) onboard the PolarFire SoC FPGA Icicle.
The RISC-V processor complex includes a 64-bit RISC-V monitor core with secure boot functionality alongside four 64-bit RISC-V application cores that connect to a coherency switch and then onto the memory subsystem. The coherent switch connects to a memory-protected and QoS-enabled AMBA switch over the AXI interface, and then on to the PolarFire FPGA fabric.
In terms of signals on the Icicle board itself, users will find a variety of interfaces and expansion ports for easy system integration and rapid prototyping, including:
The I²C interface connects to a Microchip PAC1934T-I/JQ PMIC that performs FPGA and DDR power rail sensing. Meanwhile, an onboard JTAG connector and FlashPro6 programmer (onboard for production kits, external for prototyping kits) provide developers with direct debug access and an onramp to 52 test points.
GPIOs connect to User and Power LEDs, as well as a set of four pushbuttons.
The ST732 is 300 mA LDO regulator, designed to be used in several medium voltage applications.
Ultra-low quiescent current of 5 µA makes it suitable for applications permanently connected to power supply/battery. This feature is also useful when electronic modules remain permanently turned on.
The ST732 embeds protection functions, such as current limit, short-circuit, and thermal shutdown. The extended input voltage range, very low drop voltage, and low quiescent current features make it suitable also for low power after-market automotive and consumer applications.
Key features
Wide input voltage range: 2.5 V to 28 V
Ultra-low quiescent current: typ. 5 µA at no-load, 10 µA max. across the full temperature range
Output voltage accuracy: ± 2%
Output current up to 300 mA
Fixed output voltage versions, starting from 1.2 V with 100 mV step
Omron’s ToF sensor offers real-time 3D sensing of distance to humans or objects
Omron EMC’s B5L ToF (Time of Flight) sensor uses the flight time of light to measure distances to objects. The B5L ToF sensor is able to turn captured images into 3D images and can measure at a speed of 20 frames per second, allowing it to track the movement of objects three-dimensionally. The B5L TOF sensor uses extensive distance information that enables the sensor to identify its peripheral environment. The B5L ToF sensor offers powerful ambient light immunity to ensure stable detection performance free from saturation even in bright places, achieves high output accuracy for compensated signals, has a long life thanks to Omron’s unique circuit design and heat emission design, and is ideal for applications that require the use of multiple devices (such as robots) at the same time.
Applications
Ideal for applications that require extensive distance information
AMR/service robots
Drop detection
Environment recognition
Periphery recognition
Human recognition
Logistics and conveyance
Volume and shape measurement
Empty space detection
Monitoring and observation
Behavioral understand and observation of patients under long-term care
Automatic doors/elevators
Counting people
Tracking traffic flows
Features
Interfering light immunity: ambient light immunity equivalent to 100,000 lx
Capable of delivering stable detection performance even in direct sunlight
High precision of ±2% (2 m)
Outputs compensated signals to minimize control processing on the end user’s actual machine
Durable: long life equivalent of five years under continuous driving
Interference prevention function (up to 17 units) allows the use of multiple devices at once
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Intel has launched three embedded 11th gen, 10nm SuperFin fabricated Tiger Lake ULP3 “E” processors, keeping in mind the growing need for embedded applications. These new processors join with the earlier released nine Tiger Lake U-series ULP3 and lower-power Y-series ULP4 chips. Taking benefit from these new chips Adlink has now released a COM Express Compact Type 6 module which is called the cExpress-TL. It supports all three of the new “E” models plus a fourth, yet to be announced Celeron 6305E.
