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Axiomtek’s Ultra Compact Fanless Network Appliance Designed for IIoT Security Applications – NA346

Posted on by mixos

Axiomtek – a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted in the research, development and manufacture of series of innovative and reliable industrial computer products of high efficiency – is proud to introduce the NA346, a 4-LAN fanless network appliance platform designed in a small form factor. This ultra-small desktop network appliance is powered by the Intel® Celeron® processor N3350 (code name: Apollo Lake) featuring the lowest Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 6W to meet the specific configurations of low-power requirement. The reliable NA346 is positioned as an entry-level SD-WAN, VPN and security gateway for industrial IoT security applications.

“The 5G network is foreseeable to transfer data with greater bandwidth, higher speed and boost the edge computing and AIoT application. The cutting-edge NA346 offers two mini-PCIe slots and SIM socket supporting 3G/4G/LTE communications and connectors to 5G modules,” said Kiwi Lee, a product manager of Product PM Division at Axiomtek. “Space limitation is one of the constraints in today’s industrial environment. Axiomtek’s ultra-small NA346 can be easily installed in narrow spaces. Featuring fanless operation, this network security appliance is perfect to be used in noise-sensitive environments.”

The NA346 supports one DDR3L-1600 SO-DIMM slot with up to 8GB of system memory and also offers one mSATA for storage. Under its small form factor, the network communication platform comes with four 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN ports using the Intel® i211 Ethernet controller. Other I/O interfaces include one serial console port, two USB 3.0 ports and one HDMI port. To ensure reliable operation, the NA346 support screw-type DC jack and a power button with LED, providing users with a more elegant and reliable product. It is compatible with Win 10 and Linux (Yocto project) operating systems.

Advanced Features:

  • Small form factor with fanless and noiseless design
  • Intel® Celeron® processor N3350 (Apollo Lake)
  • One DDR3L-1866 SO-DIMM for up to 8GB of memory
  • Four 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports (Intel® i211)
  • PCI Express Mini Card slot for optional
  • Suitable for IIoT security applications

The NA346 is now available for purchase. For more product information or customization services, please visit our global website at www.axiomtek.com or contact one of our sales representatives at info@axiomtek.com.tw.

DIY: Build a controller with a knob that can easily change the volume of any app on your PC

Posted on by Emmanuel Odunlade

Ruben Henares has designed a Maxmix controller with a stylist knob that could save us the stress of having to always go through the menus and on-screen sliders to change the volume of individual apps on our PCs.

The knob on the controller takes an input from the encoder/button to display the desired app where volume is to be adjusted. All we need to do is to just turn the knob to select the particular app, push down and rotate to turn the volume up or down. To switch to another program, press the knob down and repeat the same process, simple!

Speaking about the ease of replicating the project, Reuben said:

“It uses a combination of 3D printed parts and off-the-shelf electronics components, and all parts can be easily found and ordered online!. The total cost of the parts is ~$25.00 USD including 3D printing and shipping and it takes around 25 minutes to build”.

The overall build is such a great design with an OLED screen located by the side of the controller where the current app status is shown and an optional LED ring responsible for giving some extra lightning effects to the controller. Henares recommends that a community printing service can be used if a 3D printer is not readily available since the enclosure for the controller is made from 3D printed parts.

A list of the components used for the project include:

  • An Arduino Nano 328P CH340
  • One power bus and one rotary encoder
  • A 128 x 32 I2C OLED display
  • M2 5mm screws (6x) and 10mm countersink screws (4x)
  • An optional 8-bit WS2812 5050 LED ring, and
  • 11 pieces of 10cm female to female jumper wires.

For software installation, you will need a computer running Windows 10, an available USB 2.0 or any greater port, alongside the MaxMix device.

The controller is open source and all the materials required to build your own version of the device; including guidelines for wiring and assembling of the build, instructions on installations as well as links to where one can easily buy the parts can be found on his website.

Evo M51 Compute module Features Atmel SAMD51 MCU with Intel MAX 10 FPGA

Posted on by Tope Oluyemi

Alorium technology has unveiled its new Arduino compatible FPGA board called the Evo M51. We have seen other Arduino FPGA boards like the Arduino Zero, but the Evo M51 is a smaller Arduino compatible FPGA board. About the board, the company says:

“Evo M51 is the next step in the evolution of our FPGA-enhanced embedded microcontroller modules.”

The board features the 32-bit SAMD51 microcontroller as well as an Intel MAX 10 FPGA.  Evo conforms to the Adafruit Feather specification for primary pinout, connectivity, and additional key features. The key features of the board include:

  • Atmel SAMD51 32-bit ARM Cortex-M4 Micro
  • Intel MAX 10 FPGA
  • Feather Footprint
  • Programmable with Arduino
  • Designed for CircuitPython

 

The 0.9 inches x 2.2 inches board features 55 Total Digital I/O, 21 Through-Hole/Castellated Vias, 34 Additional Castellated-Only, 6 Shared Digital with Analog Pins, 3.3V Inputs, 3.3V Outputs, and STEMMA QT (QWIIC Compatible) I2C. For analogue input, it offers 6 Analog Pins and 2 Analog Outputs. For memory, the board enables Program FLASH: 512 KB, Data Memory SRAM: 192 KB, and 2 MB Externa FLASH Memory. Misc feature includes a RGB LED. For power Supply, it offers 5V via micro USB or header, and also features a 2-pin battery header. The FPGA on Evo comes pre-programmed with an image that provides simple passthrough functionality.

 

FPGA Block Diagram

The company says In time, additional FPGA images with different functionality or new mixes of Xcelerator Blocks will be available.  The images will be uploaded directly through the Arduino IDE or accessed via their GitHub repo and flashed to the FPGA using a command-line program. Just like their other products, the FPGA can be programmed with your own custom FPGA image by using  Alorium’s OpenEvo FPGA methodology.

Evo M51 is designed to support CircuitPython – a special version of the Python programming language designed to run on microcontrollers. CircuitPython uses a slightly different development flow than programming standard C programs or Arduino sketches. The company says about the CircuitPython support “CircuitPyton is only partially supported at this time.  Since the I/O on Evo is routed through the FPGA, additional code is required “under the covers” to appropriately configure the I/O on the FPGA to correspond with I/O settings on the SAMD51. In the Arduino world, we have handled this with libraries that abstract and hide the mechanics of this process, and we have started to implement similar support libraries for CircuitPython, as well.  However, that effort is not complete.  We’ll continue to update our docs and libraries as the developments mature.”

About production, Alorium Technology say:

“It was a good week for seeing progress toward Evo production! Our manufacturing flow is getting more and more refined, and the boards coming off the line are working great. Our engineering team is currently working hard on all the support SAMD code, libraries, FPGA logic, and other details so that Evo will be powerful and easy to use when it arrives at your doorstep!”

Evo M51 is available for $97. More details can be found on the product page and on the quick start page of Alorium Technology.

FT93xRTC External Power Switch Circuit

Posted on by mixos

This application note describes implementing a simple circuit for the FT930/FT931RTC external power supply switch. The Texas Instruments SN74AUC2G53 Single-Pole Double-Throw (SPDT) analog switch is used to select the power supplied by the 1.5V battery or by the 1.2V internal LDO. You can find other interesting Electronic circuits in this Circuits library

This circuit has two power source inputs (VCC1V2 and 1.5V Battery) and one output (VDDBAT). VCC33is used as a control signal via the resistor divider circuit R1 and R2.VCC1V2 is the internal regulator out put of the FT930/FT931;it connects to VCC33 internally.U1is a Texas Instruments SN74AUC2G53 Single-PoleDouble-Throw (SPDT) analog switch. It can operate from 0.8V to 2.7V with low power consumption. It can still operate if the battery voltage drops to 0.9V.

FT93xRTC External Power Switch Circuit – [PDF]

Vishay Intertechnology 30 V MOSFET Half-Bridge Power Stage Delivers 11 % Higher Output Current in PowerPAIR® 3x3F

Posted on by mixos

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. today introduced a new 30 V n-channel MOSFET half-bridge power stage that combines a high side TrenchFET® MOSFET and low side SkyFET® MOSFET with an integrated Schottky diode in one compact PowerPAIR® 3.3 mm by 3.3 mm package. For power conversion in computing and telecom applications, the Vishay Siliconix SiZF300DT delivers increased power density and efficiency, while reducing component counts and simplifying designs.

The two MOSFETs in the device released today are internally connected in a half-bridge configuration. The Channel 1 MOSFET provides maximum on-resistance of 4.5 mΩ at 10 V and 7.0 mΩ at 4.5 V. The Channel 2 MOSFET features on-resistance of 1.84 mΩ at 10 V and 2.57 mΩ at 4.5 V. Typical gate charge for the MOSFETs is 6.9 nC and 19.4 nC, respectively.

The SiZF300DT is 65 % smaller than dual devices in 6 mm by 5 mm packages with similar on-resistance, making it one of the most compact integrated products on the market. The device provides designers with a space-saving solution for point-of-load (POL) conversion, power supplies, and synchronous buck and DC/DC converters in graphic and accelerator cards, computers, servers, and telecom and RF networking equipment.

The dual MOSFET features a unique pin configuration and construction that delivers up to 11 % higher output current per current phase than competing products in the same footprint area, in addition to higher efficiency for output current above 20 A. The device’s pin configuration and large PGND pad also enhance thermal transfer, optimize the electrical path, and enable a simplified PCB layout.

The SiZF300DT is 100 % Rg- and UIS-tested, RoHS-compliant, and halogen-free.

Availability

Samples and production quantities of the new dual MOSFET are available now, with lead times of 12 weeks for large orders.

GNSS Modules: Elara and Erinome

Posted on by mixos

Würth Elektronik’s GNSS modules are available in UART and I²C interfaces

Würth Elektronik’s GNSS modules, Elara and Erinome series, are suitable for different application areas, such as tracking and navigation devices, container localization, fleet management or autonomous agricultural machines.

Elara Modules:

The Elara-I module is a compact GNSS module with an integrated antenna for operation in location-based applications, products, and services. Based on the Qualcomm SirfStar V 5e B01 chipset, it supports two major GNSS constellations (GPS and GLONASS). The integrated antenna on top of the Elara-I module allows easier hardware integration, as no effort for antenna integration and matching is required. The compact 10 mm x 10 mm design allows the module to fit in small-size applications.

The Elara-II module is a compact GNSS module for operation in location-based applications, products, and services. Based on the Qualcomm SirfStar V 5e B01 chipset, it supports two major GNSS constellations (GPS and GLONASS). The Elara-II is one of the smallest GNSS modules currently on the market with an ultra-compact 4.1 mm x 4.1 mm design which allows the module to fit in small-size applications. The connection of an external antenna through the RF pad is required for module operation.

Erinome Modules:

The Erinome-I module is a compact GNSS module with an integrated antenna for operation in location-based applications, products, and services. Based on the Qualcomm SirfStar V 5e B02 chipset, it supports four major GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou) for fast and accurate positioning. The integrated antenna on top of the Erinome-I module allows easier hardware integration, as no effort for antenna integration and matching is required. The compact 18 mm x 18 mm design allows the module to fit in small-size applications.

The Erinome-II module is a fully-featured GNSS module with an external antenna connector. The module is based on Qualcomm SirfStar V 5e B02 chipset and it supports four major GNSS constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou) for fast and accurate positioning. The ultra-compact 7 mm x 7 mm design allows the module to fit in small-size applications. The connection of external antenna through the RF pad is required for module operation.

Features
  • Two of the smallest GNSS modules available: Elara-I and Elara-II
  • Integrated/external antenna variants
  • Multi-GNSS (+SBAS and QZSS) supported
  • High update rate: up to 10 Hz
  • Low-power modes
  • UART and I²C interfaces
  • EDA libraries
Applications
  • Tracking and navigation devices
  • Container localization
  • Fleet management
  • Location support for rescue
  • Cartography
  • Autonomous agricultural machines
  • Geotagging for digital cameras
  • Animal tracking
  • Time reference for worldwide events/machine synchronization

Resources

2.4 GHz Modules: Proteus-III and Thyone-I

Posted on by mixos

Würth Elektronik’s 2.4 GHz modules feature six configurable I/O pins and a small 8 mm x 12 mm size

Würth Elektronik offers the Bluetooth® Low Energy 5.1 module Proteus-III and the proprietary version Thyone-I. The modules measure only 8 mm x 12 mm x 2 mm, feature an integrated antenna, encryption technology, six configurable I/O pins, and are based on the Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 chipset. They can be used for IoT and M2M applications; for example, to build radio-based maintenance interfaces and sensor networks. The WE-ProWare firmware, which has been industry proven over many years, makes the modules extremely versatile.

The Proteus-III module is a radio sub module/device for wireless communication between devices such as control systems, remote controls, sensors, and more. With regards to Bluetooth LE 5.1, it offers a fast and secure data transmission of data packages between two or more parties (point-to-point topology). A serial interface (UART) is available for communication with the host system. The Proteus-III uses the Bluetooth LE standard to provide general data transmission between several devices. The standard itself offers a wide range of configurations and possibilities to suit and optimize sophisticated customer applications. To fulfill the needs and specifications of such applications a tailored firmware can be developed based on the Proteus-III hardware. This includes the connection and communication to custom sensors, custom Bluetooth LE profiles, timing configurations, security configuration, and power consumption optimizations. Even with its small dimensions of 8 mm x 12 mm, the Proteus-III provides a strongly miniaturized integrated PCB antenna. It is possible to connect an external antenna if high radio ranges are of interest.

Proteus-III features:
  • Bluetooth Low Energy 5.1 standard with 2 Mbit PHY and coded PHY (long-range)
  • Nordic nRF52840
  • Includes DIS (device information service)
  • Payload size up to 964 Bytes
  • Nano-sim size
  • Serial data transmission (smart serial profile)
  • Six configurable digital I/O pins (local and remote)
  • Up to 8 dBm output power
  • Smart antenna configuration (2-in-1 module)
  • Peripheral only mode (transparent)
  • High throughput mode
  • Scan and connect in long-range mode
Thyone-I features:
  • Range up to 750 m
  • Smart antenna configuration (2-in-1 module)
  • Nano-sim size
  • Broadcast, multicast and 4 Byte addressing (Unicast)
  • End-to-end payload throughput up to 400 kbit/s
  • Integrated radio profiles for 125 kbit/s, 500 kbit/s, 1000 kbit/s, and 2000 kbit/s, gross
  • CE, FCC, IC, ARIB
  • Six configurable digital I/O pins (local and remote)
  • MESH networking capable
  • Encryption (AES128)
  • Transparent mode: serial-to-radio

The Thyone-I module is a radio sub-module for wireless communication between devices such as control systems, remote controls, sensor nodes, and more. Operating in the globally available 2.4 GHz license-free band, Thyone-I offers a robust and secure data transmission in point-to-point as well as mesh configurations. The Thyone-I is preloaded with the WE-ProWare radio stack which ensures high flexibility without compromising the reliability. Interfacing with the host system via serial UART, the module allows easy configuration and control of the radio using a simple command interface. To ensure ease-of-use for cable replacement applications, the module also offers a transparent mode to function as a serial-to-radio adapter. Small dimensions comparable to a nano-sim card (8 mm x 12 mm) including an on-board PCB antenna make Thyone-I ideal for small form-factor design.

Resources

AutoSteri: Small and Compact Automatic UV Sterilization System from David Bershadsky

Posted on by Emmanuel Odunlade

The probability of having microorganisms survive on a surface or item subjected to treatment is very low; decontaminating an object or material makes it safe to handle. While there are many techniques capable of effectively disinfecting surfaces, not many can be used independently without personnel, thus making the whole process of monitoring and cleaning tiresome.

The new AutoSteri from maker David Bershadsky was designed to handle and take the stress of sterilization off you. The AutoSteri simply detects the presence of a person in a particular place and disinfects the area after the person leaves the place. Such an interesting and highly useful you would agree, particularly during this time of the Covid-19 pandemic where regard to hygiene and sterilization cannot be over-emphasized. The AutoSteri can be used to sterilize almost everything, hallways, offices, elevators, delivery packages, and many more.

Some of the key components to be used for this project include :

  • A breadboard-friendly Arduino Nano R3 board
  • 1x generic PIR motion sensor
  • A high power UV LED
  • 1x 100 Ohms resistor
  • One general-purpose NPN transistor, which could be replaced with a motor driver or relay.
  • Breadboard or custom PCB
  • Jumper wires and
  • Through-hole 5.5 mm power jack
  • Software Apps: Supports Arduino IDE

The PIR sensor is used to detect the person’s presence and the UVc LED, in turn, cleans the area for about 15 minutes when the person is gone. Depending on how powerful the LED you are using is, and how much light is being emitted, the AutoSteri can cover a maximum range of about 10 m and conveniently detect anyone within that space.

Speaking about the electronics build of the AutoSteri, David explained that the system can either be built with a PCB or without any.

“With the PCB the build will be exactly the same but simply solder all of your components on board in their indicated locations. For the PCB one needs to use an Arduino NANO, 1-4x 3535 SMD LED, or connect to the 2 pins for other LEDs, an NPN transistor that can handle the current of your led, a generic PIR sensor, and a through-hole 5.5 mm power jack”.

More on the AutoSteri system including schematics, PCB design, and documentation can be found on the project’s tutorial page.

QuickFeather: Fully open source development board for the EOS S3 MCU with eFPGA

Posted on by Emmanuel Odunlade

Use the Power of Open Source to Tackle Your Tiny Machine Learning Applications

QuickLogic, the first programmable logic company to embrace all-open-source development tools has partnered with Antmicro to create a multi-core essential evaluation tool for machine learning and IoT applications, called QuickFeather development board.

The QuickFeather development board is a small form factor system for the EOS S3 Arm Cortex M4F MCU and embedded FPGA with an onboard microphone, pressure sensor, and accelerometer. One beautiful thing about this development board is that it is everything open-source!. The board itself is open hardware, designed in an open-source Kicad platform, and built around open source embedded OS, Zephyr RTOS and FreeRTOS with open FPGA tools. It’s rich combination of on-board sensors, low-power MCU and programmable logic in a feather form factor, also make it a perfect open-source hardware platform for developing tiny Machine Learning applications with Google TensorFlow Lite and SensilML’s software. Hobbyists and enthusiasts would also find the board good for ALL kinds of general-purpose MCU applications.

Technical Features and specifications include:

  • Arm Cortex ® M4F microcontroller unit running @ 80 MHz and up to 512 SRAM
  • Embedded FPGA – 64 Kb RAM and 2400 logic cells
  • 16 Mbit SPI NOR flash memory
  • 58.4 mm x 22.9 mm footprint
  • 2.54 mm breadboard compatible pitch headers.
  • 33 GPIO (20 of which are feather-defined)
  • I2C, I2S, SPI, UART
  • RGB LED, User buttons and Hardware Reset buttons
  • USB data signals tied to the embedded FPGA programmable logic
  • Communication protocol via USB/UART
  • SWD programming connector
  • Infineon DSP310 pressure sensor
  • Infineon IM69D130 digital PDM microphone
  • mCube MC3635 accelerometer
  • 3.3V USB micro Type-B and standard Li-Po JST connectors,
  • On-board charging circuitry
  • Can be powered from USB or LiPo battery, and
  • Supports real-time operating system –  Zephyr RTOS and FreeRTOS

The QuickFeather development board is programmed using QuickLogic’s USB-enabled TinyFPGA bootloader, an equally open-source IP for programming FPGAs. A video guide on how to install the TinyFPGA bootloader as well as hardware design files, user guide and documentation can be found on Crowd Supply or on QuickLogic’s product’s page.

More on order details, paying and shipping can also be found in their guide page. The board is expected to start shipping at the end of July, 2020. Hopefully, the COVID-19 pandemic will not cause any delay in the delivery timeline.

New Silent Switcher Offers 95% Efficiency at 2 MHz

Posted on by mixos

Compact, ultralow-emission, high-speed synchronous monolithic stepdown regulators ideal for noise-sensitive and space-critical applications

July 8, 2020 – Geneva, Ill.: Richardson RFPD, Inc., an Arrow Electronics company, announced today the availability and full design support capabilities for the Power by Linear Silent Switchers from Analog Devices, Inc.

ADI’s Silent Switchers offer high efficiency at high switching frequencies while maintaining ultralow EMI emissions. These regulators bring new levels of performance for synchronous stepdown DC/DC converters.

Maximum input voltages ranging from 8 V to 65 V make them ideal for applications that require from 1 A up to 15 A of output current, including automotive, industrial and communications systems applications.

The Silent Switcher family uses special design and packaging techniques to offer 95% efficiency at 2 MHz while easily passing the CISPR 25 Class 5 Peak EMI limits.

  • LT8650S is a dual-channel, 4 A, 42 V, synchronous stepdown silent switcher 2 with a 6.2 μA quiescent current
  • Maximum input voltages ranging from 8 V to 65 V
  • Ideal for applications that require from 1 A up to 15 A of output current, including automotive, industrial and communications systems applications

Silent Switcher 2 adds internal bypass capacitors and an integrated substrate to further improve EMI that is not sensitive to PCB layout, simplifying designs and reducing performance risks even when using two-layer PC boards. The featured LT8650S is a dual-channel, 4 A, 42 V, synchronous stepdown Silent Switcher 2 with a 6.2 μA quiescent current.

To find more information, or to purchase these products today online, visit the Featured ADI Silent Switchers webpage. The devices are also available by calling 1-800-737-6937 (within North America), or find a local sales engineer (worldwide) at Local Sales Support. To learn about additional products from Analog Devices, visit the Analog Devices storefront webpage.

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