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A circuit board from the Saturn V rocket, reverse-engineered and explained

Posted on by mixos

Ken Shirriff writes on his blog:

In the Apollo Moon missions, the Saturn V rocket was guided by an advanced onboard computer system built by IBM. This system was built from hybrid modules, similar to integrated circuits but containing individual components. I reverse-engineered a circuit board from this system and determined its function: Inside the computer’s I/O unit, the board selected different data sources for the computer.

This post explains how the board worked, from the tiny silicon dies inside its hybrid modules to the board’s circuitry and its wiring in the rocket. This board was first studied by Fran Blanch in The Apollo Saturn V LVDC Project. Then EEVblog made a video about it. Now it’s my turn to analyze the board.

A circuit board from the Saturn V rocket, reverse-engineered and explained – [Link]

Versatile NXP i.MX8 based Family of Scalable HummingBoard Single Board Computers

Posted on by mixos

Featuring the HummingBoard Pulse & Ripple Carrier Platforms Designed for NXP’s Arm-based i.MX8M & i.MX8M Mini SoCs – The New Family Offers Ultimate Flexibility for Range of Multimedia, AI, Automation & IoT Applications.

SolidRun today introduces iMX8-based HummingBoard-M family of single board computers, including the media & IoT centric HummingBoard Pulse and skimmer HummingBoard Ripple, designed for the NXP i.MX8M & i.MX8M Mini based SOMs. The new family offers a highly versatile and scalable variety of configurations for simple development and easy implementation for a wide range of audio-visual, IoT, industrial automation, machine vision, AI and IoT applications.

The new family includes two SOMs (System on Modules) designed around NXPs powerful i.MX8 family of Arm processors. i.MX8M SOM offers high-end multimedia abilities including 4K@60 HDR, 20 audio channels, HDMI 2.0, and rich connectivity options. For even better power-efficiency and lower thermal envelope we’ve designed i.MX8M Mini SOM – offering a well-rounded foundation boasting best power-performance in its class. A further configuration for the new i.MX8M Mini SOM is the addition of a Gyrfalcon Lightspeeur® SPR2803 AI acceleration chip, turning it into a robust artificial intelligence building block for deployable AI inference at the edge.

HummingBoard Pulse

Supplementing the i.MX8 based SOMs, we have designed two deployment ready single board computers, developed around our popular HummingBoard design including Pulse & Ripple. HummingBoard Pulse has received a recent update and offers a range of connectivity options designed to get the most out of both SOMs, while HummingBoard Ripple is more cost effective and highlights the features supported by the i.MX8M Mini SOM. Both carrier boards are compatible with both SOMs, and together offer a scalable and flexible family of platforms allowing OEMs and developers fast time-to-market, lower developmental costs and simpler development cycle for realization of a wide range of solutions.

“The new HummingBoard-M family is a highly versatile, powerful and energy-efficient addition to our growing embedded platform fan-out” said Ilya Viten, SolidRun’s Industrial & IoT LOB Manager. “HummingBoard Pulse and Ripple with the remarkable i.MX8M and i.MX8M Mini based SOMs offer a strong leap forward for embedded solutions, with cutting-edge multimedia and AI capabilities and based on our popular HummingBoard and SOM form factor designs”.

more information:

20A/40V Integrated Power Module for DC Brushless Motors (BLDC)

This project is based on STK984-090A which is a fully-integrated inverter with current rating 20A and supply voltage 40V DC. It has been designed to drive the Brushless DC Motors (BLDC) and permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), the module works as output driver which include power stage and current sense circuitry, header connector provided to interface with Arduino or other micro-controller for PWM inputs and current feedback. Screw terminals help to connect the motor and power supply. INA168 IC is a current sensor and measures the current across the internal sense resistor and provides an output voltage. This voltage can be feed to Arduino analog pins to detect the current flowing across the MOSFET’s. LM317 voltage regulator provides 5V DC to power the current sense IC INA168 and other logic circuitry. D1 motor power LED. Maximum PWM frequency 20 KHz and duty cycle 10 to 90 % or 100%.

Note: This board is compatible with our Development board for Brushless Motor, DC Brushed Motor, AC Motors (Pre-Driver)

Current Feedback Output

The device INA168 converts a differential input voltage to a current output. This current is converted back to a voltage with an external load resistor that sets any gain from 1 to over 100.

Current feedback Output voltage can be set using this formula V = Current x 3mohms x R1/5K ohms ( Is.Rs.RL/5Kohms )

Note : 3mOhms Internal Shunt Resistor of STK984-090A

Output Voltage Range

The output of the INA168 device is a current that is converted to a voltage by the load resistor, R1, RX. The output current remains accurate within the compliance voltage range of the output circuitry. The shunt voltage and the input common-mode and power-supply voltages limit the maximum possible output swing. The maximum output voltage (Vout max) compliance is limited by either Equation (Vout max = VIN– – 0.5 V )

The project is a fully-integrated inverter power stage consisting of the gate driver, 6 Mosfets and high side current shunt resistor, suitable for driving permanent magnet synchronous motors and brushless DC (BLDC) motors. The MOSFETs are configured in a 3-phase bridge with a single drain connection for the lower legs. The power stage has a full range of protections including cross conduction protection, external shutdown and under-voltage lockout. Built-in charge pump for operation with low battery voltage, over current protection on both high side and low side Mosfets, over-temperature shutdown, under-voltage and over voltage shutdown for defined operation at all input voltages, integrated high side resistor for external current sensing.

Note: Refer to STK984-090A datasheet below for more information, C7-C12 capacitors are optional used as RC filters and recommended in a noisy environment. Required large size heat sink for peak load.

Features

  • Supply 8-18V DC
  • Maximum Current 20Amps
  • On Board LM317 Regulator Provides 5V
  • INA168 Current Feedback output
  • D1 Motor Power LED
  • 14 Pin Header Connector for PWM input and Micro-Controller Interface
  • CN3 3Pin Screw Terminals to Connect the Motor
  • CN4 2 Pin Screw Terminal for Power Input
  • Diag 1 Fault Diagnosis Output 1 ( Over Current)
  • Diag 2 Fault Diagnosis Output 2 ( Over Temperature)

Schematic

Parts Lists

Connections

Truth Tables

Photos

Video

STK984-090A Datasheet

INA168 Datasheet

Single 18650 LiPo Battery to 5V Boost Converter

 

This small board is based on the CS5171 boost converter from ON Semiconductor. The board is configured to be used with a single 18650 LiPo battery. The circuit converts single-cell 3.7V LiPo battery voltage to 5V with a load current up to 400mA. Board has been designed to fit on the backside of a single-cell battery holder with a screw. The CS5171 IC is a 280 kHz switching regulator with a high efficiency, 1.5 A integrated switch.

Features

  • Supply Input 2.7V-3.7V (Single Lipo Battery)
  • Output 5V
  • Output Current 400mA
  • Operation Frequency 280 kHz
  • Very Tiny Board Designed to Fit On Back Side Of LIPO Battery Holder
  • PCB Dimensions 44.27 x 11.01 mm

Schematic

Parts List

Connections

Photos

CS5171 Datasheet

Intelligent 7-Segment Display using a low cost MCU

Posted on by mixos

An intelligent 7-Segment display based on Padauk MCU:

Time for another project with a super-low-cost microcontroller. But what to design? Ever since seeing a project where a $0.03 MCU controls $40 worth of intelligent RGB LEDs, I have been wondering whether this is the right place to use these devices. At this price point, doesn’t it seem to make more sense to dedicate one MCU to one LED each and use it to implement a fancy node-controller? It has always appealed to me to design my own protocol. However, just copying a WS2812 RGB LED or similar seemed to be a bit pointless…

Intelligent 7-Segment Display – [Link]

PicoScope Automotive Oscilloscopes With Smart Accessory Interfaces

Posted on by mixos

This latest diagnostic PicoScope design retains all the strengths of the existing 4425/4225 automotive scopes but adds smart interfaces for powered and intelligent accessories for increased efficiency.

Saelig Company, Inc. has introduced the new PicoScope 4425A and 4225A diagnostic oscilloscopes, available in 4-channel and 2-channel configurations. This latest diagnostic PicoScope design combines all the strengths of the existing 4425/4225 automotive scopes but adds smart interfaces for powered and intelligent accessories.  The new accessory interface, called PicoBNC+™, combines the standard BNC connector with active digital and power connections. The 4425A and 4225A will also work with existing BNC probes and accessories, preserving previous accessory investments.

The many features of this new scope series include: automatic probe detection (ConnectDetect), ±200V voltage input range, floating inputs, high sample rate (up to 400MSa/s), high vertical resolution (12-bit to 16-bit enhanced), a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface, 20MHz bandwidth, advanced triggers, advanced filtering, large buffer memory (250MSa), math channels, measurement & phase rulers, Pico waveform library, more than 150 guided tests, and free lifetime Pico software upgrades.

The new 4x25A models make it even easier and more intuitive to use, with new test capabilities and future-proofing as part of the design. The new PicoBNC+ connection is a plug-and-play ‘push to connect’ design.  Interactive LEDs on the scope match the color-coding on the probes when they are connected. Probes are automatically recognized by the PicoSoft software and settings are adjusted accordingly, making diagnostics even faster and easier with the PicoScope 4x25A automotive oscilloscopes.   PicoBNC+ probe recognition saves time, reduces errors, and allows new users to become confident and comfortable faster than before.  PicoBNC+ powered probes mean that current clamps are always ready for action, with no checking of batteries or limited long-term measurements.  PicoBNC+ software control provides Auto-zero for probes, avoids manual switch settings, and simplifies probe setup.

Channel status LEDs indicate the appropriate probe/channel connection, and which channels are in use.  The probe mismatch test in PicoScope 7 software eliminates the chance of accidental incorrect setup or erroneous measurements.  In addition to all the new features, the 4x425A scopes still offer all the benefits of the previous versatile 4425 PicoScopes.

PicoScope technology provides automotive repairers with a solution for finding most vehicle faults quickly. PicoScope is invaluable for diagnosing electrical, pressure, hydraulic, and NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) problems.  Made by Pico Technology, Europe’s award-winning test and measurement manufacturer, the PicoScope 4x25A oscilloscopes are available now from Saelig Company, Inc. their USA technical distributor.

Neousys Announces IGT-30 Series, an Industrial IoT Gateway Optimized for Industry 4.0

Posted on by mixos

Neousys Technology, a professional rugged embedded computer provider, today announced IGT-30, its latest industrial IoT gateway platform. IGT-30 is powered by Texas Instrument Sitara™ AM3352, validated by AWS Device Qualification Program (DQP), certified by Verizon to operate on their network.

Shipped with pre-installed Debian 9 and equipped with industrial application prerequisites makes IGT-30 series a perfect IoT Gateway for smart manufacturing, environment monitoring, and intelligent transportation.

Support IEEE 802.3at PoE+ PD

IGT-30 series supports PoE Powered Device (PD) mode meaning it can be powered by a LAN cable from a PoE Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE), and at the same time transfer data via this cable as well. The simplified cabling makes IGT-30 series easier to deploy under harsh conditions with steady power supply and data transmission.

Rich Integrated Industrial I/Os

IGT-30 series features one USB2.0 port, two 10/100M LAN ports, one configurable COM port (RS-232/422/485) and an optional CAN bus port (IGT-31D only).

It also features 8 built-in isolated digital input channels that accept discrete signals from various sensors or buttons/ switches, and 2 built-in isolated digital output channels to control actuators and indicators.

Support dual microSDHC

IGT-30 series has dual microSDHC slots, one internal and one external. This design allows users to separate system/ user data and can expedite in OS deployment for mass production.

Applicable to harsh industrial environment

As required by any industrial applications, IGT-30 series has wide-range DC input from 12 to 25 VDC and a wide operating temperature from -25°C to 70°C. In addition, IGT-30 series is in compliance with common industrial certifications such as CE/FCC, shock and vibration. With a compact and rugged design, IGT-30 series is easy to install in a confined environment.

Learn more about Neousys IGT-30 Industrial IoT Gateway: https://www.neousys-tech.com/product/application/embedded-iot-gateway/igt-30-sitara-am3352-arm-based-embedded-iot-gateway

New DC-DC Converter Features 500 mA Output Current

Posted on by mixos

Surface Mount, Non-isolated DC-DC Converter Offers Extreme Efficiency at a Low Cost

CUI Inc today announced the addition of its first four contact, surface mount, non-isolated converter to its dc-dc converter line. The ultra-thin VXO78-500-M features a 500mA output current, no-load input current as low as 0.2mA and a wide -40 to +85°C temperature range. This regulated dc-dc converter offers a wide 4.75 to 36 Vdc input voltage range, short-circuit protection and 4-SMD reflow solderability in an ultra-compact SMT package with half-vias corners.

Unlike linear regulators, this ultra-compact, surface mount dc-dc converter offers extreme efficiency (up to 95%), making the VXO78-500-M an ideal solution for applications where board space is at a premium and maximizing energy efficiency is a concern. General applications for the VXO78-500-M include ITE (commercial), controls and electronics that require a wide input at a low cost.

The VXO78-500-M is available immediately with prices starting at $2.52 per unit at 100 pieces through distribution. Please contact CUI for OEM pricing or modified & custom designs.

Summary

  • Product name(s): VXO78-500-M
  • Availability: Stock to 9 weeks
  • Possible users: ITE (Commercial), Controls, Wide Input Electronics, Linear Regulator Alternative
  • Primary features: UL/EN/IEC 62368 Certified, Up to 95% Efficiency, LM78XX & LM79XX pin compatible
  • Cost: $2.52 per unit at 100 pieces through distribution

View details for the VXO78-500-M series

The Social Distancing Badge

Posted on by Emmanuel Odunlade

As the world continues in the fight against Covid19, makers, developers, Engineers, and open source communities are joining in the fight by creating solutions ranging from open source ventilators to treat people who are sick, to 3D printed face masks to prevent the sickness. One of such solutions, which falls into the latter category, is the ‘Social Distancing Badge’ by SensorDots.

The badge is a solution created to help people effectively implement lifestyle changes like, Social Distancing, that has been ushered in by the virus. The device simply helps people keep their distance from other people or objects, by letting them know the distance between them and the object in front of them.

The Wearable device uses an eye-safe laser-based LiDAR Sensor, through which it obtains distance measurements with millimeter precision. The obtained distance is displayed on the device’s display to let the person approaching or the user know if they are at a safe enough distance from each other.

While the prototype featured a protoboard implementation with a lanyard so the device is hanged around the neck, SensorDot is taking the device through a redesign phase for a more refined product.

The new design, whose PCB has already been sent for manufacturing, is a lightweight low power design that could be pinned to a bag, backpack, shirt or even be used as a belt buckle or hair clip. It could even be used as a handy standalone distance measurement tool that would fit in a wallet with very stretched pockets.

While the badge comes ready to use as a distance measurement tool, it also comes packed with the following features:

  • A customizable Arduino based firmware (328PB micro-controller).
  • Eye-safe VL53L1 LiDAR sensor.
  • Micro USB serial and programming interface, as well as recharging.
  • Hackable GPIO interface.
  • 100mAh rechargeable button cell lithium battery.
  • Optional lanyard or safety pin solder attachment points (badge includes solderable safety pin to clip to a shirt or jacket as well as 3.2mm holes on the top corners to attach a lanyard).
  • 57mm x 38mm x 10mm badge size (thickness includes battery).
  • Low power and easy to read 4 digit LCD display.
  • Displays up to 4 meters on the LCD
  • Status/indicator LED and charging LED.
  • Mode switching button.

To make it easy for people to access the device, SensorDot has created a crowdfunding campaign for it on Kickstarter with AUD$ 50 for early bird purchases. First deliveries are estimated to be in May 2020 while some other tiers are scheduled for June 2020.

The project sounds promising with the only challenge being the documented poor performance of laser in sunlight which SensorDot also acknowledges.

More information on the project and the crowdfunding campaign can be found on the Kickstarter page here.

Open Source CAN Bridge

Posted on by Emmanuel Odunlade

The recent release from Emile Nijssen might just prove to be one very useful tool in the hands of those investigating in automotive systems as the board is said to allow for MITM message modification on up to three Controller Area Network buses.

According to the author of the automotive device, the compact Atmega-powered transparent CAN bridge can be useful in modifying or adjusting the way modern vehicles behave.

“It is a little board that transparently relays CAN messages from one bus to the other, a wire, so to speak. That may seem useless. But wait, there’s more: You can modify the CAN messages in-flight. This is effectively a man-in-the-middle attack on the CAN bus. The board has three CAN bus, so if you want, you can actually do two CAN bus MITM attacks at once, or use the third CAN bus as a private bus for debugging, filtering, etc”, says Nijssen. “The board also natively supports logging CAN message over its USB port using LUFA’s USB-CDC implementation but might require you to use drivers while operating with certain Operating Systems”.

Further explaining the board operation, Nijssen said that even though the board is already prepared for operation, there might still be a need to edit the source codes in order to change the CAN data. “The sample project already implements everything you need to get started, and has some example lines showing how to modify CAN messages and receive commands and/or send debugging information over USB”.

However, one of the downplays of this board is that there is no interface for direct application programming, hence, any modification to the board’s behavior needs to be self-programmed. This can be carried out by first loading the project into an Atmel Studio 7 and thereafter flashed with an in-system programmer capable of PDI programming like AVRISP Mk ll.

“The hardware is open-source, available as Tiny CAD schematic and Free PCB layout. There are some additional features in hardware that you may want to use, as an expansion header with analog/digital I/O.”

Meanwhile, information on the specs and documentation of the CAN Bridge can be found here.  The board comes fully assembled and is being sold for $99 on Tindle alongside terms and conditions regarding shipping. Users already feel satisfied with the product saying that it is also highly recommendable for anyone looking to modify how their car behaves.

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