Page 432 – Electronics-Lab.com

NVE Introduces Smart I²C TMR Angle Sensor

Posted on 27 March, 202027 March, 2020 by mixos

NVE Corporation expanded its line of angle sensors with the new ASR012-10E Smart I²C TMR Angle Sensor.

The ASR012 is based on the same TMR sensor element and digital processing core as the ASR002, but with an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I²C) rather than a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The new part also provides a pulse-width modulated (PWM) output.

Both the ASR012 and ASR002 have factory-calibrated Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor elements and digital signal processing.

Key ASR022 and ASR002 features include:

Factory calibrated
0.1 degree resolution
0.2 degree repeatability
Robust 6 to 20 millitesla magnetic field operating range
Fast 12.5 kilosamples per second sample rate
Flexible 2.2 to 3.6 volt supply range
Low 4 milliamp typical supply current
Wide -40 to +125 degrees Celsius operating range
Ultraminiature 2.5 by 2.5 by 0.8 millimeter package

Sensors and evaluation kits are available now for immediate delivery. The ASR012-10E sensor is priced at $2.22 each in 1000-piece quantities.

The ASR012 Evaluation Kit (part number AG963-07E) includes a magnet assembly, magnet fixturing, and PC-based user interface software. Kits are priced at $195 each.

For more information, visit: www.nve.com

VersaLogic Expands its Arm-based Embedded Computer Line with EPC- 2702

Posted on 27 March, 2020 by mixos

VersaLogic Corporation added a new model to its “Swordtail” product family, the latest in their line of Arm-based embedded computers, the EPC- 2702, available with either the NXP i.MX6 Quad (quad core), or the i.MX6 DualLite (dual core) processors.

The Swordtail includes on-board Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a socket for plug-in cellular radios. The new model adds on-board eMMC storage functionality. At home in hostile environments, the compact 95 x 95 mm computer board is rated for operation at full industrial temperature range (-40° to +85°C).

The new model includes soldered-down 8 GB eMMC Flash as a bootable on-board storage medium. This is in addition to the micro-SD socket included on all models in the family.

Swordtail boards are ideal for transmitting maintenance or diagnostic information without the need for a wired connection. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth radios are included on board, and a NimbleLink Skywire socket supports a wide range of cellular and wireless plug-ins.

All Swordtail models feature soldered-on memory and a variety of I/O ports, including wireless interfaces, Gigabit Ethernet with network boot capability, USB 2.0, serial I/O (RS-232), CAN Bus, and I2C interface. In addition, MCOTS versions can accommodate up to 32 GB of on-board flash storage.

Designed for COTS and MCOTS users, Swordtail models can be modified for specific applications in quantities as low as 100 pieces.

Like other VersaLogic products, the Swordtail is designed for long-term availability (10+ year production lifecycle).

The Swordtail single board computers (VL-EPC-2702) are in stock at both VersaLogic Corp. and Digi-Key Corp. OEM pricing starts at $234.

For more information, visit: VersaLogic.com.

Analog Devices announces 42V, 15A Synchronous Step-Down regulator Silent Switcher 2

Posted on 27 March, 2020 by mixos

Analog Devices announced the release of a new synchronous step-down regulator, LT8648S, that features second generation Silent Switcher architecture designed to minimize EMI emissions while delivering high efficiency at high switching frequencies. This includes the integration of input and boost capacitors to optimize all the fast current loops inside and make it easy to achieve advertised EMI performance by reducing layout sensitivity. This performance makes the LT8648S ideal for noise sensitive applications and environments.

The fast, clean, low overshoot switching edges enable high efficiency operation even at high switching frequencies, leading to a small overall solution size. Peak current mode control with a 25 ns minimum on-time allows high step down ratios even at high switching frequencies. External compensation via the V_C pin allows for fast transient response at high switching frequencies. The V_C pin also enables current sharing and a CLKOUT pin enables synchronizing other regulators to the LT8648S.

Burst Mode operation enables low standby current consumption, forced continuous mode can control frequency harmonics across the entire output load range, or spread spectrum operation can further reduce EMI emissions. Soft-start and tracking functionality is accessed via the SS pin, and an accurate input voltage UVLO threshold can be set using the EN/UV pin.

2 VIN to 5 VOUT Efficiency vs. Load Current.

Features

Silent Switcher 2 Architecture
Ultralow EMI Emissions on Any PCB
Eliminates PCB Layout Sensitivity
Internal Bypass Capacitors Reduce Radiated EMI
Optional Spread Spectrum Modulation
High Efficiency at High Frequency
Up to 95.5% Efficiency at 1 MHz, 12 V_IN to 5 V_OUT
Up to 93% Efficiency at 2 MHz, 12 V_IN to 5 V_OUT
Wide Input Voltage Range: 3 V to 42 V
15 A Output Current
Low Quiescent Current Burst Mode® Operation
100 µA I_Q Regulating 12 V_IN to 5 V_OUT
Output Ripple < 10 mV_P-P
External Compensation: Fast Transient Response and Current Sharing
Fast Minimum Switch On-Time: 25 ns
Low Dropout Under All Conditions: 35 mV at 1 A
Forced Continuous Mode
Adjustable and Synchronizable: 200 kHz to 2.2 MHz
Output Soft-Start and Power Good
Safely Tolerates High Reverse Current
Small 36-Lead 7 mm × 4 mm LQFN Package
AEC-Q100 Qualification in Progress

Applications

Automotive and Industrial Supplies
General Purpose Step-Down

more information: www.analog.com

STMicroelectronics Introduces Standalone VBUS-Powered Controller for 5V USB-C Charging Applications

Posted on 27 March, 202027 March, 2020 by mixos

The STUSB4500L from STMicroelectronics is a small-footprint addition to the Company’s USB-C controller IC family designed and certified for pure 5 V sink-only applications. All mandatory features to use the USB-C connector as a 5 V universal power plug are integrated, allowing designers to implement USB-C charging solutions quickly and easily without studying the standard or writing code.

USB-C is rapidly becoming established as a replacement for Micro-B or Mini-B plugs, for both power and data connections, as it offers the advantages of reversible orientation and greater robustness – up to 10,000 connect/disconnect cycles.

ST’s new USB-C controller IC is a stand-alone, plug-and-play interface product, targeting low-voltage applications such as Bluetooth speakers, computer accessories, Wi-Fi access points, point-of-sale equipment, LED lighting, and USB dongles. It can also be used for powering equipment such as single-board computers and hardware development kits. The controller IC runs without additional code and requires no external support from the microcontroller, which eases adoption of the USB-C connector standard by saving time-consuming design work.

The STUSB4500L is auto-powered via VBUS from the connected source and does not need to be supplied from a local battery or on-board power. Zero leakage current prevents draining the battery when not charging. Input over-voltage protection prevents low-voltage equipment being damaged if it is incorrectly connected, for example, to a 20 V source from a USB PD AC adapter rather than the required 5 V supply.

Further features include ‘dead-battery’ support to ensure correct identification by the source when the battery is fully discharged, true cold-socket implementation which keeps the VBUS switch open by default until safe 5 V input power is supplied, source power-budget identification and error-recovery support to ensure correct re-starting when a fault is triggered.

The STUSB4500L is in production now, in a choice of 4 mm × 4 mm QFN-24 package or 2.6 mm × 2.6 mm CSP-25 chip-scale package, priced from $0.70 and $0.75 respectively for orders of 1000 pieces.

To ease prototyping, the reference design EVAL-SCS002V1, which has a small footprint of just 2.5 cm², can be ordered from ST or distributors. For fast implementation into proprietary designs, the full PCB design libraries can be downloaded free of charge from st.com.

12W AC-DC Power Supply Reference Design Meets All ErP Regulations

Posted on 27 March, 202028 March, 2020 by mixos

A reference design kit (RDK-839) containing a 12W ac-dc power supply for appliances, meters or other industrial applications is now available from Power Integrations. In addition to a functioning supply, it includes a bare board and additional devices that will easily allow a similar supply to be built.

Utilizing PI’s energy-efficient TinySwitch-4 family of offline switcher ICs, the design features less than 30mW no-load consumption and 300mW available output in stand-by (500mW input). It meets all existing and proposed energy efficiency standards including European EcoDesign Directive ErPs.

The RDK-839 reference design kit has an input voltage range of 85- to 265-Vac. The highly integrated design uses a simple EE16 transformer. Flexible board design allows the use of either the compact SO-8C package or the cost-effective DIP-8C package without modifying the board.

Summary of Features

EcoSmart™ – meets all existing and proposed energy efficiency standards including ErP.
- No-load consumption <30mW; more than 300mW available in stand-by with 500mW input
- 84% average active-mode efficiency – DOE6 and EC CoC (v5)
The board can fit P/G or the cost-effective D package
BP/M capacitor value selects power MOSFET current limit for greater design flexibility
Accurate detection output overvoltage protection (OVP) using primary bias winding sensed shutdown feature
Accurate tolerance of I2f parameter (-10%, +12%) reduces system cost
- Increases MOSFET and magnetics power delivery
- Reduces overload power, which lowers output diode and capacitor costs
Integrated TinySwitch-4 safety / reliability features
- Accurate (±5%), auto-recovering, hysteretic thermal shutdown function maintains safe PCB temperatures under all conditions
Auto-restart protects against output short-circuit and open loop fault conditions
P and G package with >3.2 mm creepage on package enables reliable operation in high humidity and high pollution environments
Meets EN550022 and CISPR-22 Class B conducted EMI with >12 dBµV margin
Meets IEC61000-4-5 Class 3 AC line surge

50W Stereo Audio Power Amplifier based on TPA3116D2

I designed an audio power amplifier board based around the TPA3116D2. I choose the highest possible oscillator frequency of 1200khz. Many Chinese designs feature no output LC filter which may result in power losses and lower efficiency. Because of that, I choose higher grade components that are included in the output filter. My design also includes a large heatsink, which may come in handy when dealing with a version of the IC that has a bottom-mounted heat pad. My design also include loads of vias at the edge of the PCB which take care of high-frequency interference.

This amplifier is capable of delivering 50W to a single-channel load (4Ω).

TPA3116D2 Description

The TPA31xxD2 series are stereo efficient, digital amplifier power stage for driving speakers up to 100 W / 2 Ω in mono. The high efficiency of the TPA3130D2 allows it to do 2 × 15 W without external heat sink on a single layer PCB. The TPA3118D2 can even run 2 × 30 W / 8 Ω without heat sink on a dual layer PCB. If even higher power is needed the TPA3116D2 does 2 × 50 W / 4 Ω with a small heat-sink attached to its top side PowerPAD. All three devices share the same footprint enabling a single PCB to be used across different power levels.

The TPA31xxD2 advanced oscillator/PLL circuit employs a multiple switching frequency option to avoid AM interferences; this is achieved together with an option of either master or slave option, making it possible to synchronize multiple devices.

The TPA31xxD2 devices are fully protected against faults with short-circuit protection and thermal protection as well as overvoltage, undervoltage, and DC protection. Faults are reported back to the processor to prevent devices from being damaged during overload conditions.

Features

Supports Multiple Output Configurations
- 2 × 50 W Into a 4-Ω BTL Load at 21 V (TPA3116D2)
- 2 × 30 W Into a 8-Ω BTL Load at 24 V (TPA3118D2)
- 2 × 15 W Into a 8-Ω BTL Load at 15 V (TPA3130D2)
Wide Voltage Range: 4.5 V to 26 V
Efficient Class-D Operation
- >90% Power Efficiency Combined With Low Idle Loss Greatly Reduces Heat Sink Size
- Advanced Modulation Schemes
Multiple Switching Frequencies
- AM Avoidance
- Master and Slave Synchronization
- Up to 1.2-MHz Switching Frequency
Feedback Power-Stage Architecture With High PSRR Reduces PSU Requirements
Programmable Power Limit
Differential and Single-Ended Inputs
Stereo and Mono Mode With Single-Filter Mono Configuration
Single Power Supply Reduces Component Count
Integrated Self-Protection Circuits Including Overvoltage, Undervoltage, Overtemperature, DC-Detect, and Short Circuit With Error Reporting
Thermally Enhanced Packages
- DAD (32-Pin HTSSOP Pad Up)
- DAP (32-Pin HTSSOP Pad Down)
–40°C to 85°C Ambient Temperature Range

Schematic

Block Diagram

Photos

TPA3116D2 Datasheet

PYBJ10 Series 10 W Isolated DC-DC Converters

Posted on 26 March, 202026 March, 2020 by mixos

CUI’s DC-DC converters are housed in low-profile DIP or SMT packages

Outputting up to 10 W of continuous power, CUI’s range of open-frame and encapsulated PYBJ10 isolated DC-DC converters deliver a 4:1 input voltage range and up to 88% efficiency. Ideal for convection-cooled equipment and a range of other applications, CUI’s PYBJ10 series features a -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range with over voltage, over current, and short-circuit protections.

Features

-40°C to +85°C operating temperature range
Over current, over voltage, and short-circuit protections
Up to 10 W continuous power
DIP and SMT mounting styles
Max output current: 667 mA to 2000 mA
4:1 input voltage range
Efficiency up to 88%
UL/EN/IEC 62368 certified
Low profile
Input voltage range: 9 V_DC ~ 36 V_DC

Learn More ►

Small, affordable gyroscope for navigating without GPS

Posted on 26 March, 2020 by mixos

Researchers at the University of Michigan say they have developed a small, inexpensive, and highly accurate gyroscope that could help drones and autonomous cars stay on track without a GPS signal.

The ultra-high-precision MEMS gyroscope – called the birdbath resonator gyroscope – is almost perfectly symmetrical, and made of nearly-pure glass. This, say the researchers, enables it to vibrate for long periods, similar to the ringing of a wine glass.

“Our gyroscope is 10,000 times more accurate but only 10 times more expensive than gyroscopes used in your typical cell phones,” says Khalil Najafi, the Schlumberger Professor of Engineering at U-M and a professor of electrical engineering and computer science. “This gyroscope is 1,000 times less expensive than much larger gyroscopes with similar performance.”

Most smartphones contain gyroscopes to detect the orientation of the screen and help figure out which way they are facing, but their accuracy is poor and often incorrectly indicate which direction a user is facing during navigation. Autonomous vehicles on the other hand currently use high-performance gyroscopes inside their backup navigation systems in the event of the loss of a GPS signal. But these devices are larger and much more expensive.

A device that enables navigation without a consistent orienting signal – called an inertial measurement unit (IMU) – is made up of three accelerometers and three gyroscopes, one for each axis in space. However, say the researchers, getting a good read on which way you’re going with existing IMUs is so pricey that it has been out of range, even for equipment as expensive as autonomous vehicles. To address this problem, say the researchers, a low-cost IMU with much higher accuracy is strongly desired.

Axiomtek’s Industrial ATX Motherboard with 9th/8th Generation Intel® Core™ for High-Density Computing Solutions – IMB520R & IMB521R

Posted on 26 March, 2020 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 introducing the IMB520R and IMB521R, its new industrial ATX motherboards powered by the LGA1151 socket 9th and 8th generation Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3 (code name: Coffee Lake Refresh), Intel® Pentium® or Intel® Celeron® processor with the Intel® Q370 chipset (IMB520R) or Intel® C246 chipset (IMB521R). These industrial motherboards are designed with rich functionality and offer high processing powers, multiple expansion interfaces, security feature, and stunning graphical performance to deliver true customer value and quick deployment in a broad range of high-performance applications such as industrial automation, gaming, AI-related server, self-service kiosks, medical, and digital signage.

“The IMB520R and IMB521R not only meet the requirements for computing and graphics performance but also take into account customization and flexibility to help facilitate quick deployment,” said Brandon Wang, a product manager of IPC Division at Axiomtek. “They feature one PCIe x16 slot, four PCIe x4 slots, one PCIe x1 slot and one PCI slot for future expansions such as motion control cards, frame grabber cards or data acquisition cards, making them an ideal solution for machine vision and industrial automation applications. They also have two USB 3.1 Gen2 and four USB 3.1 Gen1 ports for faster data transfer. In addition, these two industrial-grade ATX motherboards are integrated with the Intel® HD Graphics to deliver stunning 4K resolution, as well as fast 3D and video playback for graphics-intensive applications. They support three independent displays with DisplayPort++, DVI-D, HDMI, and VGA.”

The IMB520R and IMB521R come with multiple I/O ports including four RS-232, two RS-232/422/485, two Gigabit LAN with Intel® Ethernet controller i211-AT and Intel® Ethernet connection i219-LM, two USB 3.1 Gen2, four USB 3.1 Gen1, seven 180D type A USB 2.0, eight-channel digital I/O, one HD Codec audio, one SMBus, and one PS/2 keyboard and mouse. Both of the ATX motherboards are equipped with four 288-pin DDR4-2666/2400 DIMM sockets with a memory capacity of up to 128GB to meet the needs of high-density computing applications. Furthermore, they feature four SATA-600 sockets with RAID 0/1/5/10 function to enhance data recovery capability. To ensure reliable operation across platforms, the well-designed industrial motherboards are capable of withstanding a wide operating temperature range of 0°C to 60°C. They also support watchdog timer, hardware monitoring functions and optional Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0).

Advanced Features:

LGA1151 socket 9th/8th gen Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3, Pentium® & Celeron® processors (Coffee Lake Refresh)
IMB520R: Intel® Q370 chipset
MB521R: Intel® C246 chipset
Four 288-pin DDR4-2666/2400 DIMM for up to 128GB of memory
VGA, DisplayPort++, DVI-D and HDMI with triple-view supported
4 SATA-600 with RAID 0/1/5/10
Two USB 3.1 Gen2 and four USB 3.1 Gen1
TPM 2.0 supported (optional)

Axiomtek’s IMB520R and IMB521R are 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.

Chai release Open Source Environmental Testing Kit For COVID-19

Posted on 25 March, 202027 February, 2023 by Ayo Ayibiowu

The CHAI team announced at the Open Hardware Summit that the group would be launching an environmental test kit that will be able to work on the Open qPCR machine, which was released in 2016. The kit will be a DIY test kit for COVID-19, which has caused a global pandemic for the detection of the virus on surfaces, objects, and non-liveable things. One cannot overstate the importance of containing the spread to help. Detecting how the virus is transmitted will help researchers figure out a way to slow it and hopefully stop it.

The Open qPCR, which is built around the BeagleBone Black Single Board Computer (SBC), is an open-source device created for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing. PCR is a technique for studying DNA and RNA sequences. The Open qPCR has the single-channel version, which costs $4,499 and the double channel version, which costs $6,499. This is affordable and portable for a piece of lab equipment.

COVID-19 gPRC Testing Equipment — Chai release Open Source Environmental Test Kit For COVID-19

The kit that will be released will not be used for testing in humans but on various surfaces. It will use the primers and probe information released by the CDC for performing PCR tests for COVID-19.

The test kit can check swabs used on doorknobs, phones, chairs, laptops, and other hard surfaces. Results will be provided in less than one hour with information on the amount of virus. Inside the extraction chamber, the virus is prepped, and a sample is used for the RT -qPCR test. Then the sample’s RNA is converted to DNA and then amplified for faster detection.

Labs are being encouraged to take the test kits out and test surfaces in the community. Chai is aiming at an end-user cost of $15 per test. The test kits are aimed primarily at public spaces like schools, libraries, senior systems, and other public institutions, but can also be used in offices and any other environment. Also, the kit has been made for research purposes only.

The Chai Coronavirus, Environmental Test kit, has April 17 as its estimated shipping date with a Start-Up Bundle costs $ 7,500. It contains the Open qPCR dual-channel version and 96 tests, while the Test Kit, which includes 96 tests, only costs $1,400, can be purchased separately if you already own any of the Open qPCR devices. A dual-channel version of the Open qPCR or similar equipment can be used with it. Further information may be found on Chai’s Coronavirus Environmental Testing page