Torex Semiconductor has launched the XCL303/XCL304 as a new series of inductor built-in negative output voltage “micro DC/DC” Converters.
The XCL303/XCL304 series are small coil-integrated negative voltage micro DC/DC converter IC. Increased oscillating frequency to 2.5 MHz and by adopting the small package CL-2025-02 (2.5 × 2.0 × 1.0 mm), the mounting area is reduced by approximately 78% compared to general negative voltage output DC/DC (from 65.25 mm2 to 14.43 mm2).
Further, integrating the coil together with the DC/DC simplifies the circuit board layout and minimizes potential noise interference.
Compared to a charge pump type solution, the switching method of the XCL303/XCL304 maintains a stable output voltage even when the input voltage fluctuates. In addition, this new micro DC/DC can support maximum output current 300 mA (when VIN = 3.3 V, VOUT = –3.0 V).
Features:
The PWM controlled XCL303 series can be selected for applications where low noise is important, and the PWM/PFM automatic switching controlled XCL304 series can be selected for applications where high efficiency at light load current and low noise at high load current is important. The XCL303/XCL304 series allows users to select either a PWM control or PWM/PFM automatic switching control method, which are optimum for low noise and small negative voltage devices such as optical communication equipment.
Output voltage can be adjusted within the range of –1.2 V to –6.0 V using externally mounted resistors.
Argos is a satellite-based system that collects, processes, and disseminates environmental data from fixed and mobile platforms worldwide. What makes Argos unique is the ability to geographically locate the source of the data anywhere on the Earth utilizing the Doppler effect. The Argos system itself comprises of six satellites, which follow polar orbits at an altitude of about 850km (530 miles), 50 terrestrial receiving stations, and two data processing centers. Unlike the Global Positioning System (GPS) that needs a minimum of three satellites to be in range to pinpoint an object’s location, Argos requires just one satellite to “see” a transmitter to do this.
The Argos platform allows engineers, scientists, researchers, students around the worked to track environmental things. Argos transmitters have been deployed on plastics tracking and animals, especially marine mammals like walruses and sea turtles. They easily find applications requiring long-distance movement tracking of both coastal and oceanic species.
One of the National Geographic Sea to Source tracked 500ml water bottles, utilising the Arribada Horizon ARGOS transmitter.
In as much Argos provides an avenue to deploy environmental applications, the transmitters used for them don’t usually come cheap. They are mostly closed source, meaning integrating into a custom solution is almost impossible. This is a daunting challenge, especially for a researcher working on custom projects different from the everyday use of Argos. This is the challenge Arribada has decided to address by creating an open ARGOS transmitter reference design in an Arduino style like settings called the Arribada Horizon.
How could we include ARGOS satellite telemetry within the design of the Arribada Horizon sea turtle tag to enable our users to track migratory sea turtles?
Arribada already offers an inter-nestal tag that enables users to track sea turtles migration movement. The inspiration for the Arribada Horizon open-source initiative came from the contest hosted by CLS to develop an open-source transmitter. Arribada team up with Icoteq Ltd, a wireless technology engineering firm for the development of the transmitter, and is in partnership with CLS telemetry to launch the Horizon. A fully featured plug-and-play biologging platform that can be used to transmit to ARGOS satellites from anywhere.
Open source Arribada Horizon Argos Transmitter
The Horizon platform comes in two mainboard setup: the self-contained transmitter board and the horizon mainboard. The transmitter board is made up of the ARGOS-4 ARTIC Chipset and can be integrated into any custom microcontroller unit through its PicoBlade interface. The main-board consisted of a uBox based assisted GPS, an accelerometer, pressure sensor, cellular connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.0. The Horizon platform also provides a graphical user interface that runs in your browser to configure the Horizon devices, and Python was the language of choice for the development of the boards.
Although the Arribada Horizon is expected to be open-source, the full open-source design hasn’t released to the public, and you want to contact Arribada directly for the reference design. No information is available about the pricing of the horizon platform, as well.
If you’re interested in the open reference design package, you can contact CLS, or if you’d like pre-ordering information to get an Arribada Horizon ARGOS-4 Developer’s Kit, please contact Arribada directly. More information is available on the announcement post here.
App note from ON Semiconductor on their Smart Fuel gauge LC709204F.
LC709204F is a Fuel Gauge for 1−Cell Lithium−ion/ Polymer batteries. It is a part of our Smart LiB Gauge family of Fuel Gauges which measure the battery RSOC (Relative State Of Charge) using its unique algorithm called HG−CVR2. The HG−CVR2 algorithm provides accurate RSOC information even under unstable conditions (e.g. changes of battery; temperature, loading, aging and self−discharge).
Battery Fuel Gauging LSI [Smart LiB Gauge] for 1-Cell Lithium-ion/Polymer with LC709204F – [PDF]
Part sourcing is one of the most important and challenging activities associated with the development of any hardware project. So, selecting the right one is a critical step in the success of any product.
From finding the exact components at the desired quantity, to buying the components at a price that suits sales margins, getting a reliable source for parts is the key to success of any product development process. As a matter of fact, it is so important that designs are usually not finalized until product teams have established the supply chain capable of reliably supplying all that is needed to manufacture it. To minimize the amount of time and energy product developers, hardware startups and large organizations waste on this, several part sourcing companies/platforms and websites exist with one of the standout ones being UTSOURCE. They was created to serve as a truly global one-stop-shop for electronics parts.
UTSOURCE.net
UTSOURCE is a professional B2B & B2C platform for electronics parts/components sourcing. They provide a one-stop service for customers by providing access to different types of components needed for the development of electronic products. Their offerings range from the sales of different Electronic parts (like ICs, Microcontrollers, Sensors) and ElectroMechanical components (like relays, switches, and converters), to several types of Passive (resistors, capacitors, crystals, etc), and D-level (open-source boards like Arduino and related tools) components to mention a few.
Their website is categorized into different sections to allow customers to easily search and access the components they need. To increase speed and reduce stress for customers looking for multiple items, the website allows users to search for multiple components at a time by entering them into multiple field search bar, or by uploading a BOM generated using popular PCB software like KiCad.
Multiple Search Options
Based on their understanding of the different needs of different customers, their offerings are tailored to serve the needs of those customers who just need to buy a few ICs, and those customers who need to buy the ICs in large volumes. They understand how the long term availability of components affects product cycle and as such, work with customers to ensure the parts being ordered will still be on the market at least for the next 3-5 years.
As part of their goal to serve as a one-stop-shop, through NextPCB, a leading PCB manufacturer located in China, UTSOURCE also offers affordable (with prices as low as $10 for 10 pieces) PCB customization and manufacturing services with a specialization in 2-16 Layers PCB prototype fabrication and small-volume production. This allows users to manufacture their PCBs and get the components needed for it from the same manufacturer, reducing the stress attached to managing multiple suppliers.
In addition, UTSOURCE runs a service called FBU (Fulfillment by UTSOURCE) which allows customers buy directly from thousands of suppliers on the UT Source platform with UTSOURCE providing the customer with pre-shipment inspection service to guarantee the quality of items, and a shipping insurance service that empowers customers with the ability to ask for return and refund with the freight is borne by UTSOURCE.
All of these services are offered to customers, all over the world, through their website (UTSOURCE.net) and payments for the services are also done online, as such, to give users flexibility with payments, UTSOURCE supports secure payment through different payment platforms/cards like PayPal,credit card, western union, wire transfer, and they work with different logistics companies like FedEx, UPS, DHL, and TNT to give users as many options as possible for a 2-5 days delivery of their order.
Membership Program
As a way of rewarding customer loyalty, UTSOURCE runs a membership program which allows customer pick different membership categories that unlock different discounts, rewards, and privileges like, 8%-30% reduction on the price of components, 90 Days Worry-Free Return Policy, Exclusive logistics service channel, a rapid increase of 30% +, and shipping coupons to help customers reduce shipping fee among others. More details on the membership program can be found here and a summary of some of the benefits is provided in the table below.
Plus Membership Benefits
UTSOURCE has been in business for 15+ years, and has served customers across sectors like Aerospace, Consumer Electronics, Telecommunication, Military and Medical sectors, with customers ranging from individuals and Startups to R&D organizations and large corporate firms. As such, it is safe to say they have the experience (which is key hardware part sourcing) to serve as a reliable supply chain partner for products.
Professional customer service worldwide
They provide professional customer service worldwide with offices in USA, Mexico, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany and many other places. To find out the local service departments check on contact page.
Free Shipping Policy
UTSOURCE provides free shipping on selected order as listed below. To check your shipping on the desired country check shipping page.
For the United States, Canada, Australia, Brazil, France, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom, India, Turkey: Free shipping on first 0.5kg for orders over US $69.90
Other countries: Free shipping on first 0.5kg for orders over US $99.90
More information about the offerings of UTSOURCE can be found on their website.
Mouser Electronics, Inc., the authorized global distributor with the newest semiconductors and electronic components, is now stocking the MOD_CH101 ultrasonic time-of-flight (ToF) sensor module and DK-CH101 SmartSonic™ platform from InvenSense, a TDK Group company. The ToF solutions offer fast and accurate range measurement with ultra-low power consumption, and are capable of detecting objects of any size, color, and transparency. The highly accurate devices are suitable for a range of applications including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, augmented reality, drones, and mobile devices.
The InvenSense MOD_CH101 ultrasonic ToF sensor module enables rapid integration of the Chirp CH-101 sensor. The CH-101 is a highly integrated system-in-package featuring an ultra-low-power system-on-chip (SoC) together with a piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducer. Built using patented MEMS technology from Chirp, the CH-101 operates advanced ultrasonic DSP algorithms and provides accurate range measurements to targets at distances up to 1.2 m. The MOD_CH101 module includes an acoustic housing that allows engineers to customize the sensor’s field of view (FoV) up to 180 degrees and allows for simultaneous range measurements to multiple objects within the FoV. The device is also immune to ambient noise.
The InvenSense DK-CH101 SmartSonic platform, now available to order from Mouser Electronics, includes an on-board CH-101 sensor and a Microchip SAM G55 microcontroller with an Arm® Cortex®-M4 core. The robust development board is capable of connecting up to four external MOD-CH101 sensor modules via flat-flex cables. Featuring an onboard embedded debugger, the platform can debug the SAM G55 without requiring external solutions. The DK-CH101 SmartSonic platform includes a comprehensive set of software tools, including embedded drivers, a GUI-based development tool, and SonicLink™ (available for download to registered developers).
Features
Ultralow power
Fast and accurate range measurement regardless of target size
Detects any color objects including windows and glass doors and walls
Easy to integrate
Miniature, integrated module
Customizable field of view (FoV)
As an authorized distributor, Mouser Electronics is focused on the rapid introduction of new products and technologies, giving customers an edge and helping speed time to market. Over 800 semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers count on Mouser to help them introduce their products into the global marketplace. Mouser’s customers can expect 100% certified, genuine products that are fully traceable from each manufacturer.
The industrial box thin clients from Pepperl+Fuchs are a reliable and rugged generation of computers for visualizing process information. They have been specially developed for use in harsh conditions and 24/7 operation in industrial environments.
Designed to withstand high temperatures, shocks, and vibrations over long periods, the new BTC14, and the already familiar thin clients BTC12—designed for dual-monitor applications—and BTC01—the first quad-monitor generation.
The BTC14 has four digital uniform DisplayPorts®, enabling processes to be visualized on up to four Ultra-HD (4K) screens, thus giving an optimal overview of all information. Thanks to additional mounting kits and its rugged design, the BTC14 can be installed in a hugely varied number of ways. The long-term availability and the modern computer platform make the BTC14 future-proof. The preinstalled Pepperl+Fuchs VisuNet RM Shell 5 firmware simplifies both virtualizing host systems and performing quick and intuitive configuration.
Rear view BTC14
The Thin Client portfolio is rounded off by the innovative VisuNet Control Center management tool, which enables efficient and centralized management of all Thin Client devices when used with the RM Shell 5 firmware: from the BTCs in the control room and production-related workstations to remote monitors in the field in Ex Zone 1/21.
Advantech, a leading global provider of intelligent IoT systems and embedded platforms, is pleased to announce MIO-2361, the latest Pico-ITX single board computer designed with onboard LPDDR4-2400 & 32G eMMC powered by Intel® Atom™ E3900 series/Pentium® N4200/Celeron® N3350 processors.
The rugged design of the MIO-2361 means typical memory (socket type) assemblies are not used. The MIO-2361 offers deep power down mode, 12V/24V +/- 10% power input, better storage capacity, M.2/mSATA, and -40° to +85°C wide temperature support.
Combined with Intelligent Management Software Integration, MIO-2361 offers various types of selected embedded OS including Windows 10 and Linux Yocto BSP for testing hardware drivers and devices to prevent unauthorized data access. MIO-2361 is also integrated with WISE-PaaS/DeviceOn IoT device management software designed by Advantech to expedite IoT development particularly in factory automation.
Superior Quad-Core Performance with Selected 12V/24V Power Supply
Equipped with Intel® Atom™ E3900 series /Pentium® N4200/Celeron® N3350 processors, MIO-2361 offers 1.7 times the compute power over previous generation processors. When paired with a quad-core processor, MIO-2361’s additional memory and rapid storage capabilities enhance coordinated computing by accelerating operational processes. MIO-2361 also supports 12V/24V power supply for power-exchange processing, reduces power consumption, and facilitates the integration of existing data without sacrificing software compatibility.
Rugged Design with Flexible I/O Expansion for Harsh Environments
MIO-2361 offers wide operating temperature support from -40°C to 85°C for use in harsh environments. Its heatsink is designed as a dynamic heat conduction system which enhances thermal conduction from hot components to the heat spreader. MIO-2361’s heatsink outperforms similar designs by dissipating heat from the CPU more effectivity and reduces temperatures by approximately 11°C ~ 25°C. Furthermore, 2 x RJ45 ports (rear I/O) and HDMI4.1b (right-angle) are also one of MIO-2361’s main features that give the customer more flexible I/O selection. With onboard LPDDR4-2400 designed to decrease its total height, MIO-2361 has the smallest PCB size (100 x 72mm) which easily fits in any ultra-slim embedded chassis to save space. MIO-2361 also features 32G eMMC flash memory that delivers the needed performance for smooth onboard computation with low TDP. MIO-2361 is ideal for electric car recharging stations, outdoor video players, as well as for factory automation equipment.
Bundled with Value-added IoT Device Management Software
Due to the support of Advantech WISE-PaaS/DeviceOn IoT device operation management software the board can easily be integrated, operated and managed within your industrial IoT devices ecosystem. With DeviceOn’s easy-to-use interface you can monitor device health, have real-time control of power on/off, troubleshoot, and perform updates over-the-air (OTA) on-site and remotely. In addition, Advantech’s SUSI unified API enables developers to write applications for controlling hardware without knowing the specifications of specific chipsets and driver architectures. For instance, using the “Power Saving API”, customers could create utilities for CPU power modes to reduce power consumption in extreme environments.
MIO-2361 Product Features and Specifications:
Intel® Atom™ E3900 series/ Pentium® N4200
Onboard LPDDR4-2400 up to 8GB, eMMC 32GB
Dual independent display for 48-bit LVDS+HDMI
M.2 E-key, mSATA/mPCIe for expansion
Dual GbE, USB3.0, 2 x RS-232/422/485, 12/24V input
Supports WISE-PaaS/ DeviceOn , iManager3.0, and Embedded Software APIs: Win 10, Linux (*Yocto development, by customer request)
SparkFun‘s new DEV-15444 RedBoard Artemis has an Arduino Uno R3 footprint, 1M Flash/384 KB RAM, and a processor that uses less than 1mA of current at peak. This Artemis board includes a modern USB-C connector and a Qwiic connector that makes programming and I2C easy. This RedBoard is fully compatible with SparkFun’s Arduino core and can be easily programmed with the familiar Arduino IDE. It also has a digital MEMS microphone which is definitely going to help with always-on voice commands and machine learning with TensorFlow lite. The DEV-15444 RedBoard runs at 48MHz (turbo up to 96MHz) and Bluetooth to boot. This Artemis board also features 2 UARTs, 6 I2C buses, and 4 SPI buses. There is also added support for jumpers to measure current consumption for low power testing.
This board comes handy for the use of Machine Learning and voice recognition with the help of the on-board microphone support. Unfortunately, right now the Machine Learning setup is a little rough around the edges. The user will have to leave behind the familiar Arduino editor and start learning a new SDK to make sure the machine learning applications work properly with this board. This board from Sparkfun is taking hobbyist electronic design to the next level. Machine Learning is a lot of fun and is clearly the direction of the future. RedBoard Artemis is currently is selling at 19.95 USD. More information and buying options can be found on this SparkFun Product Page.
FiDUS Power is pleased to announce the addition of the exciting convection cooled, high efficiency, SUF350 AC-DC open frame power supply.
With the SUF350, system designers can utilize 250W of output power from the dense 3 x 5” package without the need for fan cooling. Where fan cooling is acceptable, the full 350W potential of the SUF350 can be realised with an optional 12V fan rail available to assist.
The SUF350 has been designed to ensure engineers need not fear limiting footnotes or narrow operating conditions. The full 350W (250W convection) is available across a universal 90-264VAC input and in output voltage models as low as 12VDC without derating. The unit also operates across a wide -40°C to +50°C full power temperature range, working up to +70°C conditions at reduced power.
Certified to the latest IEC/EN/UL 62368-1 safety standard, the SUF350 provides 7 output voltage models from 12-48VDC, ensuring a good fit for a wide range of professional electronic system. Potential applications include broadcast, audio, communications, instrumentation, automation & process control.
The SUF350 also aims to cool any system compliance or thermal design concerns. With efficiencies as high as 95% limiting waste heat, as well as low radiated & conducted emissions figures, the SUF350 is well placed to assist with successful system compliance and aid a long product life.
Customers of the SUF350 can expect the same 5-year warranty, free UK delivery and hands-on application support available with all FiDUS Power solutions.
If you are working on a design that might benefit from the SUF350, please get in touch for a free engineering sample.
Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced five new 8.2mm creepage photocouplers that are the world’s smallest isolation devices for industrial automation equipment and solar inverters. With a package width of 2.5mm, the RV1S92xxA and RV1S22xxA photocouplers reduce PCB mounting area by 35 percent compared to competitive couplers. They help designers shrink equipment size, increase robot axes, and improve factory floor productivity. They also meet the needs of the zero-energy house that requires smaller solar equipment for more installations in limited space. The RV1S92xxA and RV1S22xxA photocouplers are ideal for DC to AC power inverters, AC servo motors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotic arms, solar inverters, and battery storage and charging systems.
The RV1S9260A 15 Mbps communications coupler and RV1S9213A intelligent power module (IPM) driver are the first photocouplers to use tiny LSSO5 packages with a 0.65mm pin pitch, half the pitch of conventional packages. With a package height of 2.1mm, the photocouplers can be directly mounted on the backside of a PCB, freeing up valuable space for topside mounted components. Three times infrared reflow soldering provides maximum flexibility. The RV1S92xxA photocouplers’ electric isolation and high CMR noise rejection (50 kV/µs) protects low voltage microcontrollers and I/O devices from high voltage circuits when transferring high-speed signals.
The RV1S2281A and RV1S2211A are DC input and low DC input, transistor output photocouplers, and the RV1S2285A is an AC input, transistor output coupler. The RV1S22xxA devices also provide 8.2mm creepage distance, 2.5mm package width and 2.1mm package height. They come in LSSOP packages with a 1.30mm pin pitch. All five photocouplers deliver 5000 Vrms reinforced isolation and high temperature operation to withstand harsh operating environments. The RV1S92xxA and RV1S22xxA photocouplers support 200V and 400V systems with reinforced insulation to meet industrial safety standards. All five devices adhere to the strict UL61800-5-1 standard for motor drive equipment, and the UL61010-2-201 standard for control devices such as PLCs.
“The RV1S92xxA and RV1S22xxA photocouplers give designers a variety of functions and the layout flexibility to significantly reduce equipment size and maximize factory floorspace,” said Philip Chesley, Vice President, Industrial Analog and Power Business Division at Renesas. “Our isolation devices also meet the stringent safety requirements of the UL61800-5-1 and UL61010-2-201 standards, enabling manufacturers to design a new generation of high voltage systems for their smart factories.”
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