COMMELL unveiled Pico-ITX LP-178 based on Whiskey Lake-U processors

Taiwan Commate Computer Inc.(COMMELL), the worldwide leader of Industrial Single Board Computers, unveiled LP-178 Pico-ITX  based on Intel® 8th Gen. FCBGA1528 “Whiskey Lake”. The “Whiskey” PC is claimed to deliver better performance than a PC base on previous embedded U-series processors- enabled by 4 instead of 2 cores plus an overall improved micro architecture.  The 8th Gen. Core™ i7 U-series Mobile processor for IoT applications are feature rich delivering high performance per watt.

The COMMELL LP-178 platform provides excellent CPU, graphics, media performance, flexibility, and enhanced security, is ideally suited to applications requiring multi-tasking capabilities, such as gaming, surveillance, medical, defense, transportation and industrial automation application.

The LP-178 Pico-ITX is designed for the 8th generation Intel® Core™ i7-8665UE and Celeron® 4305UE processors. The Core™ i7 part has a 1.7GHz base clock with 8MB cache and a 4.4GHz max turbo frequency, and the Celeron® part has a 2.0GHz base clock with 2MB cache, both of them offer long-life availability. The LP-178 features one DDR4-2400 SO-DIMM slot for up to 16GB of memory(Celeron® 4305UE up to DDR4-2133 16GB). The platform is based on Intel® Generation 9.5 HD Graphics GPU, Displays can be connected via 1 LVDS from ADP-3460 module, 1 HDMI and one DP port onboard, up to three displays can be controlled simultaneously.

Specifications listed for the LP-178 include:

  • Processor — Intel 8th Gen “Whiskey Lake” UE-series (FCBGA1528 package) with Intel Gen 9.5 HD Graphics (24 EU) and 15W TDP (configurable TDP of 12.5W to 25W); defaults to:
    • Core i7-8665UE — 4x octa-threaded cores @ 1.7GHz (4.4GHz Turbo); 8MB cache; Graphics 620
    • Celeron 4305UE — 2x cores @ 2.0GHz; 2MB cache; Graphics 610
  • Memory — up to 16GB of DDR4 via single socket (2400MHz on i7-8665UE, 2133MHz on 4305UE)
  • Storage — SATA 3.0
  • Networking — 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports (Intel I210-AT and 1219LM with AMT 12.0)
  • Display/media:
    • HDMI port
    • DisplayPort
    • LVDS (18/24-bit, single/dual channel) via converter module or optional DP-to-VGA
    • Triple display support
    • Realtek ALC262 HD audio mic-in, line-out interfaces
  • Other I/O:
    • 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 host ports
    • 2x USB 2.0
    • 2x RS232
    • PS/2, LPC, SPI, SMBus, fan
  • Expansion — M.2 E-key 2230 slot for WiFi/Bluetooth
  • Other features — Watchdog; RTC with battery
  • Power — 12V DC
  • Operating temperatures — 0 to 60°C
  • Dimensions — 100 x 72mm (Pico-ITX form factor)
  • Operating system — Linux or Windows 10

LP-178 offers lots of features including high-speed data transfer interfaces such as 2 x USB3.1 and 1 x SATAIII, equipped with dual Gigabit Ethernet ( 1 x Intel® I219-LM Gigabit PHY LAN with iAMT 12.0 supported and 1 x Intel® I210-AT Gigabit LAN), and comes with  2 x RS232, 2 x USB2.0, Intel® High Definition Audio, 1 M.2 Key E for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, 12V DC input.

No pricing or availability information was provided for the LP-178. More information may be found in Commell’s LP-178 announcement and product page.

The easy way to create secure IoT device connections to Amazon Web Services

Renesas Electronics’ new RX65N Cloud Kit provides a simple, application-ready platform for the development of IoT sensor devices which connect to the cloud via Amazon Web Services (AWS).

The kit features an RX65N microcontroller, on-board Wi-Fi® wireless connectivity, environmental, light and inertial sensors, and support for Amazon’s FreeRTOS real-time operating system.

Future Electronics is now offering RN65N Cloud Kits free to qualified customers. Apply today and get started quickly with your new cloud-connected product development.

The RX65N kit provides a ready-made, secure connection to AWS. In Renesas’ e2 studio IDE, developers can create IoT applications by configuring Amazon FreeRTOS, all the necessary drivers, and the network stack and component libraries.

The e2 studio IDE enables designers to develop IoT applications with powerful features, creating Amazon FreeRTOS projects from a GitHub directory and immediately building them.

In the IDE, they can also set up an Amazon FreeRTOS network stack and component libraries, such as Device Shadow, without requiring detailed knowledge of the system. They can embed additional functions based on Amazon FreeRTOS, such as USB connectivity and a file system, on an IoT endpoint device.

APPLY TODAY

Features

  • 32-bit, 120MHz RX65N MCU
  • Silex Wi-Fi connectivity chipset on a Pmod module
  • Cloud Option Board with:
  • Two USB ports for serial communications and debugging
  • Digital light sensor for ambient/infrared light measurement
  • MEMS accelerometer/gyroscope
  • MEMS gas, temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor

Applications

  • Industrial automation
  • Building automation
  • Home appliances
  • Smart meters

The RX65N Cloud Kit provides an excellent evaluation and prototyping environment for sensor-based IoT endpoint equipment. Developers can also use Renesas’ browser-based software to visualize their sensor data on a cloud dashboard.

Marktech reflective sensors feature 0.5-1.5mm short detection distance

Marktech Optoelectronics has announced the expansion of its surface-mount family of SWIR reflective sensors.

The sensors are suitable for position sensing and detection applications, including card, barcode, edge sensing and money bill readers. Marktech surface-mount SWIR reflective sensors combine both a short wavelength infrared emitter and a high-sensitivity InGaAs photodiode. Emitted light from the sensor is reflected back to the detector side as an object enters the sensing area, with an optimal short detection distance of 0.5-1.5mm.

The series is offered in six standard models, each with its own peak emission wavelength from 1040-1625nm. They are offered in 4-pad SMD black moulded housing. The black housings are designed to help reduce the risks of measurement uncertainty created by external ambient light effects. The series’ overall footprint measures 5.1×3.3mm. Units are both REACH and RoHS compliant.

Small-to-medium sized quantities of standard surface-mount SWIR reflective sensors are typically available with 24-hour shipment from stock through Digi-Key Electronics. Sensor customization is also available upon request, in quantities ranging from prototypes to OEM volumes.

For more information about surface mount SWIR reflective sensor offerings, or other products available from Marktech Optoelectronics, visit www.marktechopto.com.

First 8-pin STM32 MCUs for smaller and more power-efficient smart objects

STM32G0 Entry-level Arm® Cortex®-M0+ MCUs

The new STM32G0 Series is not simply another Arm® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller. It sets a new definition of what an efficient microcontroller must offer. This is all about best optimization, down to each and every detail, to offer the best value for your money and allow you to achieve your goals with the minimum BOM cost and the maximum flexibility for upgrades.

  • The STM32G0x0 Value line is highly competitive in traditional 8-bit and 16-bit markets and embeds an accurate internal clock allowing further cost saving. It eliminates the need to manage different architectures and the associated development overhead.
  • The STM32G0x1 line provides upgraded features in analog and is IoT ready with upgraded security functions. It offers a wide range of memory sizes, voltage and packages, bringing flexibility to cost-sensitive applications.

The STM32G0 Series enables the one-architecture-fits-all concept and is ready for tomorrow’s needs.

Efficient, robust and simple, the STM32G0 series is available with 16 to 512 Kbytes of Flash memory in 8- to 100-pin packages, satisfying the needs of a large variety of applications and segments.

Chirp and Linkplay Deliver a Turnkey Solution for Frictionless Audio-Based Provisioning of Smart Devices

Combining embedded data-over-sound with cornerstone Wi-Fi audio technology for enhanced connectivity of smart consumer applications.

Chirp, a pioneer of data-over-sound technology and Linkplay Technology, a leader in Wi-Fi audio solutions have today announced a technical partnership, delivering a turnkey solution for the frictionless, audio-based provisioning of smart-enabled consumer applications.

Chirp’s ultrasonic machine-to-machine communications software enables any device with a loudspeaker or microphone to exchange data via inaudible sound waves. Working like an audio QR code, the technology sends data seamlessly over sound waves to enhance end-user experiences and add value to existing hardware. As a leader in integrated Wi-Fi audio technology, Linkplay works closely with device owners to integrate cost effective, smart solutions into audio-enabled devices and create compelling user experiences at scale.

Leveraging Chirp’s ultrasonic audio protocol, smart-enabled devices integrated with Linkplay’s comprehensive set of Wi-Fi Audio modules can utilise audio-based data transfer capabilities to enable seamless provisioning for consumer applications in close proximity, without the need for additional hardware.

Combining the capabilities of embedded data-over-sound with Linkplay’s cornerstone Wi-Fi audio technology, the two companies have delivered a software-defined connectivity solution which removes any device set up, pairing or configuration requirements to facilitate secure, seamless network provisioning.

Chirp’s data-over-sound technology will encode credentials into an inaudible tone, which is then transmitted to a microphone or speaker already built in to a smart-enabled device. This data is then received over audio and the device is connected to a network, enabling frictionless user experiences at scale across a range of modern CE applications. Integrating Chirp’s SDK into Linkplay’s Wi-Fi Audio modules will add further connectivity capabilities to a range of audio-enabled consumer hardware, such as smart speakers, TVs and home control systems. Removing the need for additional hardware, the partnership delivers a robust and cost-effective provisioning solution for third party OEMs without additions to their bill of materials.

“Chirp’s software-defined data-over-sound offering presents an extremely novel approach to provisioning smart-enabled devices. Delivering cost-effective device-to-device connectivity at scale remains an inherent challenge for many CE device manufacturers today. Combining the power of data-over-sound with our portfolio of WiFi audio solutions, we can provide a scalable turnkey solution which eliminates device provisioning challenges to not only enrich the user experience, but support manufacturers with the continued development of their audio products.” commented Lifeng Zhao, CEO of Linkplay.

“Audio continues its prevalence as a highly advantageous form of connectivity within the smart device landscape, commented James Nesfield, CEO of Chirp. “Partnering with Linkplay to introduce the capabilities of data-over-sound across a vast range of audio-enabled devices further establishes the technology’s position as a vehicle for enhanced connectivity between modern consumer applications. We look forward to seeing the value that our technical partnership delivers for Linkplay customers when advancing the connectivity of modern devices and ultimately, elevating the end-user experience.”

A video demonstration can be found here.

For more information, visit https://chirp.io and https://linkplay.com/

Rock Pi 4C SBC to Support Dual Display Setups via micro HDMI and mini DP Ports

Rockchip RK3399 powered Rock Pi 4 SBC was introduced at the end of 2018 and followed nearly exactly Raspberry Pi 3 Model B form factor just with a more powerful processor, GPU, as well as more memory depending on which model you purchase.

In June 2019, the Raspberry Pi foundation launched Raspberry Pi 4 SBC with a much faster processor and many of the same ports as its predecessor except for support for two HDMI displays via micro HDMI ports. Radxa has now followed with Rock Pi 4C which offers two modern video outputs, but with a twist as the upcoming SBC combines one micro HDMI port with one mini DP port.

The company explains Rock Pi 4B uses RK3399’s USB type-C controller for the two USB 3.0 ports, and as a result, they only have 2 remaining lanes for DisplayPort which they routed to a mini DP port supporting up to 2560 x 1440 resolution at 60 Hz on DisplayPort 1.2 monitors. The HDMI port still supports 3840×2160 @ 60 Hz but the full-size HDMI port has been replaced by a micro HDMI port due to space constraints.

Rock Pi 4C preliminary specifications:

  • SoC – Rockchip RK3399 big.LITTLE hexa-core processor with  2x Arm Cortex-A72 @ up to 1.8 GHz, 4x Cortex-A53 @ up to 1.4 GHz, a Mali-T864 GPU with support OpenGL ES1.1/2.0/3.0/3.1, OpenVG1.1, OpenCL, DX11, and AFBC, and a VPU with 4K VP9 and 4K 10-bit H265/H264 decoding
  • System Memory – 64-bit 4GB LPDDR4 @ 3200 Mbps (single chip)
  • Storage – eMMC module socket, micro SD card slot up to 128GB, 4-lane M.2 NVMe SSD socket
  • Video Output / Display Interface
    • micro HDMI 2.0a up to 4K @ 60 Hz
    • mini DP 1.2 up to 2560 x 1440 @ 60 Hz
    • 2-lane MIPI DSI via FPC connector
    • Dual independent display support
  • Audio – Via HDMI and 3.5mm audio jack; HD codec supporting up to 24-bit/96Khz audio
  • Camera – MIPI-CSI2 connector for camera up to 8MP
  • Connectivity – Gigabit Ethernet with PoE support (additional HAT required), 802.11ac WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0 with on-board antenna
  • USB – 1x USB 3.0 host port, 1x USB 3.0 OTG port, 2x USB 2.0 host ports
  • Expansion
    • 40-pin expansion header with 1x UART, 2x SPI bus, 2x I2C bus,  1x PCM/I2S, 1x SPDIF, 1x PWM, 1x ADC, 6x GPIO, and power signals (5V, 3.3V, and GND)
  • Misc – RTC
  • Power Supply – Via USB-C port supporting USB PD 2.0 (9V/2A, 12V/2A, 15V/2A, or 20V/2A) and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0/.0 (9V/2A, 12V/1.5A).
  • Dimensions – 85 x 54 mm

Rock Pi 4C board will only come with 4GB RAM, as the option for 1 or 2GB RAM will not be offered since they change to a new 64-bit single-chip 4GB LPDDR4 RAM for easier manufacturing and quality assurance. Software support remains the same with Android TV, Android, Debian Desktop and Ubuntu Server operating systems handled by Radxa, and there are also third-party images such as Armbian, RecalBox or LibreELEC.

Rock Pi 4C will launch at the end of this month, and the price will be the same as for the equivalent Rock Pi 4B model, meaning $75 excluding shipping and taxes.

via www.cnx-software.com

Streamline the signal chain in factory automation

Simplify precision measurements of ±20 mV to ±20 V FSR with the ADS125H02 – the first high-input impedance delta-sigma ADC

The ADS125H02 is a ±20-V input, 24-bit, delta-sigma (ΔΣ) analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC features a low-noise programmable gain amplifier (PGA), an internal reference, clock oscillator, and signal or reference out-of-range monitors.

The integration of a wide input range, ±18-V PGA and an ADC into a single package reduces board area up to 50% compared to discrete solutions.

Programmable gain of 0.125 to 128 (corresponding to an equivalent input range from ±20 V to ±20 mV) eliminates the need for an external attenuator or external gain stages. 1-GΩ minimum input impedance reduces error caused by sensor loading. Additionally, the low noise and low drift performance allow direct connections to bridge, resistance temperature detector (RTD), and thermocouple sensors.

The digital filter attenuates 50-Hz and 60-Hz line cycle noise for data rates ≤ 50 SPS or 60 SPS to reduce measurement error. The filter also provides no-latency conversion data for high data throughput during channel sequencing.

The ADS125H02 is housed in a 5-mm × 5-mm VQFN package and is fully specified over the –40°C to +125°C temperature range.

> Click here to learn more

Signet High-Capacity Thumb-drive, Your Libre Personal Information Security Multi-tool

Signet HC is a secure USB drive built with open-hardware and free open-source software. It is an encrypted flash drive, a two-factor authentication (2FA) device and a hardware password and personal information manager, making it a portable solution to a variety of data security problems.

Signet HC is physically secured, it requires a user taking physical action (press a button on the device) to enable sensitive commands to be executed, the button flashes blue when any sensitive command is sent to the device. Physical security blocks malicious software from executing commands on the device. Signet HC’s encrypted data is password protected and can be unlocked through its cross-platform client application (available on Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux, and Android). The client software is stored on the device in a read-only partition, enabling the user to use it without downloading software.

Signet Two Factor Authentication

Signet HC’s Two-factor authentication requires a secure device present in order to log in to a website or complete a key transaction. Two-factor authentication also compensates for weak or compromised passwords. Signet HC implements the FIDO U2F and FIDO2 two-factor authentication protocols utilized by a number of popular websites. Once Signet HC has been paired with a compatible website, a users can complete their login or transaction by pressing the device button when its light flashes. Signet HC can also be configured to disable two-factor authentication features until the device is unlocked. This provides additional security for the device.

Signet HC can contain several types of storage volumes in its embedded 32 GB flash memory, with each suited to different purposes. They include :

  • Read-only volumes,
  • Read-only volumes, One-time-use volumes,
  • Physically-secured volumes, and
  • Unencrypted volumes.

Signet HC implements password management features. This is done by storing a password database in an encrypted format inside its microcontroller’s internal flash memory. Once the device is unlocked you can view the data directly in the client and copy to the clipboard. The client supports browser plugins for Firefox and Chrome that can fill in data such as login and password information on text forms. The client can also forward the data to the device’s USB keyboard interface to type data directly into another application.

Signet HC’s function is not limited to storing information about account passwords. It also has a flexible database structure that enables a user to create new data types and to add fields to individual entries for notes and associated data. This enables you to safely store any data you wish to keep off the cloud.

Signet HC can be configured to regularly back up your data when connected to your primary computer. It can be backed up to either your computer’s hard disk or a designated removable media device. The Signet client can then read the backups when you provide the master password, offering users immediate access to their data and the option to upload the data to a replacement device, if you misplace your former device.

Signet HC enables the creation of multiple profiles, each with its own unlock password. Each profile can be configured to display only some database entries or storage volumes stored on the device. This enables a user to create different profiles with different settings to prevent sensitive information from being seen by others.

The source code and CAD files for Signet HC will be released before the devices are delivered. The software will be released under the GPLv3 license and the hardware specifications under the CERN Open Hardware License v1.2.

Hardware Features

  • Microcontroller: STM32F733 Cortex M7 @ 216 MHz
  • USB interface: 2.0 High-speed
  • Dimensions: 52 mm x 19 mm x 8.5 mm (longer than original Signet, but thinner)
  • Mass storage capacity: 32 GB
  • Mass storage medium: eMMC chip
  • Circuit design license: CERN OHL v1.2
  • Enclosure: Injection molded ABS plastic with snap-together design
  • Database Capacity: 384 KB – enough space for thousands of entries
  • Database Storage Type: On-chip flash memory
  • GPIO: Three GPIO pins, or one UART port and one GPIO
  • Firmware code size: 128 KB
  • Maximum unencrypted transfer speed: 35 MB/s
  • Maximum encrypted transfer speed: 15 MB/s
  • Physical interface: illuminated tactile switch

Software Features

  • Compatibility: Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android
  • Client software license: GPLv3
  • Firmware software license: GPLv3
  • Encryption Method: AES-128 or AES-256 with cipher block chaining (CBC)
  • Encryption Key Derivation: SCrypt hash function with per-device randomized salt
  • Two-factor authentication protocols: FIDO U2F and FIDO2
  • Volume encryption
  • One-time use volumes: Created to transfer files; deleted automatically after use
  • Physically secured volumes: Copying files to OS requires a Signet button press
  • Password and personal information manager: Can be accessed by the client and/or browser plugin
  • Cryptographic features: File signing, file signature verification, file, and email encryption, SSH-authentication, etc
  • Client software on a read-only volume
  • Compatible with the original Signet device

Visit the crowdfunding page for more information on the Signet HC, and/or to pledge $80 for the 32GB USB drive. The Github page is accessible, but currently only contains resources for the first Signet USB security key and PCB files. The firmware is not ready to be released yet but will be published before the devices are shipped.

MEMS thermopile vacuum sensors effective from 1 millitorr to 1 atm

The PVC3000 series of MEMS thermopile vacuum sensors from Posifa Technologies deliver a wide effective range from 1 millitorr (0.13 Pa) to 1 atm (760 torr, or 101 kPa) to eliminate the need for additional sensing technology and to lower overall solution costs.

The upper effective range of traditional Pirani vacuum sensors is capped at around 30 torr. To measure vacuum above this value, an additional piezoresistive or capacitive pressure sensor is required. With their wide effective range, the PVC3000 vacuum sensors released today can measure vacuum to 1 atm without the need for an additional pressure sensor, allowing designers to replace two components with one in vacuum gauges for HVAC and industrial applications. Using a differential measurement setup (one sensor for reference and one for vacuum measurement), the PVC3000 series allows for automatic internal temperature compensation and eliminates other environmental factors that can cause sensors to drift. The result is excellent repeatability and long-term stability.

Available in TO5 (PVC3001) or TO46 (PVC3004) metal cans, the devices offer fast response times under 2ms typical and operate over a -25 to +85°C temperature range.

Posifa Technologies – www.posifatech.com

Neural computing kit combines Atomic Pi SBC with Intel’s NCS2

Following the success of their last product; the Atomic Pi SBC which sold for only $34 and sold out multiple times, Team IoT, has returned with another successful Kickstarter project for a Neural Computing Development Kit that combines the Intel Cherry Trail-based Atomic Pi SBC with a 2GB RAM and 16GB eMMC, with Intel’s Neural Compute Stick 2 AI accelerator (NCS2).

The kit which comes with Ubuntu and intel’s OpenVINO preloaded on the Atomic Pi SBC to save users some startup time, also ships with an unnamed machine vision camera, a small breakout board, cables, and a 5V 5A power supply, making the kit all users need to develop AI-based solutions, out of the box, especially with the fact that the preloadedOpenVINO deep learning toolkit already comes with patches and code samples with pre-downloaded and pre-optimized models.

The Atomic Pi SBC around which the kit is based is an impressive SBC especially considering the $33 price which makes it surprisingly cheap for an Intel processor-based SBC. While there have been several reports about few issues around the board in the past, most of those issues seemingly stemmed from users loading a Windows 10 on the board instead of Linux, and this makes good guessing ground for the reasons behind the board being preloaded with Ubuntu (on a lighter note).

The embarrassing situations aside, the Atomic Pi is a rugged SBC, built around the Intel Atom x5-Z8350 Cherry Trail generation SoC, with 4x 14nm-fabricated cores clocked at 1.91GHz, which might be considered a “sell-off” product by many as Intel made a lot of them for an x86 smartphone wave that never hit and is the same SoC was used on Aaeon’s original, $99 UP board and DFRobot’s original $119 LattePanda SBC. The Pi maintains a 130 x 100 x 50mm form factor with a high profile that is a result of the huge heat sink slapped on top of the board. It is equipped with a gigabit Ethernet Port, WiFi-ac, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, micro-USB 3.0 OTG, and an HD-only HDMI port with audio output.  It also comes with a useful debug interface and a 9-axis IMU which might come in handy for certain projects.

Intel Neural Compute Module Stick 2

Apart from the Atomic Pi, the other key element in the Kit is the intel Neural Compute stick 2 for which Intel is assisting the team with support. The compute stick 2 which was released on December 2018 is an impressive upgrade to the Stick 1. it features the latest, 1TOP (trillion operations per second) Myriad X VPU which offers up to 10-times the performance of the Myriad 2 VPU and according to Intel, is designed “for applications requiring multiple neural networks running simultaneously”.  The 72.5 x 27 x 14mm form factor NCS2 typically pairs with intel’s OpenVINO toolkit, offloading video processing for deep learning and freeing up the CPU for other tasks. It is connected to the Atomic Pi via the onboard USB 3.0 port.

Starting at $99 (for early bird), the team is set to begin shipping the complete kit by late October/November.

More information on price, Kit specifications, and shipping timelines can be found on the project’s Kickstarter page.

TOP PCB Companies