Page 560 – Electronics-Lab.com

USB Stack Light Controller based on PIC16F1459

Posted on 18 April, 2019 by mixos

Glen Akins build a USB Stack Light Controller based on PIC16F1459 and documents the process on this personal blog. He writes:

After using the PIC16F1459 to build numerous USB HID input devices including a giant keyboard, a tiny keyboard, and a big red button, it was time to see if the PIC16F1459 could be used to control outputs too. Sticking with the industrial theme, I chose to build a USB controller for a, um, stack of industrial stack lights.
[…]
Now that the enclosure and PCB size were finalized it was time to design the electronics. One requirement was to be able to fade the stack lights in and out and control their brightness. The PIC16F1459 only has two hardware PWM channels though. To PWM three different colored stack light segments would require external hardware or some crafty software techniques. I decided to throw hardware at the problem.

USB Stack Light Controller based on PIC16F1459 – [Link]

AMD expands Embedded Product Family with New Ryzen™ Embedded R1000

Posted on 18 April, 201918 April, 2019 by mixos

The AMD Ryzen™ Embedded R1000 SoC provides a new class of performance for the embedded industry with 3X performance per watt vs. previous AMD R-Series SoC1 and 4X performance per dollar compared to the competition.

At the Taiwan Embedded Forum, AMD announced the Ryzen™ embedded product family is growing with the new AMD Ryzen™ Embedded R1000 SoC. Building upon the success of the Ryzen™ Embedded V1000 SoC, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 SoC provides embedded customers with dual core, quad-threaded performance, as well as the ability to run fanless, low power solutions for 4K displays; while providing leading-edge security features. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 is perfect for applications in digital displays, high-performance edge computing, networking, thin clients and more.

Customers like Advantech, ASRock Industrial, IBASE, Netronome, Quixant and others are already working on Ryzen Embedded R1000-based products. As well, Atari© is using the high-performance Vega 3 graphics and ‘Zen’ CPU architecture in the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 SoC to power the upcoming Atari VCS™ game system.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 builds out the Ryzen Embedded family and provides a compelling option for customers that want access to the powerful ‘Zen’ and ‘Vega’ architecture and are looking for a highly competitive power/performance solution,

said Stephen Turnbull, director of product management and business development, Embedded Solutions, AMD.

The Ryzen Embedded R1000 can support rich multimedia environments for digital displays and casino gaming, enterprise class security features for edge computing, networking and thin clients, and, most importantly introduces a new class of performance while providing customers with software and hardware compatibility with the extended Ryzen Embedded family.

Growing the Ryzen Embedded Family

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 continues to provide the embedded industry with the high-performance, rich multimedia capabilities and advanced security features established with the Ryzen Embedded V1000.

Specifically, as the embedded industry demands more immersive and engaging visual experiences, customers need processors that can support high-resolution displays with demanding graphics. The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 supports up to three 4K displays at up to 60 FPS, while providing H.265 Encode/Decode(10b) and VP9 decode3 capabilities. This enables OEMs and ODMs to deliver a compelling visual experience.

As well, the Ryzen Embedded R1000 utilizes the same leading-edge security features of the AMD embedded family, including Secure Root of Trust and Secure Run Technology, giving customers the features for enabling secure solutions, whether they are connected into an edge computing network, or running a digital display.

Availability

The AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 will be available this quarter to ODMs and OEMs worldwide and is already supported by numerous hardware and software companies including Advantech, Alphainfo, ASRock Industrial, Axiomtech, DFI, iBase, Kontron, MEN, Mentor, Sapphire, zSpace and more.

As well, continuing a great partnership between the two companies, the AMD Ryzen Embedded R1000 SoC supports the Mentor® Embedded Linux® Flex OS, which is available now. You can read more here.

MAX16126/MAX16127 – protect power-supply inputs from automotive voltage transients

Posted on 17 April, 2019 by mixos

MAX16126/MAX16127 – protect power-supply inputs from automotive voltage transients, including load dump

The MAX16126/MAX16127 load-dump/reverse-voltage protection circuits protect power supplies from damaging input voltage conditions, including overvoltage, reverse-voltage, and high-voltage transient pulses. Using a built-in charge pump, the devices control two external back-to-back n-channel MOSFETs that turn off and isolate downstream power supplies during damaging input conditions, such as an automotive load-dump pulse or a reverse-battery condition. Operation is guaranteed down to 3V to ensure proper operation during automotive cold-crank conditions. These devices feature a flag output (active-low FLAG) that asserts during fault conditions.

For reverse-voltage protection, external back-to-back MOSFETs outperform the traditional reverse-battery diode, minimizing the voltage drop and power dissipation during normal operation.

The MAX16126/MAX16127 use external resistors to adjust the overvoltage and undervoltage comparator thresholds for maximum flexibility.

The MAX16127 provides limiter-mode fault management for overvoltage and thermal shutdown conditions; whereas the MAX16126 provides switch-mode fault management for overvoltage and thermal shutdown conditions. In the limiter mode, the output voltage is limited and active-low FLAG is asserted low during a fault. In the switch mode, the external MOSFETs are switched off and active-low FLAG is asserted low after a fault. The switch mode is available in four options: latch mode, 1 autoretry mode, 3 autoretry mode, and always autoretry mode.

The MAX16126/MAX16127 are available in 12-pin TQFN packages. These devices operate over the automotive temperature range (-40°C to +125°C).

Key features

Increases Protection of Sensitive Electronic Components in Harsh Environments
- -36V to +90V Wide Input-Voltage Protection Range
- Fast Gate Shutoff During Fault Conditions with Complete Load Isolation
- Thermal-Shutdown Protection
- Active-Low FLAG Output Identifies Fault Condition
AEC-Q100 Automotive Qualified
- Operates Down to +3V, Riding Out Cold-Crank Conditions
- -40°C to +125°C Operating Temperature Range
Integration Reduces Solution Size
- Internal Charge-Pump Circuit Enhances External n-Channel MOSFETs
- Adjustable Undervoltage/Overvoltage Thresholds
- 3mm x 3mm, 12-Pin TQFN Package
Reduced Power Dissipation Compared to Discrete Solutions
- Minimal Operating Voltage Drop for Reverse- Voltage Protection
- 350µA (max) Supply Current and 100µA (max) Shutdown Current at 30V Input

Applications

Automotive
Avionics
Industrial
Telecom/Server/Networking

Block Diagram

more information here: www.maximintegrated.com

Western Digital PC SA530 3D NAND SATA SSD

Posted on 17 April, 2019 by mixos

Up to 1TB capacity for exceptional storage options for a broad range of computing applications

High performance and high capacity for computing

The Western Digital PC SA530 combines Western Digital’s state-of-the-art 96-layer 3D NAND technology with the proven SSD platform. It also incorporates nCache™ 2.0, a tiered caching technology designed to improve responsiveness for corporate and consumer workloads. nCache 2.0 uses a combination of both SLC (single level cell) and TLC flash blocks to improve endurance, increase efficiency, and boost performance.Writing data first to the SLC cache reduces write amplification on the TLC blocks.

With on-the-fly hardware-based encryption, the Western Digital PC SA530 (SED models only) provides complete end-to-end encryption to the storage, system and infrastructure. It supports password protection, AES-256-bit encryption, TCG-OPAL 2.01 standard and PSID.

Specifications

Highlights

Western Digital 96-layer 3D NAND delivers capacities up to 1TB
2.5″/7mm cased or M.2 2280 form factors
Leading-edge SATA performance up to 560 MB/s sequential read

Applications and Workload

Desktop and Laptop Computers
Ultra-Thin Notebooks and Tablets
Interactive Applications
Industrial Applications
Media and Entertainment Applications

15A 100V Isolated Half-Bridge Driver

Posted on 17 April, 201916 April, 2019 by mixos

15 A 100V Isolated Half bridge driver project intended to be used for DC-DC converters, inverters, LED driver and motor driver applications. This projects is really helpful in industrial applications where noise is a concern since project provides optical isolation between microcontroller and high current output. ADuM4224 isolated precision Half-Bridge driver is the heart of the project. IRFR120 dual Mosfet is used as output driver. MOSFET can be replaced as per application requirement of voltage and current rating. The ADuM4224 isolators each provide two independent isolated channels. They operate with an input supply voltage ranging from 3.0 V to 5.5 V, providing compatibility with lower voltage systems. In comparison to gate drivers employing high voltage level translation methodologies, the project offers the benefit of true, galvanic isolation between the input and each output. Each output can be continuously operated up to 537 V peak relative to the input, thereby supporting low-side switching to negative voltages. The differential voltage between the high-side and low-side can be as high as 800 V peak. Refer to truth table for operation conditions. The board tested with input frequency of 100 KHz but will support frequency up to 1 MHz. CN3 connector provided for logic signal and supply input, CN1 Output drive supply , CN2 load supply input, CN4 for load connection.

15A 100V Isolated Half-Bridge Driver – [Link]

Programmable USB Hub will soon launch on Crowdsupply

Posted on 17 April, 2019 by mixos

A USB hub that’s also a dev board and an I2C, GPIO, and SPI bridge.

In addition to being a 4-port USB 2 High-Speed hub, this Programmable USB hub is also:

A CircuitPython based development board.
A bridge between your computer and I2C (via Sparkfun Qwiic connectors), GPIO, and SPI (via its mikroBUS header).
A power supply, providing 6 A of 5 V power to downstream devices and 13 mA resolution monitoring (per-port).
A USB to TTL Serial adapter.
A flexible embedded electronics test and development tool.
Mountable.
Functionally flexible. Open source python drivers on the upstream host and Python firmware on the internal MCU allow the behavior of this USB hub to be easily changed to suit your application and environment.

The Capable Robot Programmable USB hub is housed in a robust extruded aluminum enclosure.

Internally mounted LED light pipes direct status information from 10 RGB LEDs to the front panel for easy observation of hub state.

The rear of the enclosure exposes the upstream USB connection and a USB port to re-program and communicate with the internal MCU. Also exposed are two I2C buses (via Sparkfun Qwiic connectors), the Programmable USB hub’s UART, and 2x GPIO. Input power is provided to the hub by a locking Molex Micro-Fit connector.

Features and Specifications

USB2 High-Speed Hub
- 4x USB2 High Speed (480 mbps) downstream ports
- 1x USB2 High Speed (480 mbps) upstream port
- 5th endpoint on USB hub exposes I2C, SPI, UART, and 2x GPIO
- Data lines to each USB port can be disconnected via software commands. This allows errant USB devices to be “unplugged” virtually and re-enumerated.
- USB digital signals can be boosted to help drive long cables.
Power Monitoring & Control
- 5 V power on each downstream port can be individually turned on and off
- Monitor the power consumed by each port at up to 1 kHz at a resolution of 13 mA
- Adjustable (per-port) current limits between 0.5 A and 2.6 A
- Onboard regulators support 12 V to 24 V power input and generate 6 A of 5 V power for downstream devices. No power is drawn from the upstream USB port.
- Input power is protected from over-voltage events and reverse-polarity connection.
Physical IO
- mikroBUS header to add additional sensors and connectivity. Solder jumpers enable the UART and SPI to connect to either the USB hub IC or the MCU.
- JST GH connector with UART and 2x GPIO, controlled by the USB hub.
- 2x Sparkfun Qwiic connectors enable easy attachment of I2C sensors to the USB hub or to the internal MCU.
- 5x RGB status LEDs to visualize port power draw
- 5x RGB status LEDs to visualize port connection types
Open Source Python Drivers
- MIT-licensed Python drivers allow you to control and monitor your USB hub the way you want to.
- Easy integration into hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) test systems
- Automate testing of embedded USB devices. You can simulate USB unplug events, unexpected loss of USB power, control.
- Control and monitor the USB hub via the upstream USB port or the MCU USB port.
Runs Adafruit CircuitPython
- An ATSAMD51 microcontroller configures the USB hub IC and is available for you to reprogram to change the behavior of your hub.
- The microcontroller ships with open source CircuitPython firmware which is updatable over the MCU USB connector. No drivers or reflashing hardware is needed – Python firmware shows up as files on a small flash hard drive when connected to your computer and can be immediately edited.
Robust Design
- Extruded aluminum enclosure with optional rubber bumper end caps and optional flange mounts.
- OEM version (board only) has corner mounting holes for easy integration into a custom enclosure.
- IO is protected from ESD strikes (exact specification TBD).
- Locking input power connector with reverse polarity protection and over-voltage protection
- Reinforced Micro-USB connectors

The project is soon going to launch on CrowdSuppy.com

Get on the Edge with AIOT Solutions from AAEON

Posted on 17 April, 201917 April, 2019 by mixos

With the introduction of the AIOT-ILND01, AAEON now offers complete end-to-end edge computing solutions for systems integrators and independent software vendors.

AAEON, an industry leader in AIoT edge computing solutions, announces the AIOT-ILND01 LoRa node. With the introduction of this small, but powerful edge device, AAEON now offers complete end-to-end hardware solutions for systems integrators and independent software vendors developing edge computing applications. Together with our powerful AIoT Gateways, the AIOT-ILRA01 and AIOT-IP6801, SI/ISV developers will be able to find everything they need with AAEON.

AIOT-ILND01 – LoRa Long Range Radio Node

The key to AAEON’s end-to-end solution is to provide SI/ISVs with a package solution that reduces development and integration time, and shortens time-to-market. This is achieved through a combination of providing powerful solutions, SDKs for our products, and CE certifications that allow SI/ISVs to pick and choose the most appropriate hardware solutions for their applications.

The AIOT-ILND01 LoRa Node is available as a board or with an enclosure. It can be powered by two 14500 Lithium-ion batteries, or through its micro USB 2.0 port. It features built-in temperature and humidity sensors, as well as a 3-axis accelerometer, and is designed to also connect with a wide variety of sensors and inputs. With three Grove connectors, it is easy to connect to a computer to configure. Our SDK enables developers to program the AIOT-ILND01 to suit the functions of their applications. AAEON also provides manufacturer and ODM services to customize the unit itself.

AIOT-IP6801 – Outdoor IoT Gateway Device with IP68 Rating and Waterproof connectors

Combined with our AIoT gateways, AAEON provides a solution that’s ready for SI/ISVs. The AIOT-IP6801 is an IP68 certified AIoT gateway that is rugged and weather proof, perfect for deploying in harsh conditions. Cloud certifications, like Microsoft Azure, The Things Network, and ResIOT, all certified with the AIOT-ILRA01, mean it’s easy for SI/ISVs to find a cloud platform that is compatible with AAEON products. For software developers who wish to implement their own platforms, our SDKs and hardware customization support can help ease the process and help reduce development turnaround times.

AIOT-ILRA01 – LoRa® Certified Intel® Based Gateway and Network Server

From LoRa nodes, to gateways, to our Up Board maker kits and more, AAEON provides a complete end-to-end AIoT edge computing solution. With our complete hardware and software SDKs support, IoT user, system integrators, and independent software vendors will be able to bring the edge to their projects.

15A 100V Isolated Half-Bridge Driver

The ADuM42241 is 4 A isolated, half-bridge gate driver that employ the Analog Devices, Inc., iCoupler® technology to provide independent and isolated high-side and low-side outputs. The ADuM4224 provides 5000 V rms isolation in the wide-body, 16-lead SOIC package. Combining high speed CMOS and monolithic transformer technology, these isolation components provide outstanding performance characteristics superior to the alternatives, such as the combination of pulse transformers and gate drivers.

Note : Output MOSFETs can be used as per application requirement of voltage and load current, supply input will be depend on MOSFET.

Features

Supply Output Side 12V DC ( 5V-18V Possible Refer Note)
Supply VDD1 5V-12V DC
Input Signal VIA/VIB 3V to 5V
Frequency Up to 1Mhz
PCB Dimensions 57.04mm X 48.12 mm

Schematic

Parts List

Connections

ADuM4224 Truth Table

Photos

ADuM4224 Datasheet

Novasom M7 SBC aims to be a Drop-In Replacement for Raspberry Pi 3

Posted on 16 April, 2019 by mixos

Novasom RASPMOOD family of SBCs aims to provide a drop-in replacement for Raspberry Pi based designs by providing mechanically and electrically compatible boards, as well as a software layer that allows the RASPMOOD boards to leverage the software you’ve already developed for your Raspberry Pi 3 design.

The Novasom M7 is a form-fit and function industrial replacement of a Pi3, where users can get a lot more in terms of performance and moreover in industrial safety of the product (wide range protected power, don’t eat µSD, available on logistic programmed production flow, technical assistance team always available and so on), without destroying them started project thanks to a compatible HW in form fit and functions.

Specifications:

SoC – Rockchip RK3328 quad core Cortex-A53 processor with Mali-450MP4 GPU
System Memory – Up to 4 GB DDR3 RAM
Storage – Up to 256 GB eMMC Flash + uSD slot
Video Output – HDMI 2.0 to to 4K @ 60 Hz, LVDS via external adapter, PCAP on Connector (dedicated I2C port)
Camera – Parallel camera support
Audio – Analog line out
Connectivity – 10/100M Ethernet, optional 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi with PCB antenna
USB – 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1x micro USB OTG port
Expansion – 40-pin Raspberry Pi compatible header with 2x I2C @ 3.3 V, 1x SPI, 22x GPIO @ 1.8V
Debugging – TTL debug port
Misc – 1x user LED, RTC with external rechargeable battery , user reset push-button
Power Supply – 12V (6.5 to 18V protected); UPS manager (battery not included)
Dimensions – 86 x 54 mm
Temperature Range – 0 to 70°C

Novasom Industries made a necessary SW layer that allows the M7 and all other “RASPMOOD” boards to be programmable exactly with Pi3 SW you made, without any trouble and SW reprogramming effort. Several boards use the 40 pin strip connector, known as P2, as a sort of standard so the SW developed for these can be directly transferred on the Novasom RASPMOOD boards. Runs with the Debian you design with, Android, Linux or with a provided easy to use ruggedized Kernel (that open the system in ram and do not eat microSD) from Novasom Industries.

Features

Quad Core Cortex A53 @1,5 GHz
4K UHD on HDMI
USB 3
Wi-Fi/BT certified
Wide range protected power supply
RASPMOOD design

More boards and details can be found in Novasom Arm’s SBC products page.

via www.cnx-software.com

Avalue introduces EMX-KBLU2P, the thin Mini ITX Embedded Industrial motherboard

Posted on 16 April, 2019 by mixos

Avalue Technology Inc. (TAIEX: 3479-TW), a global industrial PC solution provider and an associate member of the Intel® Internet of Things Solutions Alliance, is unveiling EMX-KBLU2P, based on Intel® Core™ and Celeron® Processors.

EMX-KBLU2P, the Thin Mini ITX Motherboard, supports Intel® 6/7th Generation Core™ i7/i5/i3 and Celeron® BGA Processors, offering three independent display—DP, HDMI, 2 dual-channel LVDS by 2 Chrontel CH7511 in the resolution of 1920*1080, ideal for all-in-one PC, POS, Digital Signage, and kiosk markets. Meanwhile, EMX-KBLU2P features extended temperature tolerance -20°C~+70°C (with heatsink, under 0.5 m/s air flow speed testing) and fanless design, which is suitable for industrial and outdoor applications under harsh operating conditions.

EMX-KBLU2P main features:

Onboard Intel Gen 6/7th Core™ SoC i7/i5/i3 & Celeron®BGA Processor Thin Mini ITX
Two 260-pin DDR4 SO-DIMM socket, supports up to 32GB (non ECC only)
1 x DP++, 1 x HDMI/DP, 2CH LVDS/co-lay eDP
1 x Intel® I219LM, 1 x Intel® I210IT PCI-e Gigabit Ethernet
4 x USB 2.0, 4 x USB 3.0
4x RS232 , 2 x RS422/485,16-bit GPIO
Onboard TPM 2.0 & TPM 1.2 (optional)
2 x SATA III, 2 x SATA Power
1 x M.2 Type B 3042/2242/2260/2280 (with 2 x PCI-e x 1 (default)
DC in +12~24V
Operating Temp -20°C~+70°C (with heatsink, under 0.5 m/s air flow speed testing)

For more information of full range of the Mini ITX motherboard, please visit www.avalue.com.tw, or contact with sales@avalue.com.tw for more details.

No pricing or availability information was provided for the EMX-KBLU2P. More information may be found in Avalue’s EMX-KBLU2P announcement and product page.