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STMicroelectronics Launches STM32MP1 IoT Microprocessor Series

Posted on 5 March, 2019 by mixos

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is applying its Arm® Cortex® expertise to expand the capabilities of its industry-leading STM32 MCU portfolio to applications requiring even more performance, resources and large open-source software. The introduction of the STM32MP1 multicore microprocessor series with compute and graphics support combined with power-efficient real-time control and high feature integration will facilitate development of high-performance solutions for Industrial, Consumer, Smart Home, Health and Wellness applications.

STM32MP1 series microprocessor (MPU) products leverage the strong, proven STM32*-family ecosystem from ST and its partners, including tools and technical support. Moreover, with the release of OpenSTLinux as a mainlined, open-source Linux distribution, it extends the STM32 family to address important customer requirements for real-time, power-constrained applications. With this combination of MPU and software, ST has assembled all the pieces to match the product supply requirements of many industrial and professional applications. Of course, the STM32MP1 is included in ST’s rolling 10-years longevity commitment.

The STM32MP1 brings the strength of the STM32 experience to applications that need MPU compute and graphics support, combined with power efficient real-time control and high feature integration,

said Ricardo De Sa Earp, General Manager of STMicroelectronics’ Microcontroller Division.

Our commitment to consolidating open-source Linux software and microcontroller development support, combined with the longevity that consumer-oriented alternatives cannot equal, establish solid confidence in STM32MP1 for embedded MPU projects.

With ST’s new STM32MP1 microprocessor series (MPU), customers can now develop a new range of applications using the new STM32 heterogeneous architecture that combines Arm® Cortex®-A and Cortex®-M cores. This flexible architecture performs fast processing and real-time tasks on a single chip, always achieving the greatest power efficiency. For example, by stopping Cortex-A7 execution and running only from the more efficient Cortex-M4, power can typically be reduced to 25%. From this mode, going to Standby further cuts power by 2.5k times – while still supporting the resumption of Linux execution in 1 to 3 seconds, depending on the application.

The STM32MP1 embeds a 3D Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) to support Human Machine Interface (HMI) displays. It also supports a wide range of external DDR SDRAM and Flash Memories. Moreover, the STM32MP1 embeds a large set of peripherals that can be seamlessly allocated either to Cortex-A / Linux or Cortex-M / Real-time activities. The STM32MP1 series are available in a range of BGA packages to support the lowest PCB cost structure and use the smallest board space.

Two Evaluation boards (STM32MP157A-EV1 and STM32MP157C-EV1) and two Discovery kits (STM32MP157A-DK1 and STM32MP157C-DK2) will be available through Distributors channels in April.

… for further technical information, please visit the press release page: www.st.com

New LAMBDA LoRa module series achieve 22km+ range

Posted on 5 March, 20195 March, 2019 by mixos

The new LAMBDA series of RF modules have been introduced as part of the LoRa collection at RF Solutions; LAMBDA62 and LAMBDA80.

The LAMBDA modules incorporate the impressive Semtech SX1262 and SX1280 LoRa, providing ultra-long range. Spread spectrum communication and high interference immunity within minimal current consumption, provides an extremely high performance and cost-effective transceiver module.

Available as 868MHz, the LAMBDA62 has an integrated LoRa modem that features a huge 22km+ range of operation (line of sight). This sensitive, powerful module draws a low current and includes crystal, RF changeover switch, impedance matching network and track layout; providing a simple digital interface and direct antenna connection. This enables an easy plug in RF solution with maximum efficiency.

The LAMBDA80, Semtech SX1280 operates at the only worldwide acceptable 2.4GHz band, enabling the user to achieve a higher board rate allowing the model to be up to 6 times as fast.

Two versions of these transceiver modules are currently available, open or with screen can fitted. Programming of the module is via SPI Interface. The modules are RED CE certified, with FFC certification currently in process of being completed.

These new modules can be used for a variety of applications; RF alarms, sensor networks, meter readings, building control and automation and agricultural applications.

RF Solutions Ltd is UK Manufacturer and now is the largest supplier of RF Remote Controls and RF Telemetry systems, in the UK, continually working on the next generation and striving to be the leader in RF technology.

For more information on the LAMBDA transceiver modules, visit www.rfsolutions.co.uk and view the detailed datasheets available.

Nordic Semiconductor nRF52811 SoC

Posted on 5 March, 2019 by mixos

nRF52811 – Bluetooth 5.1 direction finding system-on-Chip

The nRF52811 is a multiprotocol Bluetooth^® 5.1 SoC capable of Bluetooth Direction Finding and Bluetooth Long Range, 802.15.4, Thread and Zigbee. It is part of the nRF52^® Series SoC family, offering a platform where migrating between devices is easy. It is the perfect choice for simple applications or beacons requiring Bluetooth Direction Finding or Long Range capabilities, or as a flexible connectivity SoC paired with a companion MCU in more advanced applications that can be designed to make use of a broad selection of connectivity standards.

The nRF52811 is built around the powerful 64 MHz Arm^® Cortex-M4™ CPU with 192 KB Flash and 24 KB RAM. It offers all the digital interfaces that you need, in addition to comparators and an ADC. It comes in three package options, all drop-in compatible with the nRF52810 SoC. Operating supply voltage is 1.7-3.6 V.

The nRF52811 is supported by nRF5 SDK, providing everything needed to get started with Bluetooth development, while Thread connectivity is available in the nRF5 SDK for Thread and Zigbee. The nRF52840 DK can be used as a development kit by emulating the nRF52811.

Please note: The nRF52840 Development Kit does not support Bluetooth’s Direction Finding features.

Features

64 MHz Arm® Cortex M4
192 KB Flash + 24 KB RAM
Bluetooth 5.1 radio with Direction Finding and Long Range support
IEEE 802.15.4 radio support
Full range of digital interfaces with EasyDMA
12-bit 200 ksps ADC
1.7-3.6 V supply voltage range

for more information please visit: www.nordicsemi.com

Broadcom 3535 Surface Mount 3W LEDs ASM3-SxDx-xxxxH family

Posted on 5 March, 20195 March, 2019 by mixos

Energy efficient LEDs for horticultural applications that can be driven at high driving current, LEDs can dissipate heat efficiently resulting in better performance and high reliability

Key features

Available in Deep Red, Far Red, Royal Blue and Cool White
High reliability package with enhanced silicone resin materials in ceramic platform
Wide viewing angle at 130°
Compatible with reflow soldering process and JEDEC MSL 3

Additional features

The Broadcom® 3535 Surface Mount LEDs for horticulture applications are energy efficient LEDs that can be driven at high driving current and able to dissipate heat efficiently resulting in a better performance in reliability. Its low profile package design addresses a wide variety of applications where superior robustness and high efficiency are required. In addition to being compatible to reflow soldering process, the silicone encapsulation ensures product superiority and longevity.

To facilitate easy pick and place assembly, the LEDs are packed in tape and reel. Every reel is shipped in single flux and color bin, to provide close uniformity.

Applications

Horticulture lighting
General lighting
Commercial lighting
Architecture lighting

for more information visit: www.broadcom.com

The Semi-Rugged RTC-1010M: Do More with the Tablet Built for Work

Posted on 5 March, 20195 March, 2019 by mixos

10.1″ Semi-rugged Tablet Features With Intel® N3350 / N4200 Processor With Windows® / Android

AAEON, a major developer in Industrial Rugged Tablet Solutions, announces the RTC-1010M Semi-Rugged Tablet. The RTC-1010M builds on AAEON’s experience in rugged tablet design. Featuring a 10.1” sunlight readable screen, IP54 certification and a wide range of options and features, the RTC-1010M Semi-Rugged Tablet is built for work.

Powered by an Intel® Celeron™ N3350 or Pentium™ N4200, formerly Apollo Lake, the RTC-1010M is built to easily integrate into the workspace. The RTC-1010M is the only tablet of its kind to offer a choice of Windows 10 IoT or Android 9 (available Q2). It also features USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB Type C, Micro HDMI as well as support for Micro SD and SIM cards.

Flexibility is a feature for the RTC-1010M. In addition to its standard compliment of I/O support, customers can also order options such as a smart card reader, magnetic stripe reader (MSR) and 2D barcode scanner. There is also a range of accessories from docking mounts to shoulder belts to help make the RTC-1010M even easier and more flexible to use.

The Semi-Rugged RTC-1010M is built to go where you need it. The 10.1” sunlight readable screen makes working outside easy. The RTC-1010M features a hot-swappable battery, allowing you to switch batteries without having to shut down or stop to recharge. The RTC-1010M is IP54 certified, drop tested to 76cm, and can operate in temperatures from -20°C to 50°C (-4°F~122°F). And with customized firmware, the RTC-1010M can be operated without having to take your gloves off. AAEON also offers its unparalleled service support, ensuring the RTC-1010M is always working when you are.

AAEON Rugged Tablet Product Manager “Peter Yang” stated,

The RTC-1010M Semi-Rugged Tablet is an affordable alternative to fully rugged tablets, providing durability and factory support that is unavailable with consumer tablets. The RTC-1010M is built for work.

Features

10.1″ WXGA (1280 x 800) 300-nit TFT LCD (Default)
Intel® Celeron™ N3350 1.1GHz Dual Core Up to 2.4GHz (N4200 Optional)
Onboard DDR3L Memory, 4GB (Default)
eMMC 64GB (mSATA III Up to 512GB Optional)
Projected Capacitive Multi-Touch Screen
WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, LTE (Optional)
2MP Front and 8MP Rear Camera
RS-232/422/485 COM Port + 10/100/1000 Base-T RJ45 (Optional)
USB 3.0 x 2 (USB Type-C x 1), USB 2.0 x 2
2D Barcode Scanner & Smart Card Reader (Optional)
NFC Reader (Optional)
MSR Reader (Optional)
Up to 3 GNSS, GPS+Galileo(Default), GLONASS, BeiDou (Optional)
One Hot-swappable Battery + Internal Battery, Up to 44W Battery Capacity
IP54 Compliant, Drop 76cm
Programmable Function Key: F0, F1, F2, F3, Volume Up/Down, With LED Illumination
Windows® 10 IOT / Android 8.1 (Optional)

for more information and detailed specifications, please visit: www.aaeon.com

BOURNS launches Ultra-Low 0.15 PSI Pressure Sensor

Posted on 4 March, 20194 March, 2019 by mixos

Bourns, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of electronic components, today announced the expansion of its line of environmental sensors adding an ultra-low 0.15 to 1.0 PSI pressure sensor. Bourns® Models BPS110/BPS120 pressure sensors are based on state-of-the-art Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, which provides extremely accurate condition readings in a miniature package size. Designed to deliver superior performance in applications where precision is essential, Models BPS110/BPS120 offer fully calibrated and compensated output for more efficient processes as well as long-term stability for reliable repeatability. These features make Bourns’ new pressure sensor an ideal solution for a range of industrial, consumer and medium/low-risk medical* designs including portable oxygen generators, nebulizers, CPAP equipment, diagnostic spirometers and gas chromatography equipment.

What sets Bourns apart is our strict attention to quality and expert technical support all backed by Bourns’ global supply chain,” said Alain Leon, Sensors & Controls Product Line Manager at Bourns, Inc. “Another benefit is we are able to leverage Bourns’ decades of medical market experience in meeting new application needs for highly accurate, miniaturized and sensitive sensor technologies that help designers advance and expand healthcare device and equipment usage.

Bourns Models BPS110/BPS120 feature extreme sensitivity and stability with a Total Error Band (TEB) of 1.5 % FS over a temperature range of 0 °C to +60 °C (Six-Sigma process), and lifetime drift of 0.5 % FS. The new sensor models help to minimize system calibration needs, and help support system uptime. Its compensated plug and play shorten development time, and offers excellent design flexibility for use in either analog (BPS110) or digital systems (BPS120) where an amplified, calibrated pressure signal can be acquired from the digital interface or analog output.

Features

Compensated digital output
Ultra-low pressure sensing
Digital I2C outputn Gauge and differential types
For use in clean, dry air and non-corrosive gas environments
RoHS compliant*

Bourns Models BPS110/BPS120 pressure sensors are available now. Bourns also offers port configuration and calibration customization. For more detailed product information, please go to: www.bourns.com/docs/technical-documents/technical-library/sensors/publications/Bourns_BPS110_and_120_Product_Brief.pdf.

PicoCore MX8MM features i.MX8 Mini and runs Linux

Posted on 4 March, 20194 March, 2019 by Tope Oluyemi

F&S Elektronik Systeme has unveiled its 40 x 35mm “PicoCore MX8MM” module which runs Linux on a quad-A53, 1.8GHz i.MX8 Mini with up to 8GB LPDDR4 and 32GB eMMC plus WiFi/BT, a GbE controller, PCIe, and optional -40 to 85°C support. The PicoCore MX8MM is a i.MX8M variant with lower video resolution, but a faster clock rate.

The PicoCore MX8MM has the same 40 x 35mm footprint as other F&S PicoCore models such as the i.MX7-based PicoCore MX7ULP. There are also i.MX6 and i.MX6 UL based PicoCore modules, which like the PicoCore MX8MM feature a Yocto Project-based Linux BSP. The stack includes Buildroot and UBoot. Windows 10 IoT Core will be available by the end of the year, and the i.MX8 Mini’s real-time, Cortex-M4 core supports FreeRTOS. The PicoCore MX8MM features USB 2.0 host and OTG ports and offers 4x UART, 4x I2C, 4x SPI, and 8x PWM. The power feature is listed as “+3.8V bis 5.5VDC,” and runs at 3 Watts. The module incorporates an RTC and is available in both 0 to 70°C and -40 to 85°C variants. Availability for the module extends to 2029. The module supports 1, 2, and 4-core Cortex-A53 configurations of the Mini.

The module offers up to 8GB LPDDR4 RAM, which is in contrast to the 1GB LPDDR3 present on the PicoCore MX7ULP. The module offers up to 512MB SLC NAND flash and up to 32GB eMMC flash, with a GbE controller on board along with 802.11ac and Bluetooth 5.0. The PicoCore MX8MM dual 100-pin connectors consist of a subsection of “Interfaces-FIX” pins that are similar to other PicoCore modules. This provides some backward compatibility. The PicoCore MX8MM enables LVDS or 4-lane MIPI-DSI with analog resistive and PCAP touch available via I2C. The analog and digital audio I/O comes in variety, like I2S and S/PDIF, as well as PCIe expansion and MIPI-CSI camera input. Pricing or availability are not provided for the PicoCore MX8MM, but more information should be further revealed soon.

PicoCore MX8MM specifications:

SoC – NXP i.MX 8M Mini single, dual, quad core Arm Cortex-A53 @ 1.8 GHz processor, Cortex-M4 real-time core @ 400 MHz, 512KB L2-Cache, 2D/3D GPU
System Memory – Up to 8GB LPDDR4
Storage – Up to 512MB SLC NAND flash or up to 32GB eMMC flash
Video Decode – 1080p60 HEVC H.265, VP9, H.264, VP8
Connectivity
- 802.11ac + Bluetooth 5.0 module
- Atheros AR8035 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver
Interfaces via 2x 100-pin board to board connectors
- 1x external SD Card
- 10/100/1000Mb Ethernet
- USB – 1x USB host, 1x USB 2.0 OTG
- Up to 4x UART, up to 4x I2C, up to 2x SPI
- Audio – Line In, Line Out, Mic, Headphone,I2S, SPDIF, ESAI, SAI, SSI ADR/ DATA Bus
- Display
  - LVDS up to Full HD
  - Up to 4-lane MIPI DSI
  - Touch Panel – analog resistive and PCAP touch ext. via I2C
- Camera analog/digital – MIPI CSI
- PCIe
- Up to 8x PWM, Watchdog
Supply Voltage – +3.8V bis 5.5VDC
Power Consumption – 3W typ.
Dimensions – 40 x 35 mm
Weight – 10 grams
Operating Temperature – 0°C – +70°C; opt. -40°C – +85°C

more information could be found at F&S Elektronik Systeme’s PicoCore MX8MM product page.

uChip: Arduino Zero compatible in a narrow DIP-16 package!

Posted on 4 March, 20195 March, 2019 by mixos

A very small narrow-DIP-sized, Arduino Zero compatible USB dev board (OTG enabled), with integrated buck and boost power supplies!

The Arduino ecosystem provides an invaluable resource of hardware and software, which allows quick development of a myriad of projects thanks to its fruitful community.

Several Arduino-compatible boards came out in the past years, to increase the versatility or to reduce the size of the original Arduino boards. However, in our opinion this has not come without compromises.

Some cheap boards, while being small enough, lack of a proper integrated power supply. In other words, the developer has to implement it externally, reducing the benefits of low cost and small size. In other cases, linear regulators are used, making them unsuitable for low power applications or when you need to provide a decent amount of current for the external circuitry.
Other boards use microcontrollers with limited memory, pin count or peripheral set, which make them unsuitable for more complex applications.
And finally, some boards are not breadboard compatible, and, to date no Cortex M0+ board features 0.3” spacing between rows, wasting precious breadboard space.

We wanted a device that solved all these problems without compromises.

Then we came up with our idea! We wanted a dev board:

USB based, capable of being programmed without requiring expensive external programmers, just like Arduino and many other dev boards.
With a powerful microcontroller with plenty of RAM and FLASH.
With a rich set of peripheral.
Capable of acting both as an USB host and Device.
With integrated buck and boost power supplies.
USB- or externally-powered.
Capable of providing an external programmable (3.3V or 5V) high-current power supply, when powered by USB.
Breadboard compatible, with a narrow DIP footprint (0.3” spacing).
And, of course, low cost.

We worked hard, to optimize everything, and our result is uChip!

Dimensions

Specifications

CPU: 32-bit Cortex M0+ ATSAMD21-series running at 48 MHz (Arduino Zero Compatible)
FLASH: 256 kB (248 kB due to integrated bootloader).
RAM: 32 kB, zero wait states.
Powered via USB or externally (3.3V to 5V).
Integrated 500-mA boost and 1-A buck converters and automatic power switching circuitry.
Each converter can also be individually turned off, e.g. if you want to force power draw exclusively from external pins (self-powered device), or if you want to turn off an external USB device connected with a micro A cable.
When powered through the USB port, the output voltage on the power pins can be selected via software to be either 3.3V or the USB voltage (typically 5V +/- 10%).
14 I/O pins (2 of them can be used to connect an external SWD programmer/debugger) and 2 power pins (VCC and GND).
Status LED (it can be turned on/off via software using a single instruction).
Multi function push button for reset/program.
7 12-bit ADC inputs.
10-bit DAC output.
14 external interrupt input pins.
Up to 5 serials between SPI, I2C and UART.
I2S port for audio decoders such as UDA1334A.
13 PWM pins.
Size: 28.5 mm x 10.16 mm (1.1 “ x 0.40 “), including USB port protrusions (27.23 mm x 10.16 mm excluding USB)
4-layer board for improved noise performance.
Standards narrow-DIP footprint: 0.3” (7.62 mm) row spacing, 0.1” (2.54) pin spacing.
Pinout standard logic CMOS compatible: power and GND are on pin 16 and 8, so you can also emulate some 16 pin CMOS ICs (4000 and 74HC series)!
Low cost! (13.6€ per board for 10 pieces or 20€/board!).

Comparison with Arduino Uno!

The project will be open-source, included all the examples we showed here! The schematics, gerbers, as well as sources will be released online, to allow you and the community to develop shields, applications, projects, and, why not, improve it!

The project is on www.kickstarter.com but it is not live yet. It will be launched on 10 March. Feel free to leave your feedback on the corresponding page.

60V to 5V DC-DC Step-Down Converter using LMR16030

Posted on 4 March, 2019 by mixos

The circuit published here is a compact 60V DC-DC Step down Converter that provides 5V DC output and load current up to 3A in compact size. The project is based on LMR16030.

60V to 5V DC-DC Step-Down Converter using LMR16030 – [Link]

60V to 5V DC-DC Step-Down Converter using LMR16030

The circuit published here is a compact 60V DC-DC Step down Converter that provides 5V DC output and load current up to 3A in compact size. The project is based on LMR16030.

The LMR16030 is a 60 V, 3 A SIMPLE SWITCHER® step down regulator with an integrated high-side MOSFET. With a wide input range from 4.3 V to 60 V, it’s suitable for various applications from industrial to automotive for power conditioning from unregulated sources. The regulator’s quiescent current is 40 µA in Sleep-mode, which is suitable for battery powered systems. An ultra-low 1 µA current in shutdown mode can further prolong battery life. A wide adjustable switching frequency range allows either efficiency or external component size to be optimized. Internal loop compensation means that the user is free from the tedious task of loop compensation design. This also minimizes the external components of the device. A precision enable input allows simplification of regulator control and system power sequencing. The device also has built-in protection features such as cycle-by-cycle current limit, thermal sensing and shutdown due to excessive power dissipation, and output over-voltage protection.

Also check this project -> 60V input to 5V – 3A output DC-DC Converter for Industrial and Automotive using TPS54360

TRENDING:

STMicroelectronics Launches STM32MP1 IoT Microprocessor Series

New LAMBDA LoRa module series achieve 22km+ range

Nordic Semiconductor nRF52811 SoC

Features

Broadcom 3535 Surface Mount 3W LEDs ASM3-SxDx-xxxxH family

Key features

Additional features

Applications

The Semi-Rugged RTC-1010M: Do More with the Tablet Built for Work

Features

BOURNS launches Ultra-Low 0.15 PSI Pressure Sensor

Features

PicoCore MX8MM features i.MX8 Mini and runs Linux

PicoCore MX8MM specifications:

uChip: Arduino Zero compatible in a narrow DIP-16 package!

Dimensions

Specifications

Comparison with Arduino Uno!

60V to 5V DC-DC Step-Down Converter using LMR16030

60V to 5V DC-DC Step-Down Converter using LMR16030

Features

Schematic

Parts List

Connections

Photos

Video

LMR16030 Datasheet