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IDT launches ZMOD4410 Metal Oxide Gas Sensors

Posted on by mixos

IDT ZMOD4410 Metal Oxide Gas Sensors are designed to detect Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and monitor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). The ZMOD4410 gas sensors consist of a signal conditioner that measures the Metal Oxide (MOx) conductivity, a function of gas concentration, and controls the sensor temperature. The sense element of the gas sensor consists of a heater element on a Si-based MEMS structure and a MOx chemiresistor. These ZMOD4410 gas sensors feature an adjustable ADC resolution for optimal speed versus resolution (16-bit max), I2C interface, and built-in Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) to provide space for arbitrary user data and stores the configuration.

The ZMOD4410 gas sensors read the measurement results via the I2C interface with a microprocessor. The microprocessor processes the data to determine IAQ rating, estimated carbon dioxide level, and TVOC concentration. The ZMOD4410 gas sensors are excellent for low-voltage and low-power battery applications including indoor air monitoring, smart thermostats, smart speakers, bathroom fans, and detection of hazardous materials.

The IDT ZMOD4410 gas sensor platform requires the IC to be programmed with a firmware that makes the sensors capable of providing various measurements.

The ZMOD4410 gas sensors have three different versions of firmware available for use:

  • Air Quality & eCO2
  • Odors, for Fan Control
  • Low power

Features

  • Measures TVOC and IAQ
  • Module algorithm estimates carbon dioxide (eCO2) level
  • Multiplexed input channel for heater, temperature, and resistance measurements
  • Heater driver and regulation loop
  • Internal auto-compensated temperature sensor
  • Configurable alarm/interrupt output with static and adaptive levels
  • Adjustable ADC resolution
  • I2C interface
  • Built-in NVM for user data
  • Extremely low average power consumption
  • No external trimming components required
  • Customization for mobile and consumer applications
  • Siloxane resistant
  • -40°C to 65°C wide operating temperature range

ZMOD4410 Gas Sensor Block Diagram

Get pricing on ZMOD4410 Metal Oxide Gas Sensors on OEMsecrets.com

Berkeley’s Tiny Flying Ionocraft Can hover using No Moving Parts

Posted on by mixos

A research team from UC Berkeley Univercity (Daniel S. Drew, Nathan O. Lambert, Craig B. Schindler, and Kristofer S. J. Pister) has designed and build mini microbot that is capable of taking flight without any motor or moving part. This is all achieved using electrohydrodynamic thrust to provide lift, which is a technique to create air-flow using electrical energy.

Abstract from their published paper

This work presents an insect-scale microrobot that flies silently and with no mechanical moving parts, using a mechanism with no analogue in the natural world: electrohydrodynamic thrust produced by ions generated via corona discharge. For the first time, attitude and acceleration data is continuously collected from takeoff and sustained flight of a 2cm x 2cm, 30mg “ionocraft” carrying a 37mg 9-axis commercial IMU on FlexPCB payload, with external tethers for power and data transfer. The ionocraft’s steady state thrust versus voltage profile, dynamic response to a time-varying signal around a high voltage DC bias point, and aerodynamic drag at incident angles around 90 degrees are measured. These experimental measurements, as well as measured IMU sensor noise, are inserted into a Matlab Simulink simulation environment. Simulation shows controlled hovering and planned flight in arbitrary straight trajectories in the X-Y plane.

Measuring just 2cm x 2cm and weighing 30mg, the Ionocraft uses ‘ion-thrusters’ that take advantage of a high-strength electrical field to generate ionized air. Ions within that air are drawn to a negative-charged grid, and while on their way to that grid, they collide with neutral air molecules, giving them momentum and thus trust. The microbot uses four thrusters, which were designed using a thin emitter wire and a collector grid. When a voltage is applied between the two it produces a positive ion cloud, which is drawn to the negative grid, air is pushed and boom, thrust. Flight control is done using an onboard IMU, and by altering the amount of current for each thruster, allowing it to move similarly to quad-copters- controlling direction, roll, pitch, and yaw.

– writes Cabe Atwell @ hackster.io

Presentation Video

… more information on the research publication [PDF]

Keysight 34465A Digital Multimeter, 6 ½ Digit, Truevolt DMM

Posted on by mixos


Keysight’s NEW Truevolt Digital Multimeters (DMMs) offer a full range of measurement capabilities and price points with higher levels of accuracy, speed, and resolution.

Keysight 34465A & 34470A DMMs offer unprecedented levels of accuracy, speed and resolution. They can measure very low current down to a 1 μA range, enabling their use on very low power devices. The ability to auto-calibrate during the measurement allows the 34465A and 34470A to maintain a calibrated measurement while the instrument may be going through temperature drift/changes. Graphical capabilities, including trend charts and histograms, facilitate greater user insight gained more quickly. Both DMM models provide a data logging mode for easier trend analysis and a digitizing mode for capturing transients. Instrument upgrade options (available separately) include: 3446DIGU which enables high-speed digitizing and advanced triggering; 3446MEMU which extends memory to 2 million readings. Buyers of upgrades receive an entitlement certificate, register via Keysight website and obtain a software keycode to enable the upgrade.

Specifications

  • Boost your bench memory for free! Must register at www.keysight.com/find/benchmemory promo to receive memory boost 2M readings DMM’s or 64M function generators
  • So you can perform deeper testing – see One Page Summary for further information
  • Resolutions up to 6½ digits
  • Max Reading rate 5,000 readings/s standard up to 50,000 readings/s optional
  • Memory 50,000 reading standards up to 2 million readings optional
  • USB and LAN interfaces, optional GPIB
  • BenchVue software enabled

Key Features and Functions

  • Histogram, bar and trend charts on 4.3-inch color graphical display ease monitoring and speed up statistical analysis
  • Measure with confidence, with 30 ppm basic DCV accuracy
  • Test low power devices with 1 µA range and pA resolution
  • Speed up testing with Keysight BenchVue – no programming required
  • Flexibly automate measurements over USB or LAN/LXI core interface
  • Digitizing and advanced triggering (DIG) now included

Overview Video

⇒ Datasheet [PDF]

The Keysight 34465A Digital Multimeter cost ~$1,454 and is available from various distributors online.

Catena 4710 – LoRaWAN based Feather-compatible FPGA board with RISC-V Core

Posted on by Ayo Ayibiowu

With the increase of high integration programmable chips, FPGAs are getting more and more popular. FPGAs has been traditionally known to be generally complex, but a new line of FPGAs have been showing some promise and that is believed that will help increase their popularity. Tiny FPGAs are the next promising thing, they are low-cost FPGA boards in a small form factor, and generally easy to use.

MCCI Corporation a USB System expert who has also been venturing in the line of IoT solutions has recently tipped a Catena 4710 FPGA board which is a “feather-compatible FPGA board” that can easily fit into your pocket and comes with a RISC-V Core with support for Lora Networks.

MCCI Catena 4710 Board Flip
A Feather-compatible open source FPGA with an MCCI Catena 4710

Although this product seems to been put together by Terrill Moore, CEO of MCCI, the design of the product was done by Velmurugan and Veeralakshmi. The board is based on ICE40 UltraPlus FPGA and runs in a soft RISC-V core. On the bottom side of the board, it has Semtech SX1276 and HopeRF RFM95W RF wireless transceivers attached to it.

The  Semtech SX1276 (SX1276/77/78/79) transceivers feature the LoRa® long range modem that provides ultra-long range spread spectrum communication and high interference immunity while minimizing current consumption. With the Semtech chip, LoRaWAN is possible on the board allowing a smooth point to multi-point networking. It also has a USB micro B port along with a battery and an antenna connector.

MCCI Catena 4710
A 35 mm whip antenna and a 350mAh LiPo battery attached to the MCCI Catena 4710

The device is also sensor ready; it comes with an environment sensor –  the BME280 sensor which enables to sense temperature, pressure, and humidity. Also, it has a light sensor, a color sensor, an accelerometer, and a possible microphone unit. There’s also an antenna connector at one end, as well as a USB and battery jack for charging and plugging Li-Ion batteries.

MCCI Catena 4710 Board Flip
MCCI Catena 4710 Board

According to Terril Moore, there are plans to use the TinyFPGA USB bootloader. He says:

We have to tweak it to get it working properly in the iCE40UP, but we hope to have that ready in a few weeks. Until then, we can develop using the open-source tools and the Adafruit FT232H board.

We want to enable hardware experimentation and machine learning at the edge.

In regards, to the LoRaWAN capability of the board, they included a FRAM for storing LoRaWAN keys and frame counters. The board isn’t on the market yet, but it’s believed that they are approaching production status and certainly, some components of it are expected to be open source.

SiTime presents a family of MEMS oscillators for mobile applications

Posted on by mixos

Low-Power Oscillators

SiTime Corporation’s general purpose low-power oscillators offer a perfect combination of low power consumption, excellent stability, small size, and fast start-up. Parts are also available in an SOT23 package which offers excellent board-level solder-joint reliability and enables low-cost, optical-only board-level inspection. Now system designers have lower frequency options based on programmable MEMS timing technology. This technology is ideal for industrial sensor applications because of its low frequency range, low power consumption, and resilience to radio-frequency interference (RFI) and mechanical stressors.

Traditionally, system designers have been limited to very few frequency options if they wanted less than a megahertz output frequency. With conventional quartz devices, the crystal resonator is cut from the blank material in a specific size, angle, and shape to achieve each frequency. Due to manufacturing constraints, quartz vendors select a limited number of frequencies to support, especially in the lower frequency range. MEMS technology provides robustness against shock, vibration, and RFI. Resistance to mechanical force is due to the miniaturization of MEMS. The mass of a MEMS resonator is 500 to 3,000 times smaller than a quartz resonator.

Features

  • Configurable feature set
  • Wide range of frequencies
  • Very small packaging
  • Low power consumption
  • FlexEdge™ configurable drive strength
  • Field programmability
  • SOT23 option
  • Short lead times

High-Temperature MEMS Oscillators

High-temperature oscillators from SiTime Corporation are field-programmable and offered in a wide range of frequencies. Both industrial and automotive temperatures are available, along with options for package types as small as 2.0 mm x 1.6 mm. The footprint compatibility to quartz allows for simple interchangeability. These devices also feature vibration sensitivity as well as shock and vibration resistance. SOT-23 devices are also available for board-level solder joint reliability and low-cost, optical-only board-level inspection.

Industrial equipment is exposed to vibration, shock, and high temperatures. This is a challenging environment for quartz timing devices, but it is an ideal environment for SiTime’s MEMS timing solutions because they are designed to perform better and longer than alternatives. SiTime’s MEMS oscillator consists of a MEMS resonator and a programmable analog circuit. The kHz MEMS oscillator is built with SiTime’s unique MEMS First™ process. A key manufacturing step is EpiSeal™, during which the MEMS resonator is annealed with temperatures over +1,000°C. EpiSeal creates an extremely strong and clean vacuum chamber that encapsulates the MEMS resonator, ensuring high performance and high reliability in harsh environments.

Features

  • Configurable feature sets
  • Low g-sensitivity
  • 70 g vibration and 50,000 g shock
  • FlexEdge™ drive strength
  • Multiple package options
  • Low power consumption
  • Short lead times

more information: www.sitime.com

2.8Vin to 22Vin, 2A lout, 4-Switch Integrated Buck-Boost Converter with I2C Interface

Posted on by mixos

Monolithic Power Systems has introduced a new synchronous, 4-switch integrated buck-boost converter, the MP8862. The converter can regulate the output voltage from a wide input voltage range of 2.8V to 22V with high efficiency. The converter supports an Iout of 2A. Vout ranges from a 1V minimum to a maximum of 20.47V with a 5mV resolution controlled through I2C. The device can operate at up to a maximum of 500kHz.

The converter’s integrated output voltage scaling and adjustable output current limit functions fit the USB Power Delivery (PD) requirement. Applications for the converter include USB PD sourcing ports and buck-boost bus supplies. (see image above of typical application diagram).

The converter features four low RDS(on) internal buck power MOSFETs and has an adjustable accurate CC output-current limit with an internal sensing FET via I2C.

In buck mode, the MP8862 uses constant-on-time control, and in boost mode, it uses constant-off-time control, providing fast load transient response as well as smooth buck-boost mode transient. MP8862 offers auto PFM/PWM or forced PWM switching modes and programmable output CC (Constant Current) current limit, which supports flexible design for different applications.

The MP8862 offers output OVP hiccup, output short circuitry protection with hiccup, and over temperature warning and shutdown. The converter is available in a 16-pin QFN package measuring 3mm by 3mm.

Features

  • Wide 2.8V to 22V Operating Input-Voltage Range
  • 1V to 20.47V Output Voltage Range (5V Default) with 10mV Resolution through I2C
  • 2A Output Current
  • Four Low RDS(on) Internal Buck Power MOSFETs
  • Adjustable Accurate CC Output-Current Limit with Internal Sensing FET via I2C
  • 500kHz Switching Frequency
  • Output OVP Hiccup
  • Output Short Circuitry Protection with Hiccup
  • Over Temperature Warning and Shutdown
  • 3.4MHz I2C Interface with ALT pin
  • 4 Programmable I2C Addresses
  • OTP (One-Time-Program) Non-volatile Memory
  • I2C Programmable Line Drop Compensation, PFM/PWM Mode, Soft-start, OCP etc.
  • EN Shutdown Discharge Programmable
  • Available in a QFN-16 (3mmx3mm) Package

more information: www.monolithicpower.com

MLX90641 – Far infrared thermal sensor array with 16x12px resolution

Posted on by mixos

The MLX90641 is a 16×12 pixel IR array housed in an industry standard 4-lead TO39 package and is able to accurately measure temperatures in the range of -40 °C to +300 °C. The factory-calibrated devices ensure an accuracy of 1 °C in typical measurement conditions. The high accuracy is further supported by a Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) of 0.1 K RMS at 4 Hz refresh rate. The refresh rate is programmable in steps from 0.5 to 64 Hz.

Two different field of view (FoV) options are available, a standard 55 ° x 35 ° and a wide angle 110 ° x 75 °. The device is simple to use, operating from a single 3.3 V supply and storing all results in internal RAM for access via an I²C compatible digital interface. A proprietary algorithm ensures high thermal stability, even in conditions where the temperature is changing rapidly. The device’s robustness, combined with the extended operating temperature range (-40 °C to +125 °C) enables applications in harsh thermal environments such as cooking, industrial and automotive applications.

Features

  • Extended operating temperature range (-40 °C to +125 °C)
  • Enhanced thermal stability
  • Low noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) 0.1K RMS at 4 Hz refresh rate
  • Evaluation board available
  • I²C compatible digital interface
  • Two different field of view (FoV) options: standard 55 °x 35 ° and 110 °x 75 ° wide angle
  • Measurement object temperature between -40 to +300 °C
  • A typical target object temperature accuracy of 1 °C
  • No re-calibration needed
  • 4-pin TO39 package incorporating the requisite optics
  • Programmable refresh rate (in several steps between 0.5 and 64 Hz)

MLX90641 Block Diagram

MLX90641 Overview and Pin Description

more information: www.melexis.com

Kontron’s SMARC-sAMX8X Features NXP i.MX8X Low Power SoC

Posted on by Rik

Kontron has launched the “SMARC-sAMX8X” module with low power I.MX8X series processor. The SMARC module runs Linux on a dual- or quad Cortex-A35 i.MX8X SoC with up to 3GB LP-DDR4, up to 64GB eMMC, dual GbE controllers, and PCIe. Kontron’s SMARC-sAMX8X delivers NXP’s mid-range i.MX8X SoC package in an 82 x 50mm SMARC 2.0 form factor, just like Congatec’s Conga-SMX8X module. Other i.MX8X modules include a Qseven-based Conga-QMX8X COM announced at the same time as the Conga-SMX8X, plus Phytec’s phyCORE-i.MX 8X, Variscite’s VAR-SOM-MX8X, and the Toradex Colibri iMX8X and Digi ConnectCore 8X.

Kontron's SMARC-sAMX8X Module
Kontron’s SMARC-sAMX8X Module

The I.MX8X SoC by NXP is clocked at 1.2GHz and it’s very power efficient. This SoC also includes a Cortex-M4 core for real-time duties. You have the following options to choose from: the quad-core i.MX8X QuadXPlus, the dual-core i.MX8 DualXPlus, and the dual-core i.MX8 DualX. All of the variants are available on the SMARC-sAMX8X module. The QuadXPlus and the DualX Plus model have 4-shader Vivante GT7000Lite GPU while the DualX has a 2-shader GT7000UltraLite GPU which is a low-performance and low-cost version.

The SMARC-sAMX8X module runs a Yocto project-based custom Linux flavor as many other I.MX8M do. It supports up to 64GB eMMC and sports with 3GB LP-DDR4 RAM while most of its competitors offer 2GB or 4GB. Though the downside is the lack of wireless option. Its -40 to 85°C operating temperature range is perfect for a lot of industrial applications, especially, when it’s designed for “networked terminal devices in industrial environments”.

The SMARC-sAMX8X features 2x GbE controllers and offers dual-channel LVDS, HDMI, DisplayPort, and MIPI-CSI interfaces. Other I/O includes up to 4x serial (2x with RX/TX only), up to 6x USB 2.0, and single USB 3.0, SDIO, and I2S connections. The SMARC-sAMX8X also features 4x I2C, 2x SPI, 2x CAN, and 12x GPIO interfaces. The module is equipped with a standard PCIe interface though it’s available only on the dual-core options, any of the configurations can be fit with 3x PCIe lanes on request. The 3-5.25V power supply can run on Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer batteries. Kontron’s Approtect security solution is optional.

Specifications

  •  Up to 4x Cortex®-A35 + Cortex®-M4 processor
  •  Up to 3 GByte RAM
  •  Dual channel LVDS interface, HDMI, DP
  •  Up to 2x GByte Ethernet, 3x PCIe, 6x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0
  •  Support of Kontron’s Embedded Security Solution (Approtect)

The module is available with Kontron’s SMARC Evaluation carrier 2.0 board, which is also available with its i.MX7 based SMARC-sAMX7 module. The carrier board runs on a 12V power supply and has the following features:  dual GbE ports, an SD slot, and two USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports apiece. Other features include mSATA, 2x mini-PCIe slots, and 2x PCIe slots. HDMI and DP++ ports are available along with LVDS, audio, MIPI-CSI, CAN, and other I/O.

The SMARC-sAMX8X module is releasing soon but the price is yet undisclosed. More information and its price may be found at Kontron’s SMARC-sAMX8X product page in the near future.

ON Semiconductor NOA1213 Ambient Light Sensor

Posted on by mixos

ON Semiconductor NOA1213 Ambient Light Sensor (ALS) is a very low power sensor with an analog current output and a power down mode to conserve power. This ALS is designed for handheld device applications with active power dissipation less than 8µA at dark (less than 200pA quiescent power). The NOA1213 ALS operates over a wide range of voltages from 2V to 5.5V. Features include photopic spectral response, dynamic dark current compensation, and power down mode. The NOA1213 employs proprietary CMOS image sensing technology from ON Semiconductor. This technology includes built-in dynamic dark current compensation to provide a large Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and wide Dynamic Range (DR) over the entire operating temperature range. This sensor is suitable for mobile devices with displays or backlit keypads, cameras, video recorders, automobile dashboard displays, street lights, and laptops.

Features

  • Photopic spectral response
  • Senses ambient light and provides an output current proportional to the ambient light intensity
  • Dynamic dark current compensation
  • Three selectable output current gain modes in approximately 10x steps
  • Power down mode
  • Less than 14µA at 100 lux active power consumption in a medium gain mode
  • -40°C to 85°C wide operating temperature range
  • Less than 200pA quiescent power dissipation in power down mode at all light levels
  • Linear response over the full operating range
  • Senses intensity of ambient light from ~0 lux to over 100000 lux
  • Drop-in replacement device in 1.6mm x 1.6mm package
  • Devices are Pb-free, halogen-free/BFR free, and are RoHS compliant

NOA1213 Ambient Light Sensor Block Diagram

NOA1213 Sensor Application Circuit Diagram

 via www.oemsecrets.com

Digital Multimeter has built-in IR camera

Posted on by mixos

The MERCURY is a TRMS digital multimeter capable of measuring AC/DC voltage up to 1000V, AC/DC current up to 10A as well as resistance, continuity test, diode test, frequency, capacitance and temperature with K-type probe. Other major functions include AC+DC mode taking into account DC components overlapping AC signals and current measurement with standard and flexible transducer clamps (provided accessory F3000U).

A camera with 80x80px resolution is built inside to get simultaneous readings of thermal and electrical values for the item under test.

MERCURY is provided with Data Logger function capable of carrying out and saving recordings of every parameter as well as displaying the values’ diagram.

Snapshots can be saved into BMP format inside a micro SD card supplied as accessory and Bluetooth permits connection with mobile devices (tablet/smartphone) through HTMercury APP creating reports to share measuring results.

The instrument was designed in compliance with safety standards IEC/EN61010-1 with double insulation protection according to CAT IV 600V or CAT III 1000V.

MERCURY is equipped with analogue bargraph LCD and each function can be selected by rotary switch. Additional functions include HOLD to keep displayed data, MAX/MIN, PEAK and Auto Power OFF to save the internal rechargeable battery.

Manufactured in Europe by HT Instruments, the Mercury DMM costs $750 and is available from authorized distributor Saelig.

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