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Compact shielded transformers for ultrasonic use are AEC-Q200-qualified

Mon, Oct 31, 2022

Compact transformers by Epcos, the B78302A series, have innovative E5 cores for ultrasonic applications. There are three types available with transformation ratios between 1:1:10.8 and 1:1:15.3. Depending on the type, the surface mount transformers offer inductance values between 2.0 and 4.0mH. They are suitable for frequencies from 50 to 300kHz. 

The compact AEC-Q200 qualified components have dimensions of only 8.1 x 7.0 x 7.0 mm and are shielded by a counter-winding for better interference suppression. The permissible temperature range is between -40 and +125 degrees C. 

The transformers are used in ultrasonic applications for impedance matching between the driver IC and the ultrasonic transmitter or receiver. Typical applications are parking aids, industrial robots, drones and logistics robots, automated guided vehicles (AGV) and systems for level measurement. 

TDK is based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialise ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK’s portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminium electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices and magnetic heads. 

These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America. 

http://www.tdk-electronics.tdk.com 

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RDS opens the door for Aaeon’s IoT gateway 

Mon, Oct 31, 2022

Secure protection for bi-directional data transmission is afforded by the SRG-TG01 IoT gateway system by Aaeon, which is available from embedded systems and displays provider, Review Display Systems (RDS).  The gateway features 11th generation Intel Core i7, i5, i3 and Celeron SoC processors and enables the connection of IoT devices and sensors to cloud-based computing and data processing systems. It enables connectivity and bi-directional data flow between the cloud and IoT devices. 

The system supports two SO-DIMM slots for DDR4 3200Mhz memory up to 64Gbyte and offers storage expansion with M.2 PCIe SSD up to 2Tbyte of capacity. I/O features include four USB 3.2 interfaces, one HDMI 2.0b output, a 2-channel 2.0B CAN bus interface, RS232, RS422, and RS485 serial ports and an eight-channel digital I/O.

The SRG-TG01 gateway platform features three Ethernet wireless LAN ports, one 2.5 Gbit per second and two 1.0Gbit per second, with additional expansion slots available for supporting wireless network communications including Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 and 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network protocols.

Gateways, are used to connect edge devices, such as remote sensors, to the data processing systems in the cloud and data transmission between devices needs secure protection. According to Peter Marchant, embedded business manager, RDS, the SRG-TG01 can provide support for data protection by implementing up-to-date security protocols and algorithms used for data-in-transit encryption.

Implementing Intel Iris Xe graphics means the GPU can power a broad range of industrial edge computing applications. The rugged construction of the SRG-TG01 features a fanless design to minimise the ingress of dust and foreign contaminants. 

The AAEON SRG-TG01 is a Microsoft Azure-certified device. As such, it is subjected to a functionality and interoperability process that authenticates device capabilities against specific certification programs. The SRG-TG01 uses the Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system.

External mechanical dimensions are 207 x 155 x 72mm and there is an optional DIN rail and wall-mounting kits enabling the SRG-TG01 to be used in a wide range of application environments. It supports an operating temperature range of 0 to 60 degrees C.

Aaeon’s SRG-TG01 standard IoT gateway system is now available from Review Display Systems.

http://www.review-displays.co.uk

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Precision dual-band GNSS timing module secures dual-band technology

Thu, Oct 27, 2022

Nanosecond-level timing accuracy is assured with the NEO-F10T compact dual-band timing module, said u-blox. It meets the stringent timing requirements for 5G communications and is compliant with the u-blox NEO form factor (12.2 x 16mm) for space-constrained designs.

The NEO-F10T is the successor to the NEO-M8T module, to upgrade to dual-band timing technology. NEO-M8T users can now access nanosecond-level timing accuracy and enhanced security, said u-blox.

u-blox’s dual-band technology mitigates ionospheric errors and reduces timing error, without the need of an external GNSS correction service. Additionally, when within the operational area of a satellite based augmentation system (SBAS), NEO-F10T offers the possibility to improve the timing performance by using the ionospheric corrections provided by the SBAS system. The NEO-F10T supports all four global satellite constellations and L1 / L5 / E5a configuration, it simplifies global deployments as the same device can be used universally. 

NEO-F10T includes advanced security features such as secure boot, secure interfaces, configuration lock and T-RAIM to provide the highest-level timing integrity. This ensures that reliable, uninterrupted service is delivered as any attempt to interfere with the receiver is unlikely to be successful, said u-blox. Additionally, advanced anti-jamming and anti-spoofing algorithms are included to further enhance security.

The module has a single RF input for all the GNSS bands and dual SAW filters for exceptional signal selectivity and out-of-band attenuation. It is compatible with u-blox’s ANN-MB1 L1 / L5 multi-band antenna, making it simple to evaluate the performance of the timing modules. The devices operate from a single 2.7 to 3.6V supply and draw just 19mA at 3.0V during continuous operation. 

“NEO-F10T is designed to meet the timing synchronisation requirements in 5G small cells and private networks on a global scale. By significantly reducing the time error of cellular network synchronisation, the NEO‑F10T module will help operators maximise the performance of their networks and so optimise the return on their investment in 5G communications.” says Samuli Pietila, director product line management, timing and infrastructure, at u-blox.

http://www.u-blox.com

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PIC32CXMT streamlines smart meter and comms development, says Microchip

Thu, Oct 27, 2022

To meet the growing demand for a feature-rich yet simple design for developing smart meters, Microchip Technology has developed the PIC32CXMT family of 32-bit microprocessors with a MPL460 power line communication (PLC) modem. 

The suite of MCU devices is intended for industrial IoT, commercial and industrial metering applications and offering up to 200MHz operation and scalability up to 560kbyte of memory (SRAM). 

There are three versions of the PIC32CXMT family based on a single Arm Cortex-M4F core, a dual Arm Cortex-M4 core and an SoC. The single core, SAM4C, PIC32CXMT-G series, the dual core, PIC32CXMT-C series and the SoC, SAM4CM, PIC32CXMT-SH series.

The MPL460 PLC modem integrates the line driver for signal amplification, which reduces the bill of materials and maintains signal injection efficiency above 40 per cent due to its class-D topology. The PLC modem helps to increase efficiency and reliability based on power delivered to the load and power taken from the supply, explained Microchip. The result is an overall reduction in consumption from the source during transmission. 

The PIC32CXMT MCUs provide several transceivers including a radio / PHY, a PLC / PHY or the option to select a PLC+RF hybrid solution. There is also an option for a metrology and communications software suite that is compliant with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) metering standards up to class 0.2 per cent accuracy. It also supports standards for wired and wireless communications, such as G3-PLC and PRIME. 

As smart metering devices are connected, the need for security is critical in any design. The PIC32CXMT MCUs offer standard and proprietary on-chip hardware security features to ensure optimal performance and memory utilization. 

The PIC32CXMT family and MPL460 modem are supported by Microchip’s MPLAB Harmony v3 embedded software framework. Other resources include IAR Systems, Arm, Keil Development Environment, G3-PLC and PRIME software. 

The PIC32CXMT family and MPL460 are now sampling on a limited basis.

http://www.microchip.com

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