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Bluetooth LE module goes where radios aren’t welcome

Thu, Jul 28, 2022

A Bluetooth 5 Low Energy module for applications deemed “radio-unfavourable” has been introduced by Panasonic.

The PAN1770 Bluetooth 5 Low Energy (LE) module includes a uFL connector which enables the use of an external antenna for use where difficult housing conditions shield radio waves.

“We have seen that in many devices or applications, radio waves emitted by the chip antenna can be blocked or reflected by the metallic housing, making it difficult to receive the radio signal from the outside”, commented Tomislav Tipura from Panasonic Industry Europe. Using the PAN1770 module, an external antenna can easily be attached via the uFL connector and thus redirect the radio waves outside the housing, he explained.

The module is based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52840 single chip controller. It joins the PAN1780 Bluetooth 5 module from Panasonic.

Output power is up to 8dBm. The module is suitable for use in applications where a long range is required, due to the sensitivity of 95dBm at 1.0Mbits per second and -103dBm at 125kbits per second via the nRF52840 chip controller combined with the LE coded PHY, said Panasonic. Current consumption is just 4.8mA in Tx (at 0dBm), 4.8mA in Rx mode, 0.4 microA in system off mode and around 0.7 microA with RTC wake-up. These parameters make the module suitable for used in a battery-powered device.

It also includes a Cortex M4F processor, 256kbyte RAM and built-in 1.0Mbyte flash memory. The device can be used in standalone mode, eliminating the need for an external processor, while reducing complexity, lowering costs and saving space, said the company. The PAN1770 module also supports Type 2 near field communication (NFC A) for use in simplified pairing and payment systems, although an external antenna is required.

The module has a small footprint of 15.6 x 8.7 x 1.8mm. Maximum output power is 8dBm, configurable from -20dBm in 4.0dB steps and -40dBm in whisper mode. For 802.15.4 support, it has Matter, Zigbee and Thread, as well as up to 48 programmable general purpose I/Os and SPI, I2C, UART, PWM, ADC, NFC, USB2.0 interfaces.

http://industry.panasonic.eu

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5G network listening mode software saves development time

Thu, Jul 28, 2022

5G small cell developers can integrate network listening mode (NLM) capabilities to enable small cells to complete synchronisation, network monitoring and configuration steps automatically. The software introduced by CommAgility supports quick and seamless deployments of 5G small cells, said the company.

Engineers can add small cells to a network without reconfiguration time, advised CommAgility. The NLM software reduces risk, time to market, and development cost, claimed the company.

Accelerating 5G small cell deployment supports the the rapidly growing 5G market, especially time-sensitive, mission-critical applications that rely on temporary base stations for emergency 5G connectivity.

“Once powered up, 5G small cells must synchronise and configure by detecting surrounding network activity to avoid clashes with other base stations. As a result, deploying new small cells easily and automatically is an important capability for operators, emergency services, and private network owners,” said Alfred Rodriguez, senior vice president and general manager at CommAgility.

The NLM software is based on CommAgility’s 5G UE (user equipment) PHY software. It is provided as a pre-integrated and tested solution for NXP Semiconductor’s Layerscape Access LA9310 programmable baseband processor, saving further development effort.

The NLM software was developed specifically for the 5G FR1/sub-6GHz frequency range. CommAgility can customise the software to the specific needs of a customer project, including adapting it to other baseband processors if required.

CommAgility’s comprehensive software portfolio for 5G NR small cell product development includes pre-ported and validated PHY and stack software, a 5G core, and physical layer reference chains. This simplifies the development of 5G small cells and private networks, with the software’s flexible architecture making integration easier with hardware accelerators and libraries with versions available for both 5G gNodeB and UE product developers, said the company. CommAgility also offers the 5G Reference gNodeB, a pre-integrated reference design, and the SC-RF4-5Gn78 5G reference platform.

The NLM software will be available later this year.

CommAgility is part of the Wireless Telecom Group. Wireless Telecom Group designs and manufactures RF and microwave components, modules, systems and instruments. Its product portfolio includes peak power meters, signal generators, phase noise analyzers, signal processing modules, 5G and LTE PHY/stack software, noise sources, and programmable noise generators.

http://www.commagility.com

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Edge AI platform brings sensor fusion to infrastructures

Wed, Jul 27, 2022

Built for smart city and autonomous infrastructure applications where high computing power and low latency can be leveraged for AI vision applications, the Ultron monitors input devices for industrial applications, smart cities and autonomous infrastructures.

The Nvidia Jetson-based AI platform with sensor fusion capability has been developed by SmartCow, an AI engineering company specialising in video analytics, AIoT (AI of things) devices, and smart city systems. It is built for smart city and autonomous infrastructure applications where high computing power and low latency can be leveraged for AI vision applications, such as smart factories, road intersections, and home automation.

The sensor fusion platform is a computer-controlled industrial system that continuously monitors the state of input devices and makes decisions based on a set of rules and inputs through a custom program to control the state of output devices. “The next generation sensor fusion platform is more preferred in industrial applications due to their reliability, flexibility, and robustness,” said Ravi Kiran, CEO of SmartCow. “With Ultron, we intend to change the way the industry develops and deploys automation and autonomous infrastructure in various verticals. The relevant use cases encompass smart factories, industry 5.0, traffic management, smart cities, smart buildings, and agricultural settings. Ultron . . . goes beyond the capabilities of traditional industry-grade devices in delivering AI based PLC solutions,” he said.

Ultron combines a range of industrial functionalities such as machine vision, sensor fusion, AIoT, and robotics, complemented by a control software. Its control software integrates I/O control, computer vision, video analytics, and Nvidia DeepStream, providing the vision and sensor fusion capabilities in the form of function libraries, I/O blocks, and APIs all of which are configurable through a browser-based programming tool.

Ultron also works with SmartCow FleetTrackr, which monitors and records run-time data such as machine productivity or operating temperature, automatically starts and stops processes, generates alarms and alerts if a machine malfunctions.

Ultron will be available to ship in October 2022.

http://www.smartcow.ai

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Synchronous boost converter raises efficiency in consumer devices

Wed, Jul 27, 2022

The AP72250 synchronous boost converter has been designed by Diodes for step-up conversion in consumer and industrial applications where small form factors are a priority. Target applications include battery-powered devices, USB power supply units, power banks, supercapacitor charging equipment and metering systems.

The AP72250 supports a 900kHz switching frequency with a 20 microA quiescent current (IQ). It covers a wide input voltage range between 0.6 and 5.5V, with a minimum 1.0V input start up. The output range is 1.7 to 5.5V. The device integrates a 20 mOhm high side power MOSFET and a 26 mOhm low side power MOSFET.

Different operating modes can be selected and can be programmed according to users’ needs. Operating mode options are pulse frequency modulation (PFM), ultra-sonic mode (USM) and forced pulse width modulation (FPWM) mode. Engineers can therefore adjust operation under either heavy or light load conditions to maximise efficiency. According to Diodes, even when in light load situations, up to 89 per cent efficiency can be attained. The USM mode ensures that switching in the audible frequency range is prevented.

The AP72250 is claimed to deliver a seamless transition between boost and pass-through operation (in applications where this is required). The peak current mode control scheme allows it to handle a variety of input-to-output ratios. As a result, fewer external components are needed to support it than required by competing devices, said Diodes.

Under-voltage lockout, thermal shutdown, peak current limit, negative current limit, and output short circuit protection functions are also included.

The AP72250 is supplied in a WLCSP-12 package (measuring 1.75 x 1.35 x 0.45mm) and is available now.

Diodes provides semiconductors for companies in the consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets. Its portfolio includes discrete, analogue and mixed-signal products and packaging technology to meet customers’ needs. There are 32 sites worldwide, including engineering, testing, manufacturing, and customer service.

http://www.diodes.com

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Bluetooth LE module goes where radios aren’t welcome

5G network listening mode software saves development time

Edge AI platform brings sensor fusion to infrastructures

Synchronous boost converter raises efficiency in consumer devices

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