Development kit helps engineers integrate edge devices into vehicles

A software development kit (SDK) developed by the eSync Alliance supports the integration of electronic control units (ECUs), smart sensors and other edge devices in a vehicle with the eSync OTA platform data pipeline. Automotive OEMs and Tier 1s can configure eSync software to meet device requirements.

The eSync Agent SDK is a downloadable software package that is available to all eSync Alliance members. The SDK includes a template Agent (with libraries), which allows users to create an eSync Agent for a particular edge device. It includes eSync Client software for either a PC or Raspberry Pi device to serve as the master and is licensed for installation on up to five computers. Users can test over the air (OTA) update functionality of systems with a one-month hosted account on an eSync Server, which can extended.

eSync is a software platform for building secure bi-directional data pipelines between the cloud and electronic end devices in vehicles. eSync can deliver and update software and firmware OTA and can collect real-time operational data from in-car devices such as ECUs, domain master ECUs, network gateways and smart sensors.

Mike Gardner, executive director of the eSync Alliance, explained: “Implementing an OTA solution in the automotive arena can be extremely complicated, since there are a great variety of electronic devices on multiple networks inside the car. Integrating all of these devices and their software into a single data pipeline also requires extensive verification The eSync platform provides the standardisation required to make these tasks simpler, and comes with growing industry support from the eSync Alliance.”

The eSync Alliance is an industry initiative to drive a multi-company solution for OTA updates and diagnostics data in automotive electronics. The Alliance is based around the eSync platform of cloud and embedded components, providing a secure data pipeline to devices within a vehicle. By working together in the Alliance, companies benefit from a simplified development environment made possible by a standardised yet customisable open platform.

https://www.esyncalliance.org/

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Baseless power modules improve aircraft electrical system efficiency, says Microchip

Developed with the Clean Sky consortium, Microchip’s BL1, BL2 and BL3 families are qualified to stringent aerospace standards for AC/DC and DC/AC power conversion

To enable next-generation aircraft electrical systems – including electrical systems that replace today’s pneumatics and hydraulics powering everything from on-board alternators to actuators and auxiliary power units (APUs) – and reduce aircraft emissions, require new power conversion technology, explained Microchip.

It has developed the baseless power modules with Clean Sky, a joint European Commission (EC) and industry consortium, and says the BL1, BL2 and BL3 are the first aerospace-qualified baseless power modules which enable higher efficiency, lighter and more compact power conversion and motor drive systems.

The BL1, BL2 and BL3 family of baseless power modules provides greater efficiency in AC/DC and DC/AC power conversion and generation through the integration of Microchip’s silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor technology. They are 40 per cent lighter than other modules due to the modified substrate, reports Microchip. The design also produces an approximate 10 per cent cost savings over standard power modules that incorporate metal baseplates. Microchip’s BL1, BL2, and BL3 devices meet all mechanical and environmental compliance guidelines in RTCA DO-160G, the “Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment,” Version G (August 2010).

The modules are available in low profile, low inductance packaging with power and signal connectors that designers can solder directly on PCBs, helping to speed development and increase reliability. According to Microchip, modules in the family have the same height which enables them to be paralleled or connected in a three-phase bridge and other topologies to achieve higher-performing power converters and inverters.

The family incorporates SiC MOSFETs and Schottky barrier diodes to maximise system efficiency. In packages delivering 100W to more than 10kW of power, the BL1, BL2, and BL3 family is available in topology options including phase leg, full bridge, asymmetric bridge, boost, buck and dual common source. The high-reliability power modules are available in voltage ranges from 600 to 1,200V in SiC MOSFETs and IGBTs to 1,600V for rectifier diodes.

Microchip’s power module technology as well as its ISO 9000- and AS9100-certified fabrication facilities provide high-quality units through flexible manufacturing alternatives.

Microchip’s baseless power modules complement its aerospace portfolio of motor drive controllers, storage ICs, FPGAs, microcontrollers, microprocessors, timing products, semiconductors and point of load (PoL) regulators for aerospace and defence applications. Microchip also provides a full portfolio of SiC technology for aerospace, automotive and industrial applications.

Microchip’s BL1, BL2 and BL3 baseless power modules are available as 75 and 145A SiC MOSFET, 50A as IGBT, and 90A as rectifier diode outputs.

http://www.microchip.com

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Multi-speed PoE injector supports Wi-Fi 6 infrastructure

The EKI-2701MPI-5G is a compact, industrial grade injector by Advantech which delivers Wi-Fi 6 network infrastructure, power over Ethernet (PoE) and advanced connectivity to existing infrastructure. It supports multiple data rates, i.e. 10M / 100M / 1G / 2.5G / 5G (data in) and IEEE802.3bt 90W PoE output. Advantech advised that it can be used for obsolete infrastructure applications requiring heavy network connectivity.

The EKI-2701MPI-5G supports downward-compatible 2.5 and 5Gbits per second data rates to deliver Wi-Fi 6 capabilities to existing wireless infrastructure. It also serves as a PoE power source, delivering up to 90W output to IP cameras, Wi-Fi 6 access points, and other connected devices. The injector’s PoE standard is downward- compatible for 15, 30, and 60W PoE power delivery (PD) devices, which can facilitate network infrastructure upgrades. Using the EKI-2701MPI-5G to upgrade infrastructure saves manpower while reducing cabling weight and cost, added Advantech. The downward-compatible data rate helps extend the life cycle of existing devices, the company said.

The compact, palm-sized form factor is adaptable to network infrastructure upgrades where space is limited. It is capable of delivering network service without overheating and supports a wide operating temperature range of -40 to +75 degrees C.

The injector’s force mode power supports up to 90W by DIP switch, power input of 54 to 57V DC and 90W.

The slim industrial grade metal housing is IP40-rated and is for DIN rail mounting.

Established in 1983, Advantech offers comprehensive system integration, hardware, software, customer-centric design services, embedded systems, automation products, and global logistics support. It co-operates closely with partners for a wide range of applications in diverse industries. The company’s mission is to enable an intelligent planet by developing automated and embedded computing products and solutions that facilitate smarter working and living.

http://www.advantech.com

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Wideband mmWave 5G beamformers supports adding functionality

Fabless RF component company, Mobix Labs has the MBX10 True5G mmWave beamformer antenna in package (AIP) and its MIC600 single-chip, single-die beamformer IC.

The MBX10 is a 16-channel RF front end which includes all power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, phase shifters, variable gain amplifiers, switches, and matching circuits with an integrated 2 x 2 antenna in package (7.5 x 7.5 x 1.8mm) that provides what Mobix Labs claims is “unprecedented levels of integration and scalability” in a cost-effective, bulk CMOS-based solution. The 16-channel support includes vertical, horizontal and circular polarisations and the 24 operating modes can transmit and receive on different frequencies simultaneously. They are scalable to meet any antenna array size requirement, says the company.

The Bulk CMOS technology allows the company to incorporate advanced functionality into a low-cost structure that can scale to meet the needs of any mmWave 5G system, said Fabian Battaglia, CEO of Mobix Labs. “We close the performance gap between Bulk CMOS and other manufacturing processes that gives customers looking to deploy 5G mmWave solutions a significant advantage in performance, efficiency, cost, size and time to market,” he said.

The MBX10 AIP and MIC600 Beamformer IC accelerate 5G mmWave network deployment and adoption in applications such as automotive, small cells, repeaters, access points, industrial IoT, medical, and consumer products.

The MBX10 and MIC600 are a single-chip, single-die Bulk CMOS solution offering worldwide coverage of 24.25 to 43.5GHz. They are claimed to offer superior thermal performance for improved efficiencies and better management of heat emissions.

Mobix Labs will be sampling the MBX10 and MIC600 to strategic customers by the end of Q3 2021.

Mobix Labs is a fabless semiconductor company, founded in 2020, based in Irvine, California, USA. It develops RF products for simplifying the design of next-generation 5G wireless products. The company manufactures compact, integrated, single-chip, single-die, CMOS-based mmWave beamformers, antenna solutions and RF semiconductors.

http://www.mobixlabs.com 

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