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LoRa transceiver modules run Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 stack

Tue, May 25, 2021

IoT modules developed by Miromicro run a compatible Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 stack to enable wireless connectivity to sensors, devices and systems communicating at high data rates or over a long distance. The FMLR-8x-x-STLx LoRa IoT modules are available from Avnet Silica.

The modules are built on Semtech’s 2.4GHz SX1280 LoRa transceiver and do not require any additional BLE 5.0 devices, advises Avnet Silica. Target IoT applications include track and trace, building automation, construction monitoring, mining, farming, telemetry and remote data logging.

The modules allow multiple wireless protocols to run on the same microcontroller, i.e., LoRa and BLE 5.0. The combination of technologies in the same wireless module enables commissioning, configuration, local data monitoring, or firmware update of IoT devices using smartphones, tablets, car navigation systems, or other iOS or Android-based devices. After the initialisation process, the module operates LoRa 2.4GHz long range applications anywhere in the world. Dual-protocol IoT devices usually require separate Bluetooth Low Energy chipsets to be separately integrated for connection to mobile phones, but after initial setup, these modules do not require additional Bluetooth Low Energy chipsets.

The FMLR-8x-x-STLx module-family is available with options, including extra onboard flash memory to enable over-the-air (OTA) updates and local data buffering in times when cloud connectivity is temporarily unavailable. Using Miro Edge 2.4GHz LoRa gateways, the modules support Semtech’s active-radar-based ranging and localisation technology for both indoor and outdoor environments. Further supported high-bit rate modulation schemes include the robust and bandwidth-efficient FLRC and (G)FSK. Bluetooth Low Energy allows bi-directional communication with smartphones, tablets and other devices, while optional low power, high precision, temperature-compensated oscillators (TCXO) for both RTC and radio are also available.

The module’s firmware, including the wireless stack, can be updated via SWD, UART Bootloader or optional firmware over-the-air (FOTA) to support fast prototyping and development.

Miromico’s FMLR-8x-x-STLx LoRa modules, development kits and dual-band LoRa gateways are available now from Avnet Silica.

https://www.avnet.com

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Xsens tracks further with rugged modules

Fri, May 21, 2021

Two products have been added by Xsens to MTi 600-series. They extend the portfolio of industrial tracking modules with and without an integrated satellite positioning receiver.

The first module to be added is the MTi-670G. This is a GNSS/inertial navigation system (INS) module. The second is a rugged attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), the MTi-630R. Both additions are suitable for use in harsh environments in maritime, mining and agricultural applications, says Xsens.

The MTi-670G and MTi630R are housed in an IP68-rated aluminium enclosure which measures 40.9 x 56.5 x 36.8mm. This design is “highly vibration- and shock-proof”, says Xsens. Both modules also feature standard controlled area network (CAN) and RS232 interfaces and an output data rate of up to 400Hz.

The MTi-670G GNSS/INS module includes a u-blox ZED F9 GNSS receiver. Sensor fusion firmware combines the receiver’s inputs with integrated 3D attitude (tilt, inclination) and heading measurements to provide absolute positioning accuracy of better than ±1m. The sensor has support for Xbus and standard NMEA and CAN protocols, for ease of integration into designs. There is also the provision of Xsens’ MT Software suite for developers. This includes the MT Manager graphical user interface (GUI) for Windows or Linux operating systems and a magnetic field mapper function.

The MTi-630R AHRS is a ruggedised version of Xsens’ MTi-630 AHRS. It offers roll/pitch measurement accuracy of ±0.2 degrees, and heading accuracy of ±1 degree. It is also supported with the MT Software suite, which also includes drivers for the LabVIEW, ROS and GO development languages.

The MTi-670G and MTi-630R are available for sampling now. Ruggedised versions of the MTi-610 inertial measurement unit (IMU) and MTi-620 vertical reference unit (VRU), the MTi-610R and MTi-620R, are available on request.

Xsens provides 3D motion sensing technology and products. Its sensor fusion technologies enable a seamless interaction between the physical and the digital world in applications such as industrial control and stabilisation, health, sports and 3D character animation. Clients and partners include Electronic Arts, NBC Universal, Daimler, Autodesk, ABB, Siemens and other leading institutes and companies around the world.

Xsens has offices in the Netherlands (Enschede), the USA (Los Angeles), China (Shanghai and Hong Kong) and India (Bangalore).

https://www.xsens.com.

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CAN bus modules meet demand for unmanned systems

Fri, May 21, 2021

Demand for unmanned systems has seen marked growth since 2020 – a report from Fortune Business Insights estimates a CAGR of 12.23 per cent for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market. They are used in vertical industry sectors such as agriculture, logistics, transportation, and aerospace. Rising complexity and requirements for increased efficiency mean that the controlled area network (CAN) bus module must operate in harsh conditions, like extreme temperatures and electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Innodisk says its CAN bus modules all support a wide temperature range, 2.5kV isolation protection and the high-layer protocols SAE J1939 and CANopen to ensure optimal performance in extreme conditions without degrading.

Innodisk’s USB to CAN module has been built into autonomous commercial drones, as well as agriculture machine, robot operating system (ROS), automated guided vehicles (AGVs). CAN Bus is enabled to control the system, interact with the on-board computer and various CAN devices, and diagnose issues in ground stations.

Until now, CAN bus solutions capable of handling the strain of these harsh environments have been a major roadblock for reliable systems development. Innodisk says its CAN bus modules provide complete hardware and software integration and offer different form factors to fit diverse demands.

Innodisk is a service-driven provider of flash memory, DRAM modules, and embedded peripheral products for industrial and enterprise applications.

https://www.innodisk.com

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Moxa develops wireless add-on module for MXview network management

Fri, May 21, 2021

For smart factories, network infrastructure specialist, Moxa, has introduced the MXview Wireless add-on module for its MXview industrial network management software. MXview streamlines network management by visualising networks and helping non-IT staff simplify operations and improve network uptime.

The software is used in power, intelligent transportation and manufacturing. As smart factories gain popularity and wi-fi applications increase, the MXview Wireless add-on module can be used in both static and dynamic wireless smart manufacturing applications.

Intelligent process control is a typical static wireless application where customers use wi-fi to establish the communication between the clients installed at production lines and the control centre. An unstable or dropped wireless connection affects production processes. It can be difficult to know the exact status of the wi-fi connection and to fix issues immediately when they occur. The MXview

Wireless add-on module simplifies network management by allowing users to get detailed device information and performance indicator charts for individual and client devices from a single control dashboard. In addition to allowing operators to see the factory’s network conditions, and making network management easier, they can also monitor connectivity patterns and customise alert settings for problem notifications. Engineers can then perform on-site troubleshooting quickly and efficiently.

In automated material handling (AMH) systems, the wi-fi connections must be able to dynamically adapt to the constantly moving vehicles. An unstable wireless signal could easily disrupt the operation of these systems. The MXview Wireless add-on features a dynamic topology view to let users see the status of wireless links and connection changes at a glance. Automated vehicles constantly roam around the facility, so users can overlay the network topology on top of a floor map of the facility to locate a vehicle by just checking the client’s wireless connection. This saves a great deal of time when trying to identify a malfunctioning client device. The roaming playback function lets users review a client’s history over the past 30 days to repeat an incident. Users can leverage this function to find and address the root cause more efficiently, instead of having to consolidate and examine individual device logs.

The module has been developed by Moxa for automated factories, smart logistics, and other intelligent applications.

Picture credit: istock_Alex LMX

http://www.moxa.com/MXview

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LoRa transceiver modules run Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 stack

Xsens tracks further with rugged modules

CAN bus modules meet demand for unmanned systems

Moxa develops wireless add-on module for MXview network management

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