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Farnell supports makers and students with pi-top [4] computer

Mon, Jul 27, 2020

Suitable for traditional classrooms and homes to libraries, after school clubs and maker spaces, the pi-top [4] programmable computer has been introduced by Farnell.

The distributor is now shipping the programmable computing device to support digital making, coding and practical projects for educators and students, as well as makers and inventors. It can be used by students to develop key skills including coding and circuit design, as well as increasingly in-demand soft skills such as communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, says Farnell.

Every pi-top [4] computer is supplied with a Foundation Kit within a metal ‘bento box’ containing 14 components such as programmable sensors, buttons and LEDs. Users can get started right away and learn the basics of coding and physical computing, and progress through guided lesson plans in advanced coding, robotics, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). The modular design and internal battery make the pi-top [4] suitable for learning environments outside the home or classroom, for example, the sports field or playground.

The software learning environment is designed by educators. Farnell says pi-top [4] is the only platform to be endorsed by the OCR (Oxford Cambridge and RSA Review board) national examination awarding body for use in the computer science curriculum in the UK. Support materials include step-by-step ‘how to’ guides that help students write code to control different electronic components such as lights and sensors. There are also project based learning exaples in the software suite, which is bundled on the 8Gbyte SD card.

The pi-top [4] is powered by the 1.5GHz quad core Raspberry Pi 4 processor with 4Gbyte of RAM. Communication is via USB 3.0, Gigabit Ethernet, dual 4K HDMI output, 40 general purpose I/O (GPIO) pins and a 128 x 64 mini screen.

The pi-top [4] can be connected to any monitor or other device including Windows, Apple and Chromebook computers and third-party products such as Arduino and micro:bit. Raspberry Pi GPIO connectivity is included as standard.

The computer is hardware compatible with Lego and Meccano and students can # access thousands of free projects and resources that utilise the Raspberry Pi HAT architecture.

The pi-top [4] also supports a variety of educational software and apps including Scratch 3, Sonic Pi and Mu-Python code editor for beginner programmers as well as Chromium web browser and Google Suite, Photo Editor, mtPaint/ ImageMagic, VLC Media Player and Minecraft Raspberry Pi edition.

The pi-top [4] computer and Foundation Kit is available for fast delivery from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

http://www.farnell.com

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AI edge box PC is based on Jetson Xavier NX to run neural networks

Wed, Jul 22, 2020

Powered by Nvidia’s Jetson Xavier NX, the Boxer-8251AI is the latest edge box PC from Aaeon. The compact PC has a six-core 64-bit Arm processor, 384 Cuda cores, 48 Tensor cores, and two NVDLA engines capable of running multiple neural networks in parallel. The Boxer-8251AI delivers accelerated computing performance up to 21TOPS.

It also boasts 8Gbyte of LPDDR4 memory and 16Gbyte of onboard eMMC memory which can be expanded through the Micro-SD card slot.

The Jetson Xavier NX allows users to select one of five performance modes to tailor the number of cores, processor speed, and power draw the system uses. Combined with the thermal design, the PC allows users to match processor performance with thermal performance for each operating mode.

The Boxer-8251AI has two COM ports and four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, as well as Gigabit Ethernet port. The PC can integrate into existing applications as well as new ones, says Aaeon. The rugged, fanless design keeps dust and other contaminants out of the system, offering reliable and low-maintenance operation, adds the company.

Alex Hsueh, senior director of Aaeon’s System Platform Division, praised its AI at the edge capabilities in existing and emerging applications: “Thanks to this flexibility, the Boxer-8251AI is able to power a wide range of AI and edge computing applications from smart city environments to monitoring public transportation users for fever and compliance with face mask requirements,” he observed.

Aaeon was established in 1992, as a designer and manufacturer of professional intelligent IoT solutions. Committed to innovative engineering, the company provides reliable and high quality computing platforms, including industrial motherboards and systems, industrial displays, rugged tablets, embedded controllers, network appliances and related accessories, as well as integrated solutions.

Aaeon also has the hardware and services for premier OEM/ODMs and system integrators worldwide. As an Associate Member of the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance, Aaeon offers customised end-to-end services from initial product conceptualisation and board product development, to mass manufacturing and after-sales service programs.

http://www.aaeon.com

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Murata partners with VitaNet for automated IoT pairing

Tue, Jul 21, 2020

Automatic identification and authentication of Bluetooth Low Energy, IoT devices is now possible, says Murata, following its collaboration with VitaNet Suite.

Murata’s MBN52832 embedded Bluetooth module is compatible with VitaNet Suite, the secure IoT platform from Californian company, VitaNet.

The addition of VitaNet’s middleware into the MBN52832 will give Bluetooth Low Energy IoT device manufacturers easy access to the conversion of industrial components into secure IoT devices. This will enable functionality such as remote status monitoring and automated data collection. Cloud-based, remote and secure control of industrial equipment has been highlighted by the Covid-19 pandemic, as the industry seeks to reduce manual intervention to reduce the risk of spread of infection.

The MBN52832-VitaNet is based on the attachment of a QR code which contains device information on pumps, motors, and other industrial components. This eliminates the need for the LCD panel or operation buttons conventionally required for Bluetooth operation. A VitaNet authentication key request is required once, at the system initialisation stage and cached VitaNet authentication key information is used during subsequent operation. According to Murata, this is the first time that security and pairing have been automated and integrated with AES-128 packet encryption supported by the Bluetooth standard.

Incorporating the Murata Module allows encrypted two-way communication with IoT devices to be performed from a cloud server. This enables secure remote control and management of large numbers of IoT devices, including alive monitoring, automatic data collection, and other operational tasks, Murata explains.

The VitaNet Suite is a platform service consisting of middleware that runs on each gateway and IoT device, and cloud-based protocol conversion support. VitaNet’s patented technology converts protocols between IP networks and non-IP Bluetooth, to connect hundreds of IoT devices with secure two-way encrypted communication via a single gateway.

The MBN52832 Bluetooth Low Energy module enables low power connectivity for data communications. It integrates a Nordic Bluetooth Low Energy IC, RF front end, and crystal into a very small form factor. There is also an Arm Cortex M4 core with 64Kbyte RAM and 512KBbyte of flash and a choice of interface for IoT applications, including medical and healthcare and machine to machine (M2M) applications.

http://www.murata.com

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Distance awareness devices rely on ToF proximity sensors

Tue, Jul 21, 2020

Amsterdam-based start-up, Aura Aware, is using ST’s FlightSense time of flight (ToF) technology in a smart distance-awareness portable device for use at retail counters and check-in desks.

The device displays a green OK signal that changes to red if a person crosses a safe, minimum distance threshold.

The VL53L1X compact ToF proximity and ranging sensor is used in the Aura Aware devices. It has an operating range of up to four metres and very low power consumption. Signal processing is built into the sensor, simplifying design. It also provides features such as crosstalk compensation that maintains measurement accuracy even if the sensor window becomes obscured by foreign material.

ToF sensors transmit photons and then calculate distance to the target based on the time it takes for the reflected photons to be received back by the sensor. Ranging accuracy is unaffected by surface characteristics of the target, such as clothing colour or skin reflectivity, which is a characteristic that makes it particularly suitable for devices designed to help people maintain social distancing.

The sensors can also help users avoid contact with surfaces, including self service touchscreens, smart water taps and pushbutton door openers, located in high-traffic areas. The speed and precision of ToF sensing enable FlightSense sensors to manage basic on/off control as well as to detect and interpret gestures like tapping and swiping for smart touchless human machine interaction.

Another advantage is the linear response when measuring short distances. It allows them to be used inside dispensing machines to detect the level of hand-sanitising liquid or the number of personal protective items such as face masks.

The FlightSense ToF sensors are in production now. Samples are available on request.

STMicroelectronics specialises in semiconductor technologies, including the semiconductor supply chain and manufacturing facilities. The independent device manufacturer works with customers and partners to design and build products, solutions and ecosystems and technologies that enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and 5G technology.

http://www.st.com

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Farnell supports makers and students with pi-top [4] computer

AI edge box PC is based on Jetson Xavier NX to run neural networks

Murata partners with VitaNet for automated IoT pairing

Distance awareness devices rely on ToF proximity sensors

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