DC-DC converter series from TDK is enhanced with adjustable current limit option

TDK has announced the addition of adjustable current limit models to the TDK-Lambda brand 300W rated i7C non-isolated DC-DC converter series. These buck-boost board mount power modules have input ranges of 9 up to 53Vdc with output voltage adjustment from 5 to 28V, 8 to 24V or 9.6 to 48V depending upon the output current rating. The i7C topology enables a seamless transition from buck (voltage reduction) to boost (voltage increase) operation. The “Itrim” output current limit function enables parallel operation of modules for higher power requirements, operation in constant current, or reducing device stress where overloading may occur due to charging large capacitive loads.

The new models are ideal for generating additional high-power DC outputs from 12, 24, and 48V system voltages in medical, automated guided vehicles (AGV), Industrial Mobile Robots (IMR), drones, industrial, test, measurement, and battery-powered equipment.

Having high efficiencies of up to 97% reduces waste heat, allowing the product to operate and deliver high useable power in demanding thermal environments. Under light load conditions, the i7C’s control techniques significantly reduce power consumption. Under zero load conditions, the typical input current for these modules is 5mA. When the module is inhibited, this current can be further reduced to approximately 0.25mA. The low quiescent current allows battery-powered equipment to remain functional longer during periods of non-operation.

These additional models include output voltage adjustment, negative logic remote on-off, output current monitoring, positive remote sense, plus input under-voltage, over-current and thermal protection. A sync function enabling a common operating switching frequency between multiple converters to reduce system noise is also included.

Three mechanical configurations are available; low profile open frame measuring 34 x 36.8 x 14.7mm (LxWxH), baseplate construction for conduction cooling (15.5mm in height), or integral heat sink for convection or forced air cooling (24.9mm in height). The i7C converters have the industry standard 1/16th brick pin-out.

All models are certified to IEC/UL/CSA/EN 62368-1 and carry the CE and UKCA marks for the Low Voltage and RoHS Directives.

https://www.jp.lambda.tdk.com/

> Read More

u-blox launches Bluetooth Angle-of-Arrival solution to enable indoor asset tracking

u-blox has announced u-locate, a complete indoor positioning solution, offering the optimal combination of accuracy, cost and power consumption. Based on Bluetooth LE AoA (Angle-of-Arrival), u-locate delivers positioning accuracy levels down to 10 centimetres while ensuring extended tag battery lifetimes at an affordable price point.

The flexible and modular u-locate solution targets RTLS (real-time location system) solution providers and systems integrators, with end-user indoor tracking applications in warehousing, manufacturing, healthcare and many more. The easy-to-configure mobile application includes an extensive management support tool and anchors with self-aware orientation, removing the pain of complex solution installations and ensuring reduced times to market.

u-locate’s AoA positioning algorithms deliver accuracy while reducing the cost of tracking assets, enabling a wider range of use cases. The combination of Bluetooth 5.1 technology with the optimised antenna configuration of u-locate delivers positioning accuracy, without compromising power consumption. The u-locate solution scales easily as the end-user installation grows, and futureproofing is underpinned with OTA (over-the-air) software updates ensuring continuous access to new features and updates.

The flexible solution can be tailored according to the needs of the application, and consists of a positioning middleware (u-locateHub), a positioning engine (u-locateEngine), anchor points (u-locateAnchor) and tags (u-locateTag). It can be complemented with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) products from u-blox, to guarantee seamless indoor and outdoor localisation.

u-locateHub complies with the omlox global interoperability standard and its well-documented API platform contains various APIs, supporting integration with multiple vendor solutions. By joining omlox, u-blox recognises the importance of contributing to a growing ecosystem, and promoting global interoperability of positioning solutions.

https://www.u-blox.com

> Read More

Omnivision’s integrated camera solution, with mono-IR + AON in a single, low-power camera

Omnivision has announced the new OV01D1R intelligent CMOS image sensor, the first sensor for the computing industry to address human presence detection (HPD), infrared (IR) facial authentication and always-on (AON) technology with a single sensing camera – while retaining low power consumption and operating independently from the laptop’s RGB camera.

Biometric authentication and HPD are becoming increasingly common in laptops due to the need for privacy and the convenience of immediate and touch-free login. HPD has traditionally been powered by AON streaming from the RGB sensor. However, the HPD is disabled when the RGB sensor is blocked by the physical privacy shutter.

“Omnivision has solved this problem by implementing a completely new sensor design involving the first-ever integrated camera solution: mono-IR + AON. Even when the RGB sensor is blocked by the physical privacy shutter, the HPD and facial recognition features can still be achieved by the separate OV01D sensor. The device maintains ultra-low-power streaming for AON while the 2-micron (µm) pixel has a high performance in terms of sensitivity and MTF (modulation transfer function), allowing it to maintain the HPD and facial authentication functions,” said Jason Chiang, staff marketing manager computing, Omnivision. “In addition, cost and module design complexity are reduced due to our ability to combine the capabilities of three to four sensors into a single device. We are excited to see the OV01D1R sensor implemented into 2025 model laptops and beyond.”

The OV01D1R features an innovative mono-IR colour filter array that supports both HPD and facial recognition in a single sensing camera. Based on PureCel pixel technology, the OV01D1R is a raw 1-megapixel (MP), low-power (4.7mW@3fps) image sensor in a 1/6.13-inch optical format. It delivers 1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). Applications for the new sensor include cameras embedded into notebooks, tablets, monitors and webcams, as well as doorbell and home security cameras.

https://www.ovt.com

> Read More

Global tracking and telematics click board from Mikroe has extensive network compatibility

Mikroe has launched 4G LTE&GNSS Click , a compact add-on board designed for advanced global tracking and telematics applications, enabling developers to build highly efficient and smaller solutions.

The board features the LENA-R8, a compact, multi-mode LTE Cat 1bis module from u-blox that supports 14 LTE bands, four GSM/GPRS bands for universal connectivity, and integrated u-blox GNSS for precise global tracking. The board facilitates communication via UART and includes a USB interface for device management and firmware updates. Key features include dual LED indicators for operational status, flexible power options, and a nano SIM card holder supporting various SIM voltages.

Ideally suited for IoT applications requiring broad global coverage and high-performance location services, the 4G LTE&GNSS Click board is a powerful tool for developers in the tracking and telematics markets. 4G LTE&GNSS Click is fully compatible with the mikroBUS socket and can be used on any host system supporting the mikroBUS standard. It comes with the mikroSDK open-source libraries, offering flexibility for evaluation and customisation.

http://www.mikroe.com

> Read More

About Smart Cities

This news story is brought to you by smartcitieselectronics.com, the specialist site dedicated to delivering information about what’s new in the Smart City Electronics industry, with daily news updates, new products and industry news. To stay up-to-date, register to receive our weekly newsletters and keep yourself informed on the latest technology news and new products from around the globe. Simply click this link to register here: Smart Cities Registration