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Microchip claims NOR flash is first to integrate MAC address options

Mon, Jul 15, 2019

Believed to be the industry’s first NOR flash memory devices with embedded media access control (MAC) addresses, the SST26VF Serial Quad I/O (SQI) 3V flash family reduces production cost and accelerates time to market, claims the company.

The flexible MAC address chips are pre-programmed with EUI-48 and EUI-64 addresses for cost-effective, plug-and-play storage for connected applications that use Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.15.4 and FireWire.

The SST26VF family’s MAC address options are available at flash densities of 16, 32 and 64Mbit.

There is no minimum order limit, which will benefit embedded system designers who source, programme and serialise MAC addresses from the IEEE-Registration Authority (RA) for all connected products. Presently these are sold by the IEEE-RA in blocks ranging from 4,000 to 16 million. The SST26VF help to eliminate the need for companies to self-procure and manage these unique identifiers from the IEEE-RA.

Both the pre-programmed EUI-48 and EUI-64 node addresses consist of an organisational unique identifier (OUI) and an extension identifier (EI). While the OUI is purchased from the IEEE by individual companies, the EI is assigned and managed through each company by building a unique EI into every product to ensure a unique extended unique identifier (EUI) node address for every device used or shipped.

The SST26VF064BEUI, SST26VF032BEUI and SST26VF016BEUI devices have a six-wire, 4-bit I/O interface, allowing for low-power and high-performance operation in a low pin-count package, says Microchip.

The options of an eight-pin SOIC and eight-contact WSON package, mean that the devices occupy less board space. The rich SQI flash, with flexible write-protected functionality ensures code cannot be inadvertently over-written or erased.

Integrated with Microchip’s proprietary SuperFlash technology, the family offers high endurance, low operating currents and low power draw, making them suitable for industrial and consumer cloud-connected applications, such as smart hubs for homes, smart home appliances, building control equipment, factory automation, security and surveillance equipment.

Microchip offers pre-programming services for customer firmware.

https://www.microchip.com

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Large e-paper displays add a dash of yellow to signage

Fri, Jul 12, 2019

Large-format tri-colour displays from Pervasive Displays render text and images in yellow as well as black and white.

Both 7.4-inch and 12.2-inch models are available. The e-paper displays can be used for signage in locations with no mains power as they operate for months, or even years, on a single battery, says Pervasive Displays.

The tri-colour displays are designed for applications where information must be dynamic, but changes infrequently, such as office meeting room schedule screens, bus stop real-time departure boards, retail signage and museum information placards (particularly those used in temporary exhibitions or where multiple languages are required). Yellow can be used to highlight specific information, important facts, changes or special offers.

Both the 7.4 and 12.2-inch models have driving waveforms that enable the display of high-quality images at 126 dpi and 103 dpi respectively. The internal timing controller (iTC) reduces the amount of peripheral circuitry and programming required, resulting in slimline displays.

Characteristics of e-paper displays that make them suitable for indoor and outdoor signage include low energy requirements, wide viewing angles and the use of physical e-ink particles that reflect ambient light, for a readable display, even in bright sunlight, says Pervasive Displays.

Pervasive Displays designs, manufactures and markets e-paper displays for applications that require high resolution, good readability and low power consumption. The company focuses on commercial and industrial applications including retail, logistics, healthcare, security and manufacturing. Its mature TFT, integrated circuit and e-paper platforms reduce risks and improve product value. Pervasive Displays simplifies the work of designers by providing both standard and custom displays and offering extensive technical support through an ecosystem of partners. Design resources include detailed product specifications, application notes, reference designs, source code and applications support. The company is based in Tainan City, Taiwan and has offices in The Netherlands and Oregon, USA.

http://www.pervasivedisplays.com

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Basestation simulator supports next-gen eCall tests

Fri, Jul 12, 2019

To support the next-generation emergency call system (NG-eCall), Anritsu has extended its eCall test. The company has combined a basestation simulator MD8475A/B and the eCall tester MX703330E software, to support the next-generation emergency call system (NG-eCall).

eCall is a pan-European emergency call system for sending information about road accidents to a public safety answering point (PSAP). The European Union (EU) made the fitting of 112-based eCall in-vehicle systems (IVS) to all new M1- and N1-category vehicles mandatory from 31 March 2018.

Current eCall deployments are based on ETSI and CEN standards using an in-band modem to transport eCall data (MSD) over circuit-switched (CS) GSM and UMTS networks. EU operators plan to phase-out support for GSM and UMTS in favour of all-IP infrastructures like LTE and 5G in the next 10 years. eCall support for IP networks has better stability and reliability, notes Anritsu.

Anritsu has added the NG112 LTE eCall option to its eCall tester MX703330E GSM-based eCall test to implement RFC8147-defined NG-eCall function tests and end-to-end voice evaluation.

Anritsu also offers test solutions to validate TCU with eCall functions by supporting 1.0Gbit LTE simulation and NG-eCall tests using one MD8475B unit, providing both optimum coverage for general telematics tests, and helping cut test costs.

Anritsu has provided communications test and measurement solutions for 120 years. It partners with customers to help develop wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance applications, as well as network monitoring and optimisation.

Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. The company develops advanced solutions for 5G, M2M, IoT, as well as other emerging and legacy wireline and wireless communication markets.

It has approximately 3,500 employees in over 90 countries.

http://www.anritsu.com

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Fanless touch panel computer installs HMI in tight spaces

Fri, Jul 12, 2019

The GOT107W-319 is a compact seven-inch fanless touch panel computer from Axiomtek which allows easy installation in space-constrained areas, says the company, as well as offers programmable on screen display (OSD) function keys for a variety of application access. The IP65-rated panel PC adopts a seven-inch WSVGA TFT LCD with a projected capacitive touchscreen, 320 nits of brightness and LED backlight. It is powered by the Intel Celeron processor N3350 or Intel Pentium processor N4200 (codename: Apollo Lake). The slim, noise-free, IP65-rated, seven-inch widescreen touch panel PC can be used for digital signage display, self-service kiosk, industrial control and IoT-related applications, advises Axiomtek.

In addition to the IP65-rated front bezel, the rugged GOT107W-319 is equipped with aluminium back chassis, which offers enhanced heat dissipation to ensure stable and reliable operation, says the company. The all-in-one touch panel PC also has five membrane keys on its front bezel, for convenience in LCD on/off, LCD brightness and volume control. It also features RS-232/422/485 with RI/5V/12V selectable by BIOS. There is no need to open the back cover to change jumper settings, adds the company.

I/O connectivity includes one RS-232/422/485 port, one RS-232 port, two gigabit LAN ports with Intel Ethernet Controller I211-AT and two USB 3.0 ports. For wireless network connectivity, the touch panel computer features one PCI Express Mini Card slot and one M.2 Key E slot. There is also one internal mSATA socket and one easily accessible MicroSD card slot to expand storage functionality. In addition, the seven-inch WSVGA panel PC features one 204-pin DDR3L-1600 SO-DIMM with up to 8Gbyte of memory capacity. There is also an easily accessible external switch for AT/ATX mode selection. Multiple mount options including panel mount, wall mount, VESA arm and desktop stand are available for diverse installation requirements. The GOT107W-319 also supports Windows 10.

Axiomtek’s GOT107W-319 will be available in August, 2019.

http://www.axiomtek.com

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