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AC/DC converter in tablet configuration enables high density racks

Wed, Oct 24, 2018

A three-phase, AC/DC converter module, the RFM, from Vicor, is capable of delivering 10kW of regulated 48V DC in a power tablet configuration measuring 9.4 x 5.9 x 0.6-inches (240 x 150 x 15mm).

The RFM provides a power-factor-corrected, regulated, and isolated DC output with integrated filtering and built-in fault protection for redundant operation. It can be configured to accept worldwide three-phase AC mains from 200 to 480V AC.

The low-profile power tablet design aids power density and thermal management, says Vicor. For example, four RFMs in parallel, including input-disconnect circuitry, rectification and hold-up energy storage at 48V, can supply 40kW of power within 1U of rack space.

The RFM power tablet package provides thermal management for advanced cooling, including liquid cooling, of high-power server racks for demanding high performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) inference and learning applications.

Vicor explains that 48V (including 54V DC) distribution is the emerging standard in high-power racks using smaller-gauge wiring. It achieves substantially lower distribution losses, than legacy 12V DC distribution. In combination with Vicor 48V Power-on-Package (PoP) and 48V Direct-to-PoL solutions, the RFM enables dense and efficient end-to-end power system solutions, from three-phase AC to sub-1.0V AI processors at the point-of-load, confirms Vicor.

The 10kW power tablet RFM is the first in a new series of single and three-phase AC/DC modules featuring power outputs from 150 to 15kW.

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http://www.vicorpower.com

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AC/DC modules can be used for smart home devices

Tue, Oct 23, 2018

Output options for Recom’s 15 and 20W AC/DC power supplies have been announced. The company offers single output (5.0 to 48V DC) and dual output options (12 and 15V DC) in both pinned and wired versions.

The RAC15-K and RAC20-K series are designed for low power IoT and household applications. The AC/DC modules have low energy losses especially in light load conditions and minimal standby power consumption, says the company. Both are based on the footprint of Recom’s compact RAC10-K modules. These new modules feature high-efficiency over a wide load range, making them suitable for the always-on and standby mode operations needed for IoT and smart home devices.

It is possible to achieve 20W of power in a modular 2.0 x 1.0-inch (50 x 25mm) case size. Both the RAC15-K and RAC20-K are able to operate within a temperature range of -40 to +85 degree C and have a universal mains input range of 85V AC up to 264V AC for worldwide use. They easily meet EMC class B with measurements below the limits without the need for any external components. Both also come with international safety certifications for industrial, AV and ITE, as well as household standards. Samples and OEM pricing are available from all authorised distributors or directly from Recom.

This news story is brought to you by softei.com, the specialist site dedicated to delivering information about what’s new in the electronics industry, with daily news updates, new products and industry news.

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http://www.recom-power.com

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Kit targets LTE-M development for smart energy

Tue, Oct 23, 2018

Jointly developed with Digi International, an LTE-M expansion kit from Silicon Labs accelerates low power cellular IoT applications for smart energy, smart cities, asset tracking or agricultural applications.

The LTE-M expansion kit features the Digi XBee3 pre-certified cellular modem and works with Silicon Labs’ EFM32 Giant Gecko 11 starter kit to simplify and accelerate the development of gateways and end devices that operate in deep-sleep mode and require extended battery life.

“Digi XBee3 cellular modems and Silicon Labs Gecko MCUs are an ideal pairing to deliver seamless cloud connectivity with ultra-low power capabilities,” said Mark Tekippe, director of Product Management, Digi International. “The pre-certified Digi XBee3 cellular modem is easy to configure and provides secure, flexible out-of-box connectivity over LTE-M and NB-IoT networks.”

“LTE-M is a great option for LPWAN applications that require a combination of long battery life, LTE reliability and low latency. LTE-M is compatible with existing LTE networks and in the future will coexist with 5G technologies,” added Mike Krell, head of IoT strategy, J. Brehm & Associates. “Vendors offering easy-to-use development tools to accelerate LTE-M solutions will be well-positioned for growth in the cellular IoT market.”

Development tools in the LTE-M expansion kit include the Digi Remote Manager, Silicon Labs’ Energy Profiler and pre-programmed demos. Digi XBee3 modems certified on AT&T and Verizon cellular networks, combined with energy-friendly EFM32 microcontrollers, provide developers with a mobile IoT development toolkit, says the company.

The kit also includes Digi XBee API frames, MicroPython and XCTU software tools, Digi TrustFence integrated device security, identity and data privacy and Digi Remote Manager for over-the-air device configuration and firmware updates.

Digi International provides business and mission-critical Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products and services. Silicon Labs provides silicon and software for the IoT, internet infrastructure, industrial automation, consumer and automotive markets.

http://www.siliconlabs.com

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RS Components ships Microchip’s AVR Google Cloud development board

Fri, Oct 19, 2018

Distributor RS Components has announced the availability of Microchip’s AVR microcontroller IoT development board for Google Cloud. It is designed to enable engineers to achieve the fast prototyping of cloud-connected devices within minutes, adds the company.

Microchip’s AVR-IoT WG development board integrates the ATmega4808 AVR-based microcontroller, with a secure-element IC and a fully certified Wi-Fi network controller. The board works in conjunction with Google Cloud IoT Core, which offers an artificial intelligence and machine learning-based infrastructure in which is collects, processes and analyses data.

Developers can add cloud connectivity to a device via a free online portal at http://www.AVR-IoT.com. Microchip’s AVR devices are supported in the MPLAB X integrated development environment (IDE), meaning that once an IoT device is connected to Google Cloud, engineers can develop and debug their application in the cloud using rapid development tools such as Microchip’s MPLAB Code Configurator (MCC) or Atmel Start.

The AVR-IoT development board’s ATmega4808 processor is an eight-bit microcontroller that features core independent peripherals (CIPs) designed to deliver low power consumption. Sensing and actuation features make the board suitable fro real-time sensing and control applications.

An ATECC608A crypto-authentication IC delivers a trusted and protected identity for secure authentication of devices for the board. The crypto-authentication IC is delivered pre-registered on Google Cloud IoT Core and is ready for use with zero touch provisioning, claims Microchip. There is also a fully certified IEEE802.11-b/g/n IoT network controller, the ATWINC1510, which connects via an SPI.

Developers can use the board to create cloud-connected applications without requiring expertise in communications protocols, security or hardware compatibility, explains RS Components. In addition, they do not have to deal with security vulnerabilities or face the challenges generated with the use of large software frameworks and real time operating systems (RTOS).

The AVR-IoT WG development board (AC164160) is shipping from RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.

http://www.rs-online.com

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About Smart Cities

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