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Digi introduces smart wireless module to futureproof IoT design

Mon, Aug 13, 2018

Certified kits from Digi are designed to help futureproof IoT hardware designs. The XBee3 Cellular LTE-M smart wireless module supports seamless switching between frequencies, bands and protocols.

The  XBee3 Cellular LTE-M development kits feature Digi’s next-generation smart cellular modem. This LTE-M certification allows Digi to bring one of the first LPWAN, software-defined technology-agile modems capable of offering Cat-M or NB-IoT on a single, compact footprint. The additional certification of Digi XBee3 Cellular NB-IoT is expected in October 2018.

The customer-configurable kit allows developers to standardise and futureproof their IoT designs by simply changing modems and SIMs. This allows them to leverage different wireless protocols without having to redesign hardware for different regions or applications.

The Digi XBee3 Cellular LTE-M smart modem is integrated into the development kit via a 20-pin Digi XBee socket, allowing for connectivity via millions of sockets already deployed around the globe, claims Digi. The module can also be easily configured and controlled from a centralized platform such as the Digi Remote Manager.

The Digi XBee3 Cellular LTE-M modem is supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT Core. It has built-in Digi TrustFence security. The module’s identity and data privacy features use more than 175 controls to protect against new and evolving cyber threats. It also provides the tools to secure connected devices, including data in motion with TLS 1.2 encryption and bi-directional authentication – required for AWS IoT connectivity.

The Digi XBee3 Cellular LTE-M smart modem development kit is now available for evaluation and testing. The kit includes one Digi XBee3 Cellular LTE-M embedded modem, one XBee3 development board, one active SIM, up to six months of free cellular service, antennae and power supply, and Digi’s full library of documentation and examples.

Digi International provides IoT and M2M connectivity products and services. It helps customers create next-generation connected products and deploy and manage critical communications infrastructures in demanding environments with high levels of security, relentless reliability and bulletproof performance.

http://www.digi.com

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Sensor module is designed for embedded video applications

Mon, Aug 06, 2018

Based on Sunex Optics’ 4k miniature DSL255 SuperFishEye lens, the MOD2552 sensor module is the company’s first sensor module designed for digital video device development with embedded vision.

The high-resolution module provides up to 12Mpixel resolution images and incorporates a Sony 1/2.3 type CMOS image sensor that includes an active pixel array of 4072H x 3062V. The MOD255I sensor module can be used in manufacturing consumer and security devices capable of continuous video and still images. The MOD255I module and all Sunex lenses are available from Framos.

The MOD255I module is a compact design for easy integration into any embedded vision application, such as security and surveillance, drones, immersive imaging, video communication, IoT, and consumer devices. Sony’s IMX477 CMOS consumer sensor delivers 12Mpixel at 60 frames per second, or 4K2K video at the same frame rate. The fully integrated and dynamically aligned lens provides a wide 190 degree field of view at a design image circle of 4.3mm.

The MOD2551 has thermal stability and low power source requirements and consumption, making it suitable for security and industrial action cameras delivering high-resolution video in real-time for indoor and outdoor applications. Example applications are drones, bank machines, smart home surveillance, board-room video, or sports cameras.

The module’s MIPI interface offers four bus lanes at 2.1Gbits per second for 12bit digital output with both line scan and frame rate synchronisation. The MOD255I module provides electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance to minimise interference in truly embedded systems and devices. The actively aligned lens is claimed to demonstrate improved and uniform image quality.

Framos specialises in the embedded vision space through imaging and image processing. Its portfolio of modules is backed by a dedicated team of industry and product experts and the company supports the integration of the new modules into their applications and projects.

http://www.framos.com

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Dual-mode power monitoring IC helps troubleshoot by logging events

Fri, Aug 03, 2018

Claimed to offer an industry leading accuracy of 0.1 per cent error across a 4000:1 range, the MCP39F511A dual-mode power monitoring IC measures both AC and DC modes, says Microchip.

Power calculations and event monitoring are included with a single IC, which contributes to a reduced bill of materials cost and firmware development time, says the company.

Power monitoring has become more prevalent as developers look to monitor product performance and improve energy usage in smart cities and smart homes. To simplify calibration procedures and support most accuracy requirements, two 24-bit delta-sigma ADCs with 94.5 dB of signal-to-noise ratio plus distortion (SINAD) performance and a 16-bit calculation engine are included.

The MCP39F511A is suitable for a range of consumer, IoT and industrial applications. It is able to automatically sense power supply types and switches between AC and DC modes, optimising measurement results. Developers can troubleshoot issues with an on-chip EEPROM that logs critical events, and there is an integrated low-drift voltage reference and internal oscillator to reduce implementation costs.

Standard power calculations such as active, reactive and apparent power, active and reactive energy, root-mean-square (RMS) current and voltage, line frequency and power factor enable designers to add highly accurate power monitoring functions to end applications with minimal firmware development, advises Microchip.

Other features include auto-save and auto-load of power quantities to and from the EEPROM at power loss or start, ensuring that measurement results are never lost if power is disrupted unexpectedly. Event monitoring of various power conditions also enhances preventative system maintenance and enables developers to better manage power consumption.

The device is supported by the MCP39F511A Power Monitor Demonstration Board (ADM00667). The single-phase power and energy monitoring system calculates and displays active power, reactive power, RMS current, RMS voltage, active energy (both import and export) and four-quadrant reactive energy.

http://www.microchip.com/MCP39F511A

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IoT connectivity box provides remote access in industrial areas

Thu, Aug 02, 2018

Finnish company, Tosibox, offers the Lock 500, a connectivity and remote access device designed particularly for demanding industrial environments. The Lock 500 can also be used in the security and office networking sectors.

“The importance and amount of data is constantly growing in application areas such as machine builders collecting high data volumes, CCTV in security and infrastructure, and ICT applications and office remote work, says Tero Lepistö, Tosibox CEO. “Dual-SIM slots for operator redundancy allows for even more reliable connectivity,” he adds.

Tosibox Lock 500 meets the needs of industrial customers, with features such as industrial power connector, integrated DIN rail mounting bracket and industrial housing.

It has a robust, fanless enclosure made of aluminum with IP 20 rating. The back of the Lock 500 has an integrated DIN rail bracket for easy mounting. There is also an industrial screw-on DC power connector and the power source is provided with suitable connectors as an accessory.

For IT and security services, the Lock 500’s VPN throughput is suitable for remote video streaming of security cameras. Tosibox Lock 500 can also be used for connecting demanding IT network infrastructures and for building more affordable remote business solutions.

The Lock 500 boasts impressive cyber security features such as the secure storage of encryption and authentication keys in a hardware-based secure storage, which makes copying or faking the device identity impossible, claims Tosibox. The integrity and confidentiality of the software is always verified at boot-up. All software updates are cryptographically signed and verified before installing, ensuring only Tosibox product updates are allowed.

The device holds the CE certificate, with remaining approvals, FCC and UL to be added later.

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www.tosibox.com

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