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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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Luxoft and Daimler technology powers MBUX infotainment system

Thu, Aug 02, 2018

IT service provider, Luxoft Holding, and automotive manufacturer, Daimler, have partnered to develop the software platform that powers Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), an infotainment system installed in all new Mercedes A-class vehicles.

“The technology revolution in the automotive sector is changing how cars are built,” said Alwin Bakkenes, Managing Director of Luxoft Automotive. “We are very proud to have been Daimler’s partner since the inception of the MBUX concept by co-creating the UX technology platform that powers it and delivering the production software into the hardware of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class”. The vehicle manufacturer is controlling how the software design is developed and integrated into the car.

The MBUX platform is claimed to transform how drivers and passengers interact with a Mercedes-Benz. The UX technology platform that powers it was co-created by Luxoft and Daimler. It connects MBUX to the underlying features in the infotainment system and enables the integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality into the in-car experience. Bakkenes concludes: “By taking ownership of the UX software, Daimler can now respond quickly to market demand and keep the user experience fresh and relevant.”

Luxoft offers strategic consulting, custom software development services, and digital solution engineering. Luxoft enables companies to compete by leveraging its multi-industry expertise in the financial services, automotive, communications, and healthcare and life sciences sectors. Its managed delivery model is underpinned by a highly-educated workforce, allowing the company to continuously innovate upwards on the technology stack to meet evolving digital challenges. Luxoft has more than 12,900 staff across 42 cities in 21 countries within five continents, with its operating headquarters office in Zug, Switzerland.

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