IDS integrates Sony IMX900 into uEye low-cost models

IDS has integrated the Sony IMX900 sensor into selected models of the compact USB3 uEye XCP, XLS and GigE uEye LE series. IDS is thus expanding its portfolio with industrial cameras that deliver pin-sharp images even in confined installation situations.

As part of the Sony Pregius S series, the IMX900 offers a combination of high resolution, compact pixel size and excellent image quality. The 2.25 μm miniature pixels of the compact global shutter sensor with a resolution of 3.2 MP (2048 x 1536 pixels) deliver brilliant results, even with fast-moving objects – ideal for demanding automation and inspection tasks.

Another highlight of the sensor is its exceptional sensitivity in the near-infrared range at 850 nm. This makes it the first choice for applications with infrared lighting, for example in product inspection, in driverless transport systems or in autonomous mobile robots. At the same time, the increased light sensitivity in the red spectral range ensures that even fine details such as barcodes are reliably recognised – even in difficult lighting conditions.

Thanks to their compact size, they are particularly suitable for applications with limited space but the highest demands on image quality. “By integrating the IMX900, we have created a perfect combination of compact design, high-performance sensor technology and an attractive price structure,” explains Marcus Rembold, Product Owner 2D Cameras at IDS. “This opens up new possibilities for our customers to realise high-quality image processing solutions even where space or budget were previously limiting factors.” The option of flexible lens selection, with support for C-mount and space-saving, cost-efficient S-mount lenses, provides additional customisation options.

https://en.ids-imaging.com

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Tiny position-sensing switches from Omron have resistors for functional safety

Omron has extended its portfolio of sealed basic switches, adding the D2EW-R series that contains integrated resistors to detect events such as malfunctions and tampering.

Depending on the voltage across the D2EW-R internal resistors, the system can differentiate between normal switch-open or switch-closed status and an open circuit or short circuit at the terminals. By helping detect faults such as wiring defects, equipment failures, or malicious damage, these switches can extend diagnostic monitoring in industrial automation and enhance security protection for equipment such as vending machines and smart meters.

Using the underlying architecture of Omron’s D2EW switches, the new D2EW-R series has the same tiny 8.3mm x 7.0mm x 5.3mm outline and supports multi-angle operation without using a lever. These features save space and enhance flexibility in customer-unit design, while the sliding contact structure ensures high reliability and quiet operation. Options include polarised mounting posts or M3-screw mount that ease installation in small spaces, as well as press-fit electrical terminals, solder terminals, and moulded lead wires with straight or angled exit.

In addition, the switch mechanism has IP67 protection and is highly resistant to vibration and shock. With their built-in resistors, D2EW-R variants are rated for operation from 5V to 18V over the temperature range from -40°C to 85°C.

The D2EW-R series is a suitable solution for security applications requiring anti-theft or anti-tamper functionality, such as smart meters, safety boxes, surveillance cameras, and automated locking systems. Additionally, it is well-suited for use in factory automation systems that require failure detection and diagnostics, including industrial robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The new switches join the extensive family of sealed miniature switches from OMRON that also includes D2AW, D2AW-R, D2GW, and D2QW sliding-contact types for levered and lever-free operation and 0.1A current rating. Other switches, such as the D2VW, D2SW, and D2HW, which are capable of handling higher current load, are also available.

https://components.omron.com

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Quectel Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth 5.3 modules for smart and industrial IoT applications

Mouser is now shipping the new FCMA62N Wi-Fi 6/Bluetooth 5.3 modules from Quectel. The FCMA62N modules boast an ultra-compact LCC form factor (38.3mm × 21.6mm × 4.75mm), with multiple low-power consumption modes and custom features that provide flexibility and versatility for smart homes, industrial IoT, automotive, and medical device applications.

The Quectel FCMA62N modules are optimised for size and cost savings with an integrated, high-performance Arm® Cortex®-M33 processor running up to 260MHz. These devices support the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi protocol and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.3. The modules feature built-in 1.2MB SRAM and 8MB flash, ensuring efficient performance that complies with WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPA3-SAE security standards with an AES-128 encryption algorithm.

The FCMA62N modules support UART, SWD, and GPIO interfaces (by default), as well as SPI, I2C, I2S, and PWM interfaces in Quectel’s QuecOpen solutions. QuecOpen is a development platform that enables Quectel IoT modules to act as the main processor for an IoT device, allowing customers to program their own applications alongside the module’s standard processes. The FCMA62N modules support both the QuecOpen solution and standard AT commands with a compact protocol that enhances user product development.

The FCMA62N modules are supported by the FCMA62NABTB-0P-08 and FCMA62NABTB-1X-08 evaluation boards. The evaluation boards each feature a pre-mounted FCMA62N module, debugger, and PCB antenna.

https://eu.mouser.com

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ROHM develops an ultra-compact MOSFET ideal for fast charging

ROHM has developed a 30V N-channel MOSFET — AW2K21 — in a common-source configuration that achieves an industry-leading ON-resistance of 2.0mΩ (typ.) in a compact 2.0mm × 2.0mm package.

With the rise of compact devices featuring large-capacity batteries, such as smartphones, the need for fast charging functionality to shorten charging times continues to grow. These applications require bidirectional protection to prevent reverse current flow to peripheral ICs and other components when not actively supplying or receiving power. What’s more, fast charging involves high current power transfer, leading smartphone manufacturers to demand stringent specifications for MOSFETs, including a maximum current rating of 20A, breakdown voltage between 28V and 30V, and an ON-resistance of 5mΩ or less.

In response, ROHM developed an ultra-compact low ON-resistance MOSFET optimised for fast high-power charging. The AW2K21 adopts a proprietary structure that enhances cell density while minimising the ON-resistance per unit chip area. Two MOSFETs are integrated into a single package, allowing a single part to support bidirectional protection applications (commonly required in power supply and charging circuits).

The proprietary structure also places the drain terminal on the top surface, unlike on the backside in standard vertical trench MOS structures. This enables the use of a WLCSP, which achieves a larger chip-to-package area ratio that further reduces ON-resistance per unit area. As a result, the new product not only minimises power loss but also supports high current operation, making it ideal for high-power fast charging applications despite its ultra-compact size.

For example, in power supply and charging circuits for compact devices, standard solutions typically require two 3.3mm × 3.3mm MOSFETs. In contrast, the AW2K21 can achieve the same functionality with a single 2.0mm × 2.0mm unit, reducing the footprint and ON-resistance by approximately 81% and 33%, respectively. Even compared to similarly sized GaN HEMTs, ON-resistance is decreased by up to 50%, contributing to lower power consumption and increased space savings across a variety of applications.

The AW2K21 is also suitable for use as a unidirectional protection MOSFET in load switch applications, where it maintains the industry’s lowest ON-resistance. At the same time, ROHM is further pushing the limits of miniaturisation with the development of an even smaller 1.2mm × 1.2mm model.

https://www.rohm.com

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