IDS launches Nion 3D ToF camera for industrial use with 1.2 MP depth sensing

IDS Imaging is expanding its 3D portfolio with Nion, an industrial ToF camera featuring 1.2-megapixel resolution and integrated depth processing. It provides high-resolution and temporally stable depth information at 30 fps, even during rapid movements and in changing lighting conditions. This makes it suitable for applications such as logistics, automation and robotics, where precise 3D data is required at real-world process speeds.

The Nion captures moving objects with virtually no blurring. Its high resistance to stray light ensures reproducible measurement results both indoors and outdoors. The measuring range of 0.3 to 7.5 metres covers typical industrial scenarios. The robust IP67-rated housing allows it to be used in more demanding environments. Power over Ethernet (PoE) reduces installation effort and cabling.

Compared to standard ToF cameras on the market, the onsemi AR0130 depth sensor offers higher resolution, lower noise, more stable results in ambient light and improved motion stability. This enables the Nion to achieve high depth accuracy even when objects are moving quickly and under variable lighting conditions.

ids-imaging.en

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Rohm launches new lineup of 17 high-performance Op Amps

Rohm has added the new CMOS op amp series “TLRx728” and “BD728x“ to its lineup. These are suitable for a wide range of applications including automotive, industrial, and consumer systems.

In recent years, demand for high-accuracy op amps has been rapidly increasing as automotive and industrial systems become more sophisticated, demanding faster speed, better precision, and higher efficiency. In applications requiring amplification of sensor outputs, minimising signal error and delay is essential. To meet these requirements, a well-balanced set of key characteristics is needed, including Input Offset Voltage, Noise, and Slew Rate.

These new products are high-performance op amps that offer a low input offset voltage, low noise, and high slew rate. TLRx728 features an input offset voltage of 150 µV (typ.), while the BD728x offers 1.6 mV (typ.). Both series have a noise voltage density of 12 nV/√Hz at 1kHz and a slew rate of 10 V/µs. They are therefore suitable for a wide range of precision applications, including sensor signal processing, current detection circuits, motor driver control, and power supply monitoring systems. Both series are designed to balance versatility and high performance rather than being limited to specific applications.

Rail-to-Rail input/output capability allows maximum utilisation of the power supply voltage range, ensuring a wide dynamic range.

Furthermore, in addition to 1 channel, 2 channels, and 4 channels configurations, a diverse range of packages is available, enabling optimal product selection based on application and board size.

rohm.com

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Power‑management optimized ICs for STM32 microprocessors in industrial applications

ST’s STPMIC1L and STPMIC2L power-management ICs (PMICs) help designers leverage the embedded-processing muscle of ST’s Arm Cortex-A microprocessors (MPUs) in performance-oriented industrial applications.

Tailored for the 32-bit STM32MP1x and 64-bit STM32MP2x series, the new PMICs deliver cost-effective power and protection while saving board space, simplifying hardware design, and minimising the bill of materials. With multiple fixed and adjustable LDOs and DC/DC buck converters for all MPU power rails, each PMIC also contains an LDO suited to powering external DDR DRAM.

The PMICs target equipment such as point-of-sale (POS) terminals, network gateways, home-automation systems, edge-processing platforms, printers, barcode scanners, and metering systems. With their extended junction temperature rating from -40°C to 125°C, the devices withstand harsh environments in applications like industrial controls, thermostats, and smart-factory devices.

The STPMIC1L for the STM32MP1 series has two DC/DC buck converters and four LDOs, one LDO for DRAM, and two external pins for power control. The STPMIC2L for the STM32MP2 series has three DC/DC buck converters and seven LDOs for the 64-bit MCUs, one DRAM LDO, and three pins for power control. Each has a large input voltage range, from 2.8V to 5.5V, easing the design of equipment powered from a low-voltage AC/DC wall adaptor, USB outlet, or Li-ion or Li-Po batteries.

The buck converters of these PMICs implement adaptive constant on-time (COT) to ensure fast transient response, as well as supporting dynamic voltage scaling for optimal efficiency. Safety and protection include programmable output discharge modes, selectable overcurrent protection (OCP), and power-rail monitoring. The PMICs also handle power-up/down sequencing and meet the MPUs’ accuracy and settling-time specifications.

Two evaluation boards, STEVAL-PMIC1LKV1 and STEVAL-PMIC2LKV1, are available to help engineers kick-start their projects and accelerate development. Each has a dedicated graphical user interface that eases configuring and monitoring the PMIC on the evaluation board and setting up the NVM parameters.

Both STPMIC1L and STPMIC2L are fully supported by the STM32 MPU ecosystem, in OpenSTLinux.

www.st.com/STPMIC1L-2L

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element14 Community launches smart industry design challenge

element14 has launched its latest design competition, inviting engineers, makers and technology enthusiasts to develop smart industry projects focused on production monitoring, uptime optimisation and product testing.

Selected participants will design and build a prototype or test rig using a kit of components from leading suppliers. Entries will be judged on creativity and the imaginative use of component features.

The challenge centres on adding intelligence to production environments. Example project concepts include miniature production line demonstrations, open‑source conveyor systems, inventory management tools, production line monitoring, predictive maintenance, RFID tracking and quality control solutions.

“To us, smart industry is about applying creativity and practical engineering to real‑world manufacturing challenges,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community. “This challenge gives our members the opportunity to explore industrial innovation while sharing their ideas and learning from one another.”

To be eligible for prizes, participants must document their build process and publish a final project blog on the element14 Community, clearly highlighting the sponsor components used.

The first-place winner will receive an Multicomp Pro MP720013 Oscilloscope. Second place will receive a Multicomp Pro MP750511 Waveform Generator, and third place will receive a Multicomp Pro MP3055 Bench Digital Multimeter. All participants who successfully complete the challenge will also receive a Multicomp Pro AC/DC Voltage Clamp Meter.

Applications are open now through 12 April and participants will have until 21 June to complete and submit their projects.

For more information and to register, visit: community.element14.com

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