ICs & Semiconductors Archives - Page 168 of 231

32bit microcontroller brings sound to home, offices and industry

Mon, Aug 03, 2020

Microcontrollers from Epson can bring sounds to home appliances and other equipment in a variety of settings. The Arm Cortex-M0+ based S1C31D51 microcontroller has dedicated hardware which can play sound on either a speaker or buzzer.

The S1C31D51 is suitable for a variety of applications and environments. Epson says it can be used to integrate sound into home electronics, remote controllers for home appliances, industrial devices, health and fitness equipment with guidance systems, or alarms in office buildings, shopping complexes, and factories.

An Arm Cortex-M0+ processor integrated with a dedicated hardware processor provides two-channel sound on a single microcontroller chip. There is a variety of speech and audio playback functions, two-channel mixing sound (for playing background music and voice) and voice speed conversion, with a playback speed that is adjustable in five per cent increments between 75 and 125 per cent.

It is possible to output voice guidance sound like error and warning messages on a buzzer instead of a speaker. Epson says it has improved buzzer sound output performance, which can often be poor because of low volume and limited bandwidth, by using a combination of software and hardware support.

The hardware processor plays sound without requiring CPU resources, so these can be allocated to other processes even during sound playback. The use of a high data compression algorithm (16kbits per second at 15.625kHz) reduces the size of sound data memory, making it possible to provide a large amount of sound data and sound data in multiple languages.

Epson`s Voice Creation PC software tool will be provided free of charge to customers. It is a simple development environment for creating sound data for 12 languages without studio recording. Existing WAV data can also be used.

The S1C31D51 has a self- memory check function that can detect failures in built-in RAM, built-in flash, and external QSPI-flash memories without using CPU resources.

There is a variety of ways to play back sound: electromagnetic buzzer, piezoelectric buzzer and a speaker.

The S1C31D51 evaluation board includes the electromagnetic and piezoelectric buzzer by TDK that allows quick audio testing along with the pre-set demonstration.

http://www.epson-electronics.de

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High Precision RV1S9353A modulator lends a hand to robotic arms

Thu, Jul 30, 2020

To meet the demand for high-accuracy optical isolation to improve accuracy control in industrial instruments, Renesas Electronics has introduced the RV1S9353A. It is claimed to provide best-in-class precision sensing features, including lower offset voltage drift, higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), lower reference voltage drift verus temperature and higher input resistance.

The optically isolated delta sigma modulator is claimed to deliver the industry’s highest accuracy compared to other 10MHz clock output optically isolated devices. It includes a precision ADC with, typically, 13.8 effective number of bits (ENOB) for converting an analogue voltage input into a digital output one-bit data stream across the isolation barrier. The RV1S9353A connects directly to Renesas’ RZ/T microprocessor and RX72M microcontroller, or other microprocessors, microcontrollers, SoCs and FPGAs with a digital filter. The RV1S9353A is used in robotic arm controllers, as well as AC servo controllers and NC servo controllers in a range of smart factory equipment.

To standardise designs during development and design certification, the RV1S9353A has 500kOhm typical input resistance making it capable of both current sensing and voltage monitoring for easier design, explains Renesas. The delta sigma modulator’s digital output and connected digital filter removes the need for complex multi-component designs that use a traditional analogue isolation amplifier with analogue filter and several other components.

Chris Stephens, vice president of communications and motor control, industrial and communications business division at Renesas, elaborates: “Its higher input resistance and ability to provide both current sensing and voltage monitoring simplifies design and saves costs while meeting the UL, CSA and VDE safety standards.”

The RV1S9353A modulator has an input offset voltage drift versus temperature (max) of 2.5 microV per degrees C and a typical SNR of 85dB. Reference voltage (max) gain error is ±0.5 per cent and typical reference voltage drift versus temperature is 30ppm per degrees C. High input resistance is rated at 500kOhm (typical) and the high common mode transient immunity is typically 25kV per micro second

The RV1S9353A is supplied in an eight-pin SDIP with 1.27mm pin pitch.

The RV1S9353A delta sigma modulator is available now from Renesas’ worldwide distributors.

http://www.rensas.com

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Speech synthesis IC promises superior audio playback for ADAS and AVAS

Mon, Jul 27, 2020

Automotive speech synthesis ICs in the ML2253x series are optimised for audible notifications and sound effects in advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and acoustic vehicle alerting system (AVAS).

The ML2253x speech synthesis ICs can reduce overall system costs and simplify hardware and software design, says Rohm.

The IC uses the HQ-ADPCM compression method, claimed to provide superior audio playback with reduced memory usage for storing audio data.

The integrated sound continuity detection re-digitises the analogue speaker output signal and compares it with the playback data stored in the internal or external memory. The main microcontroller receives a feedback in case the data is exceeding a pre-defined value e.g. in case of skipping.

The IC has detection functions built in, including short-circuit, high temperature, and command transfer error detection, improving reliability in automotive applications, says Rohm.

The memory content can be updated through the main microcontroller, once connected to a communication network, such as the IoT.

Lapis Semiconductor offers the SDCK3 development tool that allows users to create voice data as well as prepare, write, and listen to ROM data stored in the speech synthesis IC. Combining SDCK3 with an optional reference board enables both hardware and software to be evaluated.

Rohm Semiconductor develops and manufactures a large product range from the low power microcontroller, power management, standard ICs, SiC diodes, MOSFETs and modules, power transistors and diodes, LEDs to passives components such as resistors, tantalum capacitors and LED display units.

Production is at manufacturing plants in Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and China.

Lapis Semiconductor (former OKI Semiconductor), SiCrystal GmbH and Kionix are companies of the Rohm Semiconductor Group.

Rohm Semiconductor Europe has its head office near Dusseldorf on Germany, serving Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

http://www.rohm.com/eu

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Distance awareness devices rely on ToF proximity sensors

Tue, Jul 21, 2020

Amsterdam-based start-up, Aura Aware, is using ST’s FlightSense time of flight (ToF) technology in a smart distance-awareness portable device for use at retail counters and check-in desks.

The device displays a green OK signal that changes to red if a person crosses a safe, minimum distance threshold.

The VL53L1X compact ToF proximity and ranging sensor is used in the Aura Aware devices. It has an operating range of up to four metres and very low power consumption. Signal processing is built into the sensor, simplifying design. It also provides features such as crosstalk compensation that maintains measurement accuracy even if the sensor window becomes obscured by foreign material.

ToF sensors transmit photons and then calculate distance to the target based on the time it takes for the reflected photons to be received back by the sensor. Ranging accuracy is unaffected by surface characteristics of the target, such as clothing colour or skin reflectivity, which is a characteristic that makes it particularly suitable for devices designed to help people maintain social distancing.

The sensors can also help users avoid contact with surfaces, including self service touchscreens, smart water taps and pushbutton door openers, located in high-traffic areas. The speed and precision of ToF sensing enable FlightSense sensors to manage basic on/off control as well as to detect and interpret gestures like tapping and swiping for smart touchless human machine interaction.

Another advantage is the linear response when measuring short distances. It allows them to be used inside dispensing machines to detect the level of hand-sanitising liquid or the number of personal protective items such as face masks.

The FlightSense ToF sensors are in production now. Samples are available on request.

STMicroelectronics specialises in semiconductor technologies, including the semiconductor supply chain and manufacturing facilities. The independent device manufacturer works with customers and partners to design and build products, solutions and ecosystems and technologies that enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and 5G technology.

http://www.st.com

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32bit microcontroller brings sound to home, offices and industry

High Precision RV1S9353A modulator lends a hand to robotic arms

Speech synthesis IC promises superior audio playback for ADAS and AVAS

Distance awareness devices rely on ToF proximity sensors

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