Advantech unveils palm-size intelligent edge computers

Advantech has announced the release of the ARK-1125 series, a new line of palm-size fanless box PCs powered by Intel’s latest N200 (from the N-series) and X7211E (from the X-series) processors. The ARK-1125 series features ultra-compact, ruggedised units designed to operate in a wide temperature range (-30 ~ 60°C; -22 ~ 140°F). Despite their small size (133 x 46.4 x 94.2mm; 5.24″ x 1.83″ x 3.71″), these box PCs offer plenty of connectivity options to link with various devices and peripherals, making them suitable for most factory automation needs.

The ARK-1125 series also supports integration with M.2 AI accelerator cards, 5G/LTE, Wi-Fi modules, and NVMe SSDs, enabling real-time intelligence and boosting efficiency and productivity in factory and smart city applications. On top of all that, on-board TPM 2.0 and DeviceOn software provide one more layer of security and remote management capabilities. With their palm-size form factor, rugged design, wide operating temperature range, and IP4X rating, these box PCs are perfect for space-constrained applications such as manufacturing conveyors and kiosks.

The ARK-1125 series comes in two configurations with varying I/O to suit different application scenarios.

Human Machine Interfaces: ARK-1125H
The ARK-1125H model features an Intel® N200 (Alder Lake N) processor and supports 16GB of DDR5-4800 memory. It offers plenty of external I/O options for connecting peripherals, including 2 x GbE (up to 2500 Mbps), 2 x RS-232/422/485, 2 x USB 3.2, 2 x USB 2.0, and 2 x HDMI ports. Additionally, the ARK-1125H supports Wi-Fi and 5G modules and includes selected wireless modules certified by RED for EU countries. This version is also certified for ChromeOS Flex, ARK-1125H, making it suitable for a range of businesses and enterprise applications, including interactive AI applications. The compact size of the ARK-1125H allows it to be installed in space-limited environments like kiosks. It features dual GbE and dual HDMI ports for network and display connections. Its wireless communication capabilities are perfectly suited to meet the demands of data upload and download for kiosk applications.

Industrial Automation: ARK-1125C
The ARK-1125C model features an Intel® x7211E (Alder Lake N) processor and supports 16GB of DDR5-4800 memory. Its versatile external I/O options enable various connections, including 4 x RS-232/422/4851, 1 x GbE (up to 2500 Mbps), 2 x USB 3.2, 2 x USB 2.0, and 1 x HDMI port. Internal interfaces include M.2 2230 E-Key, 2242 M-Key and 2280 B-Key slots, supporting NVMe SSDs, wireless modules, and AI accelerator cards such as the HAILO 8, with an M.2 form factor, enabling AI applications at the edge in smart factories. Moreover, ARK-1125C, with its selected memory and SSD, is Energy Star certified, ensuring power and cost savings while promoting environmentally friendliness.

Customisation services
For customers requiring customised solutions, Advantech’s European DMS team offers a wide range of local design and manufacturing services.

https://www.advantech.com/

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Panasonic announces wireless modules, embracing Wi-Fi 6 standard

Panasonic has announced its entry into the realm of Wi-Fi 6 technology with the launch of PAN9019 and PAN9019A wireless modules. These modules, built on NXP’s IW611 and IW612 chips respectively, mark a leap forward in wireless connectivity solutions.
The PAN9019 module boasts Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities. Meanwhile, the PAN9019A module extends its functionality further with the addition of 802.15.4 compatibility, enabling seamless integration with Thread and Zigbee protocols. This versatility ensures that these modules cater to a wide array of applications, including EV charging, heat pumps, smart home devices, industrial automation/equipment, and medical equipment.
To further enhance customisation and flexibility, Panasonic Industry provides an approved antenna list featuring three different antenna types. Customers can choose from a selection of antennas offered by leading players in the industry, including TDK, AVX/Kyocera, Taoglas, and 2J.
Moreover, each evaluation kit comes equipped with a FXP830 pre-certified flex PCB antenna from Taoglas, guaranteeing optimal performance out of the box.
Samples and evaluation tools for the PAN9019 and PAN9019A modules are readily available, enabling customers to experience the performance and versatility firsthand.

https://industry.panasonic.eu/coming-soon-wi-fi-6-pan9019a

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New adapter board from Rutronik for radar-based applications in distance measurement and people detection

Reliable solutions for distance measurement as well as people and surface detection play a key role in IoT applications. With the RAB3, Rutronik System Solutions are expanding their board family with an Adapter Board to test the use of a fully integrated module as well as the possibility of a discrete development. By accelerating the pre-development phase and reducing costs, the RAB3 helps to bring radar-based applications to market faster.

IoT control applications have become a trend and with it the demand for sensing devices to collect information. Here radar sensing is highly robust and stable with respect to external conditions such as temperature changes and ambient light. “Furthermore, radar detects motion, but does not use the actual images, thus providing a real privacy benefit. With our RAB3, you benefit from a development environment to test compact and lower power radar applications,” notes Stephan Menze, Head of Global Innovation Management at Rutronik.

The Nisshinbo 60 GHz Smart Sensor Micro-Module offers a non-contact and highly accurate measurement solution. Radar sensing at 60 GHz is a non-contact and highly accurate measurement solution. This is beneficial for realising applications for distance measurement or people counting with the distance, angle, and state detection sensor using 60 GHz band millimetre wave. With the Infineon XENSIVTM 60 GHz Radar Sensor, a discrete radar IC complements the latest radar technology provided with the RAB3 to work on your application. Thanks to its small form factor and low power consumption, this 60GHz radar sensor comes with one transmitting and three receiving antennas. The L-shaped antenna can be used for array, horizontal, and vertical angular measurement. This enables advanced radar sensing.

Thanks to the Arduino interface, the RAB3 is easy to combine with all other Base Boards and Adapter Boards from Rutronik System Solutions. The modular concept opens up various development approaches that you can implement quickly, cost-effectively, and simply, but in a technically sophisticated way. By combining the RAB3 with the Base Board RDK3, it is possible to implement both detection without privacy issues and also in badly lit and dark surroundings and localized use via Bluetooth Low Energy, which is sufficient for some applications such as people detection and presence detection in factories, conference and exhibitions halls, shopping malls or similar. It is also possible, for example, to connect it to the Text To Speech Adapter Board, which is based on Epson core hardware and software. This second Adapter Board makes it then possible to use the voice output to communicate that a maximum of people are in a room or hall. With the Text To Speech Adapter Board up to twelve languages can be realized as voice output.

https://www.rutronik.com.

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Mouser and Murata present new eBook focused on MEMS technology

Mouser Electronics, has announced a new eBook in collaboration with Murata, exploring the use of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology device design. In 9 Industry Experts Discuss MEMS Technology, industry thought leaders offer unique perspectives on the benefits and applications of MEMS technology in consumer electronics, medical, Internet of Things (IoT) and industrial implementations.

Chapters on inertial measurement units (IMUs) and MEMS-based levelling devices discuss how these sensors provide the ability to determine relative position and orientation. Another chapter discusses the differences between consumer and industrial-grade MEMS sensors. The eBook concludes with emerging trends in the field of MEMS technology, such as the integration of intelligence into solutions, miniaturisation, and applications such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).

The eBook includes convenient links to select Murata MEMS sensors, such as the SCA3300-D01 3-axis accelerometer and inclinometer, which is designed to provide high accuracy measurement in challenging applications, with ultralow noise density, excellent stability, superior vibration robustness, and extensive self-diagnostics. This sensor is suitable for motion analysis and control, professional levelling, and navigation systems.

The SCL3400-D01 digital 2-axis inclinometer, based on Murata’s capacitive 3D-MEMS process, is ideal for levelling and tilt-sensing applications, such as monitoring structural health. The SCR410T-K03 gyroscope and SCC433T-K03 gyroscope and accelerometer, part of Murata’s SCC400T series, are ideal for applications requiring high stability in harsh environments. Industrial applications include robotic control systems, machine control systems, platform stabilisation and control, and motion analysis and control.

https://www.mouser.com/manufacturer/murata/

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