IoT

Infineon introduces lower cost Bluetooth long-range module for low power applications

Thu, Feb 15, 2024

Infineon has announced the CYW20822-P4TAI040, its latest Bluetooth module that pushes the low-power and range boundaries for wireless connectivity in IoT and consumer electronics. This module offers seamless integration, enhanced performance with Bluetooth low-energy long-range (LE-LR) support, and exceptional reliability for a wide range of applications. With the right combination of low power and high performance, Infineon’s CYW20822-P4TAI040 is designed to support the entire spectrum of Bluetooth LE-LR use cases including industrial IoT applications, smart home, asset tracking, beacons and sensors, and medical devices.

According to a recent report by ABI Research future use cases will demand additional improvements across almost all metrics. These include industrial IoT applications such as sensing, robotics, beacons, smart home, and asset tracking. In response, Infineon’s CYW20822-P4TAI040 Bluetooth module delivers unparalleled connectivity and performance, enabling customers to create innovative products in the IoT and consumer electronics space.

With extensive experience in delivering certified Bluetooth and Bluetooth LE modules, Infineon’s regulatory testing (FCC, ISED, MIC, CE) and certification process with the Bluetooth SIG is precise and rigorous. Its pre-certified modules are optimised for cost, size, power, and range.

“Infineon is thrilled to expand its Bluetooth portfolio with the introduction of the CYW20822-P4TAI040 Bluetooth module to help designers get to market faster,” said Anurag Chauhan, Director of Marketing for the Bluetooth product line at Infineon Technologies. “As a leader in the IoT area in delivering innovative new Bluetooth LE solutions, this new module is a testament to our customer commitment. This new module delivers low power, long range, and excellent RF performance to meet our customers evolving needs.”

Infineon’s CYW20822-P4TAI040 Bluetooth LE module is currently sampling. More information is available at https://www.infineon.com/CYW20822-P4TAI040

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Nexperia introduces Energy Balance Calculator for enhanced battery life optimisation

Fri, Feb 09, 2024

Nexperia have announced the release of the Energy Balance Calculator. A powerful web-based tool designed to assist battery management engineers in maximising the battery life of their applications. The calculator facilitates the integration of Nexperia’s Energy Harvesting PMICs into their systems by providing engineers with precise data for informed decision-making.

At the core of Nexperia’s Energy Harvesting PMICs is the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm, enabling efficient energy harvest from the environment for various consumer electronics and IoT devices. To utilise these PMICs at their full potential, the calculator works with real-world technical parameters. It calculates the energy delivered to the load and the energy compensation. Thus, offering insights into potential battery life extension or achieving energy autonomy. Engineers can furthermore visualise system efficiency and precision through an efficiency curve provided by the tool.

“We are proud to introduce the Energy Balance Calculator, reaffirming our commitment to empowering engineers in enhancing system efficiency and combating battery waste. This tool allows engineers to make informed decisions ensuring optimal utilisation of our energy harvesting solution and extending the lifespan of electronic devices,” says Javed Ahmad, Senior Director of Product Management for IC Solutions at Nexperia.

Nexperia’s energy harvesting solutions system enable engineers to rethink their designs for wireless IoT nodes, wearables, smart tags, and electronic shelf labels to be more environmentally sustainable, economical energy harvesting from various ambient sources in applications consuming up to several milliwatts of power.

https://www.nexperia.com/energy-balance-calculator

Written by Annie Shinn

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u-blox introduces new LTE-M modules with integrated GNSS to boost industrial connectivity  

Wed, Feb 07, 2024

u-blox has announced two new LTE-M cellular module series, the SARA-R52 and LEXI-R52. These modules, designed for industrial applications, are based on the u-blox UBX-R52 cellular chip and are tailored for integrated and concurrent positioning and wireless communication needs. Typical IoT use cases include fixed and mobile applications such as metering and utility, asset tracking and monitoring, as well as healthcare.

A set of new features embedded within the u-blox UBX-R52 chip will allow users to dispense with additional components to design their products. SpotNow is a new positioning feature unique to u-blox, which provides position data with a 10 m accuracy within a couple of seconds. It is meant for occasional tracking applications such as recycling waste dumpsters, elderly trackers, or cleaning machines. The uCPU feature allows users to run their own software within the chip without using an external MCU. The uSCM (Smart Connection Manager), on the other hand, is designed for automatic connectivity management to achieve either best performance or lowest power consumption, for example when a connection is lost and needs to be re-established.

The new u-blox R52 series also introduces a new combo module designed to offer simultaneous GNSS and cellular connectivity – an important attribute for applications requiring continuous or cyclic tracking. The u-blox SARA-R520M10 combo module comes equipped with an integrated u-blox M10 GNSS receiver and ensures concurrent tracking with low-power consumption, better TTFF, and improved RF sensitivity. It is tailored for users who seek the simplicity of a pre-integrated cellular and GNSS solution.

Many LTE-M modules only offer an RF output power of 20-21 dBm, whereas the new R52 series offers 23 dBm, ensuring stable connectivity in challenging coverage conditions. The LEXI-R52 provides the same features as the SARA-R52, but in a smaller form factor (16 x 16 x 2 mm), ideal for ultra-small applications like wearables.

Samples are available now, with volume production scheduled for Q3 2024.

https://www.u-blox.com

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ZF launches a battery-free energy harvesting switch module.

Wed, Feb 07, 2024

ZF has announced a battery-free and wireless switch module which is based on ZF’s patented energy harvesting technology and the EnOcean protocol.

As a member of the EnOcean Alliance, ZF succeeded in fully certifying the switch module in accordance with the EnOcean RF standard which is especially designed for energy harvesting solutions.

The ZF switch module uses the RF frequency 868 MHz and operates energy self-sufficient i.e. batteries and wires are completely redundant. The energy for sending a RF protocol is generated by the actuation of a very compact inductive generator (20.1 x 7.3 x 14.3 mm).

The maintenance-free modules are compatible with various switch designs available on the market. As a wireless solution, these radio modules offer flexibility and design freedom in order to realise individual requirements.

Besides the switch module with EnOcean protocol, a module for KNX-RF is available in series production. Also customer-specific protocols are possible.

At Light+Building in Frankfurt from 3rd to 8th March 2024, ZF shows in hall 9.0, stand no. E21 various energy harvesting applications in the area of Smart Home & Smart Building.

For further information on the energy harvesting product range from ZF, please click here: https://switches-sensors.zf.com/energy-harvesting/

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