Low profile reflective sensor negates peripheral circuitry

For industrial and medical applications, TT Electronics has launched a low profile reflective object sensor in PCB assembly. The OPB9001 module offers 24 to 30V input compatibility and features four-pin connectors for simple programming and operation.

The OPB9001 PCB module includes the OPB9000 reflective sensor and eliminates the need for peripheral circuitry like resistors, regulators and capacitors which are integrated into its small, robust package, explains TT Electronics.

The reflective sensor can detect objects as far away as 50mm using standard 90 per cent reflective material as well as objects as small as 2.5mm, depending on the object distance. The OPB9001 can also be programmed to recognise various distances within its reflective range.

“Industrial applications often require flexible customised solutions in order to accommodate the dynamic needs of each environment,” said Raymund Chua, product line director, Optoelectronics, TT Electronics. “The OPB9001 product family is capable of directly accepting higher input voltage and can be customised to maximise flexibility and compatibility — even in the most robust and demanding industrial use cases.”

All analogue signal conditions are incorporated into OPB9001’s integrated OPB9000 IC and PCB assembly. The OPB9001 module is equipped with an integrated connector for ease of mounting on PCBs and panels, adds TT Electronics.

TT Electronics provides engineered electronics for performance-critical applications. The company employs nearly 5,000 members of staff, operating from 29 key locations around the world. TT designs and manufactures a wide range of electronics for sensing, power management and connectivity for applications in the industrial, medical, aerospace and defence and transportation sectors.

http://www.ttelectronics.com

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M12-based Ethernet switches are for rail applications

TE Connectivity now offers EN50155 managed Ethernet switches that enable secure and reliable Gigabit-speed networks in harsh network environments on railway rolling stock.

The switches can be used even where vibration levels are extreme, says TE Connectivity.

They are equipped with hardware and firmware to provide optional Power over Ethernet (PoE), redundancy functions, easy management and advanced operation. The switches are intended for passenger information and entertainment systems, as well as surveillance systems.

The switches have built-in redundancy and can be managed remotely, saving maintenance costs. They are “highly resistant to hacking” adds the company.

According to TE’s Egbert Stellinga, “Their Gigabit performance will help our customers save on future investments, while the optional PoE capability cuts costs straight away by eliminating the need to run separate power lines.”

TE EN50155 Managed Ethernet switches can be used in networks running at speeds anywhere from 100Mbits per second to 10Gbits per second.

TE is also launching a series of complementary PoE splitters and injectors adjacent to the company’s existing portfolio consisting of unmanaged switches.

For more than 75 years, TE Connectivity has provides connectors and sensors for use in the harshest environments, enabling advances in transportation, industrial applications, medical technology, energy, data communications, and the home.

The company has 80,000 employees, including more than 8,000 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 140 countries around the world.

http://www.te.com

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HD LCD video controller has MIPI-CSI2 input for parking assist

Claimed to be the first full HD 1080p LCD video controller to include a four-lane MIPI-CSI2 input, the RAA278842 LCD video controller’s four-lane (or dual two-lane) MIPI-CSI2 input supports up to 1Gbit per second per lane. This allows it to interface with the latest generation of automotive cameras, application processors and graphics processors, explains Renesas Electronics. The controller also supports a 150 MHz single-channel OpenLDI interface and a variety of video interfaces and LCD panel sizes with resolutions up to 1920 x 1080.

The RAA278842 can be used for automotive central infotainment displays (CIDs) and head units, instrument clusters, head-up displays (HUDs) and mirror replacement display applications for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

“The RAA278842 LCD video controller helps automotive system manufacturers develop versatile and reliable display systems that provide superior HMI graphics for analogue and digital video content,” said Niall Lyne, senior director, automotive mixed-signal/power and video, Renesas Electronics. “Our strong heritage in video signal processing for backup cameras along with highly differentiated new technology is valued by automakers and Tier-1 suppliers worldwide,” he said.

The RAA278842 LCD video controller has 10-bit per colour processing built into the image enhancement engine to provide near-zero latency, high quality video. Integrated video diagnostics detect if the incoming video is frozen or corrupted and can provide a direct path for the rear camera video to be displayed on the LCD. This significantly improves rear camera display reliability, explains Renesas, claiming that it virtually eliminates the possibility of a software-related problem causing the rear camera video to be displayed incorrectly or not at all. The RAA278842 can display the camera image on an LCD in less than 500 milliseconds, addressing the fast boot requirement of many OEMs. The EEPROM/SPI flash fast boot allows register programming without requiring an external microcontroller

The RAA278842 with MIPI-CSI2 output and the RAA278843 with traditional BT.656 output, work with the system’s main processor to monitor the camera and the video data coming from the SoC or graphics processor unit (GPU). After vehicle ignition, while the instrument cluster boots up, the RAA27884x controller can display the carmaker’s logo or live camera video. The controller’s on-screen display feature can also simulate warning lamp checks in an instrument cluster application.

Both controllers enable compliance with FMVSS-111, requiring the blind spot area behind the vehicle is displayed in less than two seconds after the driver places the vehicle in reverse gear.

Proprietary input switching eliminates flicker when switching between sources, claims Renesas and the AEC-Q100 Grade-2 qualified devices are specified for operation from -40 to +105 degrees C

The RAA278842 and RAA278843 can be combined with Renesas’ R-Car SoC family, RH850 MCU family, and RL78 MCU family, as well as the ISL78302 dual LDO, ISL78322 dual 2A/1.7A synchronous buck regulator, and ISL78228 dual 800mA synchronous buck regulator to provide power rails for the RAA27884x and other ICs on the automotive infotainment system board.

Mass production quantities of the RAA278842 with MIPI-CSI2 output are available now in a 14 x 14mm, 128-lead LQFP package.

Mass production quantities of the RAA278843 with BT.656 output are available now in a 14mm x 14mm, 128-lead LQFP package.

http://www.renesas.com

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RS Components introduces compact IR temperature sensor for smart factories

Designed for space-sensitive factory maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) in smart manufacturing environments, the RS Pro infra red temperature sensor by RS Components is a low-cost non-contact voltage-output temperature sensor.

It has been designed to fit into tight spaces and show the measured temperature in- situ, so maintenance engineers do not have to return to the control room to check it.

The RS Pro infra red temperature sensor measures just 30mm deep and 31mm in diameter. It has a side-entry cable making it easy to mount in small spaces. The temperature is displayed on a built-in backlit OLED display, without the need for contact with the target surface. The sensor can be used where it is not possible to use contact probes, for example when the target is moving or inaccessible; it will fit between a wheel and the rim or hub of a disc brake.

The RS Pro infra red temperature sensor can measure surface temperatures from 0 to 1,000 degrees C to an accuracy of ±1.5 per cent of reading or ±1.5 degrees C, whichever is greater, and repeatability of ±0.5 per cent of reading or ±0.5 degrees C. Response time is just 250ms, allowing continuous monitoring by industrial process instrumentation via the DC voltage output.

The sensor provides simultaneous voltage and alarm outputs. The voltage output can be configured as 0 to 5V DC, 1.0 to 5V DC or 0 to 10V DC, with adjustable temperature range scaling, configured using built-in controls on the sensor. The open-collector alarm output offers adjustable temperature threshold and hysteresis.

The sensor is supplied set up to measure non-reflective surfaces such as paper, plastics, rubber, wood, tarmac, food, pharmaceuticals, organic materials and painted metal. To measure the temperature of reflective solid or liquid surfaces, the user can adjust emissivity settings between 0.20 and 1.00.

The RS PRO infra red temperature sensor is fitted with a 1m long cable, as standard. This can be extended using terminal blocks or connectors. An optional air purge collar helps keep the lens clean from smoke, fumes, dust, steam or other potential contaminants.

The device is IP65-rated.

https://uk.rs-online.com

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