Universal Robot sensor kit simplifies integration of force torque sensors

Multi-axis force torque sensor manufacturer, Bota Systems, has introduced the Universal Robot FT sensor kit. The sensitive six-axis force torque sensor is certified by Universal Robots for use with the company’s collaborative robots.

The sensors provide sensitive haptic feedback to enhance the precision of applications, said Bota Systems. A robotic force torque sensor measures force and torque when they are applied on its surface. By using the measured signals in real-time feedback control, robots can perform challenging interaction tasks. The sensor of this type that is used most in robotics is a complete six-axis sensor, which measures forces and torques on three axes each.

The sensor kit is part of the UR ecosystem. It provides everything needed to get up and running quickly, including the lightweight SensONE sensor traducer with integrated electronics, cabling, power supply, and adapters and fasteners. The kit also includes URCap software that integrates in to UR’s graphical programming interface PolyScope. The software consists of drivers to provide access to the force torque data, as well as program templates to easily create force sensitive applications and to save development time.

The sensor is suitable for UR20, Universal Robots’ latest collaborative robot, or cobot, which has a reach, of up to 1750mm. It is also capable of the company’s heaviest payload, up to 20kg. The small footprint is just 245mm in diameter, which allows this industrial cobot to enable customers to automate more applications where heavy objects need to be lifted over a longer distance.

https://www.botasys.com/

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Navitas unveils GaNSafe, a protected GaN power semiconductor

Rugged and protected, the fourth generation GaN technology from Navitas Semiconductor offers efficiency, power density and reliability, opening up GaN to applications such as data centre, solar and electric vehicle use. 

GaNSafe is a wide bandgap power platform for demanding, high power applications. The power ICs integrate GaN power and drive, with control, sensing and protection to enable faster charging, higher power density, and greater energy savings. It is covered by a 20 year warranty – an industry first, said Navitas. 

The initial, high power 650/800V GaNSafe portfolio covers a range of RDS(on) from 35 to 98 mOhm in a robust, and cool-running surface mount TOLL package, to address applications from 1,000 to 22,000W. 

Additional application-specific protection features have been introduced for the power ICs to perform under grueling high-temperature, long-duration conditions. Safety features include protected, regulated, integrated gate drive control, with zero gate source loop inductance for reliable high speed 2MHz switching capability to maximise application power density.

There is also high speed short circuit protection, with autonomous ‘detect and protect’ within 50 nanoseconds which is four times faster than competing discrete solutions.

There is also electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of 2kV, compared to zero for discrete GaN transistors and an increased voltage capability of 650V continuous, and 800V transient to protect during extraordinary application conditions.

The TOLL package has just four pins and programmable turn-on and turn-off speeds (dV/dt) to simplify EMI regulatory requirements. 

Unlike discrete GaN transistor designs, with voltage spikes, undershoot and specification breaches, GaNSafe delivers an efficient, predictable, reliable system, said the company. The TOLL package has achieved IPC-9701 mechanical reliability standard as well as reducing connections, compared to multi-chip modules and with improved cooling capability, said Navitas.

Navitas’ market-specific system design centers offer complete platform designs with benchmark efficiency, density and system cost using GaNSafe products to accelerate customer time-to-revenue and maximise chance of first-time-right designs. These system platforms include complete design collateral with fully-tested hardware, embedded software, schematics, bill-of-materials, layout, simulation and hardware test results.

“Our original GaNFast and GaNSense technologies have set the industry standard for mobile charging, establishing the first market with high-volume, mainstream GaN adoption to displace silicon,” said Gene Sheridan, Navitas Semiconductor’s CEO and co-founder. “GaNSafe takes our technology to the next level, as the most protected, reliable and safe GaN devices in the industry, and now also targeting 1.0 to 22 kW power systems in AI-based data centres, EV, solar and energy storage systems. Customers can now achieve the full potential of GaN in these multi-billion dollar markets demanding the highest efficiency, density and reliability.”

The GaNSafe portfolio is available immediately to qualified customers with mass production expected to begin in Q4 2023. 

http://www.navitassemi.com

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Second generation DC/DC converter targets e-mobility

The second generation of 4kW liquid cooled DC/DC converters from Bel Power Solutions, the 700DNG40-24-8, creates DC voltages in hybrid and electric vehicles suitable to power low voltage accessories and replacing a traditional alternator.

The converter is smaller than its predecessor, the 700DNC40-24-8G, and operates at a wider input voltage range from 450 to 900V DC to deliver up to 4000W of output power. The compact design weighs just 4.5kg, making it suitable for confined spaces in a variety of deployments in construction, mining, bus and trucking, along with marine and ground support equipment.

The 700DNG40-24-8 has high efficiency of up to 95 per cent and is reliable with low output voltage noise and excellent dynamic response to load/input changes, said Bel Fuse. The 700DNG40-24-8 converter can be operated in parallel with up to eight units, and includes optional UDS functionality, CAN FD and cybersecurity. 

The 700DNG40-24-8 DC/DC converter is available immediately. It will be exhibited at the Battery Show North America in Novi, Michigan (12 to 14 September) on the company’s booth #936.

It is available through distributors, Digikey and Mouser.

Bel designs, manufactures and markets a broad array of products that includes circuit protection, connectors, cable assemblies, discrete components, magnetics and power supplies. The company operates facilities around the world.

http://www.belfuse.com

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Multi-mode cellular and satellite IoT module has embedded positioning 

Developed to ensure seamless connectivity even when no terrestrial cellular network is available, the u-blox SARA-S520M10L is the company’s cellular and satellite IoT module with accurate, low power positioning and “ubiquitous connectivity” said u-blox. 

The module’s communication and tracking capability makes it suitable for asset tracking, fleet management, maritime transportation, mining, utilities and smart agriculture applications. It also serves market segments such as anti-theft systems, industrial monitoring and control, and applications that require communication in safety-critical scenarios, advised u-blox. 

At approximately 400mm2, the u-blox SARA-S520M10L is claimed to be the smallest multi-mode cellular and satellite IoT module on the market. It provides LTE-M/NB-IoT, L-band satellite connectivity, and embedded navigation capability for connectivity through terrestrial cellular networks and geostationary (GEO) satellites. It can provide location fixes using up to four satellite constellations and is pin-compatible with other u-blox cellular-only modules in the SARA form factor.  

This is the first u-blox module designed with the 2nd generation of the u-blox UBX-R5 chip, the UBX-R52/S52. The S52 variant was developed to support satellite IoT communication alongside LTE-M/NB-IoT cellular standards. 

“Comparable solutions on the market require two distinct subsystems, one for cellular and another for satellite connectivity,” said Alessandro Bonetti, senior product manager, product centre cellular at u-blox. Building the module around a single, highly integrated, multi-mode modem SoC reduces size and complexity, Bonetti added. He said the versatile SoC, combined with the company’s GNSS capability serves mobile and stationary IoT applications in “challenging environments such as isolated places, mountains, or in the middle of the ocean”. 

The first samples will be available by Q1 2024.

u-blox specialises in positioning and wireless communication in automotive, industrial and consumer markets. The company’s services, and products let people, vehicles, and machines determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. It offers a broad portfolio of chips, modules, and secure data services and connectivity to develop solutions for the IoT quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, the company has offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA. 

http://www.u-blox.com

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