Mouser now shipping Nordic’s Thingy:91 X prototyping platform for wireless IoT applications

Mouser is now shipping the new Thingy:91 X Prototyping Platform from Nordic Semiconductor. The Thingy:91 X is an easy-to-use, battery-operated prototyping platform for cellular Internet of Things (IoT) proof-of-concept (PoC) demos and initial cellular IoT device development for logistics, asset tracking, smart city, predictive maintenance, industrial and wearable applications.

The Nordic Semiconductor Thingy:91 X is designed to address the needs of emerging low-power cellular IoT applications utilising Nordic’s nRF9151 cellular IoT system-in-package (SiP) with an integrated Arm Cortex-M33 CPU and Arm TrustZone and CryptoCell security technology, which supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, GNSS, and NR+ certified for global operation. The Thingy:91 X platform comes preloaded with an asset-tracking application and a comprehensive set of sensors that monitor environmental conditions and movement, enhancing its utility in various IoT applications. The Thingy:91 X includes multiple digital and analog interfaces and peripherals for many design possibilities, including expansion options through a debug board connector and an expansion board connector compatible with Qwiic, STEMMA QT, and Grove systems.

The Thingy:91 X Prototyping Platform comes with all necessary modem firmware, RTOS, application software examples, and hardware reference designs to implement a full cellular IoT design. The Thingy:91 X features two user-programmable buttons for user input, with user-programmable RGB LEDs for output, along with a Nano/4FF SIM card slot, supporting (e)SIM, and bundled Onomondo and Wireless Logic SIM cards preloaded with data to connect to nRF Cloud out-of-the-box. The package also includes a 1350mAh rechargeable Li-Po battery to facilitate prototype field testing.

https://eu.mouser.com

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Rutronik System Solutions expands functionality of RDK3 base board

The growing demand for IoT devices is accompanied by an equally growing demand for energy-efficient energy harvesting modules. In order to meet the ecological and economic challenges of this trend, Rutronik is focusing on innovative solutions for harvesting energy from the surrounding environment. To this end, Rutronik’s System Solution developers, together with Rutronik’s wireless application experts, are introducing an innovative extension for the RDK3 Base Board. The new Ambient IoT remote control uses energy harvesting technology and thus offers a sustainable solution for the growing IoT ecosystem – without the need for a battery.

Thanks to the use of efficient wireless system-on-chip and power management semiconductors, energy harvesting can now replace conventional batteries in many applications. In addition to being environmentally friendly, this technology also reduces the costs associated with battery maintenance, supply chain, logistics, and disposal.

For the new extension of the RDK3, Rutronik allows the Infineon PSOCTM 64 (Secured MCU) integrated in the development kit to communicate with an EnOcean PTM 216B module, which contains a nRF52 SoC from Nordic Semiconductor, with an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface. In the developed demo, the latter is located in a standard light switch and draws its electrical energy from mechanical motion – such as a keystroke. The RDK3 enables easy, cross-supplier communication between components, which means added design flexibility.

This type of technology is already established in light switches in buildings based on the Sub GHz EnOcean protocol. This protocol and ecosystem are maintained by the American EnOcean Alliance, which takes care of this 868 (EU) / 902 (USA) / 928 (JPN) MHz protocol. The German EnOcean GmbH manufactures the hardware for this. In a single module, both the components for kinematic energy harvesting and wireless connectivity are embedded. For the RDK3-based remote control, the company’s expertise and patents in the field of energy harvesting are used, but combined with Nordic Semiconductor’s Bluetooth technology, instead of the original Sub GHz-SoC.

https://www.rutronik.com/

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New functionality for EquipmentCloud and KontronGrid improves security and user experience

Kontron offers industrial software for cross-industry automation solutions through its subsidiary Kontron AIS GmbH. With the latest enhancements to the EquipmentCloud digital transformation solution and KontronGrid IoT device management solution, Kontron AIS offers machine builders and component manufacturers even more security, usability and flexibility.

Single sign-on (SSO) makes the login process much easier to use, and more secure. By linking to external identity providers such as Azure Active Directory, one click is all it takes for secure identification. By integrating multiple identity providers, both, the own employees and those of the system operators can be integrated. SSO can replace traditional login methods using a username and password in both desktop and mobile environments. Sensitive information such as passwords remains protected while administration is handled by the respective domain managers.

In addition, multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be made compulsory by administrators, further increasing the protection of sensitive information. The management of identities always remains in the hands of the local managers to provide a high level of security and control. Facing the prospects of growing cyber threats and legal requirements, Kontron AIS makes a decisive contribution to the secure operation of customer portals and IoT infrastructures.

Using the latest software version of EquipmentCloud, service managers can create custom reports in PDF format. Machine-related data such as master data and outstanding points can be integrated via an API so that customer-specific service processes, tickets and machine configurations can be easily documented. In addition, new CSS customisation features offer more freedom using design elements such as fonts, colours, and formatting. This means machine builders can promote their brand identity while maintaining full user-friendliness.

User statistics, which provide insights into user behaviour, are also new. Portal operators get answers to key questions: How many customers are active? How do KPIs evolve over time?

In addition, the new tracking function makes it easier to evaluate maintenance and machine care processes. Service managers can track and evaluate working hours, costs and spare parts used across systems. This creates transparency and enables more efficient invoicing.

KontronGrid, the IoT device management solution for edge devices, also offers new functionality. Docker Compose is now integrated to make it easy to configure complex Docker environments, including remote files. At the same time, a REST API for device management makes it possible to automate updates and device configurations. This enables companies to seamlessly integrate device management functions into external systems without using the graphical interface.

Further improvements have been made to the onboarding of edge devices: New devices can now be easily registered, configured and then assigned to hierarchies using the Universal ID manually or by scanning a QR code.

KontronGrid also offers the option of connecting IoT devices to machines. This gives machine manufacturers a clear overview of all their systems and the devices connected to them. Relationships can be analysed for each device group or device type, providing an important basis for predictive optimisations.

https://kontron-ais.com

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Renesas has announced ultra-low-power MCUs with capacitive touch, segment LCD and robust security

Renesas has introduced the RA4L1 microcontroller (MCU) group, including 14 new devices with ultra-low power consumption, advanced security features and segment LCD support. Based on an 80-MHz Arm Cortex M33 processor with TrustZone support, the new MCUs deliver a combination of performance features and power savings that enable designers to address a myriad of applications, including water meter, smart locks, IoT sensors and more.

The RA4L1 MCUs employ proprietary low-power technology that delivers 168 µA/MHz active mode @ 80 MHz and standby current of just 1.70 µA with all the SRAM retained. They also are available in very small packages including a 3.64 x 4.28 mm Wafer-Level Chip-Scale Package (WLCSP), addressing the needs of products such as portable printers, digital cameras and smart labels.

The RA4L1 MCUs are supported by Renesas’ Flexible Software Package (FSP). The FSP enables faster application development by providing all the infrastructure software needed, including multiple RTOS, BSP, peripheral drivers, middleware, connectivity, networking, and TrustZone support as well as reference software to build complex AI, motor control and cloud solutions. It allows customers to integrate their own legacy code and choice of RTOS with FSP, thus providing full flexibility in application development. The FSP eases migration of existing IP to and from either RA6 or RA2 Series devices.

Key Features of the RA4L1 MCUs

Core: 80 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 with TrustZone
Memory: 256-512 KB Dual-Bank Flash, 64 KB SRAM, 8 KB Dataflash

Peripherals: Segment LCD, Capacitive Touch, USB-FS, CAN FD, Low Power UART, SCI, SPI, QSPI, I2C, I3C, SSI, ADC, DAC, Comparator, Low Power Timer, Real-Time Clock
Packages: 3.64 x 4.28 mm WLCSP72, 7 x 7 mm LQFP48, 10 x 10 mm LQFP64, 14 x 14 mm LQFP100, 5.5 x 5.5 mm BGA64, 7 x 7 mm BGA100

Security: Unique ID, RSIP security engine supporting TRNG, AES, ECC, Hash

Wide Ambient Temperature Range: Ta = -40º to +125º C for the QFN, QFP and CSP package options; Ta = -40º to +105º C for the BGA package option

Availability
The RA4L1 MCUs are available now, along with the FSP software. Renesas is also shipping an RA4L1 Evaluation Board and an RA4L1 Capacitive Touch Renesas Solution Starter Kit (RSSK).

https://www.renesas.com

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