Image sensor is based on Infineon’s pixel technology 

Claimed to boost 3D camera system performance, the IRS2975C imager sensor uses pmdtechnologies’ indirect flight (i-ToF) technology and Infineon Technologies’ 

pixel technology. The sensor’s form factor and performance are engineered to deliver the highest possible operating range at an optimal power budget for i-ToF applications. The emerging i-ToF user cases are in smartphones, service robots, drones and IoT devices.

Infineon’s pixel technology includes 3D field engineering enabling best demodulation efficiency. A buried optical reflector elevates quantum efficiency (QE) to a level which has until now, only been reached by rear or back-side illumination (BSI) sensors, while maintaining the cost advantage of front-side illumination (FSI) sensors, said Infineon. Combined with the IRS9102C VCSEL driver, the IRS2975C reduces the bill of materials for camera modules and provides differentiating features for the high-volume smartphone segment.

The IRS2975C features a half-quarter video graphics array (HQVGA) resolution of 240 x 180 pixels with a chip size of 18mm2 for a 1/6 inch image circle. It offers high-sensitivity 10 micron pixels with SBI and enables highly integrated systems with low-power operation, continued Infineon. The imager is designed to support 2.8V supply rails. The device provides full laser safety functionality such as an eye protection mechanisms and can be customised in terms of output power.

The IRS2975C imager will enter mass production in early 2023. 

http://www.infineon.com

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Class-D audio power amplifiers emit at up to 10W for eCall and telematics

Two single channel fully differential 10W Class-D audio power amplifiers, the FDA803S and FDA903S, are the latest members of STMicroelectronics’ FDA (fully digital amplifier) family. They are designed for automotive applications like eCall, telematics, and wherever an audio channel needs to reproduce human voice, music, or warning messages at a standard output power level of up to 10W.

The amplifiers integrate an I2S front end, digital core, 24-bit DAC with 100dB resolution and class-D PWM output stage. The integrated digital audio processing ensures high sound quality within a compact circuit footprint, said ST. Feedback within the chip, before the external L-C output filter, simplifies the circuit design and saves space.

The amplifiers have I2C configurability and in-play diagnostics that include clipping detection, thermal warning, overcurrent protection and open-load detection. The level of integration minimises external components and bill-of-materials costs. 

They also exhibit low quiescent current which contributes to vehicle energy efficiency, said ST.

Both the FDA803S and FDA903S feature an I2S digital input and a time division multiplexing (TDM) interface. They can be configured for various sampling frequencies between 8.0 up to 96kHz to optimise performance with a variety of audio sources. The lower sampling frequencies, from 8.0 to 32kHz, enable designers to save memory space in applications such as warning tone generators, said ST.

The FDA903S additionally integrates a real-time, load-current monitor, allowing self-diagnostic capability compatible with the demands of functional safety applications up to ASIL A level.

Both devices are supplied in a QFN32 5.0 x 5.0mm exposed pad-down package which does not required a heatsink. The low component count and the elimination of a heatsink is also claimed to minimise the bulkiness of power amplifiers built using these ICs. 

There is also an evaluation board, the EVAL-FDA903S.

Both the FDA803S and FDA903S are in production now. 

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Shielded M5 connectors mean no interference in small spaces 

Small spaces are always problematic for a designer but reliable signal transmission in electromagnetically exposed industrial environments requires sophisticated and comprehensive EMC concepts, said binder. It has developed the 360 degree-shielded M5 connectors which can be implemented in miniaturised applications that have little available space, such as in robotics, sensor technology, metrology and analytics.

The specialist in industrial circular connectors has complemented its M5 portfolio with connectors featuring 360 degree shielding. This 707 series is available in three- and four-pin versions, with both straight and angled cable outlets. 

The M5 circular connectors feature 360 degree shielding and screw locking. They operate at a rated voltage of 60V and a rated current of 1.0A and are able to withstand surge voltages of up to 1,500V. 

Crimping and dip soldering are applied as termination techniques. They meet the requirements of IP67 protection and have an operating temperature range from -25 to +80 degrees C and are designed for a mechanical service life of more than 100 mating cycles.

The connectors are equipped with screw locking and standardised according to the design specification DIN EN 61076-2-105. They are particularly suitable for use under in areas of high-frequency electric and magnetic fields. The 360 degree shielding enables shielding attenuation values of 60dB at frequencies around 1GHz.

The connectors are particularly suitable for automation where interference-free operation of sensitive electronic modules, for example switched mode power supplies, which can affect the circuits of surrounding controllers with noise due to coupling effects. The signal paths of sensors and actuators are also subject to EMI. 

In addition to the small size, meeting miniaturisation requirements, the M5 connectors have screw locking to ensure a reliable connection solution. It is essential that the shielding is precisely connected to the housing to be effective and must also be mechanically robust, e.g., under shock and vibration loads.

The M5 products of the binder 707 series have been subject to extensive laboratory tests, which confirm both the required shielding performance and the reliable function of the products under typical industrial loads, reported the company. Typical innovation areas which require shielding include ultrasonic sensors and miniature valves to instrumentation and analytic devices, and in signal transmission for cobots or in drones as well as in e-scooters and e-bikes.

binder is able to offer customer-specific variants of the shielded M5 connectors. Guido Werner, product manager at binder, commented: “As a result of the successful market launch, we have already received new concrete customer inquiries, based on which further M5 products are being developed.” By the end of this year, he said, there will be angled panel mount parts with dip solder contacts for PCB assembly and M5 variants that can be freely assembled in the field. “Next will be over-moulded cables, panel mount parts and field-wireable connectors in various designs in the M5 size, he added. The company believes this will make it the first manufacturer to offer a complete product portfolio in this size.

http://www.binder-connector.de

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Security IC using 28nm targets high volume payment systems

Believed to be the first 28nm-based security IC, the SLC26P targets high volume payment applications. based on the future-proof 28 nm technology node.

According to Ioannis Kabitoglou, head of digital security and identity, at Infineon, the use of 28nm technology represents the company’s long term commitment to the security IC market. It is planning for a fast ramp up of production  Business Line of Infineon. It plans a fast ramp up in the first half of next year to relieve the semiconductor shortages currently experienced by the security IC sector.

The SLC26P is claimed to be the first security controller optimised for payments based on the 28nm technology. An EMVCo certification, for multi-vendor card transations, is expected to be available in December 2022. 

The IC features Arm v8-M architecture optimised for deeply embedded systems and designed for low-latency processing.

Infineon and partner TSMC have developed the security IC products. Capacity issues at mature technologies like 90, 65 and 40nm have been a limiting factor for the strong demand in security applications, leading silicon foundries to build new capacity. The 28nm technology node for security ICs offers increased sourcing flexibility but also conrtributes to higher performance, more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly products for this segment, said Infineon. 

The portfolio of products based on 28nm process technology is expected to meet demand for smart card and embedded security IC applications, such as payment and transportation, as well as identity and authentication, in the coming years.

Infineon plans to ramp up production in the first half of 2023. Samples based on SLC26P are available upon request.

Infineon will be at TRUSTECH (booth G035, 5.2) in Paris, Porte de Versailles, from 29 November until 1 December 2022. Experts will be available for discussions about Infineon’s security controller offering based on 28nm technology.

http://www.infineon.com

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