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Edge AI platform brings sensor fusion to infrastructures

Wed, Jul 27, 2022

Built for smart city and autonomous infrastructure applications where high computing power and low latency can be leveraged for AI vision applications, the Ultron monitors input devices for industrial applications, smart cities and autonomous infrastructures.

The Nvidia Jetson-based AI platform with sensor fusion capability has been developed by SmartCow, an AI engineering company specialising in video analytics, AIoT (AI of things) devices, and smart city systems. It is built for smart city and autonomous infrastructure applications where high computing power and low latency can be leveraged for AI vision applications, such as smart factories, road intersections, and home automation.

The sensor fusion platform is a computer-controlled industrial system that continuously monitors the state of input devices and makes decisions based on a set of rules and inputs through a custom program to control the state of output devices. “The next generation sensor fusion platform is more preferred in industrial applications due to their reliability, flexibility, and robustness,” said Ravi Kiran, CEO of SmartCow. “With Ultron, we intend to change the way the industry develops and deploys automation and autonomous infrastructure in various verticals. The relevant use cases encompass smart factories, industry 5.0, traffic management, smart cities, smart buildings, and agricultural settings. Ultron . . . goes beyond the capabilities of traditional industry-grade devices in delivering AI based PLC solutions,” he said.

Ultron combines a range of industrial functionalities such as machine vision, sensor fusion, AIoT, and robotics, complemented by a control software. Its control software integrates I/O control, computer vision, video analytics, and Nvidia DeepStream, providing the vision and sensor fusion capabilities in the form of function libraries, I/O blocks, and APIs all of which are configurable through a browser-based programming tool.

Ultron also works with SmartCow FleetTrackr, which monitors and records run-time data such as machine productivity or operating temperature, automatically starts and stops processes, generates alarms and alerts if a machine malfunctions.

Ultron will be available to ship in October 2022.

http://www.smartcow.ai

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Synchronous boost converter raises efficiency in consumer devices

Wed, Jul 27, 2022

The AP72250 synchronous boost converter has been designed by Diodes for step-up conversion in consumer and industrial applications where small form factors are a priority. Target applications include battery-powered devices, USB power supply units, power banks, supercapacitor charging equipment and metering systems.

The AP72250 supports a 900kHz switching frequency with a 20 microA quiescent current (IQ). It covers a wide input voltage range between 0.6 and 5.5V, with a minimum 1.0V input start up. The output range is 1.7 to 5.5V. The device integrates a 20 mOhm high side power MOSFET and a 26 mOhm low side power MOSFET.

Different operating modes can be selected and can be programmed according to users’ needs. Operating mode options are pulse frequency modulation (PFM), ultra-sonic mode (USM) and forced pulse width modulation (FPWM) mode. Engineers can therefore adjust operation under either heavy or light load conditions to maximise efficiency. According to Diodes, even when in light load situations, up to 89 per cent efficiency can be attained. The USM mode ensures that switching in the audible frequency range is prevented.

The AP72250 is claimed to deliver a seamless transition between boost and pass-through operation (in applications where this is required). The peak current mode control scheme allows it to handle a variety of input-to-output ratios. As a result, fewer external components are needed to support it than required by competing devices, said Diodes.

Under-voltage lockout, thermal shutdown, peak current limit, negative current limit, and output short circuit protection functions are also included.

The AP72250 is supplied in a WLCSP-12 package (measuring 1.75 x 1.35 x 0.45mm) and is available now.

Diodes provides semiconductors for companies in the consumer electronics, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets. Its portfolio includes discrete, analogue and mixed-signal products and packaging technology to meet customers’ needs. There are 32 sites worldwide, including engineering, testing, manufacturing, and customer service.

http://www.diodes.com

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Lynx adds support for IPv6 to LynxOS-178 software

Tue, Jul 26, 2022

Support for IPv6, described by Lynx Software Technologies as the next generation internet architecture, has been added to its LynxOS-178 platform for safety critical applications such as military and aerospace systems.

The additional support will enable devices running on LynxOS-178 to benefit from advanced addressing and other enhancements such as improved security via support for IP security. It will also mean simplified packet processing.

The US Department of Defence has mandated that at least 20 per cent of internet-connected devices on its networks be IPv6-only by the end of 2023. This will increase to at least 80 per cent by the end of 2025. As a result, Tier 1 avionics companies are building their next generation devices and vehicles with support for the new protocol but existing devices and vehicles are built around IPv4, which has been in use since the 1980s.

In updating LynxOS-178, Lynx has prioritised the areas most relevant to the avionics industry and has attained compliance with the DO-178C DAL A safety certification.

These address Internet Protocol, Version 6 (IPv6) Specification, ICMPv6 for the IPV6, used by routers and other network devices to send operational messages and IP Version 6 addressing architecture, which defines IPv6 addressing architecture. The revision also includes transmission of IPv6 packets over Ethernet networks, which provides a format for packet transmission and basic socket interface extensions for IPv6, which defines the application program interface (API) for TCP / IP transmission.

“IPv6 represents a sea change in how modern airplanes and other avionics systems are designed,” said Ian Ferguson, vice president of marketing for Lynx Software Technologies. “With its support for IPv6, LynxOS-178 will enable the industry to develop systems using a modern architecture, knowing that they will remain current for generations to come.”

Lynx Software Technologies develops open architecture software solutions for mission-critical embedded systems in aerospace, defence, industrial and critical infrastructure markets. The company’s real-time operating system (RTOS), hypervisor and related software support safe, cybersecure, high performance, and high-reliability computing for applications requiring the strictest standards for certification and compliance.

http://www.lynx.com

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SARA module has an embedded SIM

Mon, Jul 25, 2022

For IoT applications space is limited, u-blox has developed the SARA-R500E LTE-M module with an embedded SIM (eSIM). It offers LTE-M connectivity in applications that need to be robust and secure, for example, connected healthcare and asset trackers.

Embedded SIMs are replacing the plastic SIMs typically found in mobile devices which connect the device to the cellular network. Like the plastic versions, eSIMs are provisioned with a profile that allows devices to connect to a specific mobile network operator.

The eSIM embedded in the SARA-R500E offers product developers and end users a number of advantages, said u-blox. For example, they are more robust than standard plastic SIMs and cannot be stolen or removed, increasing the security of the device. There is also no need for the components required to hold and connect plastic SIM cards which enable smaller devices, reduce the bill of material and simplify manufacturing. The SARA-R500E streamlines logistics by offering the module, data plans and the SIM from one source, added u-blox.

“SARA-R500E greatly simplifies logistics for device makers, as the eSIM is already integrated inside the module,” said Samuele Falcomer, product manager, product centre cellular at u-blox. All the customers have to do is activate connectivity, choose the data plan that best fits their needs via the u-blox Thingstream IoT service delivery platform. Particularly those customers that are too small to negotiate dedicated data plans with mobile network operators will benefit from a competitively priced offering,” he added.

Product developers can design tightly sealed devices that meet the demanding IP67 and IP68 criteria because the SARA-R500E module’s eSIM does not need to be inserted manually by the end user. As a result, the module is suitable for rugged IoT applications such as smart meters, surveillance cameras and environmental sensors.

The module also offers the option to access u-blox’s MQTT Anywhere service, which reduces bandwidth requirements for cellular data transfer, saving costs and power. U-blox’s IoT Location as a service portfolio, including AssistNow for real-time GNSS assistance data, and CellLocate, for cellular network-based positioning, is also available.

SARA-R500E is pin-to-pin compatible with all the other modules in the SARA family and uses the SARA-R5 AT command interface, making it easy to drop the SARA-R500E into existing designs.

First samples of the SARA-R500E will be available in September.
The first variant of the module will offer out-of-the-box connectivity on a North American LTE-M cellular network.

http://www.u-blox.com

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Edge AI platform brings sensor fusion to infrastructures

Synchronous boost converter raises efficiency in consumer devices

Lynx adds support for IPv6 to LynxOS-178 software

SARA module has an embedded SIM

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