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Renesas extends RZ/A MPU line-up with RZ/A3M advanced HMI solutions

Mon, May 19, 2025

Renesas has introduced a new high-performance microprocessor (MPU) in the RTOS-based RZ/A series that meets the growing demands of advanced human-machine interface (HMI) systems. The new RZ/A3M MPU comes with large SDRAM, SRAM and RTOS support to facilitate the seamless execution of complex tasks and real-time graphical displays. The RZ/A3M drives video and camera output on large LCD panels with resolutions up to 1280×800, addressing the display requirements in next-generation home appliances, industrial and office automation, healthcare devices and building control systems.

Similar to its existing RZ/A3UL, the RZ/A3M features a 64-bit Arm® Cortex®-A55 core with a maximum operating frequency of 1 GHz and 128 KB (kilobytes) of on-chip SRAM. By integrating high-speed 128MB DDR3L-SDRAM in a single System-in-Package (SiP), the device eliminates the complex task of designing a high-speed signal interface for connecting external memory.

The RZ/A3M is designed to reduce system costs and accelerate development. It supports both external NAND and NOR flash via QSPI for data and code storage. Paired with a driver, high-capacity NAND flash offers a cost-effective option for memory expansion. Additionally, the RZ/A3M’s BGA package has a unique pin layout with two main rows positioned on the outside edge. This layout simplifies PCB routing and enables a low-cost, dual-layer printed wiring board design, providing significant cost and time savings. This memory integration simplifies PCB design by reducing the routing complexity and minimising layout constraints.

Renesas offers a comprehensive HMI development environment that includes the Flexible Software Package (FSP), evaluation kits, development tools, and sample software. Graphical user interface (GUI) solutions from partner companies such as LVGL, Crank, SquareLine Studio, and Envox will be available for the RZ/A3M to facilitate rapid HMI graphics development.

https://www.renesas.com

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ST combines activity tracking and high-impact sensing in miniature AI-enabled sensor

Tue, May 13, 2025

ST has revealed an inertial measurement unit that combines sensors tuned for activity tracking and high-g impact measurement in a single, space-saving package. Devices equipped with this module can allow applications to fully reconstruct any event with high accuracy and so provide more features and superior user experiences. Now that it’s here, markets can expect powerful new capabilities to emerge in mobiles, wearables, and consumer medical products, as well as equipment for smart homes, smart industry, and smart driving.

The new LSM6DSV320X sensor is an industry first in a regular-sized module (3mm x 2.5mm) with embedded AI processing and continuous registration of movements and impacts. Leveraging ST’s sustained investment in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) design, the innovative dual-accelerometer device ensures high accuracy for activity tracking up to 16g and impact detection up to 320g.

The LSM6DSV320X extends the family of sensors that contain ST’s machine-learning core (MLC), the embedded AI processor that handles inference directly in the sensor to lower system power consumption and enhance application performance. It features two accelerometers, designed for coexistence and optimal performance using advanced techniques unique to ST. One of these accelerometers is optimised for best resolution in activity tracking, with maximum range of ±16g, while the other can measure up to ±320g to quantify severe shocks such as collisions or high-impact events.

By covering an extremely wide sensing range with uncompromised accuracy throughout, all in one tiny device, ST’s new AI MEMS sensor will let consumer and IoT devices provide even more features while retaining a stylish or wearable form factor. An activity tracker can provide performance monitoring within normal ranges, as well as measuring high impacts for safety in contact sports, adding value for consumers and professional/semi-pro athletes. Other consumer-market opportunities include gaming controllers, enhancing the user’s experience by detecting rapid movements and impacts, as well as smart tags for attaching to items and recording movement, vibrations, and shocks to ensure their safety, security, and integrity.

With its wide acceleration measurement range, ST’s sensor will also enable new generations of smart devices for sectors such as consumer healthcare and industrial safety. Potential applications include personal protection devices for workers in hazardous environments, assessing the severity of falls or impacts. Other uses include equipment for accurately assessing the health of structures such as buildings and bridges.

The sensor’s high integration simplifies product design and manufacture, enabling advanced monitors to enter their target markets. Designers can create slim, lightweight form factors that are easy to wear or attach to equipment.

https://www.st.com

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MCU from Infineon offers advanced sensing and system control in a single chip

Tue, May 13, 2025

Infineon has introduced PSOC 4100T Plus, an Arm Cortex-M0+ microcontroller (MCU) with Multi-Sense. The new microcontroller offers a blend of analog and digital capabilities, featuring 128K Flash, 32K SRAM, and Infineon’s Multi-Sense technology, which includes CAPSENSE, inductive sensing and liquid level sensing. PSOC 4100T Plus also boasts enhanced reliability and is equipped with a range of enhancements and advanced sensing capabilities to form a complete solution for system control and human-machine interface (HMI) applications.

PSOC 4100T Plus can be used as a standalone general-purpose microcontroller, providing a robust platform for system control and management OR it can be utilised as a specialised HMI MCU, enabling the creation of intuitive and interactive interfaces. Alternatively, PSOC 4100T Plus can serve a single chip solution for both system control and touch HMI.

In its HMI MCU configuration, the device supports a range of sensing applications, including capacitive sensing for detecting user touch or proximity, inductive sensing for enabling touch over metallic surfaces, Machine Learning (ML) based liquid level sensing for monitoring liquid presence or levels, and CAPSENSE-based hover touch for detecting finger touch through a large airgap, making it a powerful tool for creating innovative and user-friendly interfaces.

PSOC 4100T Plus is a versatile and powerful platform designed to support a broad range of applications. For example:

Home appliances: Reliability is the top priority for home appliances. The PSOC 4100T Plus series addresses this critical requirement with significant enhancements, including 6500 V best-in-class electrostatic discharge (ESD HBM) protection and a 1% internal main oscillator (IMO) accuracy. In addition, the advanced HMI features, such as hover touch, provide a solution to several design challenges, including the need for simplified and cost-effective stack up, touch operation through airgap. With the combination of complementary sensing technologies of Multi-Sense, designers can effectively address the design challenges they face.

Consumer electronics: PSOC 4100T Plus series elevates the human-machine interface capabilities in consumer electronics by providing a compact and efficient solution for sensor designs. Leveraging its 5 th Generation CAPSENSE technology, the PSOC 4100T Plus offers high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and low power consumption. Additionally, its waterproof design enables the device to operate reliably in harsh environments, including outdoor applications.

Touchpad and touchscreen applications: PSOC 4100T Plus series offers a high resolution 2D finger tracking user interface, enabling the creation touchpads and touchscreens. With 32 sensor inputs, the device can be configured to support up to 256 nodes, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities. For example, a touchpad can be designed with an 80mm x 80mm surface area with a 5mm diamond pitch, resulting in a high-resolution multi-finger tracking. Similarly, a 4-inch touchscreen can be driven by PSOC 4100T Plus for multi-finger use. Both touchpad and touchscreen user interfaces supported with built-in, configurable gesture engine.

To support the development of multi-sense applications, a comprehensive suite of software tools and resources are offered. The CAPSENSE Tuner allows designers to easily configure and optimise capacitive sensing applications, while the Inductive Sensing Design Guide and Liquid Level Sensing Design Guide provide detailed guidance on implementing these technologies. Additionally, the ML-based liquid level sensing model trainer enables developers to overcome challenges like manufacturing variations, varying airgaps with removable tanks.

https://www.infineon.com

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Rutronik introduces the next-gen adapter board RAB7 for Sensorfusion

Tue, May 13, 2025

Rutronik is adding another Adapter Board, the RAB7 – Sensorfusion, into its Rutronik System Solutions series. The new RAB7 offers state-of-the-art sensors and provides all next generation sensors from the suppliers Bosch, Infineon, and Sensirion.

The RAB7 is an Arduino shield adapter for evaluation and prototyping of environmental and inertial sensors from Infineon, Sensirion and Bosch.

To get the most out of a sensorfusion application, it is important to use the best sensors. This is why the next generation sensors from leading sensor suppliers have been added, such as

• Infineon’s XENSIVTM digital barometric pressure sensor DPS368XTSA1,
• Bosch’s digital pressure sensor BMP585,
• Sensirion’s indoor air quality sensor for VOC measurement SGP41-D-R4,
• Bosch’s low-power digital gas, pressure, temperature and humidity sensor with AI BME690,
• Bosch’s 6-axis intelligent low-power inertial measurement unit BMI323,
• Sensirion’s high-precision, low-power relative humidity and temperature sensor SHT41-AD1B-R2, and
• Bosch BMM350 3-axis magnetic sensor for 9-axis absolute orientation for navigation instead of just relative orientation, since the earth’s magnetic field can also be detected.

The Adapter Board RAB7 is powered via Arduino headers with a single 3.3V supply. All sensors are configured to work with the I2C and SPI interface via Arduino compatible ADAM-TECH connectors. Each sensor can be disconnected from the power supply and I2C circuits by unsoldering solder bridges, allowing the use of only the sensors needed for a particular sensorfusion application.

The Adapter Board RAB7 can be easily combined with other Base Boards and Adapter Boards from Rutronik System Solutions. The modular concept allows a variety of approaches to implement development projects quickly, cost-efficient, and simply, yet in a technically sophisticated way. The combination of RDK3 and RAB7 enables local use via Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless sensing applications in the home and outdoors.

This flexibility not only simplifies the development process, but also increases the potential for innovation by allowing different combinations and configurations. Whether working on a simple project or a complex application, the stackable design provides the necessary tools for success by allowing different combinations and configurations.

https://www.rutronik.com/

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Renesas extends RZ/A MPU line-up with RZ/A3M advanced HMI solutions

ST combines activity tracking and high-impact sensing in miniature AI-enabled sensor

MCU from Infineon offers advanced sensing and system control in a single chip

Rutronik introduces the next-gen adapter board RAB7 for Sensorfusion

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