Sector News

Arduino’s Pro 4G module delivers fast and reliable 4G connectivity worldwide

Tue, Jun 18, 2024

Mouser Electronics, is now stocking the Pro 4G module from Arduino. Powered by a Quectel LTE Cat 4 modem, the Pro 4G module’s fast data throughput and high bandwidths ensure reliable and quick data download and upload, even in remote locations. The Pro 4G Module expands the connectivity capabilities of Portenta boards for use in smart city infrastructure, industrial automation, fleet management systems, remote maintenance, and other applications.

The Arduino Pro 4G module, now available at Mouser, guarantees reliable 4G connectivity and backward compatibility with existing 2G and 3G networks. The Arduino Pro 4G module connects devices through Arduino Cloud, simplifying error analysis, firmware updates, and remote maintenance. For larger projects such as smart buildings, the modules can be used to remotely monitor temperature, moisture, and deformity levels, accelerating response times when safety is at risk. The Pro 4G module is also an effective connectivity solution in challenging environments, providing long-range coverage and secure data transfer both indoors and outdoors.

Developed in the widely accepted Mini PCIe form factor, the Pro 4G module is compatible with a range of devices for applications, including pipeline monitoring, smart parking, and waste management.

 

https://eu.mouser.com/new/arduino/arduino-pro-4g-module

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u-blox announces new ultra-compact LTE Cat 1bis cellular modules

Tue, Jun 18, 2024

u-blox has announced an expansion to its range of R10 products for the fast-growing LTE Cat 1bis cellular connectivity market. Predicted by analyst firm Techno Systems Research Co., Ltd to account for 43.6% of all non-handset cellular devices by 2029, LTE Cat 1bis is expected to be the best-selling cellular technology for the Internet of Things (IoT) for the next four to five years.

The new u-blox LEXI-R10 Global provides an ultra-compact 16 x16mm LTE Cat 1bis solution that can be used worldwide in size-constrained IoT applications such as people or pet trackers and wearables. The LEXI-R10 Global is the world’s smallest single-mode LTE Cat 1bis module with indoor location and a US MNO certified core.

Meanwhile, the new SARA-R10 series brings the same capabilities as the LEXI-R10 Global to u-blox’s popular SARA form factor. With 2G and 3G sunsets continuing globally, the SARA-R10 offers product designers using 2G and 3G u-blox SARA modules a straightforward upgrade path to 4G LTE – the most widely available global cellular standard today and for many years to come.

The LEXI-R10 and SARA-R10 offer the option to embed an eSIM, and both modules also include an integrated Wi-Fi Sniffer, providing Indoor localisation via the u-blox CellLocate service based on both a Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

One of the variants is the SARA-R10M10, the world’s smallest LTE Cat 1bis module with embedded Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capable of concurrent communication and tracking. It is the ideal solution for asset tracking and telematics applications that demand continuous connectivity as well as indoor and outdoor positioning anywhere in the world, thanks to the blend of GNSS, Wi-Fi scan and global LTE coverage. This module is also 50% smaller than u-blox’s previous LTE Cat 1bis combo, the LENA-R8M10.

The new u-blox R10 modules give product designers a 4G cellular connectivity solution for IoT applications that require medium data rates, worldwide portability, ultra-low power consumption and compact sizes.

https://www.u-blox.com

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Arrow Electronics and NVIDIA collaborate on new AI-Based steering system for SAM Car

Fri, Jun 14, 2024

Arrow Electronics has designed a first-of-its-kind, AI-powered steering system. Powered by an advanced NVIDIA processor, it uses facial recognition technology to control the latest SAM (Semi-Autonomous Mobility) Car.

Quadriplegic racecar driver Sam Schmidt recently drove at competitive speeds using the new system that he steers through head motions. Arrow engineers developed the new steering system using the latest NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin module, the only platform capable of delivering the high accuracy and low latency needed to control a car at speeds up to 213 mph.

A low-profile stereo camera pair located on the dash captures Schmidt’s movements in real time and feeds the data to the NVIDIA module. Using machine learning, the system processes the information and adjusts the steering angle automatically – within a few thousandths of a second.
The new AI steering replaces the car’s original four-camera steering that used an older, infrared motion-capture based technology.

“With the AI, it’s more controllable,” said Schmidt. “There’s no lag. It’s instantaneous for high speed.”
The steering enhancements could have everyday applications far beyond the racetrack. The technology could be used to control vehicles and large equipment in settings as different as farming, warehouses, public transit and construction so the operator – physically disabled or not – could perform multiple tasks.

“The SAM Car has evolved into a technology platform that really personifies enabling the benefit of technology for as many people as possible,” said Murdoch Fitzgerald, Arrow vice president of global engineering and design services.

https://www.arrow.com.

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TI unveils industry’s first GaN IPM to enable smaller, more energy-efficient high-voltage motors

Wed, Jun 12, 2024

Texas Instruments has introduced the industry’s first 650V three-phase GaN IPM for 250W motor drive applications. The new GaN IPM addresses many of the design and performance compromises engineers typically face when designing major home appliances and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The DRV7308 GaN IPM enables more than 99% inverter efficiency, optimised acoustic performance, reduced solution size and lower system costs.

Worldwide efficiency standards for appliances and HVAC systems such as SEER, MEPS, Energy Star and Top Runner are becoming increasingly stringent. The DRV7308 helps engineers meet these standards, leveraging GaN technology to deliver more than 99% efficiency and improve thermal performance, with 50% reduced power losses compared to existing solutions.
In addition, the DRV7308 achieves industry-low dead time and low propagation delay, both less than 200ns, enabling higher pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching frequencies that reduce audible noise and system vibration. These advantages plus the higher power efficiency and integrated features of the DRV7308 also reduce motor heating, which can improve reliability and extend the lifetime of the system.

Supporting the trend of more compact home appliances, the DRV7308 helps engineers develop smaller motor drive systems. Enabled by GaN technology, the new IPM delivers high power density in a 12mm-by-12mm package, making it the industry’s smallest IPM for 150W to 250W motor-drive applications. Because of its high efficiency, the DRV7308 eliminates the need for an external heatsink, resulting in motor drive inverter printed circuit board (PCB) size reduction of up to 55% compared to competing IPM solutions. The integration of a current sense amplifier, protection features and inverter stage further reduces solution size and cost.

https://www.ti.com

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