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LoRa-based module is world’s smallest, claims Murata

Thu, Jan 30, 2020

Measuring 10 x 8.0 x 1.6mm, the Type 1SJ module is the smallest LoRa-based module available today, claims Murata. It is suitable for a range of high-volume applications which require small size, long range, extended battery life, security and a competitive price point, advises the company.

It is based upon a second-generation Semtech SX1262 radio frequency IC (RFIC) and features an open STM32L0 microcontroller from STMicroelectronics, an RF switch, 192kbyte of flash memory and 20kbyte of RAM. The memory allows sufficient resources to be available for the application layers, says Murata. The module also houses a temperature-controlled crystal oscillator (TXCO) and multiple communication interfaces including UART, I2C, SPI, ADC, USB and general purpose I/Os.

The Type 1SJ module supports ISM bands from 868 to 916MHz, including those used in Europe, the USA, India, China and the Pacific Rim. To simplify customer supply chains, Murata uses a single part number globally for this device.

The module operates from a single supply rail (up to 3.9V DC) and incorporates several low power modes that allow the real time clock (RTC) to operate while drawing a typical current of just 1.3 microA. This enhanced current consumption allows devices based upon the module to operate for years from a single battery.

Pedro Pachuca, director of Wireless Products, Murata, believes that the module will “develop and expand . . . IoT solutions in a variety of industries, including asset tracking smart buildings and utilities”.

The open microcontroller allows the module to be easily flashed with code from trusted objects that ensure the flash memory is secure and encrypted. This protects the end system against the threat of malicious tampering. The resin mould package is rugged and allows the module to operate across the temperature range -40 to +85 degrees C.

The Type 1SJ LoRa-based module will help designers to develop solutions that meet the most demanding requirements, especially in, smart buildings, industrial and other IoT applications, says Murata.

Sample quantities of the Type 1SJ module and an evaluation kit are available now.

http://www.murata.com

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Rutronik UK adds Minew’s MS88SF2 multi-protocol module

Fri, Jan 24, 2020

Based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52840 SoC, the MS88SF2 multi-protocol module can be operated with Bluetooth 5.0, ZigBee 3.0, Thread and ANT wireless protocols, as well as with proprietary 2.4GHz stacks. The module is the latest module from Minew and is available at Rutronik UK.

The integrated module measures just 23.2 x 17.4 x 2.0mm and contains all necessary components from radio to different antennae (PCB and ceramic) and the antenna-matching network, or a U.FL/IPEX antenna plug, for external antenna connection, says Rutronik UK. The metal cover protects against unwanted radiation and electromagnetic waves.

It has an Arm Cortex-M4F processor with a core speed of 64MHz, delivering sufficient computing power for highly complex algorithms and also for floating-point calculations, confirms Rutronik UK. The 1Mbyte flash memory can hold several radio stacks and also larger customer applications and offers enough space for data logger tasks. Power management includes an on-chip DC/DC converter and low-dropout (LDO) controller as well as automated power-saving mode.

The MS88SF2 is CE, FCC, IC, TELEC and BQB-certified. It is intended for cost-effective building of network nodes in applications such as cycling computers, heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, blood glucose meters, scales, thermometers, mobile accessories, sports and fitness sensors, remote controls and toys, key fobs and wrist bands, 3D glasses and gaming controllers.

Rutronik UK operates as an independent company. Its parent company, Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente, is the third largest distributor in Europe and ranked number 11 worldwide. The broadline distributor supplies semiconductors, passive and electromechanical components as well as boards, storage, displays & wireless products. The company‘s primary target markets are the automotive, medical, industrial, home appliance, energy and lighting industries. Rutronik’s brands for product lines are Rutronik Embedded, Rutronik Smart, Rutronik Power and Rutronik Automotive, providing specific products and services in groups tailored to the applications. Rutronik also offers technical support for product development and design-in, individual logistics and supply chain management.

http://www.rutronik.com

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MAC-SA5X rubidium atomic clock locks quicker for atomic stability

Thu, Jan 23, 2020

Miniature Atomic Clock (MAC) technology by Microchip has been enhanced to deliver wider temperature range and rapid warm-up time, says the company, as it introduces the MAC-SA5X miniaturised rubidium atomic clock

To meet demand for a small footprint atomic clock, Microchip Technology claims to have developed the industry’s highest performance atomic clock for its size and power. The MAC-SA5X miniaturised rubidium atomic clock also delivers a wider thermal range, critical performance improvements and other enhancements over previously available technology, says Microchip.

The MAC-SA5X produces a stable time and frequency reference that maintains a high degree of synchronisation to a reference clock, such as a GNSS-derived signal. Its combination of low monthly drift rate, short-term stability and stability during temperature changes allow the device to maintain precise frequency and timing requirements during extended periods of holdover during GNSS outages or for applications where large rack-mount clocks are not possible.

It operates over a wide temperature range of -40 to +75 degrees C and has been designed to achieve atomic stability performance by taking less time to lock compared to some of the existing clock technology. In an aircraft application, for example, these attributes enable faster power up of critical communication and navigation systems in extreme climates, Microchip says.

The MAC-SA5X allows system developers to avoid the need for extra circuitry by integrating a one pulse per second (1PPS) input pin for fast frequency calibration, saving time and development cost. The MAC-SA5X has the same footprint as previous MAC-SA.3X miniature atomic clock technology for ease of transition to the newer, higher performance device.

Designed and manufactured in the USA, the MAC-SA5X operates to less than 5.0E-11 frequency stability over operating temperature; less than 5.0E-11 per month aging rate, 6.3W consumption and is 47 cc in volume. It is supplied in an ovenised crystal oscillator (OCXO)-sized package measuring 50.8 x 50.8mm.

The MAC-SA5x family of atomic clocks is supported by evaluation kit 090-44500-000. The MAC-SA5x atomic clock is available now for pre-sampling and will be available for deliveries in February 2020, with technical support services and an extended warranty from Microchip.

http://www.microchip.com

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PDM microphone claims to have industry’s widest dynamic range

Tue, Jan 21, 2020

A pulse density modulation (PDM) microphone by Invensense is claimed to have the widest dynamic range in the industry at the lowest power.

The T5818 is a 66dB signal to noise (SNR) / 135dB acoustic overload point (AOP) digital microphone. It has a dynamic range of 107dB at 590microA which allows for “excellent” acoustic performance in environments that shift from very quiet to very loud, such as far field voice pickup barge-in for smart speaker applications, explains TDK.

The T5818 microphone operates at 590 microA in high quality mode (HQM) and decreases power consumption to 215 microA in low power mode (LPM). The microphone captures high-quality audio inputs, used in artificial intelligence (AI) engines and cloud-based applications that require a PDM microphone interface. Current analogue output wide dynamic range microphones require expensive ADCs to take advantage of full acoustic capabilities but the T5818 provides this ADC conversion while maintaining excellent dynamic range with the benefits of a PDM low latency bitstream, claims TDK. This makes the T5818 suitable for a range of applications, from mobile phones to active noise control (ANC) headsets. It can be used in microphone arrays, smartphones, tablets, cameras, Bluetooth headsets, notebook PCs and security and surveillance equipment.

The T5818 is supplied in a surface mount package that measures 5.0 x 2.65 x 0.98mm.

T5818 is currently in mass production.

InvenSense is a TDK Group company, providing micro electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors for consumer electronics and industrial areas with integrated motion, sound and ultrasonic products. InvenSense’s solutions combine MEMS sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, compasses, microphones, and ultrasonic 3D-sensing with proprietary algorithms and firmware that intelligently process, synthesise and calibrate the output of sensors for maximum performance and accuracy. InvenSense’s motion tracking, ultrasonic, audio, fingerprint, location platforms and services can be found in mobile, wearables, smart home, industrial, automotive and IoT products. InvenSense became part of the MEMS Sensors Business Group within the newly formed Sensor Systems Business Company of TDK Corporation in 2017. In February of 2018, Chirp Microsystems joined the InvenSense family through its acquisition by TDK. InvenSense is headquartered in San Jose, California, USA and has offices worldwide.

http://www.invensense.com

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LoRa-based module is world’s smallest, claims Murata

Rutronik UK adds Minew’s MS88SF2 multi-protocol module

MAC-SA5X rubidium atomic clock locks quicker for atomic stability

PDM microphone claims to have industry’s widest dynamic range

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