Sector News

Advantech launches SMARC module for industrial automation

Mon, Jul 29, 2019

The first Smart Mobility Architecture (SMARC) module from Advantech is the SOM-2569. The SMARC small form factor computer module targets applications that require low power consumption and upgrades to computing performance. It is bundled with the WISE-PaaS/DeviceOn software to help customers with operations management and ease of maintenance, says Advantech.

The SOM-2569 SMARC module features Intel Atom E3900, Pentium and Celeron N series processors. It measures 82 x 50mm and supports up to three displays simultaneously. It also supports SATA, USB3.0/2.0, COM port, SMBus, and I2C I/O.

There are two LAN controllers that support two RJ45 ports and an on-board wi-fi module and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and secure boot for enhanced security.

The SOM-2569 is suitable for automation applications, says Advantech, with integrated wi-fi and Bluetooth on-board, and dual 1000base-T interfaces to meet both wireless and cable connectivity requirements. For example, when the wireless LAN connects to an outside network and the wired LAN can connect to two different local area networks simultaneously.

The TPM2.0 and UEFI secure boot protects against cyber intrusions. The UEFI security boot offers a process to ensure that a computer boots up using only software that is trusted by the manufacturer. When the computer starts, firmware checks the signature of each piece of boot software, including firmware drivers and the operating system. If the signatures are good, the PC boots and the firmware gives control to the operating system.

The SOM-2569 complies with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac PCIe wi-fi and Bluetooth 4.2 and RF certification.

Advantech’s design and testing processes allows it to offer wireless signal integrity and compatibility and also saves time for system integration. Tests include vibration at 0.028G²/ Hz, 3.5 Grms, bumping at one corner, three edges, six faces and thermal shock resistance, ranging from -40 to +85 degrees C at slope 10 degrees C per minute. Advantech rigorous validation proves SOM-2569 is suitable for use in a harsh environment.

http://www.advantech.com

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Automotive-grade MOSFETs lead way for small ADAS cameras

Thu, Jul 25, 2019

The new RV4xxx series enables greater miniaturisation in automotive devices such as ADAS camera modules, says Rohm Semiconductor.

The compact 1.6 x 1.6mm MOSFETs are AEC-Q101-qualified. The MOSFETs are claimed to be the first in the industry to ensure the electrode height on the side of the package (130 micron) required for vehicle applications by using original wettable flank formation technology. The result is a consistent solder quality, says Rohm – even for bottom electrode type products – enabling automatic inspection machines to easily verify solder conditions after mounting. Automotive optical inspection is performed during the assembly process, but the height of bottom electrode components solder cannot be verified after mounting. The RV4xxx series uses a proprietary wettable flank technology that guarantees an electrode height on the side of the package of 130 micron. This is achieved by making a cut into the lead frame on the side of the package before plating. However, burrs resulting from cutting into the lead frame can occur more frequently as the height of the cut increases. Rohm’s method introduces a barrier layer on the entire surface of the lead frame to minimise the occurrence of burrs. This not only prevents component rise and solder defects during mounting, but is the first on the market to ensure a 130 micron electrode height on the side of DFN1616 (1.6 x 1.6mm) packages.

Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) are commonly used in the reverse connection protection circuits of ADAS camera modules, but the larger currents required by high resolution cameras in advanced vehicle systems, call for the use of compact MOSFETs instead that provide low on resistance and less heat generation.

For example, at a current and power consumption of 2.0A and 0.6W, respectively, conventional automotive MOSFETs can reduce mounting area by 30 per cent compared with SBDs, says Rohm. In addition, adopting bottom electrode MOSFETs for their heat dissipation characteristics, while still supporting large currents in an even smaller form factor makes it possible to decrease mounting area by as much as 78 per cent compared with conventional SBDs and by as much as 68 per cent compared with conventional MOSFETs.

Samples are available now, with OEM qualities expected in September 2019.

http://www.rohm.com/eu

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Arrow Electronics, Rigado and Iconics launch market-ready Smart Buildings solution

Wed, Jul 24, 2019

Arrow Electronics has announced that it has launched the Smart Occupancy and Floor Space Monitoring Solution, an innovative IoT Smart Buildings solution co-created with Rigado and Iconics.

Based on an Arrow-designed and sourced set of IoT sensors, gateways and software, the Rigado Cascade and Iconics Visualization Solution is a secure and managed edge intelligence solution with analytics dashboards for a wide range of smart building applications. Space monitoring and utilisation are primary features that provide both commercial and retail building managers with a deeper understanding into how their workspaces are being utilised and actionable insights into processes that improve efficiencies and user experiences.

“Companies today have more employee mobility and remote interaction than ever before, and both commercial and retail building owners are seeking to better manage these spaces,” said Aiden Mitchell, vice president of global IoT for Arrow. “This solution we have developed with our suppliers will help address these building occupancy challenges by taking the guesswork out of understanding how spaces are truly being utilised in real time, and improving their impact on a company’s growth, revenue and user experience.”

The occupancy and monitoring solution comes with support for a wide range of sensor and device options, upstream cloud data integration, device support through Microsoft’s Azure IoT Hub, and a variety of global cellular data options. In collaboration with Iconics and Arrow, Rigado’s sensors and gateway platform seamlessly deliver real-time occupancy and environmental data to the cloud, to be analysed and optimised by Iconics’ smart building applications.

By combining Rigado Cascade with sensors, cellular connectivity, engineering support, and cloud services via Iconics and Microsoft Azure, the solution offers an out-of-the-box smart building solution, all in one monthly subscription.

“Gathering reliable and objective data about how and when space is being occupied and utilised is key to making educated decisions in today’s dynamic commercial real estate market. And companies without that insight will increasingly face challenges with operating efficiency and revenue growth,” said Brad McMahon vice president, corporate development at Rigado. “The more you know about your space, the better you can operate today, and plan for tomorrow.”

 

Detailed information about Arrow’s operations can be found by visiting www.arrow.com

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