TI introduces new line of functionally isolated modulators

Texas Instruments (TI) has introduced the industry’s first functionally isolated modulators, helping designers achieve more precise motor control in compact robot designs. The new AMC0106M05, AMC0136 and AMC0106M25 isolated modulators enable increased precision and higher resolution of 12 to 14 effective number of bits (ENOB) for accurate and reliable phase current sensing and DC voltage sensing measurements. Offered in a small lead-less package, the new products in TI’s isolated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) portfolio help designers achieve smooth torque operation and fine motor control, while decreasing size and cost in low-voltage (<60V) robotics designs.

Engineers today are challenged to design smarter robots to perform more detailed tasks. The galvanically isolated modulators enable robotics engineers to achieve precise motor control and system protection in smaller, more sophisticated designs. This precision makes it possible for robots to complete a variety of complex tasks, such as threading a needle or handling small nuts and bolts. In addition, the small size of the new modulators—measuring just 3.5mm x 2.7mm—requires 50% less board space than competing reinforced isolation solutions. With this decrease in size, designers have more space to incorporate additional features that support precise control and reliable operation in compact robot applications.

“These modulators from TI enable designers to increase robotics accuracy and productivity in new use cases and smaller form factors, from the factory floor to the operating room,” said Karthik Vasanth, vice president and general manager of Data Converters and Clocks at TI. “For example, where humanoid robots could previously only complete simple tasks, our new functionally isolated modulators now allow them to carry out more dexterous and precise jobs.”

Production quantities of the new functionally isolated modulators are available now on TI.com in an 8-pin very thin small-outline (VSON) package. To support designers, evaluation modules for all three modulators are available, as well as reference designs and simulation models.

https://www.TI.com

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Melexis expands its IMC-hall current sensor ICs for smart power applications

Melexis has unveiled the MLX91218 Low Field (LF), the latest variant from its IMC-Hall current sensor integrated circuits (IC). The new MLX91218-LF is designed for lower current applications (below 100 A). It enables smart energy monitoring in residential and small industrial power distribution units, micro-grids, and electric vehicle (EV) charging cables. The non-intrusive technology is also ideal for clamp-on measurement applications.

Across both industrial and residential settings, energy monitoring plays a vital role in enhancing the efficiency of electronic circuits. Data captured by devices such as power supplies and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) can help to drive changes in the way energy is utilised, minimising wastage while also supporting the smart management of power grids, including strategies such as peak shaving whereby consumption is reduced during peak times.

The MLX91218-LF is designed to support a wide range of solutions including smart power distribution circuits, consumer units, power monitors, and power supplies, in both industrial and residential settings, as well as other power applications, such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and EV charging cables, where intelligent and non-intrusive current monitoring of up to 100 A is essential for reliable operation. The sensor features a 400 kHz bandwidth and 2 µs response time, allowing small current changes to be detected at high speed, while the low thermal drift across a wide temperature range, high linearity (±0.5% full scale), and low noise help to ensure accurate measurement in a range of operating environments.

To ensure simple integration, the device features a selectable analog output supporting both ratiometric or fixed (Vref) mode and a flexible 3.3V or 5V power supply. To ease physical design considerations, unlike core-based technologies, IMC Hall® allows for the elegant vertical stacking of the current conductor, PCB, and sensing IC. Moreover, the IMC design offers benefits for embedded applications, as its surface-mount packaging simplifies sensor IC integration into larger PCBs, thereby enhancing assembly efficiency and reducing costs.

Incorporated within the MLX91218-LF, dual internal and external threshold over-current detection (OCD) plays a critical role in supporting the creation of smart functions, including e-fuses, that are essential components of intelligent residential and industrial power distribution systems. OCD events are indicated by an active-low open-drain output, and it can be adjusted within or beyond the sensing range of the IC’s output.

In a typical current sensing application, the sensor measures a bus bar or PCB current in combination with a simple U-shaped shield. For clamp-on current solution, the shield assembly clamps around the current wire. In some permitting applications, such as those with low electromagnetic interference (EMI), it may be possible to forgo the shield to further reduce integration considerations and design volume.

https://www.melexis.com

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New Silicon Labs Wi-Fi 6 plus Bluetooth modules for embedded IoT applications

Mouser is now shipping the new SiWx917Y wireless modules from Silicon Labs. The SiWx917Y wireless modules provide ultra-low-power Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) 5.4, and Matter connectivity for a host of embedded, battery-powered IoT devices in smart homes, consumer, industrial, and healthcare applications.

The Silicon Labs SiWx917Y series are fully integrated, shielded modules with a dedicated wireless processing subsystem, an application processing subsystem (MCU), and an advanced security engine. They have a rich set of peripherals framed by an intelligent power management subsystem that includes an antenna (or RF-pin) and worldwide RF regulatory certifications, simplifying development and certification processes.

The SiWx917Y modules’ processing subsystem consists of a network wireless processor (160MHz), baseband digital signal processing, an analog front end, a 2.4 GHz RF transceiver, and a power amplifier. The application processing subsystem features an ARM Cortex-M4 with FPU at 180 MHz, a large, embedded SRAM, Flash, PSRAM, and an option for external Flash/PSRAM. The modules come with modular radio-type approvals for various countries, including the US (FCC), Canada (IC/ISED) and Japan (MIC), and follow the relevant EN standards (including EN 300 328 v2.2.2) for conformity with directives and regulations in EU and UK.

https://eu.mouser.com

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Unlocking safety and new horizons with EVIYOS Shape from ams Osram

In a rapidly evolving world, safety and innovation are key factors that transform interactions with our surroundings. ams OSRAM is delivering technologies that enhance safety while unlocking new possibilities for lighting and communication. With solutions like EVIYOS Shape, ams OSRAM is redefining the way how light is used across industries, from urban landscapes to entertainment and beyond.

Lighting is no longer confined to a simple on-and-off function. With advancements like pixelated lighting, ams OSRAM creates tailored scenarios that were once unthinkable. Imagine streetlights that project guiding paths for pedestrians, vehicle headlights that display warning symbols like snowflakes on icy roads, or architectural installations that transform spaces with dynamic projections. Pixel-level control in technologies such as EVIYOS offer flexibility, delivering precise lighting effects that can adapt to any context—from illuminating urban environments with smart projections to crafting immersive experiences in entertainment.

In urban and smart city environments, EVIYOS Shape enhances public spaces and cultural installations through dynamic, interactive projections, creating engaging and vibrant atmospheres. In the entertainment sector, EVIYOS Shape transforms architainment and digital signage with its energy-efficient lighting, offering new possibilities for creative displays and immersive experiences.

For machine vision, EVIYOS Shape delivers high-precision visual output, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in automated systems and industrial applications. Additionally, it provides custom lighting solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of professional and creative environments, offering bespoke designs that cater to unique requirements. Volker Mertens, Global Director of Product Management at ams OSRAM, emphasises that “EVIYOS Shape has redefined what’s possible with smart lighting, unlocking transformative opportunities in urban projection and smart city scenarios.”

Due to EVIYOS Shape and its capability to create tailored scenarios, the lighting application can contribute to a more sustainable world. With more safety, less energy, and reduced lighting pollution, products based on EVIYOS Shape can support various UN Sustainability Goals.

Recent highlights include the Deutscher Zukunftspreis 2024 for “Digital Light” LED matrix technology. At the end of 2024, a team of experts led by Dr. Norwin von Malm and Stefan Grötsch from ams OSRAM was honoured with the Deutscher Zukunftspreis 2024 for an LED matrix that turns car headlights into projectors. The LED technology developed by the team opens up entirely new possibilities for innovative designs thanks to its high-resolution light distribution and energy efficiency. As part of their “Digital Light” project, the researchers and their teams have completely rethought intelligent LED technology and established a basic technology that enables numerous new applications. This technology has now also been honoured with a CES Innovation Award in the form of EVIYOS Shape—a product that elevates projection and illumination to new heights.

https://ams-osram.com

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