Sector News

Integrated RF modules create 6LoWPAN sub-GHz mesh

Fri, Apr 05, 2019

A wireless IP mesh based on fully integrated RF modules has been created by Radiocrafts.

A new family of RF modules form a complete wireless IP mesh for long range IoT access. The RIIM (Radiocrafts Industrial IP Mesh) uses 6LoWPAN, a lightweight version of IPv6.  This allows the user to access each sensor and controller from the internet using IP addressing. The radio protocol uses IEEE 802.15.4 g/e providing bi-directional communications with short transmission pulses that enables dense networks with high reliability and very low power consumption.

RIMM will enable customers to get to market quickly, based on Radiocrafts’ compact RF module as the foundation, simple set-up and a novel way to interface any sensor or actuator, the Intelligent C-programmable I/O (CIO). Customers can create complex applications managing and interfacing sensors and actuators in less than 100 lines of C-code, removing the need for an external microcontroller in the devices, advises Radiocrafts.

A complete RIIoT network includes sensor nodes based on the RC1882CEF-IPM module. The module can be configured as any of the required network nodes, a border router, a mesh router or a leaf node.

The Wireless IP Mesh does not require any license or subscription, and is very low power.

It operates at 868 or 915MHz frequency and is based on a mesh network topology, using IPv6 to address each leaf node. It can support several hundred nodes in a network, reveals Radiocrafts, yet has very low power consumption; it offers a five-year lifetime on a 2000mAh coin cell battery.

The universal sensor/actuator ICI interface means that no external microcontroller is required.

The network range is up to 20km and up to 29 mesh hops can be supported.

Ethernet access to the RIIM network is via the Radiocrafts border router. The network is cloud-compatible via the CBOR protocol.

http://www.radiocrafts.com

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RS Components offers humidity and temperature sensor from Sensirion

Fri, Apr 05, 2019

Equipped with a membrane to protect against water and dust, Sensiron’s SHT85 temperature and humidity sensor is available from RS Components.

It has a pin-type connector for easy integration and replacement and offers thermal coupling to its surrounding environment as well as decoupling from potential heat sources on the main processing board.

It meets IP67 rating and can operate in harsh environments. The membrane protects the sensor opening from water and dust with the response time of the relative humidity (RH) signal unaffected.

The SHT85 offers a calibrated, linearised and temperature-compensated digital output. It also has final product level testing to deliver a typical accuracy of ±1.5 per cent (RH) and ±0.1 degree C, an I²C interface with communication speeds up to 1MHz, fast start-up and measurement time, low signal noise and an operating voltage from 2.15 up to 5.5V.

The Sensirion SHT85 humidity and temperature sensor is now shipping from RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.

RS Components is a trading brand of Electrocomponents, a multi-channel provider of industrial and electronic products. It offers more than 500,000 industrial and electronics products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provides value-added services to over one million customers, shipping more than 50,000 parcels a day from operations in 32 countries.

https://uk.rs-online.com

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PoE chipset exploits IEEE 802.3bt specificiation

Thu, Apr 04, 2019

Reliable and space-efficient powered devices (PDs) can be built to take advantage of the latest IEEE 802.3bt Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) specification, says STMicroelectonics, on the introduction of the PM8804 and PM8805.

The PM8804 and PM8805 provide the PoE-converter circuitry for PDs up to class-eight, which defines a usable power budget of 71W. According to STMicroelectronics, the chipset saves space, enhances reliability, and cuts time to market for 5G small cells, WLAN access points, switches, and routers. The PoE chipset also targets smart-building and smart office applications such as IP cameras, access-control systems, display panels, lighting, curtain or shutter controllers, video-call systems, IP phones, and tabletop consoles.

The PM8804 implements a PWM controller for a 48V isolated flyback or forward converter, including dual low-side gate drivers for high-efficiency forward active-clamp topologies. The operating frequency is selectable up to 1MHz, allowing the use of small external filter and decoupling components for high power density. The PM8804 is a high-voltage start-up regulator with 20mA output capability to help save on board space and bill of materials.

The PM8805 companion chip contains two active bridges, a charge pump for driving high-side MOSFETs, a hot-swap FET, and the IEEE 802.3bt compliant interface. Integrating the active bridges saves the real estate otherwise occupied by eight discrete MOSFETs and their driving circuitry, explains STMicroelectronics. The PM8805 generates a power-good signal for enabling the PM8804 and other circuitry such as an LED driver, and supports maintain power signature (MPS) current control that allows the PD to enter power-saving standby without being disconnected.

Both devices are in production now. The PM8804 is packaged as a 3.0 x 3.0mm, 0.5mm-pitch VFQFPN-16. The PM8805 in 8.0 x 8.0mm thermally enhanced VFQFPN-43 featuring exposed pads.

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http://www.st.com

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Compact industrial motherboard supports three displays

Thu, Apr 04, 2019

Measuring 116.8 x 111.8mm, the AIMB-U117 is a palm-sized industrial motherboard, equipped with Intel Atom E39XX  processors, three independent displays, onboard eMMC storage and extensive I/O capabilities.

Advantech has released the motherboard which supports a wide range of DC power inputs from 12 to 24V. Compliant with flexible thermal solutions designed by Advantech engineers, the AIMB-U117 supports extended operating temperatures from -20 to +70 degrees C for rigorous reliability and performance under intense conditions. Small in size, the AIMB-U117 targets multiple applications, digital signage, passenger information systems, automation, robot AGV, robotics, and vending.

The AIMB-U117 integrates an Intel Generation 9 graphics engine for improved throughput, media acceleration, and 4k2k display resolution. Display interfaces include DisplayPort1.2, HDMI1.4, and eDP (or LVDS). It supports three simultaneous, independent display outputs to deliver DirectX 12.0, OpenGL 4.4 and OpenCL 2.0 graphics and media performance. The 4096 x 2160 resolution output means the AIMB-U117 is suitable for digital signage applications requiring a slim-sized solution with high resolution graphics and up to three independent display outputs.

The AIMB-U117 offers dual GbE LAN ports, four USB 3.0, one SATAIII and two COM (RS-232, RS-422 or 485) ports. For expansion, the motherboard supports one M.2 (E key) and one full-sized MiniPCIe (colay mSATA) for modular add-on card installation. The AIMB-U117 also supports, optional, onboard eMMC storage. The optional standard protocol interfaces include one MDB and one ccTalk for vending applications. There is also one CANBus suitable for automation applications.

The AIMB-U117 is designed for wide-ranging DC power source input (12 to 24V) and features a lockable DC jack to ensure power cables remain securely connected in high vibration environments. The AIMB-U117 can be used in automation applications and/or semi-outdoor public environments where passenger information systems, signage walls, and vending machines are located such as airports or train stations.

http://www.advantech.eu

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