USB multi-function environmental sensor for the IoT

Omron Electronic Components Europe has launched a USB version of its multi-function environmental sensor that quickly allows designers to monitor seven parameters.

Like the previously available Omron 2JCIE-BL01 sensor, the new 2JCIE-BU01 offers multiple sensors in one unit that has built-in memory and connectivity through beacon communication.

Omron’s environmental sensor is available for the first time as a USB unit measuring just 14.9 x 29.1 x 7.0mm and can monitor temperature, humidity, light, UV, barometric pressure, noise, seismic and air quality (VOC gas).

The sensor can accumulate data for approxmately three months (based on a communication frequency of once every five minutes) and connect to multiple devices, such as smartphones, via Bluetooth 5.0.

Despite their compact size, the 2JCIE sensors feature their own embedded memory for data logging to keep track of the surroundings.  Potential applications include monitoring and controlling industrial and office environments to improve work space. It is also suitable for home and outdoor applications.

Data from the modules can be downloaded over Bluetooth (BTLE) allowing designers to easily access recorded data.  The 2JCIE environmental sensors are cloud compatible with no need for additional hardware.  Bespoke threshold values can be set to provide alerts that notify the user of any abnormal sensor readings.

“Our multi-purpose environmental sensors make it easy for the designer to deliver a range of measurement functions from just one small sensor,” said Gabriele Fulco, European product marketing manager, Omron Electronic Components Europe. “This will save development time by providing numerous options that can be tailored to the user’s needs.  he USB version offers even more convenience to suit every application.  Whether it’s a question of simply making sure the office environment is kept at the optimum working temperature or ensuring that say a museum has the correct humidity and lighting to protect the exhibits, these sensors offer easy to interpret data that can then be analysed, stored on the cloud and used to set parameters and make real-time adjustments.”

Certified for all required regulations/directives in the EU, US and Japan, the 2JCIE range is FCC approved and CE marked.

The BTLE link has a range of approximately 10m and the sensor has an operating temperature between -10 and 60 degrees Celsius.

http://components.omron.eu

> Read More

WAN nodes are rugged for intelligent industrial sensing

Two nodes from Advantech, the Wise-6610 LoRaWAN gateway and Wzzard LRPv2 LoRa WAN node have been designed to meet the increasing demand for intelligent monitoring and warning systems. Advantech says replacing or rewiring existing devices, which are often installed in remote areas or harsh environments, can be difficult and that it is critical that any wireless data communication solution has a rugged enclosure and flexible software design.

Wzzard LRPv2 Node is an integrated LoRaWAN sensing platform for applications ranging from I/O sensor data management to network protocol conversion. It can be used to form a private sensor network, and immediate reduces maintenance costs while increasing overall productivity, claims Advantech.

The Wise-6610 LoRaWAN gateway connects to a user’s application server or SCADA for data access using the MQTT protocol.

The Wzzard LRPvw node and WISE-6610 LoRa WAN gateway support long-range WAN communication, and there is no need to pay additional telecommunication costs, which can reduce costs considerably, adds Advantech.

The Wzzard LRPv2 node can connect up to four sensors simultaneously and is intended for production lines that have many sensors, or for applications where there is limited space for additional devices. The software is specifically designed to be customisable so as to accommodate the most sophisticated of monitoring plans, says the company.

The Wzzard LRPv2 node’s flexibility in both hardware and software frees users from having to deploy an infrastructure-heavy wireless network, meaning that resources can be allocated to other, more critical, investments.

The Wzzard LRPv2 node has two modes: sleep mode (for when the node is idle) and operation mode (for data transmission). It comes with an embedded alarm system to notify users when a threshold has been exceeded so that action can be taken.

Both devices have an IP66-rated enclosure and are protected against ingress from dust and powerful water jets. Their dual-power design (BC/battery for the Wzzard LRPv2 node) provides multiple deployment options, adds the company.

http://www.advantech.com

> Read More

Bi-directional synchronous buck-boost controllers smooth path for industrial power

Two bi-directional four-switch synchronous buck-boost controllers from Renesas are believed to be the industry’s only true bi-directional controllers that sense peak current at both ends and provide cycle-by-cycle current limit in both directions while in buck or boost mode.

The ISL81601 and ISL81401 controllers generate point-of-load (PoL) and voltage rail conversions with peak efficiency up to 99 per cent. The ISL81601 has an input range of 4.5 to 60V and produces a 0.8 to 60V output to support most industrial batteries, namely 12, 24, 36 and 48V.

The ISL81401 is a 4.5 to 40V input and 0.8 to 40V output version, and its unidirectional counterpart is the ISL81401A. The controllers are suitable for DC power back-up and battery-powered medical, industrial and telecommunications systems.

According to Renesas, the ISL81601 and ISL81401’s bidirectional peak current sensing capability eliminates complex external circuitry required for charging and discharging a battery to supply power to the loads. A proprietary algorithm provides smooth mode transitions between buck, boost and buck-boost, while reducing low frequency ripple at Vout, ensuring minimal disturbances during line or load transients. The algorithm also ensures predictable ripple voltage under all conditions. Multi-layer overcurrent protection and a precision control algorithm deliver constant current down to 0.1V at Vout for reliable operation. Designers can expand system power by paralleling an unlimited number of controllers, says Renesas. The ISL81601 and ISL81401 operate two switches at a time to minimise power loss and achieve higher efficiency.

“Our new bidirectional buck-boost controllers eliminate extra sensing circuitry and offer customers a robust feature-set that maintains battery health and superior power utilization,” said Philip Chesley, Vice President of Industrial Analog and Power Business Division, Renesas Electronics Corporation. “Leveraging Renesas’ proprietary modulation scheme and algorithms allows the highly integrated ISL81601, ISL81401 and ISL81401A to achieve the high reliability performance required for battery-powered equipment.”

The ISL81601 and ISL81401/A can be combined with a Renesas RL78 microcontroller (MCU), or other MCUs, to program the voltages, battery charge/discharge function, and on-the-fly bidirectional power flow. Designers can also use the PowerCompass tool to help them quickly identify other power supply parts that match their specific system requirements. Multiple power rails can be set up and designers can perform high-level system analysis and generate custom reference design files in minutes.

All three controllers and evaluation boards are available now. The ISL81601 bidirectional 60V synchronous buck-boost controller is available in a 38-lead HTSSOP package and a 32-lead QFN package. The ISL81401 bi-directional and ISL81401A uni-directional synchronous 40V buck-boost controllers are available in 32-lead QFN packages.

http://www.renesas.com

> Read More

About Smart Cities

This news story is brought to you by smartcitieselectronics.com, the specialist site dedicated to delivering information about what’s new in the Smart City Electronics industry, with daily news updates, new products and industry news. To stay up-to-date, register to receive our weekly newsletters and keep yourself informed on the latest technology news and new products from around the globe. Simply click this link to register here: Smart Cities Registration