Sector News

Mini-ITX form factor board has four video outputs

Tue, May 14, 2019

Scalable processing power for industrial automation, medical equipment and IoT applications is provided with the WADE-8211-Q370, a Mini-ITX form factor embedded system board based on the 8th Generation Intel Core processor (formerly Coffee Lake) and Intel Q370 Express chipset.

The board from Portwell has four independent video outputs. The 8th Generation Intel Core processor is built on 14nm process technology using 3D Tri-gate transistor technology for improved energy efficiency and an increase in performance, according to Portwell. The Mini-ITX Board includes Intel Turbo Boost Technology for faster processing, Intel vPro Technology for superior remote configuration capabilities and Intel Hyperthreading for multi-threaded processing. These features combine to reduce manageability cost and improve security, says Portwell, making the WADE-8211suitable for industrial automation, medical equipment, transportation and retail systems.

Based on Mini-ITX form factor, the WADE-8211 is a suitable size for applications with small footprint computer and supports the powerful Intel Core i7 / i5 / i3 and the Intel Pentium / Intel Celeron processor series. There board guarantees highest functionality on a small-sized surface with Intel AMT 12.0 and vPro support, two Intel GbE LAN and BIOS configurable PCI Express lane, says Portwell. It is designed and tested for enhanced operating temperature range up to 60 degrees C and 24/7 continuous operation.

The WADE-8211-Q370 supports up to 32Gbyte non-error correcting code (ECC) DDR4 memory up to 2133MHz on two 260-pin SO-DIMM sockets making it faster than its predecessor. Its expansion interface supports one PCI Express x16 Gen3 (8.0GT per second) for enhanced video performance and supports one Mini-PCIe and two M.2 slots (one M.2 Type E socket (2230) for wireless, one M.2 Type M socket (2242/2260/2280) for SSD).

The board supports four type independent displays, dual DisplayPort, VGA and 24bit LVDS with greater 3D performance compared to its previous generation, reports Portwell. The board operates with a low TDP CPU (35W) and the enhancement in flash playback, rich 2D/3D graphics quality, security and power efficiency makes it suitable for industrial automation, medical imaging, retail automation, transportation and digital signage markets.

https://www.portwell.eu

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Programmable PMIC increases ADAS reliability

Tue, May 14, 2019

Space can be saved in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and reliability increased with the L5965 power management integrated circuit (PMIC), says ST Microelectronics.

The seven-output automotive PMIC enables more compact and reliable electronic control units leveraging direct operation from battery voltage with register-programmable output voltages and sequencing and integrated functional-safety mechanisms, explains ST Microelectronics.

With seven regulated outputs, a single L5965 can power an entire camera- or radar-based driver-assistance system including the sensors, memory ICs, processor, and CAN interface circuitry. One-time programmable (OTP) cells for setting the output voltages and sequencing allow the user to configure the PMIC for a variety of ADAS and other in-car applications.

The L5965 can operate directly from the vehicle battery which allows its use without a pre-regulator. Its register-programmable outputs also eliminate voltage setting resistors, and the on-chip regulators can be used without external compensation circuitry.  The PMIC reduces both footprint and bill of materials. The savings in external components also increase system reliability and enhance accuracy, explains ST Microelectronics, by eliminating fluctuation due to environmental effects on external components.

The integrated functional-safety features are designed in compliance with ISO 26262 and enable systems to fulfil Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) requirements up to ASIL-D. The mechanisms include a failure status pin, voltage monitors, ground-loss comparators, analogue and digital built in self-test (BIST), and temperature monitors.

Samples of the L5965 are available now in a small and low-cost 7.0 x 7.0mm QFN48 package that requires no heatsink.

http://www.st.com

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Pressure sensor is sensitive for extended temperatures

Tue, May 14, 2019

A ceramic port is included in the design of the Bourns Model BPS140 pressure sensor to enhance its compatibility with certain harsh media, explains the company.

The pressure sensor is added to Bourns’environmental sensors. It is based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, which provides extremely accurate condition readings in a miniature package size. Designed to deliver high sensitivity/accuracy and long-term reliability, the BPS140 pressure sensors offer extended temperature capability and certain harsh media compatibility.

Model BPS140 is robust with a structure that is capable of handling high pressure ranges (15 to 500 PSI) even at high temperatures. This rugged structure is combined with rear pressure measurement that minimises the number of media-sensitive wetted materials. The purpose of this sensing design is to ensure the measured media only touches the back of the measurement element, explains Bourns.

The structure enhances sensor accuracy because all electronic components and other sensitive surfaces are isolated from the media, explains Bourns. In addition, by reducing the number of wetted materials,  the media sensitivity of the sensor is effectively decreased, adds the company.

Bourns’ latest sensor family offers stable performance over the product’s lifespan, and the ability to work with a wide range of pressures offering a total error band of 2.5 per cent full scale over a temperature range of –40 to +150 degrees C (six sigma process), and a lifetime drift of 0.5 per cent full scale. These features make the BPS140 pressure sensor particularly suitable for a range of industrial, energy, heavy equipment, building and home control and medium/low risk medical designs.

Bourns¨ Model BPS140 pressure sensors are available now, and are RoHS** compliant. Bourns also offers port configuration and calibration customisation.

Bourns manufactures and supplies position and speed sensors, circuit protection solutions, magnetic components, microelectronic modules, panel controls and resistive products.

The company is headquartered in Riverside, California, USA, and serves a broad range of markets, including automotive, industrial, consumer, communications, medical (low/medium risk), audio and various other

http://www.bourns.com

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Get More From Tektronix with the Chance to Win a Trip to Shanghai or a New Next Generation Oscilloscope!

Mon, May 13, 2019

Tektronix is delighted to announce, with the kind support of Farnell/Newark/Element14, a chance to win one of two fantastic prizes to celebrate the launch of a new next generation oscilloscope; built for every engineer, for everyday use.

Two lucky engineers have the chance to 1. be a VIP guest at the Tektronix Technology Innovation Forum in Shanghai in June 2019, OR 2. win one of the brand new next generation oscilloscopes.

Who can enter?

Anyone who is an engineer, is currently employed or self-employed, is over the age of 18 and currently uses electronics test and measurement equipment of any brand.

What do you win?

PRIZE 1
A trip to attend Tektronix Technology Innovation Forum in Shanghai, including:

  • VIP trip to the TIF on June 11th in Shanghai with access to see the latest advances in technology. (Venue: Shanghai Jing’an Intercontinental Hotel, Hengfeng Road, No. 500)
  • Flights for one person from a designated airport, departing on June 8th and returning on June 13th 2019.
  • Transport costs in Shanghai (to and from airport, Innovation Forum and Tektronix manufacturing facility)
  • Accommodation for 5 nights
  • A visit to the Tektronix test and measurement manufacturing facility to see how the products you use are manufactured, and to meet the team who designed them
  • A VIP guided tour of Shanghai
  • Any personal expenses not covered in the itinerary are excluded

PRIZE 2
A brand new Tektronix oscilloscope worth $3,850
On June 4th Tektronix will be launching their brand new series of oscilloscopes and you can be one of the first to own one! And get even more; more display, more signals, more usability, more choice.

How do you win?

  • Submit the contest entry form
  • All entries will be put into a prize draw to win a trip to Shanghai or a brand new Tektronix oscilloscope
  • The winners will be notified within two days of the contest closing on May 30, 2019.
  • For the Shanghai trip prize, all flights, accommodations and your itinerary will be arranged. The winner will need to ensure they are free to travel during June 8-13, 2019, and have a valid passport and Visa to travel to China.

See Contest Terms and Conditions for full details ⟩

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