Small PoL DC/DC converter eases power management integration

TDK claims that its FS1406 uPOL point of load (PoL) DC/DC converter is the smallest available. It is scalable and configurable, with multi-time programmable memory.

It is designed for big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G cells, IoT and computing enterprise applications.

While conventional DC/DC converters use side by side discrete integrated circuit (IC) and discrete inductor (L) the FS series integrates the IC and inductor in a compact 3.3 x 3.3 x 1.5mm package. It is particularly suitable for space-constrained applications requiring a low-profile power source, adds TDK.

The DC/DC converter minimises the external components required and its simplified design eases integration. The FS series can deliver a high density solution of 1W per mm3, while reducing size by 50 per cent, compared with other products available in its class, says TDK. This minimises system solution cost, reduces board size and assembly costs, as well as bill of materials and PCB costs. The DC/DC converter operates at a broad junction temperature range, from -40 to +125 degrees C.

uPOL products were developed by TDK’s Faraday Semi company. They combine high-performance semiconductors in advanced packaging technologies such as semiconductor embedded in substrate (SESUB) and advanced electronic components to achieve system integration in a smaller size and lower profile by 3D integration. This integration allows TDK to deliver higher efficiency and ease of use at a lower total system cost to what is currently available today.

μPOL technology includes a DC/DC converter placed in the vicinity of complex chipsets such as ASICs, FPGAs. It is by minimising the distance between the converter and the chipset, that the resistance and the inductance components are minimised, allowing fast response and accurate regulation with dynamic load currents.

The product family is rated for industrial application, is lead free and is RoHS- compliant.

Mass production of FS1406 is expected to begin in Q3 2019.

https://www.global.tdk.com

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Aitech integrates RedHawk Linux to Jetson-powered supercomputers

Two Nvidia Jetson TX2-based small form factor supercomputers have been introduced by Aitech. The military-grade A176 Cyclone and the industrial-focused A177 Twister enhance real-time computing for mission-critical applications with RedHawk Linux real time operating system (RTOS).

The combination of Jetson TX2 and the advanced development environment of RedHawk Linux are increase the power-to-performance ratio, explains Aitech.

“Guaranteeing real-time processor performance, low process-dispatch latencies and minimal process run-time jitter are challenging in a real-time operating environment,” said Dan Mor, GPGPU and HPEC product line manager at Aitech. He adds: “Using NVIDIA’s CUDA driver, combined with Concurrent Real-Time’s RedHawk Linux distribution, we can overcome many of these computing obstacles.”

Incorporating the Linux RedHawk RTOS into the Jetson artificial intelligence (AI) platform, helps advance real-time computing power. It offers field-proven, open-source Linux technology, advanced GUI debugging and analysis tools, and multi-core architecture support, to support high performance embedded computing (HPEC) systems.

RedHawk is also beneficial for complex embedded projects such as intelligent devices, advanced robotic systems and other autonomous applications. It has low latency, high determinism and debugging tools to support emerging Jetson-based products.

The compact A176 Cyclone is a military-grade, fanless, conduction-cooled, rugged general purpose graphics processing unit (GPGPU) small form factor (SFF) supercomputer that measures only 5.0 square inches (3225 square mm), while providing 1TFLOP of parallel processing, drawing less than 17W and weighing less than 2.2lbs (1kg).

It has multiple hardware I/O and software options (1553, ARINC 429, camera link/HD-SDI or composite frame grabbers) as well as internal microSD storage. The able to scale to more complex, compute intensive applications, enables fast integration that saves development time and money.

The A177 has the same functionality as the A176, but is designed for less rugged industrial environments. It handles complex computational requirements, such as managing multiple data and video streams and can also reach 1TFLOPS, while consuming only 17W. It weighs the same as the A176.

The two low-cost, low-power, size, weight and power (SWaP) -optimised) SFF GPGPUs use CUDA, deep learning acceleration capabilities and the real-time Linux software to ensure hard real-time performance, while several demanding embedded applications are running.

Typical uses include high data throughput and processing, such as image and data manipulation, application of digital filters, image and frame object edge detection, image recognition and data analysis, in a number of military (A176) and industrial (A177) applications.

https://www.rugged.com

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Connect Tech adds AI computer to Sentry-X range

Nvidia Jetson ecosystem partner, Connect Tech, has released an Nvidia Jetson AGX Xavier Rugged Box. The Jetson AGX Xavier is a powerful artificial intelligence (AI) computer that provides high-end graphics processing unit (GPU) workstation performance in a compact package that operates under 30W.

Connect Tech’s Sentry-X is built around the Jetson AGX Xavier and features two GbE, three USB 3.1, two CAN 2.0b, one RS-232, one RS-422/485, one UART 3.3V TTL, and eight general purpose input/output (GPIO) ports.

Connect Tech’s Sentry-X is packaged into a rugged enclosure and designed for customers in aerospace and defence. It is designed to meet MIL-STD-810G as well as DO-160G for shock and vibration along with ingress protection of IP67.

The Sentry-X is designed to bring all the I/O out to one panel and terminate to rugged Fisher MiniMax connectors except for one USB 3.0/3.1, which also contains USB one the go (OTG), along with three status LEDs on the opposite panel. The flexible I/O front end also lends itself to 38999 or M12 style connectors.

For expansion options, mass storage can be added as well as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and analogue frame grabbers. The Sentry-X’s docking station allows for quick release if the removal or replacement of a Sentry-X compute module is needed.

Connect Tech specialises in small form factor, rugged computing. The company supports the Jetson AGX Xavier and Jetson TX2/TX2i/TX1 platforms and has sales and support staff that is well-versed in each Jetson module. Connect Tech offers 12 standard products for TX2/TX2i/TX1 and multiple custom design wins to take the customer’s application to market quickly.

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http://www.connecttech.com

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Analog Devices at Hannover Fair 2019: Enabling Security in the Totally-Connected World of Industry 4.0

Analog Devices will once again have a noteworthy presence at the Hannover Fair (Hannover Messe), with demonstrations and speaking engagements focussing on the key issues of concern to visitors to this premier event for all aspects of industrial and automation technology.

ADI, on stand H23 in hall 9 of the exhibition, will show how its unique position at the intersection of analog and digital technologies, and in both the hardware and software of computing solutions, equip it to offer solutions in areas such as machine learning and machine monitoring, comprehensive connectivity – with security – and in the industrial maintenance domains with artificial intelligence.

A featured demonstration will illustrate a comprehensive approach to machine and structural health monitoring, showing how ADI’s best-in-class MEMS technologies provide precision sensing, while the company’s mastery of high-performance analog-to-digital and power conversion delivers ultra-low-power signal processing. “Deep signal chain”, and system design, insights enable customers to extract greater value from their systems, with improved user experiences. Real-time, 24-hour monitoring will be shown in both dynamic (motor) and structural (equipment mounting) contexts, comprising a methodology for complete supervision of an equipment installation.

In the closely related area of smart maintenance, ADI will show how a wireless smart multi-sensor system can be deployed for next-generation condition-based monitoring applications enabling intelligent asset maintenance. ADI’s technology releases the full potential of condition monitoring; low power signal processing components coupled with high performance sensors and compact, robust wireless communication networks represent a new paradigm in condition-based maintenance, across a wide range of industrial applications. ADI’s demonstration will go further, exploiting the latest thinking in artificial intelligence and machine learning to make the transition from preventive maintenance, through condition-based and predictive approaches, towards true smart maintenance with work orders automatically generated by an intelligent digital assistant.

At the heart of these topics are technologies such as complete, factory- and enterprise-wide connectivity and all that goes with it, a particular concern in 2019 being cyber security. ADI will address the issue as part of a demonstration highlighting the range of solutions that the company can offer to advance Industry 4.0.  Enhanced cyber security within the factory control loop, at the edge of industrial networks will be highlighted as part of an illustration of Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) techniques, boosting security alongside features such as time synchronization, pre-emption and control of TSN via OPC-UA.

Analog Devices’ technology not only powers interconnectivity of industrial systems, but lies at the heart of embedded applications such as motor and motion control. Comprehensive motion control synchronisation will be shown supported by real-time, multi-protocol network switch technology. ADI’s mixed-signal motion control signal processing solution is the ideal base for the broadest range of servo and robotic applications.

Industrial Ethernet is the backbone of all such advancements in connectivity; the point will be reinforced in a further featured demonstration that will centre on system integration based on PROFINET protocols, together with software-defined input/output technology. Underpinned by ADI’s unrivalled knowledge of the analog signal chain, software-defined I/O represents an innovative family of new products offering a flexible solution for analog and digital IO applications in a single chip solution. Connected by Industrial Ethernet, and configured via a PLC Engineering system, this demonstration reinforces Analog Devices’ capability to provide a one stop solution for modern Industrial Ethernet field devices. This demonstration will be shown to visitors on Stand D68, Hall 9, in the PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) Pavilion); and in the ODVA (the global association of automation companies) Pavilion, Stand E58, Hall 11.

Analog Devices’ staff will be on hand to answer visitors’ questions on any of the focus areas for Hannover Messe 2019 – connectivity, cyber security, machine monitoring and maintenance – or on any aspect of the company’s technology and product offering.

Extending the secure edge in industrial control

For many visitors to Hannover Messe the need to consider security is a new, and worrying, addition to their workload. Any IT system is only as secure as its weakest link. Industry 4.0 means that the network extends to every sensor and actuator; potential points of attack exist everywhere from the edge to the core. Security-by-isolation and reliance on monitoring network traffic are no longer adequate, leading to the need to establish device level security at the edge.

Recognising these concerns, and to assist visitors seeking solutions, ADI will present a paper in the conference strand of Hannover Messe, focussing on the “hot topic” of security in the industrial context. To be delivered by Erik Halthen, System Security Manager at ADI, the paper will develop the theme that enabling a new industrial revolution of real time, autonomous decisions requires increased connectivity and edge computing that fundamentally changes the required approach to cyber security. For full details, click here.

About Analog Devices

Analog Devices (Nasdaq: ADI) is a leading global high-performance analog technology company dedicated to solving the toughest engineering challenges. We enable our customers to interpret the world around us by intelligently bridging the physical and digital with unmatched technologies that sense, measure, power, connect and interpret. Visit http://www.analog.com.

Hannover Messe 2019 takes place from the 1st to the 5th April, at the Hannover, Germany, Exhibition Grounds. For more details visit www.hannovermesse.de

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