Arduino’s Pro 4G module delivers fast and reliable 4G connectivity worldwide

Mouser Electronics, is now stocking the Pro 4G module from Arduino. Powered by a Quectel LTE Cat 4 modem, the Pro 4G module’s fast data throughput and high bandwidths ensure reliable and quick data download and upload, even in remote locations. The Pro 4G Module expands the connectivity capabilities of Portenta boards for use in smart city infrastructure, industrial automation, fleet management systems, remote maintenance, and other applications.

The Arduino Pro 4G module, now available at Mouser, guarantees reliable 4G connectivity and backward compatibility with existing 2G and 3G networks. The Arduino Pro 4G module connects devices through Arduino Cloud, simplifying error analysis, firmware updates, and remote maintenance. For larger projects such as smart buildings, the modules can be used to remotely monitor temperature, moisture, and deformity levels, accelerating response times when safety is at risk. The Pro 4G module is also an effective connectivity solution in challenging environments, providing long-range coverage and secure data transfer both indoors and outdoors.

Developed in the widely accepted Mini PCIe form factor, the Pro 4G module is compatible with a range of devices for applications, including pipeline monitoring, smart parking, and waste management.

 

https://eu.mouser.com/new/arduino/arduino-pro-4g-module

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u-blox announces new ultra-compact LTE Cat 1bis cellular modules

u-blox has announced an expansion to its range of R10 products for the fast-growing LTE Cat 1bis cellular connectivity market. Predicted by analyst firm Techno Systems Research Co., Ltd to account for 43.6% of all non-handset cellular devices by 2029, LTE Cat 1bis is expected to be the best-selling cellular technology for the Internet of Things (IoT) for the next four to five years.

The new u-blox LEXI-R10 Global provides an ultra-compact 16 x16mm LTE Cat 1bis solution that can be used worldwide in size-constrained IoT applications such as people or pet trackers and wearables. The LEXI-R10 Global is the world’s smallest single-mode LTE Cat 1bis module with indoor location and a US MNO certified core.

Meanwhile, the new SARA-R10 series brings the same capabilities as the LEXI-R10 Global to u-blox’s popular SARA form factor. With 2G and 3G sunsets continuing globally, the SARA-R10 offers product designers using 2G and 3G u-blox SARA modules a straightforward upgrade path to 4G LTE – the most widely available global cellular standard today and for many years to come.

The LEXI-R10 and SARA-R10 offer the option to embed an eSIM, and both modules also include an integrated Wi-Fi Sniffer, providing Indoor localisation via the u-blox CellLocate service based on both a Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

One of the variants is the SARA-R10M10, the world’s smallest LTE Cat 1bis module with embedded Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capable of concurrent communication and tracking. It is the ideal solution for asset tracking and telematics applications that demand continuous connectivity as well as indoor and outdoor positioning anywhere in the world, thanks to the blend of GNSS, Wi-Fi scan and global LTE coverage. This module is also 50% smaller than u-blox’s previous LTE Cat 1bis combo, the LENA-R8M10.

The new u-blox R10 modules give product designers a 4G cellular connectivity solution for IoT applications that require medium data rates, worldwide portability, ultra-low power consumption and compact sizes.

https://www.u-blox.com

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TI unveils industry’s first GaN IPM to enable smaller, more energy-efficient high-voltage motors

Texas Instruments has introduced the industry’s first 650V three-phase GaN IPM for 250W motor drive applications. The new GaN IPM addresses many of the design and performance compromises engineers typically face when designing major home appliances and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. The DRV7308 GaN IPM enables more than 99% inverter efficiency, optimised acoustic performance, reduced solution size and lower system costs.

Worldwide efficiency standards for appliances and HVAC systems such as SEER, MEPS, Energy Star and Top Runner are becoming increasingly stringent. The DRV7308 helps engineers meet these standards, leveraging GaN technology to deliver more than 99% efficiency and improve thermal performance, with 50% reduced power losses compared to existing solutions.
In addition, the DRV7308 achieves industry-low dead time and low propagation delay, both less than 200ns, enabling higher pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching frequencies that reduce audible noise and system vibration. These advantages plus the higher power efficiency and integrated features of the DRV7308 also reduce motor heating, which can improve reliability and extend the lifetime of the system.

Supporting the trend of more compact home appliances, the DRV7308 helps engineers develop smaller motor drive systems. Enabled by GaN technology, the new IPM delivers high power density in a 12mm-by-12mm package, making it the industry’s smallest IPM for 150W to 250W motor-drive applications. Because of its high efficiency, the DRV7308 eliminates the need for an external heatsink, resulting in motor drive inverter printed circuit board (PCB) size reduction of up to 55% compared to competing IPM solutions. The integration of a current sense amplifier, protection features and inverter stage further reduces solution size and cost.

https://www.ti.com

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Lumawise motion sensors from TE help turn smart city lights into intelligent energy savers

TE Connectivity has launched the programmable Lumawise Motion sensor for lighting control in outdoor areas and high-bay warehouses.

With its Zhaga-D4i certification, the sensor simplifies mechanical and electrical installation in luminaires and supports the idea of a sustainable smart city. TE is a regular member of the Zhaga consortium participating in shaping the roadmap and strategy for the lighting industry. The certification makes it easier for manufacturers to develop products that can be easily integrated into lighting systems to meet the market’s increasing demands for flexibility, efficiency and interoperability.

The Lumawise motion programmable sensor detects approaching people in the largest possible detection zone to date and adjusts the brightness of dimmable luminaires accordingly. In this way, TE is helping to ensure that the smart cities of the future stay safer and more secure for pedestrians, while conserving resources and increasing sustainability of public lighting.

The Lumawise motion programmable sensor is typically utilised in outdoor settings like roadways, walk and cycle ways, car parks, railway stations, parks or recreational areas where lighting for pedestrians, wheelchair users or cyclists may be required. Its compact design supports the aesthetics of modern designed luminaires in public spaces. The sensor can also be useful for high-bay warehouse lighting, allowing for energy savings for the system operator, while still providing a higher level of safety for workers.

The sensor is available with two lens types, which respond to movement within a 30 m diameter circle or 30 m x 6 m rectangle at a height of 5 m. If it detects people approaching, it can switch the luminaire to full brightness. If there is no movement in the vicinity of the sensor, the light can be dimmed as required (to 30 % of maximum brightness). The programmable version of the motion sensor allows the user to set various parameters such as individual brightness levels or the switch-on and switch-off times depending on the ambient light.

In addition to switching from incandescent bulbs to LED lamps, economical street lighting also depends on the control system. Using a two-node architecture, the system now accommodates devices such as the Lumawise motion sensor. In particular, these sensors can be integrated into the luminaire either as standalone controllers (Zhaga Type B devices) or in conjunction with a Zhaga-D4i photocell (Zhaga Type A devices).

The Zhaga-D4i certified Lumawise sensor easily fits into the Zhaga-D4i ecosystem, which is gaining popularity as the standard for smart cities. The certification provides for the products to be compatible with each other according to this standard. This supports plug-and-play integration of sensors and control devices, as well as advanced functions for data transmission.

https://www.te.com

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