Melexis has announced a new safety qualification for the MLX91220 (5V) and MLX91221 (3V) current sensors. They can now be used in systems with higher voltage isolation requirements for both SOIC8 (715V BI, 307V RI) and SOIC16 (1415V BI, 707V RI) packages. This upgrade expands the application range and reduces the Bill of Material (BoM) component count. Applications requiring reinforced isolation include OBC and HVAC/compressor.
To guarantee the safety and isolation of high voltage class 3 energy sources, such as 800V EV battery packs and chargers, two isolation barriers must be implemented to reduce it to a low risk. Until now, the MLX91220 and MLX91221 had only been qualified as a basic (i.e. single) isolation device, mandating the need for an engineer to incorporate extra elements like an isolation amplifier into their design.
With the new UL/IEC 62368-1 certification (material group I), engineers can now use Melexis Hall-effect sensors, knowing its reinforced isolation is enough to safeguard the end user from high voltage risk without needing additional isolation barriers. The new voltage ratings are (for a pollution degree 2):
● for the SOIC16 package: 1415 V for basic isolation (BI) and 707 V for reinforced isolation (RI)
● for the SOIC8 package, 715 V for basic isolation (BI) and 307 V for reinforced isolation (RI)
Engineers currently using the MLX91220 or MLX91221 with an extra isolation barrier, can now eliminate the unnecessary isolation components. Additionally, for designs that currently have only basic isolation, it provides the possibility of re-qualifying as a reinforced isolated system without any change in the BoM.
The introduction of this ‘upgrade’, solely in the form of further technical qualification, improves the value of the Hall-effect sensors, streamlining designs and reducing the associated engineering efforts and costs. This solution not only maintains its accurate, flexible, and plug & play nature but also provides reinforced safety measures to diverse applications such as automotive on-board chargers (OBC), DC/DC converters, high voltage chargers, renewable energy inverters, white goods, and robotics.
The current sensors come in cost-effective and miniaturised SOIC8 narrow bodies with 4 mm creepage and larger SOIC16 wide-body packages with an 8 mm creepage. Both devices have a bandwidth of 300 kHz, a short response time of 2 us, and are available with a current range between 0-50 A RMS.
The MLX91220 and MLX91221 are available now.
Smart Cities
Raspberry Pi server provides optimised and reliable solutions for industrial and IoT applications
Sfera Labs has announced the first shipments of its new Strato Pi Max flexible and expandable industrial controller based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module (CM) 4.
The Strato Pi Max stands out with its modular design, DIN rail-mount, Wi-Fi and BLE wireless connectivity, dual Ethernet ports, dual SD, eMMC, and/or SSD storage options, and two USB ports. It’s a versatile module that can support up to four embedded expansion boards, expanding its capabilities to include serial (RS485/RS232) and CAN bus interfaces, digital I/O, additional wireless connectivity, and support for an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Strato Pi Max retains isolated RS-485 port, and USB ports with independent power control and fault detection built into existing members of the Strato Pi family and complies with all relevant industry standards for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and sustainability.
Strato Pi Max is offered in two versions: Strato Pi Max XS, which supports up to one expansion board, and Strato Pi Max XL, which supports up to four.
Both models embed pre-assembled CM4 boards with up to 8GB RAM and 32 GB eMMC and can be equipped with a high-performance M.2 PCIe SSD.
Strato Pi Max XL can be ordered in the Lite variant, offering enhanced data reliability with the optional dual SD card.
The Strato Pi Max’s modular architecture is a key feature, allowing it to be tailored to each project’s specific needs. The Strato Pi Max XL can support up to eight interfaces for CAN bus or Modbus, demonstrating its adaptability.
Based on open technology and fully compatible with the toolsets, programming languages, and development frameworks available for Raspberry Pi, the new module will allow designers to implement advanced control systems in industrial, commercial, and residential environments in a shorter timeframe and at a lower cost
https://sferalabs.cc/product/strato-pi-max-xl/
https://sferalabs.cc/product/strato-pi-max-xs/
New automotive cameras from Tier IV bring advanced imaging to autonomous vehicles
TIER IV’s C1 and C2 cameras are designed to deliver exceptional image quality for autonomous vehicles, even in challenging lighting conditions. Featuring a high dynamic range of 120 dB and anti-reflective coatings, the cameras ensure reliable imaging data acquisition in any environment.
The C1 is a 2.5 MP high dynamic range camera and is equipped with LED flicker mitigation, it manages varying light conditions from traffic signals, signs, headlights, and taillights, enhancing operational efficiency. GMSL2 output interface ensures excellent image quality with high bandwidth and low latency. The C2 maintains the performance of the C1 while boosting resolution to 5.4 MP, enabling object recognition at greater distances and with a wider field of vision.
Both cameras are compatible with Autoware, TIER IV’s open-source autonomous driving operating system. Camera driver, ROS driver and multiple applications are available as open source software, streamlining their integration into the vehicle architecture.
Optimised for reliability and performance in diverse and challenging environmental conditions, the cameras offer high-precision imaging, robust sensor fusion capabilities and real-time data processing.
TIER IV’s automotive-grade cameras are being distributed in Europe exclusively by Digiflec, a UK supplier of autonomous imaging technologies, 3D Lidar sensors and digital services.
For more information on TIER IV cameras available through Digiflec, please visit: https://digiflec.com/tier-iv
DigiKey debuts city digital season 4 video series focused on AI
DigiKey, has announced the release of Season 4 of the City Digital video series, “AI in the Smart World,” sponsored by Molex and STMicroelectronics. The new season of the three-episode series will explore different aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) integration, from infrastructure and transportation to environmental monitoring and public services.
DigiKey launched Season 4 of its City Digital video series centred on AI in smart cities.
Season 4 also highlights AI and the transformative role it plays in shaping modern cities. Today’s hardware and software innovations will power the integration of AI into tomorrow’s urban fabric, with an aim to enhance efficiency, sustainability and quality of life.
“The use cases of AI in smart cities are just starting to scratch the surface and will play a crucial role in creating smarter, more sustainable and liveable cities,” said Josh Mickolio, technology business development manager for DigiKey. “Our partnership with suppliers like Molex and STMicroelectronics provides engineers and designers with access to the newest technologies and components to build the devices and systems that will propel smart cities into the future.”
The first of three videos in the series, “The Intelligent Backbone,” examines the crucial role of AI in modernising urban infrastructure. From smart buildings equipped with AI-driven energy systems to the deployment of intelligent traffic control and the use of AI in monitoring critical infrastructure, this episode reveals how AI is becoming the backbone of efficient and sustainable urban living.
The second video, “On the Move,” will explore how AI is revolutionising the way people and goods move through their environments. Advancements in autonomous vehicles, smart traffic management systems and AI-powered public transit demonstrate how these technologies can make transportation safer, faster and more environmentally friendly.
The third and final video, “The Responsive City,” will explore AI’s role in enhancing public services and environmental monitoring. It covers AI’s potential influence on waste management, predictive maintenance of public utilities, and the ability to monitor and respond to environmental changes. The episode also highlights how AI will help in creating more responsive and adaptive urban environments.
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