Wearable Archives - Page 34 of 57 - SmartCitiesElectronics.com

NuCurrent cuts loose by extending HF wireless charging

Fri, Mar 26, 2021

For product categories that are using RF and inductive charging, NuCurrent has launched NuEva (high frequency) HF development platform based on inductive resonant power transfer.

“There are a great number of product categories that aren’t well-served by RF and inductive charging,” said NuCurrent’s CEO, Jacob Babcock. “NuEva HF delivers power levels about 1,000 times higher than RF and it provides positioning flexibility about 100 times that of Qi,” he said. It can also charge multiple devices simultaneously.

The NuEva HF platform operates at 6.78MHz, the same frequency as the standard developed by the AirFuel Alliance. In addition to multi-device charging from a single transmitter, greater spatial freedom and positioning flexibility, the HF method of power transfer delivers high system efficiencies and uniform charging zones and up to 300W power.

“NuEva HF represents a generational leap forward for inductive resonant power transfer,” said Babcock. It is intended for a range of applications, from gaming and robotics to personal transportation and medical devices, using wireless power.

NuEva HF offers several patented and proprietary technologies developed by NuCurrent. Among these innovations is face “repeater” technology which extends charging surface areas using inexpensive passive electronics driven from a single power source.

There is also multi-layer, multi-turn (MLMT) antennae that increase efficiencies and lower thermals and a variety of methods for cost-effective EMI mitigation, said NuCurrent.

The in-band communications reduce system cost, compared to Bluetooth, claims NuCurrent and there are is added flexibility for siting, with options for power transfer through a variety of materials (e.g. metal, tissue).

NuCurrent supplies developers with wireless power technologies and product integration expertise. Core technologies span magnetics, software and systems simulation. The company has generated over 150 patents granted and pending globally. It also offers internal tools to enhance speed to market, improve product performance and mitigate major development risks. The company says that its systems integration expertise supports manufacturers of appliances, smartphones, wearables, hearables, consumer electronics, medical devices, robotics, IoT, sporting equipment and other emerging product categories.

NuCurrent solutions are based on inductive and inductive resonant wireless power transfer which offers convenience, safety, efficiency, and enhanced user experience.

http://www.nucurrent.com

> Read More

SiP integrates cellular and GNSS technology

Wed, Jan 27, 2021

Swiss positioning and wireless communication specialist, u-blox, has integrated low power wide area (LPWA) connectivity and a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology into a small system in package (SiP) form factor. The Alex-R5 is a miniature cellular module designed for size-constrained asset tracking, wearable and healthcare applications.

It features the secure u-blox UBX-R5 LTE-M / NB-IoT chipset with Secure Cloud functionality and the u-blox M8 GNSS chip for location accuracy.

Alex-R5 has a small footprint of 14 x 14mm footprint. The SiP design reduces its size by half, compared to the functionally equivalent u-blox SARA-R5 module.

Its 23dBm cellular transmission power guarantees that end devices operate effectively in all signal conditions, even at cell edges, underground, or in other challenging scenarios. A dedicated GNSS antenna interface enables fully independent, simultaneous operation of the u-blox M8 GNSS chip, matching the performance of a stand-alone u-blox M8 module. To further enhance positioning, there is the u-blox IoT Location-as-a-Service with CellLocate and AssistNow (online, offline, and autonomous).

Alex-R5 is optimised for power-sensitive and battery-dependent applications, says u-blox, including wearables and connected medical devices. The lower power modes of the u-blox UBX-R5 and UBX-M8 chipsets give users options to balance power consumption and performance using GNSS Super-E mode.

The rugged SiP construction is suitable for harsh environments, where moisture or vibration would be a concern for conventional modules, says u-blox. Alex-R5 is rated at moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL 3), offering reduced handling and device production complexity.

u-blox guarantees long-term device availability and provides lifetime support for the entire platform, down to the chipset level. Secure Cloud functionality supporting IoT-Security-as-a-Service based on an internal, hardware-based secure element enables a pre-shared key management system specifically designed for LPWA devices.

In addition, Alex-R5 futureproofs IoT devices and networks by enabling customers to software upgrade deployed devices for compatibility with 5G networks in a seamless transition as 5G networks are rolled out by mobile operators.

Engineering samples of the Alex-R5 SiP will be available by Q1, 2021.

http://www.u-blox.com

> Read More

DAC includes non-volatile memory to simplify handheld designs, says Microchip

Wed, Oct 07, 2020

Microchip claims to have overcome the problems of implementing multi-channel system control or signal outputs using DACs in portable and handheld industrial, communications, consumer or medical systems. To overcome the need for significant processor overhead for device configuration during power-up, the MCP47/48FxBx8 family of octal 12-bit DACs include non volatile memory and an integrated voltage reference (Vref) source so they can be pre-configured for safe and efficient power-up without relying on the system processor.

“Handhelds and other portable systems are expected to deliver more capabilities in smaller, simpler designs,” said Bryan J. Liddiard, vice president of Microchip’s mixed-signal and linear business unit. “We help achieve this goal with the first DACs that eliminate processor overhead during power-up and provide the channel density, low power consumption and integrated features that today’s compact systems need so they can operate over longer periods using smaller, lighter batteries,” he added.

The inclusion of non-volatile memory means that the MCP47/48FxBx8 DACs can store user-customised configuration data even when powered down. At power-up, all eight channels are then configured to the pre-defined state without burdening the system processor with this overhead.

Integrating a Vref source into the DACs reduces overall system size and complexity while providing the control to meet critical timing for safely driving all power outputs. The devices also have both SPI and I2C serial interfaces for a choice of device communication.

Operating voltage range is 1.8V to 5.5V and the DACs’ low minimum operating voltage and its power efficiency are claimed to improve thermal performance and reliability. The DACs also provide power-on/brown-out reset protection and what is claimed to be one of the industry’s fastest settling times at five micro seconds. They also operate in the extended temperature range (i.e. -40 to +125 degrees C) for industrial and automotive applications.

The MCP47/48FxBx8 family of DACs is available for volume orders. The family includes 8-, 10- and 12-bit resolution devices in a 20-lead VQFN 5.0 x 5.0mm package and a 20-lead TSSOP package.

http://www.microchip.com

> Read More

Motobit Sentinel warns motorcyclists of potential hazards

Wed, Oct 07, 2020

A wearable device for motorcyclists has been introduced by Motobit. The Motobit Sentinel is specifically designed by a team of engineering bikers to increase the personal riding safety and improve the overall riding experience of fellow bikers.

It connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone and the Motobit app, and the rider receives warnings about potentially dangerous situations through strong vibration feedback.

There are several features for rider-safety. For example, advanced algorithms in combination with the Motobit app, allow the Motobit Sentinel to understand the users’ riding behaviour and analyses the course of the road ahead in order to suggest the adequate riding speed for every situation.

In the event of an accident, emergency contacts can be notified by pressing the easy to access button on the device to inform the rescue chain as quickly as possible.

For group riders, two or more devices can be combined. The lead rider will be alerted if another group motorcyclist cannot keep up.

The feedback and alerts are described as “powerful and non-distracting vibrations” so that the rider can keep the focus on the road.

As every motorcyclist uses different riding gear, Motobit Sentinel has been designed to be worn around the body, as a wristband or attached to the belt of the trousers or kidney belt, or simply inserted into a pocket.

Motobit Sentinel is the product of two years of diligent research and development of the team of Motobit. The company was founded by motorcycle enthusiasts with the vision to make motorcycling as safe as driving a car. They used their own experiences as motorcyclists, to address difficulties such as estimating the proper riding speed when approaching different situations as well as the importance of being warned about dangers in advance that may otherwise create great risks for motorcyclists.

https://www.getmotobit.com

> Read More

NuCurrent cuts loose by extending HF wireless charging

SiP integrates cellular and GNSS technology

DAC includes non-volatile memory to simplify handheld designs, says Microchip

Motobit Sentinel warns motorcyclists of potential hazards

About Smart Cities