THine introduces camera kit for NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/Nano

THine Solutions have announced the new THEIA-CAM 13MP PDAF camera, THSCJ101, for the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX and Jetson Orin Nano platforms. Along with its pre-optimised ISP firmware and Linux driver, Jetson users are now able to easily integrate advanced imaging capabilities into their systems.

The THSCJ101 kit is a camera reference design kit for embedded camera applications that are using the NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX or the Jetson Orin Nano platform. The THSCJ101 kit is based on THine’s THP7312-P ISP and Sony’s IMX258 13MP CMOS PDAF image sensor.

THine’s optimised ISP firmware provides ultra-quick autofocus using Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) technology and best-in-class image quality. The kit hardware includes all items required to interface with Jetson Orin carrier boards with a 22-pin MIPI CSI-2 input connector, including a camera board in an acrylic case and a flat flexible cable.

The Video4Linux2 (V4L2) driver for the THSCJ101 is also available to control various video functions. The performance of each kit is repeatable for use in high volume production due to our production process to characterise the image parameters of each image sensor and to calibrate the image signal processing to compensate for variation from sensor to sensor.
All technical information including the reference circuit schematics, ISP firmware, and V4L2 Driver are available to customers.

Also, for customers that require unique image performance features, THine can provide a GUI based software development tool that customises the ISP firmware and/or the image sensor selection. As a result, the THSCJ101 can accelerate NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX/Nano platform users’ time-to-market without expensive integration cost or additional effort for developing embedded camera systems.

THEIA-CAM is designed for embedded vision systems. Using and optimising THine’s own ISP, THine offers Best-in-Class image quality and high production quality suitable for any project phase from proof of concept to high volume production. THEIA-CAM supports various operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux, and various platforms including Raspberry Pi, Jetson Orin, i.MX 8M families, and MediaTek Genio series. THEIA-CAM addresses wide-ranging camera applications including but not limited to AI + IoT devices, AR glasses, barcode reading devices, biometric devices, bodycams, document scanners, machine vision systems, medical scopes, microscopes, surveillance cameras, vision assistance glasses, and webcams. THSCU101, the first Kit in the family, is a 13MP PDAF USB video class (UVC) Camera

https://www.thinesolutions.com

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Rohm develops a new Op Amp that minimises current consumption

Rohm has developed a linear operational amplifier (op amp) – LMR1901YG-M – featuring the lowest* current consumption in the industry. This makes it ideal for amplifying sensor signals used to detect and measure temperature, flow rate, gas concentration, and other parameters in applications powered by internal sources (i.e. batteries).

In recent years, advanced control has been in increasing demand for various applications in consumer and industrial electronics. Therefore, there is an increasing need for accurate sensing of parameters relevant to the application – such as, temperature, humidity, vibration, pressure, and flow rate. Op amps whose main function is to amplify sensor signals for subsequent detection and/or analog-to-digital conversion, is a crucial component in the signal chain – greatly affecting both accuracy and power consumption. Rohm is developing op amps that satisfy the dual need for high accuracy and low current consumption. By further refining the circuit design based on original Nano Energy technology.

The LMR1901YG-M leverages original ultra-low power technology that thoroughly suppresses current increase caused by temperature and voltage changes to reduce current consumption to just 160nA (Typ.) – approximately 38% lower than that of general low power op amps. This not only extends the life of applications powered by internal batteries like electronic shelf labels, but also contributes to longer operating times for smartphones and other devices equipped with rechargeable batteries. At the same time, this low current consumption does not change over the temperature range of -40°C to +105°C – allowing stable low-power operation, even in environments where external temperatures fluctuate, including fire alarms and environmental sensors.

Other performance enhancements include 45% reduction of input offset voltage to just 0.55mV (Max. Ta=25°C) over general low-current op amps while a maximum input offset voltage temperature drift of 7V/°C is guaranteed. This enables high accuracy amplification of sensor signals. Capable of operating from 1.7V to 5.5V supply voltage and offering rail-to-rail input/output, LMR1901YG-M is suitable for a wide variety of applications in the industrial equipment and consumer markets. Rohm’s new op amp also complies with the automotive reliability standard AEC-Q100 – ensuring stable operation even under harsh conditions such as vehicle cabins without compromising functionality.

In addition to various technical documents necessary for circuit design and SPICE models for simulation (available free of charge on Rohm’s website), the LMR1901YG-M can be used with Rohm Solution Simulator to speed up time to market.

https://www.rohm.com

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Ceva launches multi-protocol wireless platform IP family to accelerate enhanced connectivity

Ceva has launched Ceva-Waves Links, a new family of multi-protocol wireless platform IPs. The integrated offering supports the latest wireless standards to address the surging demand for connectivity-rich chips targeting Smart Edge devices in the consumer IoT, Industrial, automotive, and personal computing markets. These IPs include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and IEEE 802.15.4 (for Thread / Zigbee / Matter), to offer a range of qualified, easy-to-integrate, multi-protocol wireless communications subsystems, each featuring optimised co-existence schemes and adapted to various radios and configurations.

The Links family leverages the newly rebranded Ceva-Waves portfolio of wireless connectivity IPs, formerly known as RivieraWaves. Ceva-Waves Links100, an integrated, low power, Wi-Fi 6 / Bluetooth 5.4 / 802.15.4 communications subsystem IP for IoT applications is the first IP available in this family and is currently being deployed by a leading OEM customer.

The demand for smaller, low-cost, high-performing, innovative devices with versatile connectivity is driving the need to consolidate multiple connectivity protocols in a single chip. ABI Research reflects on the move from module-level integration to on-die chip integration and forecasts that Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth combo chipset shipments will approach 1.6 billion chips annually by 2028.

The first member of the Ceva-Waves Links family, the Links100, is an integrated, low power, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / 15.4 communications subsystem IP for IoT applications, with the following key features:
• Wi-Fi 6 optimised for cost-sensitive IoT applications,
• Bluetooth 5.4 Dual Mode, supporting advanced Bluetooth Audio with Auracast, and with a comprehensive suite of Bluetooth profiles
• IEEE 802.15.4 (for Thread, ZigBee, Matter) for smart home applications
• Optimised co-existence scheme for efficient concurrent communications
• Pre-integrated with a low power multi-protocol radio at TSMC 22nm process

With its modular architecture, the Ceva-Waves Links family is highly versatile to meet customers’ needs, leveraging the latest Ceva-Waves wireless IPs. Upcoming Links platforms may include:
• Advanced Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 with MLO, for a variety of use-cases, from power-efficient IoT to high-speed data streaming
• Next generation Bluetooth for Channel Sounding and High Data Throughout
• UWB, supporting FiRa 2.0, CCC Digital Key 3.0, and Radar, for innovative micro-location and sensing features
• Optimised co-existence schemes for each specific configuration
• Pre-integrated radio solutions, including partner and customer’s own technology, to address a wide range of configurations and foundry process nodes

For more information, visit https://www.ceva-ip.com

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u-blox incorporates newest Nordic Semiconductor Bluetooth chips in two new compact modules

u-blox has announced two additions to its Bluetooth LE portfolio, ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2. The modules are based on the latest generation nRF54 Series Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) from Nordic Semiconductor. They both support Bluetooth LE 5.4 and Thread/Matter technologies in a compact, power-efficient, and secure format.

ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 are designed for a wide range of IoT applications, including industrial automation, healthcare, and smart home. ALMA-B1 is a high-end wireless MCU, while NORA-B2 brings ultra-low power to less complex applications. In the indoor positioning example, ALMA-B1 could act as an anchor point due to its vast processing capabilities, while the power efficiency of NORA-B2 makes it suitable for asset tracking tags.

According to ABI Research, Bluetooth LE device shipments are expected to roughly double by 2028. At the same time, new applications unleashed by AI / EdgeML and sensor fusion trigger the need for additional and stronger requirements, including higher security, more processing power, and efficient battery consumption.

Powered by the nRF54H20 and the nRF54L15 Nordic low-power multiprotocol SoCs, ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 provide IoT devices with the processing power for edge computing and machine learning without additional components. With more than twice the processing power of previous Bluetooth LE modules, ALMA-B1 can even replace general-purpose MCUs in a compact solution.

Both modules also offer a significant reduction in power consumption. NORA-B2 consumes up to 50% less current compared to previous generations of Bluetooth LE modules. This translates into smaller batteries or longer battery life in end products.

Designed for PSA Certified Level 3, ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 provide the highest levels of IoT security. In addition to features like secure boot, secure storage, secure debug interfaces, and hardware crypto accelerators, both modules include next-generation security features like physical tamper detection and protection against side-channel attacks.

The sizes of the modules (10 x 11 mm or 10 x 14 mm) save considerable space and facilitate migration from other u-blox’s modules. Both modules come with global certifications.

ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 are available as wireless MCUs. Both modules offer two antenna options: an antenna pin or an embedded PCB antenna.

https://www.u-blox.com

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