Wearable

Rutronik offers USB Type-C connectors from Molex for industrial and consumer applications

Wed, May 28, 2025

With USB Type-C connectors from Molex, Rutronik offers future-proof interface solutions for industrial and consumer electronics applications. The connectors support data rates of up to 40 Gbit/s (USB4), currents of up to 5.0 A and power delivery of up to 100 W – ideal for applications with high power requirements and limited space, such as portable medical devices, industrial electronics, AR / VR systems and smart home appliances.

Thanks to their compact design, IPX8-certified variants and high mechanical robustness (up to 10,000 mating cycles), the components are particularly suitable for applications where reliability and continuous operation are key. Various mounting options – including vertical, top and mid-mount versions – offer maximum design flexibility in a small space.

Benefits at a glance:
• USB4-compatible: data transfer rates up to 40 Gbit / s
• Power delivery capable: Up to 100 W charging power (5.0 A / 20 V)
• Metal-reinforced mating area for high mating cycles (up to 10,000 mating cycles)
• Mating force on PCB: 0
• Mating force: 5 to 20 N
• Unmating force: 8 to 20 N (1 to 30 cycles); 6 to 20 N (after 10,000 cycles)
• Sockets with liquid protection according to IPX8, thanks to LSR moulding (liquid silicone rubber) ·
• Variants with 6, 14, 16 or 24 contacts available

Application examples:
• Portable medical devices (e.g. glucose meters, inhalers)
• Smart home and (I)IoT components
• AR/VR end devices and wearables
• Industrial electronics, measuring and testing devices
• Cash register systems and projectors

https://www.rutronik.com/

 

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Rohm develops new compact surface-mount near-infrared LEDs

Thu, May 22, 2025

Rohm has expanded its portfolio of surface-mount near-infrared (NIR) LEDs with new compact top-view types. They are optimised for applications such as VR/AR devices, industrial optical sensors, and human detection sensors.

The demand for advanced sensing technologies utilising near-infrared (NIR) has grown in recent years, particularly in VR/AR equipment and biosensing devices. These technologies are used in applications such as eye tracking, iris recognition, and blood flow/oxygen saturation measurements that require high accuracy. At the same time, miniaturisation, energy efficiency, and design flexibility are becoming increasingly important. In industrial equipment, near-infrared LEDs are playing a greater role with the rise of precise printer control and automation systems. In response, Rohm is expanding customer options by developing a lineup of compact packages and wavelengths that offer greater design flexibility, while contributing to higher precision and power savings by achieving high radiant intensity.

The new lineup consists of six models in three package configurations, including two ultra-compact (1.0mm × 0.6mm), ultra-thin (t=0.2mm) products as part of the PICOLED series: SML-P14RW and SML-P14R3W. In addition, there are four variants in the industry-standard (1.6mm × 0.8mm) size, featuring a narrow beam circular lens package (CSL0902RT, CSL0902R3T) and flat lens design that emits light over a wide range (CSL1002RT, CSL1002R3T). Each package is available in two wavelengths, 850nm (860nm for the SML-P14RW) and 940nm, allowing customers various options for their specific application needs. The 850nm wavelength is ideal for phototransistors and camera sensors, making it suitable for high-sensitivity applications such as eye tracking and object detection in VR/AR. At the same time, the 940nm wavelength is less affected by sunlight and does not appear red when emitting light, making it suitable for motion sensors. It is also widely used in biosensing applications such as pulse oximeters to measure blood flow and oxygen saturation (SpO2).

The light source incorporates an NIR element with an optimised emission layer structure utilising proprietary technology developed through in-house manufacturing expertise. This has made it possible to achieve industry-leading radiant intensity in a compact package, which was previously considered difficult. For example, compared to a standard 1006 size product, the SML-P14RW delivers approx. 1.4 times the radiant intensity at the same current. In other words, the SML-P14RW consumes 30% less power to achieve the same radiation intensity. This technology improves sensing accuracy and power savings for the entire system.

https://www.rohm.com

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ST combines activity tracking and high-impact sensing in miniature AI-enabled sensor

Tue, May 13, 2025

ST has revealed an inertial measurement unit that combines sensors tuned for activity tracking and high-g impact measurement in a single, space-saving package. Devices equipped with this module can allow applications to fully reconstruct any event with high accuracy and so provide more features and superior user experiences. Now that it’s here, markets can expect powerful new capabilities to emerge in mobiles, wearables, and consumer medical products, as well as equipment for smart homes, smart industry, and smart driving.

The new LSM6DSV320X sensor is an industry first in a regular-sized module (3mm x 2.5mm) with embedded AI processing and continuous registration of movements and impacts. Leveraging ST’s sustained investment in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) design, the innovative dual-accelerometer device ensures high accuracy for activity tracking up to 16g and impact detection up to 320g.

The LSM6DSV320X extends the family of sensors that contain ST’s machine-learning core (MLC), the embedded AI processor that handles inference directly in the sensor to lower system power consumption and enhance application performance. It features two accelerometers, designed for coexistence and optimal performance using advanced techniques unique to ST. One of these accelerometers is optimised for best resolution in activity tracking, with maximum range of ±16g, while the other can measure up to ±320g to quantify severe shocks such as collisions or high-impact events.

By covering an extremely wide sensing range with uncompromised accuracy throughout, all in one tiny device, ST’s new AI MEMS sensor will let consumer and IoT devices provide even more features while retaining a stylish or wearable form factor. An activity tracker can provide performance monitoring within normal ranges, as well as measuring high impacts for safety in contact sports, adding value for consumers and professional/semi-pro athletes. Other consumer-market opportunities include gaming controllers, enhancing the user’s experience by detecting rapid movements and impacts, as well as smart tags for attaching to items and recording movement, vibrations, and shocks to ensure their safety, security, and integrity.

With its wide acceleration measurement range, ST’s sensor will also enable new generations of smart devices for sectors such as consumer healthcare and industrial safety. Potential applications include personal protection devices for workers in hazardous environments, assessing the severity of falls or impacts. Other uses include equipment for accurately assessing the health of structures such as buildings and bridges.

The sensor’s high integration simplifies product design and manufacture, enabling advanced monitors to enter their target markets. Designers can create slim, lightweight form factors that are easy to wear or attach to equipment.

https://www.st.com

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AKM launches new series of power management ICs for energy harvesting

Wed, May 07, 2025

Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) has developed the AP4413, a new series of ultra-low current power management ICs (PMICs) ideal for battery charging systems used in energy harvesting applications. The AP4413 series enables efficient battery charging while consuming an extremely low current of 52 nA and features four variants with voltage threshold characteristics matching several common rechargeable battery types. The AP4413 comes in a tiny 3.0 × 3.0 × 0.37 mm HXQFN package and has been in mass production since February of 2025.

Equipped with AKM’s proprietary ultra-low current voltage monitoring system, the AP4413 series enables autonomous charging of a small rechargeable battery via energy harvesting, which is becoming increasingly common across a wide range of applications such as remote controls, Bluetooth trackers, and IoT sensors, which have traditionally used disposable batteries. This is particularly relevant in Europe, where the transition to rechargeable batteries is being promoted by Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 to evaluate the feasibility of phasing out disposable batteries.

These devices allow system designers to utilise small amounts of ambient environmental energy, such as indoor light and body heat, to operate a variety of electronic devices, many of which are battery-operated. This is especially beneficial for IoT environmental sensors such as CO2 monitors that are installed in locations where line power is not easily accessible, and where battery replacement would be difficult.

Using energy harvesting to charge batteries is challenging, because the harvested voltage and current tend to be small and often unstable. It is therefore essential to minimise the PMIC’s power consumption and prevent excessive charging and discharging. The AP4413 series’ ultra-low 52 nA current consumption has minimal impact on a system’s power budget, and its voltage monitoring system prevents rechargeable batteries from becoming completely discharged, allowing for quick startup and/or recovery. Furthermore, the addition of an inline capacitor allows the AP4413 series PMICs to support system operation even when the battery is completely discharged, while recharging it at the same time.

https://www.akm.com

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