New products roundup: Boards, Displays, IP&E, power, and thermal management

Here is this week’s roundup of new products, services, and tools. Listed in alphabetical order by company name, this week’s new products roundup covers boards, connectors, inductors, motor drivers, haptic actuators, power devices, displays, thermal management (coolers), tools, resistors, time sensitive networking (TSN) switches, and wireless SoCs.

Data Modul has expanded its display portfolio with the AUO sunlight-readable 15.6” wide-view display that can operate in application areas with challenging light conditions or temperature fluctuations. The G156HAN04.0 display offers a brightness of 1000 cd/m² and can be used in an operating temperature range from -30°C to 85°C. Other features include HD resolution (1920×1080), a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and Advanced Hyper-Viewing Angle (AHVA)  technology, which enables a full viewing angle. The FHD display is suited for outdoor kiosk, digital signage solutions, integration in e-charging stations, and other outdoor applications. First samples will be available in March.

Gowanda Electronics, a member of the iNRCORE family of brands, has introduced its first ceramic core chip inductor series for power applications. The SMP0603 power series was designed to address the power electronics market’s need for ceramic chip inductors with high current handling, which is essential for DC/DC converters and switching power supplies used in test & measurement equipment, industrial control equipment, and automotive applications such as electric vehicles and charging stations. The chip inductor series also can be used for RF environments including communication, guidance, security, and radar. The inductors offer inductance values from 1.8 nH to 27 nH with a current rating range from 1750 to 3400 mA DC. The DCR ranges from 0.01 to 0.04 ohms and the operating temperature range is -40°C to 125°C. All of Gowanda’s chip inductors, including this new series, meet a Total Mass Loss (TML) outgassing requirement of 1.0% max when tested in accordance with ASTM E595. Standard terminations are gold-plated nickel and the devices are RoHS-compliant. The SMP0603 inductor series will be featured at iNRCORE’s booth #1708 at the 2022 Applied Power Electronics Conference in Houston, Texas, March 20-24, 2022.

Heidenhain has introduced its ESR digital strain sensor for structural health monitoring, such as on bridges and buildings, in order to provide preventative maintenance information. This sensor enables structural engineers and inspectors to detect and analyze acute risk and continual loading on a bridge or building. This ESR strain sensor is combined with an encoder using the digital interface EnDat. It is said to be easy to install and is transferable to other locations by manipulating the integrated footing system. It is also suitable for use in exposed conditions and harsh environments. The ESR sensor can detect strain of down to 0.025 μɛ (μm/m) and measure dynamic vibration of up to 30 kHz.  It has a measuring range of ±5000 μɛ. The operating temperature range is -40°C to 100°C. The enclosure is IP66-rated.

A collaboration between Infineon Technologies AG and SensiML has yielded the SensiML Analytics Toolkit and ModusToolbox that enable sensor data capture and machine-learning (ML) models to develop smart applications for IoT devices, including in smart home, industrial, and fitness sectors. With the new toolset developers can capture data from Infineon XENSIV sensors, train ML models, and deploy real-time inferencing models directly on ultra-low power PSoC 6 microcontrollers (MCUs). In addition, Infineon is also hosting the “Build AI for the IoT Design Challenge,” launched on hackster.io February 3, 2022, where developers are challenged to use a combination of tools to develop new ML/AI solutions. Participants will use Infineon’s ModusToolbox ML, ultra-low power PSoC 6 technology, and CAPSENSE capacitive sensing combined with AIROC wireless connectivity solutions and XENSIV sensors. SensiML software will provide the firmware and data science tools. Participants also can use an AutoML cloud platform to train models without extensive AI expertise, and deploy the resulting models on the PSoC 6 MCU for use on edge devices. The Infineon PSoC 6 evaluation boards CY8CKIT-062S2-43012 and CY8CKIT-028-SENSE are available now. A free trial account with SensiML is available.

Laird Thermal Systems has developed an elongated series of PowerCycling PCX thermoelectric coolers to improve temperature precision control in PCR devices. Thanks to proprietary processes and a unique module construction, including a thermally conductive “soft layer” that absorbs the mechanically-induced stresses caused by thermal cycling applications, the PCX Elongated Series is said to provide high reliability and a minimal temperature gradient for PCR applications that results in greater throughput and faster test results. The new PCX Elongated series allows for more narrow temperature zones than standard thermoelectric coolers, creating more temperature zones and more precise temperature control across the tray. Thermoelectric coolers are installed under the PCR wells to precisely manage these temperature setpoints to within ±0.5ºC, said Laird Thermal Systems.

Microchip Technology Inc. has introduced the LAN9668 family of TSN switching devices, claimed as the industry’s first turnkey solution for industrial automation networks. Delivering IEEE standards-compliant features that enable lower latency data traffic flows and greater clock accuracy, the LAN9668x Ethernet switches provide precise timing, synchronization and connectivity of devices including cameras, bar code readers, scanners and conveyors. Complementing the Ethernet switches is the newly released LAN8814 quad-port Gigabit Ethernet Physical Layer (PHY) transceiver. The LAN9668-I/9MX and LAN9668-9MX devices are 8-port switches for industrial and commercial applications, respectively, integrating Arm Cortex-A7 central processing units (CPUs), supporting TSN IEEE standards for communication in industrial settings. Microchip’s Ethernet Switch API (MESA) and PHY API (MEPA) enables designers to develop a comprehensive function library that is operating-system independent. The LAN8814 is a new-generation quad-port Gigabit Ethernet PHY that supports the latest TSN requirements including IEEE 1588 v2 and frame preemption. Designers using LAN9668 and LAN8814 technology can use the TSN chipset to achieve timing, stream reservation, protection, and management, which reduces development time and cost, said Microchip. The LAN9668/9MX is available in volume production in 1,000 quantities starting at $16.14. The LAN8814/ZMX is available in volume production in 1,000 quantities starting at $6.43.

MikroElektronika (MIKROE) has launched the NB IoT 4 Click peripheral development board. This is a compact add-on board for IoT applications such as smart metering, intelligent wearables, security and asset tracking, home appliances, and environmental monitoring. The Click board includes a cellular wireless communications module with integrated digital SIM (eSIM) to ensure global data connectivity even in regions without the latest communications infrastructure. A key feature of the board is the Cavli Wireless C1-RM three-band NB-IoT IoT/2G wireless communication module that supports bands 3, 5, and 8, mainly targeting low power data transmission applications. The module also supports the 3GPP Release 13 standard and meets almost all M2M requirements thanks to its ultra-small size, said the company. Standby power consumption is less than 1 mA, and in deep sleep mode it can be as low as 5 µA. The company also provides external interfaces, protocol stacks and a complete range of SMS and data transmission services. NB IoT 4 Click is supported by a mikroSDK compliant library, which includes functions that simplify software development. This Click board comes as a fully tested product, ready to be used on a system equipped with the mikroBUS socket. Cost is $55. MIKROE offers more than 1,000 Click peripheral boards.

The Squba sealed wire-to-wire connectors from Molex have earned an IP68 rating, meeting the international standard for waterproofing and resistance to dust, dirt, sand, and other contaminants. This designation also demonstrates that the Squba connectors can be immersed in up to 1.5 meters (nearly five feet) of water for up to 30 minutes. The Squba 1.80-mm pitch connector provide a 6.0-A current rating, enabling transmission of more power over smaller gauge wire for additional space savings and reduced costs, said Molex. The connector’s narrow pitch also helps with space-constrained applications. The line is available in 2-to-10 circuits. The operating temperature ranges from -40 to 105˚C . The small connectors are suited for space-constrained applications, such as consumer devices, commercial vehicles, industrial automation, connected home device, and other applications where protection from harsh environmental conditions are critical. They are made with rubber-molded plastic and include a durable cap to protect the seal from damage.

Rohm Semiconductor has released a new battery management solution evaluation board for IoT devices. The evaluation board, REFLVBMS001-EVK-001, provides verification of the operation of ultra-efficient battery management solutions used in IoT devices. It combines Rohm’s power supply IC (buck DC/DC converter IC) and reset IC (voltage detector IC) using the company’s Nano Energy ultra-low-current consumption technology. It also uses a battery charger IC that supports low-voltage rechargeable batteries, along with the NGK Insulators’s EnerCera li-ion rechargeable battery. The ultra-low current consumption of the BD70522GUL power supply IC (quiescent current 180 nA) minimizes loss, said Rohm. The BD71631QWZ  battery charger IC works with a range of charge voltages (2.0 to 4.7 V) and is capable of charging, monitoring, and discharging batteries. In addition, the BD5230NVX-2C reset IC is used for detecting abnormal voltages with ultra-low standby current of 270 nA, minimizing loss, which makes it possible to extend the overall standby time by a factor of 60 in comparison with existing solutions, while enabling proper evaluation of the battery management system, said Rohm. All mounted components are less than 0.60-mm thick (1.60 mm when including the board), which allows its use as a reference design for ultra-thin IoT applications such as smart cards.

Stackpole Electronics’ lead-free RMEF series of general-purpose resistors offers resistance values from 1 ohm to 10M, in 1% and 5% tolerances and TCRs ranging from 100 ppm to 400 ppm, depending on size and resistance value. The thick-film chip resistors can be used for electronics that must transition to fully lead-free components for compliance as EU RoHS exemptions are set to expire.  Pricing for the RMEF resistors varies with size, value, and tolerance.

STMicroelectronics’ new IPS2050H and the IPS2050H-32 high-side switches permit two programmable current-limit values for driving capacitive loads that draw high startup current. These dual-channel switches have an input-voltage range from 8 V to 60 V and can withstand up to 65 V on the input pin, enabling the devices to be used in industrial applications. The integrated power MOSFET has low Rds(on), delivering high energy efficiency and low thermal dissipation. The MOSFET single-pulse avalanche energy is greater than 1 J at 2 A for higher reliability in handling inductive loads. The devices also include an active clamp for fast demagnetization. A key difference between the two devices is current limit. The IPS2050H allows the main current limit to be programmed up to 2.5 A for driving loads controlled by a PLC module and for use in equipment such as factory automation I/O peripherals, computer numerical control (CNC) machines, and general driving of resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads. The IPS2050H-32 offers a higher maximum current limit of 5.7 A for use with unidirectional motors in equipment such as vending machines. Threshold and limit values are configurable with external resistors. They also provide built-in protection features and diagnostics. Available now, the devices are housed in the PowerSSO-24 package and are priced from $3.19 for orders of 1,000 pieces. Demo boards, including the X-NUCLEO-OUT03A1 and X-NUCLEO-OUT04A1 digital-output expansion boards, and software are available.

Synaptics Inc. has claimed the first Matter-compliant Triple Combo system on chip (SoC) with integrated Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax with extended 6-GHz operation), Bluetooth 5.2 (BT 5.2) with BLE audio and high accuracy distance measurement (HADM), and IEEE 802.15.4 with built-in support for the Thread protocol and Matter application layer. The SYN4381 Triple Combo SoC with its SynFi software is said to simplify product development and reduce time to market, enabling connectivity between devices across heterogeneous internet of things (IoT) networks, regardless of platform, OEM, or brand. So by combining all three primary interfaces with support for Matter the SYNA4381 Triple Combo enables devices to interoperate regardless of the wireless interface and communications protocols, which will be particularly beneficial in smart home environments. The SYN4381 offers Wi-Fi 6E data rates up to 600 Mbits/s, as well as transmit power and receive sensitivity that together enable sustained high throughput over an extended range for full-home coverage, said Synaptics. Along with proximity detection using HADM, the dual-mode BT 5.2 radio supports Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/802.15.4 coexistence performance. In addition, the built-in support for the Thread networking protocol allows devices using the SYN4381 to connect to a smart home’s secure, low-power mesh network, while acting as a Thread Router node. The SynFi wireless stack allows developers to use the same software across Triple Combos and future Synaptics Wi-Fi/BLE/802.15.4 chipsets. The SYN4381 Triple Combo is sampling now.

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corp. has developed a three-phase brushless DC motor control pre-driver IC. The TC78B011FTG is designed for high-speed motors, including those used in server fans and blowers, and in the suction motors of cordless and robot vacuum cleaners. The TC78B011FTG uses a sine-wave drive method that does not use Hall sensor control, which helps reduce vibration and noise, said Toshiba. In addition, a built-in closed loop speed control function allows a detailed speed profile to be programmed into the IC’s non-volatile memory (NVM), which suppresses fluctuations in rotation speeds caused by power supply voltage or load fluctuations without any need for an external MCU. The device offers a 5.5-V to 27-V power supply voltage. Speed control is supported by PWM duty signal, analog voltage signal, and I2C. The device is housed in a P-WQFN36-0505-0.50-001 package (5 × 5 × 0.8 mm) and can be purchased online.

Other new products covered this week include the following:

One-box tester simplifies 5G NR device testing

Customizable haptic feedback actuator offers 12-V operation

Offline switcher IC delivers low standby power

Power inductors improve 5G smartphone performance

Xilinx Artix UltraScale+ FPGA development platform released

Silicon Labs unveils Matter-ready 2.4-GHz wireless SoCs

Demo board simplifies 35-W adapter and charger designs

Here is link to last week’s product roundup.