Updating Firmware at the Edge Using Amazon FreeRTOS – Now Digi-Key Technical Library
Amazon FreeRTOS helps developers simplify the process of connecting an Internet of Things (IoT) device to the cloud. However, even with a simpler cloud connection, a major hurdle that many developers will be facing is how to update their devices’ firmware in the field.
Firmware updates are often done using a bootloader which can come in many different forms based on the device architecture and the communication peripherals available. Since bootloaders are commonplace and included in nearly every embedded system, developers need to leverage existing solutions instead of developing one from scratch. This allows them to spend more time focused on their own product’s differentiators and features. http://bit.ly/2wAFeRg
Mouser Electronics Opens Canada Location at Catalyst137 Tech Hub
Global Authorized Distributor Expands Reach with 23rd Local Customer Service Center
Mouser Electronics, Inc., the New Product Introduction (NPI) leader empowering innovation, today announces the May 2018 opening of its Canadian Customer Service Center, located in Kitchener-Waterloo in the Ontario technology corridor. This new customer service center will support local electronic design engineers, buyers and hardware innovators, helping them to locate the newest products for their designs. Mouser now has 23 offices worldwide, including five locations in North America.
Samtec Announces Release of New VITA 74 VNX Compliant Products
Proven SEARAY™ Connectors Provide Reliable SI Performance in Rugged Environments
As an ANSI/VITA member, Samtec, a privately held $713MM global manufacturer of a broad line of electronic interconnect solutions, proudly supports the release of the new ANSI/VITA 74.0-2017 Small Form Factor Base Standard. VITA 74, also referred to as VNX, defines both the mechanical and electrical standards necessary for a small form factor (SFF) system. http://bit.ly/2KeEPpC
How to Optimize Energy Use in IoT Edge Devices – Just Published by Digi-Key
Jacob Beningo explains: When designing battery-powered Internet of Things (IoT) devices, a prime objective is to extend the time between recharges, or in the case of standard cells, the lifetime of the battery. There are many traditional approaches, but these lack the necessary system level perspective needed to fully optimize a design.
For maximum use of available battery power, the IoT device needs to be optimized as an entire system and not as a collection of unrelated components. This article will examine the latest techniques and technologies available to optimize an IoT design’s energy consumption and how best to apply them. http://bit.ly/2whM7a0
Coilcraft Introduces XEL50xx Ultra Low-loss Power Inductors for High-frequency Applications
New XEL50xx Family of high-performance, molded power inductors offer exceptionally low DC resistance and ultra-low AC losses, greatly improving power converter efficiency at high frequencies (2 to 5+ MHz) and high ripple current
The use of high switching frequencies or high ripple current allows a corresponding lower inductance value, which results in a physically smaller part for the same electrical specs. XEL50xx Family inductors measure just 5.28 x 5.48 mm with a maximum height of 3.2 mm. The XEL50xx Family is currently available in two models, the XEL5020 and XEL5030. A third model, the XEL5050 is expected late Q2 2018. The XEL5020 is available in six inductance values from 0.10 to 1.0 µH, with current ratings up to 39 Amps. The XEL5030 has 10 values from 0.13 to 4.7 µH and current ratings up to 44 Amps. All models offer soft saturation characteristics to withstand high current spikes and have no thermal aging issues.
Micro Crystal ultra-thin 32.768 kHz Crystal improves oscillator reliability
Advanced package geometry enhances mechanical flexibility in products on-the-go
This new tiny geometry enhances the circuitry in application where bending radii are critical. It complements the new bendable thin film batteries from www.renata.com. The crystals are ideal for:
- Smart cards
- E-textile
- Wearables and activity bands
- Embedded modules
- Health Care, e-medicine treatment sticking plaster
Now in the Digi-Key Article Library: How to Isolate High Voltages in Single-Supply Industrial Robotic Systems
High voltage differentials in industrial automation systems can create havoc without the proper application of galvanic isolation techniques
The connection of multiple systems in industrial automation applications provides many benefits, but when there are high voltage differences between these systems, designers need to manage voltage inconsistencies. These include large differences in system grounds. The hardware techniques that tackle these analog and digital galvanic isolation challenges have optic, magnetic, and capacitive barriers. The types of isolation transmission signals include analog signals, power, and digital signals. http://bit.ly/2HXUbSw
Mouser Electronics and Grant Imahara Launch 2018 Empowering Innovation Together Series “Generation Robot”
Mouser Electronics, Inc. is teaming up for the fourth consecutive year with celebrity engineer Grant Imahara for the latest edition of their popular Empowering Innovation Together™ program, the Generation Robot video series.
The exciting new series features five videos filmed in locations around the world, highlighting the people, companies and machines that are changing how we view and interact with robots. The series will showcase everything from robotics theory to real-world uses of robots that seem like science fiction to how we will navigate an equal human/robot world. The 2018 series is once again supported by Mouser’s valued suppliers Analog Devices, Intel®, Microchip Technology and Molex. To watch the first video in the series, go to https://youtu.be/j4DkfKALnag.
Samtec to Feature Demonstrations of 12G-SDI RF Solutions at NAB Show 2018 in Las Vegas
Samtec will display its interconnect solutions optimized for equipment used throughout the broadcast video ecosystem which enable these technologies. This includes RF, High-Speed, Backplane, Optics, and Twinax Flyover Cables.
Two demonstrations in the booth will feature Samtec’s variety of 12G-SDI RF solutions: BNC, HD-BNC™, DIN 1.0/2.3.
- One will showcase 12G-SDI connector performance with live Return Loss testing per the SMPTE ST-2082-1 specification.
- The other will showcase 12G-SDI signal processing and transmission. It will use the Phabrix® QX UHDTV 12G-SDI generator/analyzer, with the signal running through Samtec’s BNC, HD-BNC™ and DIN 1.0/2.3 12G-SDI solutions. This includes successfully transmitting through challenging low-profile right-angle connectors. http://bit.ly/2qcEF9Q
New From Digi-Key: Take Advantage of IC Load Switches’ Features to Safely Minimize Power Consumption
Industry Expert Bill Schweber Explains…..
To minimize power consumption, a simple MOSFET is often used to gate power to unused circuits. However, a better option is to use a load switch as it has additional functions to handle the many subtleties and vagaries of power rail management.
Load switches are offered with an array of performance parameters and ratings from multiple vendors, which enables a good fit between application priorities and available parts. Schweber’s article is featured on Digi-Key’s website – http://bit.ly/2HVqSvj
