techwire | TechWire International

Updating Firmware at the Edge Using Amazon FreeRTOS – Now Digi-Key Technical Library

May 12, 2018 by TechWire International

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

May 12, 2018 by TechWire International

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.

http://bit.ly/2wzU62e

Samtec Announces Release of New VITA 74 VNX Compliant Products

May 12, 2018 by TechWire International

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

May 7, 2018 by TechWire International

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

May 7, 2018 by TechWire International

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.

http://bit.ly/2IlxJC4

Micro Crystal ultra-thin 32.768 kHz Crystal improves oscillator reliability

May 7, 2018 by TechWire International

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

http://bit.ly/2IjLIIU

Now in the Digi-Key Article Library: How to Isolate High Voltages in Single-Supply Industrial Robotic Systems

May 7, 2018 by TechWire International

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”

April 22, 2018 by TechWire International

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.

New From Digi-Key: Take Advantage of IC Load Switches’ Features to Safely Minimize Power Consumption

March 26, 2018 by TechWire International

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

EM Microelectronic Enables Green IoT With Revolutionary Ultra-Low-Power Real-Time-Clock

March 26, 2018 by TechWire International

EM3028 extends battery life of connected devices by 50%

EM Microelectronic, the ultra-low-power semiconductor company of the Swatch Group, and a leading technology provider for connected objects, today announced the release of its EM3028 Extreme low power Real-Time Clock (RTC) module, setting a new industry benchmark for accuracy and power consumption.

EM3028 leads the way for green IoT applications, with 50% extended battery life compared to its closest competitor, at double the accuracy. It extends the device life span at a reduced overall BOM cost.

The EM RTCs provide an elegant solution for increasing the autonomy of connected devices, by providing accurate sleep and wake-up timing for their power-hungry elements, thus enhancing the global user experience. The frustrating need to frequently charge or replace the batteries of a wearable device becomes a thing of the past with the EM3028 used as an ideal companion for EM’s energy harvesting solutions, this unique combination requiring, in certain applications, no charging or battery replacement throughout the complete device life span. http://bit.ly/2ukv4mx