Sealevel Systems announces the release of the 7804c PCI Serial Interface with eight field-selectable RS 232/422/485 asynchronous serial ports. The 7804c supports data rates exceeding 1 Mbps for industrial automation and control applications. The range of configurability enabled by the 7804c PCI Serial Interface allows users to implement standard serial COM port requirements via RS-232. RS-422 mode can be used…
Home-made digital clock keeps time after 45 years
Look inside this one-chip clock built from surplus parts. With the case open, replacing parts waiting to fail seemed like a good idea. In my second year at WPI, I found myself in “B term” where I had a scheduling problem. Being as WPI operates on a four-term academic year, I couldn’t find a one-term…
Infineon launches Matter-certified OPTIGA Trust M MTR for enhanced smart device security
Infineon Technologies AG has introduced the OPTIGA™ Trust M MTR, a new Secure Element certified by the Matter standard to bolster security and simplify interoperability in smart home and building devices. This latest addition to the OPTIGA Trust M series comes with a Matter provisioning service, addressing the challenges of integrating robust security features into…
STMicroelectronics introduces IR sensor for presence and motion detection
STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor provider serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, is launching a novel human presence and motion detector to enhance security systems, home automation equipment, and IoT devices that typically use passive infrared (PIR) sensing. The STHS34PF80 sensor contains thermal transistors that can detect stationary objects, unlike conventional PIR detectors that require the…
Infineon named CES 2023 Innovation Awards Honoree
Infineon Technologies AG has been named a CES 2023 “Innovation Awards Honoree” for three products including its EXCELON F-RAM, XENSIV Connected Sensor Kit (CSK), and Smart Alarm System (SAS) for smart homes. This year’s program received a record-high number of over 2,100 submissions. The announcement was made ahead of CES 2023, the world’s most influential technology event,…
Infineon joins EEBus Initiative e.V., supporting the standardization of energy management
One key way to address the global trends of an increasing share of volatile renewable energy sources and growing electrification in mobility is to improve the system integration of electricity consumers from all sectors. Implementation requires holistic thinking: from green power generation to a stable and efficient grid infrastructure to storage and consumption. Bidirectional charging contributes significantly…
What are the top open-source software systems for home automation?
Home automation is quickly becoming mainstream, letting residents easily connect with and remotely control appliances or security systems. To support these efforts, there are several popular “smart” home systems available, such as Amazon Hub, Google Nest, Amazon Echo, Apple HomeKit, Hue Smart Hub, and others. For the hobbyist or do-it-yourselfer (DIY), customized home automation systems…
Infineon introduces new AIROC Bluetooth SoC for IoT and smart-home applications
Infineon Technologies is launching the AIROC CYW20829 Bluetooth LE system on chip (SoC). The AIROC CYW20829 Bluetooth LE SoC is a Bluetooth 5.3 core spec-compliant device for IoT, smart home, and industrial applications. With the right combination of low power and high performance, AIROC CYW20829 is designed to support the entire spectrum of Bluetooth Low Energy…
NXP advances IoT connectivity with industry’s first secure tri-radio device
NXP Semiconductors has announced the IW612, the industry’s first secure tri-radio device to support the Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and 802.15.4 protocols. Part of NXP’s new family of tri-radio products, the new device enables seamless, secure connectivity for smart home, automotive, and industrial use-cases. It also supports the new groundbreaking Matter connectivity protocol. The IW612…
Infineon launches next-generation CAPSENSE touch-sensing HMI technology
Infineon Technologies has launched the company’s fifth-generation CAPSENSE capacitive and inductive touch-sensing, human-machine interface (HMI) technology. The next-generation CAPSENSE solution embedded in PSoC microcontrollers delivers higher performance and lower power consumption for demanding user interfaces in home appliance, industrial, consumer, and IoT products. The enhanced HMI enables advanced solutions like proximity sensing with improved detection…
Microchip adds to its safety-certified family of maXTouch touchscreen controllers
Networked and connected home appliances enable users and manufacturers to communicate with them via the internet. For example, the user of a kitchen oven might look up a new recipe online or a manufacturer might perform remote diagnostics or over-the-air firmware updates. Displays and touch sensors are essential for enabling this functionality in modern appliances.…
STMicroelectronics enhances automation with new, single-chip GaN gate driver
STMicroelectronics’ new STDRIVEG600 half-bridge gate driver is a high-current output and 45ns propagation delay. This offers a close match between the high and low-side outputs to, ideally, handle high-frequency switching of GaN enhancement-mode FETs. Also suitable for driving N-channel silicon MOSFETs at up to 20V, the STDRIVEG600 allows the flexibility to apply up to 6V…
Growing Popularity of Smart Home Ecosystems
Smart home devices are the in-thing today as they make it easier to control wireless, video, data, security, climate and lighting applications or home appliance and lifestyle gadgets with a single command. Home automation ranges from simple activities like setting up a lamp to turn it on and off at your whim to advanced surveillance cameras, house-cleaning robots, and Wi-Fi routers.