Much like the name suggests, DC motor controllers control the speed and direction of a DC motor. To change the direction of the motor, however, the supply it receives must be reversed. And, to vary the DC motor speed, a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal or wave must be applied to it.  As the pulse width…

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronic applications, has introduced the new-generation Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-Chip. It is aimed at accelerating the spread of connected smart objects throughout homes, shopping areas, industry, gaming, personal healthcare, and infrastructure. The new technology enables users to connect their own devices with any BLE-enabled objects. In addition, service providers can also connect assets to the Cloud for service delivery and data collection. ST believes that there are noteworthy opportunities for BLE-connected applications that are simple, functionally-focused, and can be operated on a button cell for a long time.  

IBASE, a world leading provider of digital signage player Solutions has rolled out the 2017 Computex d&i awarded versatile SI-623-N 3x-HDMI 4K UHD digital signage player. The device is based on the 7th/6th Generation Intel Core processor and supports up to 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution in each display channel. Despite having a slim body, it’s quite powerful and comes with a pair of wall-mount brackets such that it can be affixed conveniently behind multi-displays or video walls deployed in places across markets like hospitality, retail, and public transportation. Moving on, the device is powered by the integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 via 1x HDMI 2.0 and 2x HDMI 1.4 display interface. This helps in delivering a high level of graphics performance and renders a more engaging visual experience for audiences.

Maxim Integrated Products Inc., a reputed company that designs, manufactures, and sells analog as well as mixed-signal integrated circuits, has introduced the MAX14819. It’s a dual-channel, IO-Link master transceiver that will allow designers of Industry 4.0 applications to achieve robust communications and reduce power dissipation by 50%.  The fanless programmable logic controller (PLC) and IO-Link gateway systems used in the present time must dissipate large amounts of power depending on IO configuration including the IO-Link, digital input/output, analog input/output. However with the evolution of these PLCs into new Industrial 4.0 smart factories, there is a need to achieve smarter, faster, and lower power solution while meeting IO-Link and standard IO (SIO) compliance. 

Tektronix Inc., a leading provider of measurement solutions, has introduced the new 5 Series MSO mixed signal oscilloscope to meet the modern electronics design challenges. The series redefines the midrange oscilloscope with a host of innovations including the industry’s first FlexChannel technology. It allows 4, 6, or 8 analog channels and up to 64 digital channels, integrated protocol analysis, and signal generator. Besides, a new 12-bit signal acquisition system, a massive HD capacity touch display, and a highly intuitive Direct Access user interface deliver unprecedented flexibility and unmatched visibility into complex embedded systems.

Marvell, a leader in storage, networking, and connectivity semiconductor solutions, has unveiled Alaska® M 88E2180 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver. It’s the world’s first octal multi-Gigabit Ethernet transceiver compatible with both the IEEE 802.3bz standard and the NBASE-T Alliance specification for 2.5 and 5 Gbps operation over CAT5e cables. The highly sophisticated IC will allow a quick and cost-effective migration to multi-Gigabit Ethernet networking infrastructure. Marvell will soon demonstrate its new Alaska M 88E2180 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver as part of its broad portfolio of solutions for the enterprise market during COMPUTEX in Taipei, Taiwan, from May 30 to June 2.

Texas Instruments has recently introduced two new device families so as to reduce weight and size in motor drive applications. The DRV832x brushless DC (BLDC) gate drivers and CSD88584/99 NexFET Power Blocks need as little as 511 mm2, which is half the space used by competing solutions.  Talking about the features, the DRV832X BLDC gate drivers carry a smart gate-drive architecture eliminating up to 24 components traditionally used to set the gate drive current. It also enables designers to adjust field-effect transistor (FET) switching to optimize power loss and electromagnetic compliance.

Tektronix Inc., a leading provider of measurement solutions is extending its leadership in isolated measurement systems. After introducing IsoVu system in 2016 with revolutionary 120 dB common mode rejection, the company is raising the standard again by adding new products to the IsoVu portfolio. These products feature a higher input impedance as well as larger differential voltage range.  The IsoVu portfolio now features 6 new models with both large differential and common mode voltage ranges. Users can now accurately measure a wide range of differential signals (5 mV to > 1,000 V) from DC to 800 MHz in the presence of large common-mode voltages up to 60 kV.

West Control Solutions, the global specialist in process and temperature control, has released a new easy-to-install MAXVU Rail which is easy and quick to configure. It’s a compact device that addresses simple temperature control requirements in a new behind panel format. The control capabilities of the device are accompanied by a transmitter option whereby the measured signal is transmitted back via an analog signal or serial communication for data logging/analysis purposes, or to trigger a particular process.  The device carries a combination of a controller and transmitter highly optimized for a wide range of industrial applications like control of ovens, incubators and chillers; general heat processes such as thermal bonding and hardening; and heating in plastic extrusion.

Tektronix Inc., a leading worldwide provider of measurement solutions has released enhancements to its DisplayPort and Type-C transmitter test solution, with full support for the latest DisplayPort 1.4 specification. The solution includes support for the HBR3 data rate (8.1 Gb/s) and delivers the fastest compliance test times in the industry. It takes less than 7 hours for data rates up to HBR2 and less than 11 hours for HBR3. This rate is significantly faster than that offered by the competitors. Tektronix has also released automated USB 3.1 Type-C test solution for Gen1 and Gen2. It integrates SigTest and DPOJET measurements and fully complies with testing and deeper analysis. It is imperative for engineers working on overall Type-C designs to test USB and other supported Alt-modes to ensure that the designs comply with the standards.

Praxair Inc. has recently announced that its subsidiary NuCO2, the largest fountain beverage carbonation provider in the U.S., has launched the XactCO2 HP (high-pressure) patent-pending fill system. It’s a permanent, scalable carbon dioxide cylinder supply system for restaurants and bars. The XactCO2 HP fill system is currently being launched in Denver, Atlanta, and the greater San Francisco area. It will be launched in the country later this year. Discussing the working of the new system, it contains cylinders connected to a small fill box located outside the site. Interestingly, the fill box is just 6 inches by 6 inches in dimensions with 2 inches of depth.

IBASE, a leading provider of digital signage players and solutions, has released the SI-122-N dual-HDMI fanless signage player. It’s equipped with 3rd Generation AMD Embedded G-Series SoC featuring high processing performance and optimised for demanding graphics requirements.  The latest offering provides smooth, high-definition video for each display to render the ultimate picture quality to the users. The SI-122-N can be utilised for smart signage displays in high-traffic areas like restaurants, airports, shopping malls, and banks. This helps in conveying dynamic information and targeted promotions, by updating them at strategic times of the day.

Tektronix, Inc., a leading provider of test, measurement, and monitoring instrumentation, has announced to enter the Vector Network Analyzer Market with TTR500 Series USB VNA.  This new offering is going to add to the Tektronix portfolio of disruptive USB-based RF test instruments. Similar to the brand’s existing USB-based spectrum analyzers, the latest TTR500 Series delivers a high performance at a low price. To be precise, it offers a dynamic range of 122dB and 6GHz of frequency range at a cost which is 40% less than the alternatives from competitors. Besides, it carries advanced features like new VectorVu-PC analysis software and the only built-in bias tee for testing devices in the category.

As a majority of telecom infrastructure is located outdoors, the adverse weather conditions pose a threat in the form of rainwater ingress. This can give way to certain unavoidable consequences like prolonged service interruptions, ultimately leading to costly repair work. In order to address this issue, SST is now using a series of leak detection sensors that have been developed based on the company’s Optomax technology. These sensors are compact, high-performance liquid level switch units equipped with built-in microcontroller functionality, devoid of any moving parts. The devices instead make use of a convenient, reliable, yet expensive infra-red (IR) sensing mechanism.

Tektronix Inc., a leading provider of test, measurement, and monitoring solutions, has introduced a new arbitrary waveform generator (AWG). The new equipment offers high signal fidelity and scalability at an affordable price point which aids in meeting the signal generation requirements in advanced research, radar and electronic warfare system design and test, and electronic test. The new AWG5200 Series offers some unique set of capabilities that have never been offered in an all in one instrument in the market. These include a 10 GS/s sample rate, 16-bit resolution and up to 8 channels per unit alongside support for multiple unit synchronization. The set also consists of a flexible waveform generation plug-in suite with comprehensive coverage for a wide range of standards and digital modulation techniques.

Fujitsu Limited and Fujitsu Client Limited have released 6 new enterprise models of desktops, tablets, notebook, workstation, and Thin Client across various product series. The names of the series include ARROWS, LIFEBOOK, ESPRIMO, CELSIUS, and FUTRO. In the ARROWS Tab series, Fujitsu has offered the new 10.1” ARROWS Tab Q507/P-SP model featuring Biometric Authentication Slide Passport.It’s the world’s first tablet to carry Fujitsu’s slide-style palm vein authentication. Moving on, in the Tablet and desktop Series viz. LIFEBOOK and ESPRIMO respectively, the devices are equipped with the latest 7th generation Intel Core processor family, while in the CELSIUS series of workstation, the new H970 mobile workstation features a 17.3” FULL HD LCD display.

CUI Inc’s Power Group has recently expanded the DoE Level VI and CoC Tier 2 compliant external power supplies portfolio with the addition of 30W and 40W desktop ac-dc power adapters. All the models in the series, viz. SDI30-U, SDI30-UD, SDI40-U, and SDI40-UD have been designed while keeping in mind the current average efficiency and no-load power requirements made mandatory by the US Department of Energy (DoE) under the Level VI standard.  Moreover, all these models also comply with the European Union’s (EU) proposed CoC Tier 2 directive, under review to become law in 2018. It further aims to tighten the efficiency requirements enforced by Level VI yet adding a new power consumption limit at 10% load levels.

ON Semiconductor, a leading supplier of semiconductor-based solutions, is aiming to enhance patient safety in digital radiography by releasing a new CCD (Charge-Couple Device) Sensor. The new high sensitivity device offers video imaging under reduced x-ray dosage conditions. The critical image performance of the new KAF-09001 is similar to that of the existing KAF-09000, which is currently used for digital radiography image capture. However, the former features an improved output architecture that supports a high sensitivity video mode, thereby facilitating patient positioning while minimizing overall x-ray exposure. Discussing the specifications of the new device, it carries a resolution of 9 megapixels and shares the same high sensitivity, low-noise 12 micron (µm) pixels with its predecessor.