Electronica Azi International no. 2 - 2018 by Electronica Azi

2/2018

A PAN EUROPEAN MAGAZINE

www.international.electronica-azi.ro

NEWS Maxim's Himalaya uSLIC Solution, the Industry's Smallest Power Modules, Revolutionizes Design for Highly Space-Constrained Applications

Designers working on space-constrained applications can now dramatically reduce solution size and increase efficiency with the family of micro system-level IC (“uSLIC”) modules from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. The MAXM17532 and MAXM15462 ultra-small (2.6mm × 3.0mm × 1.5mm), integrated DC-DC power modules are part of Maxim's extensive portfolio of Himalaya power solutions that enable industrial, healthcare, communications, and consumer markets. With these modules, customers get the full benefits of industry-best switching regulators with the size and simplicity of a linear regulator (LDO). With dramatic advances in sensing, connectivity, and cloud computing, miniaturization is the next frontier that enables emerging trends such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Next-generation system designs from industrial internet of things (IIoT) sensors, defense electronics, and network infrastructure equipment to medical and consumer devices need to collect, synthesize, and act upon data. This new intelligence requires more power in ever-reducing space without impacting thermal budget, making conventional solutions unviable and complicated. To fit into small enclosures that are deployed in harsh mechanical, electrical, and thermal environments means designers need shock and vibration tolerance, EMI compliance, increased energy efficiency, high temperature operation, and small size-a multidimensional challenge. Maxim's uSLIC™ power modules shrink the solution size of the power supply by 2.25x with an ultra-small package size. This is achieved by integrating a synchronous wide-input Himalaya buck regulator with built-in FETs, compensation, and other functions with an integrated inductor. The combination of these components enables the designer to use the modules in small space-constrained systems while complying with mechanical and EMI standards. In addition, engineers simplify designs as they no longer need to deal with conventional bulky, power hungry regulators. Instead, they can integrate the ready-made power module into almost the same space of a tiny LDO. In such a small size, designers can achieve high efficiency and lower noise with increased stability. The uSLIC DC-DC buck regulator modules, which operate over a wide input range as low as 4V to as high as 42V, support multiple applications across nominal input voltages of 5V, 12V, 24V, and 36V with reliable headroom for today's demanding applications. They operate over the -40°C to +125°C temperature range. Maxim Integrated | www.maximintegrated.com www.international.electronica-azi.ro

CONTEST

Win a Microchip Curiosity HPC Development Board

Win a Microchip Curiosity HPC Development Board (DM164136) from Electronica Azi International. Curiosity HPC is the perfect platform to harness the power of modern 8-bit PIC® Microcontrollers. Its layout and external connections offer unparalleled access to the Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) available on many newer 8bit PIC MCUs. These CIPs enable the user to integrate various system functions onto a single MCU, simplifying the design and keeping system power consumption and BOM cost low. This board provides flexibility for experimentation through an application header with ground (GND) and supply voltage (VDD) connections. It also includes a set of indication LEDs, push button switches, and a variable potentiometer. Additionally, it features two mikroBUS™ headers to accommodate a variety of plug-in Click™ Boards that can be used in application development. All connections to the mikroBUS headers, LEDs, switches and potentiometer are labelled with the microcontroller port name for ease of programming. The full pin breakout of the microcontroller is provided to expand the flexibility of the Curiosity HPC Development Board. Curiosity HPC is fully compatible with MPLAB® Code Configurator and MPLAB® X v3.05 or later. The Curiosity HPC Development Board accommodates 40and 28-pin 8-bit microcontrollers. The PIC16F18875 is initially connected to the following components: • Push Button (S1) | Push Button (S2) • Potentiometer | Reset Button | LEDs (D2 – D5) • mikroBUS™ Header 1 | mikroBUS™ Header 2 For your chance to win a Microchip Curiosity HPC Development Board, visit:

www.microchip-comps.com/eaziin-hpc and enter your details in the online entry form. 3

TABlE Of CONTENTS 3 | CONTEST: Win a Microchip Curiosity HPC

25 | Smart homes and cities lack disruptive wearable

Development Board

technology solutions

6 | The first integrated sensors IoT platform w. lPWR [CATM1 or NB IoT] lTE modem

26 | Premier farnell announces new global franchise with Nordic Semiconductor

9 | Hamming Distance and Circuit Design’s NK-2.4Y module

27 | exceet Card expands banking business with

SECORA™ Pay from Infineon 12 | Powering the future with intelligence and efficiency 14 | RECOMs supplying sensors from the 4-20mA 15 | RECOM: 2×2×MOPP/250VAC in a SIP7 housing

30 | farnell element14 presents the new 6½ digit 15

Keithley DMM6500 for exclusive pre-order 32 | Semiconductor Development Kits

16 | lED Dimming Engine: An 8-bit MCU-based solution for a Switched-Mode Dimmable lED driver 20 | PCB Plug Connectors

40 | ASM’s SMT Center of Competence Days offer individual counselling, solutions to boost production efficiency

® Management Managing Director - Ionela Ganea Editorial Director - Gabriel Neagu Accounting - Ioana Paraschiv Advertisement - Irina Ganea Web design - Eugen Vărzaru

“Electronica Azi” is a registered trademark at OSIM - Romania, Registered position: 124259

Contributing editors Cornel Pazara Marian Blejan PhD. Paul Svasta PhD. Norocel Codreanu PhD. Bogdan Grămescu

ISSN: 1582-3490 Printed by

EURO STANDARD PRESS 2000 srl VAT: RO3998003 | Tel.: +40 (0) 31 8059955 | Tel.: +40 (0) 722 707254 office@electronica-azi.ro | www.international.electronica-azi.ro

Electronica Azi International is published 6 times per year in 2018 by Euro Standard Press 2000 s.r.l. It is a free to qualified electronics engineers and managers involved in engineering decisions. Copyright 2018 by Euro Standard Press 2000 s.r.l. All rights reserved.

Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

xyz-mIoT v2.09 by itbrainpower.net

The ﬁrst integrated sensors IoT platform w. LPWR [CATM1 or NB IoT] LTE modem R&D Software Solutions - Romanian embedded hardware and software solution provider - implements their original and innovative concepts and ideas into smart IoT platforms and solutions that allows engineers to achieve sensor-to-cloud solutions very quickly and easily regardless previous modem and network experience. Deeply involved in innovation, R&D Software Solutions received in 2006 as acknowledgement for its innovative ideas, the “GST SSC Bronze Award” between competitors like: IBM, Computer Associates, 17 European Universities and a batch of SME. The very newest “xyz-mIoT by itbrainpower. net” it is the worldwide first and most compact board in this class, that combines the functionality of the ARM0 microcontroller (Microchip-Atmel ATSAMD21G in Arduino Zero compatible design), sensors bundle (THS, tVOC, HALL, IR and vibration) and global LPWR LTE CAT M1 and NBIoT/3G/GSM connectivity. Due to its flexible design, multiple LPWR LTE/3G/GSM modem options are available for ordering, covering your project requirements and budget. All GSM/3G/LPR LTE models share the very same 4.50 × 3.50cm unified design. In addition to already embedded sensors, the abundance of interfaces [I2C, SPI, UART, 13 digital I/O – 1WIRE

and PWM capable, 5 analog inputs and more] combined with the power and versatility of the ARM0 core provides endless devices/sensors/actuators interfacing IoT solution. Multiple powering profiles are supported as: LiPO, super-capacitor, 5V direct powering, power-harvesting mode [e.g.: small solar cell] and Lithium primer battery. The xyz-mIoT LTE equipped with BG96 modem [CATM1+ NB IoT] variant offers access to GNSS [GPS+Glonass] positioning services. GNSS passive and active antennas are supported [AAPM included – active antenna power management]. On board several additional interfaces, useful for integration, are available: • JTAG connector VIAs (2 × 5 × 1.27mm)

• external SIM socket connecting pads (1.27mm) • modem USB soldering pads (only for 3G and LTE CATM1 variants) • modem UART port monitoring pads (4 debug) • super-capacitor/additional capacitor soldering pads • TILT / REED soldering pads Additional onboard features: • VIN voltage monitoring • VBAT (LiPO/super- capacitor) voltage monitoring Also, 10 PCB solder jumpers offers the possibility for enabling/disabling LEDs and other features.

Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

Wireless NEWS

Beyond obvious target applications (smart modems with “last-gasp”, access control and environment monitoring for IoT gateways, air quality monitoring, smart metering, smart machinery for legacy controllers, smart bees farming (hives monitoring), smart city applications, security & tracking, emergency pagers, other…), itbrainpower.net xyz-mIoT it is the ideal solution for integrators and DYI fans who want to design and deploy in a timely manner their LPWR LTE (CAT M1 and NB-IoT) IoT projects regardless previous experience in modems and network technology. Last, but no least, one more option is available: Industrial Embedded SIM that enables support for high volume MNO oriented solution. ARDUINO (arduino.cc v >= 1.8.5) xyz-mIoT sensors board integration transparent socket (and other) class support and interrupt-based hardware support and demo code offers fast IoT to CLOUD application deployment time. ABOUT lTE CAT M1 AND NB IOT Modems implementing legacy cellular technology such as 4G/LTE, 3G/UMTS and GSM/GPRS consumes too much power per exchanged data unit, especially in battery powered applications where very small data amount is exchanged with CLOUD applications, in infrequent timely manner (e.g.: metering application, environmental data monitoring). The modem industry has the target to implement to requirements for lowpower and long-range applications, together with the goal to reach similar price levels as 2G(GSM) modems. Their response consists, under release 13 of 3GPP, in both LPWR LTE standards: CAT M1 and NB IoT. CAT-M1/ lTE-M LTE Cat-M1, aka. CAT M or LTE M, by downsizing the LTE maximum system bandwidth to 1.4 MHz and implementation of LPWR techniques as PSM and i-eDRX completes the cost and power consumption reduction goals. Other Cat-M1 advantage is the compatibility with existing LTE infrastructure. Some CAT M1 parameters: data-rates up to. 1Mb/1Mb (DL/UP), low latency <1sec, cell handover and good indoor coverage (155.7 dB link budget).

www.international.electronica-azi.ro

WIRElESS DESIGN

NB IOT The NB IoT technology, sharing the same the goals, downsize more the system bandwidth to 200kHz and also use different approach: use DSSS modulation and have Guard band and In Band as Operation Modes (CAT-M1 supports In Band only). NB IoT deployments require significant investments in LTE infrastructure. Some NB IoT parameters: data-rates up to. 250kHz/230kHz (DL/UP), bigger latency <10sec, stationary (no cell handover allowance) and better indoor coverage (164 dB link budget). ABOUT QUECTEl lTE lPWR MODUlES Having strong background using Quectel modules, we use in our LPWR LTE designs following two Quectel modules BG96 and BC95G provided by Comet Electronics – Quectel authorized distributor in Romania. BG96 is a LTE Cat M1/Cat NB1/EGPRS module offering a maximum data rate of 300Kbps downlink and 375Kbps uplink and features ultra-low power. BC95-G is a high-performance NB-IoT module which supports multiple frequency bands of B1/B3/B8/B5/B20/B28 with extremely low power consumption. xyz-mIoT v2.09 IoT SENSOR PlATfORM – PN CODING Module based PN schema, UFL connector (choose your modem option): – xyz-mIoT v2.09, equipped with BG96 [CAT M1 + NB IoT + GSM + GPS] - PN: XYZMIOT209#BG96-UFL-xxxxxxx – xyz-mIoT v2.09, equipped with BC95G [NB IoT only] - PN: XYZMIOT209#BC95G-UFL-xxxxxxx – xyz-mIoT v2.09, equipped with M95FA [GSM only] - PN: XYZMIOT209#M95FA-UFL-xxxxxxx – xyz-mIoT v2.09, equipped with UG95E [3G + GSM] - PN: XYZMIOT209#UG95E-UFL-xxxxxxx – xyz-mIoT v2.09, no modem - PN: XYZMIOT209#NOMODEM-000-xxxxxxx In previous PN, replace “xxxxxxx” suffix with sensor code (chose the board sensors flavor): – HDC2010 + DRV5032 – xxxxxxx: 1100000 – HDC2010 + DRV5032 + SW200D – xxxxxxx: 1110000 – HDC2010 + DRV5032 + SW200D + CCS811 – xxxxxxx: 1110100 – no sensor – xxxxxxx: 0000000 8

itbrainpower.net xyz-mIoT v2.09 brief technical specifications (preliminary) SAMD21 Cortex-M0+ 32bit low power Microcontroller ARM MCU Dimensions/weight 35 × 45mm / around 7g 5V/5-7V/3.6-4.2V Power Supply (USB/VIN/Vcc) Supported LiPo Battery (integrated charger) LiPo 1cell - 3.7V Interfacing Voltage 3.3V 13 Digital I/O Pins PWM Pins 12 UART (hardware) 1 SPI(hardware) 1 I2C (hardware) 1 Analog Input Pins 5 (ADC 8/10/12 bit) External Interrupts 8 DC Current per I/O Pin 7 mA Flash Memory/SRAM 256 KB/32KB Clock Speed 32.768 kHz (RTC), 48 MHz On board Sensors (mix and match): DHT sensor (optional) HDC2010 (Temperature ±0.2°C typ./Humidity ±2%) tVOC & eCO2 sensor (optional) CCS811 (CO2 400-8192ppm/tVOC 0-1187ppb) HALL or IR sensor (optional) DRV5032 or KP-2012P3C (IR 940 nM) second IR sensor (optional) KP-2012P3C (IR 940 nM) TILT or REED sensor (optional) SW200D (±15degree) / REED lPWR lTE/3G/GSM options: 2G modem M95FA (quad band GSM, ww* coverage) 3G modem UG96 (3G ww* + GSM900 + GSM 1800) LTE CAT M1 modem BG96 (LTE CAT M1 + NB IoT + GSM ww*) LTE NB IoT modem BC95G (NB IoT ww*) Industrial Embedded SIM(optional) VQFN-8 5.00*6.00 mm (e.g.: SLM76CF3201P) * ww - worldwide

GPS options (only for LTE CAT M1 variant): GNSS [GPS + GLONASS]

Yes, having *AAPM

* AAPM – active antenna power management

For SMA version, replace the “UFL” particle with “SMA”. Orders can be done via our web page https://itbrainpower.net or contact us via email: dragos@rdss.ro Pre-orders received until June 15, 2018 may receive up to 20% discount. Autor: Dragos Iosub, R&D Software Solutions https://itbrainpower.net | dragos@rdss.ro | +40 (0) 745 611611

All Quectel modules are available in Romania with fast delivery from stock through Comet Electronics. Also, Comet Electronics’s engineers and Quectel technical support engineers can provide you with the support needed to develop any type of applications. For more information, please contact: Eng. Ciprian Varga, Technical Director, Comet Electronics Tel.: +4 (0) 212 432 090 Fax: +4 (0) 212 434 090 oﬃce@comet.srl.ro www.comet.srl.ro Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

HAMMING DISTANCE

Hamming Distance and Circuit Designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NK-2.4Y module How does a Hamming Distance of 6 improve communication reliability? By: John Bell

The NK-2.4Y 2.4 GHz module by Circuit Design Inc is a telecommand module developed for transmitting switching signals. To ensure reliable and secure communication, the NK-2.4Y incorporates CRC error detection that achieves a Hamming Distance of 6. This prevents malfunction of the system due to errors. WHAT IS ERROR DETECTION? In any communication medium there will always be noise and interference present. In particular RF is constantly surrounded by noise and interference from other signal sources. In analogue communication, noise occurs as permanent artefacts in the signal and cannot be removed. The combination of signal with noise means the receiver cannot properly read the signal and respond correctly.

(codewords) used in the transmission. To change one codeword into another, we flip bits. The number of bit flips equals the Hamming Distance. For data length of 3 bits, every codeword between 000 to 111 (i.e. 000 -> 001â&#x20AC;Ś111) can be shown visually using a grid with 8 points. For other data lengths, each will produce its corresponding grid. Every movement along a line represents one bit change or Hamming distance of 1. Valid codewords

By adding extra bits (redundancy bits) to the data, the receiver can look at these extra bits and analyse the data to determine if an error has occurred during transmission.

in a system can be highlighted in blue. The minimum hamming distance is the mini-

ERROR DETECTION AND CORRECTION When the receiver analyses the data, it can detect the occurrence of errors, but cannot always determine which bits have been corrupted. This process is error detection. If the receiver can detect and identify the positions where the error occurred, it can correct the affected bits. This is called error correction and allows communication to continue normally. HAMMING DISTANCE When implementing Hamming, the receiver stores a table of all valid bit codes www.international.electronica-azi.ro

System 1 Data of 3 bit length with 8 valid codewords

mum number of moves to get from one codeword to another. When we talk about the Hamming Distance, it is usually referring to this minimum value. For example in System 3 above, the shortest path to reach another codeword is in 3 shifts. Let us look at each system in turn. In system 1, all codewords are treated as valid and no error detection is possible. A shift from a valid codeword will just produce another valid codeword. In system 2, to move from one valid codeword to another involves passing through exactly 1 invalid codeword. The total move is a Hamming minimum distance of 2. The receiver can flag a 1 bit error occurrence when the codeword lands on the invalid points, but as this invalid codeword lies exactly halfway between 2 valid codewords, it cannot determine the correct codeword that was sent. So no error correction is possible here.

System 2 Data of 3 bit length with 4 valid codewords

System 3 Data of 3 bit length with 2 valid codewords 9

WIRElESS DESIGN

In system 3, the minimum distance between the 2 valid codewords is 3. A 1 bit or 2 bit error occurrence can be flagged, but not a 3 bit error occurrence (just shifts to another valid codeword). However we can see that the system now can correct a 1 bit error by looking at the nearest valid codeword beside it and determining that was the one that was sent.

dmin Codewords dmin = 1 Valid Valid Valid Valid Valid Valid Valid Valid Valid

Notes No detection.

dmin = 2 Valid

Detect 1 bit error. No correction.

dmin = 3 Valid

Valid

Detect 2 bit error. Correct 1 bit error.

Valid Correctable

dmin = 4 Valid

Valid

Valid Non-correctable

So we want to increase the Hamming distance to make a reliable communication system. To do this you can use fewer valid codewords or use more bits. The cost of doing this of course is sending larger amounts of data in a communication medium with fixed capacity. We can expand the above and generalise what would happen with larger Hamming distances. Let us organise the codewords into a table (table 1). The Hamming distance defines the space between valid codewords. All invalid codewords are in green squares. COMMUNICATION ERRORS It is assumed that transmitting switching data is a simple application of radio and not require complex design. However, there will be the case where multiple receivers are present and there needs to be precise control over which receivers should respond. We can show below:

dmin = 5 Valid dmin = 6 Valid dmin = 7 Valid

Valid

Detect 3 bit error. Correct 1 bit error. Detect 4 bit error. Correct 2 bit error. Detect 5 bit error. Correct 2 bit error.

Valid Valid

Detect 6 bit error. Correct 3 bit error.

Table 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Number of errors that can be detected and corrected using different Hamming distance values HAMMING DISTANCE AND NK-2.4Y In the beginning we explained the basic idea of how data error can be detected (and possibly corrected) using Hamming function. When implementing Hamming function in practice, there are various techniques. The Hamming function performed on the NK2.4Y payload data is derived from the CRC method and does not use specific codewords as above. The NK-2.4Y CRC (cyclic redundancy check) is used as a method of error detection and consequence of this is that a Hamming Distance of 6 is achieved. Secondly for radio communication purpos-

not guarantee cohesion of the NK-2.4Y payload data. This is why a separate CRC (with Hamming distance 6) is performed on just the NK-2.4Y payload data to guarantee correct data communication. The analogy is to imagine how letters are posted. The address on the envelope is written in a standard format so that the recipient can receive it. The content of the envelope is irrelevant. If the address is unreadable it does not get delivered. This is equivalent to the CRC done by the RFIC. When the envelope reaches the recipient, its contents can be examined.

Target receiver

Output

For example we send a signal to tell receiver 1 to respond. If data is misinterpreted, the wrong receiver (receiver 3) will operate which compromises safety of the system. 10

es, the RFIC by default adds its own CRC on the final data before transmission. The only purpose of this is to ensure that the payload reaches the target module. It does

This is equivalent to the NK-2.4Y CRC and Hamming function done on the NK-2.4Y payload when the data is received by the target RFIC. Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

HAMMING DISTANCE

Newly Released Mesh Network Performance Results from Silicon Labs Clarify IoT Connectivity Options

NK-2.4 PAYlOAD Below is the NK-2.4Y payload data with its NK-2.4Y CRC (Hamming distance 6) check data added: Payload

CRC

When this is processed by the RFIC, it adds the corresponding header and final CRC for radio transmission. P | Address

+ Payload CRC + CRC

NK-2.4Y RECEPTION When target RFIC receives the data, it checks its CRC first. (The address on the “envelope” level) P | Address Payload CRC

CRC

If this is ok, CRC for the NK-2.4Y payload is then checked. (The “contents” of the letter level) Payload CRC

If all checks are satisfactory, the module can process the request. Payload Action

CONClUSION We have seen in the previous diagram what can happen if no CRC or any check is performed on the payload. By incorporating CRC and therefore Hamming distance on the payload, secure and reliable communication is possible. Any errors detected, all receivers will discard the data and none will output any signal. This prevents malfunction of the system due to errors. As transmission is continuous NK-2.4Y does not perform error correction, it can simply wait for the next transmission packet. REMARK According to IEC 870-5-1 “Telecontrol equipment and systems Part 5 Transmission protocol Section One – Transmission frame formats”, Hamming distance 6 is recommended for format class FT3 which are suited for systems with particularly high data integrity requirements. Circuit Design GmbH info@circuitdesign.de | www.circuitdesign.de www.international.electronica-azi.ro

Silicon Labs has released the industry’s first comprehensive network performance results based on large-scale, multicast testing of Zigbee®, Thread and Bluetooth® mesh software. Each mesh networking protocol presents unique characteristics and advantages, depending on the use case and end application. All testing was conducted at Silicon Labs’ Boston design center using the company’s Wireless Gecko SoC platform to eliminate the device itself as a variable in testing the mesh protocols. (www.silabs.com/products/wireless/wirelessgecko-iot-connectivity-portfolio) The mesh network benchmark results can be used by system designers to define expected behavior for Zigbee, Thread and Bluetooth mesh in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. With the growing number of mesh networks available for IoT applications, it is important for developers to understand how these networks differ in terms of use cases and expected performance. The

testing focused on device behavior and impact on battery life, network throughput and latency, and the impact of network size on scalability and reliability. Silicon Labs’ mesh network performance results are available as a series of application notes that define the methodology for performing the benchmark tests, enabling developers to replicate and run similar tests. These results provide guidance on mesh network design best practices and principles as well as expected field performance results. With 15 years of experience in mesh networking and more than 150 million deployed nodes, Silicon Labs is at the forefront of bringing advanced, multiprotocol wireless mesh technology to market. Silicon Labs’ mesh networking performance test results are available free of charge to developers at www.silabs.com/mesh-performance. Silicon labs | www.silabs.com

Newly Released Mesh Network Performance Results from Silicon Labs Clarify IoT Connectivity Options u-blox has announced the new NINA-B2 dual-mode Bluetooth® 4.2 stand-alone module, (www.u-blox.com/en/ublox-fileauth-redirection?destination=node/22898) enabling industrial IoT applications thanks to its built-in secure boot and wide temperature ranges. Pre-flashed with ublox connectivity software which supports many common use cases such as Beacon, GATT client, GATT server, and serial port, NINA-B2 is configured easily using AT commands over UART, without requiring deep knowledge of the Bluetooth protocol. Already tested and certified globally, it also reduces development costs and speeds time to market. NINA-B2's built-in secure boot guarantees that the software is authenticated by ublox and has therefore not been tampered with. This provides a secure operating

environment for the Bluetooth module. NINA-B2 is very compact, at 10 × 10.6 × 2.2mm (without antenna) and 10 × 14 × 3.8mm (with antenna). Most of the Bluetooth modules at this scale are singlemode Bluetooth low energy or Bluetooth BR/EDR devices. NINA-B2's size makes it an easy fit in any IoT device. It is also pin-compatible with the u-blox NINA family, (www.ublox.com/en/short-range-modules) allowing it to be easily swapped in or out with other NINA modules, with their different radio technologies such as Bluetooth low energy and Wi-Fi. u-blox | www.u-blox.com 11

POWER DESIGN

POWERING THE FUTURE WITH INTELLIGENCE AND EFFICIENCY

Author: Patrick le fèvre, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Powerbox

In March 2018 the Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC) took place in San Antonio (Texas). APEC is the world’s largest convention dedicated to applied power electronics, and the place where research laboratories, universities, market analysts and companies showcase the latest and often ‘industry first’ technologies that make power supplies more efficient, reliable and safer. This year’s event was definitely the real ‘kick-off’ point for the wide bandgap semiconductors and especially the ones based on Gallium Nitride (GaN). It was also a symbolic milestone for a technology called ‘Digital Power’ that emerged in 2003 as a promising technology. As it was for digital power 15 years ago, GaN started its journey five years ago, and following a similar path is moving gradually from a ‘technical curiosity’ to a ‘commercial product’. Digital power and GaN are both technologies that have been highly debated and challenged when introduced to the market and it is interesting to link both of them in this way, especially when the outcome of combining the best of the two technologies will result in truly outstanding commercial products.

fROM SKEPTICISM TO GAME CHANGER Ten years ago, when GaN pioneers presented the concept of industrializing a disruptive technology aimed at offering a more efficient Gallium Nitride based alternative to super-junction MOSFETs, it attracted a lot of opinions and strong statements: “It will never fly”! As it has been for the digital power, the journey from ‘garage development’ to commercial products has been full of frustration, tears and deceptions, though the perseverance and strong believes in the technology have brought it to a successful state. GaN high-electron mobility transistors (HEMT) have very interesting intrinsic behavior patterns, delivering superior switching performance and able to offer unprecedented levels of performance compared to conventional MOSFETs. In terms of intrinsic performance, having a very low charge gate, zero reverse recovery and flat output capacitance, GaN has everything that power designers dreamt of for decades to improve performance, decrease size and to reach the mythical 99.99 % efficiency. One example of a benefit of GaN transistors is the die size, which is much smaller than conventional MOSFETs (Figure 1). The graph compares the normalized area of a chip versus the voltage rating of the best MOSFETs in blue, with the latest generation of GaN FETs. The separation in the die size ‘Figure Of Merit’ between silicon and GaN FETs is growing rapidly. It is now sits at 16 12

times at 200V and four times at 100V - and we may not have reached the limits yet. This opens the door for power designers to create higher integration and products that will literally amaze us with their performance levels. So much so in fact, it looks like we have truly entered a game-changing era! STEP BY STEP TO MATURITY As it is for any new technology, especially when disruptive, moving from research to high volume production is a long process, one that includes new learning for elec-

tronic engineers and in the case of GaN, the implementation of zero-voltage switching topologies requiring very specific drivers and new ways to control them. Despite the huge benefits of GaN transistors, for many years the lack of drivers has limited the interest level from industrial designers. However, the increased number of semiconductors players investing in GaN in the last two years has made this technology simpler to implement. Many technical barriers have been removed. Manufacturing processes have gradually

Figure 1: Comparison of the normalized area of a chip versus the voltage rating of the best MOSFETs, in blue, with the latest generation of GaN FET (Source: Efficient Power Conversion (EPC)) Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

POWER APPlICATIONS

been optimized to increase yield and reduce cost, quality processes specific to this technology have been implemented, and in November 2017 the JEDEC organization announced the formation of a new committee to set standards for Wide Bandgap Power Semiconductors (JC-70), which is a sign of readiness for mass implementation. Step by step, the puzzle is going to be completed and if GaN has been widely used in LED and RF applications, it is now starting its journey in the DC/DC converters and AC/DC power supplies segments. There is not a week without a new product announcement and for sure a lot of things will happen during the next coming months.

gins of digital power, and how from early research work conducted in the mid-seventies by Trey Burns, N.R. Miller and others, digital power gradually took its place in the power industry to reach a level of maturity that makes total sense for a designer to consider the technology. In the seventies, at a time when the power industry was slowly considering the migration from linearpower to switching-power, Trey Burns researched and explored the use of the State-Trajectory Control Law in Step-up DC/DC converters and he compared two methods of realization, one employing a digital processor and the other using analogue computational circuits. It is anecdotal

Figure 2: PRBX VB410-384 - Subsea power supply with full digital control power management, monitoring and intelligent redundancy. (Source: Powerbox)

After more than 40 years from the days of initial research up to APEC 2018, and 15 years from the first commercial digital DC/DC converter presented in 2003, the technology, originally developed for the ICT industry, is now widely adopted by almost all segments of the industry. From monitoring and controlling deep sea power systems with the highest level of reliability (Figure 2) to guaranteeing stable voltages to critical medical equipment exposed to the high magnetic radiation of a Magneto Resonant Imagery system (Figure 3), digital power is almost everywhere, and soon to be embedded in an equipment installed on the International Space Station. For all the pioneers who have been engaged in this journey, this is an amazing situation and we are now seeing the same level of excitement with the development of Gallium Nitride devices. 5000W/INCH3 AND 99.99% EffICIENCY What makes power designers’ lives exciting is the ever-present level of innovation making it possible to improve performance levels, contributing to reducing our environmental impact and to build a sustainable society. We are flooded with news every day – the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous and electrical vehicles, and many technical innovations – they will all require very efficient and compact power sources. 5000W per cubic inch and 99.99 percent efficiency might sound impossible to reach, but who in

HAVE YOU EVER IMAGINED? Starting my career as a power supply designer in 1982, I have been through many technology shifts and I still remember the debates about the risks of moving from linear power supplies to switching ones. I was lucky enough to work for a large telecommunications company that began research into digital power when many considered it to be anecdotal, and I was happy to be amongst the pioneers exploring new ways to manage power conversion and to improve efficiency. Today, the combination of digital control and the unprecedented benefits of GaN are realizing a dream for all ICT board power designers, to manage the conversion from 48V to 12V in a footprint exceeding 1200W per cubic inch with an efficiency of 96 percent, and we haven’t seen the end of the GaN evolution. Celebrating 15 years of digital innovation Today, digital power is part of most power engineers’ educational program and is implemented in a large variety of applications. It is important to remember the oriwww.international.electronica-azi.ro

Figure 3: PRBX GB350 – Coreless power supply operating in high magnetic field applications (MRI) fully digitally controlled and monitored (Source: Powerbox)

but nonetheless interesting to note that at that time, an experimental product built by Trey Burns was a boost converter operating at a switching frequency of 100Hz - which sounds slow - but it had to be slow because it took up to 450 micro-seconds to execute the digital program per sample…

the mid-seventies would have imagined what we could, and have already achieved today when combining new topologies, digital control, new components such as GaN, and of course, the passion to innovate? Powerbox | www.prbx.com 13

POWER DESIGN

CODICO:

MINIATURIZED MODULES FOR IOT-APPLICATIONS BY RECOM

RECOMs supplying sensors from the 4-20mA at CODICO

Intelligently networked smart homes and smart offices require mesh control systems with many low power nodes, actuators and sensors that are “always on”. To meet these emerging demands, RECOM takes a big leap with complementing its lowpower RAC-series with new low-cost converters with EN60335 household certification. These and upcoming RAC-series converters represent a quality- cost proposition, difficult for competition to match. The RAC0x-G series were specially designed to continuously and efficiently power smart building infrastructures and cover power ratings from 1-4W. They accept a broad nominal input voltage range from 100VAC to 240VAC for worldwide use. Standard 5 or 12VDC outputs are suitable to power relays, gateways and building automation nodes. A typical no-load power consumption of only 180mW makes them particularly energy-saving solutions. They operate over a wide temperature range from -25 to +80°C, are over-current and short-circuit protected – and fit into a tiny 33.7×22.2×19.0mm (RAC01/02), 37×24×15mm (RAC03/04) package. All modules are certified to EN60950 and EN62368 and come with a three-year warranty. EN55022 Class A (RAC-GA) and Class B (RACGB) certifications are reached without additional components. The RACxx-GA series is also certified to the EN60335 household norm. These newly developed converters are only a few of many yet to follow in this product family. If you are interested in our products, please get in touch with your CODICO contact or Ivan Mitic. Ivan Mitic, Regional Sales Manager ivan.mitic@codico.com +43 1 86 305-194 www.codico.com 14

◀

RAC Series: Household Certification for Smart Homes

As aged as it may be, the venerable analogue 4-20mA loop still represents the undisputed standard in process and control technology – not least due to the relatively simple two-wire technology, which is extremely reliable and easy to install. Supplying digital components from the unused portion of the loop current had become an issue with microprocessors processing raw data and HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) modems ensuring that smart sensors keep sending a variety of data signals on the same loop. Conventional switching regulator ICs are unsuitable as their high efficiency at full load drops so far at lower loads that they exceed the 4mA threshold. Low quiescent current in sleep mode cannot compensate as this shuts off the main output voltage altogether. Linear regulators are not ideal either; despite their perfectly decent quiescent current levels at around 0.5mA, poor efficiency decreases available power by a factor of around three compared to switching regulators. RECOM newly developed R420-1.8/PL switching regulators come with a particularly clever solution and a novel topology capable of lowering idle current to around 100μA while still maintaining rated voltage at output. For example, 24VDC and <3.5mA at the input provides 3.3V and 10mA at the output, which is capable of supplying the sensor alongside the microcontroller and HART modem without affecting loop functionality or metering accuracy. Another benefit is that these switching regulators are proElectronica Azi International | 2/2018

RECOM launches their all new R420 series. The non-isolated switching regulator requires less than 3.5mA input current (logic “0”), when operating and less than 100μA quiescent current. The high performer offers an adjustable output voltage from 1.8-5.0VDC at 10 mA and works from any voltage between 1036VDC. The low profile SMT (5mm) component is designed to work in industrial environment from -40° up to 105°C and is the perfect companion to power Microprocessors, Data-loggers and Smart Sensor Applications. grammable for any output voltage between 1.8V and 5V by simple wiring using a resistor, yielding a single component suitable for a variety of tasks in process automation or sensorcontrolled, solar-powered systems. The R420-1.8/ PL features an open-frame SMD design, operates at temperature range from -40 to +105°C, and operates at an altitude of up to 5,000m. The regulator is permanently protected against shortcircuit, and comes with a three-year warranty. For more details, please get in touch with your CODICO contact or Ivan Mitic. Ivan Mitic, Regional Sales Manager ivan.mitic@codico.com +43 1 86 305-194 www.codico.com

RECOM: 2×2×MOPP/250VAC in a SIP7 housing at CODICO RECOM has developed a new fully medical-certified DC/DC converter, which is the first in its class to provide 2MOPP with 250VAC working voltage in a SIP7 package. ▶

REM Series: Perfect for Medical Applications

This compact design offers engineers more freedom to develop their PCB layout, knowing that they will comply with the stringent regulations for medical certifications. It is certainly a challenge to design high performance, spacesaving medical devices, while still complying with the latest medical safety and EMC regulations. The use of pre-certified modules reduces the risk of EMC/safety certification failures and saves time for expensive re-designs. RECOM’s new REM1 series complements the existing REM 3W, 6W and 10W medical DC/DC converters by offering a 1W solution in an astonishingly compact SIP7 package. This state-of-the-art converter features reinforced isolation of 5.2kVAC/1 minute and is certified 2MOPP with 250VAC working voltage. Available with 3.3, 5, 12, 15 or 24V inputs and 3.3, 5 or 12V outputs, the REM1 is a versatile solution with up to 85% efficiency and operates in an ambient temperature range from -40 to +90°C. This converter meets Class B EMC by using a simple external LC filter and is IEC60601-12 (4th Ed.) medically EMC certified. It is also fully certified to IEC/EN/ANSI/AAMI 60601, third edition safety standards, with CB report and comes with a 5 year warranty. Please get in touch with your CODICO contact or Ivan Mitic, if you wish to receive more information. Ivan Mitic +43 1 86 305-194 ivan.mitic@codico.com www.codico.com

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EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

lED DIMMING ENGINE: AN 8-BIT MCU-BASED SOLUTION FOR A SWITCHED-MODE DIMMABLE LED DRIVER By: Mark Pallones, Principal Applications Engineer, Microchip Technology Switched-mode dimmable LED drivers are known for their efficiency and precise control of LED current. They can also provide dimming functionality which allows the end user to create fantastic lighting effects while reducing their power consumption. An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) implementation can provide the necessary building blocks to create solutions that enable communications, customizations and intelligent control. Additionally, core independent peripheral

integration provides significant flexibility versus that of pure analog or ASIC implementation and enables innovation that expands lighting product capabilities and provides product differentiation. Features such as predictive failure and maintenance, energy monitoring, color and temperature maintenance and remote communications and control, are just some of the advanced capabilities that can make intelligent lighting solutions even more attractive.

Figure 1: Diagram of four LED strings being controlled by a Microchip PIC16F1779 8-bit microcontroller. 16

Although LED drivers offer many advantages over previous lighting solutions, there are also challenges in their implementation. But fear not, by the end of this article youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn how an 8-bit MCU can be used to alleviate design challenges and create high-performance switched-mode LED driving solutions with capabilities beyond that of traditional solutions. An 8-bit microcontroller can be used to independently control up to four LED channels which is something most off-the-shelf LED driver controllers cannot provide. In Figure 1, the LED dimming engines can be created out of the peripherals available in the microcontroller. Each of these engines has an independent closed channel that can control the switched-mode power converter with minimal to no central processing unit (CPU) intervention. This leaves the CPU free to perform other important tasks such as supervisory functions, communications or added intelligence in the system. lED DIMMING ENGINE In Figure 2, the LED driver, which is based on the Current-Mode Boost converter, is controlled by the LED dimming engine. The engine is mainly composed of core independent peripherals (CIP) such as complementary output generator (COG), digital signal modulator (DSM), comparator, programmable ramp generator (PRG), op amp (OPA), and pulse-width modulator 3 (PWM3). Combining these CIPs with other on-chip peripherals, such as fixed-voltage regulators (FVR), digital-to-analog converters (DAC) and Capture/Compare/ PWM (CCP), completes the whole engine. The COG provided the high frequency switching pulse to MOSFET Q1 to allow the transfer of energy and supply current to the LED string. The switching period of the COG output is set by the CCP and the duty cycle, Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

MCUs

which maintains the LED constant current and is dictated by the comparator output. The comparator produces an output pulse whenever the voltage across Rsense1 exceeds the output of PRG module. The PRG, whose input is derived from OPA out-

flICKERING Flickering is one of the challenges that typical switched-mode dimmable LED drivers may have. While flickering can be a fun effect when it’s intentional, when LEDs inadvertently flicker it can ruin the user’s

dimming step from 100% light output all the way down to its low-end light level with a continuously fluid effect. Since the LED responds instantaneously to current changes and doesn’t have a dampening effect, the driver must have enough dimming steps so the eye does not perceive the changes. To meet this requirement, the LED dimming engine employs PWM3 for controlling the dimming of the LED. The PWM3 is a 16-bit resolution PWM that has 65536 steps from 100% to 0% duty cycle, ensuring a smooth lighting-level transition. lED COlOR TEMPERATURE SHIfTING The LED driver can also shift the LED’s color temperature. Such color change can be noticeable to the consumer and weaken claims made about the high-quality lighting experience of LEDs. Figure 3 shows a typical PWM LED dimming waveform. When the LED is off, the LED current gradually diminishes due the slow discharge of the output capacitor. This event can lead to color temperature shifting and higher power dissipation of the LED.

Figure 2: LED dimming engine. put in the feedback circuit, is configured as a slope compensator to counteract the effect of inherent subharmonic oscillation when the duty cycle is greater than 50%. The OPA module is implemented as an error amplifier (EA) with a Type II compensator configuration. The FVR is used as the DAC input to provide voltage reference to the OPA non-inverting input based on the LED constant current specification. In order to achieve dimming, the PWM3 is used as a modulator of the CCP output while driving the MOSFET Q2 to rapidly cycle the LED ON and OFF. The modulation is made possible through the DSM module and the modulated output signal is fed to the COG. PWM3 provides pulse with variable duty cycle which controls the average current of the driver and in effect controls the brightness of the LED. The LED dimming engine can not only accomplish what the typical LED driver controller does but it also has features that solve the typical problems that an LED driver poses. We’ll now walk through these problems and how a LED dimming engine can be used to avoid them. www.international.electronica-azi.ro

desired lighting design. In order to avoid flickering and provide a smooth dimming experience, the driver should perform the

The slow discharging of the output capacitor can be eliminated by using a load switch. For example, in Figure 2, the circuit used Q2 as a load switch and the LED dimming engine synchronously turns off the COG PWM output and Q2 in order to cut the path of the decaying current and allow the LED to turn off quickly.

Figure 3: LED dimming waveform. 17

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

CURRENT PEAKING When using a switched-mode power converter for driving the LED, the feedback circuit is employed to regulate the LED current. However, during dimming, the feedback circuit can create current peaking (see Figure 3) when the operation is not handled properly. Looking back at Figure 2, when the LED is on, a current is delivered to the LED and the voltage across RSENSE2 is fed to the EA. When the LED turns off, no current is delivered to the LED and RSENSE2 voltage becomes zero. During this dimming off-time, EA output increases to its maximum and overcharges the EA compensation net-

holds the last point of the stable feedback as a charge stored in the compensation capacitor. When the PWM3 is high and the LED turns on again, the compensator network reconnects and the EA output voltage immediately jumps to its previously stable state (before PWM3 is low) and restores the LED current set value almost instantly. COMPlETE SOlUTION As mentioned earlier, a LED dimming engine can operate with minimal to no CPU intervention. Therefore, while offloading all of the work for controlling the LED driver to the CIPs, the CPU has significant bandwidth to

agement. Moreover, when setting the dimming level of the LED driver, the CPU can process triggers from a simple external switch or command from a serial communication. Also, the parameters of LED driver can be sent to external devices through the serial communication for monitoring or testing. Aside from the features mentioned above, the designer has the luxury to add more intelligence on their own LED application inclusive of communications, like DALI or DMX, and control customizations. Figure 4 shows an example of a complete switchedmode dimmable LED driver solution using the LED dimming engine.

execute other important tasks. Protection features, such as undervoltage lockout (UVLO), overvoltage lockout (OVLO) and output overvoltage protection (OOVP) can be executed by processing the sensed input and output voltage. This ensures that the LED driver is operating within desired specifications and the LED is protected from abnormal input and output conditions. The CPU can also process the thermal data from a sensor to implement a LEDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thermal man-

CONClUSION A LED dimming engine can be used to create an effective switched-mode dimmable LED driver. The effectivity equates on its capabilities to drive multiple LED strings, to provide efficient energy source, to ensure LEDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s optimal performance, to maintain a long life for the LEDs and to add intelligence in the system. Microchip Technology www.microchip.com

Figure 4: Switched-mode dimmable LED driver solution.

work. When the modulated PWM turns on again, it takes several cycles before it recovers while high-peak current is driven to the LED. This current peaking scenario shortens the lifetime of the LED. To avoid this problem, the LED dimming engine allows the PWM3 to be used as an override source of the OPA. When the PWM3 is low, the output of the EA is tristate which completely disconnects the compensation network from the feedback loop and 18

Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

CONNECTORS

PCB Plug Connectors

The DuraClikTM series from Molex is specially designed for automotive applications. (Source: Molex)

Small, Smaller, Smallest

Author: Harun Ilhan, Product Sales Manager Connectors and Cables

Despite 2.54 mm or 5.08 mm being the ideal (pitch) dimensions for plug connectors for the longest time, even smaller pitches of as low as 0.5 mm are in demand today. They aim not only to conserve space on the board, but also generally enable greater contact density overall. The potential for pitches of 0.4 mm and 0.2 mm to be established in Europe is limited. The Far East is the more relevant target market, where such dimensions are applied to smartphones and other entertainment electronics. However, modern plug connectors need not only to be smaller, but also provide greater stability, performance and convenient connection mechanisms. For instance, the active latch mechanism provides a secure mechanical connection in applications where there 20

Space is at a premium on the boards of most end devices, and so plug connectors need to be shrunk ever further. Manufacturers are already offering relevant products – and many miniaturized solutions even feature added bonuses.

PRBX GB350 – “Poke-home” contacts are a low-cost and yet robust discrete wired connection solution that does not involve additional expense for the insulation or assembly. (Source: AVX) Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

PCB PlUG CONNECTORS

are strong tensile forces or vibrations. Unlike other systems, active latch housings with standard headers in a single series always fit together, thereby guaranteeing 100% modularity and exchangeability within a plug connector system. The housing consists of a high-temperature plastic and can withstand operating temperatures of up to 125°C. RElIABlE CONNECTIONS Reliable signal communication under any operating conditions – including vibration – is particularly essential with engine control devices in automobiles, especially for safety-critical components such as the airbag and ABS/ASR. Models with TPA (Terminal Position Assurance) are supplied with a locking mechanism that prevents the contacts from accidentally becoming disconnected. When plugged in a certain position, the position assurance mechanism, which is implemented in the form of a lever, can secure the lever on the plug connector itself or a counterpart connector so that neither can be separated from the other. However, it is not absolutely necessary for the plug connector to be connected to the counterpart connector using the lever. It is also possible to use the lever on the plug connector as a “backup” in which case the locking mechanism of the connector largely handles the position assurance. fOR HARSH ENVIRONMENTS The SSL 1.2 series from Amphenol Industrial with IP68 protection when plugged, for instance, is ideal for use in wet and dirty environments. The pre-assembled solutions provide considerable savings potential on the board and in use. Thanks to LV214 certification, the DuraClik™ series with a pitch of 2.00 mm and

the Minitek Microspace™ series from Amphenol ICC with pitches of 1.27/1.50 mm are suitable for automotive and other applications such as non-automotive transportation and industrial production machinery (factory automation) that require high resistance to vibration. The form-fit and heatresistant design of the DuraClik™ family enable high space reductions and reliable contacts in high-vibration applications. The Minitek Microspace™ plug connectors have primary and secondary contact retention, poka-yoke polarization as well as a “visual mismatch prevention system” that eliminates the risk of improper connections. It also benefits from a compact construction and a PCB footprint that is half the size of comparable plug connectors on the market. lESS IS MORE When it comes to accounting for cost, the product designer’s motto is “less is more”! For instance, they are increasingly leaving away the plastic coating for the housing. Contact protection is already becoming increasingly unnecessary, in part because the boards are installed so as to be inaccessible or are encapsulated by casting. Additionally, the plastic does not perform any locking or retention function. Also, the omission of unnecessary plastic is consistent with environmentally-consciously thinking. The patented STRIPT™ plug connectors from AVX – originally known as “naked” – are among the cheapest solutions in this segment. They require neither the space nor the assembly costs required for plastic insulation. Even so, Insulation Displacement Connector (IDC) technology enables gas-tight, castable connections with secure contacts that can also withstand vibration. They are also available with

Not afraid of the water: Plug connectors with IP68 protection

poke-home WTB technology. The individual UL-certified contacts provide the same performance as complete plug connector solutions. The miniature Griplet® IDC plug connectors from Amphenol ICC are a low-cost solution for wired connections. Due to its flat, compact design with a height of 3.7 mm and a surface of 4.0 mm × 6.1 mm, it is ideal for limited-space applications in harsh environments. It can hold multiple wires of 20–32 AWG. Double connection points with tension relief ensure stable operation even under extreme temperature, impact and vibration conditions. In order to respond to such needs among others, manufacturers in this price-driven market rely both on lowcost connector technologies and on high volumes through greater versatility. Distribution partners also provide some relief on the market. Both manufacturers and customers benefit from their advice, value-added services and logistical handling. Because they are also capable of serving smaller customers than the manufacturers themselves, they are also capable of catering to other market segments for the components.

Flat, compact and low-cost – the miniature Griplet® IDC plug connectors Amphenol ICC. (Source: Amphenol ICC)

OPTIMIzING COSTS DURING PRODUCTION Adam Tech makes it possible to optimize component costs even while production processes are underway. This manufacturer is able to replace designed-in plug connectors while ensuring compatibility – all the while maintaining maximum quality at competitive prices. In accordance with patent rights, a variety of customized reproductions are possible – alternatively, plug connectors can be created with pin compatibility. This enables any flaws in the reproduction design to be eliminated. Because these solutions are also increasingly in demand for automotive applications, Adam Tech is currently undergoing TS16949 certification. Rutronik Elektronische Bauelemente www.rutronik.com

(Source: Amphenol Industrial)

www.international.electronica-azi.ro

NEWS MAXIM'S LOW-POWER MICROCONTROLLERS EXTEND BATTERY LIFE FOR WEARABLES AND OTHER COMPACT DEVICES Designers of internet of things (IoT) sensors, environmental sensors, smartwatches, medical/preventive health wearables, and other size-constrained devices can now increase battery life and functionality using the ultra-low power MAX32660 and MAX32652 microcontrollers from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. These microcontrollers (MCUs) are based on the Arm® Cortex®-M4 with FPU processor and provide designers the means to develop advanced applications under restrictive power constraints. Maxim's family of DARWIN MCUs combine our wearable-grade power technology with the biggest embedded memories in their class and some of the most advanced embedded security in the world. MAX32660: Powerful processing in the tiniest form factor Memory, size, power consumption, and processing power are critical features for engineers designing more complex algorithms for smarter IoT applications. Existing solutions today offer two extremes - they either have decent power consumption but limited processing and memory capabilities, or they have higher power consumption with more powerful processors and more memory. The MAX32660 offers designers a sweet spot, giving them access to enough memory to run some advanced algorithms and manage sensors (256KB flash and 96KB SRAM). They also offer excellent power performance (down to 50 µW/MHz), impressively small size (1.6mm × 1.6mm in WLP package), and a cost-effective price point. Engineers can now build more intelligent sensors and systems that are smaller and lower in cost, while also providing a longer battery life.

powered applications processor. With 3MB flash and 1MB SRAM integrated on-chip and running up to 120 MHz, the MAX32652 offers a highly-integrated solution for IoT devices that strive to do more processing and provide more intelligence. Integrated highspeed peripherals such as high-speed USB 2.0, secure digital (SD) card controller, a thin-film transistor (TFT) display controller, and a complete security engine position the MAX32652 as the low-power brain for advanced IoT devices. With the added capability to run from external memories over HyperBus or XcellaBus, the MAX32652 can be designed to do even more tomorrow, providing designers a future-proof memory architecture and anticipating the increasing demands of smart devices. Maxim Integrated | www.maximintegrated.com

MAX32652: low power with scalable memory As IoT devices become more intelligent, they start requiring more memory and additional embedded processors which can each be very expensive and power hungry. The MAX32652 offers an alternative for designers who can benefit from the low power consumption of an embedded microcontroller with the capabilities of a higher

Long live ISA & PCI! In the industrial environment retrofit is a common approach to provide existing machines with new technologies and to rely on proven standards. With the WSB-BT, ICP Deutschland offers a PICMG 1.0 CPU card that combines the latest processor technology with ISA and PCI bus standards. An Intel® Celeron® J1900 or

N2807 are integrated on the CPU card and up to 8GB DDR3L RAM can be used. The integrated graphics chip with four execution units supports two independent display outputs, which are implemented as VGA and LVDS or iDP (internal DisplayPort). The iDP can be converted to HDMI, LVDS, VGA, DVI or DP using the optional adapter board. This allows a resolution of up to 2560 × 1600. Additional interfaces include several USB, SATA 3Gb/s, RS232/422/485 and an LPT. The TPM V1.2 or V2.0 module offers special added value for safety-relevant applications, since external hardware access is prevented. Three connection options are available for selecting the appropriate mass memory. These include two PCIe Mini Card Slots, which can be used for one mSATA and one PCIe module, as well as a CF Type II slot for a corresponding module. Besides a large selection of suitable PICMG 1.0 backplanes for ISA and PCI cards, ICP also convinces with a 5-years supply guarantee for the WSB-BT CPU card. ICP Deutschland GmbH | www.icp-deutschland.de Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

MAXIM'S ULTRA-SMALL STEP-DOWN CONVERTERS DELIVER THE INDUSTRY'S LOWEST QUIESCENT CURRENT AND HIGHEST PEAK EFFICIENCY FOR ALWAYS-ON AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS System designers looking to create small and highly efficient 40V load dump-tolerant applications can now utilize the ultra-compact, pin-compatible MAX20075 and MAX20076 step-down converters from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. The MAX20075 and MAX20076 step-down converters offer the industry's lowest quiescent current (IQ) and comes in an ultra-small size solution with integrated compensation. This enables minimal external components that can lead up to 50% savings in board space making them ideal products for always-on automotive applications.

Customers expect always-on applications to bring them experiences richer and more compelling than ever before. However, designers are challenged with having to balance delivering advanced features with meeting size constraints, power-saving

features, and high efficiency. The MAX20075 and MAX20076 in peak current mode draw the industry's lowest IQ - just 3.5µA in the low power operating mode, which is key to meeting the stringent OEM IQ consumption requirements of 100µA per module. The converters enable low noise operation via pin-controlled spread spectrum and fixed 2.1Mhz operation to meet CISPR 25 Class 5 EMI compliance. Furthermore, added advantage of the 2.1Mhz operation and internal compensation is that it lowers the solution size and the bill of materials (BOM) compared to a non-synchronous device that operates in the AM band. The MAX20075 and MAX20076 are available with a low minimum on-time mode operation, which allows the converters to support large input-to-output conversion ratios. Key Advantages • Industry's Lowest Quiescent Current: Offers 3.5µA IQ compared to traditional solutions that offer 15-30µA IQ; flexibility for more budget dispersed throughout the system; ability to support faster start-up times, consume lower power, and feature low minimum on-time operation mode • Highest Peak Efficiency: Delivers highest peak efficiency of 91% compared to competitive solutions • Ultra-Small Solution Size: 12-pin TDFN and side-wettable TDFN packages (3mm × 3mm) with integrated compensation enables very few external components for 50% savings in board space • EMI mitigation: Spread spectrum control and internally fixed at 2.1Mhz assist with CISPR25 Class 5 EMI compliance; supports the increasing need for more processing power inADAS applications. Maxim Integrated | www.maximintegrated.com

Power-saving serial miraculous interface The new Mini-ITX CPU board KINO-DAL from ICP Deutschland impresses primarily with its power-saving built-in SoC and a large number of serial interfaces. The Intel® Pentium® N4200 or Celeron® N3350 processors of the Apollo Lake generation manage both performance and a low thermal dissipation of only 6 watts. At the same time the KINO-DAL is equipped with six RS-232 and RS-232/422/485 as well as nine USB 2.0/3.0 interfaces. These can be used flexibly for the connection of various serial devices, for example, in the production machines. A PCIe x1, a PCIe Mini Card and an M.2 slot are available as extensions. Optionally, the KINO-DAL offers a 3G/LTE microSIM and a microSD holder as well as an eMMC 5.0 slot for up to 32GB additional memory. As standard a 12VDC voltage input is available on the CPU board, alternatively an extended voltage input of 9~30VDC can be selected. In addition, the KINO-DAL supports three different independent display outputs from VGA and LVDS in HD quality to HDMI in 4K UHD resolution. The power-saving serial miraculous interface KINO-DAL joins the series of the newly released Apollo Lake boards from ICP. ICP Deutschland GmbH | www.icp-deutschland.de www.international.electronica-azi.ro

NEWS Improve reliability and performance in harsh environments with Microchip’s new automotive MEMS oscillators Microchip announces technological advancements and the increased adoption of complex electronics systems in modern vehicles requires superior timing performance and reliability. Timing precision, accuracy and tolerance to harsh environments are essential to ensuring precise operation in today’s highlyadvanced automotive systems. Microchip Technology has unveiled the new DSA family of automotive grade Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) oscillators that provide 20 times better reliability, 500 times better tolerance to shock and five times better vibration resistance than traditional quartz-based crystal devices. The DSA family also includes the industry’s first multiple output MEMS oscillator, offering customers a solution that can replace multiple crystals or oscillators with one device. To learn more about the new automotive grade MEMS oscillators and clock generators, visit www.microchip.com/timing/automotive.

Timing solutions with tight frequency stability over a wide temperature range are critical for applications such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), in-vehicle Ethernet and autonomous driving. Available in small package sizes, Microchip’s new DSA1001, DSA11x1, DSA11x5 and DSA2311 offer the highest tolerance to mechanical shock, jarring and stability in harsh environments over a frequency range of 2.3MHz to 170MHz. The devices are Automotive Electronics Council Q100 (AEC-Q100) qualified with ±20 ppm stability over temperatures ranging from -40 to +125°C. MEMS oscillators are built entirely with standard semiconductor processes, bringing systems the same reliability and stability as integrated circuits. Crystal oscillators rely on the thickness of the crystal blank inside the oscillator, making them susceptible to vibration damage with longer lead-times and fixed frequency. This can delay product development or release times if a customer needs to make a last-minute frequency change. MEMS oscillators achieve frequency through programming, giving them flexibility to quickly support new frequencies with shorter lead times, as well as to ramp in volume to help customers meet product launch schedules. As the industry’s first dual output MEMS oscillator, the DSA2311 can replace two crystals or oscillators on a board. The DSA2311 comes in a concise 2.5 mm × 2.0 mm package and is well-suited for applications that require a complex board with multiple controllers, such as infotainment systems and camera modules. Microchip Technology | www.microchip.com 24

Microsemi achieves QMl Class Q Qualification for its RTG4 HighSpeed Radiation - Tolerant fPGAs Microsemi Corporation announced its RTG4(TM) high-speed signal processing radiation-tolerant field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) have achieved Qualified Manufacturers List (QML) Class Q qualification by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The qualification, which validates the quality and reliability of RTG4 FPGAs as well as the company's qualification and manufacturing screening processes, enables easier design of Microsemi's flash technology into space applications due to the streamlined process of working with QML-qualified products. To achieve QML Class Q qualification, Microsemi leveraged the results of its MIL-STD-883 Class B qualification, in which RTG4 FPGAs passed a series of environmental tests to determine resistance to deleterious effects of natural elements and conditions surrounding defense and space operations, as well as mechanical and electrical tests. Upon completion of the MIL-STD-883 Class B qualification, RTG4 units from multiple wafer lots successfully completed 1,000-hour high temperature life tests. As part of Microsemi's commitment to high reliability, these units were then taken through more high temperature life tests, exceeding the requirements of MIL-STD-883 Class B. The units have now successfully completed 4,000-hour high temperature life tests, again validating the high reliability of the company's RTG4 flash cells in extreme conditions. Details can be found in the company's reliability report. As Microsemi is already a QML-V certified manufacturer of high reliability FPGAs for space applications, achieving the recent QMLQ qualification for its RTG4 FPGAs further strengthens its leadership position in the market and reflects the company's focus on developing innovative solutions to meet the increasing demands of modern satellite payloads. In addition to satellites, its RTG4 FPGAs are ideally suited for applications including space launch vehicles, planetary orbiters and landers, and deep space probes. According to Euroconsult's report titled, “Satellites to be Built and Launched by 2024,” 60 percent more satellites will be launched by 2024 versus the past decade. This increase is driven primarily by civilian government agencies as established space countries replace and expand their in-orbit satellite systems and more countries acquire their first operational satellite systems. The new QML qualification from DLA aligns with Microsemi's focus on delivering industry-leading space-level capabilities, technologies and products. With the recent qualification for its RTG4 FPGAs, customers can now procure the spaceflight FPGAs screened to B-flow per MIL-STD-883 Class B specifications and Microsemi's Extended Flow (E-Flow) using DLA's standard microcircuit drawing (SMD) and designated part numbers. Microsemi | www.microsemi.com Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

Smart homes and cities lack disruptive wearable technology solutions “Devices to control smart homes and cities are capable of more than ever, but this has not disrupted the way they are used – simple ergonomics have prevented this,” says Dr Raj Partheban, founder of start-up WITgrip (Wearable Interactive Technology grip). “Manufacturers have focused on sustaining technologies, for example developing the existing smartphone so that it can control elements within the home,” he continues. “However, this means that phones have simply become a more sophisticated remote control – they’ve not displaced the existing solution.” While the technology exists to facilitate many activities within a smart home, from contactless entry to controlling lights and heating, interaction is currently limited as although the device is connected, the user is not. Current smartphone technologies also present some of the same issues as remote-control solutions. “It’s great that you can user your phone to dim the lights to set the mood in your room, but what’s the point if you don’t always have your phone on you at home?” says Partheban. “To improve interaction with the smart home we need a disruptive solution, and I believe this lies in adapting existing technologies to make them truly wearable with WITgrip.” The patented WITgrip designs enable devices, such as smartphones or watches, to be securely and comfortably worn on the side of the wrist. This unique approach allows the wearer to adopt a neutral viewing position, enabling the wrist-based www.international.electronica-azi.ro

device to be used intuitively and naturally. It offers increased user comfort while creating a sustainable, connected interface between technology and the human body. “In the smart home, WITgrip provides the user with a wearable controller, allowing them to interact with the home fully and intuitively at all times,” says Partheban. “This then becomes a normal, habitual and desirable part of daily life that can extend into applications outside of the home as well.” Like in the smart home, wearing the device on the body with WITgrip enables full integration with the smart city. Contactless payments, for example, can be transformed. “With a payment chip in a wristband, we will naturally go to scan the outside edge of the wrist, not the back of the wrist where a smartwatch would be traditionally worn,” says Partheban. “This means we don’t have to contort our bodies to create a connection between the device and the payment terminal.” This position also enables users to readily reach further and easily position the wrist to make the contactless payment. With the payment chip embedded in one side of the wristband and the device on the other, users can also potentially see that the payment has been made correctly on the wrist-mounted screen. As well as improving user experience and convenience, this also benefits payment security. “It’s not having this information on a smartphone that’s important,” explains Partheban. “What’s key is that this information is right

there on the wrist, and in the best anatomical viewing position.” Wearing devices offers similar benefits in cities with smart travelcard systems, while solutions can also be applied effectively for loading and topping up smart cards for cash, energy or travel with the users choice of individual security settings. In addition, ensuring that devices such as smartphones can be comfortably worn on the wrist with WITgrip offers new potential for enhanced security access. Not only can key cards, finger print or retinal scans be used to control access to restricted areas, but an additional layer of security can be added. After the first stage of verification is complete, the wearer can be required to enter additional verification information, such as an individual access code, via their device. However, this process is only practical and reliable if a device is securely carried, and readily accessible, on the body by the individual user. “With WITgrip, we can enhance the way we interact in smart homes and cities simply by wearing our technology in the right way,” says Partheban. “WITgrip will give users a comfortable, interactive experience with their device and will help manufacturers to ensure their technologies have a place in the smart homes and cities of the future.” WITgrip aims to develop strategic partnerships with organisations such as mobile phone manufacturers, technology companies and wristwatch makers. WITgrip | www.witgrip.org 25

NEWS Premier Farnell, the Development Distributor, announces the addition of Nordic Semiconductor to their extensive product offering, providing customers with access to a market leading brand that provides a world class range of wireless devices. As the future of electronics goes wireless and portable due to insatiable consumer demand for ever greater levels of freedom and flexibility, Nordic Semiconductor will play a key role in the realisation of that future by providing ultra-low power (ULP) wireless chips that can run for a long time from small power sources. Geir langeland, Director of Sales and Marketing for Nordic Semiconductor says: “Premier Farnell is a well-respected distributor with a focus on developer support. This profile matches Nordic Semiconductor’s requirement to make its Bluetooth 5 and other low power wireless connectivity solutions available to the widest audience. Through the partnership, Nordic’s range of nRF51 and nRF52 Series multiprotocol SoCs, RF protocol stacks and development tools are now even more accessible for designers building wireless devices from toys, disposable medical products and low-cost wearables to the most complex VR/AR, mesh networking and Internet of Things solutions.”

PREMIER FARNELL ANNOUNCES NEW GLOBAL FRANCHISE WITH NORDIC SEMICONDUCTOR high level of support as they develop their products for market. Nordic Semiconductor devices provide class leading levels of wireless performance and sophistication at a price that enables their chips to be used in even the most cost sensitive consumer products such as sports and fitness sensors, gaming controllers, digital and satellite TV and many more. With the Internet of Things driving democratisation of design and the emer-

gence of new start-ups with market changing offerings, Nordic Semiconductor represent a key addition to our linecard.”

Simon Meadmore, Global Head of Semiconductors at Premier Farnell says: “As the Development Distributor, we seek to provide our customers with an exceptional range of market leading products coupled with a

Premier Farnell is part of Avnet, and this new franchise builds on the strong relationship Avnet have held with Nordic Semiconductor since 2001. With the addition of this franchise, Premier Farnell and Avnet are now able to support customers using Nordic Semiconductor devices from concept and design right through to high volume production. Premier Farnell is an authorised distributor with a key range of Nordic Semiconductor products in stock. To find out more visit Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in North America and element14 in APAC. Premier farnell | www.premierfarnell.com 26

Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

exceet Card expands banking business with SECORA™ Pay from Infineon exceet Card AG is further strengthening its portfolio with SECORA™ Pay security solutions from Infineon Technologies AG. Card manufacturers can easily integrate them thanks to the combination of dual interface chip technology with the award-winning Coil-on-Module (CoM) packages. These also make the card more robust and reliable. “SECORA Pay provides us with certified EMV* solutions from a single source,” said Ulrich Reutner, CEO of exceet Card Group AG. “With Infineon’s support we were able to integrate the new technology very quickly into our product portfolio. We can thus meet rising demands concerning security and durability more easily, especially in the growing dual interface market.” “Customers of Degussa Bank benefit from modern payment cards with dual interface technology,” said Silke-Christina Kummer, Head of Card Business Advisory & Services at Degussa Bank AG. “We obtain Infineon

www.international.electronica-azi.ro

SECORA Pay solutions from our card supplier exceet: Thanks to the coil-on-module packages, our customers not only receive a highperformance card, but also an extremely robust one.” SECORA PAY: fROM CONTACT-BASED TO DUAl INTERfACE Under the new brand SECORA™ Pay, Infineon combines outstanding hardware and software security solutions with the latest EMV applets to flexibly address regional market requirements. SECORA Pay supports a wide range of products and will thus significantly speed up migration from magnetic stripe to EMV-compliant payment cards with the focus on dual interface. “As the world’s leading provider of security controllers for payment cards, Infineon is teaming up with its partner to help the financial ecosystem taking advantage of state-of-the-art security solutions. Our flexible products offer outstanding performance independent from the used form factor,” said Bjoern Scharfen,

Head of Payment & Wearables at Infineon. “SECORA Pay allows secure and efficient migration to the EMV standard.”

Bjoern Scharfen SECORA Pay S is a solution for payment cards that is quick to implement in the EMVCo environment and fully compliant with global standards and specifications. SECORA Pay X additionally supports domestic payment schemes and multi-application. It is also compatible with the CIPURSE™ open standard, enabling interoperable applications such as transport ticketing, access or closed loop payment. *Dual interface solutions support both contactless and contact-based technologies. The EMV® Chip Specifications define globally valid requirements for chip-based payment solutions and acceptance terminals. They enable secure contact and contactless applications and the use of other emerging payment technologies. Further information is available at: www.emvco.com exceet Card | www.exceet-card-group.com 27

NEWS SUPPORTS HIGH-PERFORMANCE 48V GPUS IN LEGACY 12V DATA CENTERS Vicor Corporation has announced a 12V to 48V non-isolated up converter to support 48V high-performance GPUs in data centers that are still relying on legacy 12V power distribution. The 2317 NBM converts 12V to 48V with over 98% peak efficiency, 750W continuous and 1kW peak power in a 23 × 17 × 7.4mm surface-mount SMChiP package. The NBM (NBM2317S14B5415T00) provides a complete solution with no external input filter or bulk capacitors required. By switching at 2MHz with ZVS and ZCS, the NBM provides low output impedance and MHz fast transient response to dynamic loads. The NBM incorporates hot-swap and inrush current limiting. The NBM supports state-of-the-art 48V input GPUs using Power-onPackage (“PoP”) Modular Current

Multipliers (“MCMs”) driven from a 48V node sourcing a small fraction (1/48) of the GPU current. Current multiplication overcomes the power delivery boundaries imposed by traditional 12V systems standing in the way of higher bandwidth and connectivity. Vicor Power-on-Package modules build upon Factorized Power Architecture (FPA) systems deployed in high-performance computers and large-scale data centers. FPA provides efficient power distribution and direct conversion from 48V to 1V for GPUs, CPUs and ASICs demanding up to 1,000A. By deploying current multiplication in close proximity to high current Artificial Intelligence (AI) processors, PoP MCMs enable higher performance and system efficiency. Vicor Corporation www.vicorpower.com

XMOS AT COMPUTEX: THE WORLD’S BROADEST PORTFOLIO OF VOICE INTERFACE SOLUTIONS FOR THE IOT AND CONSUMER ELECTRONICS XMOS Ltd, a leading supplier of advanced embedded voice and audio solutions to the consumer electronics market, today announced that they will be showcasing their extensive portfolio of VocalFusion™ true stereo voice capture solutions for far-field voice-enabled stereo smart TVs, soundbars, and set-top boxes at Computex 2018, Taipei, 5th to 9th June. XMOS will also be previewing their next generation VocalSorcery™ advanced blind source separation technology (by appointment only). XMOS will be demonstrating their latest products and proof of concepts that capture voice commands for use in Alexa, Google, DuerOS or other voice enabled AI and IoT systems.

• Vocalfusion™ Stereo Dev Kit: In home electronics devices, this technology accurately captures voice commands from across the room, even in complex noisy environments, and when the same audio appliance is playing content at high volume. This development kit is the world's first stereo acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) farfield linear microphone array solution. Uniquely, the solution also supports configurable AEC latency, where the AEC reference signals can be accurately calibrated, and the latency adjusted, to enable aftermarket far-field voice accessories for existing consumer electronics products. Available as an Amazon Alexa Voice Service qualified solution, and for use with Google,

Baidu or other voice enabled AI systems. • VocalSorcery™: An advanced blind sound source signal separation technology that spatially identifies individual speakers or conversations within a crowded noisy audio environment to optimize voice capture and input into speech recognition systems. This technology elegantly solves the cocktail party problem, and opens up a wide variety of applications from video and conference calls, to automotive. During Computex XMOS will be at The Grand Hotel Hyatt, Taipei, 5th to 9th June 2018. Visit this page to arrange a meeting with the XMOS team. (www.xmos.com/news/events) XMOS | www.xmos.com

Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

NEW KONTRON XMC-GPU91 BOOSTS GRAPHICS APPLICATIONS WITH MULTI-HEAD DISPLAY AND 1.2TFLOP GPGPU FROM AMD Kontron announced the XMC-GPU91. The new XMC mezzanine card features the latest AMD Embedded Radeon(TM) E9171 power-efficient GPU. The new card is in line with the Kontron strategy of enabling customers to upgrade their existing applications with the latest technology. The XMC-GPU91 supports the PCI Express 3.0 interface for higher data throughputs and features 12 mm stacking height for better temperature and cooling. The XMC-GPU91 is intended to combine with an off-the-shelf SBC to form a high-performance SBC-/GPGPU combination in the 1'' pitch standard VITA VPX form factor. The new XMC-GPU91 takes full benefit of the PCI Express 3.0 architecture provided by Kontron on its latest family of blade computers, featuring up to 16 cores Intel® Xeon® D processors. It extends Kontron's portfolio of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) embedded blade computers with PCI Express 3.0, power efficient 1.2TFlops/40W class AMD E9171 General Purpose Graphic Processing Unit (GPGPU). The AMD E9170 series GPGPU, based on the "Polaris" architecture, leverages an optimized 14nm FinFET manufacturing process to provide up to three times the performance-per-watt over previous generations of AMD embedded GPUs. With support for up to five simultaneous 4K displays, the E9170 series GPU virtually eliminates the need for additional processors or duplicate hardware to create an immersive multimedia environment. A VITA 61.0 'XMC 2.0' compliant version of the XMC-GPU91 for 1" pitch systems is available, along with a legacy VITA42 'XMC

1.0' version for 0.8" pitch. In addition to the significant thermal improvements brought by the 1" pitch VPX standard over the 0.8'' pitch found in legacy VME or PCIbus, the VITA 61.0 standard connectors support higher throughput PCI Express 3.0 connectivity in a more rugged package. The VITA61 XMC2 standard is ideally suited for VPX environments. Windows and Linux drivers of the XMC-GPU91 will be enhanced with OpenCL2.0 under Linux in the coming months. Kontron | www.kontron.com

Tackling the challenges of new space flights with traceable, innovative solutions TT Electronics, a global provider of engineered electronics for performance critical applications, has announced the introduction of its New Space Electronics® range. Higher volume satellite constellations in low Earth orbit are driving a requirement for increasingly cost effective components. TT Electronics’ New Space Electronics (www.ttelectronics.com/newspace-electronics) offers a solution that delivers reduced screening but is fully traceable, with proven space grade heritage. Low Earth orbit satellites are increasingly popular for enabling improved and more localised Earth observation, surveillance and communication. Whilst deep space exploration demands component survivability for 20 years or more in the harshest of environments, the higher volume satellite constellations (www.ttelectronics.com/en/newsand-media/press-releases/multi-chip-arrays-pave-the-way-for-newspace-projects) in low Earth orbit are driving a requirement for cost effective components destined for operational use over just three to four years in more benign conditions. As part of mission licensing, the space agencies that sanction the launches need to know the components will work after this time to ensure appropriate deorbiting and decommissioning of the satellites, and that no space debris is left in the atmosphere. This is where TT Electronics’ New Space Electronics comes in as a solution that delivers cost effective screening using fully tracewww.international.electronica-azi.ro

able and space proven die. TT Electronics’ New Space Electronics range offers recognisable discrete components alongside standard multi-chip array (www.ttelectronics.com/semiconductors/discrete-semiconductors/multi-chip-arrays) configurations. Further details, including product datasheets on the New Space Electronics range, can be accessed here: www.ttelectronics.com/new-space-electronics TT Electronics | www.ttelectronics.com

NEWS

Farnell element14 presents the new 6½ digit Keithley DMM6500 for exclusive pre-order Digital Multimeter offers 5 inch touchscreen display, 1Msample/s digitizing as standard, 7M reading internal memory and increased sensitively Farnell element14 is offering customers in Europe the opportunity to pre-order the new 6½ digit Keithley DMM6500 for immediate shipment on 16 April 2018. The DMM6500 is a modern Bench/System digital multimeter (DMM) ideally suited for design engineers and production test engineers, delivering more measurement functionality, best-in-class measurement insight and a price that will not break the budget. The DMM6500 is equipped with all the measurement functions you would expect in a bench multimeter, eliminating the need to buy additional measurement capabilities. It has 15 measurement functions including capacitance, temperature (RTD, thermistor and thermocouple), diode test with variable current sources, and up to 1 MS/sec digitizing. The digitizing function can be used for voltage or current and is especially useful in capturing transient anomalies or to help profile power events such as the operating states of today’s battery operated devices. Current and voltage can be digitized with a programmable 1 MS/sec 16-bit digitizer, making it possible to acquire waveforms without the need for a separate instrument.

ance delivers 25 PPM basic DCV accuracy for one year and 30 PPM for two years, allowing users to extend calibration cycles. Key benefits include: • More measurement functions and wider measurement ranges (including 10µA to 10A and 1mΩ to 100MΩ) with more sensitivity to maximize the utility of the DMM and to enable measurements on new, low power components and products • 1Msample/s digitizing to capture complex waveforms and transients • A 5 inch (12.7cm) multi-touch capacitive touchscreen display with readily accessible swipe screens and minimized menu depth and to enable fast, in-depth data analysis. Graphing, pinch and zoom, cursors, and statistics enable design engineers to get greater insight into measurement trends and waveform characteristics • Fastest integrating measurements to reduce test time in automated systems

• Test script processing (TSP) to reduce time-consuming communications with a PC and to customize measurements for specific applications • Optional scan cards to expand the number of measurements that can be taken with a single DMM • Emulation of the Keithley 2000 DMM and the Keysight 34401A DMM to permit upgrading hardware while avoiding the need to write new test code • Large internal memory - store up to 7 million readings, additional USB host port for storing readings, instrument configurations and screen images • 2-year specifications to reduce the cost of ownership • 3-year warranty The Keithley DMM6500 is available for preorder from Farnell element14 in Europe. Premier farnell www.premierfarnell.com

The most recognizable feature of the DMM6500 is the large 5-inch capacitive touch display that makes it easy to observe, interact with and explore measurements with “pinch and zoom” simplicity. Beyond its display technology, the DMM6500 superior analogue measurement perform30

Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

COMPANIES

Packaging of electronic components “Made in Germany“

Services regarding electronic components

As one of the few European companies the HTV subsidiary MAF offers the Packaging or Housing of electronic components.

As one of the worldwide market leaders in the field of testing, programming, long Term Conservation and -Storage, analytics as well as processing of elec-

Bantam Tools Desktop PCB Milling Machine available for immediate shipment worldwide from Digi-Key The Bantam Tools Desktop PCB Milling Machine is now available globally through Digi-Key Electronics, a global

tronic components the HTV-group of companies will present a variety from its wide range of partly unique services in hall 4, booth 460 at SMT 2018:

Besides the sample production of Premold packages and Ceramic packages or the packaging of mass production quantities in standard plastic packages special packages for specific applications, for example, also with several Dice or in transparent packages, can be developed and produced as well. Products and Services at a glance: • Wafer Cutting / Dicing • Chips in Waffle Pack • Chip Bonding and Wire Bonding • Packaging / Housing of integrated circuits − Standard packages (i. a. SOP, SSOP, QFP, FOQ, FOD) − Special packages • Laser Marking • Electrical Tests and Lead Inspection • Packing: Tray, Tube, Reel • COB (Chip on Board) Mounting for sample quantities • Quality Inspections • ASIC Development MAf Microelectronic Assembly Frankfurt www.maf-ffo.de

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• NEW: Rework of printed circuit boards for repair and modification of electronic assemblies • TAB® (Thermal-Absorptive-Gas-Barrier): Worldwide unique Long-Term Conservation and -Storage of electronic components for up to 50 years • HTV-revivec®: Removal of oxidation and impurities on component connections • HTV-NovaTIN®: Highly durable re-tinning of electronic components for the restoration of solderability • HTV-OTP-Alive: Erasing and reprogramming of OTP components (one-time programmable) • HTV-Institute for Materials Analysis: Comprehensive test and analytical services including quality control, failure analysis and detection of component manipulation • HTV-Academy: Cross-sectoral and subject-specific training courses such as e.g. “IPC-A-600/610 Training as certified IPC Specialist (CIS)“ As one of the few European companies MAF, the subsidiary company of HTV, offers packaging of electronic components. HTV Halbleiter-Test & Vertriebs www.HTV-GmbH.de

electronic components distributor, as the result of a new exclusive distribution agreement between the two companies. The Bantam Tools Desktop PCB Milling Machine delivers professional reliability and precision at an affordable price. Milling directly from Gerber files, the Bantam Tools Desktop PCB Milling Machine effortlessly handles doublesided PCBs with 6 mil trace and space. The machine enables quick iteration of prototypes in-house and eliminates the wait for deliveries from PCB fab houses. The machine is ideally suited for applications such as rapid prototyping PCBs, proof-of-concept designs, quick iteration of electrical and mechanical components, and custom heatsink development. For more information about the Bantam Tools Desktop PCB Milling Machine and accessories, visit their Supplier Center page on the Digi-Key website. Digi-Key Electronics www.digikey.com

PRODUCT NEWS

Semiconductor Development Kits Create the best electronic designs and applications with the latest development kits from RS Components. Development tools and evaluation boards provide an easy way to learn about an unfamiliar product without manufacturing a custom PCB. RS Components provide development kits, evaluation boards, emulation & simulation tools, programmers, prototyping tools and accessories. Choose from our extensive range of hardware and software tools supporting a variety of products including microcontrollers, power management and programmable logic enabling rapid design and development.

STM32l4R9 Discovery Board • RS Stock No.: 164-6963 • Mfr. Part No.: STM32L4R9I-DISCO • Brand: STMicroelectronics Description The 32L4R9IDISCOVERY kit is a complete demonstration and development platform for STMicroelectronics Arm® Cortex®-M4 core-based STM32L4R9AI microcontroller. Leveraging the innovative ultra-low-power oriented features, 640 Kbytes of embedded RAM, graphics performance (Chrom-ART Accelerator™), and DSI controller offered by the STM32L4R9AI, the 32L4R9IDISCOVERY kit enables users to easily prototype applications with state-of-the-art energy efficiency, as well as stunning audio and graphics rendering with direct support for AMOLED DSI round LCD display. For even more user-friendliness, the on-board ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger provides out-of-the-box programming and debugging capabilities. features • USB OTG FS • On-board current measurement • SAI audio codec • ST-MEMS digital microphones • 16-Mbit asynchronous PSRAM • 512-Mbit Octo-SPI Flash • 2 user LEDs • 1 reset push-button • 4-direction joystick with selection button • Board connectors: – 8-bit camera – USB OTG FS with Micro-AB – Stereo headset jack including analog microphone input – microSD™ card • Board expansion connectors: – Arduino™ Uno V3 – STMod+ – PMOD – EXT_I2C • STM32L4R9AII6 microcontroller with 2-Mbyte Flash memory and 640-Kbyte RAM in UFBGA169 package • 1.2” 390 × 390 pixel AMOLED round display panel with 16-million colors depth, MIPI® DSI interface, and capacitive touch panel • Flexible power-supply options: – ST-LINK USB V BUS or external sources • On-board ST-LINK/V2-1 debugger/programmer with USB re-enumeration capability: mass storage, virtual COM port and debug port • Comprehensive free software libraries and examples available with the STM32Cube package • Support of a wide choice of integrated development environments (IDEs), including IAR™, Keil® and GCC-based IDEs www.compec.ro 32

Semiconductor Development Kits Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

COMPANIES

Embedded Pi, STM32 Raspberry Pi Arduino • RS Stock No.: 151-3001 • Mfr. Part No.: STM3210B-ARD • Brand: STMicroelectronics The Embedded Pi, based on the STM32F103 MCU, is a triple-play platform for Raspberry Pi, Arduino™ and the STM32 MCU family. Blending all three communities together, the Embedded Pi helps you to get the most out of each platform. The Embedded Pi can operate in 3 modes: Standalone, ST-Adapter and Raspberry Pi. In Standalone mode the Embedded Pi acts as a base platform, the STM32F103 controls the Arduino™ shields directly. In ST-Adapter mode the Embedded Pi controls the Arduino™ shields, and the Raspberry Pi acts as the GUI or command line console that send commands and data to, and receives data from, the Embedded Pi. In Raspberry Pi mode the Embedded Pi acts as a hardware connection bridge between the Raspberry Pi and Arduino™ shields. features • Arduino™ form factor compatible interfaces: – 1 SPI – 1 I2 C – 4 PWM – 1 UART – 6 analog inputs • Embedded Pi extended interfaces: – 1 SPI – 1 I2C – 2 PWM – 1 UART – 6 analog inputs – 1 CAN • STM32F103 running at 72 MHz with 128 Kbytes Flash memory and 20 Kbytes RAM • Form factor compatible with both 5 V and 3V3 Arduino™ shields, selectable with jumpers • Hundreds of Arduino™ shields available on the market enhance the control capability of Embedded Pi and Raspberry Pi, e.g. to control motor, sensors, etc. • Direct connection to the Raspberry Pi • Selection of one of the three modes of operation with a jumper www.compec.ro

Semiconductor Development Kits

Pmod HAT Adapter for Raspberry Pi • RS Stock No.: 144-8419 • Mfr. Part No.: 410-366 • Brand: DesignSpark The Pmod HAT Adapter makes it easy to connect Digilent Pmods to a Raspberry Pi. It supports plug-and-play functionality, only requiring that the host Raspberry Pi be booted with the Pmod HAT attached. The Pmod HAT has three 2×6 Digilent Pmod ports and provides access to additional I/O available via the Raspberry Pi 40pin GPIO connector. The Pmod HAT Adapter comes with example Python libraries hosted on DesignSpark. See the Software Support section below for more information. features include: • Enables use of up to three Pmods at a time. • Supports SPI, UART, I2C, and GPIO connections. • Optionally powered through a 5V barrel jack. • Follows Raspberry Pi HAT specification. • Provides access to full line of Digilent Pmod peripheral modules. • The Pmod HAT Adapter is compatible with all Raspberry Pi boards that use the 40pin GPIO connector. www.compec.ro www.international.electronica-azi.ro

Semiconductor Development Kits 33

PRODUCT NEWS PIC32Mz Embedded Graphics Dev Kit • RS Stock No.: 144-9444 • Mfr. Part No.: DM320010 • Brand: Microchip The PIC32MZ Embedded Graphics with Stacked DRAM (DA) Starter Kit (DM320010 for non-Crypto development or DM320010-C for Crypto development) provides a low-cost method for the development and testing of graphics applications with PIC32MZ DA family devices. Ethernet PHY Daughter Boards compatible with PIC32MZ EF Starter Kit are listed below: LAN8720A PHY Daughter Board (AC320004-3), LAN9303 PHY Switch Daughter Board (AC320004-4).FOR DEMONSTRATION SOFTWARE and Board Support Packages, PLEASE VISIT MPLAB HARMONY SOFTWARE FRAMEWORK This starter kit can also be used with Multimedia Expansion Board II (DM320005-5) features • PIC32MZ DA 169 pin BGA • 32MB Integrated DRAM or 128MB DDR2-SDRAM • Micro SD connector • SQI Flash • USB • 2×20 header (Raspberry-Pi compatible) • Crypto & Non-Crypto options www.compec.ro

Semiconductor Development Kits

Kinetis l Cortex-M0+ MCU freedom Board • RS Stock No.: 765-3727 • Mfr. Part No.: FRDM-KL25Z • Brand: NXP FRDM-KL25Z is a low-cost evaluation and development platform to demonstrate the capability of the Kinetis-L family of MCUs, ARM® Cortex™-M0+ based and targeting energy-efficient applications. The Freescale Freedom development platform is form-factor compatible with popular third-party hardware designed to work with Arduino™ and Arduino-compatible boards, providing engineers the “freedom” to connect to a broader range of expansion boards to achieve even greater technological breakthroughs. fRDM-Kl25z Hardware features technological breakthroughs: • Easy access to MCU I/O with a tri-color LED • Touch-sensing interface with a touch pad slider • Battery-ready, low-power operation • Power-measurement access points • I2C to Low-g sensor • Standard-based form factor with expansion board options • Built-in debug interface for flash programming, run-control and monitoring www.compec.ro 34

Semiconductor Development Kits Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

COMPANIES

Adafruit GEMMA Mini Wearable v2 • RS Stock No.: 124-5508 • Mfr. Part No.: 1222 • Brand: ADAFRUIT INDUSTRIES Gemma is a tiny wearable platform board with a lot of might in a 1" diameter package. Powered by a Attiny85 and programmable with an Arduino IDE over USB, you'll be able to realize any wearables project! We wanted to design a microcontroller board that was small enough to fit into any project, and low cost enough to use without hesitation. Perfect for when you don't want to give up your Flora and you aren't willing to take apart the project you worked so hard to design. It's our lowest-cost sew able controller! The Attiny85 is a fun processor because despite being so small, it has 8K of flash, and 5 I/O pins, including analog inputs and PWM 'analog' outputs. We designed a USB bootloader, so you can plug it into any computer and reprogram it over a USB port just like an Arduino (it uses 2 of the 5 I/O pins, leaving you with 3). In fact, we even made some simple modifications to the Arduino IDE so that it works like a mini-Flora. Perfect for small & simple projects the Gemma will be your go-to wearable electronics platform.

Here are some useful specifications: • Super small, only 1.1" / 28mm diameter and 0.28" / 7mm thick. • Easy-to-sew or solder pads for embedding in your wearable project • Low cost enough, you can use one for every weekend project • ATtiny85 on-board, 8K of flash, 512 byte of SRAM, 512 bytes of EEPROM Internal oscillator runs at 8MHz • Ultra low power, draws only 9 mA while running USB bootloader with a nice LED indicator looks just like a USBtinyISP so you can program it with the Arduino IDE (with a few simple config modifications) • Mini-USB jack for power and/or USB uploading, you can put it in a box or tape it up and use any USB cable for when you want to reprogram • We really worked hard on the bootloader process to make it rugged and foolproof ~5.25K bytes available for use (2.75K taken for the bootloader) • On-board 3.3V power regulator with 150mA output capability and ultra-low dropout. • Up to 16V input, reverse-polarity protection, thermal and current-limit protection. • Power with either USB or external output (such as a battery) - it'll automatically switch over • On-board green power LED and red pin #1 LED Reset button for entering the bootloader or restarting the program. • 3 GPIO - The 3 independent IO pins have 1 analog input and 2 PWM output as well. • Hardware I2C capability for breakout & sensor interfacing. www.compec.ro

Semiconductor Development Kits

Aurocon Compec www.compec.ro www.international.electronica-azi.ro

AUTOMATION

Differential pressure transmiter for liquids and gases

Measuring pressure at lowest temperatures

The compact differential pressure transmitter DDPTH determines static pressures of 3 bar to 1000 bar. The differential pressure can be at a 1:10 ratio compared to the static pressure. It measures the pressures on the plus and minus sides and evaluates the pressure difference. The values are transmitted as standardized 4 … 20 mA in 2-wire technology to the control or regulation system. As a standard the mediumwetted parts are made of stainless steel and are available in numerous process connections. Besides, medium-wetted parts can as well be obtained in several other materials. Typical fields of application of the DDPTH are the monitoring of clogging filters, monitoring of pumps and flow measurement with a Venturi tube. For this application the output signal can be changed to square root. The transmitter can as well be used as reference point between two different processes. www.oboyle.ro

Process temperatures at the lower limit of the imaginable occur most of all when storing liquid gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The compression process enables storage and transport of the greatest possible amounts in containers. These cryogenic gases place considerable demands on the container material as well as on the other components such as valves or measurement equipments. The assembly of a pressure transmitter is carried out in two steps. In the first step a FEM analysed heat-conducting radiator increases the temperature to the point where the pressure measurement cell is in the field of its specified working temperature range. In the second step a specific cable with a defined length connects the signalling electronic system. The adjustment of the electronic pressure measuring instrument is carried out in a cold chamber which is cooled down with the help of nitrogen to create process conditions which are as authentic as possible. During the adjustment process the microcontroller compares and compensates pressure and temperature. With an exact configuration of the process connection pressures can be measured up to 500 bar at a temperature of -193°C. On the outlet side any standard signals are possible. www.oboyle.ro

AUTOMATION New products laser displacement sensor with a big working distance and a big working range: l-lAS-lT-800-XXl

The laser displacement sensor type L-LAS-LT-800-XXL comes with a working distance of approximately 800mm. At this, the measurement range is around 900mm, the minimum distance from the sensor to the object is roughly 350mm and the maximum sensor to object distance is about 1250mm. Furthermore, the resolution of the laser sensor is 0.05mm and the repeatability around 0.3mm. Color sensor with an 8-pin M12 connector and three analog outputs and one digital input: SPECTRO-3-COf-SlA The color sensor type SPECTRO-3-COF-SLA comes with an 8-pin M12 connector, three analog 36

outputs (0V … +10V or 4mA … 20mA, depends on the adjustment via the digital serial interface) and one digital input. The spot size at a distance of 100mm is less than 5mm in diameter. Color-gloss and structure hybrid sensor COAST-85-45°/45° The color-gloss and structure sensor COAST-85-45°/45° consist of two different sensors integrated in one housing. There are two controllers inside the housing and each can be connected to a PC and parameterized individually. Only the lightning unit will be controlled by the color-gloss sensor (power as well as modulated / none modulated) and the changeover from lighting to backlighting will be done from e.g. a PLC. The structure sensor however, will be adjusted to the lighting conditions in using a flexible exposure time. The recommended distance from the sensor to the object is 85mm. www.oboyle.ro Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

AUTOMATION

L300 series safety switches with Additional SR 49C: 24V DC types solenoid and RFID technology with NPN / PNP output The new l300 series combines all the knowledge and in industrial safety. It is today's spearhead of this field. The L300 series switches have a techno polymer body and are suitable for medium/light applications. The main features of the new L300 series: • Contactless activation by means of the RFID technology. • Maximum safety with one device only: the L300 series switches make it possible to obtain circuits with the highest safety level PLe and SIL3, installing only one device on the protection. • Large centering hole: the switch is equipped with a large hole for centering the actuator's pin. This solution makes it easier to align the actuator and the hole on the head of the switch during the assembly phase. Ideal for off-axis doors. • Steerable and not detachable head and devices: the top module of the switch, which incorporates the release devices, and the lower module, which includes the connection outputs, are steerable and non detachable. The modules can be rotated in 90° steps, thus obtaining different combinations with the same item. • Protection degree IP67 and IP69K. www.oboyle.ro

This series in a plastic housing convinces in all operating principles through a particularly rugged design. The terminal compartment accessible from the front, the switching contact and the large voltage range from 20-250V AC/DC as well as degrees of protection IP67 and 69k are the main features. New: • 10 – 30VDC + terminal connection: time saving wiring • switching output (NPN / PNP): wiring to control output www.oboyle.ro

AUTOMATION Contrinex Light Grids

The use of infrared light grids for non-contact measurement offers many advantages, including fast response times, reliable detection of the most varied objects and immunity to interference from ambient light. Potential applications for these keen-eyed, robust sensors are to be found in such fields of application as logistics or automated packaging systems and in harsh environments such as warehouses and the wood industry. www.international.electronica-azi.ro

With the DGI (detection) and MGI (measurement) series, Contrinex presents compact infrared light grids as a robust plugand-play solution. With a cross-section of only 40 × 20.5 mm, these space-saving devices are easily integrated into different systems. DGI types offer detection heights up to 2010 mm and are capable of detecting objects with diameters of 0.9, 2, 4, 8 or 25 mm, depending on type. With response times between 0.8 and 4.8 ms, even small objects moving at high speed can be reliably detected and counted. Fields of application include the production of small parts or foil, packaging equipment and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to detecting the presence of an object, MGI measurement types can also determine its dimensions and position. These sensors offer measurement heights up to 1438 mm and a resolution of 5 or 12 mm. Measurements are output as analog values of 0-10V or as a 4-20 mA signal.

AUTOMATION Magnetically or RFID-coded safety sensors type can either be randomized or taught. External device monitoring (EDM) and a feedback signal are also available. With dimensions of 36 mm × 26 mm × 13 mm or 88 mm × 25 mm × 13 mm (L × W × H), the sensors are very compact and can be mounted both frontally and at a 90° angle. M12 plugs or PVC cables are available as connection variants. www.oboyle.ro

Many systems and machines require safety devices to prevent unauthorized access or intervention during operation. A simple light grid is in many cases not sufficient, for example to prevent the escape of noise, heat, dust, etc. from inside presses, robotic cells or injection molding equipment. Conversely, in the food and pharmaceutical industry, hygiene requires that systems must be protected from penetration by foreign bodies. Various doors, hoods or flaps offer a solution. Their position can now be reliably detected with a magnetically or RFID-coded, Ecolab-certified safety sensor from Contrinex. Since operation is contactless, the sensor is not subject to wear and maintenance intervals can be longer. A magnetically coded system (Type 4 according to ISO 14119) not only makes the YSM sensor series immune to mutual influence from other devices, but also highly resistant to on-site tampering. In the RFID-coded version (YSR series), up to 30 sensors can be connected in series with just one relay or controller. With switching distances of 4 mm up to 18 mm, these magnetically coded sensors also work behind a stainless steel cover. This allows for very safe system design, e.g. with the mechanism covered, and easy cleaning of all open surfaces. In addition, the sensor system meets the requirements of IP6K9K, which means it is dustproof and watertight, even when exposed to cleaning at high pressure and with steam. This makes the safety sensors ideal for food and pharmaceutical applications. The RFID code of the YSR

ELECTRONICS

Active PFC-choke series The high demand of “passive PFC choke series” and the demands of our customers for greater achievements enables HAHN to present now the “active PFC-choke series”. The “active PFC-choke series” takes place in the circuit topologies DCM (Discontinuous conduction mode) and CCM (Continuous conduction mode) application and meets the requirements of the major manufacturers of power regulators. It will be implemented in the pot core design PQ, which acquires highest efficiency in its small dimensions. The new choke series includes an inductance ranging from 50μH to 1000μH, divided into appropriate intermediate steps. This current value of 1.5 A to 16.5 A can be achieved with a frequency response of 500 kHz. The “Active PFC-choke series” is characterized by very high impulse withstand voltage due to the use of high-quality enamelled copper wire. The withstand voltage value between auxiliary and power winding of the choke series is 2 kV, 2.5 kV from the two windings to the core. Furthermore, HAHN sets on UL listed materials, corresponding to the insulation class F (155 °C). In addition, these materials are compliant to the HAHN insulation system HAHN 155-2 (E237745). www.oboyle.ro Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

SMT NEWS

MicroCare Presents its latest Advancements in Cleaning at SMT Hybrid Packaging

Cleaning machines, cleaning agents and analytical support at the SMT tradeshow

MicroCare Europe bvba will showcase its newest electronics cleaning products at the SMT Hybrid Packaging Show in Nuremberg, Germany. The expo runs from 5-7 June 2018. These new circuit cleaners will help companies boost quality, enhance throughput and lower PCB production costs. They also will help clients meet evermore stringent European regulations

At SMT Hybrid Packaging, ZESTRON will be exhibiting a selection of state-of-the-art cleaning machines from leading international manufacturers that will showcase a variety of innovative and proven technologies to trade show visitors looking for a new cleaning machine.

Amongst the new range of products, are three new flux-cleaning chemistries including the No-Clean Flux Remover, the RMA Flux Remover, and the Water-Soluble Flux Remover Pens. Packaged in a pocketsized, convenient pen, the highly effective cleaners have been developed to specifically remove fluxes easily and efficiently. The No-Clean Flux Remover Pen is formulated to remove no-clean fluxes and pastes quickly, leaving no residue, and has the advantage of also cleaning other contaminants like adhesives, oil and grease. It is also exceptional as a degreaser and general-purpose cleaner and boasts low Global Warming Potential (GWP) credentials. It is exempt from VOC regulations in most areas making it an ideal cleaning option during assembly. As well as the No-Clean Flux Remover Pen, visitors will be introduced to the high-purity RMA Flux Remover Pen, which contains an extra-strength formulation to help clean aged and baked-on flux which can prove difficult to remove. It easily penetrates and dissolves excess flux and removes ionic and non-ionic activators, drying residue-free. Completing the range is the economical Water-Soluble (OA) Flux Remover Pen used to clean organic acid solders, pastes and fluxes. Featuring a slow evaporation rate, the product works effectively to remove baked-on flux residues. “Having received such a great response from visitors at IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego, CA where we launched the products to the USA market, we are looking forward to showcasing our new and innovative cleaners to Europe,” said Scott Wells, MicroCare General Manager Europe. “As well as the range of flux remover pens, we will introduce the new ESD Presaturated Cleaning Wipes. The static-dissipative, lint-free wipes effectively remove flux residues, oils, fingerprints, grime and debris from ESD mats, tools, bins, tool racks, workbenches and other surfaces in a PCB manufacturing facility, making it the perfect choice for a variety of cleaning jobs.” The full range of MicroCare Europe bvba products will be exhibited on stand 4-531 from 5-7 June at SMT Hybrid Packaging in Nuremberg, Germany. MicroCare Europe bvba | www.microcare.com

ZESTRON's process engineers and technologists of the equipment manufacturers are available to answer questions about the technology as well as the cleaning chemistry optimally adapted to it. This year's offer will be extended by the topics validating and monitoring of cleaning processes to ensure the reliability of the assemblies so that trade show visitors can inform themselves about innovative, non-destructive testing and new measurement concepts. Another trade show highlight of ZESTRON is the area of power electronics including cleaning agents of the VIGON® PE series, which are especially adapted to the requirements of power modules, and the world’s first water-based stencil cleaning agent VIGON® TC 150 for the removal of thermally conductive compounds. zESTRON Europe | zestron.com

ZESTRON will be exhibiting a selection of state-of-the-art cleaning machines from leading international manufacturers. (Copyright ZESTRON Europe…a Business Division of Dr. O.K. Wack Chemie GmbH) franz Wutz | ZESTRON Europe Tel: +49 0841 635-176 franz.wutz@zestron.com

www.international.electronica-azi.ro

SMT

ASM’s SMT Center of Competence Days offer individual counselling, solutions to boost production efficiency Technology leader ASM Assembly Systems is expanding the number of events as well as their topics and formats at the SMT Center of Competence (CoC) in Munich. The CoC impresses visitors with a fully operational SMT production line featuring line-adjacent operations, technologies and machines. The ASM team uses these capabilities for workshops as well as process and application consulting services in open and customer-specific events. Clear goal of these CoC events: participants learn about smart features and functions that boost quality and efficiency of their typical SMT processes and match their specific fields of interest. In their new “Smart SMT Factory Workshops”, ASM's process experts focus on eight central workflows that virtually every customer has to contend with. The “Process Days – Printing & Stencils” event enables attendees to improve the stability of their printing processes, and starting in March 2018 electronics manufacturers can receive advice and information in webinars and remote workshops featuring modern video and online formats. Additionally, a fixed part of the SMT CoC days are expert hours which allow for individual counselling on challenges that participants are facing at their own production sites. The new CoC brochure, which includes the complete event program and dates, is now available for downloading. “The response to our SMT Centers of Competence in all major regions of the world has been overwhelming. In Munich alone, more than 2,100 visitors from 945 different electronics manufacturers have attended the various events. In addition to open workshops, we have hosted many custom-tailored workshops to train customers’ teams and optimize specific processes. All events benefit from the close and personal collaboration with members of the SMT Smart Network, our global skills network of reference plants and smart factory champions,” says Bernhard fritz, who heads the ASM SMT Center of Competence in Munich. “The migration of electronics productions towards the smart factory concept generates a huge demand for information. In response, we are expanding the CoC’s offerings and have developed many new formats and subject areas.” 40

“The response to our SMT Centers of Competence in all major regions of the world has been overwhelming,” says Bernhard Fritz, who heads the ASM SMT Center of Competence in Munich. Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

SMT – INfO

Schedule 2018: Better print quality, smart factory workflows, remote webinars and much more fOCUS ON WORKflOWS The schedule focuses on eight central workflows: four line workflows (planning, virtual production, process optimization, and production) and four factory workflows (material management, preparation, factory monitoring, and factory integration). Attendees learn in the new “Smart SMT factory Workshops” how to improve and automate these processes in a phased approach. The “Process Days – Printing & Stencils” teach how to make the printing process more stable – an ever-popular subject in companies that want to achieve long-term achievements in quality. The “Midspeed Days” and events like “Change Is Easy” demonstrate the capabilities of the E by SIPLACE and E by DEK platforms and how electronics manufacturers can manage the transition from other platforms or older equipment to modern ASM solutions with minimal restrictions to their ongoing operations. For the expert hours, which are a fixed component of the CoC events, participants are invited to individually address specific challenges they are facing at their production sites and receive personal counselling on the subject directly at ASM.

together teams at multiple customer locations in a single workshop.

Participating in the ASM CoC events is free of charge.

Technology leader ASM Assembly Systems is expanding the number of events as well as their topics and formats at the SMT Center of Competence (CoC) in Munich.

ONlINE WORKSHOPS fOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO TRAVEl One of the challenges of workflow optimizations is the fact that people from various departments like receiving, setup preparation, planning, production, engineering and management must be included in most cases. This means that off-site events tend to incur high travel costs as well as production and coordination problems, because so many people must attend. Small companies in particular often cannot afford this. Beginning in March 2018, the CoC will therefore offer webinars and remote workshops at the customer's site that employ modern video and data transmission technologies. With ASM customers who already use the ASM Remote Smart Factory support solution, the process experts can even change settings on their local lines during the workshop or bring www.international.electronica-azi.ro

The CoC impresses visitors with a fully operational SMT production line featuring lineadjacent operations, technologies and machines. The new CoC brochure lists everything you need to know about topics and dates at the SMT Center of Competence. To download it, visit www.asm-smt.com/en/ center-of-competence.

ASM Assembly Systems www.asm-smt.com SIPlACE | www.siplace.com DEK | www.dek.com 41

Rent Your SMT line Not having to spend a lot of money upfront can help your business manage its cash flow more effectively. Whether you’re starting out or expanding, renting is the smart option for your business. Staying Ahead of the Game We live in a time of constant changes where every day we have to adapt to our customers’ needs. Either because of the new technological challenges, a focus on ROI “return on investment” or better productivity against new competition. The reasons can be many, and we believe we can help in providing the right solution. Keeping up with the pace and always being a step ahead of your competitors is what we are all striving to. Today you can rent almost everything starting from airplanes and properties to cars and machines. So, why not rent your next SMT equipment?

Advantages of Renting 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

It’s the right to use the equipment, and not the ownership, that creates revenue and profit for the company. Rentals can be customized from 18 months, and to customer's needs: monthly, quarterly or annually. Renting allows your company to “protect” your normal bank relationship. Renting allows you to minimize your risk on big asset depreciation. Renting does not affect a take away from the balance sheet as debt-financed assets; it has a positive effect on a number of key figures. Cash Flow; payments are allocated over the period during which the equipment is used and generates profit. (When you have bought the equipment your cash is locked away) Renting strengthens the company’s competitiveness; use your cash where your returns are the greatest. (Production companies often choose to use their cash on new development, salaries or purchase of raw materials which equals the highest return on investment) Flexibility – you are not “stuck” with your SMD-Line. Renting provides you the possibility to change your equipment depending on your customer's demands and market requirements! What equipment fits your business best? To give you a choice in our rental concept, we have created two different product production lines. The first one is called the “PREMIUM SMT CONCEPT” and the second one is called “ECONOMIC SMT CONCEPT”.

PREMIUM SMT CONCEPT It contains all the premium brands you know such as Assembléon, DEK, Vitronics-Soltec, and others. Everything to make you feel secure with the machines that will deliver your client's products. Scalable from 9,000 to 165,000+ CPH.

ECONOMIC SMT CONCEPT Here we have selected the equipment that is of high quality and proven reliability and that gives you a competent and powerful alternative, that maintains a lower price image without compromising on quality and reliability, and with access to good service and support. Scalable from 8,000 to 80,000+ CPH. lTHD Corporation S.R.l. Head Oﬃce: Timișoara - ROMÂNIA, 300153, 70 Ardealul Str., lthd@lthd.com, www.lthd.com Tel.: +40 256 201273, +40 356 401266, fax: +40 256 490813

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Electronica Azi International | 2/2018

fINANCIAl SOlUTIONS fOR ElECTRONIC MANUfACTURING Standard leasing solutions are restricted to any improvement / changes. The financial solution of SMTHOUSE is tailored to the needs of electronic production environments and includes the following additional advantages. n n n n n n n

Choose your manufacturing equipment based on today’s and future need from market leading suppliers. Total SMT line solutions or single machines Best competitive monthly rates based on contracts between 18-72 months Fixed rates including service, maintenance and spares SMTH Technology Guarantee allows you to swap your installed equipment during the contract period Additional options can be added into the running contract at any time Flexible options after the end of the contract based on your needs

Configure your SMT Lines upon your demands from world known manufacturers like KNS/Assembleon, Hanwa/Samsung, Mirae, DEK, Reprint, Vitronics Soltec, MEK, TRI and others. Adapt it to your changing demands during the rental agreement and get your full flexibility regarding changing production demands. PREMIUM lINE / 70 - 175.000 cph (IPC) Renting instead of buying from 13.995,- EUR per month Scalable output without the need to exchange machines COMPETITIVE lINE / 36.000 Bt/Std. (IPC) Highly flexible SMT Production line

Renting instead of buying from

4.995,-

EUR per month

ENTRY lINE / 15.000 Bt/Std. (IPC) Renting instead of buying from 2.495.- EUR per month Complete SMT Production Line for low volume and NPI

lTHD Corporation S.R.l. Head Oﬃce: Timișoara - ROMÂNIA, 300153, 70 Ardealul Str., lthd@lthd.com, www.lthd.com Tel.: +40 256 201273, +40 356 401266, fax: +40 256 490813

.............................................................................. www.international.electronica-azi.ro

SEICA AUTOMATION was founded to fulfill customer needs of handling systems for the electronic production. The company can supply every kind of automation systems to complete production lines, from the easiest to the most elaborate ones. Thanks to its engineering department, which uses themost advances tools for development and 3D design, SEICA AUTOMATION can offer high quality standards, fast conceiving times and a wide customization of the modules. The internal production department assures the possibility to put on trial every single machine in its entire working cycle; systems development and later upgrades can be also available. People with more of 20 years of experience in board handling gives Seica Automation team the necessary know-how to find always the most efficient solution and to solve any production issue. SEICA AUTOMATION manufactures loaders, unloaders, conveyors, buffers, shuttles, and has a wide range of standard handling systems as well as an infinite number of other customized solutions. An experience of more than 20 years gives to SEICA AUTOMATION the necessary know-how to find the efficient solution for customer board handling,traceability and custom automated solution, we propose to our customer the complete realization of turnkey assembly system. SEICA AUTOMATION product portfolio include Board Handling, Traceability product like label applicators and laser marking, soldering line, press fit cell and many other custom products. The whole production flow is “MADE IN ITALY”, under the control of SEICA AUTOMATION R&D and quality dept, all European rules and laws are fully respected. BOARD HANDlING Create your PCB line flow process with our proven, flexible and reliable handling system. Seica Automation is organized to design and manufacture our product lines and accessories to ensure the rapid response times needed to meet the demands of SMT manufacturers, providing solutions that are high performance, flexible and that have an optimum price/quality ratio. Each unit is equipped with its own control PLC and is fully SMEMA compliant. Our two different product lines, Flo and Flex, have been designed to satisfy every customer requirement. flO SERIES® Has a great price/performance ratio, and is the ideal solution for standard lines handling small to medium size PCBs. flEX SERIES® Guarantees maximum performance for every handling requirement, thanks to its high level of flexibility and customization. We provide standardized solutions designed for your specific applications, such as traceability, testing, curing, cutting, and dispensing. High performance robots are equipped with specific tools to fulfill each application. TRACEABIlITY The traceability system enables the user to locate boards requiring verification or modifications. It is therefore possible to track, for each assembled PCB, every component used, as well as the operator responsible. Seica Automation has a wide range of both laser marking machines and labeling machines. SOlDERING lINES Soldering lines can solve every PCB manufacturing cycle requirement involving manual assembly, by optimizing carrier logistics as well as handling of single boards. The information made available through barcode readers and pin codes, enables carriers to be sent to specific areas, as well as the automatic selection of soldering programs and the implementation of customized assembly cycles. This structure enables the operators to work either in-line (sequential assembly) or in work areas of varied complexity. We can implement your project, whether it be a simple or very complex soldering line. lTHD Corporation S.R.l. Head Oﬃce: Timișoara - ROMÂNIA, 300153, 70 Ardealul Str., lthd@lthd.com, www.lthd.com Tel.: +40 256 201273, +40 356 401266, fax: +40 256 490813

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