The PIC18F “K42” family, which combines an extensive array of Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs), high-resolution analog, on-chip Direct Memory Access (DMA) and vectored interrupts for fast processing, is now available from Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions. The DMA controller enables data transfers between memory space and peripherals without Core Processing […]
Medical
Optical sensor for heart rate monitoring developed for wearable devices
An optical sensor for heart rate monitoring is optimized for wearable devices such as sports bands and smart watches. The BH1790GLC from ROHM Semiconductor uses proprietary analog circuit technology and optical sensor expertise to improve sensitivity, allowing pulse waves to be detected with high accuracy, even with low LED brightness, resulting in low power consumption. […]
64-bit MCUs in 4 mm x 4 mm packages offer 256 KB Flash
The new PIC24 “GA7” family of microcontrollers (MCU) is now available from Microchip Technology Inc. As the lowest-cost 256 KB Flash memory 16-bit MCUs available today, these PIC24 devices enable extremely cost-effective designs for Internet of Things (IoT) sensor nodes, portable medical devices and industrial control applications. The PIC24 “GA7” family enables developers to cut […]
Reference design covers wearable heart-rate and pulse-oximetry apps
This optical heart-rate module reference design incorporates red and infrared LEDs, a sensor, power subsystem, and logic level translation. Measuring 13mm x 13mm, this tiny, low-power board can be placed on a finger or earlobe to accurately detect heart rate and SpO2 via personal wearable devices. The module works with both Arduino and ARM mbed […]
Module protects USB circuits from ground-to-ground voltage differentials, large common-mode transients
Linear Technology Corporation introduces the LTM2894, a USB µModule® (micromodule) reinforced isolator that guards against ground-to-ground voltage differentials and large common mode transients. A rugged interface and internal isolation makes the LTM2894 ideal for systems implementing USB in harsh industrial or medical environments where protection from high voltages is required. The LTM2894 separates grounds by […]
BLE SiP module facilitates compact IoT designs
Silicon Labs has introduced the industry’s smallest Bluetooth® low energy system-in-package (SiP) module with a built-in chip antenna, offering a complete, cost-effective connectivity solution with no compromises in performance. Available in a tiny 6.5 mm x 6.5 mm package, the BGM12x Blue Gecko SiP module enables developers to miniaturize IoT designs by minimizing the PCB […]
Embedded Wi-Fi/BLE modules work stand-alone or with controllers
LSR, a Laird business and a global leader in certified modules and design services for wireless product development, is introducing two new solutions that help companies design and certify wirelessly-connected products quickly and successfully. Practical applications might include security and building automation, making enterprise or personal devices “wireless” to connect to the internet, medical devices, […]
ARMv8-A support enables Nucleus RTOS to leverage processing benefits of 64-bit SoCs
Mentor Graphics Corporation today announced the Nucleus real-time operating system (RTOS) support for the 64-bit ARMv8-A architecture. This architecture support enables the Nucleus RTOS to leverage the benefits of 64-bit processing for a full range of 64-bit SoCs. The Nucleus RTOS also enables the ARMv8-A aarch32 (32-bit) execution mode that allows users to run legacy 32-bit code on […]
What do you look for in MCUs, by application, across various vertical markets?
Embedded engineers design and develop electronics hardware and software for many different market segments, often called “vertical markets.” Major vertical markets include automotive, medical, industrial, military/aerospace, and consumer electronics. Of these major markets, some commonly desired attributes of electronics emerge. Automotive requirements include small size, low weight, low cost, power efficient, reliable electronics with ratings […]
Real-time processor delivers the robust performance needed for next-gen autonomous sytems
ARM has launched a new real-time processor with advanced safety features for autonomous vehicles and medical and industrial robots. The ARM Cortex-R52 was designed to address functional safety in systems that must comply with ISO 26262 ASIL D and IEC 61508 SIL 3, the most stringent safety standards in the automotive and industrial markets. The Cortex-R52 […]