February '25

Dear Reader,

February is almost over, but there’s still time for new discoveries on The Road to Embedded Dexterity! As we wrap up the month, we’re spotlighting some exciting electronic components that could spark fresh ideas for your projects.

Whether you’re just starting in embedded systems or a seasoned expert, there’s always something new to explore. Let’s dive in before the month slips away!

I'm also excited to continue our partnership with Mouser Electronics , a collaboration that consistently adds value to our shared explorations.

At your service!

Hardware

Push-Button Controllers

德州仪器 TPS3423 Nano-Power Push-Button Controller (https://mou.sr/3EJbx3C) offers a wide range of independent detection of short-press and long-press functionality. This device comes with a configurable delay to enable battery freshness seal. The TPS3423 push-button controller includes?up to two outputs per push button?to allow the voltage regulator or circuit breakers.

• Fixed timing options:50msec to 13sec short press duration1sec to 30sec long press duration±10% timer accuracy (maximum).
• 1V to 6V operating voltage range.
• 18nA (typical) nano supply current.

Super-Low Capacitance Dual Line ESD Diodes

MCC (Micro Commercial Components) Super-Low Capacitance Dual Line ESD Diodes (https://mou.sr/4hrOlWj) are ultra-low capacitance 3.3V and 5V ESD diodes. The Micro Commercial Components (MCC) diodes feature snapback technology and high-power transient voltage suppression (TVS). With a clamping voltage of 5V and 13A (8/20μs) surge capability, the ESDSBSLC3V3LT and ESDSBSLC5V0LT offer superior protection and reliability.?

• Super-low capacitance offers exceptional capacitance of 1.0pF/0.65pF (typical) and maintains digital signal integrity.
• 5V working voltage, 6V breakdown voltage.
• 3.3V working voltage, 3.5V breakdown voltage.
• Package size 1.05 x 0.65 mm.

24V, 4.5A Power Switch

安森美半导体 FPF2266 Power Switch (https://mou.sr/3CKABH2) is a 24V, 4.5A device that features continuous current for USB charging port applications. This power switch offers Over-Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Current Protection (OCP), and NTC block to monitor system temperature. The FPF2266 switch has low on-resistance of typical 15mΩ can operate over an input voltage range of 3.6V to 24V and up to 28V absolute maximum.

• 24V/4.5A OTP/OVP/OCP power switch.
• VIN: 3.6V to 24V.
• VBAT: 2.7V to 5.5V.
• Ultra-low on-resistance, typical 15mΩ.

I2C EEPROM Memory

安森美半导体 CAT24C32B EEPROM Memory (https://mou.sr/4aQ8NOb) is a 32Kb device that supports Standard (100kHz), Fast (400kHz), and Fast-Plus (1MHz) I2C protocol. This EEPROM memory is internally organized as 4096 words of 8-bits each. The CAT24C32B EEPROM memory features a 32-byte page write buffer and operates at a 1.7V to 5.5V supply voltage range. This device is available in a 4-ball WLCSP package and is Pb-free, halogen-free/BFR-free, and RoHS-compliant.

• 1.7V to 5.5V supply voltage range.
• 1,000,000 program/erase cycles.
• 100-year data retention.

USB Type-C? 48V EPR Port Protector

德州仪器 TPD4S480 USB Type-C? 48V EPR Port Protector (https://mou.sr/41jh8H7) offers 4-channels short-to-VBUS overvoltage and IEC ESD protection for CC1, CC2, SBU1, and SBU2. Due to small pin pitches and non-compliant USB Type-C cables and accessories, the VBUS pins get shorted to the CC and SBU pins inside the USB Type-C connector.

• 4-channels of short-to-VBUS overvoltage protection (CC1, CC2, SBU1, and SBU2): 63VDC tolerant.
• 4-channels of IEC 61000-4-2 ESD protection (CC1, CC2, SBU1, and SBU2).
• CC1 and CC2 overvoltage protection FETs for passing VCONN power.
• ±65V surge protection on CC pins.

Stackable eFuses

德州仪器 TPS25984B Stackable eFuses (https://mou.sr/4hxaTEY) are high-current, stackable integrated hotswap protection devices that offer multiple protection modes using minimum external components. These devices can be stacked in parallel to increase the total current capacity for high-power systems.

The TPS25984B eFuses feature an integrated FET health monitoring and reporting, dedicated fault indication pin, 55A rated RMS current, and fast-trip response (<200ns) to output short circuit events.

• 4.5V to 16V input operating voltage range.
• 20V DC, 23.5V transient absolute maximum voltage.
• Withstands negative voltages up to -1V output.
• 0.8mΩ (typical) integrated FET and ultra-low RDSON.
• 55A rated RMS current and 70A peak current.

This sensor would have saved my project—and it could save yours, too.

About four years ago, I was working on a project—designing a sensor board that could detect the presence of a person at a table. It seemed like a straightforward idea, but I failed.

The technology I had at the time just couldn’t deliver the precision and reliability I needed.

Fast forward to today, and I’ve just wrapped up designing an evaluation board featuring the ams OSRAM TMF8806, a direct time-of-flight (ToF) sensor that changes the game. If I had access to this sensor back then, I’m confident that the project would’ve been a success.

I designed the board to measure distances from 20 cm to 500 cm at 30 Hz. In my demo, I tested two scenarios: measuring the distance from a desk to the ceiling and evaluating short-distance accuracy.

Even with minimal calibration, the results were spot-on.

To make things even smoother, I used the ams OSRAM Arduino Uno library for my demo. The library is easy to set up and works beautifully. For a more advanced setup, I ported the library to a 32-bit platform with no issues.

The PCB design is simple and efficient, featuring:

? The TMF8806 sensor, a tiny 3.6 x 2.2 mm OLGA12 device.

? A level shifter because the sensor logic is 3V while the interface runs at 3.3V.

? An LDO to regulate power.The schematic has just three ICs, keeping it compact and easy to replicate.

If you’re exploring distance sensing for your next project, I highly recommend giving the ams OSRAM TMF8806 a try.

?? Order at Mouser Electronics under the following link https://mou.sr/3Pu4CgV

EASY Design Templates

Do you enjoy my EASY demos? You can get the design files for the price of a coffee. Currently available are:

• VEML3328 color sensor.
• LDC0851 inductive sensor.
• MAQ473 rotary encoder sensor.
• MLX90394 magnetic sensor.
• VCNL36828P proximity sensor.
• TSHA2101 high-speed AMR sensor.
• NMH1000 magnetic switch.
• RV-8263-C8 ultra minuature RTC module.
• IQS7222A ProxFusion? sensor device.
• IQS227D Touch button
• WSEN-ISDS IMU eval design
• TMC2130-LA stepper driver eval design
• IN100 eval design
• STM32C011 eval design
• TMF8806 eval design

The Hardware Design Template Schematic package contains the following:

• A minimal and verified and fully functional schematic drawing.
• A minimal and verified and fully functional PCB layout.
• Clean and easy-to-order BOM of all components used in the schematic.

The Hardware Design Template Schematic package covers verified design files in KiCAD v8 format.

?? You will not get any physical device or any piece of material.

KiCAD

Rewatch my KiCad Design Streams whenever you want. I created a microsite with all the links (click on the image).

Have a lovely day

That’s a wrap for February! Thanks for joining me on this month’s journey through new ideas and innovations. It’s been great exploring fresh possibilities together, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Are you working on something exciting or have thoughts on this month’s topics? I’d love to hear from you! Let’s keep learning, sharing, and inspiring each other.

Until next time—stay curious, keep building, and enjoy the journey!

Warm regards,

Petr Dvo?ák , Your Hardware Designer