March '24

Dear Reader,

Spring is in the air, and the world of embedded systems is buzzing with innovation! This March edition of the Road to Embedded Dexterity is bursting with exciting new electronic components that caught my eye this past month. Get ready to fuel your design creativity and propel your projects forward. As always, I'm here to share these discoveries and ignite your passion for hardware design. Let's navigate the exciting path towards embedded dexterity together!

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

A Small Package Proximity Sensor

The VCNL36828P (https://mou.sr/3V5POJy) by Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a fully integrated proximity sensor. It combines a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), photodiode, and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) within a single package.

• Dimensions: 2.0x1.0x0.5 mm.
• Laser diode forward current options: 7-20 mA.
• Dual I2C address option.

Vishay VEML3328 & VEML3328SL RGBCIR Color Sensors

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. VEML3328 and VEML3328SL (https://mou.sr/3TtWpMA) RGBCIR Color Sensors integrate photodiodes, amplifiers, and analog/digital circuits into a single CMOS chip, enabling them to sense Red, Green, Blue, Clear, and IR light.

• Operation voltage: 2.6V to 3.6V.
• VEML3328: OPLGA4 (2.0mm x 1.25mm x 1.0mm).
• VEML3328SL: OPLGA4 SV (2.95mm x 1.50mm x 1.50mm).
• 16-bit resolution for each channel?(R, G, B, C, and IR).

MPX2003 All-in-One Flyback Controllers

Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. MPX2003 (https://mou.sr/3Tr6ha0) All-in-One Flyback Controllers offer an integrated primary driving circuit, secondary controller, synchronous rectification driver, and safety-compliant feedback.

The controller integrates both driving circuits and secondary side feedback processing circuits into a single package with >3750 VAC insulation capability!

You don't need to worry about optocoupler, voltage reference, etc.

• Available in TSOICW16-15 and SOICW-16 packages.
• 20 kHz burst mode frequency.
• Maximum 110 kHz switching frequency.
• HV driver breakdown voltage 650 V.

60V/240A Dual N-Channel MOSFET

MCC (Micro Commercial Components) MCACD60N06YHE3 (https://mou.sr/3v5R8Bv) Dual N-Channel MOSFET is an auto-grade 60V MOSFET that delivers unmatched performance and reliability for various demanding applications.

• 6.xn--5m-fcc low RDS(on).
• 240A (IDM) pulsed drain current.
• 50W (PD) total power dissipation.
• All electrodes are populated on the package pads.
• AEC-Q101 Qualified.
• 5x6 mm PDFN5060-8D package.

Automotive 45 V 500 mA LDO

ROHM Semiconductor Europe QuiCur? Automotive 500mA Buck LDO Regulators BD9xxM5-C (https://mou.sr/48GTSDa) are ideal for automotive applications directly connected to the battery.

• AEC-Q100 qualified.
• Functional safety supportive automotive products.
• Wide Operating Input Range: 3-42 V.
• Output Current Capability: 500 mA.
• Low Current Consumption: 9.5 μA.

onsemi NC7SZU04A Buffers

onsemi NC7SZU04A Buffers (https://mou.sr/3Itnidd) are part of the ultra-high speed series of TinyLogic? devices. The onsemi NC7SZU04A features a specialized circuit design for crystal oscillator or analog applications.

• 1.65V to 5.5V broad VCC?operating range.
• Unbuffered for crystal oscillator and analog applications.
• Ultra-small MicroPak packages.
• Space-saving SOT23 and SC70 packages.
• Propagation delay less than 12 ns.

RECOM Power RPL & RPZ Power Modules

RECOM Power RPL and RPZ Power Modules (https://mou.sr/3Vasn1x) are offered in a wide range of maximum output current ratings, including 500mA, 1A, 2A, 3A, 5A, and 6A.

The modules offer 90% or higher efficiency, along with short-circuit (SCP), overcurrent (OCP), and undervoltage lockout protection (UVLO), to ensure the longevity and safeguarding of connected devices.

RPL-5.0, RPZ-3.0A, and RPZ-6.0:

• Non-isolated buck regulator power modules with integrated shielded inductor.
• 90% or higher efficiency.

RPZ-0.5, RPZ-1.0, and RPZ-2.0:

• Synchronous buck converters with integrated inductor.
• Low 2mm profile.

Dialight 587 Series Addressable RGB LEDs

Dialight 587 Series Addressable RGB LEDs (https://mou.sr/3TrkUds) feature built-in ICs, a built-in current regulator, and a three-way drive and provide the user with controllability.

Typical applications include wearable devices, EV charging equipment, electronic appliances, backlighting and edge lighting, automation equipment, robot indicator lights, and LED light strips.

• Support signal reshaping to pass control waveforms to the next adjacent driver.
• Cascading port transmission by a single data line.
• Built-in current regulator and three-way drive.
• 6.5V LED driver port maximum withstand voltage.
• Compatible with popular WS28xx LEDs.

Hardware Design Templates

Circular IoT Sensor node

The Hardware Design Template (https://beny-devices.eu/products/circular-iot-sensor-node) package for the easiest schematic design and PCB layout of a Smart home node, IoT node or similar device.

The Hardware Design Template package contains:

• Design data of the verified PCB template.
• Instructions on how to order the enclosure by yourself.
• The used enclosure is Italtronic S.r.l. EYEBOX Simple.

KiCAD

KiCAD 8.0.0 was released

The KiCad project is proud to announce the release of version 8.0.0. Despite coming only a year after KiCad 7 was released, version 8 is packed with new features, improvements, and hundreds of bug fixes.

Have a lovely day

This month's hardware spotlight features cutting-edge components that will push your projects to new heights! These innovative elements offer fresh possibilities and ignite your imagination. Let's dive in together and see how they can propel your engineering feats forward. Remember, your enthusiasm and participation keep our hardware community thriving!

Warm regards,

Petr Dvo?ák, Your Hardware Designer