October '23
Dear reader,
I am thrilled to present the October '23 edition of my newsletter. With a commitment to delivering content that brings the best, what I have found during the last month. Again, it's an honour to have Mouser Electronics alongside.
I trust you will find this edition both enlightening and captivating.
At your service!
Hardware
A unique ARM-CortexM4 and 32bit RISC-V combo
The 亚德诺半导体 / 美信集成 MAX32690 Ultra-Efficient Microcontrollers (MCUs) are advanced system-on-chips (SoCs) equipped with an Arm? Cortex?-M4F CPU, portraying it as the main core, alongside a 32-bit RISC-V core that acts as a coprocessor to handle timing-critical controller tasks, thereby alleviating concerns related to BLUETOOTH LE interrupt latency. This pairing ensures robust processing capabilities essential for IoT applications, coupled with the latest BLUETOOTH? 5.2 Low Energy (LE) radio for enhanced connectivity. The microcontrollers operate efficiently in industrial temperature ranges and come packaged with substantial flash and SRAM memories, along with a plethora of interfaces and a Cryptographic Toolbox for advanced security features.
What are the advantages of having a coprocessor based on a 32-bit RISC-V core alongside the main ARM-CortexM4 core?
? The coprocessor can handle specific tasks, relieving the main ARM core from these duties. This separation of concerns allows for smoother operation and better organization of processing tasks.
? By offloading certain tasks to the coprocessor, the system can achieve higher performance levels. It enables concurrent execution of tasks, which is particularly beneficial in real-time or near real-time applications.
??Efficiency is often improved as the coprocessor can be optimized for specific tasks, thus executing them more quickly or with less power consumption than having a single core handle all tasks.
Closed-Loop Control for an LTspice Switching Regulator
The article published on the All About Circuits website outlines the simulation of closed-loop control for an LTspice switching regulator, emphasizing the creation of a voltage-controlled PWM waveform. The control circuitry is vital as it helps maintain a specified output voltage by monitoring and adjusting the duty cycle or frequency of the controlling signal. The author also discusses how to model variable duty cycles in LTspice for advanced, dynamic analysis of switching regulators. The article can also serve as a source of advanced LTspice techniques.
iCEBreaker FPGA Development Boards
1BITSQUARED iCEBreaker FPGA Development Boards are open-source evaluation tools and next-generation open CPU architectures designed for teachers and students. The 1BitSquared field-programmable gate array boards are expandable through Peripheral Module interface (Pmod) connectors, enabling users to choose from expansion options, including proprietary versions. The boards are available with tabbed, breakaway Pmods with three push buttons and five LEDs.
The 1BitSquared iCEBreaker FPGA Development Boards are supported by Yosys, Arachne-pnr, nextpnr, IceStorm, icestudio, and Migen open FPGA design tools.
Calypso IoT Design Kit
1?? ???????????? ?????????????????????? (2501000201291)
2?? ????????????-?? ???????????????? ?????????????????????? (2611059021001)
3?? ?????????????? ????-???? ?????????????????????? (2610039025001)
4?? ????????3?? ?????????? ?????????????????????? (2601157100001)
??Connect any FeatherWing Microcontroller!
The ?????????????? ?????? ???????????? ?????? is a new product by?Wurth Elektronik ?that enables rapid prototyping of IoT applications. It is a kit of stackable evaluation boards with pre-installed firmware that allows you to easily create and evaluate a secure end-to-end IoT solution using Microsoft Azure IoT Central.
The ?????????????? ?????? ???????????? ?????? features a variety of sensors, including temperature, absolute pressure, relative humidity, and 3-axis acceleration. It also has plug-and-play secure connectivity to Azure IoT Central.
The kit is designed in the?Adafruit Industries ?Feather form factor, which makes it easy to expand with other WE FeatherWings and hundreds of already existing boards with the Feather form factor. Arduino (C/C++) drivers and code examples are available on GitHub.
The ?????????????? ?????? ???????????? ?????? is a valuable tool for engineers and developers who are looking to rapidly prototype IoT applications. It is easy to use and provides a secure and reliable platform for developing IoT solutions.
?? Order at?Mouser Electronics ?under the following link?https://mou.sr/3EOHtRb
Do you want MagSafe in your designs?
EDAC Connectors Spring-Loaded Magnetic Connectors and Cable Assemblies provide robust durability, versatility, and a superior design that withstands rigorous usage. These pogo-pin connectors and assemblies are equipped with spring-loaded mechanisms that deliver consistent and reliable electrical connections, even in challenging environments. The magnets increase connection reliability and provide polarization, while the spring-loaded contacts deliver stable current flow. The series is built using high-quality materials and is compatible with a wide range of devices and equipment for seamless integration. The "tear-away" design prevents damage caused by unintended disconnection. Spring Loaded Magnetic Connectors and Cable Assemblies are ideal for applications that require reliable, easy-to-use, and quick disconnect connections.
Hardware Design Templates
BLE sensor 1551V11
Beny-devices templates expedite the design process by providing a structured starting point. They offer predefined layouts and schematics, reducing the time spent on initial design. By choosing a template that closely matches the desired final product, much of the early design work is already completed, allowing for a quicker transition to customization and further development. The streamlined process is especially beneficial for common designs like the BLE sensor of room temperature. The design was released as a Hardware Design Template as well. All for you.
KiCAD
KiCad 7.0.8 Release
I cannot wait to announce the recent release of KiCAD version 7.0.8 , which came out towards the end of September. As a regular user operating on a MacBook, I've noticed some instability with KiCAD after the macOS Sonoma update. However, I don’t believe KiCAD is solely at fault, and there might be underlying issues in the interaction between the new OS and KiCAD. I strongly recommend that all users update to the latest KiCAD version to enhance stability and continue enjoying the robust features of this incredible PCB design tool seamlessly.
KiCAD InteractiveBOM plugin
One of the best features of #kicad is the open policy and number of Action plugins.
I started with a plugin that completely revolutionized my workflow: ?????????????????????? ?????? ???? ???????? ?????? ??????????.
领英推荐
As a freelancing engineer, I've had my share of tools and plugins, but iBOM is my absolute favourite.
Why? Because it transforms the conventional BOM into an interactive bill of material spreadsheet tailored for web browsers. Here are some features that make it indispensable to my design process:
1?? ?????????????????? ????????????????????????: With iBOM, when I select a component, it's immediately highlighted in the assembly page frame, making identification a breeze.
2?? ??????????-???????? ????????????????????????: Move the cursor over a component in the assembly page frame, and its corresponding line in the spreadsheet lights up. It's the little things that make a difference!
3?? ?????????????? & ???????????? ??????????????: These two columns are life-savers during the manual component placement phase. They streamline the process, ensuring I know exactly where each component needs to go.
Truly, I cannot express enough how much I adore iBOM.
Assembly drawing image rotation of the InteractiveBOM plugin for KiCAD
As a freelancing engineer, I always look for features that simplify and optimize my workflow. One such gem I've found lies within the beloved Interactive BOM plugin for #kicad and other EDA tools.
Many might not be aware, but this slightly hidden feature allows you to rotate the assembly drawing image. All it takes is a simple press of the arrow keys or a quick visit to the page settings GUI.
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It customizes the assembly drawing view to align with the actual position of the PCB during the component placing job. Such a feature might sound small, but in practice, aligning the view with the real-life orientation of the board can significantly streamline the component placement process.
So, the next time you're placing components on your PCB, remember this tip. It might just make your task a little bit smoother! ???
JLCPCB Tools plugin for KiCAD
One of the best features of #kicad is the open policy and number of Action plugins.
The second Action plugin I want you to know is: ???????????? ?????????? ????????????.
For fellow engineers familiar with JLCPCB and their array of services, this tool might be the game-changer you've been searching for.
For me, ???????????? ?????????? assists in generating a BOM file. While it boasts many features, I've found the most utility in its BOM file creation capability. This simplifies my workflow considerably, allowing me to stay organized and efficient.
Another standout feature? The '???????????? ?????????? ??????????' function. It's these nuances that make the plugin crucial to my projects that involve the JLCPCB component database.
??However, I must mention that I felt the previous version of JLCPCB Tools had an edge. Its 'find' function had the capability to search across all component categories, adding an extra layer of convenience. Though this feature has seen changes recently, I'm optimistic that it will make a return in future iterations.
If you're navigating KiCAD and looking for tools to elevate your design experience, I heartily recommend giving JLCPCB Tools a spin. It's been a significant asset in my freelancing journey, and I believe many will find value in its offerings.
KiBuzzard plugin for KiCAD
One of the best features of #kicad is the open policy and number of Action plugins.
The third Action plugin I want you to know is ?????????????????? ????????????.
??????????????????'s primary feature is creating sleek and visually appealing labels, which might seem simplistic, but the impact on the final board design is undeniable.
A well-labelled board not only aids in the understanding of its function but also provides a professional touch that elevates the entire project.
While ?????????????????? has been a tremendous asset, there's a small quirk to be aware of: it generates a somewhat hidden footprint, leading the DRC tool to red flag it regularly. This is a minor hiccup, and with experience, it becomes easy to navigate.
The variety of label styles offered by ?????????????????? is commendable. Since integrating it into my workflow, I've noticed a marked improvement in the overall look of my boards. If you're seeking that additional flair in your PCB designs, I'd highly recommend giving ?????????????????? a try.
It's one of those subtle enhancements that make a big difference.
Hot-key selection in KiCAD
Navigating dense PCB layouts in #kicad, especially when elements cluster close together, can sometimes feel like threading a needle. In such cases, a regular cursor selection might seem more challenging than a tool.
When I hover over a densely packed area and click, KiCAD presents me with a contextual menu. Instead of squinting and attempting multiple clicks, this menu neatly lists all the nearby elements. And the cherry on top? Each element is paired with its own hot-key, making selection a breeze.
It's little features like this that make a world of difference in speeding up my design workflow and keeping the frustration at bay. If you haven't tried it yet in KiCAD, I highly recommend giving it a shot. It's a game-changer.
Hands-on workshop
At last, Mouser Electronics with Wurth Elektronik will? have a hands-on workshop on IoT Application and connected to Microsoft Azure cloud.
?? For more, you can check out the following link https://mou.sr/3POeGBp
Have a lovely day
Wishing you an inspiring journey through the world of hardware design.
May the insights and innovations shared in this newsletter spark your creativity, fuel your passion, and guide you towards new heights in your engineering endeavours. Thank you for being a valued member of our vibrant community, and let's continue to drive the future of hardware design together.
Warm regards,