Wireless communication solutions provider, u-blox has added two new modules to its Bluetooth LE portfolio with the ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 modules built upon the latest low-power wireless nRF54 chips from Nordic Semiconductor. Both modules come in a portable, power-efficient layout and support Bluetooth 5.4 and 802.15.4 (Thread, Matter, Zigbee). The ALMA-B1 and NORA-B2 BLE modules are powered by the low-power nRF54H20 and nRF54L15 SoCs, respectively. This enables them to provide IoT devices with sufficient processing power for edge computing and machine learning without the need for external components. u-blox claims that the ALMA-B1 module provides “more than twice the processing power of previous Bluetooth LE modules” and can replace general-purpose microcontrollers in compact solutions. Also, the NORA-B2 reportedly “consumes up to 50% less current compared to previous generations of Bluetooth LE modules,” leading to longer battery life or smaller batteries in end products. Both modules are classified as open CPU […]
Digi ConnectCore MP25 SoM targets Edge AI and computer vision applications with STM32MP25 MPU
Digi International has announced its latest system-on-module (SoM), the Digi ConnectCore MP25 SoM, based on STM32MP25 MPU at Embedded World 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany. The Digi ConnectCore MP25 SoM is built upon STMicroelectronics’ STM32MP25 microprocessor. It supports artificial intelligence and machine learning functionality through an integrated neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 1.35 tera operations per second (TOPS) and an image signal processor (ISP). It is powered by two 64-bit Arm Cortex-A35 cores running at 1.5GHz, supported by a 32-bit Cortex-M33 core operating at 400MHz and a 32-bit Cortex-M0+core running at 200MHz. With its machine learning capabilities, support for time-sensitive networking, and versatile connectivity features, the ConnectCore MP25 module is suitable for edge AI, computer vision, and smart manufacturing applications in various sectors, including medical, energy, and transportation. Digi ConnectCore MP25 specifications: SoC – STMicroelectronics STM32MP257F CPU – 2x 64-bit Arm Cortex-A35 @ 1.5 GHz; MCU 1x Cortex-M33 @ 400 […]
Cavli’s CQM220 5G RedCap module is available in LGA, M.2, and mPCIe form factors
At Embedded World 2024, leading cellular IoT module manufacturer, Cavli Wireless, is set to shine the spotlight on their latest product offering, the CQM220 cellular IoT module with support for the 5G RedCap (reduced capability) standard introduced in 3GPP Release 17. The module is available in three different form factors: LGA, M.2, and mPCIe Gen 2. It offers a maximum network speed of 226 megabits per second (Mbps) for downlink communication and 121 megabits per second for uplink communication. Similar to the Cavli C16QS module, it can support an integrated eSIM for global coverage via the Calvi Hubble cloud platform and comes with an optional GNSS (Global navigation satellite system) for tracking applications. Cavli CQM220 specifications: Processor – ARM Cortex-A7 @ up to 1.7 GHz Memory / Storage 256 MB RAM 256 MB flash Radio Radio Access Technology: 5G RedCap 3GPP Release: 17 Fallback: 4G LTE Cat 4 Network Speed […]
M5Stack BugC2 programmable robot base has an STM32 control chip and a four-way motor driver
Modular IoT hardware developer, M5Stack, has released a new programmable robot base based on the STM32F030F4 microcontroller with LEGO and Arduino compatibility. The M5Stack BugC2 is “compatible with the M5StickC series controllers,” and includes the ESP32-powered M5StickC Plus2 development kit in the package. It features an L9110S four-way motor driver for all-directional operation, two programmable RGB LEDs, an infrared encoder, and a 16340 rechargeable Li-ion battery holder. It also comes with a USB Type-C port for charging the battery and supports onboard reverse charging protection and voltage detection. Listed applications for the M5Stack BugC2 programmable robot base include remote motor control, robot control, and an intelligent toy. M5Stack BugC2 specifications: Microcontroller – STMicroelectronics STM32F030F4 microcontroller, with Arm 32-bit Cortex-M0 CPU @ 48 MHz, and with up to 256KB of flash memory Motor driver – L9110S Infrared receiver – SL0038GD IR detection distance (StickC Plus2) Infrared emission distance (linear distance) at […]
Nuvoton launches M433 Series ultra-low power Arm Cortex-M4F MCUs, NuMaker-M433SE development board
Nuvoton has recently announced their M433 Series MCUs (M433LE8AE and M433SE8AE) along with the NuMaker-M433SE development board. Nuvoton is calling this the “M433 CAN/USB FS OTG” Series, featuring an Arm Cortex-M4F core with DSP and FPU extensions. The MCU is clocked at 144 MHz and consumes 350 nA in deep power-down mode, making it ideal for battery-operated IoT, industrial, and consumer applications. This is not the first Nuvoton MCU we have written about. In recent months, we have seen Nuvoton release the NuMicro M091 Series, the Nuvoton MA35H0 – a cost-optimized MPU, and other dev boards and MCUs. Feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topic. Nuvoton M433 Series MCUs specifications: MCU core 144 MHz Arm Cortex-M4F Includes DSP and FPU instructions Memory Protection Unit (MPU) with 8 regions Memory Up to 128 KB Flash 4 KB LDROM Up to 64 KB SRAM with parity […]
ESP32-C5 beta board features 2.4GHz and 5GHz SMA antenna connectors, two USB-C ports
Espressif ESP32-C5 microcontroller was announced in June 2022 as the first dual-band WiFi 6 IoT chip from the company. It’s been quiet since then, but things are about to change as the ESP32-C5 beta board’s documentation has very recently been released. The ESP32-C5 was initially announced as a dual-band WiFI 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 LE SoC, but the user manual for the beta board indicates that it also supports Zigbee 3.0 and Thread 1.3, so there’s an 802.15.4 in the wireless microcontroller. The ESP32-C5 board itself features two SMA connectors for 2.4 GHz and 5GHz antennas or test equipment, two USB-C ports, two 12-pin GPIO header, Boot and Reset buttons, an RGB LED, and a 2-pin header for current measurements. ESP32-C5 beta board specifications: SoC – ESP32-C5-BETA3 CPU – Single-core 32-bit RISC-V processor @ up to 240 MHz Memory – 400KB SRAM on-chip Storage – 384KB of ROM on-chip, support […]
Quectel KG200Z LoRa module is now secured by The Things Stack
In January of this year, Quectel launched the KG200Z LoRa Module, an Arm Cortex-M4-based module boasting a self-proclaimed range of 2-5 kilometers in urban settings and 10-15 kilometers in suburban areas. At that time, it was just another LoRa module with some additional features. However, in the latest development, Quectel and The Things Industries have announced a partnership that ensures this LoRa module comes integrated with “Works with The Things Stack” and “Secured by The Things Stack” certifications, enhancing its value and utility. In simpler terms, it’s been tested and proven to operate smoothly within The Things Stack ecosystem. Earlier this year, we saw STMicro and Particle Industries release their LoRa-based modules and devices. Feel free to check those out if you are interested. KG200Z LoRa Module Specification: Arm Cortex-M4-based standalone LoRa module (STM32WL) Frequency support – 470–510MHz and 862–928MHz bands Low power – 1.7 μA in deep sleep mode […]
Arduino Nano Matter board specifications and price announced
The Arduino Nano Matter is the product of a collaboration between Arduino and Silicon Labs. The Nano Matter board was announced in January and is powered by SiLabs’ MGM240S chip. It offers multiple wireless connectivity options such as Matter, OpenThread, and Bluetooth Low Energy. Support for the Matter standard is the Nano Matter board’s key offering. Matter is an open-source, connectivity protocol that lets smart home devices from different manufacturers interoperate seamlessly. The 45mm x 18mm board leverages dual-mode connectivity, with IEEE 802.15.4 (Thread) for mesh networking and Bluetooth Low Energy for short-range communication. It is targeted at the Internet of Things, home automation, professional automation, environmental monitoring, and climate control applications. Prospective industrial applications include machine-to-machine interoperability, machine status monitoring, and worker status optimization. Arduino Nano Matter specs: MPU – SiLabs MGM240SD22VNA MCU core – 32-bit Arm Cortex-M33 with DSP (digital signal processing) instruction and FPU (floating-point unit) @ […]