low power

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 1 Comment on Waveshare RP2040-BLE is a Raspberry Pi RP2040 module with Bluetooth LE connectivity

Waveshare RP2040-BLE is a Raspberry Pi RP2040 module with Bluetooth LE connectivity

RP2040-BLE

If you could not care less about WiFi, the Waveshare RP2040-BLE module combines a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller with an unnamed Bluetooth 5.1 dual-mode chip, and supports a USB-C add-on board useful during development. There are several Raspberry Pi RP2040 boards with a WiFi and Bluetooth module including the Raspberry Pi Pico W, but if you are only interested in using Bluetooth, the RP2040-BLE board from Waveshare may be more power-efficient and its design may be more suitable for integration into products. Waveshare RP2040-BLE specifications: MCU – Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core Arm Cortex M0+ microcontroller up to 133 MHz with 264KB of SRAM Storage – 2MB of onboard Flash memory. Connectivity Bluetooth 5.1 dual-mode function (BLE and classic) Controlled by serial AT commands Ceramic antenna Expansion 24x through and castellated holes with 14x multi-function GPIO pins. 2x SPI, 2x I2C, 2x UART, 3x 12-bit ADC, 14 x PWM FPC connector […]

Posted on by Debashis Das - No Comments on Blues Starnote – An affordable satellite IIoT module with 18 KB of data for Skylo service

Blues Starnote – An affordable satellite IIoT module with 18 KB of data for Skylo service

Blues Satellite IIoT Module

Last month, we wrote about the new Quectel CC660D-LS IoT-NTN module, built in collaboration with Quectel and Skylo. before that, we wrote about Qualcomm 212S and 9205S satellite modems which were also developed in collaboration with Skylo. Those modules support IoT NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) which makes them very useful for a variety of applications including sending texts, making voice calls, and providing emergency services, particularly in remote areas. But in a recent development, Skylo partnered with Blues to launch Starnote, a complete backup satellite module that just cost $49. It provides a backup satellite connection for times when cellular or Wi-Fi isn’t available, designed to work seamlessly with the Notecard API. The module features an M.2 E-Key edge connector and a six-pin JST connector (on the backside of the PCB) for easy setup, plus options for external antennas through u.FL connectors. It includes 18KB of Skylo satellite data without any […]

Posted on by Debashis Das - No Comments on Nordic nRF9151 – A smaller LTE-M/NB-IoT and DECT NR+ SiP with enhanced power efficiency and security

Nordic nRF9151 – A smaller LTE-M/NB-IoT and DECT NR+ SiP with enhanced power efficiency and security

Nordic’s New nRF9151 DECT NR+ SiP Module

Nordic Semiconductor has announced the availability of its new nRF9151 SiP module adding to the nRF91 cellular IoT lineup. This new module includes a 64MHz Arm Cortex-M33 SoC, LTE-M/NB-IoT connectivity with a radio-frequency front-end (RFE) for cellular support, and DECT NR+ connectivity. All this comes with a 20% smaller footprint and additional support for Power Class 5 20 dBm alongside Class 3 (23 dBm) compared to the Nordic nRF9161 SiP module also designed to power cellular IoT and non-cellular 5G solutions that was introduced just last month. Nordic nRF9151 SiP module specification: Processor and Memory – 64 MHz Arm Cortex-M33, 1 MB flash, and 256 KB SRAM. Modem – Integrated LTE-M/NB-IoT and DECT NR+ with support for 3GPP Release 14 LTE-M/NB-IoT. Location Tracking – Built-in GNSS receiver and support for cellular-based location features. Security – Arm TrustZone, CryptoCell for cryptographic operations, true random number generator (TRNG). Power Options – Supports […]

Posted on by Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) - 4 Comments on SparkFun Thing Plus – ESP32-C6 board comes with 16MB flash, LiPo battery support

SparkFun Thing Plus – ESP32-C6 board comes with 16MB flash, LiPo battery support

SparkFun Thing Plus ESP32-C6

SparkFun has launched yet another ESP32-C6 board with the “Thing Plus – ESP32-C6”  based on the ESP32-C6-WROOM-1-N16 module with 16MB flash and a PCB antenna and  range of I/Os and power options. The board features 28 through holes with up to 23 multi-function GPIOs and a Qwicc connector for expansion, and supports 5V or LiPo battery power through respectively a USB-C port a 2-pin JST connector combined with a charging chip, and a fuel gauge. SparkFun Thing Plus – ESP32-C6 specifications: Wireless module – ESP32-C6-WROOM-1-N16 MCU – ESP32-C6 32-bit single-core RISC-V microcontroller with 2.4 GHz WiFI 6, Bluetooth 5 LE, and 802.15.4 radio (Zigbee and Thread); Matter-compatible Storage – 16 MB flash PCB Antenna Storage – MicroSD card slot USB – 1x USB Type-C port for power and programming Expansion 12-pin + 16-pin headers with 23x multifunctional GPIOs Up to 7x 12-bit ADC channels Up to 2x UART channels (with […]

Posted on by Debashis Das - 1 Comment on STMicro STM32WL5MOC SiP Module is pre-certified for LoRaWAN & Sigfox networks

STMicro STM32WL5MOC SiP Module is pre-certified for LoRaWAN & Sigfox networks

STM32WL5MOC wireless prototyping board

STMicroelectronics has recently introduced the STM32WL5MOC system in package (SiP) module with a dual-core STM32 microcontroller, sub-1 GHz RF radio, power supply, and passive components into a 10×10 mm LGA package. According to ST, the new chip uses the STM32WL module which we have seen used in Arduino MKR-inspired MKR Windy board, smart building, and many other LoRa devices. STMicroelectronics’ STM32WL, an Arm Cortex-M0+ microcontroller, operates in sub-GHz ISM bands (413-479MHz, 826-958MHz, and 169MHz later in 2024) for protocols like wireless M-Bus (mode N) and Wize. It supports multi-protocol and multi-modulation (4-(G)FSK, 2-(G)FSK, (G)MSK, DBPSK, DSSS, OOK, ASK) for various wireless standards (Sigfox, KNX, WiSun, mioty, M-Bus, etc.) and introduces power-saving features for up to 15 years of battery life. STM32WL5MOC SiP module specifications: Core Specifications:  STM32WL55JC SoC with 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4 and Cortex-M0+ CPUs, up to 48 MHz. Adaptive real-time accelerator (ART Accelerator) for efficient flash memory execution. DSP instructions […]

Posted on by Debashis Das - 6 Comments on Microchip introduces PIC16F13145 Series MCUs with customizable logic

Microchip introduces PIC16F13145 Series MCUs with customizable logic

Microchip New MCU with Configurable Logic Block

Microchip recently introduced the PIC16F13145 series of 8-bit MCUs featuring a Configurable Logic Block (CLB). This allows users to create custom hardware-based logic functions within the MCU. This approach lowers the BOM costs and boosts performance. Last year, we saw Microchip introduce PIC32CZ Arm MCU with a Hardware Security Module (HSM) and before that, we saw they launched LAN8650/LAN8651 10BASE-T1S single-pair Ethernet Controllers. Feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topics. Microchip PIC16F13145 Series MCU Specification: 32MHz PIC16 CPU core Up to 1KB User SRAM for application data Up to 14KB Flash memory with code protection features CLB Capabilities: Up to 32 basic logic elements – AND/OR/NAND/NOR gates, buffers/inverting buffers, D/JK flip-flops, multiplexers, 4-input LUT Dynamic configuration for on-the-fly changes Tri-state logic capability Inputs/outputs from software, I/O pins, and PIC® peripherals (ADC, PWM, DAC, etc.) Less than 6 ns BLE propagation delay at 5.5V (typical) […]

Posted on by Debashis Das - 2 Comments on Quectel CC660D-LS IoT-NTN module is built for Skylo’s satellite network

Quectel CC660D-LS IoT-NTN module is built for Skylo’s satellite network

Skylo Certified Quectel CC660D LS IoT NTN Chip

Quectel recently announced the launch of the Quectel CC660D-LS IoT-NTN module, created in partnership with Skylo. Designed for two-way IoT (Internet of Things) applications this model supports the latest 3GPP Release 17 standards for IoT over non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Additionally, It can operate on L-band (1 to 2 GHz), and S-band (2 to 4 GHz) frequencies, making it ideal for asset tracking, fleet management, and agricultural and maritime uses. Last year, we wrote about Qualcomm 212S and 9205S satellite modems which were also developed in collaboration with Skylo. Quectel CC660D-LS IoT-NTN Satellite Module Specifications: Module Type – NTN satellite communication module Compliance – Supports 3GPP Rel-17 IoT-NTN Frequency Bands – Operates on L-band (B255) and S-band (B256/23) Internet Protocols – Abundant embedded Internet service protocols Power Supply – Supports low voltage power supply from 2.2–3.6 V Power Consumption – Ultra-low power usage Sensitivity – Super-high sensitivity Temperature Range – Extended […]

Posted on by Debashis Das - 2 Comments on Nordic’s nRF9161 SiP and DK support cellular IoT and DECT NR+ non-cellular 5G technology

Nordic’s nRF9161 SiP and DK support cellular IoT and DECT NR+ non-cellular 5G technology

Nordic nRF9161 SiP and Development Kit

Nordic Semiconductor recently announced the availability of the nRF9161 system in package (SiP) and pre-certified Development Kit designed to power both cellular IoT and non-cellular 5G technologies. This new device can connect to LTE-M, NB-IoT, and DECT NR+ networks while maintaining long battery life, better location tracking, and strong connectivity. Additionally, Nordic offers support through their nRF Connect SDK and the Nordic Developer Academy. The nRF9161 SiP is an improved version of the nRF9160 SiP, which has been the basis for various projects like the Actinius Icarus SoM DK, Conexio Stratus, nRF9160 Feather LTE IoT and GPS Board,  Ruuvi Node, and many other projects. Feel free to check those out if interested. The press release mentions that this new chip is an update of the nRF9160 and includes features like an Arm Cortex-M33 processor, 1 MB flash, 256 KB RAM, along with SPI, I2C, UART, PWM, and a 12-bit ADC […]

UP 7000 x86 SBC