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Renesas RRH62000 multi-sensor indoor air quality monitoring module features particle, VOC, and gas sensors

RRH62000 module

Renesas Electronics has introduced the RRH62000, a compact multi-sensor module for indoor air quality monitoring. It integrates particle detection, VOC, and gas sensing with an onboard Renesas MCU for sensor management. The module is designed for use in air purifiers, smoke detectors, HVAC systems, weather stations, and smart home devices.

The RRH62000 is an integrated sensor module that measures key air quality parameters, including particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), Indoor Air Quality Index (IAQ), estimated carbon dioxide (eCO2), temperature (T), and relative humidity (RH). These measurements are combined into a single package, with digital outputs available for each sensor, enabling simultaneous measurement. The module features a six-pin connector for easy plug-and-play integration.

The RRH62000 is available with the RRH62000-EVK evaluation kit, which simplifies the testing of the integrated sensor module. The module measures critical air quality parameters and connects to a Windows PC via USB. The evaluation kit includes a USB cable, ESCom board, RRH62000 sensor module, and a Quick Start Guide.

Renesas RRH62000 and RRH62000 EVK

 Renesas RRH62000 module specifications

  • MCU – Onboard Renesas microcontroller
  • Integrated multi-sensor module for air quality monitoring
    • Particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10)
      • Detects particle sizes from 0.3 µm to 10µm
      • Mass concentration measurement range: 0 to 1,000 µg/m³
      • Mass concentration resolution: 1 µg/m³
      • Number concentration range: 0 to 3,000 particles/cm³
    • Gas Sensor (ZMOD4410)
      • TVOC measurement range – 160 to 10,000 ppb
      • IAQ measurement range – 1 to 5 IAQ
      • Estimated CO2 (eCO2) range – 400 to 5,000 ppm
    • Humidity and Temperature Sensor (HS4003)
      • Humidity range: 0 to 100% RH
      • Humidity accuracy: ±5 to ±7% RH (20% to 80% RH range)
      • Temperature range: -40°C to 125°C
      • Temperature accuracy: ±0.4°C to ±0.55°C (-10°C to 80°C range)
  • Host interfaces – I2C and UART
  • Connector – ACES 51468-0064N-001 connector for data output and power
  • Power Supply
    • Input voltage: 4.5V to 5.5V
    • Current consumption during measurement – Max. 60mA
    • Current consumption during cleaning – Max. 70mA
    • Sleep mode current – Max. 50µA
  • Dimensions – 46.6 x 34.8 x 12 mm
  • Temperature Range
    • Operating temperature: -10 to 60°C
    • Storage temperature: -40 to 75°C
  • Humidity range – 0-90%RH, non-condensing
  • Qualified according to JEITA ED-4701
  • Siloxane resistant
  • Protected module housing
    • Dust accumulation prevention
    • High-speed fan self-cleaning mechanism
RRH62000 Block Diagram
RRH62000 Block Diagram.

Renesas RRH62000-EVK specifications

  • MCU – Renesas RA4M2
    • Core – Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller @ 100MHz
    • SRAM – 128KB
    • Code flash memory – up to 512 KB
    • Data flash memory – 8KB
    • Package – 48-pin LQFP
  • Connectivity
    • USB Type-C connector for connecting the communication board to the user’s computer
    • PMOD Connector (Female) for additional sensors via I2C interface
    • PMOD Connector (Male) for Renesas MCU EVKs
    • 14-pin connector for connecting the environmental sensor boards to the ESCom communication board
  • Compatible Sensors
    • ZMOD4410 & RRH46410 for TVOC, IAQ
    • ZMOD4510 for O3, NO2, OAQ
    • ZMOD4450 for RAQ
    • HS3001 & HS4001 for RHT
    • FS3000 for Air velocity
    • RRH62000 for PM, TVOC, RHT
  • Misc
    • Power LED – Blue when power is ON
    • Status LED –  Blue when ESCom is connected, blinks green when communication takes place
  • Power Supply
    • 5V via USB-C connector for internal power
    • 1.8V to 3.3V supply with external power supply pin
  • Dimensions – TBD
Jumper Settings and Connectors on the Environmental Sensor Communication Board
Jumper Settings and Connectors on the Environmental Sensor Communication Board

The RRH62000-EVK software, ES-Eval, provides a user-friendly graphical interface for configuring and evaluating the RRH62000 environmental sensor module. It features blocks for measurement control, sensor selection, algorithm configuration, signal analysis, and real-time data visualization, allowing users to easily manage and monitor the sensor’s performance. The software also automatically checks for and installs firmware updates for the ESCom communication board upon startup, ensuring optimal functionality. Users can download ES-Eval from the Software Downloads section on the Renesas website.

ES Eval software interface
ES Eval software interface

The documentation for the kits includes a quick start manual, a list of components (BoM), circuit diagrams, and PCB design files for development and production purposes. all can be found on their respective product pages.

Earlier, we covered the STM32-based Indoor Air Quality Sensor, which connects to Raspberry Pi or Arduino. We also wrote about the Qsen-07, the AirGradient One, and Studio LUFF’s Air Quality Sensor, which is built around the ESP32-S3 wireless module. Feel free to check those if you are interested.

At the time of writing, I can see that all the major distributors have this board available on their websites including Mouser where the RRH62000 module is available for $38.08 and RRH62000-EVK is sold for $100.

The post Renesas RRH62000 multi-sensor indoor air quality monitoring module features particle, VOC, and gas sensors appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

WiCAN Pro – An ESP32-S3-powered OBD scanner for vehicle diagnostics with Smart Home integration (Crowdfunding)

wican pro

MeatPi Electronics introduced the WiCAN Pro, an ESP32-S3-based OBD scanner, and the successor to WiCAN-OBD. Equipped with an OBD-II interface IC, it provides full support for all legislated OBD-II protocols. It offers compatibility with multiple CAN Bus protocols, including three standard CAN Bus and single-wire CAN Bus.

The previous generation WiCAN module came in an OBD or USB-based version. The WiCAN Pro only has an OBD interface, but another significant difference from the previous product is that it features a USB host port. This port can power USB devices up to 1.5 amps at 5 volts and enables capabilities like adding GPS or cellular-based radios, like with meatPi’s ESPNetLink add-on.

 

WiCAN Pro

WiCAN Pro specifications:

  • Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8
    • SoC – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3R8 dual-core Tensilica LX7 @ up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration, 512KB RAM, 8MB PSRAM
    • Storage – 16 MB flash
    • Wireless – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth
    • PCB antenna
  • USB – USB Type-C female connector for flashing ESP32 and optional peripherals such as LTE or GPS
  • Supports all OBD-II protocols with a dedicated chip
    • ISO 15765-4 CAN J1962
    • SAE J1939 CAN J1962
    • ISO 11898 raw CAN J1962
    • Medium Speed CAN MS-CAN J1962
    • GM high-speed J1962
    • Single Wire CAN GMLAN J1962
    • SAE J1850-PWM
    • SAE J1850-VPW
    • ISO 9141-2
    • ISO 14230-4 slow/fast
  • Compatible with multiple instruction sets
    • ELM327 instruction v2.3
    • ELM329 instruction v2.2
    • STN instruction
    • VT instruction
  • RTC for accurate timekeeping
  • MicroSD card logging
  • Multi-function push button

The WiCAN Pro plugs into the vehicle’s OBD port and is powered by the vehicle’s battery. The voltage range is 6.5V to 18V, consuming about 35mA during operation and 2.8mA in sleep mode.

ESP32-S3-based OBD scanner WiCAN Pro PCB front and back
ESP32-S3-based OBD scanner WiCAN Pro PCB

The device includes dual UARTs, one dedicated to flashing and debugging the ESP32-S3 and the other configurable for sending commands to the OBD chip, providing flexibility for developers working on custom automotive applications. According to the product page, WiCAN Pro can be integrated with Home Assistant and other IoT applications without requiring external apps. This feature enables users to incorporate vehicle data into a smart home ecosystem, allowing for automated vehicle diagnostics and monitoring.

Graphical Diagram of ESP32-S3-based WiCan Pro OBD
Graphical Diagram of WiCan Pro

The ESP32-S3-based OBD scanner WiCAN Pro runs on the versatile WiCAN firmware, which is already available and runs on an ESP32. This firmware can send MQTT messages about the vehicle’s health, integrate with Home Assistant, or drive a RealDash display with real-time information. Moreover, this open-source device is compatible with a range of established OBD diagnostic apps including Car Scanner, Torque Lite or Pro, OBD Auto Doctor, BimmerCode, and OBD Fusion.

RealDash dashboard example
RealDash dashboard example. More designs can be found in the RealDash gallery

The company also offers a feature comparison between the WiCAN Pro, WiCAN, and the OBDLink MX+.

WiCAN Pro OBD vs WiCAN vs OBDLink MX+

The WiCAN Pro campaign launched on Crowd Supply and has raised $6,000 so far with 35 days remaining. The product is priced at $80, with an additional $8 for U.S. shipping and $18 for international shipping. Deliveries are expected to start by mid-February 2025.

The post WiCAN Pro – An ESP32-S3-powered OBD scanner for vehicle diagnostics with Smart Home integration (Crowdfunding) appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

XIAO RA4M1 stamp-sized Renesas RA4M1 USB-C board features 14-bit ADC, 12-bit DAC, CAN Bus interfaces

Seeed Studio XIAO RA4M1

Seeed Studio has added yet another member to their XIAO board family with the XIAO RA4M1 powered by Renesas’ RA4M1 32-bit Arm Cortex-M4 MCU. This compact board includes 256KB Flash, 32KB SRAM, a 14-bit A/D converter, a 12-bit D/A converter, a CAN bus interface, and onboard charging circuitry. It’s designed for low-power, battery-powered applications.

The company started the XIAO family with the Seeeduino XIAO (Microchip SAMD21G18) in 2020, and since then they’ve made several other variants with different processors including the XIAO RP2350, XIAO RP2040, XIAO ESP32C3, XIAO ESP32S3, XIAO ESP32C6, and the nRF52840-based XIAO BLE. Feel free to check them out if you are interested in these boards.

Seeed Studio XIAO RA4M1

XIAO RA4M1 Specification:

  • Microcontroller – Renesas RA4M1 (R7FA4M1AB3CFM) as found in Arduino UNO R4
    • CPU – Arm Cortex-M4F operating at up to 48 MHz
    • Memory – 32KB SRAM
    • Storage
      • 256 KB code flash memory
      • 8 KB data flash memory
  • USB – 1x USB type C port for power and programming
  • Expansion I/Os
    • 2x 7-pin 2.54mm pitch headers and castellated holes with
      • Up to 11x GPIO
      • 1x SPI, 1x UART, 1x I2C
      • 1x CAN Bus
      • Up to 6x 14-bit analog inputs
      • 1x 12-bit DAC (on D0/P014, not shown on pinout diagram…)
      • 5V, 3.3V, and GND
    • 8x solder pads with
      • Up to 8x GPIO/Digital
      • 1x SPI, 1x UART, 1x I2C
      • 3x 14-bit ADC
      • 1x CAN Bus (TBC)
  • Security – AES128/256, secure boot, hardware encryption, key storage
  • Debugging – SMD solder pads
  • Misc
    • User LED, power LED
    • Reset and Boot buttons
    • RGB LED
  • Power
    • 5V via USB-C port
    • 3.8V battery input via battery pads (BAT +/-)
    • Low current consumption (45μA)
  • Dimensions – 21 x 17.5 mm
  • Working Temperature: -20°C to +70°C
XIAO RA4M1 pinout
XIAO RA4M1 pinout diagram

The XIAO RA4M1, the 10th member of Seeed Studio’s XIAO family, is fully compatible with the Arduino IDE for easy project development and prototyping. It retains the classic XIAO design, making it ideal for space-limited projects like wearables or as a production-ready module for PCB designs. The company provides detailed instructions and a schematic diagram on its wiki page to help you get started.

Seeed Studio sells the XIAO RA4M1 in its official store for $4.99 without shipping charges. The company also provides two 7-pin headers in the package.

The post XIAO RA4M1 stamp-sized Renesas RA4M1 USB-C board features 14-bit ADC, 12-bit DAC, CAN Bus interfaces appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

ASUS N97T-IM-A – A thin mini-ITX motherboard powered by an Intel Processor N97 Alder Lake-N CPU

Asus N97T IM A

The ASUS N97T-IM-A is a thin Mini-ITX motherboard for industrial and embedded use, featuring the Intel N97 Alder Lake-N processor (4 cores, 2.0–3.6 GHz) with up to 16GB of DDR5 memory at 4800 MHz, and two gigabit Ethernet ports using Realtek RTL8111H controllers.

The board also includes two SATA III 6Gbps ports, a PCIe 3.0/2.0 x1 slot, and dual M.2 slots for NVMe and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. It supports HDMI 2.0, DP++, and LVDS video outputs, with optional eDP, and can handle resolutions up to 4K at 60 Hz. Built for durability, the N97T-IM-A is designed for demanding environments with a seven-year product lifecycle.

In one of our last posts, we wrote about the Jetway JNUC-ADN1, another Intel N97-powered SBC, but in a smaller Next Unit of Computing (NUC) form factor and the Jetway JMTX-ADN8 another N97 mini-ITX motherboard. Other than that we have also written about similar motherboards in the mini-ITX form factor including ASUS PRIME N100I-D D4Radxa ROCK 5 ITXMW-100-NAS, and ASRock IMB-A8000. Feel free to check if you are interested in mini-ITX motherboards.

ASUS N97T-IM-A Mini-ITX SBC

Asus N97T-IM-A thin mini-ITX motherboard specification

  • SoC – Intel Processor N97 quad-core Alder Lake N-series processor with Intel Gen 12 UHD graphics; 12W TDP; 3.6 GHz Max. Turbo Frequency
  • Memory – Up to 16GB DDR5 @ 4800MT/s with In-Band ECC (IBECC)
  • Storage
    • M.2 Key-M slot for SATA 3.0 or PCIe x2 for SSD
    • 2x SATA Gen 3.0, Up to 6Gb/s (If an M.2 SSD in SATA mode is installed in the M.2 M key slot, SATA port 2 will be disabled)
  • Display
    • HDMI 2.0, up to 4096×2160 @ 60 Hz at 60Hz
    • DP++ 1.2, up to 4096×2160 @ 60Hz
    • LVDS up to 1920×1200 @ 60Hz
    • DP++ 1.4, up to 4096×2160 @ 60Hz (colay with HDMI, optional upon request)
    • eDP up to 4096×2160 @ 60Hz (colay with LVDS)
    • Tripple displays support (HDMI + DP+ LVDS, or HDMI + DP + eDP, DP + DP + LVDS, DP + DP + eDP)
  • Audio
    • Code – Realtek ALC897
    • Default Line-out, switch to line-in by retasking
    • 3.5mm audio jack
    • Front panel audio header
    • Speaker header
    • 2x internal stereo speaker headers (2-pin, supporting 3 watts per channel)
  • Networking – 2x gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports via Reaktek RTL8111H controllers; WOL/PXE support
  • USB
    • 2x USB3.2 Gen1
    • 2x USB 2.0
    • 3x internal USB 2.0 headers
  • Serial
    • 4x RS232
    • 1x RS232 with Ring/5V/12V select via jumper
    • 1x RS232/422/485 with Ring/5V/12V select via jumper
  • Expansion
    • 1x PCIe 3.0/2.0 slot
    • 1x M.2 E-key socket, type 2230 for WiFi/Bluetooth devices, supporting PCIe x1 & USB 2.0 & CNVI
    • 1x M.2 M-key socket, type 2242/2260/2280 (PCIe x2/ SATA mode) supports NVMe
    • 8-Bit GPIO
    • I2C header
  • Security – SPI TPM header
  • Misc
    • Watchdog Timer
    • Chassis Fan header (PWM Mode)
    • System Panel Header for HDD LED, PWR LED, Power Button, Reset
    • PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse header
    • RTC with lithium CMOS battery
    • Chassis Intrusion
    • Large heatsink for fanless cooling
  • Power – 9V-36V DC-in via DC Jack or  4-pin ATX power connector
  • Temperature Range – Operating: 0 ~ 60°C; storage: -40 ~ 85°C
  • Operating humidity – 10%~95% @ 40°C
  • Certifications
    • EMC – CE, FCC, VCCI, BSMI, RCM
    • Safety – CE-LVD
  • Dimensions – 170 x 170mm (mini-ITX form factor)
Asus N97T IM A Mini ITX Motherboard Block Diagram
Asus N97T-IM-A thin mini-ITX motherboard block diagram

In terms of software, this Intel N97 thin Mini-ITX motherboard supports Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit) and Windows IoT Enterprise, as well as Linux distributions like Ubuntu, RedHat Enterprise, and OpenSUSE. It also comes with the ASUS IoT Suite, featuring a HW Monitor, Power Scheduling, Fan Control, Watch Dog Timer, and GPIO. The suite provides both API and GUI options for user interface control. The company provides relevant drivers and tools on the product page.

ASUS N97T IM A Motherboard Layout
Asus N97T-IM-A motherboard ports

The ASUS N97T-IM-A thin mini-ITX motherboard is available for $234 including shipping in the official ASUS store. ASUS offers a seven-year product lifecycle for long-term support and availability, along with a three-year manufacturer warranty.

The post ASUS N97T-IM-A – A thin mini-ITX motherboard powered by an Intel Processor N97 Alder Lake-N CPU appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

Bus Pirate 5XL and 6 hardware debugging tools utilize Raspberry Pi RP2350A and RP2350B microcontrollers

Dangerous Prototypes Bus Pirate

The Bus Pirate 5XL and 6 are open-source hardware debugging tools respectively based on Raspberry Pi RP2350A and RP2350B and designed to simplify interaction with various bus protocols like 1-Wire, I2C, SPI, UART, several LEDs, and more. The idea is to send commands to a chip or sensor and get the response, without writing a single line of code making it ideal for hardware hacking and tinkering.

The devices feature buffered I/O pins with voltage and current measurement, a programmable power supply with current limiting, an RGB LCD  for pin status and info, and an auxiliary header for connecting logic analyzers. All these features make this device useful for applications like debugging circuits, prototyping projects, and reverse engineering devices.

Dangerous Prototypes Bus Pirate 5 Board

The new devices are updates to the Bus Pirate 5 based on Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU. You’ll find Bus Pirate specifications for the three models in the table below.

FeatureBus Pirate 6Bus Pirate 5XLBus Pirate 5
CoresRP2350B ARM M33 x 2RP2350A ARM M33 x 2RP2040 ARM M0 x 2
Speed133MHz133MHz125MHz
RAM512Kbytes512Kbytes264Kbytes
Flash128Mbits128Mbits128Mbits
PIO state machines12128
Flash storage1Gbit NAND (100MB usable)1Gbit NAND (100MB usable)1Gbit NAND (100MB usable)
Look behind buffer8 pins--
Display320x240 IPS all-angle320x240 IPS all-angle320x240 IPS all-angle
IO pins8 @ 1.2-5.0volts8 @ 1.2-5.0volts8 @ 1.2-5.0volts
LEDs18 RGB LEDs18 RGB LEDs18 RGB LEDs
Pull-up resistorsAll pinsAll pinsAll pins
Voltage measurementAll pinsAll pinsAll pins
Power supply1-5 volts1-5 volts1-5 volts
Current sense0-500mA0-500mA0-500mA
Programmable fuse0-500mA0-500mA0-500mA
Bus Pirate 6 RP2350B
Bus Pirate 6 RP2350B

The original Bus Pirate was launched in 2008 and became a versatile tool for various bus types like 1-Wire, I2C, SPI, and UART. It offered features like traffic sniffing, frequency measurement, pulse generation, and automatic device identification, and could also be used as a low-speed logic analyzer. So, after this new release, the features are even more advanced and comprehensive.

The Bus Pirate 5, 5XL, and 6 models feature major updates including full-color LCD, and a Raspberry Pi RP2040/RP2350 MCU replacing the older 16MHz PIC24F. It also features PIO blocks used as a “magic peripheral” in place of the PIC’s Peripheral Pin Select capabilities. The terminal interface now emulates a VT100 color terminal with a live status bar. Additionally, it includes 18 RGB LEDs, eight I/O pins with 1.2V to 5V signal levels, analog voltage measurement, and 100MB of flash storage, surpassing the capabilities of the previous V3 model.

Bus Pirate 5, 5XL & 6 VT100 color text terminal
The new Bus Pirate comes with a new interface using color VT100 terminal emulation.

Commands are entered into a serial terminal. A new VT100 mode supports color text and a status toolbar that displays the function and voltage of each pin.

More information about the Dangerous Prototypes Bus Pirate 5, 5XL, and 6 can be found on the company hardware wiki page, additional hardware design files and firmware source code are available on the company’s GitHub page.

Bus Pirate 5, 5XL & 6 In encloser

Previously we have written about similar hacking tools including the Flipper Zero, HackyPi, CanLite ESP32 board, and more feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topic.

The previous generation Bus Pirate 5 REV10 with enclosure can be purchased from DirtyPCBs for $42.50, and the new models are a bit more expensive at $63.50 for the RP2350A-based Bus Pirate 5XL and $82.50 for the Bus Pirate 6 using the larger RP2350B microcontroller.

Dangerous Prototypes Bus Pirate PCB and Encloser
Dangerous Prototypes Bus Pirate PCB and Encloser

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SparkFun Pro Micro – RP2350 development board comes with 16MB flash, 8MB PSRAM

SparkFun RP2350 Pro Micro DEV

The SparkFun Pro Micro – RP2350 is a compact and powerful development board built around the RP2350 chip from Raspberry Pi and equipped with 16MB flash and 8MB PSRAM. It follows the updated Pro Micro design and includes a USB-C connector, Qwiic connector, WS2812B RGB LED, Boot and Reset buttons, resettable PTC fuse, and both PTH and castellated solder pads.

Last week, besides the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, we wrote about more boards with the Raspberry Pi RP2350, like the XIAO RP2350, Solder Party’s RP2350 Stamp, and Cytron MOTION 2350 Pro. Feel free to check them out if you are interested in these boards.SparkFun RP2350 Pro Micro DEV Board

SparkFun Pro Micro – RP2350 specification

  • Microcontroller Raspberry Pi RP2350A MCU
    • CPU
      • Dual-core Arm Cortex-M33 @150MHz with Arm Trustzone for secure boot
      • Dual-core 32-bit Hazard3 RISC-V @ 150MHz
      • Up to two cores can be used at the same time
    • Memory – 520 KB on-chip SRAM in 10 banks
    • 8kB OTP storage
    • Security features
      • 8KB of anti-fuse OTP for key storage
      • Secure boot (Arm only)
      • SHA-256 acceleration
      • Hardware TRNG
  • Memory – 8MB external QSPI PSRAM
  • Storage – 16MB external QSPI flash (W25Q128)
  • USB – Type-C connector for primary power and programming
  • Expansion
    • 2x 12-pin headers with 2x UART, 1x SPI, 10x GPIO (4x used for UART1 and UART0), 4x ADC, I2C, 3.3V and GND
    • Qwiic Connector with I2C connected to GPIO 16 (SCL) and GPIO 17 (SDA) with 3.3V pull-up resistors
  • LED
    • Red Power LED on 3.3V line
    • WS2812 RGB LED connected to pin 25
    • Solder pad for daisy-chaining more WS2812 LEDs
  • Buttons – Two push buttons switch for Reset and Boot
  • Solder Jumpers
    • PWR jumper (closed by default) – controls Power LED circuit
    • SHLD jumper (closed by default) – ties USB-C shield pin to ground, can be opened to isolate
  • Power Supply
    • 5V input via Type-C USB
    • RAW PTH pin (max 5.3V input)
  • Dimension – 33.02 x 17.78mm

Pro Micro RP2350 Front and back

The Pro Micro – RP2350 uses a UF2 bootloader for easy code flashing, appearing as a USB storage device without requiring drivers on Windows, Mac OSX, or Linux. This bootloader supports both Pico C/C++ and MicroPython SDKs. Additionally, the RP2350 is compatible with ArduCAM, and the example page includes a demo code showing how to set up and use PSRAM on the Pro Micro – RP2350 with the Pico SDK used for image processing and transmitting images over USB.

Arducam Raspberry Pi RP2350 board
Sparkfun Pro Micro – RP2350 board connected to Arducam

Like most SparkFun products, the Pro Micro RP2350 is open-source, with schematics, Gerber files, firmware, and other documentation published on the product page and the Hookup Guide page.

The SparkFun Pro Micro – RP2350 development board is available at SparkFun’s official store for $14.95, with discounts for bulk purchases.

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Vecow TGS-1000 – A fanless, stackable embedded computer with Intel Core Ultra Meteor Lake SoC

TGS 1000 Series Mini PC

The Vecow TGS-1000 Series is an ultra-compact, fanless, stackable embedded computer that includes the TGS-1000 and TGS-1500 models, powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra Metero Lake processors with integrated CPU, GPU, and NPU. It supports up to 96GB DDR5 memory and stackable expansion options for networking, serial, wireless, and more. This series is optimized for edge AI applications, offering up to 14% increased CPU productivity and enhanced graphics capabilities.

The TGS-1000 Series offers up to five independent displays through two HDMI and three DP ports. It features a variety of I/O connections, including up to 5 USB 3.0 ports (4x Type-A and 1x Type-C) and one 2.5GbE LAN supporting TSN, making it ideal for vision and automation applications. Its modular design allows flexible expansion for USB, isolated DIO, COM, LAN, or 4G/LTE, suitable for AI, smart retail, office communication, and gaming. The TG-1500 series adds support for MXM graphics cards.

Previously, we wrote about the stackable Intel Atom-based industrial mini PC ADLEPC-1520 and the Intel Celeron-based Acer Revo Build mini PC. We’ve also covered other Intel Core Ultra processor-based mini PCs and SBCs, like the DFI X6-MTH-ORN, UP Xtreme i14, AAEON PICO-MTU4, and Vecow SPC-9000. Feel free to check these out if you’re interested in similar products.

Vecow TGS-1000 stackable PC

Vecow TGS-1000 series specification

  • SoC
    • Intel Core Ultra 7 165H 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) processor @ 1.4 / 5.0 GHz with 24MB cache, Intel AI Boost NPU
    • Intel Core Ultra 5 135H 14-core (4P+8E+2LPE) processor @ 1.7 / 4.6 GHz with 18MB cache, Intel AI Boost NPU
  • GPU
    • TGS-1000 – Built-in processor graphics Intel Arc GPU
    • TGS-1500 – Adds independent MXM Graphics
      • GPU architectures
        • NVIDIA Ada Lovelace/Ampere/Turing supports max 9728 NVIDIA CUDA cores, 384 Tensor Cores, or 76 RT Cores, delivering max 41.15 TFLOPS peak FP32 performance. Suitable for high-performance computing, gaming, and professional applications.
        • Intel Xe HPG microarchitecture is a High-Performance graphics designed to deliver up to 72 TOPS for AI processing.
      • Compact MXM Accelerator
        • NVIDIA MXM Modules – RTX Series: NVIDIA RTX A2000, RTX A3500 Ada, RTX 5000 Ada and Quadro Series: NVIDIA Quadro T1000, Quadro RTX 3000, Quadro RTX 5000.
        • Intel MXM Modules – Intel Arc A370M
  • SIO – IT8659E chipset
  • System Memory – 2 x DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM, up to 96GB
  • Storage
    • 1x M.2 Key M Socket (2280, PCIe 4.0 x4)
    • 1x M.2 Key M Socket (2242, PCIe 4.0 x4)
  • Video Output
    • 2x HDMI 2.1 ports up to 4096 x 2304 @ 60Hz
    • 1x DisplayPort (DP) 1.4 up to 3840 x 2160 @ 60Hz by USB Type-C
    • TGS-1500 additional ports – 2x Display Port (DP) 1.4 up to 4096 x 2304 @60Hz by MXM
  • Audio – Realtek ALC888S-VD, 7.1 Channel HD Audio with 1 Mic-in and 1 Line-out
  • Networking – Intel I226 2.5GbE LAN with TSN support
  • USB
    • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type A
    • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type C (5V/3A)
    • 2x USB 2 Type A
  • Expansion
    • 1x M.2 Key E Socket (2230, PCIe x1/USB)
    • 2x expansion connector for docking module
  • Optional stackable docking modules
    • TGS-101 – 16-bit GPIO
    • TGS-102 – 16-bit Isolated DIO (8 DI, 8 DO)
    • TGS-103 – Type-A MXM GPU (without MXM GPU)
    • TGS-104 – 2 Isolated COM (RS-232/422/485)
    • TGS-105 – Dual USB 3.0
    • TGS-106 – Dual 1GbE LAN
    • TGS-107 – 4G LTE module with SIM socket
  • Accessories module
    • WiFi & Bluetooth module with antenna
    • Mini PCIe 4G/GPS module with antenna
    • M.2 Key-M storage module
  •  Misc
    • Power, HDD LEDs
    • Watchdog Timer – Reset 1 to 255 sec./min. per step
    • Smart Management – Intel vPro, TCC, TSN, PXE, Wake on LAN
    • HW Monitor – Monitoring temperatures and voltages. Auto throttling control when CPU overheats.
  • Power Supply
    • TGS-1000 – DC 12V to 24V with V+, V-, Frame Ground
    • TGS-1500 – DC 24V Only with V+, V-, Frame Ground
  • Dimensions & Weight
    • TGS-1000 – 117 x 120 x 38mm | 900 grams
    • TGS-1500 – 117 x 120 x 88.3mm |  1.4 kg
  • Temperature Range
    • Operating
      • TGS-1000 : 0°C to 55°C
      • TGS-1500 : 0°C to 45°C
    • Storage – -40°C to 85°C
  • Humidity – 5% to 95% Humidity, non-condensing
  • Shock – IEC 61373: 2010
  • Vibration – Rolling Stock Equipment, Shock and Vibration Tests
  • EMC – CE, FCC, ICES, EN50155, EN50121-3-2
Specifications
TGS-1000 (left) and TGS-1500(right)

The system can be wall-mounted with a bracket, and Vecow also offers VESA or DIN Rail mounts as options. The company supports Windows 11/10 and Linux on the fanless TGS-1000 Series embedded system. Vecow also mentions VHub AI Developer, VHub ROS, and VHub EtherCAT as optional software, with OpenVINO toolkits supporting 500+ AI models optimized for AI computing.

TGS 1000 Series
TGS-1000 (left) and TGS-1500(right)

Vecow stackable embedded computer is available in four variants: TGS-1000-165H/135H and TGS-1500-165H/135H. The company hasn’t provided availability or pricing details, but this type of system is expected to cost a thousand dollars and up. More information about the TGS-1000 and TGS-1500 can be found on the product page.

The post Vecow TGS-1000 – A fanless, stackable embedded computer with Intel Core Ultra Meteor Lake SoC appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

MechDog AI Robot Dog features ESP32-S3 controller, supports Scratch, Python, and Arduino programming

MechDog Hiwonder AI robot dog

Hiwonder’s MechDog is a compact AI robot dog powered by an ESP32-S3 controller that drives eight high-speed coreless servos. It features built-in inverse kinematics for precise and agile movements and has ports for various I2C sensors such as ultrasonic and IMU sensors. The robot is equipped with a durable aluminum alloy frame and a removable 7.4V 1,500mAh lithium battery for power.

MechDog integrates with the ESP32-S3 AI vision module, supporting dual-mode network communication either AP Hotspot Direct Connection Mode or STA LAN Mode so that users can access a designated URL webpage via an app or PC for real-time monitoring using a high-definition camera. Also, this robot dog supports various sensor modules, including a touch sensor, light sensor, dot matrix display, and programmable MP3 module, allowing for secondary development and expansion, offering extensive creative possibilities.

Previously, we wrote about the Waveshare UGV AI Rover, which features a 2mm thick aluminum body, six 80mm shock-absorbing tires, and a four-wheel drive system controlled by an ESP32 sub-controller. It uses Raspberry Pi 4B or Raspberry Pi 5 as a primary controller. We also reviewed SunFounder PiCar-X 2.0, an AI-powered self-driving robot car using the Raspberry Pi 3/4 as the main processing board. Other AI-enhanced robot dogs include Petoi Bittle, CM4 XGO Lite, XGO 2, and others.  Feel free to check them out if you are interested in these products.

MechDog Robot Dog

MechDog Hiwonder AI robot dog specification

  • Controller – ESP32 High-Performance robot controller board
    • SoC – ESP32-S3 dual-mode SoC chip
    • Build in IMU sensors (3-axis accelerometer/3-axis gyroscope) for real-time posture tracking
    • Interface
      • 1x GPIO Interfaces
      • 4-channel I2C Interfaces
      • 10-channel PWM servo Interfaces
    • Buzzer and customizable button
    • Power ON/OFF switch
  • Degree of Freedom – 8DOF Structure
  • Servo – Hiwonder HPS-0618SG Coreless Digital Servo
    • Rotation speed – ≤0.06sec / 60° 8.4V
    • Stalled rotor torque – 8KG.cm 8.4V
    • PWM pulse width range – 500~2500us, corresponding to 0~180°
    • Rotation range – 0~180°
    • Communication method – PWM pulse width control
    • Gear type – stainless steel gear
    • Line length – 180mm
    • Working voltage – 6V-8.4V
  • Sensor – Glowy Ultrasonic I2C (0x77) sensor with a 2 to 400cm range
  • Expansion
    • ESP32-S3 AI Vision Module
      • ESP32-S3 chip with Internal 512KB RAM and External 16MB PSRAM
      • Flash memory – 16MB SPI Flash
      • Camera – 2-megapixel (320×240) camera with 123° field of view
      • Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n Wifi 4 and Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth Mesh
      • Port – UART, I2C
      • Power supply – 4.75V – 5.25V
    • MP3 Module (I2C) for MP3, WAV, WMA format audio
    • 8×16 Dot Matrix Module with 8 levels of brightness
    • Touch sensor to light up the LED when touch is detected
    •  Light sensor –  includes QT523C photodiode and LM358 chip voltage comparator
  • Battery – Removable 7.4V 1500mAh 5C lithium battery
  • Power – 8.4V / 2A charger
  • Dimension – 214 x 138 x 126mm (when it is powered on) and 214 x 96 x 126mm (when it is power off)
  • Weight – About 560 grams

ESP32 Robot Controller

Hardware and expansions Gears
Hardware and expansions

MechDog open-source robot dog supports Arduino, Scratch, and Python programming, allowing versatile project development. You can attach various sensors to enhance its perception and AI capabilities. The visual PC action editing software lets you set end coordinates for each leg, while the app offers 16 preset actions for easy control. Arduino, Scratch, and Python programming provide flexible and accessible development options.

MechDog Software

The company provides essential tutorial videos on getting-started guides, app control, and programming. You can also find all specifications, schematics, PC software, mobile apps, demo programs, firmware flashing tools, and firmware on the Hiwonder download page that points to a Google Drive share…

Hardware Structure

The MechDog Hiwonder AI Robot Dog kit is available in two packages in all stores. The standard kit is priced at $299.99 on Amazon and $428.66 on AliExpress with shipping charges, and you’ll also find the advanced kit adding optional sensor modules on the same pages for respectively $399.99 on Amazon and $556.17 on AliExpress.

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ReSpeaker Lite Voice Assistant Kit combines XMOS XU-316 and ESP32-S3 for advanced voice processing, Home Assistant integration

ReSpeaker Lite and Voice Assistant Kit

Seeed Studio’s ReSpeaker Lite Series includes the ReSpeaker Lite 2-Mic Array and Voice Assistant Kit, featuring the XMOS XU-316 AI sound chip for advanced voice processing and integration with Home Assistant via ESPHome. It’s perfect for smart home control with far-field voice capture and noise cancellation.

The kit combines the ReSpeaker Lite dual-microphone array with the XIAO ESP32S3 module for voice recognition, noise reduction, and processing. It supports WiFi, BLE 5.0, and has a 2.4GHz rod antenna. It also offers I2S and USB connectivity for use with microcontrollers and SBCs, making it ideal for smart voice assistants and home automation.

We’ve previously covered the NXP i.MX RT106F & RT106A/L, where NXP i.MX RT106A  can run voice assistant software with features like acoustic echo cancellation, ambient noise reduction, beamforming, barge-in, and playback processing. We’ve also written about other ReSpeaker boards, such as the ReSpeaker 4-Mic Array board, ReSpeaker Core board, and ReSpeaker Core v2. Feel free to check if you are interested in this product.

ReSpeaker Lite and Voice Assistant Kit

Seeed Studio’s ReSpeaker Lite specification

  • Wireless Module – XIAO ESP32S3
    • MCU – Espressif Systems ESP32-S3R8 dual-core Tensilica LX7 microcontroller @ 240 MHz, 512KB RAM, 8MB PSRAM
    • Storage – 8MB SPI flash
    • Wireless – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 5,  Bluetooth mesh
    • Antenna – External 2.4GHz rod antenna
  • Audio
    • Controller – XMOS XU-316 AI sound and audio chip
      • Sampling Rate – 16KHz maximum
      • Automatic Speech Recognition Algorithms – Interference Cancellation, Acoustic Echo Cancellation, Noise Suppression, Voice-to-Noise Ratio (VNR), and Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
    • Microphone – 2x Digital PDM MEMS microphones
      • Sensitivity – -26 dBFS
      • Acoustic Overload Point – 120 dBL
      • SNR – 64 dBA
      • Far-Field Voice Capture – Up to 3m with Advanced noise-cancellation
    • Speaker – Mono Enclosed Speaker
      • Input Power – 5W
      • Impedance – 4ohm±15%
      • Output S.P.L – 88±3dB
      • Distortion – 10% Max
      • Frequency Range – FO—-20kHz
      • Resonant Frequency – Fb: 125Hz ±20% and Fo: 500Hz ±20%
    • Audio Output – Speaker Connector and 3.5mm Headphone Jack
  • USB – USB Type-C Port for power and data transmission.
  • Interfaces – I2S and USB
  • Misc
    • Programmable WS2812 RGB LED provides visual feedback
    • Power LED and Mute LED
    • Buttons for User and Mute
  • Power Supply – 5V via Type-C USB port or external 5V
  • Dimensions – 95 x 92 x 42mm (Full kit)

ReSpeaker Lite board Front

ReSpeaker Lite board back
ReSpeaker Lite board

ReSpeaker Lite Voice Assistant Kit integrates with Home Assistant via ESPHome firmware, supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and is compatible with Arduino, PlatformIO, MicroPython, and CircuitPython. The kit supports custom firmware updates via DFU-Util and offers I2S and USB connections for use with MCUs, SBCs, and PCs like Raspberry Pi. You’ll find a getting-started guide and can explore various testing and applications such as I2S Test, Streams Generator, CSV Converter, MP3 Player, Keyword Spotting, and MQTT Audio Streaming on the wiki. The guides also include instructions for building a Voice Assistant for Home Assistant using custom wake words.

MQTT data
ESPHome Node-RED MQTT audio streaming and Home Assistant integration

The ReSpeaker Voice Assistant Kit with 5W speaker and black acrylic enclosure is now available for $33.91 on the Seeed Studio store, and you’ll find the ReSpeaker Lite board only for $24.90 and the ReSpeaker Voice Assistant Kit for $29.91 on the same page.

The post ReSpeaker Lite Voice Assistant Kit combines XMOS XU-316 and ESP32-S3 for advanced voice processing, Home Assistant integration appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

Waveshare UPS HAT (E) for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3B+ takes four 21700 Lithium batteries, supports USB PD 3.0

UPS HAT E

The Waveshare UPS HAT (E) is a UPS expansion board for Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+ that supports four 21700 Lithium batteries and includes a battery fuel gauge IC for monitoring voltage, current, and capacity. The USB Type-C port is compliant with the PD 3.0 standard and allows for 40W fast bi-directional charging, and a high-power buck chip provides a 5V/6A output. Additionally, it supports I2C for real-time status updates.

Previously, we wrote about the wider SupTronics Raspberry Pi 5 UPS HAT, which supports four 18650 batteries and delivers up to 5V with a higher current output of 5A. This HAT has no Type-C support and uses a DC jack and XH2.54 connector for 6V-18V input. Feel free to check it out if you’re interested in this product.

Waveshare UPS HAT (E)

Waveshare UPS HAT (E) specifications:

  • Compatibility – Raspberry Pi 5 / 4B / 3B+
  • USB Interfaces
    • USB Type-C Input/Output – Supports multiple voltage levels (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V)
    • USB Type-A Output – Provides 5V power for other boards
  • Battery support – 4-cell 21700 Li-ion battery holder
  • Battery Monitoring – Onboard battery fuel gauge IC for voltage, current, power, and remaining capacity
  • Onboard ICs
    • Battery Fuel Gauge IC – Measures voltage, current, and battery capacity
    • High-Power Buck Chip – Ensures consistent 5V 6A output
    • MCU Management – Detects power connection and manages Raspberry Pi booting
  • Automatic Switch Over – Switches to battery power if the external supply fails
  • LED Indicators
    • Indicators for battery connection and charging status
    • Warning alerts if the battery is incorrectly connected.
  • Power Supply
    • 5V/5A USB Type-C power supply recommended
    • 2x pogo pin to power the Raspberry Pi
    • Charging
      • USB Type-C Port – Supports INA219 IC for bi-directional fast charging up to 40W, compatible with PD 3.0
      • Simultaneous Operation – Can charge batteries and provide power output at the same time
  • Dimensions – 88 x 56mm

UPS HAT E details

The company shares a list of mostly generic safety instructions and warnings. Some of the most important points are

  • Li-ion and Li-po batteries can be unstable; improper use can cause fire, injury, or damage.
  • Do not reverse polarities when charging or discharging.
  • Use only quality chargers to recharge batteries.
  • Do not mix old and new batteries or use different brands of batteries together.
  • Ensure battery specifications match the expansion board.
  • Replace batteries after their cycle life ends or after two years of use.

To use the Waveshare UPS HAT (E) with Raspberry Pi, some Python commands enable the I2C interface, INA219 battery level detection, and battery level logo on the display. You can also set the required current to boot and adjust the booting time based on the power applied.

Command Output

For more information about hardware and software, you can visit the product’s wiki page although the company does not provide specific hardware details such as IC part numbers or schematics.

The Waveshare UPS HAT (E) for Raspberry Pi is available for purchase on AliExpress for $37.47 including shipping, on Amazon for $44.99, and on the official Waveshare store for $32.99 plus shipping.

UPS HAT E details dimension

 

The post Waveshare UPS HAT (E) for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3B+ takes four 21700 Lithium batteries, supports USB PD 3.0 appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor – A solar-powered ESP32-S3 multi-sensor board with SIM7080G NB-IoT & LTE-M modem

nbiotlte m air monitor air temperature humidity light co2

The NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor is a solar-powered device that utilizes a combination of ESP32-S3 and SIM7080G modules for remote environmental monitoring. It monitors and transmits environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2, TVOC, and light intensity using low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology ensuring efficient power consumption, durability, and reliable data transmission.

Previously we have written about similar environment monitor devices like the Airlytix ES1,  Sonoff SC WiFiV-Air Monitro, and devices like Arduino MKR IoT Carrier Rev2Radair mini gateway, and Nicla Sense ME  designed for environment monitoring applications. Feel free to check those out if you are interested in this type of product.

NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor - temperature humidity light co2

NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor specification

  • Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8
    • Espressif Systems ESP32-S3R8 – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 @ up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration, 512KB RAM, 8MB PSRAM
    • Storage – 16 MB flash
    • Wireless – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth
    • PCB antenna
  • Cellular connectivity
    • Module – SIMCom SIM7080G LTE Cat M1/NB-IoT module with GNSS
    • Bands
      • Cat-M – B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B14/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26 /B27/B28/B66/B85
      • NB-IoT – B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26/B28 /B66/B71/B85
    • Data rate
      • LTE Cat-M1 – Uplink: 589Kbps, downlink: 1119Kbps
      • LTE Cat-NB2 – Uplink: 136Kbps, downlink: 150Kbps
    • GNSS Positioning – GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo
    • SIM card socket
  • Antennas
    • PCB antenna on ESP32-S3 module for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
    • External NBIOT/LTE-M antenna
    • External LTE antenna connector
    • External GPS antenna connector
  • Environmental Monitoring Sensors
    • ASAIR ATH10 Temperature and humidity sensor
      • Humidity Measurement Range: 0 – 100% RH
      • Humidity Measurement Accuracy: +/- 2% RH
      • Temperature Measurement Range: -40°C – 85°C
      • Temperature Measurement Accuracy: +/- 0.3°C
    • SENSIRION SGP30 TVOC and CO2eq Measurements Sensor
      • CO2eq signal Range: 400~60000ppm
      • CO2eq signal Accuracy: 10% of meas. value
      • TVOC signal Range: 0 to 60000 ppb
      • TVOC signal Accuracy: 15% of meas. value
    • ROHM BH1750 Ambient Light Sensor
      • Light intensity Range: 1 – 65535 lx
      • Light intensity Accuracy: 0.96 to 1.44 S/A times
  • Misc
    • On/off switch
    • Flash, WiFi, RST, PWK, and Boot buttons
  • Power Management
    • Input Voltage – 4.5 to 28V for solar panel input
    • Internal 18650 LiPo battery socket
    • BMS – DW06 one-cell battery protection IC
      • Protection of charger reverse connection
      • Protection of battery cell reverse connection
      • Over temperature protection
      • Overcharge current protection
      • Over-discharge protection
    • MPPT – CN3791 for solar maximum power tracking charging management
  • Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C

NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor components points

As I noticed, there is only a programming pin available. To program, plug the USB2UART CH340K module into the “P1” header (‘The “P1” connector is a 6-pin programmable header for the ESP32, including pins for RST, BOOT, TXD, RXD, GND, and VOUT.). This module provides USB to serial conversion and includes the necessary circuits for ESP8266/ESP32 programming.

NBIOT/LTE M Air Monitor with ESP32 Programmer

Makerfabs highlights Arduino support with the ESP32-S3 wireless module and also explains how to send an email from the air monitor and integrate it with ThingSpeak IoT cloud. You will find more information about hardware, programming, drivers, and firmware on the wiki and GitHub pages.

Sensor data charts with Thingspeak integration
Example charts in Thingspeak with data from the NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor

The NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor is available on its official Makerfabs store for $68.80 plus shipping. The additional ESP32 Programmer board (USB2UART CH340K) is also available in the same store at $3.90.

The post NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor – A solar-powered ESP32-S3 multi-sensor board with SIM7080G NB-IoT & LTE-M modem appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

Waveshare UPS HAT (E) for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3B+ takes four 21700 Lithium batteries, supports USB PD 3.0

UPS HAT E

The Waveshare UPS HAT (E) is a UPS expansion board for Raspberry Pi 5/4B/3B+ that supports four 21700 Lithium batteries and includes a battery fuel gauge IC for monitoring voltage, current, and capacity. The USB Type-C port is compliant with the PD 3.0 standard and allows for 40W fast bi-directional charging, and a high-power buck chip provides a 5V/6A output. Additionally, it supports I2C for real-time status updates.

Previously, we wrote about the wider SupTronics Raspberry Pi 5 UPS HAT, which supports four 18650 batteries and delivers up to 5V with a higher current output of 5A. This HAT has no Type-C support and uses a DC jack and XH2.54 connector for 6V-18V input. Feel free to check it out if you’re interested in this product.

Waveshare UPS HAT (E)

Waveshare UPS HAT (E) specifications:

  • Compatibility – Raspberry Pi 5 / 4B / 3B+
  • USB Interfaces
    • USB Type-C Input/Output – Supports multiple voltage levels (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V)
    • USB Type-A Output – Provides 5V power for other boards
  • Battery support – 4-cell 21700 Li-ion battery holder
  • Battery Monitoring – Onboard battery fuel gauge IC for voltage, current, power, and remaining capacity
  • Onboard ICs
    • Battery Fuel Gauge IC – Measures voltage, current, and battery capacity
    • High-Power Buck Chip – Ensures consistent 5V 6A output
    • MCU Management – Detects power connection and manages Raspberry Pi booting
  • Automatic Switch Over – Switches to battery power if the external supply fails
  • LED Indicators
    • Indicators for battery connection and charging status
    • Warning alerts if the battery is incorrectly connected.
  • Power Supply
    • 5V/5A USB Type-C power supply recommended
    • 2x pogo pin to power the Raspberry Pi
    • Charging
      • USB Type-C Port – Supports INA219 IC for bi-directional fast charging up to 40W, compatible with PD 3.0
      • Simultaneous Operation – Can charge batteries and provide power output at the same time
  • Dimensions – 88 x 56mm

UPS HAT E details

The company shares a list of mostly generic safety instructions and warnings. Some of the most important points are

  • Li-ion and Li-po batteries can be unstable; improper use can cause fire, injury, or damage.
  • Do not reverse polarities when charging or discharging.
  • Use only quality chargers to recharge batteries.
  • Do not mix old and new batteries or use different brands of batteries together.
  • Ensure battery specifications match the expansion board.
  • Replace batteries after their cycle life ends or after two years of use.

To use the Waveshare UPS HAT (E) with Raspberry Pi, some Python commands enable the I2C interface, INA219 battery level detection, and battery level logo on the display. You can also set the required current to boot and adjust the booting time based on the power applied.

Command Output

For more information about hardware and software, you can visit the product’s wiki page although the company does not provide specific hardware details such as IC part numbers or schematics.

The Waveshare UPS HAT (E) for Raspberry Pi is available for purchase on AliExpress for $37.47 including shipping, on Amazon for $44.99, and on the official Waveshare store for $32.99 plus shipping.

UPS HAT E details dimension

 

The post Waveshare UPS HAT (E) for Raspberry Pi 5/4/3B+ takes four 21700 Lithium batteries, supports USB PD 3.0 appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor – A solar-powered ESP32-S3 multi-sensor board with SIM7080G NB-IoT & LTE-M modem

nbiotlte m air monitor air temperature humidity light co2

The NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor is a solar-powered device that utilizes a combination of ESP32-S3 and SIM7080G modules for remote environmental monitoring. It monitors and transmits environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, CO2, TVOC, and light intensity using low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology ensuring efficient power consumption, durability, and reliable data transmission.

Previously we have written about similar environment monitor devices like the Airlytix ES1,  Sonoff SC WiFiV-Air Monitro, and devices like Arduino MKR IoT Carrier Rev2Radair mini gateway, and Nicla Sense ME  designed for environment monitoring applications. Feel free to check those out if you are interested in this type of product.

NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor - temperature humidity light co2

NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor specification

  • Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N16R8
    • Espressif Systems ESP32-S3R8 – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 @ up to 240 MHz with vector instructions for AI acceleration, 512KB RAM, 8MB PSRAM
    • Storage – 16 MB flash
    • Wireless – 2.4 GHz WiFi 4 and Bluetooth
    • PCB antenna
  • Cellular connectivity
    • Module – SIMCom SIM7080G LTE Cat M1/NB-IoT module with GNSS
    • Bands
      • Cat-M – B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B14/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26 /B27/B28/B66/B85
      • NB-IoT – B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B18/B19/B20/B25/B26/B28 /B66/B71/B85
    • Data rate
      • LTE Cat-M1 – Uplink: 589Kbps, downlink: 1119Kbps
      • LTE Cat-NB2 – Uplink: 136Kbps, downlink: 150Kbps
    • GNSS Positioning – GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo
    • SIM card socket
  • Antennas
    • PCB antenna on ESP32-S3 module for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
    • External NBIOT/LTE-M antenna
    • External LTE antenna connector
    • External GPS antenna connector
  • Environmental Monitoring Sensors
    • ASAIR ATH10 Temperature and humidity sensor
      • Humidity Measurement Range: 0 – 100% RH
      • Humidity Measurement Accuracy: +/- 2% RH
      • Temperature Measurement Range: -40°C – 85°C
      • Temperature Measurement Accuracy: +/- 0.3°C
    • SENSIRION SGP30 TVOC and CO2eq Measurements Sensor
      • CO2eq signal Range: 400~60000ppm
      • CO2eq signal Accuracy: 10% of meas. value
      • TVOC signal Range: 0 to 60000 ppb
      • TVOC signal Accuracy: 15% of meas. value
    • ROHM BH1750 Ambient Light Sensor
      • Light intensity Range: 1 – 65535 lx
      • Light intensity Accuracy: 0.96 to 1.44 S/A times
  • Misc
    • On/off switch
    • Flash, WiFi, RST, PWK, and Boot buttons
  • Power Management
    • Input Voltage – 4.5 to 28V for solar panel input
    • Internal 18650 LiPo battery socket
    • BMS – DW06 one-cell battery protection IC
      • Protection of charger reverse connection
      • Protection of battery cell reverse connection
      • Over temperature protection
      • Overcharge current protection
      • Over-discharge protection
    • MPPT – CN3791 for solar maximum power tracking charging management
  • Temperature Range – -40°C to +85°C

NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor components points

As I noticed, there is only a programming pin available. To program, plug the USB2UART CH340K module into the “P1” header (‘The “P1” connector is a 6-pin programmable header for the ESP32, including pins for RST, BOOT, TXD, RXD, GND, and VOUT.). This module provides USB to serial conversion and includes the necessary circuits for ESP8266/ESP32 programming.

NBIOT/LTE M Air Monitor with ESP32 Programmer

Makerfabs highlights Arduino support with the ESP32-S3 wireless module and also explains how to send an email from the air monitor and integrate it with ThingSpeak IoT cloud. You will find more information about hardware, programming, drivers, and firmware on the wiki and GitHub pages.

Sensor data charts with Thingspeak integration
Example charts in Thingspeak with data from the NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor

The NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor is available on its official Makerfabs store for $68.80 plus shipping. The additional ESP32 Programmer board (USB2UART CH340K) is also available in the same store at $3.90.

The post NBIOT/LTE-M Air Monitor – A solar-powered ESP32-S3 multi-sensor board with SIM7080G NB-IoT & LTE-M modem appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

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