28 June 2023 FEATURING: • Test & Measurement, Analysis, Calibration & Compliance • Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products • Power & Energy Power Supply Solutions to Power the Future
• AOI; X-ray • Component counters • Component storage • Conveyors • Device programming • Dot dispensing and conformal coating • ESD consumables • In-circuit testers • Jet printers • Low pressure injection moulding • PCB washing machines • Pick-and-place machines • Reflow ovens; vapour phase ovens • Rework and soldering stations • Selective wave soldering; wave soldering • Solder wire and solder paste • SPI • Stencil printers +27 11 869 0049 | [email protected] | www.mykaytronics.co.za The ultimate choice for a fast moving generation! MyKay Tronics We efficiently supply and support a total turnkey solution to the South African electronics market Supply Efficiency Support
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 1 TELECOMMUNICATIONS, WIRELESS, IoT, RF & MICROWAVE FEATURE 28 June 2023 Vol. 46 No. 5 News................................................................................. 3 Systems, components, design..........................7 General ............................................................................29 Hot chips......................................................................31 Open [re]sources .......................................................32 QuickFind index ....................................................IBC contents on the cover features regulars Power & energy ....................................................................14 How to extend one’s energy storage system’s life, measuring energy, and various components and units for power conversion and supply. Enclosures, racks, cabinets & panel products.........21 A range of flame retardant and corrosion-resistant junction boxes, and a system to electronically tag one’s assets. Test & measurement, analysis, calibration & compliance ........................................................................24 The latest on field strength measurement, absolute pressure measurement, and various wireless and wired digital communication measurement devices. 28 June 2023 FEATURING: • Test & Measurement, Analysis, Calibration & Compliance • Enclosures, Racks, Cabinets & Panel Products • Power & Energy Power Supply Solutions to Power the Future Conical Technologies is a dynamic company that supplies and imports a complete line of electrical, electronic, fibre and microwave components. Specialising in sourcing and distribution of components, Conical also has a professional services division doing fault-finding, testing and auditing of networks. For more information contact Conical Technologies, +27 66 231 1900, [email protected], www.conical.co.za
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 2 NEWS Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements, inserts and company contact details are printed as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material. Published by: Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd Wild Fig Business Park, Block B, Unit 21, 1494 Cranberry Street, Honeydew Tel: +27 11 543 5800 [email protected] Gauteng Tracy Wolter, Tel: +27 11 543 5800, [email protected] KwaZulu-Natal Jane van der Spuy, Tel: +27 83 234 5412, [email protected] Western Cape Contact Durban or Jhb numbers for details Advertising: Print and Online Sales Manager: Malckey Tehini [email protected] Editor: Peter Howells, B.Tech (Electronic Engineering), [email protected] Subscription services For address changes, subscriptions, renewal status or missing issues call +27 11 543 5800 or [email protected] or WRITE TO: Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd, Box 385, Pinegowrie 2123 Subscribe online: www.technews.co.za All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Technews Publishing (PTY) Ltd. Reg No. 2005/034598/07 ISSN 0256-8934 VOLUME 46 NO 5 28 JUNE 2023 From the editor’s desk Subscribe online: www.technews.co.za Peter A better option for our youth! Soon after the democratic elections in 1994, the South African government declared 16 June as National Youth Day, and June as Youth Month. This was done in the hopes of ushering in a new era which fostered an environment where youth could thrive with opportunities to better themselves and those around them. Unfortunately, due to various undeniable reasons, since then the youth unemployment rate has seen a nosedive, education is at its lowest level in decades, and there is a mutual feeling of dejectedness amongst the SA youth. This situation was wholly created by downright bad decision making and corruption. One of the bread-and-butter sectors that contributed to the SA economy was the trades and apprenticeships. Prospective students were taken in by large engineering firms as an ‘appy’ under the mentorship of a journeyman, someone who possessed years or decades of experience in that field. The apprentice was then released on a six-month block cycle to pursue practical and theoretical courses at colleges and Technikons. This system worked incredibly well, with graduates receiving a fantastic theoretical insight into the field, and at the same time gaining invaluable practical knowledge which saw them being an asset to the company almost immediately after graduation. Companies, therefore, received a tangible benefit from the training programmes that they offered: they took on useful labour, while simultaneously receiving a tax benefit. Why the government decided that this system had to be done away with is a mystery. But out it went, thereby providing a perfect demonstration of the old idiom ‘Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.’Tax incentives were removed, the tertiary institutions removed the block-release studying system in favour of hugely theoretically-based courses, and the youth have had to bear the brunt of this brainless stupidity for the past 20 years. This year, National Youth Day and Youth Month were celebrated under the theme of ‘Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future’. I read this slogan with sad bemusement, given the fact that the current government continues to do nothing to alleviate the plight of the youth. I do, however, believe that there is a light, albeit a rather dim one, at the end of the tunnel. I do see more and more private enterprises popping up offering practical training courses. All types of courses are catered for, but I am delighted to see private companies offering training on woodworking, plumbing, metalworking, electrical, and so on. What this country needs are young people who are useful and do not mind getting their hands dirty, not hundreds of young people with poorly obtained degrees and no prospect of a future. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in the academic route. But I also know that: 1. Many professional sectors are saturated with graduates. 2. Much of our youth are studying towards a degree that they have no interest in, besides the fact they think it will provide some form of income security. There is no longer a passion in the choices that they make. I say bring back the training colleges; provide useful vocational training for our youth; stop spreading the lie that a degree from a traditional university is the best option. Then we will collectively start to see an improvement. My only hope is that the government realises that this is an option and allows our youth a fighting chance at a better life.
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 3 NEWS ELECTRONICS NEWS DIGEST EVENTS Continued on page 4 Financial • Worldwide high inflation has caused a slump in the purchasing of consumer and enterprise electronic components in the main markets of North America and China, with the market not predicting the slump and continuing with full production. This has resulted in the revenue of many electronic components being reduced. In one such case, the revenue of enterprise SSDs used in servers and high-end computing machines fell by nearly half in Q1 2023. Although the market for SSDs fell by a significant 47%, there is already a noticeable shift upwards in Q2, causing manufacturers to predict a growth trajectory through the second quarter. • The South African Rand rallied slightly at the start of June after an announcement by the central bank stating that the current account deficit narrowed in the first quarter of 2023. This was followed by an announcement, and supported by data, that said manufacturing output rose during April by 3,4% after the March decline of 1,8%. • The global new energy vehicle sales, comprising BEVs, PHEVs and FCVs, reached 2,656 million units in the first quarter 2023. This marks a YoY increase of 28%. Tesla has reclaimed its market share with a total of 21,8% of the sales. Trendforce has predicted that as countries continue their drive towards zero-emission vehicles, that EVs will continue their upward trajectory. • Although Eskom has not published its latest results for the 12 months ending March 2023, the National Treasury has indicated that the power utility has had its biggest loss to date, a whopping R21,2 billion. This amount is more than previously expected. The burden of debt now prevents the utility from raising money for continued operations, including the increased maintenance of its ageing fleet of coal-fired stations. • The prices of lithium saw a major surge in the market during May, which is predicted to translate into higher battery prices for both EVs and other renewable energy storage systems. However, it is expected that this increase will be mostly negated by the downswing in prices of other crucial li-ion battery materials such as cathode precursor materials, anode materials, separators, electrolytes, and PVDF. • Total NAND Flash revenue fell 16,1% in Q1 2023 as demand continues to decline. Despite suppliers aggressively slashing prices to stimulate sales, the shipment volume of NAND Flash saw a marginal growth of 2,1% over the first quarter. This drop in NAND Flash revenue amount to a decrease of $8,63 billion. • The total smartphone production has dropped to a ten-year quarterly low, according to analysis by TrendForce. This is likely to be caused by the ongoing global economic downturn which continues to impact consumer confidence in the market. This downturn translates to a 19,5% YoY decrease. • The top 10 foundries have reported an 18,6% QoQ revenue decline in Q1 2023. This decline, which has amounted to $27,3 billion, is expected to continue into Q2, and is attributed to the ongoing weak end-market demand. Samsung was the biggest loser, with a reported decline of 36,1% during the first quarter. • Trendforce has predicted a huge surge in server shipments by as much as 40% during the rest of 2023. These units, fitted with GPUs, FPGAs and ASICs, are destined for markets worldwide as the race for AI and ML continues unabated. NVIDIA’s GPUs currently dominate the AI server market with an impressive 60-70% market share. Companies • Danisense has announced the appointment of Lars Fox as new director of R&D. Fox has held various management positions in industrial, electronics and technology-driven market segments, and brings with him more than 20 years of experience in R&D, operations and product commercialisation. • STMicroelectronics and Sanan Optoelectronics have announced that they have signed an agreement to create a new 200 mm silicon carbide device manufacturing joint venture in Chongqing, China. The new SiC fab is targeting to start production in Q4 2025 and full buildout is anticipated in 2028, supporting the rising demand in China for car electrification as well as for industrial power and energy applications. In parallel, Sanan Optoelectronics will build and separately operate a new 200 mm SiC substrate manufacturing facility to fulfil the joint venture’s needs, using its own SiC substrate process. • Indium Corporation Strategic Advisor Dr. Dongkai Shangguan was honoured by the IEEE Electronics Packaging Society (EPS) with its 2023 electronics manufacturing technology award at the 73rd Electronics Components and Technology Conference (ECTC) in Orlando, Florida. The award serves to recognise major contributions to electronics manufacturing technology in fields encompassed by the IEEE EPS. • Vertiv has announced the opening of its African head office and customer experience centre based in Johannesburg. The new facility Electronics News Digest KITE 2023 18-20 July 2023 Durban Exhibition Centre The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) is KZN’s premier trade show for the industrial technology sector. The exhibition connects buyers and sellers of manufacturing equipment, products, services, and software to advance the industry and its businesses. Combining the exhibition with seminars and conferences, group workshops, and a skills development zone, the event promises a multitude of tried and tested industrial technology solutions, equipping visitors and exhibitors with tools to help grow their businesses. Register at http://kznindustrial.co.za works with by Silicon Labs 22-23 August 2023 The ‘works with’ virtual conference is back for the fourth year. Attendees will hear from Silicon labs leadership and learn how the industry is planning for and operating in a more unified ecosystem environment. Technical sessions will take place with experts, design partners and developers from around the world which will allow interaction in your area of interest. Attend in-depth discussions by industry leaders across various fields looking into the latest trends and technologies driving IoT. Register at https://workswith.silabs.com The Energy Expo 2023 22-24 August 2023 Miami Airport Convention Center, USA Awarded among the fastest growing shows, the Energy Expo (5th edition) in Miami, Florida, comes as an in-person tradeshow to serve your clean energy needs. Equipment, technologies, products and education will be presented for the solar, energy storage, EV charging, clean energy, energy saving and smart tech industries. Register at https://www.theenergyexpo.com/
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 4 NEWS ELECTRONICS NEWS DIGEST Continued from page 3 will play a strategic role in Vertiv’s African investment and underscores the organisation’s investment in the region. The customer experience centre will showcase the company’s diverse range of solutions for applications from the edge of the network to the cloud. These include the SmartCabinet and the Liebert EXS and EXM2 range of UPSs. • ZTE’s director of standards and open-source strategy, Meng Wei, has been elected as the new chairman of the governing board of the Linux Foundation AI and Data (LF AI & Data). This foundation is a non-profit technology consortium with a mission to build and support an open AI and data community. • The South African government is considering extending the life of some of its coal-fired power stations as they seek to increase the country’s energy security. The country has seen as unprecedented surge in the forced power blackouts, known as loadshedding, in 2023 as the energy availability factor of its larger plants see a steady decline. • The Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation has announced the 20 teams receiving design round prizes for the Milken–Motsepe Prize in Green Energy and advancing to the semi-finalist round. At this stage, each semi-finalist team will receive $20 000 to further develop and test their designs anywhere in the world. The competition will ultimately award $2 million in total prizes and additional benefits for entrepreneurs who expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity in Africa. Technologies • Pickering Interfaces has announced a new range of PXI/PXIe microwave relay modules capable of switching the 110 GHz signals associated with demanding RF and communications platforms, including emerging technologies like automotive radar. This extension to the company’s existing range of terminated SPDT microwave switches is the first to be offered in 110 GHz, delivering the highest RF switching performance available within a Pickering switching system. • Silicon Labs recently opened registration for its fourth annual ‘works with Conference’, which will be held on 22 and 23 August. The industry-leading developer conference will feature 40+ in-depth technical sessions, covering every major IoT protocol and ecosystem. The sessions are designed to demystify, simplify, and accelerate the development of IoT products. • According to regulations recently published by the trade, industry and competition department, it will be unlawful to sell fluorescent and incandescent light bulbs for use in South African households in a year’s time. The proposed amendments were published on 1 March 2021 and South Africans had until 30 April 2021 to make submissions. The new specifications aim to advance the safety, performance and energy efficiency of light bulbs sold in South Africa by eliminating both inefficient and environmentally damaging products. • It has been reported that the recently unveiled Apple Vision Pro at this year’s WWDC is poised to revolutionise the AR/VR market. However, the complexity behind its production and its limited production capacity present significant challenges, leading to a projected initial release in 2024. Furthermore, considering factors such as pricing and the absence of certain essential features, a modest shipment volume of approximately 200 000 units is anticipated. • Applications have opened for SA’s top tech talent to compete in the BRICS skills Olympics, a series of challenging centring around energy, water and health. This year’s young talent will represent the country at the event hosted by South Africa in Johannesburg from 12 to 15 September. Students at universities and TVET colleges between the ages of 16 and 35 are eligible to apply with 120 positions available for local talent.
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 5 NEWS Team Texpand, a Cape Town based community robotics team aged from 13 to 16, has represented South Africa at the FIRST World Robotics Championships in Houston running from 19-22 April. The team won first place in the THINK award which is awarded to the team that demonstrates the best solution to removing engineering obstacles through creative and scientific thinking. This international event is an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) for all youth and results in fun preparation for young people looking towards a career in these fields. The competitions centred around a game that is played by robots, with each team scoring points by their programmed robot picking up cup sized cones and placing them on poles of different heights. In each match, two teams were randomly chosen to collaborate and devise a strategy on how their robots would play the game to win against the other two opposing robots. In both the Western Cape regional and the SA national competitions, Texpand won the top award for the best team. The criteria included: • Creative engineering and problem solving. • Innovative design of the gripper system. SA robotics youth team does us proud ESD flooring is a robust, long-term solution for antistatic properties, that enables static to dissipate through the floor to a ground point. An important factor when choosing a floor covering, is the resistance to earth, which indicates how strongly the material will resist the flow of electricity through it (measured in ohms). ESD flooring must have excellent abrasion and chemical resistance, where it is welded to create a completely impervious floor, offering no sanctuary for dirt and bacteria. It is not recommended to seal an ESD floor upon installation, and it may negate the electrostatic properties of the floor coverings. Correct installation is vital to protect operations. Actum installs both dissipative and conductive flooring, which can be installed with vinyl, epoxy, interlocking tiles, paint, or a specialised dissipative floor sealer. When testing an ESD floor, two tests should be performed for accurate results. The first involves testing the ESD floor from point to point to ensure the material is static dissipative or conductive. The second test ensures that the floor has been earthed and this would be done by testing continuity from the ESD floor to earth. Using an aluminium or copper grid, together with a conductive adhesive, is important when performing the floor installation to create this continuity. ESD floors should be installed in accordance with European and USA standards IEC 61340-5-1 and DIN 51953. All Altico Static Control Solutions installations and products are ISO 140001 and ISO 9001:2000 certified. Altico Static Control Solutions, a division of Actum, focuses exclusively on static control in the workplace, offering a complete range of static control solutions and products. with Greg Barron, Actum Group director Clearing the Static For more information contact Actum on +27 11 608 3001 or email [email protected]. Actum is a specialised importer and distributor of industrial and electronic products in southern Africa. ESD flooring and installation Otto Wireless Solutions has announced the appointment of two new team members, Sarah-Jane Chamberlain and Anthea Goba. Sarah-Jane has been appointed as the receptionist and is ready to see to your needs on arrival at the company. Anthea has been appointed to the internal sales team where she will take on the role of the go-to-person for enquiries, stock order, and giving assistance with choosing the correct product to suit ones needs. For more information contact Otto Wireless Solutions, +27 11 791 1033, [email protected], www.otto.co.za The Otto Wireless team is growing • Multiple sensors to improve robot control. • Volunteering more than 60 hours of training disadvantaged students in programming, mechanics and mathematics. The team of Texpand did the country proud by being ranked 25th out of 192 championship teams. Ethan Buckle, the founding member of Texpand, explains their philosophy: “From the start we had our sights set on being the best SA team and qualifying for Worlds. We spent years watching the best teams in the world compete and showcase their robots. It was incredible to get the opportunity to see our hero teams compete in person and to meet and learn from them. Our initial goal was to make sure that we didn’t embarrass ourselves and look like we didn’t belong there.” The Durban branch of the SAIMC made a donation towards Team Texpand’s costs, and challenges all other branches of the SAIMC to do the same in 2024. Texpand is always looking to partner with companies that are committed to expanding STEM skills in South Africa. For more information visit http://texpand.org.za/
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 6 NEWS While the proclamation is intended to bring some much-needed clarity on the delineation of the two ministers’ powers, it has in fact further muddied the waters. The president’s proclamation transfers to Minister Ramokgopa “all powers and functions” specified under sections 34(1) and 34(2) of the ERA, except for the ministerial power to implement determinations on new energy capacity contained in section 34(2)(a) to (e). Section 34(2) only has paragraphs (a) to (e), so the exception renders the new minister’s powers under this section meaningless. Section 34(1) empowers Minister Ramokgopa to determine the different sources of new energy generation, the percentages to be generated from each source, to whom it may be sold, and to hold a competitive tendering process. The powers in Section 35(4), which remain with Minister Mantashe, relate to the power to make regulations regarding the different sources of new energy generation, the percentages to be generated from each source, to whom it may be sold, and to hold a competitive tendering process. There is considerable overlap between sections 34(1) and 35(4). The Electricity Regulations on new generation capacity have not changed. They specify that the power to draw up the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) sits with, and Is this a powerless power minister? By Jason van der Poel, partner at Webber Wentzel. remains with, the Minister of Minerals and Energy. The IRP sets out the sources of South Africa’s intended new energy generation over the long term (coal, gas, wind, solar, nuclear and storage) and what percentages they will contribute. What powers can Minister Ramokgopa actually exercise? He can issue new determinations under the existing IRP to procure new power to plug the gaps in South Africa’s electricity generation, but Minister Mantashe has already issued determinations for procuring coal, solar, wind and nuclear. Other duties referred to in the presidential statement, but not in legislation, are that Minister Ramokgopa will oversee the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee, work with Eskom’s board and management to end loadshedding, and ensure that the Energy Action Plan is implemented speedily. There is no clarity on how long Minister Ramokgopa’s appointment will last and how his performance will be measured – his Key Performance Indicators, in other words. It appears from various political statements that there is no confusion within the cabinet about delineating the two ministers’ powers. Those outside cabinet may speculate that the uncertainty that arises from the drafting of the proclamation holds potential for conflict not only between Ministers Ramokgopa and The annual Hackathon is seeing 530 hackers and 140 organisations, spanning nine industries, participate using the SAS Viya artificial intelligence (AI)-based automation platform. SAS Viya is making it possible for participants to integrate teams and technology, thereby enabling all types of SAS and open-source users to collaborate. The Hackathon is structured in such a way that teams receive the means through Leading the charge for real-world change in annual SAS Hackathon Mantashe, but could also involve the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, who is responsible for oversight of Eskom. So far, Minister Ramokgopa has indicated he is eager to add more renewable energy to South Africa’s generation capacity, but he has also indicated that it would make sense to extend the life of the country’s coal-fired power plants. This has caused consternation among those who expect the new minister to accelerate the Just Energy Transition. Further clarity on exactly what Minister Ramokgopa is empowered to do and not do would be welcomed. SAS technology to transform use cases from ideas to reality. The intention is to stimulate further creative solutions among participating organisations. The Hackathon proper ran from 15 March to 12 April, with jury voting taking place throughout April and May. In June, the regional winners will be announced, while September will see the overall global winner announced at SAS Explore: An Analytics Experience for Technologists. ExCreLo, the Absa team, has focused on an RWA Movement Analyser that features abstraction capability to ‘any’ number and ‘any’ domain. This is due to standardisation concepts introduced across base data profiling, and incorporates modelling data preparation, the development of the model using machine learning techniques, and visualisation based on model drivers per modelling outcome. Additionally, a bias analysis is also included. For its part, Prophetic Packers, the Dake Solutions team, has focused on the integration of advanced data analytics, AI and IoT in manufacturing, with specific applications in packaging prediction on various scales, and environmental IoT for goods transport and safety. For more information visit www.sas.com On 26 May 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a Proclamation transferring certain powers under the Electricity Regulation Act No. 4 of 2006 (ERA) to the recently appointed Minister of Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The Minister of Minerals and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, previously held these powers. Commencing earlier this year, the SAS 2023 Hackathon aims to inspire 104 teams from 74 countries to be curious and passionate; to invent something new that could change our daily lives, the way we do business, or approach humanitarian causes. South Africa has two teams, from Absa and Dake Solutions, participating in this prestigious event this year, which reinforces the country’s commitment to finding innovative, data-driven ways of overcoming the pressing issues facing local markets.
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 7 NEWS COMPANY PROFILE Conical Technologies: A growing enterprise “Our values are to be ethical, and provide value to our customers.” Conical Technologies, a company specialising in microwave, power supplies, DC to DC converters, EMF safety, and fibre equipment, was started in 2010 by Daniel Haywood. The company is a level 2 BBBEE enterprise which imports and supplies a complete line of electrical, electronic, fibre and microwave components. Conical also incorporates a professional services division which handles fault-finding, testing and auditing of networks for clients. Starting off small, the company is continuing to grow and now has a staff complement of seven. With many companies currently downscaling, Conical has seized the opportunity to grow its customer base and product offering. Keeping the momentum going has helped the company remain stable in the ongoing unpredictable economic climate. The company’s focus areas Initially focussed on the procurement and supply of microwave and RF equipment primarily to the defence industry, it was noticed in recent years that this side of the business was on the decline. In 2017 a decision was taken to change the main business focus to power supply solutions to enhance the business model that the company was operating with. Although the company still supplies many loyal customers with RF and microwave components, it now supplies power and energy solutions to both existing and new customers in the rail, industrial automation, alternative energy, and defence sectors. In 2022 the company moved into its new premises in Irene. This move was brought on by its relationship with Mornsun Power and the changing business model which saw Conical move away from ordering stock on demand to carrying volume stock, thereby further improving its service to its customers. Conical Technologies has partnered with many well-known brands and original equipment manufacturers to provide state-of-the-art power supply solutions. Customers benefit from Conical’s technical team, who provide expertise into identifying required solutions that match their systems. Conical also prides itself on its ability to add value to its products in the form of product customisation based on customers’ requirements. Ethics and values Conical’s values focus on providing value to its customers, while being ethical in all its dealings. The company provides its customers with fair pricing and always strives to add that personal touch by giving its best possible service. Conical also realises that it is a small cog in a larger system and believes that giving back to the community is important. The company is a regular sponsor of ‘Hope for Wildlife’, a wildlife helicopter service involved in the rescue of animals caught in snares and traps, and anti-rhino poaching in the Greater Kruger National Park. Conical also supports a non-profit organisation called ‘Eco Children’, that empowers kids from the area of Acornhoek with books, clothing and food. On top of this, the company helps other non-profit organisations that look after people in desperate need. The company is also involved in helping out in the sporting arena which sees them sponsoring equipment for an angling team, and providing competition prizes. Conical’s belief in always providing a value-added and ethical service to its customers will see the company strengthen its position as a leading supplier of quality products to the engineering sectors. For more information contact Conical Technologies, +27 66 231 1900, [email protected], www.conical.co.za Daniel Haywood.
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 8 REGULAR SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, DESIGN Some of the most important components of LIDAR sensors are the filters that isolate target signals, while preventing sunlight and other extraneous light from reaching the detector. LIDAR filters Courtesy of Alluxa, www.alluxa.com. LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a highly versatile active remote sensing technique that is used in Earth and atmospheric sciences, autonomous vehicles, urban planning, and many other applications. Figure 1. Diagram illustrating the difference between single and multiple return signals from an aerial laser altimeter [image credit: Alluxa]. A wide variety of applications and sensor types exist, from laser altimeters to Raman LIDAR systems, all with different return signal strengths and LIDAR filter requirements. Therefore, LIDAR filters must be designed with the specific application and sensor type in mind to maximise signal-to-noise ratio. Laser altimeters and other LIDAR sensors scan a pulsed laser across the environment and determine the return time of the reflected signals by calculating the precise position and orientation of the sensor as the signals are emitted and received. To accomplish this, a LIDAR system requires five basic components: a laser, either a mechanical or software-based scanning system, a receiver or photodetector, a GPS unit, and a high-precision clock. Aerial LIDAR systems also require an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to determine orientation. Figure 2. A LIDAR data point cloud [credit: Oregon State University]. The basic equation used to determine the distance between the object and the sensor is: Where R is the range in metres, c is the speed of light, na is the index of refraction of air, t is the time when the signal returns, and tp is the time when the pulse is emitted. If a single LIDAR pulse only encounters one object, such as bare ground, the result will be a single corresponding return signal. However, since the beam is generally expanded as it is emitted, multiple objects such as tree branches and shrubs can be encountered before the signal reaches the ground, resulting in multiple reflected signals. Depending on the associated software, LIDAR systems will either record these returns as discrete points, or will display the data as a waveform showing each return as a function of time (Figure 1). The result is a data point cloud that can be used to create high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) or 3D images of features in the surrounding environment (Figure 2). LIDAR filters Although return signals can be isolated using a variety of different filtering technologies, most LIDAR systems employ thin-film interference filters because of their inherent durability and lack of a need for maintenance or calibration. This is an important consideration because many LIDAR sensors are mounted to satellites, aeroplanes, UAVs, autonomous vehicles, and other platforms that require the sensor to function under harsh environmental conditions, with little to no maintenance. Because of the precise nature of LIDAR return signals, most LIDAR filters are ultra-narrowband thin-film interference filters. These filters must be able to achieve both high transmission over an ultra-narrow bandwidth to isolate the return signal, and deep out-of-band blocking over a large wavelength range to attenuate sunlight and other extraneous light (Figure 3). However, there are many different types of LIDAR systems that each necessarily demand application-specific filter requirements to maximise signal-to-noise ratios. Figure 3. A narrowband LIDAR interference filter.
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 9 REGULAR SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, DESIGN GigaDevice has announced the industry’s smallest 128 Mb SPI NOR flash, GD25LE128EXH, in the ultra-compact 3 x 3 x 0,4 mm FO-USON8 package. With a thickness of only 0,4 mm, the GD25LE128EXH offers designers unparalleled flexibility in designing compact applications, making it the ideal code storage unit for IoT, wearables, healthcare, and networking products that demand high functionality and low power consumption. The GD25LE128EXH features outstanding performance, with a maximum frequency of 133 MHz, and a data throughput of up to 532 Mbit/s, significantly enhancing system access speed and instant-on capability. The GD25LE128EXH operates at a lower read current of only 6 mA when running at four-channel 133 MHz frequency, reducing the Industry’s smallest 128 Mb SPI NOR flash power consumption by 45%, and thereby extending battery life. The GD25LE128EXH achieves an ultra-small size for 128 Mb products by using the new FO-USON8 package, which reduces area by 70% and thickness by 50%, compared to the conventional WSON8 package. As a result, GD25LE128EXH takes up 85% less space and reduces material cost. The FO-USON8 package is also pin compatible with 64 Mb and lower capacity 3 x 4 x 0,6 mm USON8 products, enabling quick density upgrades to 128 Mb without changing the PCB layout. For more information contact NuVision Electronics, +27 11 608 0144, [email protected], www.nuvisionelec.com Laser altimeters, for example, typically require ultra-narrowband interference filters to be less than 1,5 nm at full-width half maximum (FWHM), while achieving over 90% transmission at the laser wavelength Figure 4. A 72 mm diameter uniformity-controlled LIDAR interference filter with < 0,035% variation in centre wavelength over the clear aperture. and greater than OD6 (-60dB or 0,0001% transmission) out-of-band blocking from ~300 – 1300 nm. Raman LIDAR filters, on the other hand, must have extremely steep edges so that the Raman signal is transmitted to the detector, while the stronger elastic backscatter signals at the laser wavelength are blocked to a level of OD8 (-80 dB or 0,000001% transmission). LIDAR systems also require that the filters’ thin-film coating must be as uniform as possible. When uniformity is not controlled, the thinfilm layer thicknesses vary across the surface of the filter, resulting in a location-dependent wavelength shift of the filter spectrum across the clear aperture. If a filter with uncontrolled uniformity is integrated into a LIDAR system, a large number of LIDAR return signals will end up being blocked by the filter and will not reach the detector. Fortunately, a uniformity-controlled thin-film coating will ensure that target signals will not be blocked by the filter (Figure 4). In addition, LIDAR filters must also be designed with the sensor platform and environmental conditions in mind. Aerial- and groundbased LIDAR systems operate at temperatures that can range from -40 to 105°C, while satellite LIDAR operating ranges depend on the orbit and thermal control system of the satellite. Therefore, any interference filters integrated into systems that operate at extreme temperatures should be designed to minimise temperature-dependent wavelength shift. For more information visit www.alluxa.com Matter is an open-source, interoperability standard, which is maintained by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). Designed for smart homes and smart buildings, Matter ensures seamless interactions between connected devices across different IP technologies. End users no longer have to worry about device interoperability, as Matter ensures connected objects from multiple brands can work together seamlessly, while ensuring data privacy. Matter is an application layer which addresses many applications in an open-source delivery and certification infrastructure, allowing wide adoption. The promise of seamless interoperability in smart homes matter TCP UDP IPv6 Wi-Fi Thread BLE Ethernet Additional future network layers The roles of connected devices in a Matter network In smart homes, connected devices run based on Wi-Fi or Thread technologies, and each device has a specific role within the Matter network. All of these devices support a connectivity technology within Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thread as network communication protocol. They also need to support Bluetooth LE technology, to allow users to commission a new device onto the existing network: • End devices: connected objects serving a final application, such as lights or door locks. • Router/Bridges: objects such as gateways route the data from an end device, transferring it from one protocol to another (Wi-Fi to Thread for example). • Controllers: devices, such as smartphones or tablets, used to commission an end device into a Matter network (controllers support Bluetooth LE). Many IoT products support Zigbee, and will now also enable support for Matter. The supporting infrastructure requires a solution that can bridge the communication between Matter-based and Zigbee-based devices. The bridge usually integrates high-performance MCUs with Ethernet capability to link connectivity products. The dual-core STM32H7 MCU has the right features to address this role, as it can embed the Matter layer and translate it into the Zigbee protocol and vice versa. STMicroelectronics’ STM32WB wireless MCU is also suitable for running in Matter networks and supporting Matter in connected objects. Features of this SoC include: • Multi-protocol capabilities: STM32WB can run Bluetooth LE and Thread in concurrent modes, which is necessary for device commissioning. • A large memory with 1 Mbyte of Flash and 256 Kbytes of RAM to support application layer and connectivity stacks. • Quad-SPI peripheral to extend the memory size externally with execution in place. • Over-The-Air firmware updates, whatever the application and the connectivity stack. For more information contact Altron Arrow, +27 11 923 9600, [email protected], www.altronarrow.com
Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 10 REGULAR SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, DESIGN Infineon’s PSoC 4100S Max is a low-cost ARM Cortex-M0+ solution with next-gen CAPSENSE technology ideal for home automation Highly integrated home automation solution These modules cover many application areas such as robotics, industrial automation, AI-capable image processing and video transcoding. Featuring a CPU power range from only 6 to 15 W, they are pin-compatible with previous designs in the range. The module combines a high CPU and graphics performance with increased AI acceleration and a variety of highspeed interfaces. For the first time in this performance segment, new advanced instruction sets and Intel Deep Learning Boost are supported. Together with the enhanced security features, including TPM 2.0, the SMARC module with Intel Gracemont CPU architecture The module features standard security features up to WPA3-PSK, and provides 128-bit AES encryption for added security. The FCM360W supports multiple interfaces including UART, SPI, I2C, I2S, ADC and PWM, Ultra-compact Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 module applications. The SoC expands the company’s scalable PSoC4 portfolio and delivers more flash and more GPIOs, and introduces the next generation MSC (multi-sense converter) CAPSENSE. These advancements enable higher performance and lower power operation, and designing applications for human machine interfaces (HMIs) just became easier to accomplish. Combined with new communication methods and a cryptographic accelerator, the PSoC 4100S Max can lift existing and new designs to the next level. The PSoC features a 32-bit MCU with maximum memory and I/O integration. Up to 384 kB Flash and 32 kB SRAM is available, and up to 84 pins, split between analogue and digital signals, can be used. The ICs feature dual MSC CAPSENSE blocks for advanced touch-sensing solutions. Multiple data collection methods are supported ranging from touch through to resistive or current sensors. Communication ports include CAN-FD, I2S, and Fast I2C. The ICs also feature eight Timer Counter Pulse Width Modulators (TCPWM) and five Serial communication blocks. Enhanced cryptography is available with a dedicated HW security block to support AES, SHA, TRNG, PRNG and CRC functions. For more information contact Future Electronics, +27 21 421 8292, [email protected], www.futureelectronics.com module is also particularly well suited for applications in the healthcare, IoT, retail, and video and conferencing sectors. The new Gracemont CPU microarchitecture, and the integrated Intel UHD Gen12 graphics with up to 32 execution units, have both been adapted from the 12th generation Intel Core processors. Combined, they set new standards in the areas of power efficiency, CPU single-thread/multi-thread performance and multimedia and AI in this particularly small form factor. The CPU architecture is combined with high-speed interfaces such as dual 2,5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, USB 3.2 ports, and ultra-fast LPDDR5 memory. For more information contact Rugged Interconnect Technologies, +27 21 975 8894, [email protected], www.ri-tech.co.za alongside many low power consumption modes and keep-alive mechanisms, making it ideal for smart homes and industrial IoT use cases. Quectel’s FCM360W module is offered in the LCC form factor with an ultra-compact package size of 25,5 x 18 x 3,2 mm. The module offers support for multiple interfaces across 19 GPIOs, allowing for multi-channel SSL connections and local caching of large amounts of data. This makes it ideal for use cases such as photovoltaic inverters, energy storage batteries and other smart devices that require long-term data monitoring and storage. Additionally, the module has an operating temperature range of -40 to 85°C and comes with antenna options that include RF coaxial connector, external antenna pin or PCB antenna. For more information contact Quectel Wireless Solutions, +27 82 653 7458, [email protected], www.quectel.com With this credit card-sized module, seven new processor variants have been added to the portfolio of highly integrated embedded modules. Quectel Wireless Solutions has launched its latest Quectel FCM360W Wi-Fi and Bluetooth module, combining a high-performance processor with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 capabilities. With large memory, including 512 kB SRAM and 4 MB of flash memory, the FCM360W is highly versatile, offering a blend of processing power, memory, connectivity and security.
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Dataweek, 28 June 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 12 REGULAR SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, DESIGN The new imperatives of the intelligent edge – power efficiency, security and reliability – are forcing system architects and design engineers to find new solutions. For the growing number of system designers switching to PolarFire FPGAs and SoCs, Microchip has announced new development resources and design services to aid the move. These include the industry’s first mid-range industrial edge stack, ready-to-customise cryptography and boot libraries, and new tools to convert existing FPGA designs to PolarFire devices. The additions expand Microchip FPGA’s comprehensive suite of tools and services supporting the PolarFire family of devices, and includes the only RISC-V SoC FPGA shipping in volume production. “The intelligent edge demands the very best in power efficiency, security, safety and reliability,” said Shakeel Peera, vice president of strategy for Microchip FPGA. “Our new mid-range industrial edge stack and related tools offer more than just automation IP, as they enable secure edge compute, analytics, machine learning and high-availability data interconnects for Industrial IoT end points.” “Customers are switching to PolarFire FPGAs and SoCs because they can create products that weren’t possible before, establish clear product differentiation, and accelerate their time to innovation,” said Bruce Weyer, corporate vice president of Microchip FPGA. “Our mid-range Industry’s most power-efficient mid-range FPGA Recently launched family of 32-bit µCs The NCN26010 by onsemi is a top-performing Industrial Ethernet MAC + PHY IC controller. The chip provides high performance and reliability, and interfaces seamlessly with other components in an electronic communication design. The Industrial Ethernet 10BASE-T1S standard enables performance in Industrial 4.0 Factory Transformation applications, employing fast, reliable, uniform communication using Single-Pair Ethernet (SPE). Top-performing Industrial Ethernet IC technology leadership and unmatched RISC-V-based compute solutions offer system architects unprecedented design flexibility and efficiency.” To back its FPGA-based embedded processor portfolio, Microchip offers broad RISC-V development support with more than 60 companies. The new resources that promise to offer immediate benefits at the design and development stage include: • A comprehensive industrial edge stack for Open Platform Communications/Unified Architecture (OPC/UA)-based IIoT applications. • Cryptography and boot soft IP libraries that can be fully customised. They join more than 200 proven, optimised and easy-to-use processor soft cores and other Microchip FPGA IP elements and more than 120 third-party cores. Each library element is optimised for the best area and timing with PolarFire FPGAs and SoCs for fast designs and prototypes. • A high-performance AI/ML development flow that lets algorithm creators build their own mid-range FPGAs. This solution features SmartHLS compiler software, the VectorBlox accelerator software development kit (SDK) and neural-network IP. For more information contact ASIC Design Services, +27 11 315 8316, [email protected], www.asic.co.za NXP has recently launched its LPC860 family of 32-bit microcontrollers that fully support existing software solutions and programming environments developed by NXP. The LPC860 integrates a 32-bit Arm Cortex M0+ CPU, with a maximum clock frequency of 60 MHz, built-in nested interrupts, and a system tick timer for time tracking. The family offers up to 64 kB of flash memory and 8 kB SRAM. The microcontrollers also provide strengthened code read protection, ideal for security in commercial products. In addition to internal booting, the LPC860 also supports boot loaders that enable firmware updates in the field, and this can be used to provide additional security measures after deployment. The LPC860 has up to 54 GPIO and a 12-bit ADC connected to 12 selectable input channels providing sample rates up to 1,9 Msps. For applications that require larger currents, four pins on the LPC860 support 20 mA current source and sink. The devices include numerous digital peripherals, including an I3C and an I2C port, 2 x SPI, and 3 x USART ports, providing engineers with multiple bus options. The LPC860 includes two FlexTimers with DMA capabilities and selectable hardware triggers. Not only can these timers be used in motor controller applications, but dedicated motor fault detection allows for the LCP860 to shut down an external motor upon detecting faults. A self-wakeup timer is also integrated, which can resume CPU operation from sleep after a predefined time. The LPC860 family integrates an internal voltage regulator for powering the internal core, thus only requiring a single voltage input. This family of microcontrollers is ideal for applications in motor control, lighting, battery charging, and PC I3C accessories. For more information contact Altron Arrow, +27 11 923 9600, [email protected], www.altronarrow.com onsemi’s NCN26010 controller integrates features such as enhanced noise immunity mode, collision detection masking, physical layer collision avoidance (PLCA), and MAC address filtering, making this controller a compelling choice for many industrial designs, including those with networked sensors. To further aid the design process, onsemi boasts an evaluation board for the NCN26010. The NCN26010XMNEVB 10BASE-T1S MACPHY evaluation board is designed to allow customers access to onsemi’s NCN26010 SPI-enabled 10BASE-T1S MACPHY. Its main purpose is to demonstrate the MACPHYs basic functionality and it doubles as a lab tool to allow customers to develop their own embedded software drivers for the NCN26010 device. For more information contact Future Electronics, +27 21 421 8292, [email protected], www.futureelectronics.com
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