As the technology world evolves rapidly, the role of companies offering innovative solutions becomes increasingly important in the industry. One such company leading this development is Boardoza. With its goal of making technology accessible to everyone, Boardoza enables users to achieve more efficient, creative, and effective use of technology through its products and services.

The maker development boards in Boardoza’s product ecosystem play a critical role in technology development processes. Designed for individuals and communities working on electronics and software-based projects, these versatile, user-friendly platforms enhance access to technology and lay the foundation for innovative projects. Widely used in both hobbyist projects and professional prototyping processes, maker development boards are tools that bring the evolution of technology to a level accessible to all.

Today, we will explore the Boarduino R3 and Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 boards available in the Boardoza product range and discover how their features can take your projects a step further.

General Features of Boarduino R3

The Boarduino R3 is a compact and versatile microcontroller development board designed for a wide variety of projects. Powered by the ATmega328P microcontroller, this board offers an ideal platform for both beginners and experienced developers. With a 5V operating voltage, the Boarduino R3 can be powered with an input voltage ranging from 7V to 12V.

Technical Specifications and Applications of Boarduino R3

Input/Output Pins

The Boarduino R3 features a wide range of digital and analog input/output pins. Equipped with a total of 14 digital I/O pins and 6 analog input pins, this board offers great flexibility for developing your projects. The digital pins can be used to control LEDs, drive motors, or collect data from sensors, while the 6 analog input pins provide substantial flexibility for projects involving devices with analog outputs such as temperature or light sensors. This versatility allows the Boarduino R3 to support a wide array of applications.

Power and Current Management

The Boarduino R3 operates at 5V and can be powered through a USB connection or an external power source ranging from 7V to 12V. Each I/O pin can supply a current of 20mA DC, and the 3.3V pin can provide up to 50mA of current. This feature simplifies the integration of external devices and ensures compatibility with various sensors, motors, and other components. The Boarduino R3 allows you to power your prototypes both safely and efficiently.

Clock Speed and Built-in LED

The 16 MHz clock speed of the Boarduino R3 ensures that it operates at a sufficient speed for most applications. Additionally, the built-in LED on Pin 13 serves as a practical indicator for testing the basic functions of the board and accelerating debugging processes. This feature provides significant ease during prototype development and offers a user-friendly experience.

Applications and Example Uses

Hobby Projects

With its simplicity and versatility, the Boarduino R3 is an excellent choice for hobby projects and DIY (Do-It-Yourself) applications. It is commonly used in projects such as robot building, home automation systems, and interactive devices. The board is ideal for controlling components like PWM outputs, motors, and LEDs, offering a rich set of features for projects. As a result, the Boarduino R3 serves as the foundation for creative and functional hobby projects.

Prototyping and Learning

For beginners, the Boarduino R3 is an excellent starting point for embedded programming and microcontroller-based designs. Its compatibility with the Arduino ecosystem provides access to a wealth of educational materials, libraries, and community support. This support accelerates the learning process and allows users to quickly bring their projects to life. The Boarduino R3 is an ideal platform for both beginner and advanced learners, making it a popular choice for educational and research purposes.

Educational and Research Use of Boarduino R3

The Boarduino R3 offers an excellent platform for educational purposes, thanks to its simple design and powerful features. It is frequently chosen in classrooms for teaching fundamental electronics concepts such as digital input/output, PWM control, and analog-to-digital conversion. With the Boarduino R3, students can quickly test their circuits, enabling them to learn basic electronics and coding skills in practice.

Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 Development Board: General Features

The Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 is a flexible and compact development board designed for embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. With its very small 60 x 60 mm size, it provides significant advantages in prototyping and development processes with its multiple connectivity options and powerful features. The board can be powered either via a battery or a Type C connection, making it highly practical for both portable and fixed projects.

Key Technical Features

Power Options

The Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 operates at 3.3V DC, making it suitable for low-voltage systems. This feature allows for easy integration with battery-powered devices. The board strikes an excellent balance between performance and energy efficiency, making it ideal for IoT devices and projects that require low power consumption.

Pin Structure and Connectivity Options

The Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 offers a wide range of communication options and has the following connection points:

• Battery Connection (J1): Provides a battery connection with BAT+ (positive) and AT- (negative) inputs.
• I2C Connector (J3): Includes SDA (data) and SCL (clock) pins f or communication with I2C-compatible peripherals. Additionally, it provides a +3.3V pin and ground connection for powering connected devices.
• UART Connector (J4): Includes TX and RX pins for serial communication, as well as IO11 and IO10 pins. These pins can be configured as functional pins (F1, F2) when needed.
• SPI Connector (J5): Supports high-speed data communication with MISO, MOSI, SCK, and CS pins. It is compatible with peripherals such as sensors and storage devices.
• Expansion Connectors (J6, J7, J8): Offer additional I/O options for more complex projects. Each expansion connector houses multiple I/O pins (IO39 to IO47) and provides a 3.3V output voltage. These pins are ideal for integrating sensors such as IMU, temperature, humidity, pressure, light intensity, and distance sensors.

Physical Dimensions and Design

The Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 features a very compact design with dimensions of 60 x 60 mm. This small size allows the board to be easily integrated into tight spaces. Despite its small form factor, it has sufficient digital and analog I/O pins for most embedded system projects, making it a flexible and versatile development platform.

Applications and Use Cases

Embedded Systems

The Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 is an excellent solution for embedded systems that require real-time data collection and communication. With I2C, UART, and SPI connectivity options, it offers great flexibility for projects such as home automation, smart sensors, and other IoT devices. These multiple communication protocols allow the board to easily adapt to various application scenarios.

• IoT Devices

The Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 is an ideal platform for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, providing integration with a wide range of peripherals such as sensors, displays, and actuators, while maintaining low power consumption. Its compatibility with low-power wireless modules makes it perfect for developing real-world IoT projects like smart home systems, environmental monitoring devices, and industrial automation solutions. The Pulse S32-S3 is an essential part of the IoT world with its strong performance and low power consumption.

• Prototyping and Product Development

For projects that require rapid testing of new ideas, the Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 offers an excellent prototyping platform. With a variety of connectivity options, it allows for easy integration with third-party modules and sensors. Its simple and compact design accelerates integration into existing systems, providing significant advantages in the product development process.

• Education and Learning

The Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 is an excellent teaching tool for students and hobbyists interested in embedded systems and microcontroller programming. With comprehensive documentation and compatibility with standard protocols like I2C, SPI, and UART, users can quickly learn key concepts such as embedded programming, system design, and real-time data processing. This board is a useful tool for both beginners and experienced users.

Pulse S32-S3 or Boarduino R3?

The Boardoza Pulse S32-S3 and Boarduino R3 are powerful development boards that cater to different user needs. Both boards provide excellent solutions in their respective areas and are complementary to each other. The Pulse S32-S3 is an ideal platform for those looking to develop IoT devices, work on embedded systems, or prototype innovative ideas. With its compact size, versatile connectivity options, and flexible power supply features, it offers a great solution for a wide range of projects. Despite its small size, the board provides comprehensive features, offering developers a high degree of flexibility. This board is a strong tool for both professionals and beginners and provides valuable solutions in many projects. On the other hand, the Boarduino R3, with its simple design and ease of use, is an excellent choice for hobbyists and educators. As an affordable and open-source platform for those just entering the world of microcontrollers, the Boarduino R3 continues to be a reliable alternative in many projects due to its low cost and strong community support.

Boardoza and Maker Development Boards yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

In PCB (Printed Circuit Board) production, several tests methods are used for quality control and design verification. These tests are required in order to make the circuits function perfectly and guarantee the accuracy of the manufacturing processes. “Test coupon” and “Micro section” are some of these tests.

Test coupons: It enables the detection of electrical faults and production errors in PCB production process at an early stage. It is used for electrical conductivity and road tests.

Micro section: It is a quality control process performed to examine the internal structure of the PCB in detail. Inter-layer connections, soldering quality, vias and the condition of copper paths are tested.

Both tests are used in PCB production to ensure quality, detect possible errors at early stages and improve the reliability of the product.

1.Test Coupon

A test coupon is a prototype or sample used to obtain the results of tests performed on certain areas of an electronic circuit board during the PCB production process. They are simple but effective tools used to ensure quality control in PCB production. These coupons, which are usually used at the prototype stage or any stage before mass production, are critical for detecting potential problems on the production line at an early stage.

Areas of Use and Benefits of Test Coupons

Production Error Detection: If an error occurs in the production process (copper plating errors, soldering errors etc.), it can be detected quickly with the test coupon.

Mass Production Quality Control: As production continues, the test coupons are used to show that the production is progressing smoothly and that the quality control has been carried out.

Short Circuit Testing: This is used to control unwanted electrical conductivities that occur between copper paths or the paths that are accidentally connected to each other.

Open Circuit Testing: It tests whether the paths are connected correctly. A cut or rupture of a path may cause the PCB to not function properly.

Test coupon examples

Path Test Coupon: It tests the smoothness and conductivity of copper paths.

Via Test Coupon: It checks whether the vias are opened correctly and covered properly.

2. Micro-section

Micro-section is a test method used to examine the internal structure of a PCB. In this process, a cross section is taken from the PCB and examined in detail under a microscope. It is one of the final checks aiming to improve the overall quality of PCB. Such inspections are especially critical for products that require high precision (such as medical or aircraft electronics). It is a very critical quality control stage in PCB production.

Stages of the Micro-Section Process

Taking a Section Sample: A piece of PCB (usually an area of several millimeters) is cut off.

Processing and Preparation: This section is made to be properly examined with a special cutting machine and sanding machines. When necessary, these sections can be polished and their surface smoothed for inspection.

Microscopic Examination: The prepared sections are examined in detail under a microscope. During this inspection, the quality of the layers, connections, soldering points, vias, holes and copper paths in the internal structure of the PCB is checked.

The Purpose of Micro Section Use

Soldering Quality: The robustness and adequacy of the soldering points are checked. Insufficient soldering can lead to cold soldering points, gaps around the hole, or weak connections.

Connections Between Layers: It is tested whether the inter-layer connections (such as vias) on the PCB are made correctly and the connections are covered properly.

Hole and Via Test: It is tested whether the holes made on the PCB are smooth, the vias are correctly coated and there are any connection errors.

The Quality of Copper Paths: The smoothness, thickness and wearing condition of the copper paths on the PCB are tested.

The Benefits of Micro-Section

High Reliability: Especially in critical applications, the reliability is increased by checking the structural integrity of the PCB with microscopic tests.

Fast Detection: If any errors are detected during production, they can be corrected quickly and production errors can be prevented.

Long-Term Performance: For the long-lasting and reliable operation of the PCB, the tests carried out by micro-section are critical.

Test Coupon and Microsection yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Touch Structures On TFT/LCDS

Touch screens play a major role in the user interfaces of today’s electronic devices. In particular, LCD touch screen technologies improve not only the visual quality but also the overall user experience. We will now cover the new trends in touch screen structures and their effects on device designs.

THE STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF LCD TOUCH SCREENS

An average touch LCD screen is mainly composed of three main layers: Protective glass, touchpad and screen panel. The screens produced by the traditional frame bonding method leave some air gaps between the layers. Although this design is simple and costeffective, these air gaps can lead to light refraction and reduced screen quality.

Çerçeve Yapıştırma: Geleneksel yöntem olan çerçeve yapıştırma, dokunmatik ekran ile panelin özel çift taraflı bant veya yapıştırıcı ile birleştirilmesi esasına dayanır. Bu katmanlar arasında hava boşlukları bırakır. Düşük maliyetli ve hızlı bir üretim yöntemi olsa da bu yöntemle üretilen ekranların toz girişine açık ve hava boşluğunun ışık kırılmasına sebep olması görüntü kalitesini olumsuz etkileyebilir. 

Frame Bonding: Frame bonding, which is the traditional method, is based on combining the touch screen and the panel with a special double-sided tape or adhesive. This leaves air gaps between the layers. Although it is a lowcost and fast production method, the screens produced with this method are open to dust ingress and the air gap causes light refraction, which can negatively affect the image quality.

Full Laminated: The full laminated method, which leaves no air gaps between the touch screen and the LCD panel, is especially preferred for premium devices. While offering thinner and lighter screens, they also reduce light reflections, offer full protection against dust, and provide a clear image even in challenging environments such as insulation and sunlight. However, the production of this method is more complicated and costly.

FULL LAMINATED BONDING TECHNOLOGIES FOR CAPACITIVE SCREENS

Innovative approaches to touch screen designs not only improve the visual quality, but also take the functionality of devices to the next level.

OGS (One Glass Solution): It is currently the main solution used in fully laminated LCD capacitive touch screens. It combines the touch layer and the protective glass layer, covers the ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) conductive layer on the inner side of the protective glass, and applies
the coating and lithography directly on the protective glass, which is made of a piece of glass and saves on lamination, making the LCD
touch screen thinner and lighter and reducing the overall cost further.
In-Cell Technology: This is the method of placing the touch panel function on the LCD pixels, i.e. placing the touch sensor function inside the screen. Incell places the ITO touch film under the upper glass substrate of the display panel, which is infused with the liquid crystal layer. The innovation of the in-cell touch panel is that it loads circuits into liquid crystal. This is a technology that gives the LCD screen the detection and touching input ability of the traditional touch screen. The in-cell touch panel is not only more accurate, but also eliminates the need for a touch panel, which makes the entire touch screen even thinner and lighter. A traditional touch screen is more difficult to see/read the screen clearly under sunlight. In this technology, on the other hand, there is no parallax and the readability has been improved as there is no touch panel.
On-Cell Technology: They are CD panels, which are produced by combining the Cover Glass on the screen with the Touch sensor and
placing them on top of the LCD cell layer. The fact that it is structurally a little simpler than In-cell brings some technical difficulties. The
technology used in some Amoled panel products brings with them some issues such as lack of touch fineness or the colors being not
homogeneous.

WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OFFER US?

While full laminated screens continue to become a standard in touch technologies, they play a major role in improving the visual quality and durability of devices. On the other hand, technologies such as In-Cell and On-Cell are becoming one of the industry’s primary preferences, by offering more compact designs and superior interaction features. These technologies are expected not to be limited to mobile devices only, and become widespread in other fields such as automotive, industrial control systems and healthcare devices. These innovations, which focus on the user experience, redefine our interaction with technological devices.

Touch Structures On TFT/LCDS yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

The Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) are critical components in electronic devices. They carry out major tasks such as power distribution, voltage regulation, battery charging and system protection, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of devices. PMICs are used in a wide variety of applications, from smartphones to tablet computers, or laptops to IoT devices. They play an essential role in these devices to ensure energy efficiency, increase battery life and optimize power consumption.

Nordic Semiconductor is a global leader in Low Power field. It has become a solution-oriented technology company in the field of IoT, with its Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NB-IoT and recently PMIC technologies. Among the features of Nordic Semiconductor PMICs are the following.

High Efficiency DC-DC Converters:

For devices with low power consumption, there are high-efficiency DC-DC converters designed to use battery power efficiently.

Power Management Functions:

PMICs offer power management functions such as automatically selecting and routing the power source to meet energy requirements.

Battery Charge Control:

It has control and protection features for battery charging and discharging. This is particularly important to ensure both battery safety and long-lasting usage in portable devices.

Optimization for Low Power Modes:

PMICs are optimized for various low power modes to ensure low power consumption. This helps the device achieve maximum efficiency in standby mode or in low power conditions.

Power Supply Options:

PMICs usually offer the ability to switch between external power sources and the battery. This allows the device to select the most suitable power source according to its energy requirements.

Ability to Monitor and Manage Power Consumption:

PMICs usually have the capabilities to monitor and manage power consumption. This allows the device to analyze and optimize power usage.

Now, let’s delve into the PMIC products by Nordic, as well as their main features Nordic has made tremendous impact in PMIC field by launching its nPM family. Nordic, which has two products, NPM1100 and NPM1300, provides solutions to its customers in applications that require batteries. The NPM1100 and NPM1300 both allow the users to charge their batteries and also act as regulators with the DC/DC buck regulator at the output.

The main features that distinguish these two products

The Npm1100 is able to regulate the voltage applied to the input of up to 20V as outputs 1.8V, 2.1V, 2.7V and 3V. It provides high
efficiency DC/DC buck current output of up to 150mA. The user can specify the current that the adjustable battery will draw between 20mA and 400mA. Also, maximum of 500mA can be applied to the input. A power efficiency of 92% can be achieved at the output. It can be preferred also with its appropriate PCB size. The BQ25150 PMIC produced by TI offers a battery life of 48 hours according to the tests, while the Nordic NPM1100 offers a battery life of 87 hours. So it is roughly 88% more efficient. It helps to extend your battery life with a current consumption of up to 470 NA in sleep mode.

PMIC offers unique system management features and accurate battery measurement for low-power wireless applications.

nPM1300 PMIC has further enriched its structure with Fuel Gauging feature, by integrating basic functions into a compact package.

PMIC also provides unique system management features and accurate battery measurement for low-power wireless applications. The nPM1300’s unique algorithm-based battery status indicator is the first to achieve this balance between high accuracy and low power consumption by using voltage, current and temperature monitoring for higher accuracy than voltagebased battery indicators. With nPM1300, you can monitor the status of your battery. You can do this simply over I2C communication and read the value without having to write any code. The nPM1300 PMIC operates from an external power supply of 4.0 to 5.5 V, or a battery voltage of up to 2.4V. It is regulated by separate DC/DC buck converters, which can be configured with two regulators between 1.0 and 3.3 V and for up to a maximum current of 200 mA.

The nPM1300 charges single-cell Li-ion, Li-poly and LiFePO4 batteries with a linear charging module that supports charging current of up to 800 mA and a programmable termination voltage of 3.5 to 4.45 V. The battery charger has automatic thermal regulation with programmable maximum chip temperature during charging. In other words, after the chip starts to overheat, the charger takes some measures to prevent overheating. This allows the user to set a specific temperature value for the chip with a programmable maximum chip temperature, and perfectly adjust the “thin line” between charging speed and safety. If you are looking for a PMIC that will allow you to charge your
battery, use it as a regulator, monitor the state of your battery, and which is also equipped with external watchdog and hard reset function, nPM1300 is just for you! We are waiting for you at Özdisan Elektronik to try these unique products and get support for these products.

PMIC Power Management Systems yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Today, with the increasing awareness on environment and energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources and electric vehicles is rapidly becoming widespread. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power increase energy security, while also minimizing environmental impacts by creating a sustainable energy supply system. In this regard, electric vehicles also offer a clean transportation alternative by reducing the dependence on fossil fuels.

The integration of renewable energy systems not only provides environmental benefits, but also improves the balance of energy production and consumption. While electric vehicles minimize the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the environment, they also offer a superior experience to users with longer range, fast charging and lower maintenance costs, with the further advances in battery technologies. These developments are one of the major factors shaping the transportation infrastructure of the future.

Battery Management Systems: The Powerful Signature of Technology

Rapid advances in battery technologies have enabled the use of batteries with higher energy density, less weight and longer service life in a wide range of products, from portable electronic devices to plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. This means a longer usage time for mobile devices and wider range and more effective performance for electric vehicles, while also symbolizing the progress towards an environmentally friendly energy storage solution.

A Battery Management System (BMS) is an electronic system that regulates the charging and discharging of a rechargeable battery
system and its cells. This system protects the safety and performance of the battery by continuously monitoring values such as current, voltage and temperature in the battery pack and automatically intervening if these values fall outside the specified intervals. In addition, each cell of the battery must be balanced to extend the battery life and ensure safe use. This is one of the most critical functions of BMS.

History and Progress of Battery Management Systems

The evolution of battery management systems is actually quite old. The first steps were taken in the 1960s, and the systems then had a
simple structure. However, with the advances in computer technologies, the battery management systems have become more complex and started to offer more control and efficiency. In the 1980s and 1990s, with the developments in battery technologies, the battery management systems were further optimized and the safety standards were further raised. In the 2000s, with the rise of deep learning models and artificial intelligence technologies, the battery management systems have become smarter and more customizable. In this way, the batteries have become more efficient and their service life has been further extended. In addition, the efficiency of energy storage systems has increased with the optimization of battery charging and discharging via the grid, and significant improvements have been recorded in the field of energy demand management. Recently, on the other hand, battery management systems have become complex systems that can work dynamically based on the needs of users and optimize energy consumption. Intelligent battery management systems are used in a wide range from electric vehicles to solar energy systems, making it possible to use energy more safely and efficiently. These systems provide both economic and environmental benefits by ensuring that the batteries operate at maximum capacity.

Let’s Delve into BMS More…

Battery packs are produced by connecting the cells in series or parallel to achieve different configurations. Serial connections usually determine the voltage (V) of the battery, while parallel connections determine the current (A) and capacity (Ah) that can be drawn. Battery management systems in different configurations are used to ensure that the cells can work harmoniously with each other.

22-piece Serial Connected Battery Pack

Management Systems is to protect the cells or the battery against potential hazards such as short circuits, overvoltage, overcharging, as well as to extend the life of the battery and make it function in a way that will meet the requirements of the application
in hand.

For instance, Nuvoton’s battery management integration can manage 22 Li-ion cells in series. A cell monitor monitors all the cell voltages and balances the voltage between them. This is called “balancing”. In addition to voltage data, it can also read current and temperature data instantaneously as shown in the block diagram, protecting the circuit against many faults or hazards that mayoccur.

What are State of Charge (SOC) and State of Health (SOH)?

State of Charge (SOC) is the ratio of the amount of usable charge in a battery to the full capacity of the battery. The SOC is important for determining how much energy the battery has. On the other hand, State of Health (SOH) is the ratio of the current capacity of the battery to its capacity when it was originally manufactured. Batteries may lose their performance over time due to repetitive charging/discharging processes and environmental conditions. Therefore, SOH is just as important as SOC for the long-term efficiency and safety of the battery.

The SOC value of a battery is highly dependent on factors such as battery temperature and battery current. Although the cell voltage is usually an indicator of the SOC value, the cell voltage alone is not enough to provide a reliable SOC estimate. For an accurate SOC estimation, the battery temperature, battery current and battery voltage values must be evaluated together. This is a critical parameter for proper monitoring and management of the battery. The balance between SOC and SOH is critical for the success of battery management systems. In order for a battery to operate efficiently and safely, both the state of charge (SOC) and the state of health (SOH) must be accurately monitored and managed.

Balancing in Batteries

Although the lithium cells undergo similar processes in the factory, they are not completely identical in practice. This is due to the structural differences of the battery packs used and the thermal stresses caused by the positions of the cells within the pack. This leads to the formation of differences in the anode, cathode and electrolyte structures between the cells connected in series over time. Even if it is assumed that the same current passes through during charging and discharging, the charge levels of cells differ, and therefore the equality in cell voltages may be disturbed. Differences between 100 mV to 200 mV may occur between the battery pack cells in time. These differences lead to early interruption of the charge during charging due to cells whose voltage remains high and therefore the State of Charge (SoC) level is higher. On the other hand, cells with low SoC levels discharge earlier, causing early interruption of discharge.

This imbalance causes the activation of overvoltage protection (OVP) and undervoltage protection (UVP) functions of the Battery Management System, which are actually the main functions of the system. As a result, the usable energy (i.e. Ah capacity) of the battery pack may be lower than that of a balanced battery pack. In order to eliminate such imbalances and optimize the battery performance, the voltage balance between the cells in the battery pack is recreated, which is called “Cell Balancing”. Cell balancing is a very important process in battery management systems.

Types of Cell Balancing

Cell balancing is usually performed by two main methods: Passive Balancing and Active Balancing.

Passive Balancing

Passive balancing is a widely used method in battery management systems. In this method, a serial resistor connected with a switch (semiconductor) is placed at the positive (+) and negative (-) ends of each cell. BMS measures the voltages of cells and detects the
voltage differences between cells. After voltage differences are detected, the BMS checks the switches and activates the switches that are connected to cells whose voltage remains above the average. With this process, current is passed through the cells carrying excess energy and this energy is consumed on the resistor. In this process, the energy of the cell is discharged with a certain force for a certain period of time. As the energy of the cell decreases, its voltage also decreases. However, an important challenge in passive balancing is to effectively dissipate the heat generated on the resistor. Due to energy consumption, heating occurs on the resistor and leads to a buildup of heat on the circuit board that is difficult to dissipate. Therefore, it may be necessary to use cooling systems or special materials to ensure smooth dissipation of heat in passive balancing circuits. This is also a factor that increases the complexity and cost of the system.

Passive balancing offers a cost-effective and simpler solution, but it is more limited in terms of efficiency as the excess energy is usually
converted into heat and lost. This may negatively affect the overall energy efficiency of the batteries.

Active Balancing

Active balancing, on the other hand, requires the transfer of excess energy from highly charged cells to low-charged cells. Numerous
techniques including capacitive balancing (in which the energy is transmitted through a capacitor) and inductive balancing (in which the
energy is transmitted through an inductor) can be used to achieve this. Active balancing is more effective than passive balancing as it
does not waste much energy, but it is also more difficult and expensive.

Capacitive Balancing

It is based on the principle of alternating connection of capacitors to neighboring cells for a certain period of time. In this method called the “Flying Capacitor” it is necessary to use very low internal resistance (ESR) capacitors. This requires the use of suitable semiconductor switches, as it causes instantaneous high currents to pass through during switching.

Inductive Balancing

In this structure, the energy transfer between neighboring cells is carried out by a buck/boost circuit. In this circuit, the load is transferred through the inductance (coil).

A Giant in the BMS Industry: Nuvoton

In 2019, Nuvoton took an important step by purchasing Panasonic’s semiconductor unit. With this acquisition, Panasonic’s battery management systems (BMS) also joined Nuvoton. Nuvoton, which was not previously involved in the BMS sector, has gained a new momentum in the sector by incorporating Panasonic’s high-quality semiconductor technologies after this merger.

With the joining of Panasonic’s semiconductor unit to Nuvoton, the company’s product range has become much broader and powerful. Nuvoton’s BMS solutions offer optimized and customized solutions for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, portable devices and many other applications. These solutions have been developed in accordance with industry standards and exhibit superior performance in terms of reliability, efficiency and safety.

Nuvoton BMS Solutions

We can sort Nuvoton’s BMS solutions under three main classes: Automotive Certified: Solutions designed for electric vehicles that meet high safety and performance requirements. Stackable: Stackable solutions in which multiple battery cells can be used together. Non-Stackable: Suitable solutions for non-stackable simpler structures, as well as the applications with low number of cells.

Automotive Certified

For lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, it is essential to ensure high safety against dangerous events such as smoke and fire.
Nuvoton’s automotive certified KA849XXUA Series BMSs are specially designed to meet these requirements. This system includes a measurement system in which the functional blocks are electrically separated and have a highly redundant communication topology to ensure reliability with high safety. This feature makes it easier for customers to design and develop an automotive battery system that complies with ISO 26262 ASIL-D standard. High accurate voltage measurement contributes to increasing the mileage for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). Moreover, the guaranteed voltage measurement error over wide input voltage ranges and wide temperature ranges allows to provide a common platform for different vehicle models and applications. These BMS solutions represent an important step towards ensuring safety, efficiency and long-lasting performance for electric vehicles.

Stackable

It may be necessary to connect a large number of batteries in series to provide the required energy for high-voltage energy storage systems or electric vehicles. At this point, Nuvoton’s KA496XX series comes into play. The integrations in this product group can be connected to each other in series and controlled by a main processor. This provides the extensibility and modularity of the battery management system, providing solutions suitable for different applications.

Non-Stackable

Nuvoton’s KA495XXA Series BMSs are equipped with highresolution ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) and accurately measures the battery cell voltage and current. The Non-Stackable series includes the necessary built-in regulator for peripheral circuits. With this, the users can easily create the cell balancing switch, charge and discharge controls. This series is ideal for applications requiring simpler and compact solutions, allowing the users to configure their systems even more quickly and efficiently. These two series highlight the diversity and flexibility of Nuvoton’s BMS solutions by offering modular features optimized for different cases of use.

Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

“The product should bear the Qi logo and “Qi Certified” lettering on it”

The two major associations of global standards in this regard are Qi (Wireless Power Consortium) and AirFuel. After the launch of the Iphone 8 series, Qi has reached to many consumers and is on its way to becoming the industry standard for consumers. Soon, we will no longer see anyone waiting in front of a power outlet or walking forward with a battery bank or cable in hand. Today, thousands of mobile charging stations in Qi standards globally have started to serve consumers in many public areas such as the vehicles they use, airports, cafes, fairgrounds, gyms etc. Currently, we see that the Qi deployment is faster than that of new phones. There are more than 90 Qi certified smartphone brands available today, and this number continues to grow rapidly. The biggest question in our minds in this regard, however, is whether the products we use or the power supply system in the area where we leave them are really Qi certified.

“The product you are using must have been tested with Qi standard.”

The product you are using must have been tested with Qi standard. It is essential that the device that supplies power to your smartphone in the environment you are in does not cause fire or any damage. Today, charging modules are available almost everywhere, from our desks to our seat arms, or from our vehicles to the sports equipment we use. For this reason, we need to confirm that the technology we use is really certified and tested. To confirm this, the product must have the Qi logo and “Qi Certified” lettering on it. No other lettering or logo apart from these confirm that the said product is Qi certified. For instance, the products with letterings such as ”Qi compatible“, ”Works with Qi“ or ”According to Qi” are not Qi certified. The major responsibility in this regard falls to the manufacturing companies. Companies are required to provide certified products, as well as certificates from manufacturers. Ozdisan Elektronik is fulfilling its liabilities in this regard by offering only Qi certified electronic components and modules to the Turkish market. Also, you should always contact authorized parties to get useful opinions and suggestions for the designs that you are planning to manufacture.

Wireless Energy Technology and Security yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Today, with the rapid advance of technology, an important transformation is taking place in the field of sound systems. This transformation is further improving traditional amplifiers, leading to
the emergence of a new generation of amplifiers that improve sound quality and offer a unique music experience to the users. In order to optimize the music experience, it is important that the audio signal is not distorted. This is directly related to the quality of the amplifier: a high-quality amplifier processes the audio signal without any distortion, providing users with a pure and clear sound. In order to understand why we need a new generation of audio amplifiers now and in the future, we should dive into the subject in detail and learn the basics. The most important element that defines the quality of an audio amplifier is the concept of distortion. Distortion is a phenomenon in music, which is usually undesired but sometimes can be used as a method to increase the listening pleasure. There are different types of distortion.

Clipping Distortion: Clipping is a form of waveform distortion that occurs when an amplifier is over-driven and tries to deliver an output voltage or current beyond its maximum capacity. It can easily wear out or even destroy the system. An illustrative diagram of the clipping process is given in Figure 1. A sample sound can be obtained by scanning the QR code in Figure 2.

Harmonic Distortion: Harmonic distortion is the addition of new tones to the current audio signal. This distortion occurs at integer multiples of the frequency of the original signal and is harmonically related to the original tone. In amplifiers, it occurs as the THD (Total Harmonic Distortion). It is an undesirable phenomenon in an amplifier. It usually increases depending on the supply power of the amplifier. In fact, the harmonic distortion can be used in music production in order to add different aspects to the current tone. An illustrative diagram is given in Figure 3. A sample sound can be obtained by scanning the QR code in Figure 4.

The types of distortion given above are typically the ones we encounter in amplifiers. The more quality the amplifiers, the more immune they are to distortion. For this reason, the new generation amplifiers are designed taking these two factors into account. In this context, I will talk about an amplifier that can overcome such distortions. Nowadays, a significant number of manufacturers produce different amplifiers according to their areas of application. One of these manufacturers is Nuvoton. Nuvoton is a semiconductor manufacturer that specializes on audio playback, processing integrators and amplifiers. The company engineers its amplifiers based on providing quality audio output rather than high output power. The amplifier that I will discuss about in this article is the NAU83G60 product that can achieve this in the best way possible.

NAU83G60

NAU83G60 is a stereo 2x30W amplifier with advanced audio DSP algorithm, low latency, non-linear applicable speaker control system and KCS (Klippel Controlled Sound) support. The KCS provides high accuracy mechanical and thermal speaker protection, while the non-linear control system reduces harmonic and inter-modulation distortion generated by speaker nonlinearities. With its active DC compensation, the audio coil can be operated in optimum listening position for maximum bass output. NAU83G60 voltage and current detection allows continuous identification of speaker parameters. Thus, the parameter changes caused by aging, production differences or climate changes can be compensated. While the conventional linear speaker protection algorithms fail at the most important point, namely at high amplitudes, the NAU83G60 with KCS stands out in this regard. The unique feature set allows the speakers to be operated safely at their physical limits. This provides higher sound and deeper bass, as well as better sound quality for optimum performance.

Specifications

• Stereo 30W Output Power (@4Ω Load, 10% THD+N, 24V)
• Mono 60W Output Power (@PBTL mode, 2Ω Load, 10%
  THD+N, 24V)
• 0.05% THD+N (@8Ω, 1W Output Power)
• Operating Voltage (5V to 24V)
• 2 x 15 band PEQs
• Crossover and audio mixer for Ultrasonic Bybass mode
• Sampling module
• Battery automatic level control and low voltage lock
• Battery limit inhibitor (UVLOP)
• High speed I²C (max. 1Mbps)
• I²S / PCM / TDM (can be increased up to 8 Channels; 192 kHz Sampling)
• Mechanical and thermal protection
• Stabilization, and speaker distortion compensation
• Applicable speaker alignment
• Output power and current limiter
• Optimal audio coil listening position
• Real-time speaker data reading
• Low latency active noise control
• Linearized echo blocking with reference signal
  
  Areas of Application
• Automotive / ANC – Computer
• TV / Sound Bar – Wireless / Active / Smart Speakers

Figure 5 shows a diagram of the amplifier protecting the speaker according to the amplitude of the signal. Figure 6 shows the operating range between linear and nonlinear amplifiers. As can be seen in the features and graphics, the new generation amplifiers such as the NAU83G60 can both offer better sound quality than conventional amplifiers and protect the system in which it is used against possible distortion risks. In this article, I have talked about the features of the new generation amplifiers, which are one of the “gifts” of developing technology.

Hoping to enjoy the happiness of being able to offer even better products by closely following the technology!

New Generation Audio Amplifiers yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

Lindström, the choice of the skilled hands, has been one of the pioneers of the sector for many years with the hand tools that it manufactures using the best materials and without compromising on quality. Offering excellent workmanship and durability to its customers, Lindström has a wide range of products to meet the needs of both the professionals and hobbyists. Lindström hand tools are designed to offer maximum performance and long service life even under harsh conditions. Their structures made of stainless steel and ergonomic designs allow both amateurs and professionals to complete their jobs more efficiently and comfortably. Each tool manufactured with superior Swedish technology passes strict quality controls to guarantee the best user experience possible. Lindström responds to all kinds of customer needs with a wide range of products, including pliers, screwdrivers, tweezers and more. Each product offers perfect usability with its non-slip handle and weight balance that fits perfectly in the user’s hand. Professional-quality tools offer a wide range of uses. Lindström focuses on developing innovative products by following the constantly evolving technologies. Hand tools equipped with intelligent design features allow you to achieve excellent results even in most demanding and complex tasks. Focusing on the commitment to sustainability by using environmentally friendly materials in its products, Lindström aims to provide maximum benefit for both the environment and the user. Let’s have a look at Lindström products together.

ESD SCREWDRIVER

The electrical surface resistance of ESD is 106-109 Ohms. Lindström ESD Precision Screwdrivers comply with this standard, in addition to the most demanding requirements that may be expected in any critical and technological industry. The screwdrivers are manufactured using Chrome, Molybdenum-Vanadium alloy steel blades and hardened to 60 HRC to offer the best wear resistance on the market. The high-quality steel is manufactured according to guaranteed and rigorous standards, and coupled with a precision-machined black tip. The final product is a screwdriver that provides superior durability over a long service life and ensures a precise fit to the retainer. The new ESD Safe Precision Screwdriver ergonomic handle combines two materials, including thermostatic elastomer, in the critical grip
area, providing the most comfortable handle.

ESD CUTTER MODELS AND CUTTING CHARACTERISTICS

ESD CUTTER MODELS AND CUTTING CHARACTERISTICS

Lindström cutters, with their symmetrical components, not only minimize operator’s fatigue and increase productivity but also offer a consistent hardening that complies with the specifications. Lindström cutters, which are manufactured using ball-bearing grade steel and suitable heat treatment methods, have a longer service life than other brands used in the same applications. The cutting edges have been increased to a hardness of 63-65 HRC. This hardness level can lead to a high breakage rate for most manufacturers. However, thanks to the quality of the steel used by Lindström as well as the appropriate processing techniques, the cutters have a very little breakage ratio, even when they are used beyond their capacity limits (as is often the case).

PRECISION CUTTING MODELS;

Lindström has carried out several studies on special cutting models and head dimensions before manufacturing its cutters. Let’s have a look at these models and their features. They leave a low-profile cut result; it is important for solderability and ideal for coupling. The result of the cutting process leaves a narrow and short cut and creates a peak along the “compression” line, which reduces the surface area in the cut.

• It is ideal for reducing the lead shock.
• It is an excellent choice for minimizing the component and
lead shock.
• It offers the best cutting results and you get the smoothest final
product.
• It offers exceptional solderability.

With its by-pass technology the blades are misaligned by only 0.2 mm and this reduces wear and extends their service life, since the blades never come into contact with each other. Special blade misalignment ensures that the blades do not come into contact with each other, extending their service life. They offer a straight cut with a part of the peak less than 0.2 mm, which is ideal for applications where durability is a priority. They offer clean and level cuts for applications where precision is extremely important.

HEAD TYPES;

• The tips of the cutters are also manufactured in different shapes according to different working environments and cutting types.
• They distributes the cutting effect evenly.
• They are used for a wide variety of applications
• With the improved access to the area, they provide easy operation even in limited areas.
• They offer better tool service life with improved maneuverability.
• Ideal for components with a low profile and thin lead range.
• Special adaptation provides maximum access and convenience. The extremely small oval head shape offers more power at the tip.

HEAD DIMENSIONS;

Cutters are manufactured in such a way that they have different head sizes.

EDGE CUTTERS;

They are the highest grade cutting tool for making precise cuts, designed by experts to work with the best and most valuable materials. By-pass cutting technology: induction hardened cutting blades are models that provide extremely clean and level cutting of the workpiece thanks to optimum control and very little deviation. They are perfect for jewelry manufacturing, watchmaking, precision mechanical works, radio technicians, industrial electricians, mechatronics engineers and electronic engineers.

TYPES OF TIPS USED IN EDGE MODELS;

RX MODEL ESD CUTTERS;

RX Series: The two-component ESD provides superior grip with its Ergo grips and a thermoplastic surface on rigid polypropylene.

Micro-Touch: The shape of the handles makes it possible to control and rotate the pliers between the thumb and index finger for precise operation, while the spring located inside reduces tension throughout the tool’s operating cycle and can be adjusted in three different positions.

As can be seen in the figure on the side, the RX models offer different cutting models too.

You can visit ozdisan.com to learn more about these products as well as other topics.

Lindström Hand Tools: The Point Where Precision and Quality Meet yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

The Aspect Ratio (Aspect ratio) we see in PCB design and manufacture can be defined as the ratio of the thickness of a PCB and the smallest hole (Plated Hole) drilled on the PCB. The PCB thickness is considered as the bare raw material (i.e. doesn’t include masks such as copper, solder, etc.). The larger this ratio, the more difficult the coating process will be. As the Aspect Ratio increases there will be more coating on the inner parts of the Via, thus the risk of cracking during soldering may be higher. Keeping this ratio low will ensure consistency in Via coatings and offer more durability throughout the service life of the PCB. A high Aspect Ratio also indicates the level of the manufacturer’s production capability.

The typical (PTH) ratio is 8:1. Accordingly; The PTH is about 0.2mm for a PCB with a thickness of 1.6mm. The PTH is about 0.25mm for a PCB with a thickness of 2.0mm.

According to the IPC-2221A and IPC-222 design guidelines, the recommended Aspect Ratio is 8:1. For a standard application, use of Vias with a bore of 0.2 mm or larger is recommended, as it will help keep the costs low, improve reliability and alleviate the production related issues.

The aspect ratio of micro Via structures in HDI circuits is limited to 1:1, while 0.7~0.8: 1 is preferred to facilitate the coating process.

Ideally, the tip remaining after Back Drilling should not be less than 0.25 mm.

BACK DRILLING (CDD)

In high-speed PCB designs, the non-functional protruding parts of a path may cause signal integrity problems. Ensuring the signal integrity requires suitable design and applications. For this, the protrusions should be reduced. An intervention can be made by means of Back Drilling application. This is a controlled depth drilling process. (C.D.D. Controlled Depth Drilling) Undesired parts are removed from the PTH hole by using a tip with a larger diameter. PCB manufacturers are expected to have specific precision machining capabilities for this process. Ideally, the tip remaining after Back Drilling should not be less than 0.25 mm. In order to calculate the remaining residual end portion and signal losses as a percentage (%), calculations must be made with the support of specific design tools.

Advantages:

• It has minimal impact on the design and layout.
• Increases channel bandwidth and data speed due to deviations that cause distortion.
• Reduces resonant frequency mode excitation.
• Lower costs can be achieved compared to sequential lamination.
• Reduces the Bit Error Rate per unit time with the application.
• Reduces EMI/EMC radiation as it ensures signal integrity and compatibility.
• Reduces signal integrity distortion problems as it reduces the deterministic vibrations.
• It is easy and cost-effective to manufacture.
  
  Disadvantages
  
• Suitable for high speed (1GHz to 3GHz) circuit boards.
• No blind Via should exist in the design.
• A specific precision technique should be used during the application to avoid damaging the hole perimeter.

Aspect Ratio yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.

A Rogowski coil is a sensor used to measure electric currents or changing magnetic fields. It is especially used in alternating current (AC) circuits. The Rogowski coil determines the value of the electric current by measuring the voltage induced by the action of the magnetic field.

LEM Rogowski Coil Products,

AI-PMUL Series
Rogowski coils. They are compatible with LEM’s ART and ARU series.

Input Signal
Rogowski coil precision: 22.5, 70, 80, 85, 100, 120 mV/kA (@ 50 Hz) Current measurement range: 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800,1000, 1500, 2000, 4000, 5000AOver-current measurement range, 120% selected range
(over-current indicator with LED) Rated frequency 50/60 Hz Frequency bandwidth (- 3dB) 4 ~ 1600Hz

ART Series
It is a Rogowski coil used for AC current measurement.

Product Features

• The most sensitive coil on the market, Class 0.5 (IEC 61869-10)
• Very low positioning error
• Low sensitivity for indoor applications (22.5MV/kA)
• Electrostatically isolated to improve the shared mode attenuation of the integrator.
• Protection rating: IP57 70, 125, 175, 250 and 300mm detection range
• Operating temperature: -40~+80°C
• 1.5m to 6m cable length
• The cable end is equipped with SMA male connector.

ARU Series
It is an IP68 protected Rogowski coil used for AC current measurement and suitable for outdoor use.

Product Features

• Designed for outdoor use (acc. to UV, water, dust and ice standards)
• High sensitivity 100mV/kA @ 50Hz
• Flexible circular shape
• Rated insulation CAT III 1000 V PD2, CAT IV 600 V PD3 Class 0.5 (IEC 61869-10)
• Protection rating: IP68
• 125, 175, 250 and 300mm detection range
• Working temperature: -40~+80°C
• 3m to 6m cable length
• With its innovative patented coupling, it greatly reduces
• Positioning error
• With its built-in guard, it provides improved measurement accuracy at low primary currents.

Applications

• Outdoor substations
• Distribution transformer Monitoring
• Medium voltage isolated cable distribution
• Underground substations
• Pole-mounted transformers
• Low voltage lines
• Distribution system equipment

What Is Rogowski Coil? yazısı ilk önce Component By Özdisan üzerinde ortaya çıktı.