Alpha Micro has further extended its portfolio of wireless components that draw energy from the environment with the introduction of the IPS-EVAL-EH-01, a universal energy-harvesting evaluation kit for autonomous wireless sensors and other sub-100mW applications. Developed by Infinite Power Solutions, the kit features the company’s award-winning THINERGY® MEC201 solid-state, rechargeable, micro-energy cell (MEC) – a unique type of thin-film battery with industry-leading performance and the recently released MAX17710 from Maxim Integrated Products, the industry’s first complete power-management integrated circuit (PMIC) solution for energy harvesting and battery protection. Ideal for design engineers keen to develop and evaluate self-sustaining “green’’ power supply solutions, displacing the use of conventional batteries and super capacitors that require frequent replacement, it can also be used to power popular third-party micro-controller and radio module development kits, enabling users to create and evaluate a variety of self-powered microelectronic applications.

The IPS-EVAL-EH-01 circuit board footprint is similar to a credit card and consists of three key elements: energy harvesting, energy storage and energy management. Due to the unique and ultra-low quiescent current of the integrated PMIC, and the low self-discharge rate of the integrated THINERGY MEC201, the IPS-EVAL-EH-01 evaluation kit efficiently accepts charge currents less than one microampere, making it ideal for storing harvested energy. An amorphous silicon photovoltaic solar array is integrated for out-of-the-box functionality and recharges the MEC201 to a 100 percent state of charge in about 30 minutes in full sun and in approximately eight hours in typical office lighting (~1,500 lux). In addition, the board provides an interface to any type of external ambient energy-harvesting transducer. Example energy sources include light (captured by a variety of photovoltaic technologies), vibration (from a piezo-electric element), heat (via thermo-electric generator), and radio-frequencies (captured by a RF harvester or near-field communications (NFC) receiver. The kit also features an interface header and 6-pin connector that are compatible with popular micro-controller and low power radio development kits available from a variety of leading semiconductor and module manufacturers such as Anaren, BlueRadios, Energy Micro, Microchip, Silicon Laboratories and Texas Instruments.

Harvested energy is efficiently stored in a THINERGY MEC201-7S, which is a 4V, 0.7 mAh capacity rechargeable battery ideally suited for energy-harvesting applications. The MEC201-7S is a thin, flexible, solid-state and near loss-less energy storage cell the size of a postage stamp. Self-discharge is so low and insignificant that energy can be reliably stored for decades on a single charge. IPS continues to lead the industry in delivering the most efficient and powerful batteries in its size class – outperforming all other energy storage technologies currently on the market, such as supercapacitors, coin cells, printed batteries and other thin-film batteries.

Extremely small, powerful and robust, the MEC201 features a unique, patented, flexible package design that maximizes the active area of the cell to deliver high energy and power density. The MECs can be stacked vertically in a parallel configuration for more power and capacity without consuming additional system footprint. For example, a five cell MEC201 stack is approximately 1mm in total height and delivers an amazing 200mA of continuous discharge current (approximately 0.5W of power). The MEC201 can recharge to 90 percent in only 15 minutes and can be recharged more than 10,000 times. With an expected lifetime of up to 20 years, THINERGY MECs require no maintenance or periodic replacement compared to other batteries and supercapacitors, allowing for the lowest total cost of ownership. Moreover, THINERGY MECs contain no heavy metals, are eco-friendly and completely safe. As a result, THINERGY MECs are changing how the power source for micro-electronic systems is being designed, both now and in the future.

Efficient energy management is achieved by the MAX17710 PMIC, the industry’s first IC to integrate all of the power-management functions for ambient energy harvesting, charging, and protecting THINERGY MECs. Operating at an ultra-low current level measured in nanoamps, the MAX17710 accepts energy from a variety of poorly regulated energy harvesting sources with output levels ranging from 1µW to 100mW. The device integrates a programmable input boost regulator and needs no expensive external components to charge a MEC with energy sources as low as 0.8V. It protects the MEC by using a linear shunt-series regulator. An integrated, ultra-low-quiescent current, adjustable low-dropout linear regulator (LDO) with selectable voltages of 3.3V, 2.3V or 1.8V, allows the MAX17710 to adapt to a variety of loads. Packaged in a low-profile 0.5mm TQFN, it enables a new class of ultra-thin applications.

Applications for this combination of energy harvester, THINERGY MEC and MAX17710 PMIC include remote/autonomously powered wireless sensors, biometric security systems, remote controls, memory and real-time clock (RTC) back up, asset tracking, semi-active RFID tags, powered smart cards, smart home and building energy-management, machine monitoring systems, medical applications, and a myriad of portable consumer electronics.

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

Self-powered wireless sensors signal new era in sustainable building and industrial automation while expanding Alpha Micro’s wireless electronic components portfolio

Alpha Micro Components, the independent franchised distributor of electronic components, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with the leading energy harvesting provider EnOcean GmbH which will see it distribute EnOcean’s wireless sensor modules in the UK and Ireland. This technology is designed to take advantage of the existing energy found in any industrial or building complex, such as the heat created by machines, radiators or even the human body.

EnOcean’s wireless modules have been successfully deployed in more than 100,000 buildings globally, helping to create energy-efficient building and industrial automation solutions. EnOcean’s patented self-powered wireless technology enables organisations in any sector to capture heat, motion and light and utilise it as the sole power source for wireless sensors, creating an innovative and sustainable solution for maximising energy performance while reducing operating costs.

By utilising existing energy to power the wireless devices, energy harvesting removes the need for a physical power source which, in turn, has removed the requirement for on-site maintenance. In addition, because the devices communicate via radio frequency, there is no longer the need for costly and complex wiring.

Maxine Hewitt, Marketing Director for Alpha Micro Components, commented: “We are very pleased to be partnering with EnOcean which greatly enhances our extensive range of wireless industrial automation solutions. EnOcean was the first developer to recognise the potential that harnessing the energy around us has for both sustainable energy consumption and reducing operating costs. This innovative technology will be vital for meeting the sustainability demands for the industrial sector and the built environment. This is a very exciting development for Alpha Micro and our customers.”

“The UK and Ireland are very important markets for EnOcean”, said John Corbett, UK Sales Director for EnOcean. “Partnering with a well-respected distributor like Alpha Micro will help us increase and maintain our presence here. The combination of their in-house design team, which offers its customers a considerable added-value service, and exceptional expertise in wireless technology, should allow us to form a solid foundation for expanding our customer base among British and Irish enterprises.”

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

Advantech’s EKI-2000 and EKI-7000 series offers engineers in transportation, energy management and plant automation the market’s most robust, feature-rich and cost-effective industrial communications solution

Alpha Micro Components today announced that it has added the EKI-2000 and EKI-7000 series of industrial Ethernet switches from Advantech Co., Ltd. to its range of industrial communications (iCom) solutions. Advantech’s portfolio of industrial communication products for PC-based automation are ideal for engineers working in the transportation, energy management and plant automation sectors and offers the market’s most feature-rich, reliable and cost-effective solutions.

Ideal for easily managing applications from a central office or local site, the Advantech EKI-7000 series is a portfolio of managed redundant industrial Ethernet switches which allows users to expand their industrial network quickly and cost-effectively. Its rugged industrial-grade design assures reliability and stability. In addition, Advantech has utilised its X-Ring technology within the EKI series which ensures the fastest recovery time (<10 ms), further increasing the reliability and speed of network infrastructures. Furthermore, the X-Ring technology provides the fastest redundant ring recovery time (<10ms) to secure data communication and reliability.

The EKI-2000 series is a series of cost-effective managed industrial Ethernet switches designed to support fast Ethernet. They also come equipped with Advantech’s X-Ring technology which enhances their reliability within industrial communication networks. This provides users with an easy solution for establishing a redundant Ethernet network with the ultra high-speed recovery time of less than 10ms. Furthermore, they have been designed to support advanced network standards which allow users to optimise network performance and security while reducing maintenance costs.

Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director of Alpha Micro Components, commented: “The addition of Advantech’s EKI series greatly enhances our product offerings for engineers working in the transportation, energy management and industrial automation industries. Advantech has established itself as a global leader in industrial communications solutions for PC-based automation by consistently engineering products that combine a wide range of features and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, their solutions provide engineers with confidence and peace of mind knowing they have been designed with the reliability, stability and robustness demanded in the harshest industrial environments.”

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

Design-based distributor Alpha Micro expands industrial automation portfolio following new distribution agreement with market leader Advantech

Alpha Micro Components, the independent franchised distributor of electronic components, today announced that it has signed a new Industrial Communication (iCom) agreement with Advantech, the global leader in Industrial Computing Platforms and eAutomation solutions. This agreement will see Alpha Micro focus on Advantech’s range of market leading industrial wireless and industrial Ethernet switches.

The multi-award winning Advantech Co., Ltd. (TAIDEX:2395) was founded in Taiwan in 1983 by three former Hewlett-Packard engineers. Due to rapid natural growth, the organisation has offices located throughout the world, employs over 4,000 people and has achieved a turnover exceeding 650m USD for 2010.

One of Advantech’s greatest resources is its commitment to innovation. Advantech has engineered its industrial wireless applications to support the IEEE802.11b/g/n standards long before any of its competitors. With Advantech’s iCom product range Alpha Micro will be focusing on Industrial Ethernet Solutions within the industrial control, factory automation, power & energy and intelligent transportation markets.

Maxine Hewitt, Marketing Director for Alpha Micro Components, commented: “This is a very exciting development for Alpha Micro which greatly expands the industrial communications solutions we have available for our customers. Advantech has established itself as the leading developer of industrial wireless and Ethernet switches. Its products have been developed with the robustness required for the harshest industrial environments and with the cost-effectiveness demanded in the current economic climate. We expect our clients to be very impressed with the quality and reliability of the Advantech components.”

Andy Courtney, Northern European Sales Manager for Advantech, commented: “As Alpha Micro is one of the leading electronics components distributors in the UK, we are very glad to begin working with them. The combination of their in-house design expertise, which is viewed by customers as a significant added-value service, and their vast experience in the M2M and industrial wireless markets, should help to ensure a very successful partnership.”

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

High speed design and sensitivity make it the ideal solution for asset and vehicle tracking

Design-based distributor Alpha Micro Components has today announced the addition of the AP.35a, the latest GPS antenna from the leading M2M antenna developer Taoglas, to its product portfolio. The Taoglas AP.35a is a powerful active 35x35mm antenna and has been developed for use in compromised environments where next-generation tracking devices are placed, including deep inside vehicles and assets.

Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director at Alpha Micro, said: “The AP.35a antenna is the ideal addition to Alpha Micro’s extensive range of GPS antennas. Its practical design allows it to be securely embedded into any GPS solution, providing comparable performance normally only achieved when using an external GPS antenna. The AP.35a fits in nicely with our extensive range of wireless products and complements our GPS solutions from u-blox.”

The AP.35a is a complete GPS antenna solution made from a uniquely formulated high-grade ceramic supplied with its own ground-plane and can be terminated with the customer’s choice of connector. In addition, it does not take up valuable board space as it can hover over the main-board of the device, saving space and also allowing for a much higher gain and resistance to noise than existing passive patch antennas. Combining high-zenith gain and low-axial ratio, the antenna is capable of receiving very weak signals at low elevation satellites, giving the greatest GPS sensitivity. An internal SAW filter reduces noise entering from the device system, which is important when considering the close proximity of cellular transmitters and circuitry in today’s miniature devices.

These results combined lead to quicker cold starts and more accurate position and location information. With a cold start of 21 seconds in open sky conditions with the uBlox 5 module, testing has confirmed that the AP35a cuts up to five seconds off the market cold-start performance of Taoglas’ existing antenna the AP.25B. Max C/N ratio of 51 with 12 simultaneous locked satellites has been recorded over 24 hours, an improvement from ten. All told, these incremental changes result in substantial improvements in reliability and accuracy for the discerning professional GPS system designer at the forefront of the industry.

“Taoglas has focused on producing the highest performance GPS antennas for the M2M market,” said Dermot O’Shea, Director, Taoglas. “These antennas add to our strong line-up of active and passive antenna solutions. M2M market feedback and requirements help us to continuously improve and optimize this line of products. With the AP.35a we have distilled five years of experience working with the needs of the world’s top automotive and tracking companies into the design.”

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

Programmable dual USB 2.0 host/slave System on Chip controller offers cost effective solution for lowering design component count

Alpha Micro Components, the independent franchised distributor of electronic components, announced today that it has added the Vinculum VNC2 from Future Technology Devices International Limited (FTDI) to its portfolio of products. The VNC2 is the latest addition to the Vinculum family of USB Host Controller ICs and suits a broad range of USB consumer and industrial related applications including camera, mobile accessories, data loggers, toys, keyboards, game controller interfacing, Point of Sale applications, medical devices and USB to USB bridges.

The VNC2 is a programmable dual USB 2.0 full speed Host/ Slave system on chip (SOC) controller which builds on, and enhances, the capacities and functionality of the VNC1L, the initial member of FTDI’s Vinculum family. This has been achieved while reducing the device cost as well as introducing the capability for designers to develop their own application firmware and programme the host controller themselves.

VNC2 comes with a fully supported software development tool suite which is wrapped up in a GUI Integrated Design Environment (IDE). This is a free of charge and royalty free software development environment – which includes a compiler, driver, libraries, RTOS kernel, linker and debugger, allowing designers to fully utilise the increased memory and multitude of communication protocols handled by VNC2. The software development toolkit is based on the ‘C’ language and provides a comprehensive suite of object files to provide support for USB host functionality including USB Flash Drive (B.O.M.S.) storage, HID, USB COMMs class and FAT File functionality.

Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director of Alpha Micro Components, commented: “Alpha Micro has worked successfully with FTDI for the past 14 years and we are confident that the newest addition to the Vinculum product range will strengthen our product portfolio offering to design engineers. FTDI and its products have a very solid reputation within the engineering community due to the reliability and robustness of its drivers’. The VNC2 provides easy USB connectivity for a broad range of devices making it an ideal solution for designers across a vast array of industrial, automotive and medical applications.”

Additional features of the VNC2 include:
* Embedded 16-bit Harvard architecture MCU core, with 256KBytes of Flash memory and 16Kbytes RAM
* 2 x Full-Speed / Low-speed USB 2.0 ports supporting independently configurable Host or Slave operation
* 2 x slave Serial Peripheral Interfaces (SPI) and 1 x master SPI
* PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) interface
* Support for reduced power modes
* Multiple packages size options (32-/48-/64-pin QFN and LQFP packages)
* Backwards compatible with VNC1L with 48-pin LQFP package
* RoHS compliant, and extended temperature support (-40°C to +85°C)

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

Alpha Micro Components (www.alphamicro.net), the independent franchised distributor of electronic components, has secured a new trade distribution agreement with LM Technologies to handle the launch of the company’s Bluetooth embedded module technology to the manufacturing channel. The agreement reinforces Alpha Micro Components’ market stronghold as one of the UK’s leading Machine to Machine (M2M) specialists.

Mike Sims, Managing Director at LM Technologies, comments: “As a business, our focus is research, design, development and production. Teaming up with Alpha Micro Components will provide us with a strong and established sales pipeline into the markets on which our products are focused.”

LM Technologies plays a key role in providing the latest in Bluetooth technology courtesy of the world’s smallest adapter. The Bluetooth RS232 cable solution is already a champion product which offers unrivalled connection. The LM Bluetooth modules are also feature-rich and provide high-end functionality courtesy of LM Technologies’ highly functional firmware.

“The additional value that Alpha Micro brings to the table is not just its presence and knowledge of the marketplace,” adds Sims. “As a pioneer of design-based distribution, Alpha Micro Components is well placed to offer a comprehensive solutions and technical support package ranging from simple application support through to complete turnkey operations.”

Commenting on the partnership, Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director, Alpha Micro Components, says: “We’re delighted that LM Technologies has chosen to align itself with Alpha Micro Components to sell its embedded Bluetooth modules. Having the necessary expertise in the right channels will enable us to support future developments in Bluetooth technologies and also to widen the sales pipeline for LM Technologies. Our ability to provide and consult across the whole of the design and development process is one that continues to place us at the forefront of the distribution network.”

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

Electronic Components Distributor, Alpha Micro Announces Distribution Agreement with Sierra Wireless

Alpha Micro Components, a leading international distributor of electronic components today announced a new distributor agreement with Sierra Wireless. This agreement marks Alpha Micro’s advance into the 3G embedded wide area wireless market and enables the distributor to complement and expand its existing portfolio, by offering customers the chance to embed mobile broadband connectivity into its products. Alpha Micro’s customers need to access increasingly larger sized files and data, coming in the form of surveillance photographs, video streaming and data logs. 3G technology facilitates this access and allows users to transmit such volumes of data due to its faster data transmission and higher bandwidth connectivity, which in time will be essential for machine-to-machine (M2M) markets.

Founded in 1993, Sierra Wireless specialises in mobile broadband connectivity and has been selected by Alpha Micro as part of a strategic plan for the distributor to move into the next generation of Internet connectivity. Christos Papakyriacou, Managing Director, Alpha Micro Components comments; “Sierra Wireless was instrumental in developing some of the first wireless data devices and remains committed to developing new, innovative products and software for emerging network technologies. Our partnering with Sierra Wireless will not only assist our move into the 3G market, but will also complement our existing portfolio of electronic components, by offering our M2M and consumer customers a more comprehensive range of wireless solutions.”

“As one of the leading electronics components distributors in the U.K., Alpha Micro fits perfectly into the Sierra Wireless distribution network,” said Jim Lahey, vice president, EMEA for Sierra Wireless. “Alpha Micro’s expertise in M2M devices will help us better support our OEM customers in the U.K., and we’re pleased to be able to expand our support for this important market.”

» Contact details for Alpha Micro