Toshiba launches full hd cmos image sensor with colour noise reduction

Toshiba has introduced the T4K71, a full hd (1080p) back side illumination cmos image sensor with an integrated colour noise reduction (CNR) circuit.

The 1.12µm device offers a high speed frame rate of 60fps and is said to enable chip and camera module miniaturisation, contributing to thinner smartphones and tablets.

It also provides image scaling and picture flip functionality, as well as lens shading correction and auto defect pixel correction. Connectivity includes I²C interface and CSI-2 interfaces.

Samples of the T4K71 will be available at the end of April 1013, with mass production scheduled to start in September.

Paint-On Plastic Electronics: Aligning Polymers for High Performance

Semiconductors are the key ingredient for computer processors, solar cells and LED displays, but they are expensive. Inorganic semiconductors like silicon require high temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and costly vacuum systems for processing into electronics, but organic and plastic semiconductors can be prepared on a basic lab bench.

The trouble is that charge carriers, like electrons, can't move through plastics nearly as easily as they can move through inorganic semiconductors, Kim said. Part of the reason for this is because each semiconducting polymer molecule is like a short wire, and these wires are randomly arranged.

"Charge mobility along the polymer chains is much faster than between the polymers," Kim said.

To take advantage of the good conduction along the polymers, research groups have been trying to align them into a charge-carrying freeway, but it's a bit like trying to arrange nanoscopic linguine.

Kim's group approached the problem by making smarter semiconducting polymers. They wanted a liquid polymer solution they could brush over a surface, and the molecules would automatically align with one another in the direction of the stroke, assembling into high-performance semiconducting thin-layer films.

First, they designed the polymers to be slippery -- ordinary polymers glom together like flat noodles left in the fridge, Kim said. By choosing polymers with a natural twist, the team kept them from sticking to one another in the solution. But in order to align during the brushstroke, the polymers needed to subtly attract one another. Flat surfaces would do that, so the team designed their polymer to untwist as the solvent dried up.

They stopped the unaligned polymers from forming large chunks by adding flexible arms that extended off to the sides of the flat, wire-like polymer. These arms prevented too much close contact among the polymers while the bulkiness of the arms kept them from snagging on one another. Polymers with these properties will line up in the direction of an applied force, such as the tug of a paintbrush.

"It's a big breakthrough," Kim said. "We established a complete molecular design principle of semiconducting polymers with directed alignment capability."

And it works. The team made molecules that matched their design and built a device for spreading the polymer solution over surfaces such as glass or a flexible plastic film. The force from the silicon blade, moving at a constant speed across the liquid polymer, was enough to align the molecules.

The team then built the semiconducting film into a simple transistor, a version of the electronic components that make up computer processors. The device demonstrated the importance of the polymer alignment by showing that charge carriers moved 1,000 times faster in the direction parallel to the silicon blade's brushstroke than they did when crossing the direction of the stroke.

"By combining the established molecular design principle with a polymer that has a very good intrinsic charge carrier mobility, we believe it will make a huge difference in organic electronics," he said. "We are currently developing a versatile fabrication method in order to realize high-performance and paintable plastic electronics in various length scales from nanometers to meters."

Kim believes that the technique will work equally well with atomic-scale pen nibs or large trowel-like applicators for making electronics of all sizes such as LED displays or light-absorbing coatings for solar cells.

The paper is titled "A molecular design principle of lyotropic liquid-crystalline conjugated polymers with directed alignment capability for plastic electronics."

The work is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Two authors of the paper were partly supported by National Science Foundation and WCU program of National Research Foundation of Korea. The university is pursuing patent protection for the intellectual property and is seeking commercialization partners to help bring the technology to market.

courtesy: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130324151830.htm

LED ( LIGHT EMITTING DIODE)

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source. LED's are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting. Appearing as practical electronic components in 1962,early LEDs emitted low-intensity red light, but modern versions are available across the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths, with very high brightness.

When a light-emitting diode is forward-biased (switched on), electrons are able to recombine with electron holes within the device, releasing energy in the form of photons. This effect is called electroluminescent and the color of the light (corresponding to the energy of the photon) is determined by the energy gap of the semiconductor. An LED is often small in area (less than 1 mm), and integrated optical components may be used to shape its radiation pattern. LEDs present many advantages over incandescent light sources including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved physical robustness, smaller size, and faster switching. LEDs powerful enough for room lighting are relatively expensive and require more precise current and heat management than compact fluorescent lamp sources of comparable output.

Light-emitting diodes are used in applications as diverse as aviation lighting, automotive lighting, advertising, general lighting, and traffic signals. LEDs have allowed new text, video displays, and sensors to be developed, while their high switching rates are also useful in advanced communications technology. Infrared LEDs are also used in the remote control units of many commercial products including televisions, DVD players and other domestic appliances. LEDs are also used in Seven-segment display.

ZIGBEE ( IEEE 802.15.4 ZigBee wireless interface )

PC/104-compatible with XBee Pro transceiver
• Up to 1 mile range (line of sight)
• Operates in the 2.4GHz ISM band
• 60mW transmit power output (100mW EIRP)
Optional GPS Support
• Lassen GPS receiver module provides position,
velocity and time (PVT) data
• Supports TSIP, TAIP, and NEMA 0183 protocols
• Very low power required
• Supports pulse output for accurate time standard
• External powered antenna connection via a
standard SMA connector

! Base I/O address and interrupt settings with jumpers
! For use in transportation, utilities, security, and
remote monitoring applications
! +5 volt only operation
! Low power required
! RoHS compliant
! Small size: 3.6" x 3.8" (90-mm x 96-mm)
! Operating temperature: -40°C to +85°C
WinSystems’ PCM-ZigBee is a PC/104-compatible board
configured with a ZigBee wireless transceiver plus an
optional Trimble GPS receiver. It addresses the unique
need of most remote monitoring and control and sensor
network applications. The PCM-ZigBee will operate
over the full industrial temperature range of -40° to
+85° Centigrade.


FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITY 

ZigBee was created to address the market need for a cost-effective, standards-based wireless networking solution that supports low data-rates, low-power consumption, security, and reliability. ZigBee uses the PHY and MAC layers defined by the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for short-distance wireless communications. The board operates at 2.4GHz which  is in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band. The modulecomplies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and regulations and has been certified for use in several European countries as well. 802.15.4 provides a robust foundation for ZigBee, ensuring a reliable solution in noisy environments. Features such as energy detection, clear channel assessment and channel selection help the device pick the best possiblechannel, avoiding other wireless networkssuch as WiFi.Messageacknowledgement helps to ensure that the data was delivered to its destination.Multiple levels of security ensure thatthe network anddata remain 

intact and secure. 

ZigBee Wireless Modules  - The board is configured with either an XBee or XBee-Pro transceiver that is wired to a SMA RF connector on the edge of the board. The difference between these two modules is  the amount of power consumed (1mW vs. 60mW) and signal range. For the XBee-Pro configuration, the indoorand urban range is up to 300 feet (100m)and outdoor line-of-sight is up to 1 mile (1500m). For the XBee the urban range  is 100 feet (30m) and outdoor range is 300 feet (100m). Selection of the antenna type and placement has a major impact on the range. By default, the XBee modules are configured to support NonBeacon communications. NonBeacon systemsoperate with a peer-to-peer topology and are not dependent upon Master/Slave relationships. This provides fast synchronization times and fast cold start times. It can also be programmed to support NonBeacon mode as either a Coordinator or End Device. 

In a NonBeacon (w/Coordination) system, the Coordinator mode can be configured to use direct and indirect transmissions. It will also support Unicast or Broadcast communications.The ZigBee module requires a serial asynchronous data stream for command and data. If the data can not be sent out immediately (for example if it is currently receiving data) then the serial data will be stored in a buffer and sent when the RF channel is clear. 

Serial Controller  - A 16C552 dual channel UART is the serial communication controller that interfaces to the PC/104 bus. It has two independent, double buffered, asynchronous channels that are 16C550 software compatible. The UART contains on-chip software programmable baud rate generators with data rates selectable from 1200 through 115,200 bits persecond. Each channel has a 16 byte transmit and receive FIFO. This increases the service interval giving the external CPU additional time for other applications and reducing the overall interrupt servicing time. Automatic hardware RTS and CTS flow control is used to prevent data overrun to the local receiver FIFO and remote receiver FIFO. One of the UART channels is wired to the ZigBee module and the other is wired to the optional GPS module. Each UART has a separate I/O jumper block to map it within the PC/104 address space. 

Optional GPS  - This board can support an optional Trimble LassenIQ GPS receiver. This is a very low power GPS solution designed to provide position, velocity, and time (PCT) data using the most popular standard protocols: TSIP (Trimble Standard Interface Protocol), TAIP (Trimble ASCII Interface Protocol), an NMEA 0183. These protocols are compatible with most commercial navigation or map software packages. Also, a battery is included to 

store data The PCM-ZigBee does not normally includethe GPS module. It is a custom configuration option. Contactthe factory forpricing and availability. 

Interrupts  - Interrupts are generated on error conditionsand/or receive and transmit buffer status for eachof the serial channels. Each of the interrupt outputs iswired to a jumper header and then to the PC/104 Busconnector. The PCM-ZigBee supports IRQ channels 3,4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, and 15.If the GPS module is installed, then the 1 pulse persecond output can be connected to an IRQ input. PC/104 Interface - The PCM-ZigBee is I/O mapped.Each channel requires eight contiguous port addresses and each is independentlydecoded within the 10-bit I/O map from 0 to 3FF hex. 

Antenna Options  - The PCM-ZigBee uses a SMA connector for the most flexible cabling and antenna options. A dipole, omni-directional or yagi antenna can be used. When integrating high-gain antennas, European regulations stipulate the maximum EIRP power maximums. It is the responsibility of the OEM to make sure that they comply with the applicable FCC regulations and to the European harmonized EMC and low voltage/safety standards. 

Power Supply - A 3.3 volt regulator is on board to supply power to the XBee or XBee-Pro module so that the PCM-ZigBee board only requires +5 volts to operate. 

GPS ( GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM )

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based satellite navigation system that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. It is maintained by the United States government and is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver.

The GPS program provides critical capabilities to military, civil and commercial users around the world. In addition, GPS is the backbone for modernizing the global air traffic system.

The GPS project was developed in 1973 to overcome the limitations of previous navigation systems,^[1] integrating ideas from several predecessors, including a number of classified engineering design studies from the 1960s. GPS was created and realized by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and was originally run with 24 satellites. It became fully operational in 1994.

Advances in technology and new demands on the existing system have now led to efforts to modernize the GPS system and implement the next generation of GPS III satellites and Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX).^[2] Announcements from the Vice President and the White House in 1998 initiated these changes. In 2000, U.S. Congress authorized the modernization effort, referred to as GPS III.

In addition to GPS, other systems are in use or under development. The Russian GLObal NAvigation Satellite System (GLONASS) was in use by only the Russian military, until it was made fully available to civilians in 2007. There are also the planned European Union Galileo positioning system, Chinese Compass navigation system, and Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System.

 integrated mobile gps system

 gps reciever

gps reciever installed in vehicles

Long before Global Positioning System (GPS) arrived, researchers worked hard to arrive at a feasible solution to aid travellers from getting lost. Earlier, travellers used to rely on elaborate maps to track and monitor the route to their destination. But today, GPS technology has ensured hassle – free trips and increased safety for vehicle owners. The figure below illustrates a GPS satellite in orbit. 

GPS technology became a reality through the efforts of the American military, which established a satellite-based navigation system consisting of a network of 24 satellites orbiting the earth. GPS is also known as the NAVSTAR (Navigation System for Timing and Ranging).

GPS works all across the world and in all weather conditions, thus helping users track locations, objects, and even individuals! GPS technology can be used by any person if they have a GPS receiver.

Applications

This technique was initially developed for military applications. During 1980, the government decided to make it available for the civilian use as well. GPS has become an efficient tool in the field of scientific use, commerce, surveillance and tracking. GPS is used except in locations where it is difficult to detect the signal for example, underwater, subterranean location, inside the building and caves.

Civilian Applications

·         Navigation – Used by navigators for orientation and precise velocity measurements.

·        Geotagging – Map overlays can be created by applying location coordinates to photographs and other kind of documents.

·         Surveying – Surveyors create maps and verify the boundaries of the property.

·         Map-making – Used by civilians and military cartographers.

·         Tectonics – Detect the direct false motion measurement in earthquakes.

·        Geofencing – Vehicle, person or pet can be detected by using GPS vehicle tracking system, person tracking systems, and pet tracking systems.

Military Applications

·         Navigation – Soldiers can find objectives in the dark and unknown regions with the help of GPS.

·         Search and Rescue – Knowing the position of a downed pilot, its location can be traced out easily.

·         Reconnaissance – Patrol movement can be handled.

·         Target tracking – Military weapon systems use GPS to track air targets and potential ground before they are flagged as hostile.

·       GPS carry a set of nuclear detonation detectors (such as optical sensor, dosimeter, electromagnetic pulse sensor, X-ray sensor) which is a part of United States Nuclear Detonation Detection System.

·         Missile and projectile guidance – Targets military weapons such as cruise missiles, precision – guided munitions.

Remote Control for Toy Car

fig 1 

fig 2

Make any battery-operated toy car remote-controlled using this circuit. The circuit, consisting of an infrared transmitter-receiver pair, uses IR beam transmission to switch the toy car 'on' or 'off '. To operate the toy car, you need to hold the transmitter in your hand, keeping it pointed at the toy car which has the receiver fitted inside, and simply press a switch provided on the transmitter.
 
The transmitter works off 9V DC, while the receiver needs 6V DC. Fig. 1 shows the transmitter circuit. It is built around two BC558 transistors (T1 and T2), ,three BC548 transistors (T3, T4 and T5), IR LED1 and a few discrete components. 

Fig. 2 shows the receiver circuit. It is built around IR receiver module TSOP1738, two BC548 transistors (T6 and T7) and a few discrete components. In the transmitter circuit, there are two astable multivibrators. The first, built around transistors T1 and T2, produces a frequency of about 1.2 kHz. The second, built around transistors T3 and T4, produces about 38 kHz. IR LED1 is used to transmit the 38kHz frequency.  

In the receiver circuit, TSOP1738 receives the IR signal transmitted by IR LED1 of the transmitter circuit. The output of TSOP1738 is fed to transistor T6 via diode D1. The amplified signal is further given to relay-driver transistor T7. Relay RL1 energises to control the toy car.

Working of the circuit is simple. Initially, when no IR beam is falling on sensor TSOP1738, the relay remains de-energised and the toy car doesn't move. When switch S1 is pressed, the IR beam falls on TSOP1738 and its output goes low. Transistor T6 cuts off and transistor T7 conducts to energise relay RL1 and move the toy car.

Assemble both the circuits on separate PCBs. Enclose the transmitter PCB in a suitable cabinet, with IR LED1 affixed on the front side and switch S1 on the top of the cabinet. Keep the 9V battery inside the cabinet.

Enclose the receiver PCB inside the toy car, with TSOP1738 fitted such that the transmitted IR beam directly falls on it. Fix switch S2 on the body of the car and the relay inside the car. Use a 6V battery to operate the toy car receiver unit. 


courtesy: EFY

door KnocK alarm With timer

 

This low-cost circuit uses the piezoelectric element of a piezobuzzer as the input sensor.  The  piezoelectric  element  plate is fixed at the centre of the door wing by using a cello tape. Apply a small quantity of adhesive at the edges be- tween the plate and the door. Extend wires  about  1-1.5  metres  from  the piezoelectric to the circuit.

IC NE555 (IC1) is configured in monostable mode. When it gets an input pulse its output goes high for a period set by VR1, resistor R5 and capacitor C3. IC UM66 (IC2) is used as a melody generator. When the door is knocked at, the piezo plate generates an input pulse, which is amplified by transistor T1.

The  amplified signal  triggers  the timer IC NE555 and its output pin 3 goes high to enable the melody genera- tor. Music is heard from the speaker LS1. After the set time period, the melody sound stops.

Assemble the circuit on a general- purpose PCB and enclose in a suitable case. Fix the piezo element at the door and place the speaker in a central room inside the house using long wires. The circuit works off 5-12V DC. The music time can be adjusted through VR1 by changing the R-C time constant of the timer.