element14, an Avnet community, is harnessing the power of Infineon technologies that make life easier, safer and greener with the “Sustain The World” design challenge. This challenge encourages the community to create a new design with a positive environmental impact that can be applied to a variety of sustainable ventures including recycling, CO2 monitoring, pollution monitoring, and more.

“Designers and engineers are in the unique situation to innovate real solutions that inspire a safer, greener future,” said Dianne Kibbey, Global Head of Community and Social Media for the element14 Community. “element14 has teamed up with Infineon to inspire our community of more than 720,000 members to put their design skills to work to create every day, sustainable solutions to make life easier.”

Members of the element14 Community will compete to design the most creative green solution using a variety of evaluation boards and Kits provided by Infineon, including the Platform2GO XMC4200 MCU, the TLE94112EL motor controller, the DPS422 pressure sensor, the TLV493D A1B6 MS2GO magnetic sensor and a PROFET+2 12 smart switch shield.

Challengers are invited to use these kits from Infineon to help sustain the planet. Example applications include:

• Micro plastics monitoring buoy
• Remote pollution monitoring
• Roadside littering monitor
• CO2 monitoring station
• Self-compacting trash cans
• Recycling composition tester
• Sea level and levy monitor
• Automatic tree planter
• Trash collection bot

Although the “Sustain The World” design challenge is open to everyone, element14 Community members can apply to receive one of 20 free challenge kits featuring the above Infineon products to create their designs. Applications close on 25^th May and challengers will be announced on 1^st June. Then, participants will have until 10^th August to blog about and build their projects. Winners will be announced on 17^th August.

The first-place challenger will win $500 donated to the charity of their choice, 100 trees planted, an Envirocycle Home Composter, Click and Grow Home Smart IoT Garden, and a reusable metal straw and cutlery set. The runner up will receive $250 donated to the charity of their choice, 100 trees planted, the Click and Grow Home Smart IoT Garden, and a reusable metal straw and cutlery set. All other participants who blog about the build process and outcome of the challenge receive a Solar USB charger battery bank as well as 10 trees planted in their honour.

To learn more about element14 and the “Sustain Our World” challenge, please visit: 

https://www.element14.com/community/community/design-challenges/sustain-the-world-design-challenge

Farnell, the Development Distributor, announces the availability of Infineon’s MERUS™ range of Class D audio amplifier solutions, which use pioneering multilevel switching technology to increase audio performance and reduce power loss during operation. Infineon’s enhanced design and production standards deliver extreme reliability and stability for the entire product lifetime. The new range offers improved power efficiency, decreased size, weight, electromagnetic interference and lower overall cost than traditional solutions on the market.

Electronics engineers can use MERUS™ Class D audio solutions in a range of applications such as battery-operated speakers, wireless and docking speakers, soundbars, multiroom systems and home theatre systems. The MERUS™ portfolio includes fully integrated monolithic audio amplifier ICs, multi-chip audio amplifier modules (MCMs), as well as discrete audio amplifier driver IC and power MOSFET solutions, scalable to meet the most stringent and demanding application needs.

The products now available from Farnell's global businesses include:

• The MA12040P (for 4-18V supply voltage range) and the MA12070P (for 4-26V supply voltage range), suitable for battery operated speakers, wireless and docking speakers, soundbars and multiroom/home theatre systems, both feature an embedded digital power management scheme with an algorithm that dynamically adjusts switching frequency and modulation to optimise power loss and EMI across the output power range. Integrated digital-to-analogue converters enable digital I2S audio stream input. The amplifiers support sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz and offer protection against DC, short circuits, over-temperature and under-voltage situations. Flexible “power mode profiles” allow the user to utilise the multilevel switching technique for very low power loss or very high audio performance. Also available, for Analog input, are the complementary MA12040 and MA12070.
• The EVAL_AUDIO_MA12070P easy to use audio evaluation kit contains all the elements needed to evaluate the highly power-efficient MERUS™ digital input multilevel class D amplifier 2×80W (MA12070P). The IC is specifically targeted for high-performance filter-less and heatsink-free audio applications and suitable for applications such as voice controlled audio and professional audio where it is essential to maximize dynamic range and audio performance while minimizing power dissipation and power loss.

Lee Turner, Global Head of Semiconductors and Single Board Computing, at Farnell global businesses said, “Infineon is known for its pioneering solutions for audio application requirements delivered through patented architectures, proprietary algorithms, advanced manufacturing technologies, and extensive verification and testing. The MERUS™ amplifier solutions, now shipping from Premier Farnell, provide customers with an unprecedented sound experience, designed to maximise power efficiency while providing best-in-class audio performance in optimal-fit form factors suitable for design engineers developing products for both, home or professional use.”

“With recent technological innovations, such as multilevel class D amplifiers, which are designed specifically for superior audio quality and power efficient amplification of music signals, designers are enabled more than ever to create better products for their customers. We are delighted by Premier Farnell’s support in raising awareness and distribution of our future-proof MERUS™ audio-amplifier ICs,“ noted Jens Tybo Jensen, Head of Class D Audio, at Infineon Technologies.

Infineon’s MERUS™ range of Class D audio amplifier solutions are available from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

Premier Farnell, the Development Distributor, is now shipping the new 1200 V TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT7 and emitter-controlled EC7 diode from Infineon. Packaged in the well-known Easy housing, this EasyPIM^TM IGBT7 provides higher power density, lower system cost, and reduced system size. The 1200 V TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT7 and EC7 diode technology is based on latest micro-pattern trenches technology and optimized for industrial drive applications which means much lower static losses to meet energy efficiency requirements, softer switching and improved controllability. Additionally, by raising the allowed maximum overload junction temperature up to 175 °C in the power module, a significant increase of power density can be obtained.

The 1200 V TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT7 is available in a range of modules; the EasyPIM™ 1B 1200 V, three phase input rectifier PIM (Power Integrated Modules) in 10 A and 25 A options and the 1200 V sixpack IGBT module EasyPACK™ 2B 1200 V, 100 A sixpack IGBT module. The new modules are designed with the same pin out as TRENCHSTOP IGBT4 modules, which support design engineers in reducing design effort. New modules also enable a higher output current in the same package, or the similar output current in a smaller package resulting in more compact inverter designs where needed. All module types are equipped with Infineon’s reliable PressFit mounting technology for low ohmic resistance and reduced process time.

Key benefits of TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT7 include:

• Low losses - new chip technology shows extremely lower losses with optimized low V_ce(sat).

• dv/dt optimized for 2-8kV/µs, tailored for drive application.

• Short circuit is tailored for better performance, 8µs @150°C is enough for drive application.

• The gate drive is simpler and optimised for application condition. Only a gate resistor is enough to control.

• Increase of T_vjop up to 175°C increase the power density.

• Best-in-class V_CE(sat).

• Operation at 175°C at overload.

• Enhanced controllability optimized for drive applications.

• Higher power density - Same power in 35% smaller package.

The Infineon 1200 V TRENCHSTOP™ IGBT7 and emitter-controlled EC7 diode modules are available from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

Premier Farnell, The Development Distributor, is now shipping the Infineon 24V Protected Switch Shield and the Low-Side Switch Shield both for Arduino.

The 24V Protected Switch Shield is a power switch evaluation board compatible with Arduino microcontroller boards and Infineon’s XMC™ microcontroller kits using the Arduino form factor. It provides fast and inexpensive prototyping of 24V load driving, making it ideal for use in applications such as truck bulbs, car bulbs, valves, motors, relays, capacitors, and LEDs.

The shield is equipped with three PROtected high-side power MOSFETs out of the PROFET™+ 24V family, offering five 24 V channels in total. The power switches are controlled via the INx (input) pins. The PROFET™+ 24V devices also provide a sense current at the IS pin, which can be enabled via the DEN (Diagnosis ENable) pin. For the two channel devices the sensed channel is selected via the DSEL (Diagnosis SELect) pin. For each device the sense signal (IS) is connected to an own ADC channel of the microcontroller.

Infineon’s PROFET™+ 24V protected high-side switches drive resistive, capacitive and inductive loads with either a PWM of up to 400Hz or DC. It includes a driver circuit with logic level inputs, as well as load diagnosis with current sense capability and over temperature shut down with latch behaviour providing protection against over temperature, over current and ESD. This shield can handle 8 ~ 36V nominal input voltage (max. 5 ~ 48V) and a nominal current up to 5A per channel restricted due to PCB (nominal current: 7 A).

The Low-Side Switch Shield from Infineon consists of three BTF3050TE low-side switches of the HITFET™+ family providing three independent power channels that can be controlled via the input pins. The shield is compatible with microcontroller boards using the Arduino form factor and supports fast and easy prototyping of applications with BTF3050TE. With a nominal load current of 3A the BTF3050TE is able to drive resistive, inductive and capacitive loads. Furthermore the smart low-side switch provides diagnosis and protection features against items such as over temperature shut down with auto restart behaviour and double current limitation for inrush current. It also includes a latched and stable fault signal which is independent of the input pin. The Low-Side Switch Shield has a driver circuit with logic level inputs and can be driven with PWM up to 14 kHz (10% duty cycle) and with a 50 mΩ single channel switch, nominal battery voltage range from 8 ~ 18V and a nominal load current of 3A (typ.) DC this switch provides a fast and inexpensive way of prototyping for a wide range of applications.

The shields are available from Farnell element14 in Europe, Newark element14 in North America and element14 in APAC. Please visit the element14 Community for more information on the Infineon 24V Protected Switch Shield and the Infineon Low-Side Switch Shield.

element14 has expanded its portfolio of power MOSFETs with the addition of CoolMOS™ and OptiMOS™ and families from Infineon Technologies, a world leader in semiconductors and system solutions. These products deliver outstanding performance for switched mode power supply (SMPS) applications ensuring the highest efficiency, increased power density and ease of use.

Marc Grange, Head of Product and Asset Management, element14 Asia-Pacific said, “We are excited to offer additional power MOSFETs from Infineon, the world leader in MOSFET power transistors. These leading ranges are ideal for customers who require solutions for increasing speed and power requirements for designing power conversion systems.”

Dr. Felix Grawert, Head of Product Line High Voltage Conversion, Infineon Technologies said, “Our outstanding CoolMOS™ C7 series continues a twelve year innovation path of high quality Superjunction CoolMOS technology strengthening Infineon’s leadership in high-end power conversion. With CoolMOS C7´s Best-in-Class Figure of Merit (R DS(on)*E OSS), our customers are enabled to design a new generation of power conversion systems with an unprecedented combination of improved power density as well as efficiency. At element14 it is easy to compare and select from our broad portfolio which also provides fast access to technical support and customer service.”

The 600V CoolMOS™ P6 family is a superjunction MOSFET for high power PFC and LLC applications which brings the industry’s highest efficiency performance at a convenient ease-of-use and at a competitive price. It is also offered in the patented TO247-4pin package, which greatly reduces losses for only a marginal additional price adder; see sg.element14.com/infineon-coolmos-c7-power-mosfets 

The OptiMOS ™ 5 40V and 60V families improve system efficiency and power density while reducing system costs; it is optimized for applications such as motor control, solar micro inverters and fast-switching DCD/DC converters; see sg.element14.com/Infineon+optimos

Visit the Infineon store at http://sg.element14.com/infineon. Data sheets and application notes can be found on the product pages together with a range of associated accessories. Join the Infineon group at the element14 Community to access exclusive technical resources such as white papers and discussions with over 300,000 members at http://www.element14.com/community/groups/infineon

Visit element14 at Electronica China on 17-19 March in Hall E3 Stand 3162, Shanghai New International Expo Center, to see the newest product solutions and service capabilities that are set to inspire innovation for the Internet of Things from design through to production. Get a guided tour of the new capabilities of the e-commerce site at cn.element14.com and get a hands-on demo of the element14 Design Center, www.element14.com, a new resource for engineers offering the most comprehensive range of development tool information. Throughout the exhibition visitors can participate in a variety of activities; get the latest updates on the schedule of programmes from weibo.com/element14 or http://www.element14.com/community/events/4249

The new RGB LED Lighting Shield with XMC1202 for Arduino from Infineon Technologies is now available for purchase from Newark element14, a global electronics distributor and online community for design engineers and hobbyists. The RGB LED Lighting Shield with XMC1202 for Arduino is one of the industry’s first easy-to-use, intelligent lighting solutions compatible with Arduino and the XMC1100 Boot Kit of Infineon.

The Infineon RGB LED Lighting Shield with XMC1202 for Arduino features three independent dimming engines with nine independent Pulse Density Modulated (PDM) channels. It is easily configurable for various light engines and provides flicker-free LED dimming and color control, making it an ideal product for electronics design engineers and lighting designers. Fast prototyping coupled with inexpensive evaluation capabilities also makes the Infineon RGB LED Lighting Shield with XMC1202 for Arduino an ideal tool for makers and hobbyists.

Additional features of the Infineon RGB LED Lighting Shield with XMC1202 for Arduino include:

• Constant current to drive 3 LED channels
• Wide DC input voltage range (12-48V, max 6-60V)
• Average LED current up to 700mA (max peak current 1A)
• Simple I2C interface
• Power by 32-bit XMC1200 MCU series using an ARM® Cortex™-M0 processor
• With Brightness Color Control Unit (BCCU)
• Can be extended for DALI/DMX512

“We are happy to provide innovative semiconductor solutions to the Arduino developer community in cooperation with Newark element14,” says Jürgen Hoika, Senior Director Distribution Marketing at Infineon Technologies AG. “The Infineon RGB LED Lighting Shield with XMC1202 for Arduino is the first of a family launched to enable developers to create highly efficient and thus greener products. Infineon Shields for Arduino perfectly fit our XMC1100 microcontroller Boot Kit which significantly reduces time-to-market with its DAVE™ software development environment.”

The element14 Community is currently running a road test titled "The Internet of Holiday Lights” featuring the new Infineon RGB LED Lighting Shield with XMC1202 for Arduino. Visit the competitors page to see the participants, their projects and how they are bringing the Internet of Things home for the holidays.

The Infineon RGB LED Lighting Shield with XMC1202 for Arduino is available for $29.47 via Newark element14. Visit Newark element14’s Applications Center for more information on how to get started.