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| Microsoft Unveils Secure MCU Platform with a Linux-Based OS
The Azure Sphere MCUs "combine both real-time and application processors with built-in Microsoft security technology and connectivity," says Microsoft. "Each chip includes custom silicon security technology from Microsoft, inspired by 15 years of experience and learnings from Xbox." The IoT oriented Azure Sphere OS provides additional Microsoft security and a security monitor in addition to the Linux kernel. The platform will ship with Visual Studio development tools, and a dev kit will ship in mid-2018.
Development of a New Debug and Test Tool
- By William Holt
During a career largely spent developing mixed signal IC products, I often longed for a personal, simple to use, analog and digital pattern generator tool. Numerous occasions arose where it was necessary to check the performance or parameters of an IC, a breadboard or an application board. Sometimes the setup was trivial: a few supplies and a signal generator or two. And sometimes the setup was quite complex.
I had a few tools for the tougher problems but there was usually something not quite matching up---logic or interface voltages, offset, synchronization, limited pattern width/length and limited pattern control options. So after retiring, I decided to create a personal debug and test tool and here is the result. ... CONTINUE READING Mentor's Jim Miller explores internal design vulnerabilities and 3rd-party attacks on IoT edge devices in this white paper that answers these questions: - Should hardware designers be concerned about security for IoT edge devices?
- Is it worth the effort and cost to ensure security at this level?
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Dual-Mode Bluetooth Module for the Industrial IoT U-blox has announced the new NINA-B2 dual-mode Bluetooth 4.2 stand-alone module, enabling industrial IoT applications thanks to its built-in secure boot and wide temperature ranges. It comes pre-flashed with U-blox connectivity software that supports many common use cases such as Beacon, GATT client, GATT server and serial port. NINA-B2 is configured easily using AT commands over UART, without requiring deep knowledge of the Bluetooth protocol. Because it's already tested and certified globally, it also reduces development costs and speeds time to market.  NINA-B2's built-in secure boot guarantees that the software is authenticated by U-blox and has therefore not been tampered with. This provides a secure operating environment for the Bluetooth module. NINA-B2 is very compact, at 10 mm x 10.6 mm x 2.2 mm (without antenna) and 10 mm x 14 mm x 3.8 mm (with antenna). Most of the Bluetooth modules at this scale are single-mode Bluetooth low energy or Bluetooth BR/EDR devices. NINA-B2's size makes it an easy fit in any IoT device. It is also pin-compatible with the U-blox NINA family, allowing it to be easily swapped in or out with other NINA modules, with their different radio technologies such as Bluetooth low energy and Wi-Fi. Win a Free Subscription to Circuit Cellar Magazine!  This week's newsletter raffle is for a 1-year free subscription to Circuit Cellar! Drawing ends at midnight this coming Friday. Circuit Cellar is the premier media resource for professional engineers, academic technologists, and other electronics technology decision-makers worldwide involved in the design and development of embedded processor- and microcontroller-based systems across a broad range of applications. And congratulations to last week's raffle winner, Gianpaolo S., who won a 2017 archive CD of Circuit Cellar magazine. Thanks to all who participated! |
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Moxa has announced the UC-2100 Series of industrial IoT gateways along with its new UC 3100 and UC 5100 Series, but it offered details only on the UC-2100. All three series will offer ruggedization features, compact footprints, and on some models, 4G LTE support. They all run Moxa Industrial Linux and optional ThingsPro Gateway data acquisition software on Arm-based SoCs. Based on Debian 9 and a Linux 4.4 kernel, the new Moxa Industrial Linux (MIL) is a "high-performance, industrial-grade Linux distribution" that features a container-based virtual-machine-like middleware abstraction layer between the OS and applications," says Moxa. Multiple isolated systems can run on a single control host "so that system integrators and engineers can easily change the behavior of an application without worrying about software compatibility," says the company. MIL provides 10-year long-term Linux support, and is aimed principally at industries that require long-term software, such as power, water, oil & gas, transportation and building automation industries. In December, Moxa joined the Linux Foundation's Civil Infrastructure Platform (CIP) project, which is developing a 10-year SLTS Linux kernel for infrastructure industries. MIL appears to be in alignment with CIP standards.
Telit has announced the release of a new module, the WE866C3. A companion to Telit's LTE LE910Cx family, the new module advances the ability to deliver LTE and Wi-Fi integration for IoT applications including security panels, video bridges, medical devices, telematics and remote sensors.  Telit's WE866C3 is a low power, high bandwidth 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.2 module with a small footprint that provides an easy and cost-effective way for manufacturers to add wireless connectivity to new and existing products. Advanced LTE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth coexistence dramatically reduces complexity designing cellular back haul with the LE910Cx 4G LTE module family, making the WE866C3 well-suited for a wide range of IoT applications including commercial building automation, OEM telematics, fleet management and video surveillance. |
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