TDK collaborates with Texas Instruments on new i3 Micro Module, the world’s first sensor module with built

January 5, 2023

TDK Corporation (TSE:6762) today announced the TDK i3 Micro Module, the world’s first module with built-in edge AI and wireless mesh connectivity capability. Through TDK’s collaboration with Texas Instruments (TI), the i3 Micro Module integrates the TI SimpleLink™ platform, featuring the CC2652R7, an Arm® Cortex®-M4F multiprotocol 2.4-GHz wireless 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) for real-time monitoring. The new module additionally integrates TDK’s IIM-42352 high-performance SmartIndustrialTM MEMS accelerometer and digital output temperature sensor, edge AI, and mesh network functionality into a single unit, facilitating data aggregation, integration, and processing.

The i3 Micro Module’s ultracompact, battery-powered wireless sensor, facilitates users to achieve sensing at most any desired position without physical constraints like wiring. This dramatically expedites the prediction of anomalies in machinery and equipment, enabling an ideal Condition-based Monitoring (CbM) implementation. Monitoring through real-time visualized empirical equipment data instead of relying on manpower and scheduled maintenance, understanding the health of machinery and equipment to help extend utilization life, and minimizing production downtime by preventing unexpected failures — all contribute to establishing an ideal predictive maintenance system. TDK designed the i3 Micro Module for truly “smart” sensor node edge implementation aimed at a wide variety of production equipment, empowering the ongoing global evolution toward smart factories.

“As more electronics and automation are being implemented in factories and buildings, companies are seeking more efficient ways to anticipate and manage equipment needs, avoiding expensive downtime,” said Nick Smith, product marketing manager at Texas Instruments. “This collaboration between TI and TDK will bring more technology into factories and increase their efficiency through simpler and more powerful sensing and real-time communication. TI’s connectivity technology is backed by over 20 years of experience to help drive innovations such as these modules.”

“TDK’s i3 Micro Module facilitates numerous benefits to the manufacturing floor to enable digital transformation and an enhanced smart factory environment,” stated Christian Hoffman, General Manager, Corporate Marketing Group, TDK Corporation. “The module simplifies the deployment and sensor data gathering process giving users the bandwidth to focus on effective condition based monitoring and predictive maintenance initiatives.”

The i3 Micro Module solution is expected to be available through most global distribution partners by the fourth quarter of 2023. Product demonstrations are available at TDK’s booth # 16181 at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 5-8, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

For more information and contact please visit https://www.tdk.com/en/featured_stories/entry_046-sensor-micro-module.html

TDK Corporation is a world leader in electronic solutions for the smart society based in Tokyo, Japan. Built on a foundation of material sciences mastery, TDK welcomes societal transformation by resolutely remaining at the forefront of technological evolution and deliberately “Attracting Tomorrow.” It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. TDK‘s comprehensive, innovation-driven portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors. In addition, TDK provides power supplies and energy devices, magnetic heads and more. These products are marketed under the product brands TDK, EPCOS, InvenSense, Micronas, Tronics and TDK-Lambda. TDK focuses on demanding markets in automotive, industrial and consumer electronics, and information and communication technology. The company has a network of design and manufacturing locations and sales offices in Asia, Europe, and in North and South America In fiscal 2022, TDK posted total sales of USD 15.6 billion and employed about 117,000 people worldwide.