This week, Yoctopuce announces not two, but three new modules in USB-C format. They are the Yocto-Proximity-C, the Yocto-0-10V-Tx-C, and the Yocto-MaxiPowerRelay-C. Let's not waste time and let's take a closer look.
Yocto-Proximity-C
The Yocto-Proximity-C is a tiny module that detects the presence of an object near the sensor using an infrared beam. The module can be split into two, so you can offset the tiny sensor part by rewiring the connection between the two parts. Although the Yocto-Proximity-C gives values that are more or less proportional to the distance from the detected object, it is not a rangefinder. It's important to understand that the values calculated by the sensor are highly dependent on the object's color. Color also has a significant influence on detection distance: a white object will be detected up to around 10cm, whereas a matt black object will be undetectable beyond 2cm. If you need a proper rangefinder, take a look at the Yocto-RangeFinder.
The Yocto-Proximity-C
We've calculated the price of the Yocto-Proximity-C at CHF 21.30, while the Yocto-Proximity costs CHF 20.60. You may be wondering how this price is calculated. It's quite simple: the unit price of a Yoctopuce module is calculated at the time of its release on the market as three times its cost in components and PCBs. When this price has been determined, we try not to touch it again. When the components of a module have been paid for, Yoctopuce is left with 66% of the sales price to cover the running costs of the company: salaries, rent, insurance, taxes, conformity tests, machine maintenance, and so on. After all these costs have been paid, if there's any money left over, it's saved to buy new production machines. A some point we may have to replace our autoplacer, this is not a cheap machine.
Yocto-0-10V-Tx-C
The Yocto-0-10V-Tx-C is a small, two-channel 0-10V voltage generator. You can set the voltage of each output to any value between 0 and 10V with an accuracy of 10mV, 0.5%. It's the alter-ego of the Yocto-0-10V-Rx-C, in other words, it can emulate sensors with a 0-10V output, a signal transmission system quite common in industry. Note that the output voltage is generated from the 5V of the USB, and the current available at output is limited to 20mA. Consequently, except in special cases, you won't be able to power much with the Yocto-0-10V-Tx-C, as it's primarily designed to generate a voltage signal.
The Yocto-0-10V-Tx-C
The unit price of the Yocto-0-10V-Tx-C has been calculated at CHF 81.25, i.e. CHF 2.75 more than the Micro-B version. The difference is quite modest considering that the Yocto-0-10V-Tx was released over 8 years ago.
Yocto-MaxiPowerRelay-C
The Yocto-MaxiPowerRelay-C is a double-width module with 5 SPDT relays. The relays used are top-of-the-range OMRON G6RL-14-ASI electromagnetic models. You can use the Yocto-MaxiPowerRelay-C to control the power supply of mains-operated devices up to 5 amperes. Please note that DC power is subject to derating at 30VDC and above. See the documentation for more details. Unlike more basic models, G6RL-14-ASI relays are relatively resistant to inductive loads.
Inductive loads are typically devices containing coils: transformers, motors, solenoids, and so on. When the power supply to an inductive load is cut off abruptly, by means of a relay for example, a massive overvoltage appears at the ends the load. If this surge passes through the relay, it will cause arcing between its internal contacts, which will greatly accelerate the ageing of the relay. You'll find more details on the Yocto-MaxiPowerRelay-C 's resistance to inductive loads in the documentation, but don't let that stop you from adding a layer of protection with a TVS diode or varistor to your circuit's working voltage.
The Yocto-MaxiPowerRelay-C
The good news is that, at CHF 56.80, the Yocto-MaxiPowerRelay-C is only 80 centimes more expensive than the Yocto-MaxiPowerRelay.
