TDK Sensor Board: The Key to Enhanced Robotic Sensing with NVIDIA Jetson Orin

In the ever-evolving world of robotics, the ability to perceive the environment is paramount. Sensors play a pivotal role in enabling robots to understand and interact with their surroundings. To empower robotics developers with cutting-edge sensing capabilities, TDK has introduced a versatile Multi-Sensor Board equipped with a 40-pin header compatible with NVIDIA Jetson Orin systems on modules.

NVIDIA Jetson is a leading AI-at-the-edge computing platform with over a million developers. With pretrained AI models, software development kits and support for cloud-native technologies across the full Jetson lineup, manufacturers of intelligent machines and AI developers can build and deploy high-quality, software-defined features on embedded and edge devices targeting generative AI, robotics, AIoT, smart cities, healthcare, agriculture and farming, industrial applications, and more.

This powerful sensor board is poised to enable robots to sense and respond to their environment with ease.

A Closer Look at the TDK Sensor Board

The TDK Sensor Board is a comprehensive solution for robotics development and prototyping. It boasts an impressive array of sensors that cater to a wide range of applications and opens a world of possibilities for robotics enthusiasts and professionals alike. Here is a glimpse of the sensors that make the TDK Sensor Board a must-have for the world of robotics. For additional details on any of these sensors, please consult their respective datasheets.

Inertial Measurement Unit (ICM-45605) by TDK

The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is a critical component for robotics navigation and control. The ICM-45605 is an Ultra-high-performance 6-axis MEMS IMU with the world’s first BalancedGyro™ technology and low power consumption. On-chip Digital Motion Processor enables advanced motion algorithms and machine learning capability.

The ICM-45605 provides precise data on acceleration, gyration, and orientation, allowing robots to maintain stability, calculate their position, and navigate with accuracy.

Pressure Sensor (ICP-20100) by TDK

Pressure sensors enable robots to gauge altitude, underwater depth, or pressure changes in confined spaces, expanding the range of tasks robots can undertake.

The ICP-20100 pressure sensor provides a high-accuracy, low power, barometric pressure and temperature sensor solution that integrates a capacitive pressure sensor for monitoring pressure changes in the range of 30 to 110 kPa.

The ICP-20100 integrates a DSP module for on-chip calibration with an Analog-to-Digital converter (ADC), digital filtering, a FIFO and has I²C, I3CSM, and SPI interfaces available. The solution can be configured to achieve ultra-low noise or ultra-low power performance and is flexible to perform anywhere in-between. Additionally, the filters can be enabled to allow even lower noise performance or activate features such as filtering of pressure glitches (e.g. opening/closing a window).

Thermistor (B57861S0103A039) by TDK

Temperature monitoring is essential for various robotics applications, from ensuring the safety of sensitive components to optimizing battery performance. The B57861S0103A039 thermistor on the TDK Sensor Board provides accurate temperature readings, with short response time aiding in efficient thermal management. It features epoxy encapsulation for enhanced protection.

Magnetometer (AK09915C) by AKM

The magnetometer is crucial for robots that rely on magnetic field data for navigation or to detect magnetic objects. The AK09915C magnetometer delivers precise magnetic field measurements, enhancing a robot’s ability to navigate and interact with magnetic objects in its vicinity.

Motor Controller (HVC5222C) by TDK

The motor controller allows robots to interface with motors and actuators, enabling precise control of movement and manipulation. The HVC 5222C has three motor connections and can thus be used to control brushless motors with up to 1 A phase current for radiator grille flaps and small fans. The device features seven universal I/O connections and numerous automotive diagnostic and safety functions in a small form factor 24-pin QFN package.

Connector for Industrial-Grade IMU Module by TDK

The TDK Sensor Board includes a connector for TDK’s industrial-grade IMU module, further expanding the options for advanced inertial sensing and navigation capabilities in industrial robotics projects. The IIM-46230, which can be connected to the board, a compact 6-axis MotionTracking device, combines multiple 3-axis gyroscopes and 3-axis accelerometers in a module measuring approximately 23 × 23 × 8.5 mm, and it features a standard 20-pin connector interface.

Four Connectors for Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight Sensors (ICU-x0201) by TDK

Ultrasonic time-of-flight (ToF) sensors are indispensable for obstacle detection, proximity sensing, and object tracking. With four connectors for TDK’s ICU-x0201 series sensors, developers can implement advanced ToF-based applications.

The ICU-10201 and ICU-20201 are high-performance ultrasonic Time-of-Flight sensors designed for precise distance measurement. The ICU-10201 covers a range of 10cm to 1.2m, while the ICU-20201 extends that range from 20cm to 5m.

Both sensors optimize battery life with ultra-low power consumption, for ICU-10201 ranging from 26µA to 300µA and 17µA to 320µA, respectively, based on the sample rate. Additionally, they offer remarkable flexibility due to their extensive embedded program and data memory.

Two Connectors for MEMs Digital Microphone (T5838) by TDK

Audio perception is increasingly important in robotics, enabling robots to interact with humans and respond to auditory cues as cobots. The TDK Sensor Board features two connectors for TDK’s microphones (T5838), allowing cobots to incorporate sound recognition and processing capabilities.

The T5838 is a low noise, high AOP digital Pulse Density Modulation (PDM) microphone using a fifth-order Σ‑Δ modulator. It also features Acoustic Activity Detect (AAD), a new ultra-low power edge processing feature consuming as low as 20 µA.

Flexibility in Sensor Placement

One of the standout features of the TDK Sensor Board is its flexibility in sensor placement. Robotics developers can connect the ultrasonic ToF sensors and microphones anywhere on the robot using flex cables. This adaptability ensures that sensors can be strategically positioned for optimal performance in a variety of robotic applications.

Open-Source Sensor and ROS 2 Drivers

To facilitate seamless integration and development, TDK will open-source Linux drivers for sensors and ROS 2 (Robot Operating System) Humble-based drivers for all the sensors on the TDK Sensor Board. This commitment to open-source development guarantees that robotics enthusiasts and developers alike have access to the vital tools and resources they need to unlock the full potential of the TDK Sensor Board. By offering such transparency and flexibility, we empower developers to customize, tweak, and optimize sensor functionalities to align perfectly with their specific requirements and aspirations.

Unlocking the Potential of Robotics

The TDK Sensor Board is a catalyst for innovation in robotics. Whether you’re working on autonomous drones, smart manufacturing systems, or educational robotics projects, this sensor platform provides a robust foundation for success.

With its compatibility with NVIDIA Jetson Orin, a wide array of sensors, and flexible sensor placement options, it empowers robotics developers to create robots with enhanced perception and interaction capabilities. Moreover, the provision of open-source sensor drivers and ROS 2 compatibility makes it a valuable asset for the robotics community, ensuring that the journey toward more capable and intelligent robots is a collaborative one. As robotics continues to evolve, the TDK Sensor Board paves the way for a new era of robotics sensing excellence.