IDT ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Raspberry Pi HAT

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About

In this roadtest, you will have the opportunity of test the ZMOD4410 Gas Sensor Module, which is designed to detect total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ). The ZMOD4410 Sensor Module is conveniently mounted on a Raspberry Pi Hat by AVNET. Roadtesters will also receive a Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and 16GB SD Card.

 

About the Renesas ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Sensor Module

Providing best-in-class stability and sensitivity, the Renesas ZMOD4410 gas sensor module is designed to detect trace gases in various locations within indoor environments. It features embedded artificial intelligence (e-AI), enabling smart odor sensing for ventilation systems, bathroom monitoring and controls, and air quality monitors. It can be configured for use in individual rooms in homes and buildings, such as bathroom and kitchens, to solve unique air quality problems. The sensor is supplied with pre-compiled libraries.

 

It is a 12-pin LGA assembly (3.0 x 3.0 x 0.7 mm) that consists of a gas sense element and a CMOS signal conditioning IC. The module’s sense element consists of a heater element on a Si-based MEMS structure and a metal oxide (MOx) chemiresistor. The signal conditioner controls the sensor temperature and measures the MOx conductivity, which is a function of the gas concentration.

 

The measurement results can be read via an I2C interface with the user’s microprocessor, which processes the data to determine the TVOC concentration, IAQ rating and estimated carbon dioxide (eCO2) level. This flexibility makes the sensors in the ZMOD4410 sensor capable of providing a variety of measurement options by varying the method of operation or changing the firmware used to interpret the resistance measurements. Downloadable firmware libraries and source code provided by IDT enables detection of TVOC and odors and supports smart devices measuring IAQ that require low-power operation.

 

SensorBlock Diagram
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Features

  • Sensor output based on AI machine learning algorithmic features:

– Measurement of total organic compounds (TVOC) concentrations and indoor air quality (IAQ)

– Module algorithm estimates carbon dioxide level (eCO2)

– Algorithm to set a control signal to trigger an external action based on IAQ and odor change

– Algorithm to discriminate sulfur-based odors

  • Firmware for mobile, industrial, and consumer applications
  • Algorithm to set a control signal to trigger an external action based on IAQ and odor change
  • Renesas offers downloadable source files and compiled code, enabling a product road map of indoor air measurement innovation

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About The Avnet ZMOD4410 IAQ Pi HAT

To roadtest the ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Sensor Module, element14 chose to use the Avnet Renesas ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality HAT built for Raspberry Pi. The HAT features an on-board calibrated ZMOD4410 sensor that measures the concentrations of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and can estimate carbon dioxide (eCO2) levels. In addition to the ZMOD4410 sensor, the HAT incorporates a Renesas HS3001 Precision Relative Humidity and Temperature Sensor, along with software-controlled status LEDs.

AVNET ZMOD4410 IAQ Pi HATBlock Diagram
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Features

  • Convenient Raspberry Pi HAT form factor for evaluation, development and quick prototyping of products that monitor indoor air quality
  • Detects a wide range of TVOC, from parts-per-billion to parts-per-million and provides eCO2 levels
  • Sensors are chemically tested and factory calibrated
  • On-board user-adjustable power supply option and current measurement connection points
  • Supplied with pre-compiled Raspberry Pi OS test / validation application
  • Renesas offers licensed downloadable compiled code, enabling a product road map of indoor air measurement innovation

 

In addition to the  AVNET ZMOD4410 Pi HAT, we will be including a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and a 16GB SD card.imageimage

About the Renesas Software

So far we've talked about the hardware in this roadtest. Let's now talk about the software. Since this is a commercial product, not an “open source." Hence, source code for the software is not provided. The Renesas is encrypted and requires a software license to download and obtain the binary libraries that make the sensor function.

 

1. To validate the HAT’s operation and begin measuring TVOC and eCO2 “out of the box” with a Raspberry Pi solution, Avnet provides a pre-compiled test application built with those algorithm libraries that runs under the Raspberry Pi operating system. You can download it here under "Software Downloads."

 

2. You can download Renesas’ Software License Agreement and procedure to download the ZMOD algorithm libraries and related confidential data by clicking here Scroll down to downloads and you will see files with a yellow lock icon:

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Click the icon and you will be prompted to create a Renesas account. After your account is verified, you can click the file and you will be taken to the Secure Access Request.

(Be patient. it takes some time to approve your account and get access.)

 

RoadTesting The ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Sensor Module

There are two ways to approach this roadtest:

  • Basic Users (hobbyists, makers): You can run the demo provided by Avnet, which is easy to do and anyone familiar with the Pi should be able to do. This blog can give you some ideas.
  • Advanced Users (embedded developers, pro-makers, engineers. entrepreneurs): If you want to create a project (or anything beyond the demo), you will need to get a software license from Renesas, download the binaries, and work through the documentation. This requires a higher level of skill and more experience. Note: You will not be able to modify the algorithm due to Renesas’ license policy, nor can you re-distribute the licensed binary file.

 

Additional and Resource Information

Important Dates

Enrollment Begin: Sept 24 2020

Enrollment Ends: October 30 2020

RoadTesters Selected: Nov 12 2020 (estimated)

Product Shipped: Nov 13 2020

RoadTesting Begins: Nov 20 2020

Reminder/Update Email: Dec 20 2020

Submit Reviews By: Jan 20 2020

*The element14 RoadTest Staff will send this reminder/update email.

**If a RoadTester is unable to meet the deadline, please notify the RoadTest Program Lead, , as soon as possible before the deadline.

RoadTesters

Other

The Avnet IDT ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Raspberry Pi Hat is an evaluation, development and quick-prototyping tool intended for developing a wide variety of mains-powered and battery-powered products with Indoor Air Quality monitoring capability.

 

 

The Hat features an on-board calibrated ZMOD4410 sensor which measures the concentrations of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and can estimate carbon dioxide (eCO2) levels. These are important indicators for monitoring Indoor Air Quality. The Avnet IDT ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Raspberry Pi Hat is an evaluation, development and quick-prototyping tool intended for developing a wide variety of mains-powered and battery-powered products with Indoor Air Quality monitoring capability.

 

 

The Hat features an on-board calibrated ZMOD4410 sensor which measures the concentrations of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) and can estimate carbon dioxide (eCO2) levels. These are important indicators for monitoring Indoor Air Quality.

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The ZMOD4410 sensor device is a small module containing a low-power programmable signal conditioning IC and a specially-developed MEMS gas sensing element. Under software direction, the ZMOD4410 precisely controls the internal temperature of its sensing element, allowing for the detection of a wide range of indoor air contaminants by accurately measuring the sensing element’s conductivity and resistance. This flexibility makes the ZMOD4410 capable of providing a variety of measurement options by varying the method of operation or changing the firmware used to operate it. Downloadable libraries provided by IDT under license make upgrades straightforward to implement. All sensors are electrically and chemically (gas) tested with calibration data stored in the ZMOD4410’s built-in nonvolatile memory.

 

 

Note that the associated libraries may be obtained from IDT; they are not included with the Avnet ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Sensor Raspberry Pi Hat. To validate the Hat’s operation and begin measuring TVOC and eCO2, Avnet provides a pre-compiled application built with those libraries which runs under Raspbian, the official supported operating system for the Raspberry Pi. In addition to the ZMOD4410, the Hat includes an IDT HS3001 Precision Relative Humidity and Temperature Sensor, along with software-controlled status LEDs.

 

 

ZMOD4410 Gas Sensor Module

The ZMOD4410 Gas Sensor Module is designed for detecting total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and monitoring indoor air quality (IAQ). It is a 12-pin LGA assembly (3.0 x 3.0 x 0.7 mm) that consists of a gas sense element and a CMOS signal conditioning IC. The module’s sense element consists of a heater element on a Si-based MEMS structure and a metal oxide (MOx) chemiresistor. The signal conditioner controls the sensor temperature and measures the MOx conductivity, which is a function of the gas concentration.

 

The measurement results can be read via an I2C interface with the user’s microprocessor, which processes the data to determine the TVOC concentration, IAQ rating and estimated carbon dioxide (eCO2) level. This flexibility makes the sensors in the ZMOD4410 platform capable of providing a variety of measurement options by varying the method of operation or changing the firmware used to interpret the resistance measurements. Downloadable firmware libraries and source code provided by IDT enables detection of TVOC and odors  and supports smart devices measuring IAQ that require low-power operation. The ZMOD4410 is ideal for applications such as thermostats, air purifiers, building controls, smart fans, HVAC equipment, and smart devices.

 

 

Benefits

  • Convenient Raspberry Pi Hat form factor for evaluation, development and quick-prototyping of products that monitor Indoor Air Quality
  • Detects a wide range of TVOC, from parts-per-billion to parts-per-million and provides eCO2 levels
  • Sensors are chemically tested and factory calibrated
  • On-board user-adjustable power supply option and current measurement connection points
  • Configurable alarm/interrupt output
  • Supplied with pre-compiled Raspbian application
  • IDT offers licensed downloadable compiled code, enabling a product road map of indoor air measurement innovation

Applications

  • Smart home appliances
  • Smart thermostats, smart speakers, smart fans, smoke alarms, vacuum cleaners, garage openers, security systems, HVAC, air purifiers, and building automation

Additional Information

Terms and Conditions

Avnet IDT ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Raspberry Pi – RoadTest

Terms and Conditions

These are the terms and conditions which govern the Avnet IDT ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Raspberry Pi RoadTest contest. This Contest requires participants to submit an application indicating their previous experience with this type of equipment/component, information on what they would do to test the equipment/component, and the applicant’s desire to post a thorough review of their experience with images, photos, or other supplemental materials. Participants will be required to meet the Conditions for Participation.  The winners of this RoadTest will receive the item(s) listed below. RoadTest Reviews are due no later than 60 days after the receipt of the item(s). No other prizes are offered.

The Principal terms of the Competition:

The following words and phrases are used in these terms and conditions and have the meanings given to them below.

 

Key dates:

Applications Close: midnight (GMT) on October 30 2020

Announcement of Winner (estimated): Nov 4 2020

Prize: Avnet IDT ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Raspberry Pi

Additional Prizes: none

Competition Site: https://www.element14.com/community/groups/roadtest?ICID=menubar_resources_roadtest

Site or element14 Community: www.element14.com/community

Judges: members of the element14 community team chosen at the Organiser’s discretion.

Judging Criteria, All of the following which will have equal weighting:

· Demonstrated competence with the technologies including links or descriptions of past projects

· Qualifications as indicated by current job role and/or schooling/vocational training;

· A thorough description of how the prize would be tested;

· Likelihood that the Applicant will blog about the prize and provide a review on element14.com;

· Originality;

· Innovation.

Organiser: Premier Farnell plc (registered in England and Wales under company number 876412) whose registered office is at Farnell House, Forge Lane, Leeds, UK

Conditions for Qualification: in addition to meeting the requirements of these terms, all persons applying to take part in the Contest (each one an Applicant) must:

· Provide a RoadTest application describing what he/she would do if awarded the Prize including similar previous projects, product experience and qualifications

Terms: these terms and conditions which govern the Competition and to which the Organiser reserves the right to make changes from time to time and the latest version of these Terms from time to time will be posted to the Site.

  1. Eligibility
  2. Applications:
  3. Selecting Winners:
  4. Liability:
  5. General:

1.1 Save as set out in these Terms, the Contest is open to any natural or legal person, firm or company or group of natural persons or unincorporated body.

1.2 All Applicants must be aged at least 18 at the time of their application.

1.3 Applicants must not enter the RoadTest if doing so or taking part may:

1.3.1 cause the Organiser and/or themselves to be in breach of any agreement (including but not limited to any contract of employment) to which they are a party or in breach of any law, regulation or rule having the force of law to which the Organiser or the Applicant may be subject or any policy of the Organiser or the Sponsor;

1.3.2 Require the Organiser to obtain any licence, authorisation or permission to deal with the Applicant; or

1.3.3 Be in breach of any policy or practice of their employer. Some employers prohibit or restrict their employees from taking part in competitions such as these or receiving prizes under them and the Organiser respects those policies and practices.

The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any Application made in breach of these Terms and to reject any Application which it reasonably believes may be or become in breach. The Organiser reserves the right to require evidence in such form as the Organiser may reasonably require of any Applicant’s compliance with any of these Terms and to disqualify any Applicant or Participant who cannot provide such evidence reasonably promptly.

1.4 Multiple applications are not permitted.

1.5 Applications may not be submitted by an agent whether acting on behalf of an undisclosed principal or otherwise.

1.6 The Contest is NOT open to:

1.6.1 Any person or entity who is a resident or national of any country which is subject to sanctions, embargoes or national trade restrictions of the United States of America, the European Union or the United Kingdom;

1.6.2 Any employee, director, member, shareholder (as appropriate) or any of their direct families (parents, siblings, spouse, partner, children) (“Direct Families”) of the Organiser and Sponsors; or

2.1 Each Applicant must fully complete and submit a RoadTest Application by the Application Close.

2.2 By submitting a Registration Form, each Applicant:

2.2.1 Authorises the Organiser to use his or her personal data (as defined in the Data Protection Act 1998) for the purposes of running and promoting the RoadTest;

2.2.2 Authorises the Organizer to copy, reproduce and publish their application should they be accepted as a Participant;

2.2.3 Will be deemed to have read, accepted and agree to be bound by these Terms. Applicants are advised to print and keep safe these Terms;

2.2.4 Authorises the Organiser to copy, reproduce and use the Application and/or Review for the purposes of the RoadTest and as otherwise contemplated by these Terms. The Organiser will not be responsible for any inaccuracy, error or omission contained in any reproduction or use of the Project Blogs.

2.2.5 Licenses the Organiser to use the intellectual property in the Project (IP) for the purposes of this Contest. As between the Applicant and the Organiser the IP remains owned by the Applicant.

2.2.6 Grants the Organiser the right to use his or her likeness, photographs, logos, trademarks, audio or video recordings without restriction for the purposes of Contest or the promotion of it or the Site;

2.2.7 Agrees to participate positively in all publicity surrounding the Contest;

2.2.8 Agrees to be responsible for all expenses and costs incurred by him or her in preparing for, entering and participating in the Contest (save for any expenses expressly agreed by the Organiser to be borne by it in these Terms);

2.2.9 Confirms that he or she owns all IP used in his or her application or Project or Blogs and indemnifies the Organiser from any claim by a third party that use of any material provided by an Applicant to the Organiser infringes the intellectual property rights of any third party;

2.2.10 Agrees not to act in any way or fail to act in any way or be associated with any cause or group which would have a negative impact on the reputation of the Organiser and/or the RoadTest.

2.3 All applications submitted to this RoadTest must meet the following criteria:

2.3.1 Applicants must be the author, creator and owner of the proposed review idea. Applicants must not submit someone else’s idea;

2.3.2 The proposed application must be reasonably achievable by the within the time constraints of the Contest;

2.3.3 Applications must not include or propose any of the following, the inclusion of which shall render any proposed application ineligible:

(a) Applications which relate to socially taboo topics, such as illicit drug use or sexual gratification;

(b) Applications that are or could reasonably be considered to be illegal, immoral, discriminatory or offensive as determined by the Organiser;

(c) Applications in relation to them which if accepted would infringe or breach any of the policies or terms of access or use of the Site.

2.4 No Application may contain any of the hazardous substances identified by Article 4 of Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament on the Restrictions on the Use of Substances in Electronic and Electrical Equipment ("the Directive") or the use of such hazardous substances in the in any such Project must not exceed the maximum concentration values set out in the Directive.

3.1 Winners will be selected by the Organiser on the basis of the quality of his or her application and its adherence to these Terms.

3.2 The total number of Winners selected will be at least the minimum number set out above but the actual number is at the sole discretion of the Organizer and/or the Sponsor, if applicable.

3.3 The Organiser will use all reasonable efforts to announce the Winners via an update to the RoadTest page by the date listed above.

3.4 Winners agree to take part in all publicity which the Organiser or the Sponsor wishes to use to promote the RoadTest, the Products featured or other Contests with which the Organiser may be connected from time to time.

3.5 Details of the Winners may also be published in the media.

3.6 Winners are responsible for all applicable taxes, duties or other charges payable in relation to any prize.

3.7

4.1 The Organiser hereby excludes all and any Liability arising out of the Contest or the acceptance, use, quality, condition, suitability or performance of any Prize, even where that Liability may arise from the Organiser’s negligence.

4.2 Nothing in these Terms will affect any Liability of the Organiser for death or personal injury arising from its negligence, for breach of Part II of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (in the event that any entrant is entitled to claim rights under the Consumer Protection Act 1987) or for any matter in relation to which it would be illegal for the Organiser to exclude or to attempt to exclude its Liability.

4.3 Subject to 4.2, neither the Organiser, any parent company nor any subsidiary of the Organiser or such parent company or any of their directors, officers and employees (together referred to in these terms and the ‘Associates’) makes any guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind, express or implied, with respect to this Competition or the Prizes potentially available under it. Neither the Organiser nor any of its Associates shall be responsible for any Liability that may arise out of or in connection with person’s participation in this Competition, the claiming, redemption or value of any prizes under it, the use or enjoyment of such prizes or any events or circumstances arising out of or in connection with any of them. Any implied warranties of condition, merchantability or suitability or fitness for purpose of any of them are hereby expressly excluded. Wherever used in these Terms, ‘Liability’ shall mean any and all costs, expenses, claims, damages, actions, proceedings, demands, losses and other liabilities (including legal fees and costs on a full indemnity basis) arising directly or indirectly out of or in connection with the matter concerned.

5.1 The RoadTest is organised and sponsored by the Organiser. The Organiser reserves the right to delegate all or any of its powers, rights and obligations arising in relation to the RoadTest to any Associate and certain such rights and powers are assumed by the Organiser on behalf of itself and each Associate. Reference to “Organiser” shall be deemed to include reference to each Associate.

5.2 The RoadTest may be terminated at any time if there are, in the sole opinion of the Organiser, an insufficient number of entries, or if the Applications are not of an appropriate standard for a competition of this nature. The Organiser has the right to cancel or suspend the RoadTest at any time due to circumstances outside its reasonable control.

5.3 The Organiser shall have the sole discretion to disqualify (without correspondence or right of appeal) any Applicant it considers to be adversely affecting the process or the operation of the RoadTest or to be in breach of these Terms or to be acting in a disruptive manner or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other Applicant or Participant.

5.4 The Organiser has the right to amend or add to these Terms from time to time. Revised Terms and Conditions will be posted on the Contest Site and it is a condition of entry to the RoadTest that Applicants agree to comply with these Terms and, if appropriate, such Terms as amended from time to time.

5.5 Headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation or construction of these Terms and Conditions.

5.6 These Terms and the operation of the Contest shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law and any claim or matter arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

RoadTest Reviews
Comments
Anonymous
  • I think the support may be closed now till January 4th.

    My code is working well now. You can read about it from my roadtest review. I'm looking to do my ML. So I'm not using the "out-of-box" demo software as I want to collect more sensor data.using my code.

  • No. I progress under pending...

    Do you face some problem which the "out-of-box" software can't run....

  • My code is working now. So I'm not using the demo app.

    Have you tried to get the answer from the support?

  • pigpio should fine.

    The out-of-box software should fine to check the board, however, from the log it checked and trusted our board is invalid.

    2020-12-25 14:31:02,669-GasSensorEvaluation.IDT.MultiDUT2-WARNING- suspect measurements: {'MoxLowRange': 3261, 'Rmox_hot': 6161111000.0, 'VDDH': 3.345718017578125, 'Rhtr_RT': 111.45308754660866, 'MoxEndRange': 62221}

    2020-12-25 14:31:02,669-GasSensorEvaluation.IDT.MultiDUT2-ERROR- Found invalid device Z32

    2020-12-25 14:31:02,670-GasSensorEvaluation.IDT.MultiDUT2-INFO- Found 0 valid devices: []

    2020-12-25 14:31:02,671-GasSensorEvaluation.SeqNoTabs-ERROR- No sensors found!

    I am study the framework and found zmod4410_config_iaq2.h -> data_set_4410_iaq_2nd_gen[] is a mystery array for sensor working mode parameter that Renesas knew what it is, this should be loaded before sensor working, I suspecting something inconsistance and make the out-of-stock denied access.

    I may ask Renesas support team what about this but they normally only provide support to business unit.

  • Thank you  !

     

    I'll take a look at linux i2c-dev library too.

    Have you tried to reload pigpiod to get around the error?

     

    Regards,

     

    Sergey

  • Thank you Sebastian!

    I found it very sensitive to smell of coffee and food cooking (on electric cooktop).

    Regards,

     

    Sergey

  • Hi Sergey, my approach to the road test is an evaluation of the product with the demonstration software, similar to Sabastian's approach. So no SDK for me until the review is done!  My testing is going well.

     

    Thanks for the caution , my curiosity almost had me wanting to have a look at your dashboard but I need to ensure the out-of-box software stays working for the time being. I do find the demonstration software to be limited so I am curious what capabilities can be unleashed with custom apps.

     

    John

  • Yes you are true.

    I am currently successfully built of a dashboard by Qt at raspberry PI:

    https://github.com/sicreative/zmod_airquality

    I am not using WiringPI I2C, instead I implement this based on linux i2c-dev

    zmodhat -> i2cread / i2cwrite is the source code how to read/write.

    Require reset power-off/on the device if you previous run the out-of-box Avnet software otherwise will error.

    Curiosity we unable use the stock Avnet software after run our own software even we fully power off-on

    GasSensorEvaluation.IDT.MultiDUT2-ERROR- Found invalid device Z32

    I thing the sensor's NVM memory may changed and make the Avnet software thing the chip config is not valid.

    So caution as you wish use the out-of-box application don't play with the advance firmware or run our demo.

  • Thank you Mark, sorry I missed your message.

  • Hi Sergey,

     

    Actually my approach, as I stated in application form, was to test the working modes of TVOC sensor HAT using provided demo application and documentation by exposing ZMOD4410 sensor to various volatile compounds. I'm almost done with testing and started to prepare review for TVOC HAT operation modes in the way I described it.

     

    Best regards

    -=Seba=-

  • Hi , , ,

     

    I've start working on the roadtest. Here is my current understanding of development tooling for IDT ZMOD4410 Indoor Air Quality Raspberry Pi HAT after some communication with Renesas support.

     

    SDK is provided as a firmware package. The firmware package contains 3 parts: API, example code, gas algorithm libraries. The API needs function handlers for target-specific I2C and delay function (part of the HAL) and performs all communication between sensor and Raspberry Pi. The example code shows how to use API and gas algorithms. Both parts come as plain c code and will enable the output of the raw r_mox value. The algorithms are available as precompiled libraries for different MCUs. One of them supports Raspberry Pi.

    The ZMOD4410 needs to be handled through the API, part of the firmware. We need to provide the required HAL files for  I2C and delay function. And we need to implement it,

    WiringPi library supports I2C for the Raspberry Pi. So we need to write a wrapper function between the it and the ZMOD4410 HAL.

     

    Do you agree with my assessment?

    What is your progress so far?

     

    Regards,

     

    Sergey

  • Congratulations , , , and !

     

    I look forward to reading your reviews of this interesting and challenging sensor technology.

  • To all roadtesters,

     

    I'm reading all the applications today.

     

    In my first read, there were only 2 totally incomplete applications. So, there are 40 applicants to read in the second reading.

     

    I have 50 pages of applications to read (in MS word), so it will take me a bit to complete the second reading.

     

    Randall Scasny

    RoadTest Program Manager

  • Reading through again-

     

    If it's closed source, and you're supposed to go test that, it's obviously that one of the things the sponsor wants you to test is the software.

     

    The GUI is essentially the only thing you can use to read data without signing NDAs and stuff, so they want the software to be bug free.

     

    Now I think about it, this is more of a EV kit(like the MAX31889EVSYS I road tested) rather than a Pi HAT.

     

    At least it gives you Pi software!

  • 1) I'd probably mess up, and change the code, or do something with it.

     

    2) Well yes you could get a lawsuit if you don't mess up but chances are, if I accidentally violate the agreement...

     

    and 3) If you can't quote from docs that's just sad.

  •   wrote:

     

    Even if I had the knowledge to probe into this black box, I'd probably be faced with a lawsuit.

     

    I dont think so. You can test it, publish your test program, the results and your opinion without issues.

     

    If you break the rules (or threaten to), it seems that Renasas is going to suffer immediate irreparable harm for which money is not good enough. That sounds pretty severe. Please don't take my arm or my life!

     

    I severely doubt this will drive Renesas bankrupt, immediately...

    Skipping the drama image.

     

    You can't edit the binaries: image

    True.

     

    Your work will be taken my Renesas, especially if done by the roadtest: image image

    No. Only if you get the source code and port that to another platform.

     

    You mess up, you get a lawsuit. imageimageimage

    You can get lawsuits if you don't mess up too. There's no protection against lawsuits.

    In this case, after reading the license, looks hard to get a lawsuit if you use the binaries and post about your experience.

     

     

    This one is a real roadtest limit: You can't quote from the documentation (see 's comment above).

    use the associated documentation, except for supporting You or Your Affiliates or its customers’ authorized use of the Licensed Software
  • Even if I had the knowledge to probe into this black box, I'd probably be faced with a lawsuit.

     

    If you break the rules (or threaten to), it seems that Renasas is going to suffer immediate irreparable harm for which money is not good enough. That sounds pretty severe. Please don't take my arm or my life!

     

    I severely doubt this will drive Renesas bankrupt, immediately...

     

    You can't edit the binaries: image

     

    Your work will be taken my Renesas, especially if done by the roadtest: image image

     

    You mess up, you get a lawsuit. imageimageimage

  • Thanks for that Hugo.

     

    I am not a lawyer, but it seems mostly a standard license agreement - although there seems to be a few things to be aware of for the professional. Perhaps the most interesting clauses to me are the ones I've excerpted below along with my interpretation:

    "a perpetual, revocable, non-exclusive, non- transferrable (except to permitted assigns), non- sublicensable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use the Licensed Software, solely for Your use together with the Renesas Device exclusively and no other equivalent third- party gas sensor"

    You get a license which you can use perpetually, but cannot transfer, as long as you use it with the Renesas Device exclusively. Makes sense. However, they can revoke this license at any time, so this software functionality could be lost in the future.

     

    "Renesas grants You the right to use and make copies internally consistent with the Purpose, and to use, make copies, and distribute (directly or indirectly) copies in executable object form, only, and limited solely to when such Licensed Software is incorporated into, or provided in conjunction with, a product developed and sold under Your brand (“Production OEM License”) that contains or is designed to work exclusively with the Renesas Device and no other equivalent gas sensor or module. The Production OEM License does not extend to distribution or sale of the Licensed Software standalone. Pursuant to the Production OEM License, You may only distribute copies of the executable versions of the Licensed Software to third-parties pursuant to an end user license agreement (“EULA”), provided such EULA is reasonably sufficient to enforce the rights and limitation otherwise set forth in these Terms, including the limitations set forth in Section 2.3, below."

    You're allowed to make copies as long as you're incorporating it into your own product designed to work exclusively with the device, or are distributing executable versions subject to an EULA which enforces these terms. Otherwise, no sending out software standalone.

     

    "You shall not combine or integrate Licensed Software with other code that is licensed pursuant to an open source, public-source, freeware or other third party license agreement that, in each case, would require any Licensed Software source code to be disclosed, published, or licensed at no charge, except if Renesas has been informed of the specific code in advance and has provided advance signed written consent."

    So you have to read and be sure of the user agreements of the software you integrate their software with. You're not permitted to incorporate the code with software which would otherwise require the disclosure of the licensed software's source code (unless Renesas agrees, which seems unlikely). Definitely have to be careful with this one, as a number of open source projects use copyleft style licensing agreements which could result in violation of this clause (or if unable to provide sources, ends up causing violation of the other license).

     

    "Except as expressly provided in these Terms, You and Your Affiliates shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any third-party to: [...] (v) unbundle any component of the Licensed Software; (vi) use the associated documentation, except for supporting You or Your Affiliates or its customers’ authorized use of the Licensed Software; or (vii) disassemble, reverse engineer or decompile any portions of the Licensed Software provided in executable object code form, or separate any part thereof."

    This one suggests that if they provide the source or object code, you're not allowed to study it outside of the context of allowing the code to actually work. No reverse engineering, no peeking under the hood, no probing bits of it.

     

    "You acknowledge and agree that the Licensed Software provided under these Terms belongs exclusively to Renesas or its licensors, including, but not limited to, derivative works, in such Licensed Software."

    If you are provided the source code and port the code to work on another microcontroller, that work would probably be considered a derivative work and would "belong to Renesas". Hmm. I'm not sure how this clause might affect any other part of code that you might develop and bundle with their software ... as it could be considered a derivative work. Does this mean Renasas ultimately owns anything that is developed with this code integrated in it?

     

    "THE LICENSED SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED “AS IS,” AND, TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, RENESAS DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OR CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND THAT THE LICENSED SOFTWARE IS BUG AND/OR ERROR FREE, OR THAT IT’S USE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED."

    "TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL RENESAS OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSSES OR DAMAGES INCURRED BY YOU [...] RENESAS’ AGGREGATE LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL CLAIMS WILL BE LIMITED TO ONE HUNDRED ($100.00) U.S. DOLLARS."

    In other words, it seems Renesas gets off the hook with regards to most claims for damages - the software might not be fit for purpose, could infringe on patents, contain bugs or be revoked from use at any time ... at most you can get US$100 from them.

     

    "Before exporting or re-exporting any Licensed Software, You shall fully comply with all U.S. and other applicable export control laws and regulations."
    "These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A., without reference to its conflict of laws principles."

    Beware the US export control laws ... the laws are written to be governed by the laws of California, USA.

     

    "The parties agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Terms, if You breach or threaten breach of Your obligations under Section 2 of these Terms, Renesas will suffer immediate, irreparable harm for which recovery of monetary damages will be inadequate."

    If you break the rules (or threaten to), it seems that Renasas is going to suffer immediate irreparable harm for which money is not good enough. That sounds pretty severe. Please don't take my arm or my life!

     

    In light of this, perhaps I could evaluate the demo as a black-box and leave it at that. Knowing myself, I'd have a strong temptation to probe into the black box and get myself into trouble. I'd potentially have to read a lot of license agreements to know if I might be in trouble or not, plus I'm still unclear as to whether integration of their software would be considered a derivative work, in which case, anything I make would be considered the property of Renesas.

     

    - Gough

  • I've been granted access...

     

     

    READ THESE
    (THE
    TERMS) CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE SOFTWARE PROVIDED TO YOU HEREWITH. By downloading or using this Licensed Software (as defined below), YOU have agreed to these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, do not download, or cease use and delete, the Licensed Software. Youor “Yourmeans the person or company who has downloaded or otherwise lawfully acquired the Licensed Software.

    1. Scope

    1.1 The Licensed Software is the property of Renesas Electronics Corporation and its worldwide wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively Renesas), or its licensors. The Licensed Software is licensed, not sold.

    1.2 Licensed Softwaremeans the software, including associated documentation, delivered by or downloaded from Renesas or a Renesas-authorized distribution partner, in binary object code form and in-part in source code form, accompanying or intended for use solely with a Renesas created and branded gas sensor integrated circuit product or module (such integrated circuit or module product a Renesas Device).

    2. License; Restrictions

    2.1 In consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, and subject to the Terms, Renesas grants to You and Your Affiliates, where Affiliatesmeans a company related to You by one owning a majority of shares of the other, by common ownership of a majority of shares, or by other means of control, including, but not limited to, a parent or subsidiary, a perpetual, revocable, non-exclusive, non- transferrable (except to permitted assigns), non- sublicensable, royalty-free, worldwide license to use the Licensed Software, solely for Your use together with the Renesas Device exclusively and no other equivalent third- party gas sensor (Purpose), as further limited in the following:

    i) for source code libraries as may be supplied by Renesas to You as part of the Licensed Software, the license granted is limited for Your internal use, only (in source form), and shall not be transferred nor access provided to any third party (in source form), and is further limited exclusively for Your evaluation, testing, and integration of the source code portions of the Licensed Software with a microcontroller or processor which You separately supply; such integration may include making derivatives, and porting and compiling the source code only as necessary to operate with Your selected microcontroller or processor;

    ii) for executable object code portions as may be supplied by Renesas to You as part of the Licensed Software, plus for compiled executable object code versions of the source code and any derivatives made by you pursuant to the license granted in Section 2.1.i, above, Renesas grants You the right to use and make copies internally consistent with the Purpose, and to use, make copies, and distribute (directly or indirectly) copies in executable object form, only, and limited solely to when such Licensed Software is incorporated

    into, or provided in conjunction with, a product developed and sold under Your brand (Production OEM License”) that contains or is designed to work exclusively with the Renesas Device and no other equivalent gas sensor or module. The Production OEM License does not extend to distribution or sale of the Licensed Software standalone. Pursuant to the Production OEM License, You may only distribute copies of the executable versions of the Licensed Software to third-parties pursuant to an end user license agreement (EULA), provided such EULA is reasonably sufficient to enforce the rights and limitation otherwise set forth in these Terms, including the limitations set forth in Section 2.3, below.

    2.2 Notwithstanding anything set forth in these Terms to the contrary, to the extent the Licensed Software contains any Open Source Software” (for example, but not limited to, software code that is licensed pursuant to an open licensing model requiring attribution, public disclosure of source code, or free distribution of code, such as GPL), then the license granted above does not extend to any such software or materials which may be made available by Renesas. All Open Source Software (if any) shall remain subject to the terms and conditions under which it is provided. You shall not combine or integrate Licensed Software with other code that is licensed pursuant to an open source, public-source, freeware or other third party license agreement that, in each case, would require any Licensed Software source code to be disclosed, published, or licensed at no charge, except if Renesas has been informed of the specific code in advance and has provided advance signed written consent.

    2.3 Except as expressly provided in these Terms, You and Your Affiliates shall not, and shall not authorize or permit any third-party to: image distribute, sell, assign, sublicense, lease, rent, loan, or in any other way transfer the Licensed Software, or any portion thereof, except as otherwise expressly permitted in these Terms; (ii) other than integration of the portions of the Licensed Software provided as source code and intended for Your use to integrate with a microcontroller or processor pursuant to the grant in Section 2.1.i, above, modify the Licensed Software or any portion thereof, or create derivative works based upon any of the Licensed Software or any portion thereof; (iii) alter or remove any proprietary notices or legends contained on or in any of the Licensed Software or any portion thereof; (iv) use any of the Licensed Software or any portion thereof in any way that is in violation of any applicable laws; (v) unbundle any component of the Licensed Software; (vi) use the associated documentation, except for supporting You or Your Affiliates or its customers’ authorized use of the Licensed Software; or (vii) disassemble, reverse engineer or decompile any portions of the Licensed Software provided in executable object code form, or separate any part thereof.

    2.4 You acknowledge and agree that the Licensed Software provided under these Terms belongs exclusively to Renesas or its licensors, including, but not limited to, derivative works, in such Licensed Software. Unencumbered title to the Licensed Software will, at all times, remain with Renesas or its licensors. Notwithstanding anything set forth in these Terms to the contrary, except as expressly set forth in this Section 2, these Terms do not grant or convey to You or any

     

     

    SOFTW ARE

    LICENSE TERMS

     

     

    RENESAS SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS Gas Sensor Software
    (May 2020)

     

     

    third party any right or license under any patent, copyright, trade secret, trademark or other intellectual property right of Renesas or its licensors, whether by implication, estoppel or otherwise. ALL RIGHTS NOT EXPRESSLY GRANTED HEREIN ARE RESERVED TO RENESAS OR ITS LICENSORS.

    3. No Warranty

    3.1 THE LICENSED SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED AS IS,AND, TO THE GREA TEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, RENESAS DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OR CONDITIONS OF PERFORMANCE OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND THAT THE LICENSED SOFTWARE IS BUG AND/OR ERROR FREE, OR THAT IT’S USE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED.

    3.2 Any information, documentation, descriptions or specifications related to the Licensed Software may contain general descriptions related to the technical possibilities of individual products and/or the Licensed Software, and are subject to change by Renesas without advance notice.

    4. Limitation of Liability

    4.1 TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL RENESAS OR ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOSSES OR DAMAGES INCURRED BY YOU, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCLUDING LOST OR ANTICIPATED PROFITS, SAVINGS, INTERRUPTION TO BUSINESS, LOSS OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, THE COST OF RECOVERING SUCH LOST INFORMATION, THE COST OF SUBSTITUTE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS ARISING FROM THE USE OF, OR THE INABILITY TO USE, THE LICENSED SOFTWARE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU HAVE ADVISED RENESAS OR RENESAS HAS ADVISED YOU OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. RENESAS’AGGREGATE LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL CLAIMS WILL BE LIMITED TO ONE HUNDRED ($100.00) U.S. DOLLARS. THE FOREGOING LIMITATIONS APPLY REGARDLESS OF THE CAUSE OR CIRCUMSTANCES GIVING RISE TO SUCH LOSS, DAMAGE OR LIABILITY, EVEN IF SUCH LOSS, DAMAGE OR LIABILITY IS BASED ON NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTS OR BREACH OF CONTRACT (INCLUDING FUNDAMENTAL BREACH OR BREACH OF A FUNDAMENTAL TERM).

    5. Miscellaneous

    5.1 Before exporting or re-exporting any Licensed Software, You shall fully comply with all U.S. and other applicable export control laws and regulations.

    5.2 No waiver of any provision of these Terms shall constitute a waiver of any other provision of these Terms or a continuing waiver. If any provision of these Terms shall be declared void or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall have no effect on the remaining terms hereof.

    5.3 You shall not assign or transfer these Terms, nor any right

    or license hereunder, without the prior written consent of Renesas, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, and any assignment permitted shall be subject to the written agreement of the assignee to assume all the terms and obligations of these Terms. Renesas may freely assign these Terms. Any other attempt to assign in contravention to this provision will be null and void

    5.4 These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, U.S.A., without reference to its conflict of laws principles. Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms, including the formation, interpretation, breach or termination thereof, including whether the claims asserted are arbitrable, will be referred to and finally determined by arbitration in accordance with the JAMS International Arbitration Rules. The tribunal will consist of a sole arbitrator. The seat of the arbitration will be San Jose, California, U.S.A. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings will be English. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof.

    5.5 The parties agree that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these Terms, if You breach or threaten breach of Your obligations under Section 2 of these Terms, Renesas will suffer immediate, irreparable harm for which recovery of monetary damages will be inadequate. Renesas may therefore enforce Section 2 of these Terms by seeking injunctive or other equitable remedies, in addition to available legal remedies, without the necessity of bond or proving actual damages, before any court of competent jurisdiction at any time.

     

     

    Don't sue me for this, Renesas. Thanks.

  • No problem.

     

    Thank you for your secure access request. A review of the request is required prior to granting access. Typical response times are within 12 to 48 hours. Documentation requiring an NDA may take longer.

     

    If secure product information is required prior to receiving access, please contact your local Renesas sales representative for assistance (www.idt.com/buy-sample/locations). Please do not submit a duplicate secure access request using the online support form as this may result in a delay of the approval process.

     

    Thank you for your interest in Renesas.

     

    -- Renesas Web Team

     

    Please visit us anytime at www.IDT.com.

     

    Well... ok then, IDT.