Cozmo is a palm-sized robot from San Francisco-based Anki, and is actually an earlier version of an Anki robot called Vector. Vector has more capabilities in the area of artificial intelligence, thanks to its use of a processor that’s normally used to power smartphones. In contrast, Cozmo has a more basic main processor. So a lot of the computations that Cozmo makes … [Read More...]
FROM THE EDITORS
FAQs
20 mA current loops, Part 2: Advanced features
Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basics of the 20-mA current loop, why it is still used extensively, and its primary attributes. In this part, we’ll look at how the analog current loop is used for digitized signals and at self-powered loops – two developments which have extended its life and viability. Q: […]
20-mA current loops, Part 1: Basic functions
You’ve been given an “easy” assignment: get the low-rate data from a temperature sensor to a control computer located 100 feet (30 m) away, in an industrial setting. After much investigation and assessment, you choose a widely used standard called the 20-mA loop, which has been in use for over 50 years, rather than Wi-Fi, […]
SSDs: secure erase or sanitize?
When you’re done with a data storage drive, it’s nice to make sure that all of the data is scrubbed from it. A drive that’s returned, repurposed, or discarded can have personal or confidential data on it. Discarded drives have been found with everything from financial and medical data, email, and even pornography on them. […]
Digital phosphor oscilloscopes, persistence, and eye patterns
The digital phosphor oscilloscope takes its name from the old analog phosphor scope, but the resemblance is superficial. It was difficult to see the trace on the CRT screen in an analog scope because the electron beam dissipated instantly. To solve this problem, early engineers came up with the idea of coating the inner surface […]
What types of connectors are used in industrial motion control systems?
Most cable assemblies used in motion control systems require some type of interconnect device to transmit the signals from the cable to the motor or drive. Commonly used connectors include M12 and M8 connectors, which are circular connectors with a 12- or 8-mm locking thread used for sensors, actuators, Fieldbus and industrial Ethernet, primarily in […]
The basics of simulating radar signals with AWGs
Radar is quite simple in concept, but it becomes highly complex in actual implementation. Many decades passed between the time it was first envisioned and when useful working models emerged, which happened just in time to save England from total defeat in the 1940s. When it comes to testing radar, the situation has become easier […]
Electrical noise, Part 2: Additional perspectives
In Part 1, we looked at some facets of noise: sources, external versus internal (intrinsic) noise, and equations. Part 2 goes further into noise specifics. Q: What are some of the types of noise? A: It’s a long list. The same noise may have different names depending on the perspective of the person describing it, […]
Optocouplers, Part 2: Parameters and applications
Part 1 of this FAQ explored the basics of the optocoupler. This part looks at key parameters and some application examples. Q: What are the primary factors used when assessing an optocoupler? A: While there are many important factors, there are several which are noteworthy: isolation, current-transfer ratio (CTR), linearity (for analog use), and speed. […]
So what’s all this compound semiconductor wafer stuff?
David Danzilio from Wind Semiconductor sat down with us to explain some of the basics behind fabricating wafers in the compound semiconductor area. Compound semiconductors have a lot of commercial applications in optoelectronics. Many have a direct bandgap that makes them efficient light emitters. (As a quick review, the band gap is called direct if […]
Analog ICs
World’s smallest ceramic NB-IoT antenna covers three global bands
The first two antennas in the Extensis range of narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) antennas include the world’s smallest ceramic NB-IoT antenna that covers Bands 5, 8 and 20 simultaneously with a single matching … [Read More...]
Technology boosts on-board antenna performance up to 2 dB
New technology is said to deliver significantly better antenna performance. This innovation is particularly suited to designs with shorter ground planes, allowing IoT and other device designers to … [Read More...]
Filters suppress noise from 600 MHz to 2.7 GHz on audio lines
TDK Corporation has expanded the MAF1005G series of noise suppression filters for audio lines with four new MAF1005GAD-D types, which, thanks to their low DC resistance, feature a high rated current … [Read More...]
Focus on Microcontrollers
CMOS chipset for 200G/400G SR datacom modules
The new IDT developed the new HXT14450/HXR14450 chipset addresses the rapid migration from 100G to 400G that mega data centers are undergoing to meeting the continuing rise in cloud computing. The … [Read More...]
Compact Bluetooth module includes antenna, dc-dc converters, sync and radio crystals
Following on from the success of its ISP 1507-AX module, Insight SiP is launching the ISP1507-AL module to give customers access to low cost, high quality, advanced Bluetooth technology. Based on the … [Read More...]
WAAS-based MCU amps performance of wireless earbuds and hearables
Cypress Semiconductor Corp. introduced a Bluetooth audio offering that brings leading-edge performance to wireless earbuds and hearables. Based on the new Wireless Audio Stereo Synchronization (WASS) … [Read More...]
Focus on Power Electronics
USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery controllers source up to 200 W
Texas Instruments introduced two new USB Type-C and USB Power Delivery (PD) controllers, with fully integrated power paths to simplify designs, minimize solution size and speed time to market. The TPS65987D and TPS65988 offer system designers the … [Read More...]
Thermal simulation package brings CFD to autonomous electric vehicle design
New Simcenter software for thermal simulation of Autonomous Electric Vehicles (AEVs) is said to be the first such package engineered to address critical, thermal-driven challenges associated with AEV design. “Strategy Analytics expects that the vast … [Read More...]
Image gallery: Structural batteries, hub motors, do-it-yourself Li-ion pouches mark Detroit-area Battery Show
A tri-show event that included the Battery Show North America, Electric & Hybrid vehicle technology Expo, and the Critical Power expo concluded last week in Novi, Mich. and hosted numerous technical presentations and displays of interesting … [Read More...]
Wireless
High-impedance laminates help reduce antenna size
Rogers Corporation has introduced MAGTREX 555 Laminates, the first product in a new platform of high-impedance laminates featuring a high permeability and permittivity. These high-impedance laminates enable antenna designers to expand the trade-space … [Read More...]
0.45µm GaN power process for current and future 5G applications
WIN Semiconductors Corp has expanded its gallium nitride (GaN) process capabilities to include a 0.45µm-gate technology that supports current and future 5G applications. The NP45-11 GaN-on-SiC process allows customers to design hybrid Doherty power … [Read More...]
M-wave, mm-wave ICs offer Tx/Rx functions with active gain and phase control
Anokiwave is releasing a set of two new ICs in a family of multi-function microwave and millimeter-wave ICs, offering complete transmit/receive functionality with active gain and phase control. The new IC family, also called “Intelligent Gain Blocks” … [Read More...]
Automotive Applications
High-def automotive camera module reference design includes image processor, serializer, power management
OmniVision Technologies, Inc. today announced its high definition (HD) automotive camera module reference design, developed with collaboration from Leopard Imaging and featuring technology from Texas Instruments (TI). The compact design includes … [Read More...]
Buck-boost controller targets 12-V/12-V redundant battery systems in autonomous vehicles
The Power by Linear LT8708/-1 is a 98% efficient bidirectional buck-boost switching regulator controller that operates between two batteries that have the same voltage, as are used for redundancy in self-driving cars. The LT8708/-1 operates from an … [Read More...]
Injection molding, 3D printing take their places in digital manufacturing
In the context of all the buzz around 3D printing, the term “injection molding” may sound like a ho-hum and low-tech term. However, depending upon your design requirements, there is an important place for both processes and 3D printing (additive … [Read More...]
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