The ultrasonic sensor (or transducer) works on the same principles as a radar system. An ultrasonic sensor can convert electrical energy into acoustic waves and vice versa. The acoustic wave signal is an ultrasonic wave traveling at a frequency above 18kHz. The famous HC SR04 ultrasonic sensor generates ultrasonic waves at 40kHz frequency. Typically, a […]
What is signal attenuation?
Many use the term “attenuation” without completely understanding it. The term is used in several areas, including medical, audio, and even attenuation terminology associated with brewing beer. Generally speaking, attenuation means “lessening” the thing that’s being attenuated. For example, sunglasses attenuate the sunlight reaching your eyes. Attenuating an electrical signal can mean that the act […]
AI-assisted screening for COVID-19 using CT images
Although COVID-19 tests are one means to determine infection, the rapid spread of the disease has created a shortage of test kits and a tight supply of reagents that are used to create test kits. Symptoms are another indication, but some of the infected show very mild or no symptoms. Another method leading to a […]
How to select PPTC resettable current-limiting fuses
Circuit protection is a wise choice for anything subject to surges such as over-current, short circuits, dirty power, and overloads. Most of us have already seen a fuse since they can be found in cars, appliances, and thermostats. But did you know that there are current-limiting fuses in your smartphone, smartwatch, ebook readers, laptop, and […]
What do molded power inductors bring to high efficiency, compact designs?
Modern hardware applications trend towards compact designs that are power efficient. Passive devices don’t get as much attention as a microcontroller’s many sleep and shutdown states. However, every drop of available efficiency adds up and can make a difference. It’s possible to improve power efficiency with the right inductor. Power inductors are a necessary component […]
Selecting a replacement external power supply – what you need to know
Fundamentally, you need to know four basic things when selecting a new power supply for a broken electronics device. The voltage coming from the socket at the wall (Europe/Japan/US), the voltage output, the current, and the type of connector (USB Type-B mini, barrel, USB-C). What most of us don’t know is that there are some […]
The working principle, applications and limitations of ultrasonic sensors
The ultrasonic sensor (or transducer) works on the same principles as a radar system. An ultrasonic sensor can convert electrical energy into acoustic waves and vice versa. The acoustic wave signal is an ultrasonic wave traveling at a frequency above 18kHz. The famous HC SR04 ultrasonic sensor generates ultrasonic waves at 40kHz frequency. Typically, a […]
Embedded security: Do you know what you don’t know?
by Lynnette Reese for Mouser Electronics Most of us assume that security comes from the operating system or application software. However, firmware is also at risk, including anything that barely hovers over the physical layer (silicon) in the chip. Embedded security is especially important in blocking seemingly innocuous pathways for hacking, such as in an […]
What could happen if there’s an EMP or solar superstorm? Part 2
In 2006, the creators of the TV series Jericho imagined how nuclear detonation would affect a small Kansas town. Large solar-based EMPs have been documented. In 1859, a solar storm dubbed the Carrington Event hit the Earth’s magnetosphere. One of the largest solar storms on record, the CME in 1859 caused telegraph equipment to spark […]
What happens to an MCU if there’s an EMP or Solar Superstorm? Part 1
An Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) is an impulse or blast wave that’s generated by geomagnetic activity due to solar flares, solar storms, solar superstorms, or the detonation of nuclear weapons. The horrible truth is that an EMP can wipe out electronics by inducing inductive coupling on traces, wires, or any conductive media within hundreds to thousands […]