Test equipment supplier Tektronix Inc. has been revamping its line of oscilloscopes in recent months to meet current user testing needs. The company first did this with its 5 and 6 Series scopes. Now, the company has updated its 3 and 4 Series mixed-signal oscilloscopes (MSOs). Key to the 3 and 4 Series oscilloscopes is […]
Designing a Battery That Repairs Itself
Numerous efforts are being made to improve battery technology for longer life and reliability. Many of these efforts have revolved around new or modified battery chemistries. University of Tokyo researchers are betting that using a new material for the inner battery metallic layer could hold the secret to longer battery life. The research, led by […]
What’s Trending in Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
Makers of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) continue to improve their products for longer lifetime, higher efficiency and brightness, and other performance factors. With these enhancements, LEDs are paving the way for brighter, more attractive lighting in applications such as vehicles and signage, and finding new uses in areas such as agriculture. The global LED lighting market […]
Components Corner: Automotive, Wearable Device Markets Embracing the Supercapacitor
It should come as no surprise that the future of supercapacitors is bright. Supercapacitors, which store higher amounts of charge than traditional electrolytic capacitors and provide higher energy densities than batteries, have been touted for use in applications such as regenerative braking systems in vehicles as well as other industrial applications. In recent weeks, vehicle […]
Using Artificial Atoms for More Secure Communications Networks
Many current approaches for secure online communications involve encrypting algorithms in software to protect data. But a University of Oregon (UO) scientist is betting that fabricating artificial atoms onto a microchip can provide the needed security for future high-speed communications networks, according to research published in the journal Nano Letters. The research was performed by UO physicist […]
Fisker Seeks to Re-Enter EV Market with $40K Electric Car
Tesla has pretty much had the electric vehicle market to itself the past few years. However, an old rival that had gone bankrupt, Fisker, is upping the ante with a new sport utility vehicle priced below $40,000 that will be available next year, according to a story on Tech Xplore. Fisker has undergone a lengthy […]
Understanding Ancient Coin Images with the Help of AI and Machine Vision
Many years ago, I took up coin collecting as a hobby for a few years. At that time, evaluating coins was done with a magnifying glass and the trained eyes of a coin dealer, who could spot details that either rendered the coin either almost worthless or something worth holding on to. Fast forward to […]
All Things Power at APEC 2019
It’s the time of the year again when the power electronics industry convenes to show off the latest technologies and products in the ever-expanding world of power. This year’s Applied Power Electronics Conference (APEC), taking place at the Anaheim Convention Center through Thursday, March 21, will once again offer a wide range of educational and […]
Dialog Semiconductor Acquires WiFi Products Supplier
Power management products supplier Dialog Semiconductor plc has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Silicon Motion Technology Corporation’s Mobile Communications product line, branded as FCI. Dialog will reportedly pay $45 million in-cash, with the deal subject to regulatory approval. FCI is a leading supplier of mobile TV SoCs in T-DMB and ISDB-T, with RF tuner-demodulator […]
Report Says Display Capex Headed for Downturn
The flat-panel display market has long been marked by a series of peaks and valleys, and a new report by market research firm DSCC says a downturn may be on the way. According to the firm, in 2018 display equipment spending fell 8 percent to $21.6 billion, the second highest result in the history of […]
