Thermoelectric cooling, using a Peltier module, gives designers flexibility to cool objects to a precisely controlled temperature, even below the ambient temperature of the application if required. It is a great choice if forced-air cooling is not possible, and a thermoelectric device is typically smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient than cooling using a compressor and […]
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Sensors and the future of food tech
Scientists and research engineers are developing technologies to boost food yield economically and efficiently in order to feed the world’s growing population. New ideas continue to emerge as the scientific community devotes time and energy in solving this problem. One futuristic approach involves creating an ideal environment for growing food in the air without soil, […]
The first undersea transatlantic cable: An audacious project that (eventually) succeeded, Part 1
The conception, execution, and eventual success of the project to link North America and Europe with an undersea telegraph cable in the mid-1880s was costly, ambitious, exasperating, and arduous, comparable to the Apollo moon-landing project and the atom bomb. Our world is tightly laced by undersea fiber-optic cables carrying data at rates in the high […]
Wiring for instrumentation labs
Most concerns about test instrumentation center on making accurate measurements. Engineers tend to take the underlying electrical infrastructure for granted. But it can be reassuring to know the lab electronics plug into an electrical system that is up to the task. Above all, any electrical installation must comply with the current electrical code, and an […]
The difference between a pulse generator, a signal generator, an AFG, and an AWG
There are a variety of instruments available to generate electronic signals these days. They go by different names and provide different kinds of outputs. Differences between the various kinds of instrumentation aren’t always obvious, so here is a short primer. Signal generators make available at their outputs sinusoidal waveforms with a settable frequency or amplitude. […]
Setting up a serial or parallel bus in the Tektronix MDO3000 Series oscilloscope
The buttons that access digital functions in the Tektronix MDO3000 Series oscilloscope are grouped together near the bottom of the front panel, just above the analog ports and the Analog Channel One input. Nearby is an insulated cover over the digital input ports and the digital D15-0 button. You may wonder how it is possible […]
What are cryogenic temperature measurements? Part 2
Part 1 of this article looked at sensing and sensors for ultracold and cryogenic temperatures; Part 2 advances the story to more esoteric situations. Q: What’s the fundamental difference between measuring extremely high temperatures versus cryogenic ones? A: When things get really hot, extending into thousands of degrees, the sensor options are limited. Usually, it […]
How new inductor cores meet demands for smaller, quieter, and more reliable power
by Patrik Kalbermatten, KEMET Engineered composite cores have enabled inductor manufacturers to pack high inductance into a small volume. New FlakeComposite technology takes core performance to the next level, and adds extra mechanical resilience to enable new types of low-profile devices. Power inductors are crucial devices for managing the flow of energy in switching converters, […]
Standard amplifier functions in HEV/EV battery management systems
by Sanjeev Manadhar, Texas Instruments Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) are popular because they have low (to zero) emissions and fewer maintenance requirements while offering better efficiency and drive performance. New HEV/EV companies are emerging, while existing automakers are investing more in HEV/EV to compete for market share. The heart of the […]
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 […]