Model based design (MBD) is not a new concept; it’s been successfully applied to complex software systems for many years. MBD is often implemented using the unified modeling language (UML) for software development from the Object Management Group (OMG). Extending the concepts of MBD to cyber-physical systems, including both software and hardware, is a relatively […]
FAQ
Smoke detectors and alarms, Part 2
The low-cost, reliable, ubiquitous smoke detector is an example of complex physics and optics made real by semiconductors. This part looks at the two widely used approaches to smoke detection. Q: How do smoke detectors actually detect smoke? A: There are two basic and very different approaches, one based on photoelectric principles and the other […]
What’s all this Helmholtz coil stuff?
The Helmholtz coil was not devised to create a magnetic field, but to cancel it. The Helmholtz coil actually consists of two identical circular air-core coils, large enough to contain the work under study. The coils are situated along a common axis that extends through the experimental area. The distance between the coils is equal […]
Smoke detectors and alarms, Part 3
The low-cost, reliable, ubiquitous smoke detector is an example of complex physics and optics made real by semiconductors. Given the huge market for smoke alarms of both types – easily tens of millions of units per year for new and replacement/upgrade units – it’s no surprise that many IC vendors offer components and reference designs […]
Smoke detectors and alarms, Part 1
The low-cost, reliable, ubiquitous smoke detector is an example of complex physics and optics made real by semiconductors. We’ve come to accept the basic residential smoke detector, which retails for just $15 to $30, as a standard home-safety accessory. Most building codes now require these in or near designated areas such as the kitchen, bedroom […]
How do digital threads & digital twins fit in MBSE?
Digital threads and digital twins are used to create the virtual environments needed to implement model-based system engineering (MBSE), especially for complex cyber-physical systems. Digital threads are complete records of all details of specific aspects of product definition, development, and deployment, from conception through end of life. A digital twin is a comprehensive virtual representation […]
Techniques for mitigating thermal runaway in batteries
Thermal runaway happens when a lithium-ion cell, or a small region within a cell, reaches a critical temperature where the materials start to undergo decomposition reactions. These reactions then generate significant additional heat. The decomposition reactions are temperature dependent, increasing exponentially as the temperature increases. Once decomposition starts, a chain reaction causes the battery to…
What’s MBSE and what does it mean for designers?
Model based system engineering (MBSE) uses digital twins, digital threads, and domain models to replace document-based information exchanges during the system development process. It is widely used with complex cyber-physical systems in aerospace, energy, healthcare, and transportation to define features, design, analyze and validate a system using virtual tools. For designers, MBSE is an expansive […]
Modeling true MOSFET performance using electrothermal models
By, Andrew Berry, Principal Product Modelling Engineer, Nexperia Many manufacturer-provided simulation models are available for use when designing with discrete power MOSFETs. However, few (if any) accurately represent real-world performance, reducing their use when using tools such as SPICE to simulate practical applications. Temperature is always a factor in power design, and many models are […]
Connectors and cables modernize data centers
Demands for bandwidth-intensive, data-driven services are fueling a rise in compute, data storage, and networking capabilities. These rises put pressure on connectors and cable to deliver data at higher speeds with better signals and less heat.
