The defunct, obsolete LORAN navigation system is being revived with enhancements, to overcome the potential performance and availability risks of GNSS. There’s no need to tell the readers of this FAQ about the impact of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) on positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services from global, regional, or even localized perspectives. Billions […]
FAQ
The difference between impedance analyzers and network analyzers
At first glance, impedance analyzers and network analyzers seem to do the same thing: Describe the impedance of whatever is connected to their inputs. This statement is true as far as it goes, but as you might expect, there are significant differences between the two types of instrument. Here’s a review of the basics. There […]
How are optical interconnects being miniaturized?
Fiber optic connector trends include a proliferation of new and smaller designs and, according to NTT, optical connector standardization activities are one of the most active areas at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). As of February 2021, IEC SC 86B (Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components) published the second largest number of documents in […]
What connectors are there for woven electronics & e-textiles?
Woven electronics and electronic textiles (e-textiles) are emerging areas of technology. E-textiles are being developed that can monitor physiological conditions, deliver medical treatments, or be used as human machine interfaces (HMIs). Maintaining reliable connections between electronic devices embedded into clothing or other soft materials is challenging. There are issues related to washability and durability, in […]
Improved estimation of automotive radar signal strength
The signal strength of automotive radar can be estimated from the target radar cross section and distance. Greg Lee, Keysight Technologies Sir Robert Watson-Watt is generally credited as radar’s inventor, having developed the first practical system in 1935 and later applying radar to aircraft and weather. We’ve since used radar to monitor everything from ballistic […]
What’s the difference between Shockley and Schottky diodes?
Neither a Shockley diode nor a Schottky diode are single p-n junction devices. A Shockley diode has a four-layer thyristor structure with a typical forward drop of 800 mV. It’s called a diode because it has two leads. A Shockley diode is essentially a SCR with the gate not connected. In a Schottky diode a […]
Evolving radar technology in ADAS
Lidar may become unnecessary for future autonomous vehicles thanks to advances in highly integrated RF chips. Prajakta Desai, Texas Instruments Over the years, the application of radar within the automotive industry has improved both safety and convenience. Radar can work in extreme environmental conditions such as rain, snow, dust and bright sunlight and also provide […]
What’s different about space-rated connectors?
Space-grade connectors are generally spin-offs of military-grade designs. Compared with common commercial connectors, there’s a much smaller variety of space-grade connectors. However, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and COTS+ connectors are increasingly used in cost-sensitive missions such as CubeSats. This FAQ begins with a look at the unique operating conditions in space and how those conditions impact […]
Keeping autonomous vehicles on track
What autonomous vehicle developers need to know about inertial navigation systems. James Fennelly, Acienna inertial measurement systems The inertial navigation system (INS) is essential to autonomous vehicles. It provides timing information for sensor synchronization and rapid updates of velocity, position, and attitude needed for the ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems). It complements perception sensors for […]
Polarization isn’t just for sunglasses
In a vacuum or homogeneous medium, the oscillations of magnetic and electric fields are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. James Clerk Maxwell concluded that the principle of symmetry should imply that a spatially varying electric field is always associated with a changing magnetic field, and vice versa. In […]