Despite the convenience and availability of LEDs, the neon lamp still has a viable position as a power-on indicator as well as use in some specialty applications. The classic neon indicator lamp with its reddish-orange glow has been used since the early 1990s. Now, the availability, convenience, longevity, and other attributes of LED-based indicators have […]
FAQ
What are the types and uses of position sensors?
Position sensing is a critical function across a wide range of applications, from robot drive chains to conveyor belts in supply chain operations to the swaying of wind turbine towers. It can take many forms, including linear, rotary, angular, absolute, incremental, contact, and non-contact sensors. Specialized sensors have been developed that can determine positions in […]
What are emerging sensor technologies for Agriculture 4.0?
Agriculture 4.0 is emerging and requires an expended sensor suite. Agriculture 4.0 refers to systems that employ drones, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), vertical farms, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and advanced sensor methodologies. Agriculture 4.0 is similar to Industry 4.0 in some ways: Where Industry 4.0 is designed to support automation and mass […]
How cloud principles impact 5G
As part of the internet, “the cloud” core principles have significantly changed how software is developed and deployed. The principles of virtual machines and containers have impacted 5G’s system architecture. Here’s how.
How QSFP-DD and OSFP Loopback modules are supporting multiple IO interfaces
IO Loopbacks connect digital data streams to their source without purposeful processing or modification. This serves as a diagnostic test for a device and other nodes in the network infrastructure. The return signal is compared with the transmitted signal. For several generations of electronic equipment, using a short cable assembly, molded very-high-density cable interconnect (VHDCI), […]
The difference between electronic distortion and noise
The concepts of distortion and noise in signal processing overlap to a limited extent, but they are distinct phenomena. Distortion in a signal is the alteration or change of the shape or some other characteristic of the waveform. In contrast, noise is an external random signal added to the original signal. It’s harder to remove […]
How does current sensing work?
Current sensing and measurement are important in applications such as power conversion, battery charging, and industrial processes. Different current sensing technologies are used, depending on whether the measurement is for alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) and how much current needs to be measured. This FAQ reviews Hall effect, and induction sensing and resistive […]
Measuring ESR and ESL of dc-link capacitors
Impedance analyzers work better than LCR meters when it comes to sizing up the super-low impedance and inductance of modern power converter capacitors. Tim Ashworth, Meng Li, Zurich Instruments DC-link capacitors are often found in power conversion applications such as inverters, motor drives, medical power supply equipment, and so forth. Consequently, dc-link capacitors often need […]
Exceeding 100 Gbps with a sub-terahertz 6G testbed
Here’s a look at testing necessary for super-high throughputs involved in the emerging area of 6G. Greg Jue, Keysight Technologies 6G research is in its early stages. The vision for what the International Telecommunication Union calls Network 2030 continues to take shape. While the industry is years away from starting the standards development process, subterahertz […]
Applying PC-based test & measurement instruments
For some features, PC-based scopes sport higher performance than similar benchtop instruments. Trevor Smith, Pico Technology The debugging and validation of electronic systems calls for versatile instruments with wide-ranging functions and easy programmability. An engineer working on high-speed logic signals one day might be called upon to run a long-duration soak test the following day […]