The PIGA is the oldest accelerometer and widely used in rocketry and guidance, and still the best – but MEMS-based devices are getting closer. The previous parts looked at the principle and operation of the PIGA. This part looks briefly at its history and refinement and the MEMS-based versions of the PIGA being developed and […]
FAQ
PIGAs can indeed fly – and are still the best, Part 2: Operation
The PIGA is the oldest accelerometer and widely used in rocketry and guidance, and still the best – but MEMS-based devices are getting closer At the core of each single-axis PIGA is a gyroscope. The performance of this gyro – which is unrelated to the orientation gyros – plays a large role in determining the […]
Why and how are medical connectors and standards different?
Medical connectors are different because medical applications are different. Medical systems require high reliability like industrial systems, but they have unique challenges where failure or unreliable operation can be life-threatening. A few examples include: Materials qualified for medical connectors are often specified to prevent bacteria growth and ensure that the connection system withstands sterilization or […]
PIGAs can indeed fly – and are still the best, Part 1: Frame of reference
The PIGA is the oldest accelerometer, is widely used in rocketry and guidance, and is still the best – but MEMS-based devices are getting closer. When you see an inexpensive drone, a more sophisticated one, an unmanned aircraft, a standard piloted aircraft, guided or intercontinental ballistic missile ICBM), an underwater drone or submarine, or a […]
What’s the status of EV charging connector standards?
Connectors for electric vehicle (EV) charging are both standardized and changing. On one level, EV charging connectors are standardized based on today’s technology limitations. There are standards in major regional markets, including North America, Japan, the European Union, and China. But current charging technologies are power limited. This FAQ begins with a review of EV […]
Open RAN rewrites network-testing rules
Open radio access networks (Open RAN) bring new testing responsibilities that service providers haven’t had to contend with before. Learn why Open RAN changes the game for testing and validating network components, and how operators should approach these complex new requirements.
System integration and debug: Go incremental or go “all up”?
There are two somewhat conflicting approaches for integrating and debugging a system, and you never know which would have been better – until the project is done. Bringing up and debugging a complex system with multiple functions and ICs is a challenge, no news there. You’ve got to make sure all the components play with […]
What sensors are used in today’s and tomorrow’s HVAC systems? Part 3
Part 1 provided background on the evolution of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and the increased use of sensors and Part 2 elaborated on sensing in more advanced HVAC systems. In this third and final part, government and industry organization’s effort to change HVAC systems and the impact on sensing will be explored. In […]
How RedCap fits into 5G and IoT
Targeted at IoT applications, the reduced-capability in 5G will support a wide range of devices and applications that don’t need high speed, but do need low latency and high-reliability. 5G’s real promise comes not from mobile phones, but from industrial and business applications where network operators hope to recover the huge investments they’ve made in…
How an integrated PMIC can optimize your data concentrator design
By Shashank Sharma, Texas Instruments For years, countries have been reforming their advanced metering infrastructure with smart meters, which measure not only electrical energy consumption and transfer that data to utility companies, but also enable two-way communication between the consumer and utility companies. This data includes consumption behavior, system monitoring, tamper detection, and customer billing. […]