Stepper motors can be configured for unipolar or bipolar drive; each approach has different performance attributes and tradeoffs. The previous part of this article presented the basics of different coil windings and connections for unipolar and bipolar stepper-motor configurations. As in most engineering situations, the next questions are: what is the impact of these differences? […]
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Unipolar vs. Bipolar drive for stepper motors, Part 3: Drive ICs
Stepper motors can be configured for unipolar or bipolar drive; each approach has different performance attributes and tradeoffs. Despite their usefulness and suitability of stepper motors for precision positioning, especially in back-and-forth motion applications, one of the factors which delayed their widespread adoption was the challenge of providing the needed driver management. However, the introduction […]
Unipolar vs. Bipolar drive for stepper motors, Part 1: principles
Stepper motors can be configured for unipolar or bipolar drive; each approach has different performance attributes and tradeoffs. Stepper motors are widely used, and, as with so many basic components, they are simple in some ways but also have multiple configurations and operating subtleties. For steppers (the “motor” part of the two-word term is often […]
Now that’s a test instrument: Inside the Webb space telescope
The Hubble telescope, despite its initial optics crisis, was an enormously successful undertaking that answered far more questions about the universe than originally posed. Now comes the Webb space telescope, the most powerful telescope ever put into space and a successor to Hubble. If successful, it will look farther back in time, image fainter objects […]
Quantifying embedded MCU energy consumption
There are several methods and benchmarks for quantifying the energy consumption of embedded microcontroller units (MCUs) and related energy consumption benchmarks for common peripheral functions such as Bluetooth low energy and Wi-Fi. Over time, MCU designs have changed to support the demand for higher energy efficiency. In addition, there is another world of energy consumption […]
Specifying MCUs for satellites and spacecraft
There is not a single group of standards but a continuum of qualification criteria for the components and systems used in satellites and spacecraft (Figure 1). With the growth of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites where the environment is less demanding and where some satellites are expected to be replaced regularly with upgraded designs, the […]
How does embedded software work?
Embedded software is specialized programming on a chip, such as a microcontroller (MCU), or in firmware in an embedded MCU, to control its functions. Unlike general computer applications, designed to be installed on various computer systems or modified to provide varying levels of functionality, embedded software is generally purpose-built for a single hardware environment and […]
10 straightforward ways to reduce PCB assembly costs without compromising PCB quality
by Ken Ghadia, Sales Engineer, TechnoTronix It is difficult to build a quality product at the lowest cost. The quality of a PCB depends on the competence of its design for assembly, testing, repair, reliability, manufacturing, and yield. Several factors impact the cost of a PCB assembly. However, the designers can consider certain factors that […]
The case for AEC-Q semiconductors in non-automotive uses
Specifying parts built in AEC-Q-certified fabs is an inexpensive way of creating exceptionally reliable, long-lasting designs. Kevin Parmenter, Taiwan Semiconductor USA Electronic components used in vehicles must have a AEC-Q100 qualification; this qualification means the device has passed specific stress tests and guarantees a certain level of quality/reliability. Of course, reliability is increasingly important in […]
What’s special about embedded microcontrollers?
Embedded MCUs are purpose-built for use in various specific applications and rely on embedded peripherals, various communications protocols, conventional operating systems (OS) or specialized real-time operating systems (RTOS), middleware, application software, and development environments. While MCU stands for microcontroller unit, it could also be interpreted as mission controller unit since these devices are optimized for […]