The flat display screens of today typically look great. But when it comes to quantifying their output, confusion may reign. There are three main measurement tools used to gage the output of displays. Before we get into their details, it might be helpful to review the main display technologies we are typically trying to measure. […]
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Automobile Hands-Off Detection, Part 4: Capacitive solutions
Cars with lane-keeping assistance (LKA) also are mandated to have a hands-off detection (HOD) function; there are several ways to meet this challenging requirement. Despite the BOM advantages of torque-based HOD, it has performance issues. Capacitive-based sensing is a viable alternative approach. Capacitive sensing for HOD monitors the driver’s grip on the steering wheel by […]
Automobile Hands-Off Detection, Part 3: Torque solutions
Cars with lane-keeping assistance (LKA) also are mandated to have a hands-off detection (HOD) function; there are several ways to meet this challenging requirement. The previous part of this article discussed the need for hands-off (or on) detection (HOD) and its connection to the lane-keeping assistance feature in today’s cars. This part will look at […]
Automobile Hands-Off Detection, Part 2: Requirements
Cars with lane-keeping assistance (LKA) also are mandated to have a hands-off detection (HOD) function; there are several ways to meet this challenging requirement. Where does “hands-off detection” (HOD) come into the picture? (Note: “hands-off detection” is sometimes spelled out as “hands-on detection;” fortunately, the acronym is the same either way.) It is a feature […]
Automobile Hands-Off Detection, Part 1: Basic issues
Cars with lane-keeping assistance (LKA) also are mandated to have a hands-off detection (HOD) function; there are several ways to meet this challenging requirement. Today’s cars are packed with all sorts of functions, features, and attributes that didn’t exist – or need to – just a few years ago. Whether for driver and passenger convenience, […]
Don’t rush to choose rechargeable batteries…at least, not yet
Using energy harvesting and a rechargeable battery to power a remote wireless IoT node seems like an obvious and straightforward solution, but there are some unique aspects to consider. Don’t get me wrong: I really like rechargeable batteries; in fact, I like them a lot. Whether based on lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, lithium-ion, or other chemistry, our […]
Making pictures from sound on an oscilloscope
If you take an ordinary sound file and feed it to both channels of an oscilloscope operating in X-Y mode, you’ll get an image on the scope looking a lot like a pulsating straight line at some angle to the horizontal. But the situation changes if you use a stereo signal with the left channel […]
LoRaWAN IoT networks help tame temperature-sensitive applications
The need to chill vaccines reliably during their trip cross country has highlighted the value of LoRaWAN-enabled sensors and networking. Chris Boorman, Laird Connectivity Ordinarily, cold supply chain wouldn’t be a dinner table conversation. COVID-19 vaccines, of course, have changed the situation. Specialized refrigerated containers, refrigerated vehicles, and ultra-cold storage warehouses are the foundation for […]
Better connections assist soldiers to make better decisions faster
By Jack Midgley, Global Defense Market Leader, Fischer Connectors www.fischerconnectors.com Soldier modernization programs take on new urgency as funding priorities shift and operational demands increase. There are many challenges posed by resource constraints and changing operational environments. Defense connectivity solutions offer new capabilities and innovative, economical approaches to help soldiers and commanders at every level […]
Gallery: Sights from 2021 Automotive Tech Week, Novi, Mich.
The Automotive Tech Week event running Nov. 15-19 covered automotive interiors, ADAS and autonomous vehicle technology, advanced propulsion, and automotive user experience topics. The exposition associated with the event featured examples of technical advances now making their way into the designs of automotive OEMs. Here are a few of the more notable developments we saw […]