Small self-powered systems, including wireless sensors and small robots currently under development, can use triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) as prime power sources. TENGs and PENGs offer large open circuit voltages, low materials cost, ease of fabrication, and good energy conversion efficiencies. TENGs use triboelectricity, commonly called static electricity, to convert common mechanical […]
FAQ
When should you use pre-harnessed (pre-engineered) cable carrier assemblies?
Contributed by Jody Muelaner Cable carriers are hollow chains which guide and protect cables and hoses during motion. They are typically installed on-site with the cables and hoses fitted through manifolds and junction boxes, and fixing plates, brackets and guide or support structures installed. Although it can make sense to carry out this work in-situ, […]
EMI control for power and signal lines
Trends including the emergence of 5G telephony and the continued expansion of the Internet of things (IoT) are causing the density of electronic devices to increase dramatically. That increases the density of potential sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and the dangers associated with a lack of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The result is likely to be […]
Surge voltage protection considerations
Unmanaged surge voltages can cause disruption or damage to systems or even danger for users and operators. Surge protection devices (SPDs), also called transient voltage suppressors (TVSs) are commonly used to provide protection against voltage surges and spikes by limiting or blocking the energy. SPDs can be found in electric distribution networks, building wiring, and […]
An overview of filters and their parameters, Part 2: Basic concepts
Understanding how filters are characterized is the first step in choosing an appropriate topology with suitable specifications. Filters are both a simple and also complicated and often confusing topic. This part clarifies some of the issues. Q: Why are so many discussions about filters so confusing? A: There are many reasons, but one is that […]
MEMS challenges – and silicone solutions
by Jayden Cho, Manabu Sutoh, and Roderick Chen, Dow The market for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices is growing, especially in the automotive industry. However, designers of these devices face engineering, manufacturing, and application challenges. For example, traditional organic adhesives may not be able to withstand the higher temperatures associated with today’s electronics, especially in 5G […]
An overview of filters and their parameters, Part 1: Context
Understanding how filters are characterized is the first step in choosing an appropriate topology with suitable specifications. Mention “filters” to electrical engineers of the older persuasion, and you’ll likely see a look of nostalgia mixed with fear. Why so? Because “back in the day” a course on filter theory was mandatory for nearly all EE […]
The difference between Robert Bunsen’s burner and a gas stove
Jointly Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff invented the spectroscope, which they used to identify spectra produced by sodium, lithium and potassium when they were heated to incandescence. This was possible only because previously with a lab assistant Bunsen had perfected a gas torch that did not emit interfering light. Their Bunsen burner has remained in […]
A look at intrinsic broadband noise spectral density
You can think of noise as an unwanted signal. This signal creates an error by combining with the desired signal in your circuit. Exterior sources can couple into your circuits, such as your 50 or 60 Hz DC mains signal or your cell phone. The starting point in your circuit’s noise evaluation is to reach […]
What is the role of sensor fusion in robotics?
As robots become increasingly autonomous, sensor fusion is growing in importance. Sensor fusion merges data from multiple sensors on and off the robot to reduce uncertainty as a robot navigates or performs specific tasks. It brings multiple benefits to autonomous robots: increased accuracy, reliability, and fault tolerance of sensor inputs; extended spatial and temporal coverage […]