Not every design needs large bus bars; some only need smaller, localized ones or PC board-mounted bus bars. This part looks at these situations, as well as testing of high-current/voltage bus bars. The previous part explores additional bus-bar considerations. Part 1 can be found here. Smaller busbars also fill a need Voltage drop is well known to […]
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How do AI agents and model context protocol work together?
An AI agent, combined with a model context protocol (MCP), can create more contextual AI systems that can perform a wide range of tasks, from automating processes to providing insights and interacting with users. MCP helps AI agents connect to data sources, enabling them to access information, collaborate with other systems, and make decisions based […]
How do sensors reveal hidden aspects of the world’s oceans?
Oceans comprise about 96.5% of the water-covered surface (71%) of the Earth. Surprisingly, the salinity of these huge bodies of water varies considerably. Interconnected masses and layers mix together and split apart through currents, eddies, and changes to temperature and salinity, where salinity is measured in practical salinity units or PSUs. The Practical Salinity Scale 1978, […]
How to choose analog-signal-chain components: part 1
Signal conditioning can prepare a sensor’s output for digitization. In a previous series, we looked at the analog-to-digital converter (ADCs) and sources of error that occur within the device. Of course, errors can creep in upstream of the ADC along the analog signal chain as the signal to be digitized is acquired and conditioned. Q: […]
How can silent data corruption be detected and corrected in AI systems?
Silent data corruption (SDC), sometimes called bit rot or silent data errors (SDEs), refers to errors in data that are not detected by standard error-checking mechanisms, leading to potentially significant data loss or incorrect calculations. SDCs can lead to inaccurate training, incorrect predictions, and unreliable performance. Detecting SDC requires specialized techniques and tools. SDCs can […]
What are the best practices for PCB-to-harness transitions?
Transition points between PCB traces and wire harnesses impact signal integrity, system-level reliability, and manufacturability. Improperly calibrated transition points can introduce impedance discontinuities, signal loss, or thermal stress. Mechanical strain and layout constraints also restrict routing flexibility, complicate manufacturing, and may contribute to long-term system failures. This article outlines best practices for optimizing PCB-to-harness transition […]
What is the IEEE 1801-2024 Unified Power Format 4.0 standard?
IEEE Unified Power Format (UPF) 4.0 is a standard specification language that defines the low-power architecture of low-power ASICs. It’s designed to streamline integration throughout the design, verification, and implementation process, with a focus on power intent for energy-aware electronic system design. UPF is built using the Tool Command Language (TCL) and complements hardware description […]
Streamlining PCB-to-wire harness design integration with EDA tools
Automotive wiring harnesses consolidate multiple wires and cables into a single organized system, transmitting power and signals between electronic control units (ECUs). These harnesses connect PCB-mounted electronics to the broader electrical system, supporting advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), powertrain control, airbags, infotainment, telematics, and body electronics. This article examines the PCB-to-wire harness design flow and highlights key integration […]
Battery architecture uses 100% silicon anode to improve energy density and durability
A smartphone battery platform featuring a 100% silicon-anode design has been introduced, with energy density exceeding 900 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L). The battery, designated AI-1, was developed for smartphones that perform advanced on-device processing tasks, including artificial intelligence workloads. This battery architecture has been shipped in a 7,350 milliampere-hour (mAh) configuration to an original equipment…
Why outdoor charging demands specialized battery connectors
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are becoming a preferred power source for off-highway and ground support equipment as industries push toward cleaner, more efficient operations. The first part of this series examined the broader shift away from internal combustion, along with the growing need for durable charging infrastructure in outdoor environments. In this part, we focus on…
