The Internet of Things might also be thought of as the internet of interoperable things. A systematic testing regime can help uncover problems when devices work in concert. DELMAR HOWARD, INTERTEK GROUP PLC The Internet of Things (IoT) is growing at an exponential rate. In three years, the number of IoT-enabled products is expected to […]
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Gyroscopes, Part 2: Optical and MEMS implementations
Part 1 of this FAQ examined the basics of IMUs based on spinning-rotor gyroscopes to establish and maintain a fixed attitude via a gimbaled platform, along with orthogonal accelerometers to sense motion along each axis. Part 2 looks at optical and MEMS-based gyros which have largely replaced the spinning-rotor core function except in the most-demanding […]
Voice-coil actuators, Part 2: Application issues
Part 1 looked at the basic of the VCA. Part 2 looks at operation in more detail along with applications, as well as a comparison to the solenoid. Q: What equation governs the behavior of a VCA? A: As with most magnetic-coil devices, it’s the Lorentz force equation. This shows that the force generated is […]
Interactive debugging on a budget
The cost of undertaking multi-domain debugging has come down. New instrumentation can time-correlate RF and embedded signals to let designers quickly uncover the root causes of knotty problems. CHRIS ARMSTRONG, RIGOL TECHNOLOGIES INC. Examine a typical device that is part of the Internet of Things and you’ll likely find a product that combines RF, digital, […]
Understanding magnetic resonance technology
Various electronics circuits and human-made or natural phenomena and atomic configurations spontaneously exhibit or can be configured to exhibit resonance. What this means is that when they oscillate, the associated waveform is at a stable fundamental frequency. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) takes place when the isotope of an atom is located within a magnetic field. […]
Going solderless – Press-Fit capacitors bring multiple benefits to circuit assembly
Solderless assembly of electronic components can deliver significant benefits in terms of simplicity, repeatability and some key electrical and mechanical considerations. However, to be acceptable, technologies such as Press-Fit need to satisfy stringent operational and performance requirements stipulated for the specific application and by standards bodies such as IEC. MARYANN FULTON, KEMET The need for […]
Probing small signals on a high-voltage bus
Subtleties of scope probes can lead to garbled measurements when examining power circuits. KEN JOHNSON, DAVID MALINIAK, TELEDYNE LECROY CORP. When an oscilloscope is used for debugging, validation, or device characterization, measurements generally take place with the help of a scope probe. There are several types of scope probes because manufacturers optimize different types for […]
Better instrumentation for insulation testing
Megohmmeter measurements can now be more accurate, rapid and safer than ever before. JEFF JOWETT, MEGGER A considerable number of electronics personnel working throughout the electrical industry are military trained. And many of them learned on a simple hand-cranked analog meter, properly termed a megohmmeter, or insulation tester. These testers were typically 500-V units that […]
You passed: Getting products through EMC/EMI compliance tests
Pre-compliance tests run in your own lab can avoid bad news when products go into formal conformity checks. DYLAN STINSON, TEKTRONIX INC. EMI regulations are in place to ensure reliability and safety for users of electrical and electronic equipment. With few exceptions, any product emitting or susceptible to electromagnetic interference must be certified for EMI […]
Tips on buying a new oscilloscope
Answers to a few basic questions can help clarify what kind of scope makes sense for your workbench. JAMES MCGREGOR, NEWARK ELEMENT14 For many engineers, the oscilloscope is the most useful and versatile tool on the bench. So when it’s time to buy a new one, it’s important to make sure the scope meets your […]