Beamforming arrays let designers create directional microphones using MEMS devices. With the right signal processing algorithms, these can enhance the user experience delivered by many types of audio equipment. An array can be simple, comprising as few as two microphones, and can be arranged in various configurations depending on the expected location of the preferred […]
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An overview of fan bearing designs
by Ryan Smoot, CUI Fans are a crucial feature of many electronic systems, maintaining operation within a certain temperature range, while ensuring electronics are working at their optimum level across their operational lifetime. Key to a fan’s design is the consistent running of the bearing on which the rotor spins. The sleeve bearing and the […]
Understanding the difference between an incremental encoder’s PPR, CPR, and LPR
by Jason Kelly, CUI Incremental rotary encoders produce two square wave outputs as they rotate, from which the angular displacement and rotational speed can be calculated. These quadrature outputs let the host system determine the direction of rotation. To calculate speed and angular displacement, the encoder’s resolution – equivalent to the angular displacement represented by […]
Choosing the right MEMS microphone interface for your project
by Bruce Rose, CUI Inc. Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) microphones have been steadily increasing their market share, driven by the surge in popularity of voice-controlled electronics with applications like voice-enabled navigation devices and digital home assistants. But what are the different types of MEMS microphone electrical interfaces available and how do you apply them to your […]
What you need to know about buzzers – reviewing the basic types and technologies
Bruce Rose, Principal Applications Engineer, CUI Inc A buzzer can provide a cost-effective yet intuitive aspect to the user interface of a wide variety of products, such as a home appliance, security panel, door-entry system or computer peripheral. Usually the choice is between either a magnetic or piezoelectric type. It should be an easy decision, […]
A comparison of MEMS and electret condenser microphones
By Bruce Rose, Principal Applications Engineer, CUI Inc Many of today’s smart devices such as home digital assistants and IoT sensors are required to “hear” their environment. There is a growing demand for microphones that are not only highly miniaturized, but also robust, easy to design-in, and resistant to nearby acoustic or electrical noise. Fortunately, […]
Choosing the right encoder – open-collector, push-pull or differential output?
Position encoders are widely used in motion control applications and many different types are available. To choose the optimum device for a given application, engineers must decide between absolute, incremental or commutation encoders, which present data in various formats such as quadrature, motor-pole or a serial protocol. The resolution required, as well as dimensions and […]
How to specify the proper Peltier module for your design
The latest generation of Peltier cooling modules can be a powerful addition to a designer’s thermal management toolbox. Robust and reliable, they can cool an IC or various other components – such as an LED or laser diode – to a target temperature and ensure stability even if the load changes rapidly. The modules are […]
How USB Type-C connectors hold the key to maximizing data speeds and power delivery
Bruce Rose, CUI The new USB Type-C connector should become a common sight in new laptops and mobile devices over the next couple of years. Smaller and easier to use – allowing plugs to be inserted in either direction – the new mechanical interface has all of the features needed to support the advanced USB electrical […]
An introduction to audio jack switches and schematics
Standard 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm audio jacks are found in a huge variety of consumer and professional audio products. Widely recognized, easy to use and simple in concept, they can be applied in many ways to enhance convenience for users and manage various features and functions of a product that are not necessarily related […]
