The traditional and battle-tested steam-powered catapult used to launch aircraft from carriers is being replaced by a powerful, electromagnetic-based, closed-loop linear-motor system — maybe. For over seven decades, the steam-powered catapult has been the standard mechanism for launching airplanes from the decks of aircraft carriers, with an associated cable-tensioned brake used for arresting them on […]
FAQ
Part 3: Winning with a sustainable PDC management process in embedded systems design: implementation
In part 1, we presented an overview of the product life cycle (PLC) and product development cycle (PDC), as well as the difference between the two. Part 2 explained in detail the 12 steps of the product life cycle (PDC). In this final part, we offer some practical suggestions on PDC implementation. The secret to […]
The difference between scanning electron microscopes and tunneling scanning electron microscopes
Compared to an optical microscope, the electron microscope achieves far greater resolution and magnification by taking advantage of the wave aspect of electrons. An electron’s wavelength is typically 1/100,000 that of visible light. Resolutions of 50 pm and 10 million-X magnification have been achieved, far better than the 200-mm resolution and 2,000X magnification of a […]
Part 2: Winning with a sustainable PDC management process in embedded systems design – 12 steps
In part 1, we provided an overview of the product life cycle (PLC) and product development cycle (PDC), noting their distinct differences. In this second part, we will explain in detail the 12 steps of the product development cycle (PDC). Figure 1 shows the typical flow chart of a PDC management process and the 12 […]
Winning with a sustainable PDC management process in embedded system design (Part 1)
This is the first in a three-part tutorial series explaining how to implement the product development cycle process. Nearly everyone knows Microsoft Excel. Fewer know Lotus 123, and almost no one remembers VisiCalc, the first version of a spreadsheet computer program for personal computers, which ran on the Apple II. There have been a few […]
Simplifying product returns through device security
by Oivind Loe, Chief Technology Officer, Sipsby.com, and Josh Norem, Staff Systems Design Engineer, Silicon Labs Product returns for Internet of Things (IoT) devices can be challenging. On the one hand, connected the device should be locked down as much as possible when going out to the field. On the other hand, when a device […]
Why it’s tough to characterize SiC power MOSFETs
Switching transients and parasitics can combine to thwart the accurate measurement of important MOSFET operating parameters. Levi Gant, Xuning Zhang, Ph.D., Littelfuse, Inc. Silicon carbide (SiC) power MOSFETs get a lot of attention because they can switch fast while maintaining high blocking voltages. But their superior switching qualities also have potential drawbacks. Parasitic inductances caused […]
The difference between CCD and CMOS image sensing
Charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology have been in fierce yet friendly competition. Fierce because valuable market share is contested, friendly because the rival digital camera technologies have much in common. It is ironic that the more-costly CCD sensor is used in the most advanced astrophotography instruments and also in low-end point-and-shoot cameras, […]
GaN power devices, Part 2: Application
Part 1 of this FAQ explored the basics of GaN switching transistors at the device and physics level. This part will look at driving and applying GaN devices. Q: What do I need to know to use a GaN device? A: There are three functional blocks associated with power switching: the power-device driver, the power […]
GaN power devices, Part 1: Principles
Power devices based on gallium nitride (GaN) are rapidly becoming a viable, higher-performance alternative to silicon MOSFETs due to their higher efficiency and other favorable attributes. In recent years, discrete power-switching and power-handling devices based on gallium nitride (GaN) material have become practical and available, and these devices are now found in many power supplies […]