Providing end-to-end security is the ultimate security goal of every wireless network. Each reported successful cyberattack serves as a reminder that achieving security is easier said than done. Let’s first examine the process. Most of us know about using strong passwords and encryption. The most vulnerable security component is key management during device activation and […]
FAQ
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, […]
Cathode ray tube vs. flat screen displays in oscilloscopes
Prior to the digital revolution in electronic instrumentation, oscilloscopes displayed waveforms on cathode ray tube screens. Modern digital oscilloscopes universally have flat screens. The flat screen is light, thin, consumes far less energy, and is less expensive to manufacture. All agree that it is a great improvement. The one advantage of CRT technology is that […]
Understanding delay for I/O: Using Arduino functions vs. coding the MCU
Sometimes the conveniences of using an Arduino board start to conflict with the performance that you expect, at least from a strict engineering point of view. When you develop with the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE), there are some things you need to know to understand the processing delays, functions, and how to overcome them […]
Mitigating ac motor-shaft voltage and bearing currents
Bearing problems are the greatest single contributing factor in motor failure. Often motor damage happens before bearing wear is noticeable. To avoid expensive repairs and costly downtime, early detection is essential. Proper installation of replacement bearings and correct lubrication are critical. It is well known that insufficient lubrication brings early bearing failure, but many maintenance […]
The difference between metal conductors and waveguides
Manufacturers of instrumentation are striving to satisfy the demands of modern electronics which continuously require greater bandwidth. There has been a growing tendancy to incorporate waveguides, ranging from extremely small units soldered into printed circuits, to larger devices mounted in enclosures. The natural question that arises is how waveguides differ from ordinary wiring, and why […]
Why use optocouplers in electronics?
Optocouplers not only protect sensitive circuits but enable an engineer to design a variety of hardware applications. Optocouplers can avoid a great deal of cost in replacing components by protecting them. However, optocouplers are more sophisticated than fuses. Optocouplers also make it convenient to control the connection between two circuits by connecting and disconnecting them […]
Protecting an MCU: Build your own optocoupler
Microcontrollers are widely used for controlling transistors and relays. Transistors and relays are used for actuating or (energizing) equipment with a higher voltage than an MCU can handle. For example, fans, lights, television, door locks, furnaces, and appliances can be automated using an MCU, however, most operate at higher voltages compared to the voltage tolerances […]
Analog computation, Part 2: When and how
Analog circuits based on op amps can be used to implement mathematical functions and are still useful in many applications due to their unique attributes. Part 1 of this FAQ looked at the basic need for and virtues of analog-based computational circuits. Part 2 looks at some implementation specifics and considerations. Q: What are the […]
What’s new with Wi-Fi 6? Focus on high-efficiency
The first wide-spread home electrical appliance was the toaster, and 90% of homes today still have one.[i] Today, wireless connectivity to the internet is as ubiquitous as the electricity was a hundred years ago. Smartphones, tablets, wearables, laptops, televisions, Nest thermostats, Alexa, Google Home, Ring video doorbell sensors, surveillance cameras door locks, smart lighting, and […]