Parasitic extraction (PEX) in electronic design automation (EDA) calculates parasitic effects — such as capacitances, resistances, and inductance — within integrated circuits (ICs). Parasitics are introduced during the physical manufacturing process in semiconductor foundries, affecting both IC devices and their interconnects (Figure 1). This article explores the three primary categories of parasitic effects, compares field […]
FAQ
FAQ on intrinsically safe systems: part 1
Potentially explosive hazardous environments demand intrinsically safe electronics. Most designers are familiar with ruggedness mandates regarding temperature, vibration, heavy use or abuse, and dirt/dust in the context of military, aerospace, automotive, and even some consumer products. However, there’s another special design mandate with which most are less familiar but is also very important: intrinsically safe […]
How do ear recognition biometrics work?
In the era of face masks, ear recognition can provide a viable alternative to more commonly used facial recognition. The human ear remains relatively unchanged, making it suitable for security authentication applications. It can also be easier to extract information from since it is not subject to variations like facial expressions. Ear recognition biometrics analyze […]
How does 5G help secure edge connectivity?
If not thoughtfully and thoroughly implemented, 5G security can be a mixed bag. On the one hand, 5G has new features designed to enhance security, such as stronger encryption algorithms and better user authentication. At the same time, 5G networks face several security challenges, including new attack vectors and a larger attack surface. This article…
Design challenges for solar photovoltaic arrays operating in partially shaded environments
A partially shaded environment on a photovoltaic (PV) panel refers to a situation where the irradiance on the PV panel is reduced due to factors such as passing clouds or a falling shadow on the PV panel. This reduces PV output power and creates complexity in the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. This FAQ […]
What are the different types of AI accelerators?
Whether in data centers or at the edge, artificial intelligence (AI) accelerators address the limitations of traditional von Neumann architecture by rapidly processing massive datasets. Despite the gradual slowing of Moore’s law, these accelerators efficiently enable key applications such as generative AI (GenAI), deep reinforcement learning (DRL), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), smart edge devices, […]
What joining methods optimize EV battery production efficiency? part 3
This third part of the multipart FAQ will discuss magnetic pulse welding, micro-TIG, and clinching for electric vehicle (EV) battery productions. While the first two mechanisms use high temperatures to make joints, the clinching mechanism is based on applying force to create mechanical interlocking to create joints. All three mechanisms are less popular than the…
What joining methods optimize EV battery production efficiency? part 4
This final part of the multipart FAQ will explain the mechanical assembly and soldering process used to make joints during electric vehicle (EV) battery production. Although these two mechanisms are somewhat primitive in nature, they still find applications for making low-cost EVs where the makers do not have access to automation and advanced technologies. Mechanical…
How does a zero trust security architecture work?
Zero trust architectures (ZTAs) are a reaction to the emergence of cloud computing, remote work, and bringing your own device (BYOD) into enterprise networks. Those trends result in networks not completely contained within an enterprise-owned boundary, significantly complicating network security needs. This article briefly reviews the purpose and structure of ZTAs, looks at some relevant […]
What joining methods optimize EV battery production efficiency? part 2
Resistance spot welding and wire bonding are popular choices for creating joints during EV battery production. However, every joining technology comes with a trade-off, giving packaging engineers room to select the appropriate one for their battery design. This is the second part of the multipart FAQ on the joining methods for EV battery production and…
