Compared to the LED bulbs of only a few years ago, modern-day versions are simpler and assembled via more automated methods. Leland Teschler, Executive Editor If you tore down an LED bulb manufactured a few years ago you’d likely find evidence of hand soldering a bit of kludgy design practices. We found both these practices […]
Teardown: Anki Cozmo, distant relative of Vector
Cozmo is a palm-sized robot from San Francisco-based Anki, the same company that makes an intelligent racing robot system called Overdrive that we’ve torn down previously. Cozmo is actually an earlier version of an Anki robot called Vector. Vector has more capabilities in the area of artificial intelligence, thanks to its use of a processor […]
Teardown: Leviton ground fault circuit interrupter
GFCIs detect hazardous current paths to ground and ground-to-neutral faults. A teardown reveals they are relatively simple but have circuit details that can be tricky to figure out. Bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms with access to water are required to employ ac outlets with ground-fault circuit protection. GFCIs disconnect the output if they sense a […]
How advanced IGBT gate drivers simplify high-voltage
IGBTs have nuanced operations associated with high current densities and temperature that force IGBT gate drivers to incorporate sophisticated features. Tom Zemites, Kim Gauen, NXP The automotive industry is moving inexorably towards electrification. As automakers move from electric assistance to full autonomy, the trend in EV invertors is toward higher system efficiency and functional safety […]
The difference between vehicular and non-vehicular LED drivers
There are numerous features in the electronics that power vehicular LEDs that you won’t find in other LED applications. Jatin Thaker, Dave Strycharz | NXP Automotive The automotive market is quickly moving away from traditional incandescent lighting towards more intelligent systems that promote reduced energy use, safety, and individualization options that boost brand recognition. Automotive […]
Gallery: Neat tech on display at ADAS & Autonomous Vehicles USA
A focused forum on the here-and-now of self-driving technology held in Novi, Mich., staged by TU-Automotive, featured presentations by Tier 1 suppliers, researchers, and automakers. Also, there were a few displays of interesting technology. Here are a few examples of what was there to be seen. NEXT PAGE: A washer system for car cameras
Getting started in electronics: core components
By “Spec“, Electro-Tech-Online forum member Often newbies ask, ‘How can I get started in electronics?‘ This is a big question, but the very short answer is, ‘Learn the two fundamental electronics laws (Kirchoff, Ohm), get a good book about electronics theory and practical, build some circuits, and make some measurements.’ Follow-on questions are, ‘What electronic […]
Gallery: Connected car electronics on display at NXP FTF Connects in Detroit
Chip supplier NXP recently put on its two-day FTF Connects event in the Motor City. Focusing on connected vehicle and autonomous technology, featured several interesting demos and a ride in cars outfitted in V2V and V2I technology. Here are a few of the more interesting sites we found in the exhibit area and the technical […]
Teardown: The Garmin Forerunner 220 sport watch and heart monitor
Chest-mounted electronics do a more accurate job of counting heart beats than do optical sensors on the wrist. That’s one of the conclusions to come out of a close look at this sport watch aimed at runners. Leland Teschler Executive Editor A sport watch from Garmin called the Forerunner 220 is basically a runner’s watch […]
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What’s your type? Walk-thru of semiconductor diodes
There are quite a few different types of semiconductor diode from junction diodes, Schottky diodes, Zener diodes etc. You need to know the difference between them in order to select one. A good place to start the description of the types would be a comparison of a conventional PN junction diode and a fast recovery […]
