As more nodes connect to the Internet, developers are looking are looking to differentiate their products, adding more unique features. But the problem remains — how do you add more nodes and scale without further straining the network? With more nodes, you need more interfaces to the gateway to talk to these nodes. A typical MCU provides […]
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The down side of free samples
If you’ve had hassles trying to get component samples for a project, you can thank the efforts of a few enterprising students for making your life more complicated. Here’s a microcosm of what has happened with sample parts: The folks at Texas Instruments once had a liberal policy about giving out free samples of the […]
Entry-level sensing MCUs support customization of 25 functions
Texas Instruments is now offering low-cost, ultra-low-power MSP430 microcontrollers for sensing applications. Developers can now implement simple sensing solutions through a variety of integrated mixed-signal features in this family of MSP430 value line sensing MCUs, available for as low as US$0.25 in high volumes. Additions to the family include two new entry-level devices and a new TI LaunchPad […]
LLC resonant controller achieves 90 percent efficiency with a 10 percent load
The first in a family of new high-performance LLC controllers, TI’s new UCC256301 inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) resonant controller enables standby power of less than 40 mW when fully regulating the system output, while also performing better than industry efficiency requirements. By delivering the fastest transient response plus robust fault-protection features such as zero current switching avoidance, […]
How IBIS models help with signal analysis
An Input Output Buffer Information Specification (IBIS) model is a standard in the semiconductor industry for modeling semiconductor devices from a behavioral perspective, for both analog and digital perspectives. IBIS modeling enables engineers to describe detailed signal behavior in a circuit design without revealing proprietary information about the circuits (or the processes used to make […]
Top analog threads on EDAboard.com – September
(editor’s note: Intrigued by the problem? Have a question or another solution? Then click the “Read more” link and follow the conversation on EDAboard.com or log in to EDAboard and participate in the analog forum threads.) How do I design this darn differential amplifier? I’ve been trying to design a differential amplifier with the following […]
Teardown: The Apple Sport watch
Apple recently came out with the Series 3 version of its watch. We can get an idea of how the Series 3 goes together from a teardown analysis of Apple’s earlier Sport model. The Sport model we analyzed has an aluminum case but the watch is also available in stainless steel. It measures about 39 […]
MCUs carry integrated ultrasonic sensing for smart water meter apps
Texas Instruments unveiled a new family of MSP430 microcontrollers (MCUs) with an integrated ultrasonic sensing analog front end that enables smart water meters to deliver higher accuracy and lower power consumption. In addition, TI introduced two new reference designs that make it easier to design modules for adding automated meter reading (AMR) capabilities to existing […]
40-A synchronous DC/DC buck converter with advanced-current-mode control topology said to be an industry first
Texas Instruments introduced the industry’s first 16-V input, 40-A synchronous DC/DC buck converter with an internally compensated advanced-current-mode (ACM) control topology supporting frequency synchronization. TI’s TPS543C20SWIFT converter provides enhanced efficiency by integrating its latest generation of low resistance high- and low-side MOSFETs into a thermally efficient small-footprint package. Designers can stack two converters side by side […]
Choosing a reference voltage for an ADC
Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) need a reference voltage (VREF) input in order to operate properly. ADCs convert analog inputs that can vary from zero volts on up to a maximum voltage level that is called the reference voltage. The reference voltage determines the ceiling of what the ADC can convert, and is essentially the yardstick against […]