(Source: scharfsinn86 /stock.adobe.com) Embedded system designs all have one thing in common: a microprocessor and controller. These can be as sparse as 4-bit wide controllers with less than 1K of code space or as big as a multicore multi-GHz processing supercomputer with Gis of code space. But, modern IoT-based embedded system designs also have another typical requirement. Many designs will be mixed signals, so almost every design will include wireless communications. Herein lies a challenge. Will a designer choose an overkill all-in open processor with much more performance, peripherals, me ..read more

New Tech Tuesdays Join Rudy Ramos for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers. In today's fast-paced world of consumer electronics, time-to-market and cost efficiency are paramount for design engineers. Renesas Electronics, a leader in semiconductor solutions, offers a compelling solution with its RISC-V processors. Renesas' RISC-V adoption revolutionizes CPU choices for design engineers, providing an open and flexible platform that accelerates product development cycles while maintaining affordability. Renesas' RISC-V Adoption Renesas' embrace of RIS ..read more

(Source: Phoenix Contact) As electrical and electronic systems have become increasingly mainstream and automated, there is a trend toward more complex, feature-dense, and "flashy" products in the consumer, commercial, and enterprise automation markets. This trend appears to follow the path of many consumer products that attempt to differentiate themselves from the competition by providing more features, integrations, customizations, and more svelte packaging. This approach may work for some consumers, but it completely alienates many of these products from cost-sensitive applications that don ..read more

(Source: XP Power) Traditional AC/DC power supply designs had limitations in optimization due to analog control and basic pulse-width modulation at a fixed frequency. This often led to higher component stresses at extreme operating ranges. Datasheets often showed reduced performance at low input voltages, with limited adjustability around ±10 percent. Advanced features like adjustable output to zero voltage and precise constant current output were found mainly in costly laboratory supplies which sacrificed size and efficiency. Challenges in Traditional Power Supplies Adjustability and Perform ..read more

How FIRST® and Mouser Champion STEM Education From classrooms to extracurricular activities, from community projects to national initiatives, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is reshaping the way we approach challenges and envision solutions. STEM programs inspire curiosity and cultivate the skills necessary to tackle the technological challenges of tomorrow. The significance of STEM cannot be overstated. These initiatives serve as the bedrock for nurturing the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators who will propel us into the future. In ..read more

New Tech Tuesdays Join Rudy Ramos for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers. The advent of ChatGPT has marked a pivotal moment in the development of artificial intelligence (AI). This language model has taken the world by storm, showcasing AI’s incredible potential to revolutionize various aspects of our lives. Chances are that by now, you have encountered the emergence of AI chatbots and are probably wondering how these have grown so quickly, and where they will go. In this week’s New Tech Tuesday, we examine the rise of ChatGPT and explore its imp ..read more

Simplifying IoT Product Creation (Source: Tierney / stock.adobe.com) The Internet of Things (IoT) isn't just a buzzword; it's a revolution transforming how we interact with technology in our everyday lives. From smart thermostats to entire factories connected online, the IoT makes our world smarter and more interconnected than ever. This connectivity is made possible by advancements in microcontrollers and wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth®, enabling devices and services to be everywhere. Though many think they're familiar with the concept of IoT, they often only conjure images ..read more

(Source: Cree LED) Starting in the 1960s, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) performed in low-power applications such as indicator lights and watch screens. Initially available only in red and green, they lacked the ability to emit enough of the light spectrum to replace incandescent bulbs. However, breakthroughs in GaN epitaxial growth and doping enabled the first bright blue LED in 1993. These new LEDs used a phosphor coating to convert the blue wavelengths into a broader spectrum of wavelengths that appear white in our eyes. With the ability to emit bright white light, LEDs became a viable repla ..read more

New Tech Tuesdays Join Rudy Ramos for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers. The growing population of elderly individuals poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. As seniors strive to maintain independence, innovative solutions are needed to address their unique needs. Sensing, positioning, and cloud-based platforms offer immense potential in this regard, providing crucial support and peace of mind for elderly individuals and their caregivers. The Aging Population Challenge With new medical advancements and increased standards ..read more

Soul Circuitry: The ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Internet If the invention of the transistor paved the way for the Information Age, then the invention of the Internet gave way to the “Information Saturation Age.” Researchers estimate that in 2024, the world creates, copies, or consumes 147 zettabytes of data daily.[1] A zettabyte is one trillion gigabytes, putting it firmly into the category of numbers too big to comprehend. All this to say, we upload, download, stream, and share an incomprehensible amount of data every day. A study from 2008, before everyone had smartphones, estimated that Am ..read more