Новини світу мікро- та наноелектроніки

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The compound semiconductor substrate market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% to $3.3bn in 2029, according to the report ‘Status of Compound Semiconductors Industry 2024’ by market analyst firm Yole Group...

In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become an indispensable part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we navigate, communicate, and even monitor our assets. One such groundbreaking technology that has transformed various industries is the GPS tracker. From ensuring the safety of vehicles to tracking valuable assets, GPS trackers have become an essential tool for businesses and individuals alike. In this blog, we will delve into what GPS trackers are, their history, types, working principles, applications, and the numerous advantages they offer.

What is a GPS Tracker?

A GPS tracker, short for Global Positioning System tracker, is a device that utilizes satellite signals to determine the precise location of an object or person in real-time. These trackers are equipped with GPS receivers that communicate with satellites orbiting the Earth to accurately pinpoint the device’s location.

GPS Tracker History

The history of GPS trackers dates back to the 1960s when the United States Department of Defense launched the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation for military purposes. Over the years, advancements in technology led to the development of commercial GPS tracking devices, which became widely available in the late 20th century. Since then, GPS trackers have evolved significantly, offering enhanced accuracy, reliability, and functionality.

GPS Tracker Types

There are several types of GPS trackers designed to cater to specific needs and applications:

1. Vehicle Trackers: These trackers are installed in vehicles to monitor their location, speed, and route in real-time. They are commonly used for fleet management, vehicle security, and stolen vehicle recovery.
2. Personal Trackers: Compact and portable, personal GPS trackers are designed to track the location of individuals, such as children, elderly family members, or outdoor enthusiasts. They provide peace of mind by enabling caregivers to monitor their loved ones’ whereabouts remotely.
3. Asset Trackers: Asset trackers are used to monitor the location and movement of valuable assets, such as equipment, machinery, and cargo. They are essential for asset management, inventory tracking, and theft prevention.

How Does a GPS Tracker Work?

GPS trackers rely on a network of satellites orbiting the Earth to determine the device’s location. These satellites transmit signals containing precise timing information and their own location. The GPS tracker receives these signals and calculates its position based on the time it takes for the signals to reach the device from multiple satellites. By triangulating the signals from at least three satellites, the tracker can accurately determine its latitude, longitude, and altitude.

GPS Tracker Applications

GPS trackers find applications across various industries and sectors:

1. Fleet Management: GPS trackers are used by businesses to monitor and manage their fleet of vehicles, optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve driver safety.
2. Personal Safety: Personal GPS trackers provide peace of mind to families and caregivers by allowing them to track the location of children, elderly family members, or individuals with special needs.
3. Asset Tracking: GPS trackers are indispensable for businesses to track the location and movement of valuable assets, prevent theft, and optimize inventory management.

GPS Tracker Advantages

The advantages of GPS trackers include:

1. Real-Time Tracking: GPS trackers provide real-time location information, enabling businesses and individuals to monitor assets or individuals remotely.
2. Improved Safety and Security: GPS trackers enhance safety and security by enabling quick response in case of emergencies, theft, or unauthorized use of vehicles or assets.
3. Enhanced Efficiency: GPS trackers help businesses optimize routes, improve fuel efficiency, reduce operating costs, and enhance overall operational efficiency.

In conclusion, GPS trackers have become indispensable tools for businesses and individuals looking to monitor and manage assets, enhance safety and security, and improve operational efficiency. With advancements in technology, GPS trackers continue to evolve, offering enhanced features, reliability, and functionality to meet the diverse needs of users across various industries.

The post Exploring GPS Trackers: History, Types, and Benefits appeared first on ELE Times.

Silvaco Group Inc of Santa Clara, CA, USA (which provides electronic design automation software and semiconductor design IP for process and device development) has joined GaN Valley to help advance the state of the art in designing efficient gallium nitride (GaN) power devices and enable its customers to innovate with its Victory TCAD (technology computer-aided design) platform...

Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader has released its cybersecurity predictions for 2024 – 5 key insights from industry leaders to help organisations ensure a secure future.

2023 saw organisations witness unprecedented levels of cybercrime. Palo Alto Networks’ State of Cybersecurity survey found that 67% of Indian government/essential services witnessed more than 50% increase in disruptive cyberattacks in 2022–2023. In October 2023, the firm received the most number of calls to their incident response team ever. Cybercriminals have used ransomware to target critical infrastructures and found novel techniques to exploit emerging technologies like generative AI to ill-effect.

The State of Cybersecurity survey also found that 75% of Indian organisations have increased their cybersecurity budgets in 2023 compared to 2022. With Indian organisations investing more in cybersecurity, it’s critical this money be spent wisely.

Predicting cybersecurity trends for 2024 will be especially important if organisations want to get ahead of modern cyberattackers. With stakes higher than ever, organisations need to take a holistic approach – accounting for macroeconomic factors, emerging technologies, and cloud risks among others.

Ian Lim, Field Chief Security Officer, at Palo Alto Networks, said, “In 2023, we’ve seen mature organisations, who invest heavily in cybersecurity, still falling victim to debilitating cyberattacks. This is due to the tenacity and ingenuity of attackers who exploit cyber hygiene issues or find novel ways to compromise legacy defences. Another key reason for these breaches lies in the complexity of security capabilities in most modern organisations. They use an average of 31.58 disparate security tools to protect their highly interconnected and innovative environments. The lack of correlation and the level of noise generated by these tools creates immense visibility gaps and dampens their ability for detection and response.”

He added, “Going into 2024, highly motivated cybercriminals, nation-state attackers and hacktivists will continue to innovate, expand and exploit – not much we can do to slow that down. However, we could and should definitely address the complexity of our security capabilities with AI to make them more effective and cost efficient.”

Here are the five cybersecurity trends to watch out for in 2023:

1. Hacktivism: The Modern Crusade

2023 saw numerous instances of broadcast events being disrupted by climate activists. This year, this protest could take the shape of a cyber-first campaign. With significant events like the Olympics, the Euros, and regional elections coming up, hacktivists will look to further their cause to audiences in the millions. Previously, a high level of technical expertise was necessary, but the cybercrime-as-a-service model has lowered this threshold. Now, it only takes an extremely motivated activist with sufficient funds.

Tumultuous geopolitical climates will provide opportunities for hacktivists to gain notoriety for their group and sympathy for their cause. Most hacktivist activity is via Distributed-Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. For example, during the G20 Summit in India, more than 30 groups of hacktivists from neighbouring countries attacked more than 600 websites of government and private entities through DDoS attacks, defacements, and data leaks.

In 2024, organisations should evaluate their risk profile according to the evolving threat landscape and ensure coverage not only for financially motivated attacks but also for hacktivism and nation-state attacks.

2. AI’s role in cybersecurity will evolve, for good and bad

Since ChatGPT’s launch in October 2022, there have been concerns worldwide regarding its potential to democratise cybercrime. Despite having guardrails to prevent malicious applications, a few creative prompts can get ChatGPT to generate near flawless phishing emails that sound “weirdly human” at an immense scale. We’ve seen attackers use Gen AI in novel ways like deepfake and voice technology to scam banks out of millions. Companies adopting Gen AI must be wary of the vulnerabilities of model poisoning, data leakage, prompt injection attacks, etc. Attackers will continue to exploit innovation gaps with the increased use of Gen AI for legitimate use cases.

Hence, one of the AI Cybersecurity trends expected in 2024 is the maturation on how organisations protect enterprise-level use of Gen AI. This involves making sure that security controls, vulnerability management and threat monitoring activities are embedded through the entire lifecycle of AI development projects. Gen AI will further embed itself into cybersecurity capabilities. Its ability to summarise, weed through noise, and give concise summaries of security events is far greater than a human analyst’s (especially at the scale a modern SOC operates). With LLMs getting better by the day, we are bound to see more sophisticated applications that move beyond just being a clever and occasionally hallucinating chatbots.

3. Operational technology will remain the low-hanging fruit

Operational Technology is the heart of any industrial organisation. As the primary generator of revenue, OT systems must have a high level of cyber maturity. Palo Alto Networks’ State of Cybersecurity survey found that 67% of Indian government/essential services witnessed more than 50% increase in disruptive cyberattacks in 2022–2023. As organisations scramble to resolve OT-related cybersecurity woes, they will face a lack of specialised solutions that cater to the specific and niche needs of OT professionals. Many organisations still believe OT environments are protected by an air gap, whereas IT/OT convergence has resulted in OT being more connected than ever to IT and, in many cases, to the cloud. This has expanded the attack surface and greatly increased the risk to OT networks, without the investment in cyber controls.

A breach of OT systems can not only result in lost revenue, but also potentially, injuries or loss of life. A cyber secure OT environment is also a safe and reliable OT environment. A Zero Trust architecture will protect the most critical OT systems from threats, while allowing organisations to focus on their digital transformation. 2024 will see organisations invest in OT cyber security maturity to protect their most important business systems and manage the increased risk to an acceptable level.

4. Consolidation to enable the next frontier in cybersecurity

Unit 42’s Cloud Threat Report (Volume 7) found that on average, security teams take approximately 6 days to resolve a security alert, with 60% of organisations taking longer than 4 days. In a threat landscape where attackers only require a few hours to find and exploit vulnerabilities, 4-6 days is just way too long. Organisations with disparate security tools that are not well integrated have a harder time deploying automation and orchestration. This is a major setback to reducing the mean time to detect and the mean time to respond.

In addition to the lacklustre threat response, organisations with siloed solutions are having a hard time securing their rapid digital transformation initiatives. Alongside macroeconomic headwinds and workforce challenges, enterprises are looking to consolidate their vendor spread and reduce complexities. Put simply, it is easier to manage the cybersecurity stack if there is one point of contact when a crisis inevitably strikes. Over the long term, it reduces costs and yields better results. This is thanks to the increased visibility and seamless integration that comes with a unified security offering. More organisations are waking up to these benefits and thus 2024 will see customers focus on reducing complexities and turning to consolidated cybersecurity stacks.

5. Securing the cloud will be high on the agenda

Per the State of Cybersecurity survey, India leads APAC in cloud migration, with 80% of businesses already having a large proportion of infrastructure on the cloud, and 42% adjusting their cybersecurity strategy to adopt cloud security. Early adopters of cloud typically start with a single hyperscaler. Naturally, the single cloud model would adopt native security tools from their chosen Cloud Service Provider (CSP). Through the course of time, they experience issues and outages that can only be addressed by adopting a multi or hybrid cloud strategy. This multicloud journey would most likely necessitate a review on their existing cloud security paradigm as native CSP security tools do not seamlessly translate to different CSPs.

In 2024, organisations that have to contend with multi or hybrid cloud projects will move to establish a more unified approach to security when dealing with more than one cloud provider. Rationalising cloud security tools across the entire development lifecycle will also be a focus as this provides much higher visibility, correlation, and security monitoring.

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Amidst a backdrop of escalating climate change challenges, India emerges as a key player in combating environmental degradation through a significant emphasis on solar energy adoption. As the world grapples with the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels, India’s commitment to ramping up its solar energy capacity presents a beacon of hope in the global fight against climate change.

Key Points:

1. Global Urgency for Climate Action: The current global response to climate change, though progressing, is deemed insufficient to address the escalating environmental crises. With the planet experiencing a surge in extreme weather events attributed to human-induced climate change, urgent action is imperative to mitigate further devastation.
2. Fossil Fuels: Culprits of Environmental Degradation: The predominant use of coal, crude oil, and natural gas in the energy sector has been identified as the primary contributor to environmental degradation. These fossil fuels not only deplete finite resources but also inflict extensive damage to ecosystems through air and water pollution, exacerbating the climate crisis.
3. India’s Renewable Energy Imperative: Against this backdrop, India has emerged as a pivotal player in the global transition towards renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. Despite a significant reliance on fossil fuels, India has set ambitious targets to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030, aligning with international commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
4. Rise of Solar Power in India: The Indian government has prioritized solar energy as a cornerstone of its strategy to diversify the energy mix away from fossil fuels. Notably, solar power’s contribution to India’s energy mix has surged from a mere 1% in 2017 to approximately 5% in 2022, reflecting sustained efforts to accelerate renewable energy adoption.
5. Mitigating Climate Change Impacts: The intensification of solar energy deployment in India is pivotal in mitigating the impacts of climate change, particularly in the face of escalating extreme weather events. By reducing reliance on coal-fired power generation, India can significantly curtail carbon emissions, thereby mitigating climate change-induced disasters and safeguarding vulnerable communities.

India’s ambitious targets to expand its solar energy capacity underscore its commitment to combatting climate change and transitioning towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. With concerted efforts from stakeholders across sectors, India’s solar energy surge represents a crucial step in global climate change mitigation efforts.

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Marut Drones achieves a historic milestone by delivering a cutting-edge custom drone for conducting mining operations using advanced sensors – Magnetometer, Hyperspectral, and Lidar to National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)

Marut Drones, India’s leading drone manufacturer provided drones to National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) to pioneer ‘Drone-Based Mineral Exploration’ in India. NMDC procured two customized Octacopter drones from Marut Drones. This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in the field of mineral exploration, introducing advanced technology to enhance precision in mineral exploration and mapping for sustainable mining practices.

Marut has achieved a historic milestone by producing India’s inaugural set of custom drones. These drones not only mark a first for the country but also introduce advanced sensors that are being utilized for the initial time in India, specifically designed for mineral exploration. Marut Drones’ Mineral Exploration Drone is packed with cutting-edge features including advanced sensors such as Magnetometer, Hyperspectral, and Lidar, enhancing its capabilities for accurate exploration and mapping. Its innovative coaxial design not only ensures stability but also facilitates precise manoeuvrability, a crucial aspect for effective mineral exploration.

Mr. Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO of Marut Drones expressed enthusiasm about the association with NMDC, stating, “We are the leading drone manufacturer in the country, building drones for agriculture, reforestation, and drone delivery. This is the first time in India, where we have built a drone for mineral exploration. It’s an Octaquad Coaxial X8 drone, we have specially designed for NMDC. Every aspect of this drone including the motors and the propeller systems have been made in India. It is through our Research & Development done in the state-of-the-art infrastructure; we have been building customised drones for different sectors in the country. We believe this is one of the biggest breakthroughs in the mining and exploration space. The introduction of drone-based mineral exploration aims to revolutionize exploration approaches, particularly in prospecting for critical minerals like lithium, copper, gold, diamond, rare earth elements, and other essential minerals.”

Drone-based hyperspectral magnetic exploration is initiated for the first time by NMDC and Drones are manufactured & calibrated by Marut Drones. The spacing and altitude for the flight are determined through mission planning followed with hyperspectral survey, ensuring a 30% overlap of the captured land during the drone flight. The acquired data is later processed using Hyperspec III and ENVI software by NMDC. Similarly, in drone-based magnetic surveying, the drones are calibrated, and the spacing and altitude are decided before planning the mission. Geometrics Magarrow Magnetometer is used for magnetic data acquisition, and Geometrics and Geosoft Oasis Montage softwares are employed for data processing by NMDC.

Thus, NMDC embraced a new era in mineral exploration, by using the groundbreaking drones delivery by Marut marks a significant shift from traditional methods. Historically burdened by cumbersome equipment and challenging terrains, the survey landscape is changing. The drones aim to make the magnetic survey not only five times faster but also ten times more cost-effective. This emerging technology allows drones to fly closer to the surface, enhancing data collection with higher resolution, making surveys more efficient and affordable from the outset.

The drone-based mineral exploration by NMDC is expected to bring about a significant shift in the current methods of mineral prospecting, revitalizing mineral discoveries in the country, especially in greenfield deposits. The integration of advanced drones and Made in India components by Marut showcases the potential of indigenous technology to lead the way in sustainable mining practices.

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Servotech Power Systems Ltd., a leading EV Charger manufacturer in India, has bagged a major order of 1800 DC Fast EV Chargers from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). The project valued at 120 Crores will involve Servotech manufacturing, supplying, installing and strategically deploying these 1800 EV chargers across the nation, particularly at BPCL petrol pumps in major cities, as part of the BPCL E-drive Project. This move is a crucial step in promoting widespread EV charging infrastructure. The project encompasses two charger variants, 60 kW and 120 kW and Servotech aims to complete this extensive project by the end of 2024, contributing to the nation’s evolving EV ecosystem. This initiative aims to establish e-mobility touchpoints, optimizing transactions, improving availability, simplifying discovery, and facilitating navigation for EV users. The overarching goal is to ensure convenient access to the expanding EV charging network.

Sarika Bhatia, Director of Servotech Power Systems Ltd., commented on this announcement, we take immense pride in accelerating India’s E-Mobility revolution in collaboration with BPCL. Our partnership focuses on establishing a dynamic EV charging network that makes EV charging accessible for EV owners nationwide. Through cutting-edge DC Fast EV Chargers, Servotech Power Systems aims to play a pivotal role in realizing India’s ambitious goals in the E-Mobility sector, bringing the nation closer to becoming an EV-powered nation.

As India wholeheartedly embraces electric mobility, Servotech stays at the forefront of developing a robust EV charging infrastructure and has already successfully supplied 4000 EV Chargers across India (as of Jan 2024). Our active support ensures the nation’s smooth transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable transportation ecosystem. This strategic initiative not only represents a significant milestone but also paves the way for a robust and expansive charging network, essential for the future of high-capacity and rapid EV charging, said Sarika Bhatia

Servotech Power Systems and BPCL had previously worked together to transform the E-Mobility landscape. The company also bagged an order to supply and install 2649 AC EV Chargers at different locations across the country for BPCL’s E-drive project. Servotech has already completed 36% of supply and installation and the entire project will be completed by March’24.

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This is the result of a 3% solution of Alconox and tap water for 20 min. at 40°C in an ultrasonic bath and it took this PCBA from trashed to clean. Second step was in 70% IPA and exercise buttons repeatedly, then blow dry and under a heat lamp. Note to others - take the battery out ASAP to minimize damage should your device take a caustic dip. This is a smart key that went for drink and sat for two weeks. The only thing on the other side is the battery holder. submitted by /u/UltraViolentNdYAG [link] [comments]

Need some advice from the electronics nerds I’ve run in to a few problems with my solar festoon lights I’m having built to hopefully bring them to market in the next month or 2. The main one is losing brightness from the first light a 1 metre (40 lumens) then it drops to about 10 lumens at 20 metres. It’s running at 3.2 volts. My solar panel is 6 volts 6 watts. Is it an option I get my manufacturer to get the lights to run at 6 volts too? Or any other options like maybe increasing output current? All advice welcome submitted by /u/Specialist_Being_161 [link] [comments]

In the dynamic world of engineering design, the escalating requirements placed on power systems frequently give rise to intricate design challenges. The evolving landscape of DC power systems introduces complexities that can manifest stumbling blocks in the design process. Fundamental skills related to power supplies play a crucial role in mitigating these challenges.

Today’s advanced DC power systems are not immune to design problems, and a solid foundation in power supply knowledge can prove instrumental in navigating and overcoming hurdles. Whether it’s discerning the intricacies of device under test (DUT) voltage or current, addressing unforeseen temperature fluctuations, or managing noise sensitivity; a fundamental understanding of power supplies empowers designers to identify and tackle the nuanced issues embedded within a power system.

Understanding constant voltage and constant current

One of the most important concepts for anyone using power supplies is understanding constant voltage (CV) and constant current (CC). For engineers getting started with power supplies they must know some of the basic rules when it comes to CV and CC. The output of a power supply can operate in either CV or CC mode depending on the voltage setting, current limit setting, and load resistance.

In scenarios where the load current remains low and the drawn current falls below the preset current limit, the power supply seamlessly transitions into CV mode. This mode is characterized by the power supply regulating the output voltage to maintain a constant value. In essence, the voltage becomes the focal point of control, ensuring stability, while the current dynamically adjusts based on the load requirements. This operational behavior is particularly advantageous when dealing with varying loads, as it allows the power supply to cater to diverse current demands while steadfastly maintaining a consistent voltage output.

In instances where the load current surges to higher levels, surpassing the predefined current setting, the power supply shifts into CC mode. This response involves the power supply imposing a cap on the current, restricting it to the pre-set value. Consequently, the power supply functions as a guardian, preventing the load from drawing excessive current.

In CC mode, the primary focus of regulation shifts to the current, ensuring it remains consistent and in line with the predetermined setting. Meanwhile, the voltage dynamically adjusts in response to the load’s requirements. This operational behavior is particularly crucial in scenarios where the load’s demands fluctuate, as it ensures a stable and controlled current output, preventing potential damage to both the power supply and the connected components. Understanding this interplay between voltage and current dynamics is essential for engineers and users to harness the full potential of power supplies, especially in applications with varying load conditions.

Most power supplies are designed in such a way that it is optimized for CV operation. This means that the power supply will look at the voltage setting first and adjust all other secondary variables to achieve the programmed voltage. For a visual representation, see Figure 1 on the operating locus of a CC/CV power supply.

Figure 1 The operating locus of a CC/CV power supply. Source: Keysight

Boosting voltage or current

In instances where the demands of an application exceed the capabilities of a single power supply, a practical solution is to combine two or more power supplies strategically. This can be particularly useful when users need more voltage or current than a single power supply unit can deliver.

For scenarios demanding higher voltage, the method involves connecting the outputs of the power supplies in series. This arrangement effectively adds the individual voltage outputs, resulting in an aggregate voltage that meets the specified requirements. On the other hand, requiring a higher current, connecting the power supply outputs in parallel proves advantageous. This configuration combines the current outputs, providing a cumulative current output that satisfies the application’s demands.

To achieve optimal results, it is crucial to set each power supply output independently. This ensures that the voltages or currents align harmoniously, summing up to the total desired value. By following these simple yet effective steps, users can harness the collective power of multiple power supplies, tailoring their outputs to meet the specific voltage and current requirements of the application.

For higher voltage, first set each output to the maximum desired current limit the load can safely handle. Then, equally distribute the total desired voltage to each power supply output. For example, if engineers are using three outputs, set each to one third the total desired voltage:

1. Never exceed the floating voltage rating (output terminal isolation) of any of the outputs.
2. Never subject any of the power supply outputs to a reverse voltage.
3. Only connect outputs that have identical voltage and current ratings in series.

For higher current, equally distribute the total desired current limit to each power supply:

1. One output must operate in constant voltage (CV) mode and the other(s) in constant current (CC) mode.
2. The output load must draw enough current to keep the CC output(s) in CC mode.
3. Only connect outputs that have identical voltage and current ratings in parallel.

See Figure 2 for a visual representation of a series connection with remote sense to a load.

Figure 2 Series connection to a load with remote sense. Source: Keysight

In the parallel setup, the CV output determines the voltage at the load and across the CC outputs (Figure 3). The CV unit will only supply enough current to fulfill the total load demand.

Figure 3 Parallel connection to the load with remote sense; the CV output determines the voltage at the load and across the CC outputs. Source: Keysight

Dealing with unexpected temperature effects

Temperature fluctuations not only impact the behavior of DUTs but also exert a significant influence on the precision of measurement instruments. For example, during a chilly winter day, an examination of Lithium-ion batteries at room temperature yielded unexpected results. Contrary the user’s anticipation of a decrease, the voltage of the cells drifted upward over time.

This phenomenon was attributed to the nighttime drop in room temperature, which paradoxically led to an increase in cell voltage. This effect proved more pronounced than the anticipated decrease resulting from cell self-discharge during the day. It’s worth noting that the power supplies responsible for delivering power to these cells are also susceptible to temperature variations.

To accurately characterize the output voltage down to microvolts, it becomes imperative to account for temperature coefficients in the application of power. This adjustment ensures a more precise understanding of the voltage dynamics, accounting for the impact of temperature on both the DUTs and the measurement instruments.

The following is an example using a power supply precision module that features a low-voltage range. The test instrumentation specification table documents the valid temperature range at 23°C ±5°C after a 30-minute warm-up.

1. To apply a temperature coefficient, engineers must treat it like an error term. Let’s assume that the operating temperature is 33°C, or 10°C above the calibration temperature of 23°C and a voltage output of 5.0000 V.

Voltage programming temperature coefficient = ± (40 ppm + 70 μV) per °C

2. To correct for the 10°C temperature difference from calibration temperature, engineers will need to account for the difference in the operating temperature and voltage range specification. The low voltage range spec is valid at 23°C ±5°C or up to 28°C. Engineers will need to apply the temperature coefficient for the (5°C) difference in the operating temperature (33°C) and low voltage range spec (28°C):

± (40 ppm * 5 V + 70 μV) * 5°C = 40ppm * 5 V * 5 °C + 70 μV * 5 °C = 1.35 mV

3. The temperature-induced error must be added to the programming error for the low-voltage range provided in the N6761A specification table:

± (0.016 % * 5 V + 1.5 mV) = 2.3 mV

4. Therefore, the total error, programming plus temperature, will be:

± (1.35 mV + 2.3 mV) = ±3.65 mV

5. That means user output voltage will be somewhere between 4.99635 V and 5.00365 V when attempting to set the voltage to 5.0000 V in an ambient temperature of 33°C. Since the 1.35 mV part of this error is temperature-induced, as the temperature changes, this component of the error will change, and the output of the power supply will drift. The measurement drift with temperature can be calculated using the supply’s temperature coefficient.

Dealing with noise sensitive DUTs

If the DUT is sensitive to noise, engineers will want to do everything they can to minimize noise on the DC power input. The easiest thing users can do is use a low-noise power supply. But if one is not available, there are a couple of other things engineers can do.

The links between the power supply and the DUT are vulnerable to interference, particularly noise stemming from inductive or capacitive coupling. Numerous methods exist to mitigate this interference, but employing shielded two-wire cables for both load and sense connections stands out as the most effective solution. It is essential, however, to pay careful attention to the connection details.

For optimal noise reduction, connect the shield of these cables to earth ground at only one end, as illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 4 To reduce noise connect the shield to earth ground only on one end of the cable. Source: Keysight

Avoid the temptation to ground the shield at both ends, as this practice can lead to the formation of ground loops, as depicted in Figure 5. These loops result from the disparity in potential between the supply ground and DUT ground.

Figure 5 Diagram where the shield is connected to ground at both ends resulting in a ground loop. Source: Keysight

The presence of a ground loop current can induce voltage on the cabling, manifesting as unwanted noise for your DUT. By adhering to the recommended practice of grounding the shield at a single end, you effectively minimize the risk of ground loops and ensure a cleaner, more interference-resistant connection between your power supply and the DUT.

Also, common-mode noise is generated when common-mode current flows from inside a power supply to earth ground and produces voltage on impedances to ground, including cable impedance. To minimize the effect of common-mode current, equalize the impedance to ground from the plus and minus output terminals on the power supply. Engineers should also equalize the impedance from the DUT plus and minus input terminals to ground. Use a common-mode choke in series with the output leads and a shunt capacitor from each lead to ground to accomplish this task.

Choosing the right power supply

Navigating the selection process for a power supply demands careful consideration of the specific requirements. Whether in need of a basic power supply or one with more advanced features tailored for specific applications, the ramifications of choosing a power supply with excessive power capacity can result in numerous challenges.

Common issues associated with opting for a power supply with too much power include increased output noise, difficulties in setting accurate current limits, and a compromise in meter accuracy. These challenges can be particularly daunting, but developing basic skills related to power supplies can significantly aid in overcoming these design obstacles.

By cultivating a foundational understanding of power supply principles, such as the nuances of CV and CC modes, engineers can effectively address issues related to noise, current limits, and meter accuracy. This underscores the importance of not only selecting an appropriate power supply but also ensuring that users possess the essential skills to troubleshoot and optimize the performance of the chosen power supply in their specific applications. Striking a balance between power capacity and application needs, while honing basic skills, is key to achieving a harmonious and effective power supply setup.

Andrew Herrera is an experienced product marketer in radio frequency and Internet of Things solutions. Andrew is the product marketing manager for RF test software at Keysight Technologies, leading Keysight’s PathWave 89600 vector signal analyzer, signal generation, and X-Series signal analyzer measurement applications. Andrew also leads the automation test solutions such as Keysight PathWave Measurements and PathWave Instrument Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software.

Related Content

• How to interpret a linear power supply’s data sheet, Part 1
• How to interpret a linear power supply’s data sheet, Part 2
• Keysight’s technology predictions for 2023—company-wide insights
• 5G OTA testing: Key concepts and definitions
• Creating more energy-efficient mobile networks with O-RAN

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Neuroblastoma mainly affects toddlers and young children - in the EU region there are 1500 new cases per year.

Infineon Technologies and GlobalFoundries have announced a new multi-year agreement on the supply of Infineon’s AURIX TC3x 40 nanometer automotive microcontrollers as well as power management and connectivity solutions. The additional capacity will contribute to secure Infineon’s business growth from 2024 through 2030.

Infineon and GF have been partnering since 2013 in the development of differentiated automotive, industrial and security semiconductor technology and products. At the center of this collaboration is a highly reliable embedded non-volatile memory (eNVM) technology solution that is well suited for enabling mission-critical automotive applications while meeting the stringent safety and security requirements for next-generation vehicle systems. Infineon’s flagship microcontroller family AURIX already drives the transition in the industry towards autonomous, connected, and electrified vehicles.

“With this long-term agreement, Infineon further strengthens the supply of semiconductor solutions that are driving decarbonization and digitalization,” said Dr. Rutger Wijburg, Chief Operations Officer of Infineon. “As demand continues to accelerate for automotive applications, our goal is to deliver high-quality microcontrollers with enhanced connectivity and advanced safety and security. Our AURIX microcontrollers are a key ingredient for dependable electronics as we move towards a world with all-electric, all-connected, user-centric, autonomous cars.”

“Today’s announcement secures Infineon as a key long-term customer across multiple geographies, and particularly in Europe where the automotive industry has been an important contributor to innovation and economic growth. This underscores the criticality of a global manufacturing footprint that enables us to partner with our customers to meet their capacity needs, where they need it,” said Niels Anderskouv, Chief Business Officer of GF. “Our collaboration with Infineon delivers differentiation and innovation in automotive spanning two continents, and this long-term agreement provides Infineon with additional manufacturing for a more resilient supply chain.”

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The popular industry event, Demystifying EMC, is scheduled for February 6, 2024. Hosted by Rohde & Schwarz, this one-day virtual conference kicks off a program of EMC industry expert sessions from Rohde & Schwarz and partners from the commercial and academic worlds. Participants will obtain essential updates on EMC standards and gain insights and practical tips from the live broadcast conference.

Rohde & Schwarz will host its annual Demystifying EMC (DEMC2024) industry event on February 6, 2024. The one-day virtual conference will feature technical presentations, workshops, and live Q&A discussions hosted by EMC experts from Rohde & Schwarz and industry partners. The program will cover the latest updates in CISPR, RED, ANSI, ISO, MIL, and Medical EMC standards, as well as approaches to testing, design, risk management, and compliance.

The morning session comprises five 30-minute presentations following the opening keynote by Christina Gessner, Executive Vice President of Rohde & Schwarz, and Michael Fischlein, Vice President of Spectrum & Network Analyzers, EMC & Antenna Test at Rohde & Schwarz. The keynote sets the stage for test requirements and solutions. The subjects covered in the sessions include establishing and maintaining in-house test capabilities for EMC compliance, understanding calibration and calibration services, and qualifying equipment according to US FCC and EU RED regulations. Additionally, there is are sessions that describe testing small satellites for New Space missions and testing vehicles using the latest reverberation chamber methods.

The afternoon session will start with an update on the latest CISPR and ISO standards. Then, Prof. Dr Arturo Mediano from the University of Zaragoza will give a practical demonstration of conducted emissions testing. The afternoon will also cover EMC immunity testing challenges and the latest updates in medical and automotive testing. In the closing keynote, a panel of experts will discuss the outlook for EMC testing through the next decade and beyond. Live moderation will provide participants the opportunity to interact with EMC experts and ask questions.

Michael Fischlein, Vice President Spectrum & Network Analyzers, EMC & Antenna Test at Rohde & Schwarz, comments: “As established leaders in electromagnetic compatibility testing, we are excited to continue our popular seminar format Demystifying EMC in 2024, helping to bring clarity to EMC testing, for commercial, wireless, medical, automotive, aerospace, and IoT applications. That is why we share our deep EMC expertise, derived from over 50 years of experience, and team up with our partners whose contributions enhance the learning opportunities even more.”

Registration for the DEMC2024 virtual conference on February 6, 2024, is now open and free of charge. The DEMC event will be followed by a series of related in-person events at venues around the world. For more information and to register, please visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/DEMC.

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Featuring a VCSEL and Smart Dual I²C Slave Address, Device Is Ideal for Battery-Powered Consumer Applications, Including TWS Earphones and VR / AR Headsets

The Optoelectronics group of Vishay Intertechnology has introduced a new fully integrated proximity sensor designed to increase efficiency and performance in consumer applications. Featuring a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), the Vishay Semiconductors VCNL36828P combines a photodiode, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), 16-bit ADC, and smart dual I²C slave address in a compact 2.0 mm by 1.0 mm by 0.5 mm surface-mount package.

Compared to previous-generation solutions, the proximity sensor released today offers a 20 % smaller package, 20 % lower idle current of 5 μA, and 40 % higher sunlight cancellation up to 140 klx. With a range of 200 mm and a typical rated supply voltage of 1.8 V, the device is designed to deliver superior proximity detection while reducing power consumption to increase efficiency in space-constrained, battery-powered applications.

The proximity sensor will be used in smartphones and smart watches for automatic screen wake-up and turn-off functions, in addition to detecting if users are wearing or not wearing true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones, virtual reality / augmented reality (VR / AR) headsets, and smart glasses. To lower costs in these applications, the VCNL36828P’s smart dual I²C slave address allows for the connection of two proximity sensors without the need for a multiplexer.

The device offers a programmable interrupt function that allows designers to specify high and low thresholds to reduce continuous communication with the microcontroller. The VCNL36828P uses intelligent cancellation to reduce cross-talk, while a smart persistence scheme ensures accurate sensing and a faster response time. The VCSEL wavelength peaks at 940 nm and has no visible “red-tail.” The sensor is RoHS-compliant, halogen-free, and Vishay Green.

Device Specification Table:

Part number	VCNL36828P
Function	PS + VCSEL
Package size (mm)	2.0 x 1.0 x 0.5
Supply voltage (V)	1.65 to 2.0
I²C bus voltage (V)	1.2 to 3.6
Max. VCSEL driving current (mA)	20
Operating range (mm)	200
Supply current, idle state (μA)	5
Proximity resolution	16 bits

 

The post Vishay Intertechnology’s New Proximity Sensor Offers Idle Current Down to 5 μA in Compact 2.0 mm x 1.0 mm x 0.5 mm SMD Package appeared first on ELE Times.

Intel joins hands with Taiwanese fab United Microelectronics Corp. (UMC) in a new twist in the continuously evolving and realigning semiconductor foundry business. What does Intel’s strategic collaboration with UMC mean, and what will these two companies gain from this tie-up? However, before we delve into the motives of this semiconductor manufacturing partnership, below are the basic details of this foundry deal.

Intel and UMC will jointly develop a 12-nm photolithography process for high-growth markets such as mobile, communication infrastructure and networking, and the production of chips at this 12-nm node will begin at Intel’s Fabs 12, 22, and 32 in Arizona in 2027. The 12-nm process node will be built on Intel’s FinFET transistor design, and the two companies will jointly share the investment.

Figure 1 UMC’s co-president Jason Wang calls this tie-up with Intel a step toward adding a Western footprint. Source: Intel

Besides fabrication technology, the two companies will jointly offer EDA tools, IP offerings, and process design kits (PDKs) to simplify the 12-nm deployment for chip vendors. It’s worth mentioning here that Intel’s three fabs in Arizona—already producing chips on 10-nm and 14-nm nodes—aim to leverage many of the tools for the planned 12-nm fabrication.

Intel claims that 90% of the tools have been transferable between 10-nm and 14-nm nodes; if Intel is able to employ these same tools in 12-nm chip fabrication, it will help reduce additional CapEx and maximize profits.

While the mutual gains these two companies will accomplish from this collaboration are somewhat apparent, it’s still important to understand how this partnership will benefit Intel and UMC, respectively. Let’s begin with Intel, which has been plotting to establish Intel Foundry Services (IFS) as a major manufacturing operation for fabless semiconductor companies.

What Intel wants

It’s important to note that in Intel’s chip manufacturing labyrinth, IFS has access to three process nodes. First, the Intel-16 node facilitates 16-nm chip manufacturing for cost-conscious chip vendors designing inexpensive low-power products. Second is Intel 3, which can produce cutting-edge nodes using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography but sticks to tried-and-tested FinFET transistors.

Third, Intel 18A is the cutting-edge process node that focuses on performance and transistor density while employing gate-all-around (GAA) RibbonFET transistors and PowerVia backside power delivery technology. Beyond these three fab offerings, IFS needs to expand its portfolio to serve a variety of applications. On the other hand, its parent company, Intel, will have a lot of free capacity while it moves its in-house CPUs to advanced process nodes.

So, while Intel moves the production of its cutting-edge process nodes like 20A and 18A to other fabs, Fabs 12, 22, and 32 in Arizona will be free to produce chips on a variety of legacy and low-cost nodes. Fabs 12, 22, and 32 are currently producing chips on Intel’s 7-nm, 10-nm, 14-nm, and 22-nm nodes.

Figure 2 IFS chief Stuart Pann calls strategic collaboration with UMC an important step toward its goal of becoming the world’s second-largest foundry by 2030. Source: Intel

More importantly, IFS will get access to UMC’s large customer base and can utilize its manufacturing expertise in areas like RF and wireless at Intel’s depreciated and underutilized fabs. Here, it’s worth mentioning Intel’s similar arrangement with Tower Semiconductor; IFS will gain from Tower’s fab relationships and generate revenues while fabricating 65-nm chips for Tower at its fully depreciated Fab 11X.

IFS is competing head-to-head with established players such as TSMC and Samsung for cutting-edge smaller nodes. Now, such tie-ups with entrenched fab players like UMC and Tower enable IFS to cater to mature fabrication nodes, something Intel hasn’t done while building CPUs on the latest manufacturing processes. Moreover, fabricating chips at mature nodes will allow IFS to open a new front against GlobalFoundries.

UMC’s takeaway

UMC, which formed the pure-play fab duo to spearhead the fabless movement in the 1990s, steadily passed the cutting-edge process node baton to TSMC, eventually resorting to mature fabrication processes. It now boasts more than 400 semiconductor firms as its customers.

Figure 3 The partnership allows UMC to expand capacity and market reach without making heavy capital investments. Source: Intel

The strategic collaboration with IFS will allow the Hsinchu, Taiwan-based fab to enhance its existing relationships with fabless clients in the United States and better compete with TSMC in mature nodes. Beyond its Hsinchu neighbor TSMC, this hook-up with Intel will also enable UMC to better compete amid China’s rapid fab capacity buildup.

It’ll also give UMC access to 12-nm process technology without building a new manufacturing site and procuring advanced tools. However, UMC has vowed to install some of its specialized tools at Fabs 12, 22, and 32 in Arizona. The most advanced node that UMC currently has in its arsenal is 14 nm; by jointly developing a 12-nm node with Intel, UMC will expand its know-how on smaller chip fabrication processes. It’ll also open the door for the Taiwanese fab on smaller nodes below 12 nm in the future.

The new fab order

The semiconductor manufacturing business has continuously evolved since 1987 when a former TI executive, Morris Chang, founded the first pure-play foundry with major funding from Philips Electronics. UMC soon followed the fray, and soon, TSMC and UMC became synonymous with the fabless semiconductor model.

Then, Intel, producing its CPUs at the latest process nodes and quickly moving to new chip manufacturing technologies, decided to claim its share in the fab business when it launched IFS in 2021. The technology and business merits of IFS aside, one thing is clear. The fab business has been constantly realigning since then.

That’s partly because Intel is the largest IDM in the semiconductor world. However, strategic deals with Tower and UMC also turn it into an astute fab player. The arrangement with UMC is a case in point. It will allow Intel to better utilize its large chip fabrication capacity in the United States while creating a regionally diversified and resilient supply chain.

More importantly, Intel will be doing it without making heavy capital investments. The same is true for UMC, which will gain much-needed expertise in FinFET manufacturing technologies as well as strategic access to semiconductor clients in North America.

Related Content

• Intel Foundry Grows Ecosystem for DoD Chips
• Change of guards at Intel Foundry Services (IFS)
• Will 1.4-nm help Samsung catch up with TSMC, IFS?
• Intel Foundry’s ‘No. 1’ Customer—U.S. DoD—Targets GAA
• Intel to Pay $353M as Deal Termination Fee to Tower Semiconductor

The post The Intel-UMC fab partnership: What you need to know appeared first on EDN.

CleverTap, the all-in-one engagement platform today announced the top 2024 MarTech Trends which will transform the way brands deliver customer experiences.

The convergence of data privacy regulations, advancements in AI and increasing demand for personalized content will redefine the MarTech landscape. Among other areas, here’s where CleverTap anticipates seeing the most activity in 2024:

1. AI: the new-age consultants 

As customer engagement evolves, Generative AI will go beyond mere suggestions to definitive prescriptions. It will guide brands toward optimal courses of action, transforming customer engagement into not only a personalized but strategically optimized experience. In 2024, this development will manifest in two key areas: content prescription and customer engagement strategies. In content prescription, it will allow brands to analyze data, predict resonant content for specific customer cohorts, and generate new content. Prescriptive customer engagement strategies will enable proactive customer journey orchestration, granular user segmentation for hyper-personalization, and predictive analytics that anticipate needs and forecast long-term revenue impact.

2. From Return On Investment (ROI) to Return on Experiences (ROX)

While ROI has historically been the way to evaluate campaigns: “money in vs money out”, 2024 will see brands take a more holistic view that extends beyond immediate returns — return on experience (ROX). The approach will continually evaluate the long-term impact on customer experiences. It will be a more nuanced and precise metric for gauging customer success, helping marketers look at customer journeys historically and go beyond click-throughs and conversions. Instead, it will consider nuanced metrics such as brand perception, satisfaction, loyalty, and advocacy. The full spectrum of interactions and emotions is responsible for driving user engagement.

3. The gambit of omnichannel will expand 

Advancements in generative AI are coming thick and fast. And the chatbots spawned in 2023 will soon transition from being mere large language models to large action models. This means they will not just be able to respond with text, but also act upon commands, giving rise to an era of Generative AI assistants. The Rabbit R1 is already giving the world a pique into this by letting go of traditional apps in exchange for AI. The device’s software is powered by a large action model, or an algorithm that can learn from how users use apps so that it can replicate and automate those processes. In 2024, marketers will contend with the challenge of integrating these AI assistants into their omnichannel engagement strategies.

4. Zero-party data: consensual and accurate

The petabytes of data and insights brands have on their customers comes with a crucial responsibility i.e. ethically navigating this repository of information to deliver the best results while not compromising trust. Customers are increasingly wary of their data, how it’s being used and whether it’s being protected. 2024 will see the end of third-party cookies, the most popular targeting and tracking technique. As brands transition away, they will not only need to align with regulatory changes but also foster a transparent and trustworthy relationship with their audience. In this new era, the focus on ethical data practices will become a cornerstone of effective and responsible marketing strategies.

Jacob Joseph, VP – Data Science, CleverTap said, “2023 was the year of generative AI, whose profound impact on society had us both excited and cautious about what the future holds. While advancements in the field will make it a sustained talk-point in 2024, other developments will reach a tipping point too. By getting ahead of this curve, we at CleverTap, can not only adapt to these shifts but also innovate and leverage any advancements for the benefit of our customers. This approach ensures that our customers receive unparalleled value and stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving tech landscape.”

The post CleverTap Predicts the Top MarTech Trends for 2024 appeared first on ELE Times.

TTape revolutionizes the EV industry by delivering a unique capability to detect overtemperature at every Li-ion cell, offering superior safety and battery life enhancement.

Littelfuse, Inc., an industrial technology manufacturing company empowering a sustainable, connected, and safer world, is excited to introduce TTape, a groundbreaking overtemperature detection platform designed to transform the management of Li-ion battery systems. With its innovative features and unparalleled benefits, TTape helps vehicle systems manage premature cell ageing effectively while reducing the risks associated with thermal runaway incidents.

TTape is ideally suited for a wide range of applications, including automotive EV/HEVs, commercial vehicles, and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Its distributed temperature monitoring capabilities enable superior detection of localized cell overheating, thereby improving battery life and enhancing the safety of battery installations.

TTape’s key benefits and differentiators include:

• Premature Cell Aging Management: TTape aids vehicle systems in managing premature cell aging, significantly reducing the risks associated with thermal runaway.
• Extended Battery Pack Life: TTape ensures that the battery pack remains serviceable for an extended period by initiating temperature management at an earlier stage.
• Efficient Multi-cell Monitoring: With a single TTape device, multiple cells can be monitored, thus alerting the BMS sooner in case of overtemperature scenarios.
• Ultra-fast Response: With a response time of less than one second, TTape guarantees quicker alerts, signaling the potential onset of thermal runaway conditions.
• Seamless Integration: Calibration isn’t necessary. TTape can easily integrate with existing BMS, making it a go-to solution for many battery applications.

Moreover, the extremely thin design of TTape makes it ideal for conformal installations. With a single MCU input, its distributed temperature monitoring capability drastically improves the detection of localized cell overheating. This approach enables efficient cooling measures to prolong battery life and significantly heightens the safety standards of battery installations.

“Distinguishing itself from NTCs, TTape is a stellar addition to the Littelfuse product family. The profound advantage of localized cell overheating detection ensures quicker alerts to the BMS compared to traditional NTC setups,” explained Tong Kiang Poo, Global Product Manager at Littelfuse. “The TTape Platform is a distributed temperature monitoring device for battery packs that helps to improve the detection of localized cell overheating. With no calibration or temperature lookup tables required, and only one MCU input needed, it integrates seamlessly with current BMS solutions alongside NTCs, delivering an enhanced detection of cell overheating.”

This groundbreaking product builds upon the Littelfuse legacy of innovation. It leverages the company’s rich research, design, and development expertise in PPTCs, bringing forth a temperature monitoring solution that the industry eagerly awaits.

TTape promises to be a game-changer for the Li-ion battery pack market, emphasizing safety and efficiency. As the industry moves rapidly towards more sustainable and safe energy solutions, Littelfuse products like TTape are a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

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