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The South Wales-based compound semiconductor cluster CSconnected is encouraging organizations to apply for the fourth and final funding round of its £1m supply chain development program, delivered in partnership with Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), which now closes at 4pm on 23 April (extended from 17 April)...

Supra Elemental Recovery Inc has announced a strategic investment from global mining and materials company Rio Tinto and Founders Factory through their mining technology accelerator. Structured as a combination of cash and in-kind services, the investment will enable Supra to build and commercialize its modular critical mineral recovery technology with insight and support from Rio Tinto...

Hi everyone! I just finished my new workbench! I extended my existing one(the one facing the desk behind) with the edge-piece facing the wall. Also I sanded the desk surfaces and gave them a new finish. And last but not least, I added the shelf above for all devices. As you can see it is not completely finished, I am still working on the LED strip that goes below the shelf and some other refinements. But so far I am very pleased with the results! submitted by /u/FloTec09 [link] [comments]

DC/DC converters for demanding applications, ranging from industrial, railway systems, and satellites to communications and information technology equipment (ITE), are required to meet stringent requirements. They call for enhanced performance and high reliability, including operating in extreme conditions, while often requiring compact designs.

Over the past year, DC/DC converter manufacturers have focused on providing higher efficiency, offering greater flexibility with more options, saving board space with smaller packages, and delivering more cost-effective solutions. These devices are available in a variety of form factors, including brick types, DIPs, and modules.

Here’s a sampling of DC/DC converters introduced over the past year that deliver improvements in performance and packaging while providing the right-sized features for the application.

Meeting demanding requirements

Many of the latest families of DC/DC converters are designed to operate in demanding and harsh environments, including industrial, railway, ITE, and communications. They also often need to fit into tight spaces.

XP Power recently developed a family of DC/DC converters for space-constrained applications in demanding environments such as industrial, ITE, and communications systems. The BCT40T series of 40-W DC/DC converters offer high power density in a 1 × 1-inch (25.4 × 25.4-mm) package.

The BCT40T series features high efficiency, up to 89% depending on the model, and remote on/off functionality to enable energy savings and safe shutdowns. The series offers a wide 4:1 input voltage range, enabling operation across multiple input voltages. Models are available with nominal 24-VDC inputs (ranging from 9.0 V to 36.0 VDC) and 48-VDC inputs (ranging from 18.0 V to 75.0 VDC).

The devices operate over a wide operating temperature range of −40°C to 105°C and a broader full-load operating temperature range than many alternatives, XP Power said.

The BCT40T offers single regulated outputs ranging from 3.3 V to 24 VDC, as well as dual regulated outputs at ±12 VDC and ±15 VDC. The single-output models offer the flexibility of ±10% output voltage adjustment via an external trim resistor, enabling specific voltage requirements.

Targeting applications such as test and measurement, robotics, process control, analytical instruments, and communications equipment, these DC/DC converters feature an ultra-compact metal package that saves printed-circuit-board (PCB) area and allows more room for customer application circuitry, according to XP Power. In addition, these devices are smaller than many 40-W alternatives, which typically come in larger, 2 × 1-inch (50.8 × 24.4-mm) packages, reducing required board space by 50%.

The series meets worldwide safety approvals, including IEC/UL/EN62368-1 standards, as well as applicable CE and UKCA directives. It also complies with EN55032 Class A/B for conducted and radiated emissions and EN61000-4-x for immunity. The BCT40T series is available now.

XP Power’s BCT40T series (Source: XP Power)

Murata Manufacturing launched a high-performance, 1-W DC/DC converter with reinforced isolation and ultra-low capacitance, targeting communications and analog front-end measurement circuits.

The NXJ1T series addresses the need for robust isolation, delivering high electrical isolation, noise immunity, and thermal reliability for industrial, energy, and medical applications with 4.2-kVDC isolation (Hi Pot Test) and compliance with UL62368 safety standards.

The NXJ1T series, housed in a compact, 10.55 × 13.70 × 4.04-mm footprint, is designed for safety and durability in demanding environments. It features an unregulated, 1-W 5-V input to 5-V/200-mA output design, which is suited for embedded systems.

Each device delivers reinforced insulation to 200 Vrms and basic insulation to 250 Vrms. This adds a layer of protection in high-voltage environments. The undervoltage lockout (UVLO) functionality enhances operational stability, which prevents erratic behavior under fluctuating power conditions, Murata said.

These devices can also be used in medical equipment, where low leakage current is critical for patient-connected applications. They feature ultra-low isolation capacitance, which helps minimize unwanted leakage, supporting compliance with stringent safety standards such as IEC 60601-1 when used within a certified system, the company said.

The DC/DC converters also leverage proprietary molding technology, providing high ingress protection against dust and particulates in harsh industrial environments and extreme temperatures. The device has successfully undergone 1,000 temperature cycles between −40°C and 125°C, demonstrating its ability to withstand the highest levels of thermal stress, Murata said.

The series also uses Murata’s proprietary block-coil transformer technology, providing high isolation and low leakage current, and facilitates lower switching frequencies (500 kHz to 2 MHz) and higher efficiencies of approximately 80%.

The result is exceptional common-mode transient immunity and significantly lower isolation capacitance, according to Murata, making it suited for high-performance power isolation in electrically noisy environments.

Recom GmbH developed a 20-W DC/DC converter in a compact, 1.6 × 1 × 0.4-inch (40.6 × 25.4 × 10.2 mm) package, calling it a new level of high efficiency in DC/DC performance. The RPA20-FR series, targeting rail applications, delivers 20 W over its full 36-VDC to 160-VDC input range (200-VDC peak for 1 second) from −40°C to 70°C and 105°C with derating.

The series offers fully regulated, low-noise, and protected single outputs (5 V, 5.1 V, 12 V, 15 V, and 24 VDC), trimmable by +20%/−10% minimum, with ±5-V, ±12-V and ±15-VDC options available. The devices feature remote on/off control with positive or negative logic, UVLO is included, and no minimum load is required.

The parts are designed specifically for rolling stock applications with nominal input voltages of 48 V, 72 V, or 110 VDC. They are EN 45545-2– and EN 50155–compliant and meet UL/IEC/EN 62368-1 for audio/video and IT applications. Full 3-kVAC/1-minute reinforced isolation is provided, and the parts comply with EMC “Class A” levels as well as rail EMC standard EN 50121-3-2. A separate protection module, RSP150-168, is available to protect against surges according to RIA12 and NF F01-51 standards.

The RPA20-FR series meets environmental standards required for rail applications, particularly EN 45545-2 for fire protection, EN 60068-2-1 for dry and damp heat, and EN 61373 for shock and vibration. Mean time between failure is rated over 1.5 Mhrs at 25°C according to MIL-HDBK-217F GB.

Cincon Electronics Co. Ltd. recently launched the EC3AW8 and EC4AW8 series, delivering 3 W and 6 W of regulated power, respectively, tailored for demanding industrial environments. Applications include instruments, industrial automation and control systems, telecom and data communication equipment, test and measurement, IPC and embedded systems, and IT systems.

The EC3AW8 and EC4AW8 DC/DC converters feature an ultra-wide 8:1 input voltage range. They are available with single-output voltages of 3.3, 5, 12, or 15 VDC and dual outputs of ±5, ±12, or ±15 VDC, and they offer an optional positive remote on/off control for ease of system integration.

With an ultra-wide input range from 9 to 75 VDC, the EC3AW8 and EC4AW8 series are suited for industrial and IT power systems such as 12 V, 24 V, and 48 V. They deliver high efficiency up to 87% and ensure reliable performance under harsh conditions. The operating temperature range is −40°C to 105°C (with de-rating), and the maximum case temperature is 115°C.

Other features include very low no-load input current (7 mA max. for 3 W; 8 mA max. for 6 W), reducing power consumption in standby mode, and a range of protection including input UVLO, output overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, and continuous short-circuit protection.

These converters also meet key safety and electromagnetic-interference (EMI) standards, including EN 55032 Class A without an external filter, simplifying design and integration for space-constrained applications, Cincon said.

They are also compliant with MIL-STD-810F for shock and vibration and support operating altitudes up to 5,000 meters. They meet IEC/UL/EN 62368-1 safety standards and provide 3,000-VDC input-to-output isolation.

These DC/DC converters are housed in a standard industrial DIP-24 package measuring 1.25 × 0.8 × 0.4 inches (31.8 × 20.3 × 10.2 mm).

Space and satellites

Micross Components Inc. recently introduced a series of Class H+-screened DC/DC converters for harsh space-based applications. The AFLS28XX Series of DC/DC converters delivers a radiation-tolerant power conversion solution for low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, new space missions, launch vehicles, and other space-based systems.

The AFLS series of 28-V, 120-W DC/DC converters builds on the AFL series, with updated technology and design enhancements. These converters meet MIL-PRF-38534 Class H screening requirements and include additional tests such as PIND and radiography to support reliability in LEO and new space environments. The AFLS series offers radiation specifications of 50-krad (Si) TID and 60-MeV·cm2/mg SEE.

These devices are tailored for space missions requiring radiation tolerance at a lower cost than traditional space-grade-qualified power supplies, Micross said.

The hermetically packaged DC/DC converters are available in single- and dual-output voltage configurations ranging from 5 V to 28 V. They feature proprietary magnetic pulse feedback for optimized dynamic line and load regulation and parallel operation for outputs above 120 W, with synchronization capability to a system clock in the 525-kHz range.

Other features include internal current sharing for balanced load distribution and high power density with no de-rating across the full operating temperature range. In addition, they meet reduced size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements by eliminating shielding requirements and delivering lower power consumption.

These parts are currently under test, and engineering samples are available within four to six weeks ARO.

Micross’s AFLS series (Source: Micross Components Inc.)

Also targeting space applications is a series of off-the-shelf, 15-W DC/DC converters from Microchip Technology Inc. This space-grade, non-hybrid DC/DC isolated power converter with a companion EMI filter operates from a 28-V satellite bus in harsh environments.

The SA15-28 radiation-hardened DC/DC power converter with a companion SF100-28 EMI filter are designed to meet MIL-STD-461 specifications. The SA15-28 and SF100-28 are fully compatible with Microchip’s existing SA50 series of power converters and SF200 filter.

The SA15-28 operates across a wide temperature range from −55°C to 125°C and offers radiation tolerance up to 100 krad TID. It is available with 5-V triple outputs that can be used with point-of-load converters and low-dropout linear regulators to power FPGAs and microprocessors. The output voltage combinations can be customized.

The SA15-28 weighs 60 grams and is approximately 1.68 in.3 to meet SWaP requirements. Microchip provides comprehensive analysis and test reports including worst-case analysis, electrical stress analysis, and reliability analysis. The SA15-28 DC/DC power converter and SF100-28 external EMI filter are now available.

Microchip’s SA15-28 DC/DC converter (Source: Microchip Technology Inc.) Brick converters

Advanced Energy Industries Inc. recently added two quarter-brick modules to its ultra-efficient, non-isolated bus converter family for 48-V power conversion. These DC/DC converters target advanced information and communication technology equipment including AI servers, compute and networking, and industrial applications such as robotics and test and measurement.

The Advanced Energy Artesyn NDQ1300 1,300-W and NDQ1600 1,600-W quarter-brick modules operate with peak efficiencies up to 98%, making them suited for high-performance applications. Each of the modules can convert a 48-V input into a fully regulated, 12-V output for non-isolated, low-voltage, high-current power stages as well as PCIE slots and memory devices.

The NDQ devices feature a flat efficiency curve that ensures that the modules deliver optimized power conversion across a wide load range. They also feature an integrated PMBus interface to support flexible digital control and monitoring as well as current-share and remote-sensing options to enable the connection of multiple power supplies in parallel, supporting higher load current or redundancy.

The NDQ modules use an advanced baseplate for better thermal management and heat-sink integration. They also benefit from an inherently safe, transformer-based topology that is resilient to transient loads and makes designing applications for inrush current control on startup easier, the company said.

Advanced Energy’s NDQ1300 quarter-brick module (Source: Advanced Energy Industries Inc.)

Another new converter in a brick format is Bel Fuse’s compact, 100-W DC/DC converter for rugged applications such as industrial automation, railway systems, telecom infrastructure, and electric vehicles/e-mobility. The PRA100 Series is housed in a standard 1/8th brick format, addressing the increased need for higher power density. The devices provide enhanced thermal performance, wide input flexibility, and an environmentally robust design.

The PRA100 operates across a 9-VDC to 74-VDC input range and delivers up to 54-V output with 3,000-VDC isolation. The operating temperature is −40°C to 105°C. All models are fully compliant with EN 62368-1 and carry CE, UKCA, and UL/cUL certifications. It is also compliant with EN 50155, making it well-suited for railway applications. The series offers optional baseplate cooling and negative logic features to extend its versatility in harsh conditions and EV platforms, Bel Fuse said.

Bel Fuse’s PRA100 Series (Source: Bel Fuse) DC/DC converter modules

TDK Corp. developed a series of its microPOL (μPOL) power modules with full telemetry (voltage, current, and temperature). The FS160* series μPOL DC/DC converters deliver high power density in the smallest package sizes.

All FS160* μPOL modules measure 3.3 × 3.3 × 1.35 mm, making it easier to place them near complex ICs such as ASICs, FPGAs, and SoCs. Full telemetry is accessible via an I2C interface. The modules operate across a broad junction temperature range from −40°C to 125°C.

There are several versions of each of the 3-A parts (the FS1603 series), 4-A parts (the FS1604 series), and 6-A parts (the FS1606 series). The FS line also includes models at 12 A (the FS1412) and 25 A (the FS1525). The selection of DC/DC converter modules that range from 3 A to 200 A (if eight FS1525’s are connected in parallel) covers a wide range of applications, including big data, machine learning, AI, 5G cells, IoT, and enterprise computing.

TDK calls the module family’s configuration innovative, integrating a high-performance controller, drivers, MOSFETs, and logic core, using a semiconductor embedded in substrate. This packaging eliminates wire bonds and enhances thermal performance. Also integrated are the modules’ inductor and passives into a chip-embedded package to minimize parasitic inductance, which improves the module’s efficiency. Boot and Vcc capacitors are also incorporated into the module.

The FS160* series DC/DC converters deliver 1-W/mm3 in modules that are roughly half the size of other products in the same class, according to the company. In addition, TDK said the modules are so effective that they require no airflow for up to 15 W to 30 W in up to 100°C ambient temperature.

TDK has created multiple design tools, including tools specific to FPGAs from each of the major FPGA suppliers. Additional design tools for the FS160* series include SPICE simulator designs on QSPICE.

Evaluation boards are available, one each for modules at 3 A, 4 A, and 6 A. Fast starter designs for schematic and PCB layout are available at Ultra Librarian.

TDK’s FS160 μPOL DC/DC converters (Source: TDK Corp.)

Aimed at the industry’s shift to high-performance, 48-V systems, Vicor Corp. launched its 48-V to 12-V DCM DC/DC converter modules last year. The DCM3717 and DCM3735 DC/DC power modules, offering up to 2 kW of output power, support the shift to 48-V power delivery networks (PDNs) that provide greater power system efficiency, power density, and lower weight than 12-V-based PDNs in a variety of applications, including communications, computing, automotive, and industrial.

The DCM products are non-isolated, regulated DC/DC converters, operating from a 40-V to 60-V input to generate a regulated output adjustable from 10 V to 12.5 V. The DCM3717 family is available in two power ranges, 750 W and 1 kW, and the DCM3735 is a 2-kW device. These DCM products can be paralleled with up to four modules to scale system power levels.

Claiming industry-leading power density at 5 kW/in.3, these high-density power modules enable power system designers to deploy 48-V PDNs for legacy 12-V loads, delivering size, weight, and efficiency benefits. These devices deliver high efficiency at 96% in a low-height, surface-mount converter housed in package, delivering a 6× reduction in size.

The smaller module is the DCM3717, with a wide input range of 40–60 V (48-V nominal) and an output of 10–12.5 V (12-V nominal). It comes with two power options, 750 W and 1 kW, and 96.5% efficiency. The module is housed in a compact, 36.7 × 17.3 × 5.2-mm footprint.

In a side-by-side comparison with a top competing product, the DCM3717 is less than half the size, with 20% higher output power and 7× higher power density, according to the company.

The larger device, the DCM3735, offers the same wide input range of 40–60 V (48 V nominal) and output of 10–12.5 V (12 V nominal). The power option is 2 kW with 96.4% efficiency. The module is housed in a compact, 36.7 × 35.4 × 5.2-mm footprint.

Vicor’s DCM3717 and DCM3735 DC/DC power modules (Source: Vicor Corp.)

The post Top 10 DC/DC converters and modules appeared first on EDN.

Rate my setup. I know that the cable management is shit, but I have only one plug. submitted by /u/kiklop777 [link] [comments]

It can be fun (and productive!) to transplant a previous Design Idea into a new context, and even more so when modifying and mixing multiple ideas.  Here we’ll combine and comingle the following: 

1. 5 decade antilogarithmic PWM current source
2. A two-way mirror—current mirror that is
3. Dual RRIO op amp makes buffered and adjustable triangles and square waves

This gets the buffered triangle and square-wave output oscillator shown in Figure 1.  It’s linear-in-log tunable from 10 Hz to 1 MHz and controlled with 8-bit PWM.

Figure 1 Incoming 8-bit antilog PWM interface (U1, U2, A1, Q1) generates 80 nA to 8 mA current to control 10 Hz to 1 MHz oscillator (Q2, Q3, Q4, A2, A3). The asterisked parts are precision (metal film) resistors and (C0G) capacitors.

Wow the engineering world with your unique design: Design Ideas Submission Guide

We’ll now proceed to vivisect it.

A single MCU 500 kHz (2 μs per count) PWM output bit controls the anti-log current source.  It’s isolated in blue in Figure 2 and works as explained in reference 1 above.

Figure 2 The U1 U2 switching circuit periodically charges precision timing cap Ct to 1.24 V, then exponentially discharges it at (Rt + R1)Ct = 43.4 μs time-constant, storing the result on sample and hold Csh.

The final sample-and-hold antilog Csh voltage = 1.24v*exp(-Tpwm/43.4μs) = 1.184 V to 11.8 μV as Tpwm goes from 2 to 500 μs = 1 to 250 lsb for a Q1 five-decade collector current range of Vcsh/R4 = 8 mA to 80 nA.  R1 provides for time constant fine-tuning.

Steering and periodic inversion/reflection of the 80nA to 8mA Q1 collector current into integrator A2 is the job of the Q2, Q3, and Q4 two-way current mirror.  It’s covered in reference 2 and in blue in Figure 3.

Figure 3 A two-way current mirror Q2, Q3 ramps A2 C1 integrator up/down at dV/dts ranging from 8E1 to 8E6 volts per second (V/s).  Q4 reduces the loading of A3 at high current/frequency while acting as the reference 2 D1.

Comparator A3 switches current mirror polarity when A2’s output reaches the 0.5 V and 4.5 V limits, which are similar to the theory of operation of reference 3, and are determined here by the resistor networks shown below in Figure 4.

Figure 4 R5 R6 set comparator’s 0.5V/4.5V switching points and thus the triangle wave’s 4 Vpp amplitude.

The output frequency versus the PWM setting-controlled current sink is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 Frequency versus PWM setting: linear (black) vs log (red).

And that’s the name of that (antilogarithmic) tun(ing).

Stephen Woodward‘s relationship with EDN’s DI column goes back quite a long way. Over 200 submissions have been accepted since his first contribution back in 1974.  They have included best Design Idea of the year in 1974 and 2001.

Related Content

1. 5 decade antilogarithmic PWM current source
2. A two-way mirror—current mirror that is
3. Dual RRIO op amp makes buffered and adjustable triangles and square waves

The post Antilog PWM and 2-way current mirror make buffered triangle and square waves appeared first on EDN.

Motion is invisible until something makes it measurable. That is where inertial measurement units (IMUs) step in—the silent sensors that give machines their hidden sense of balance, orientation, and trajectory. From smartphones that know when you have rotated the screen, to drones that hold steady against the wind, IMUs translate raw acceleration and angular velocity into actionable awareness.

In this installment of Fun with Fundamentals, we will peel back the layers of these compact marvels, showing how they evolved from bulky gyroscopes into today’s precision-packed silicon companions.

The silent navigators: IMUs

An IMU is a compact, high-precision device that captures how an object moves and orients itself in space. Whether steering rockets into orbit, stabilizing drones overhead, or enabling smartphones to guide us through crowded streets, IMUs are the unseen systems that make modern navigation possible.

At the heart of an IMU are sensors that detect linear acceleration with accelerometers and rotational velocity with gyroscopes. Many designs also incorporate a magnetometer to provide heading information. A typical configuration combines a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope, forming a 6-axis IMU. When a 3-axis magnetometer is added, the system becomes a 9-axis IMU. Together, these sensors deliver measurements of specific force, angular rate, and surrounding magnetic fields—producing a complete dataset for motion and orientation tracking.

The accelerometers, gyroscopes, and—when included—magnetometers inside an IMU are collectively referred to as inertial sensors. These components form the foundation of inertial navigation, working together to capture motion and orientation data without relying on external signals. By fusing their outputs, engineers can derive precise information about how a device moves through space, even in environments where GPS or other external references are unavailable.

So, accelerometers measure linear acceleration, capturing how quickly an object speeds up or slows down. Gyroscopes sense angular velocity, revealing the rate and direction of rotation. Magnetometers, when included, detect magnetic fields and provide heading information relative to Earth’s magnetic north.

It’s worth noting that engineers still deploy both 6-axis and 9-axis IMUs, depending on the demands of the application. A 6-axis unit, built from accelerometers and gyroscopes, is often sufficient for tasks like stabilizing drones, balancing robots, or monitoring automotive motion, where relative movement and rotation are the primary concerns.

In contrast, a 9-axis IMU adds a magnetometer, giving it the ability to resolve absolute heading. This makes it the preferred choice in smartphones, wearables, and advanced navigation systems, where orientation relative to Earth’s magnetic field is critical. In practice, the simpler 6-axis design remains a cost-effective workhorse, while the 9-axis variant dominates in consumer electronics and navigation-heavy applications.

Figure 1 A vintage mechanical inertial navigation system (INS) component achieves autonomous navigation by integrating an inertial measurement unit with a computational unit. Source: Author’s archives

Simply put, a typical IMU places one accelerometer and one gyroscope along each of the three principal axes, ensuring motion and rotation are captured in all directions. In some designs, a magnetometer is also added per axis to provide heading information, but this is not always the case—many IMUs operate effectively without it.

Beyond these core sensors, certain IMUs incorporate auxiliary elements such as temperature monitors, since accelerometers and gyroscopes are prone to thermal fluctuations that can compromise accuracy. By recording temperature data, the system compensates for thermal drift, stabilizing sensor outputs and improving overall reliability.

Evolution and types of IMUs

From the gimbaled IMUs of the aerospace pioneers to today’s miniaturized MEMS-based devices, IMUs have undergone a remarkable transformation. Early gimbaled systems relied on mechanically stabilized platforms, bulky yet precise, before giving way to strapdown IMUs that fixed sensors directly to the vehicle body, reducing size and complexity.

With the rise of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), silicon MEMS IMUs became the standard for consumer electronics, robotics, and drones, prized for their low cost, compact size, and efficiency. For tactical and industrial applications, Quartz MEMS IMUs emerged, offering greater stability and resilience under temperature and vibration compared to silicon designs.

At the high-end, ring laser gyroscope (RLG) IMUs and fiber-optic gyroscope (FOG) IMUs represent the pinnacle of precision, both exploiting the Sagnac Effect to measure rotation. RLGs use laser beams circulating in a closed cavity, while FOGs rely on long coils of optical fiber—an approach that reduces maintenance needs and improves durability while delivering comparable accuracy.

Today, engineers select from this spectrum—silicon MEMS for affordability and portability, quartz MEMS for tactical reliability, and RLG/FOG systems for uncompromising accuracy—depending on mission requirements.

Figure 2 The Motus ultra‑high‑accuracy MEMS IMU enables precision in autonomous system applications. Source: Advanced Navigation

As a side note, it’s worth mentioning that while IMUs deliver raw measurements of acceleration and angular velocity, an attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) builds on this foundation by applying sensor fusion algorithms to provide stabilized orientation outputs: pitch, roll, yaw, and heading. In practice, AHRS units are IMUs with embedded processing, making them more directly usable in aircraft, marine, and robotic platforms where orientation data is required in real time.

Advanced IMU categories

Beyond the broad spectrum of MEMS and optical gyroscope technologies, IMUs can also be classified by their functional purpose. A north-seeking IMU is designed to determine true north without relying on external references such as the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) or magnetic compasses.

By exploiting the Earth’s rotation and combining precise gyroscope measurements, these systems achieve sub-degree heading accuracy, making them invaluable in marine navigation, underground operations, and defense applications where absolute orientation is critical.

In contrast, a navigation IMU focuses on tracking motion and orientation over time. It provides raw acceleration and angular velocity data that, when processed within an inertial navigation system (INS), yields position, velocity, and displacement. Navigation IMUs are widely deployed in aerospace, robotics, and consumer electronics, where continuous motion tracking and drift management are more important than absolute north-finding.

Together, these advanced categories highlight how IMUs are not only differentiated by sensor technology—silicon MEMS, quartz MEMS, RLG, or FOG—but also by the specific role they play in navigation systems, from heading determination to full trajectory tracking.

Practical pointers for engineering minds

IMUs are no longer the nightmares they once seemed. Thanks to today’s accessible sensor modules, open-source libraries, and low-cost development boards, even a novice maker can experiment with inertial measurement units without needing aerospace-grade expertise. What was once the domain of defense labs and high-end avionics has now become approachable for hobbyists, students, and engineers alike, making hand-on exploration of motion sensing and navigation both practical and affordable.

First off, note that modern inertial modules often advertise “IMU, AHRS, and INS options” because the same hardware platform can deliver different levels of functionality depending on firmware and processing. At the most basic level, the unit acts as an IMU, outputting raw accelerometer and gyroscope data. With onboard sensor-fusion algorithms, it becomes an AHRS, providing stabilized orientation in pitch, roll, yaw, and heading.

When paired with a computational unit and often GNSS input, the same device scales up to a full INS, achieving autonomous navigation with position, velocity, and orientation. This tiered approach lets engineers choose the level of integration that matches their application, from hobbyist UAVs to aerospace systems.

Modern IMUs give engineers and makers practical choices across performance levels. High-end devices like Analog Devices’ ADIS16575/ADIS16576/ADIS16577 deliver factory calibration, low bias drift, and digital outputs for precision robotics, autonomous systems, and aerospace projects.

At the same time, compact modules such as Murata’s SCH16T-K01 integrate gyro and accelerometer sensing for embedded applications, wearables, and IoT nodes. Together, these platforms show how inertial technology now scales from aerospace-grade accuracy down to plug-and-play modules, offering practical options for projects at every level.

Figure 3 The SCH16T‑K01 module combines a high‑performance 3‑axis angular rate sensor and 3‑axis accelerometer, delivering precise motion tracking for embedded, wearable, and IoT applications. Source: Murata

Besides, makers and hobbyists do not need to wrestle with bare chips anymore—prewired IMU breakout boards are widely available and come with headers and libraries, making motion sensing experiments plug-and-play. For newer designs, boards built around ST’s LSM6DSO/LSM6DSOX deliver reliable performance in a maker-friendly format, ensuring parts that are safe for ongoing projects.

Figure 4 Today’s prewired cards like the LSM6DSOX module—and other readily available IMU boards—let makers explore motion sensing with ease and enable reliable integration into advanced embedded projects. Source: Author

IMUs in practice and everyday life

Well, we are not balanced yet, but we have touched some fundamental and practical points in a rather random way. Still, the journey through IMUs shows how these sensors are not just abstract components for engineers; they are part of our everyday lives. From the stabilizing gimbals that keep cameras steady, to the motion tracking inside wearables, gaming controllers, and even automotive systems, IMUs quietly enable the seamless experiences we take for granted.

Figure 5 Today’s IMUs act as the unseen hand across entertainment, healthcare, and navigation—guiding cameras, gimbals, ships, trains, satellites, and aerospace systems, while also enabling makers to explore motion sensing with ease and integrate it reliably into advanced projects. Source: Author

The call now is to explore further—experiment with modules, build small projects, and see firsthand how this complex yet easy topic can transform ideas into motion-aware innovations.

T. K. Hareendran is a self-taught electronics enthusiast with a strong passion for innovative circuit design and hands-on technology. He develops both experimental and practical electronic projects, documenting and sharing his work to support fellow tinkerers and learners. Beyond the workbench, he dedicates time to technical writing and hardware evaluations to contribute meaningfully to the maker community.

Related Content

• Evaluating inertial measurement units
• GPS system with IMUs tracks first responders
• The role of motion sensors in the industrial market
• A Wireless Micro Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
• Inertial sensors are “stepping up” their game, at a cost

The post IMUs demystified: The hidden sense of machines appeared first on EDN.

Metallium Ltd of Subiaco, Western Australia, says that its subsidiary Flash Metals Texas Inc of Houston, TX, USA has completed Phase I of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the US Department of War (DoW) through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)...

Відкрито меморіальну дошку на честь Володимира Бойка kpi ср, 04/08/2026 - 11:14

I discovered that adding a single 1N4004 diode to a Schmitt trigger RC oscillator increases edge jitter by 15x, turning a simple 4-component circuit into a cryptographic-quality hardware RNG for microcontrollers. I've done (What I think is) a pretty comprehensive write up of the project here: https://siliconjunction.top/2025/12/04/practical-hardware-entropy-for-arduino-projects/ submitted by /u/elpechos [link] [comments]

Аспірант НН ІМЗ Роман Педань: "Працювати з новим завжди цікаво" Інформація КП ср, 04/08/2026 - 09:28

Творчий сад Юрія Богомола Інформація КП ср, 04/08/2026 - 09:00

10eur keyboard from aliexpress, they really wanted to keep the pcb one layer submitted by /u/csln0 [link] [comments]

I’ve always been interested in sensors and their related electronics. These devices are the interface between the real, physical world and the telemechanical systems that make use of their outputs. It’s also fascinating how many basic sensor approaches have been devised and enhanced for basic parameters such as temperature, pressure, distance, light intensity, and more.

Now we are entering a new phase where advances in materials—especially metamaterials, often aided by lasers—are creating breakthrough in sensors that could not be envisioned or implemented just a few years ago.

In short, a metamaterial is an engineered, 2D structure composed of subwavelength-scale elements that precisely control electromagnetic waves, such as light or microwaves, at an interface. The metasurface is an ultra-thin resonant element with special physical properties.

It’s typically composed of sub-wavelength structures (meta-elements) arranged in a 2D plane, enabling control over the propagation and scattering of electromagnetic waves at sub-wavelength scale by adjusting the phase, amplitude, or polarization of the incident waves

A good example of such an innovation is seen in the thermally based photon-detector project at Duke University, where researchers have demonstrated the fastest pyroelectric photodetector to date. It works by absorbing heat generated by incoming light and can capture light from wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum. The ultrathin device requires no external power, operates at room temperature, and can be readily integrated into on-chip applications.

Conventional semiconductor photodetectors work by initiating electron flow when struck by visible light. In contrast, the pyroelectric detector approach (also called a thermal detector) generates electric signals when it’s heated up after absorbing light.

Pyroelectric detectors have been in use for decades due to their wideband characteristic, unlike semiconductor sensors that tend to be narrowband devices (which is not necessarily a bad thing, of course). However, these pyroelectric devices are not as responsive as solid-state devices, since they are relatively bulky and have larger thermal mass.

Although using a thermal scheme is normally slow compared to using photons to stimulate electrical current, it does not have to be that way. In the Duke approach, the metasurface-enabled pyroelectric photodetectors are fabricated by layering a well-established nanogap cavity metasurface structure on top of a pyroelectric thin film (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Schematic representation of metasurface-enabled photodetectors illustrating key dimensions (a) with SEM image of the metasurface absorber (b). The red area represents the metasurface array. Finite element simulations of a single plasmonic nanostructure showing a cross-section of the pyroelectric layer 30 ps after resonant excitation of the metasurface (c).

The metallic metasurface consists of an array of nanoscale silver square prisms (90 nm × 90 nm × 35 nm) separated from a gold film by a thin (10 nm) dielectric layer of Al2O3 (aluminum oxide or alumina).

When light strikes the surface of a nanocube, it excites the silver’s electrons, trapping the light’s energy through a phenomenon known as plasmonics (the interaction between electromagnetic radiation such as light and conduction electrons at metallic-dielectric interfaces), but only at a specific frequency controlled by the nanocubes’ sizes and spacings.

In the latest iteration, the light-absorbing metasurface is circular rather than rectangular to maximize its exposure while minimizing the distance the signal must travel. This phenomenon is so efficient at trapping light and absorbing its energy that it only requires an extremely thin layer of pyroelectric material beneath it to create an electric signal.

Measuring the performance is another challenge. So, they devised an innovative arrangement with two distributed-feedback lasers that “brightened” when their frequencies became close to the same as the device’s operating speed.

The nearly perfect, spectrally selective absorption of the metasurface, which initiates the photodetector response, is shown by white light reflectivity spectra (Figure 2).

Figure 2 White light reflectance spectrum of a detector is shown with a 1.3 × 10−3 mm2 active area of 40 μm diameter (a). Photocurrent responsivity spectra of the detector shown in (a) measured upon pulsed 100 nW light excitation as compared to that of a detector in which a gold film rather than a metasurface layer acts as an absorber (b). Photocurrent measured for the device presented in a) and b) upon pulsed 783 nm excitation at the indicated power with the beam size maintained to consistently have a diameter 5 μm smaller than that of the device (c).

The gold mirror alone efficiently reflects near-infrared light, while the metasurface exhibits a relative decrease (>95%) in reflectivity centered at 790 nm. The resonance wavelength is determined by the size of the Ag nanostructures and the thickness of the Al2O3 dielectric layer, as it allows the possibility of photodetectors that are spectrally selective across the visible and infrared portions of the spectrum.

The team found that their new thermal photodetector operates at record-breaking 3-dB bandwidth of 2.8 GHz, which corresponds to a rise time of just 125 picoseconds. Also important, these ultrafast speeds were achieved while maintaining competitive responsivities and noise equivalent power (NEP) as low as 96 pW/√Hz.

This is just one of the many innovative applications in the RF and optical worlds which leverage metamaterials and metasurfaces. Among many other uses, these materials enable new ways to manage and channel electromagnetic energy at these wavelengths, often to create sensors of extraordinary accuracy and precision.

The full details of this work by the Duke University team are in their paper “Metasurface-Enhanced Thermal Photodetector Operating at Gigahertz Frequencies” published in Advanced Functional Materials. While that posted paper is behind a paywall, the Duke team has thoughtfully posted an open-source version at their departmental website here.

Have you seen or used any sensors based on metamaterials or metasurfaces? What sensing challenges would you tackle if you had the needed meta resources?

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The post Metasurface enables supersensitive, superfast thermal-based photodetector appeared first on EDN.

Serial communication remains the backbone of electronic communication in the automotive sector. The cost-effective LIN bus with master-slave architecture and the fast multi-host fieldbus CAN-FD (Controller Area Network) have become established in this field. The great advantage and efficiency of the applications lies in the combination of both bus systems. GÖPEL electronic has now introduced an extension for the SCANFLEX Multi Port Bus I/O Module 9305 for these interfaces, which makes the functional diversity of the SCANFLEX system available for automotive interfaces in production testing.

With the new BAC module for CAN-FD/LIN, these interfaces can now be tested for functionality during production. The Bus Access Cable (BAC) is connected to one of the five slots of the SCANFLEX Multi Port Bus I/O Module 9305 and thus connected to the SCANFLEX system. This enables access to the complex test functions of the SCANFLEX boundary scan controller. The controller then takes over the simultaneous generation and dynamic distribution of the vectors and control sequences to the interfaces.

SCANFLEX is a modular JTAG/boundary scan controller. Based on state-of-the-art multi-core processors and FPGAs, it allows users to execute test and programming technologies from Embedded JTAG Solutions. Its multifunctional architecture enables these technologies to be combined flexibly and with high performance on a single platform. SCANFLEX II has eight independent, truly parallel test access ports (TAP) for up to 100MHz. This enables the synchronized execution of embedded test, debug, and programming operations via boundary scan (IEEE1149.x), processor emulation, chip integrated instruments, or the embedded diagnostics method.

About GÖPEL electronic
GÖPEL electronic develops and manufactures innovative electrical and optical test, measurement, and inspection equipment for electronic components and printed circuit board assemblies as well as industrial and automotive electronics systems. The company is active worldwide, with its own subsidiaries as well as through distributors, and generated sales of approximately 40 million euros in 2023 with 240 employees.

The post Boundary scan in combination with automotive applications for CAN-FD and LIN bus appeared first on ELE Times.

As explained in the E series Wikipedia page: “The E series is a system of preferred numbers (also called preferred values) derived for use in electronic components. It consists of the E3, E6, E12, E24, E48, E96, and E192 series, where the number after the ‘E’ designates the quantity of logarithmic value ‘steps’ per decade. Although it is theoretically possible to produce components of any value, in practice, the need for inventory simplification has led the industry to settle on the E series for  resistors, capacitors, inductors, and zener diodes.”

Wow the engineering world with your unique design: Design Ideas Submission Guide

It’s convenient at times to have a desktop calculator that accepts a computed value x and returns the standard, commercially available value closest to it for a specified E series. Here, “closest” means that candidate value for which the absolute value of the computed error (candidate/x – 1) is the smallest.

The following GitHub link:

• https://github.com/Christopherrpaul/E-series-Calculator

hosts the files needed to create the desktop icon, which calls the application, both of which are shown in Figure 1. It also contains a README file, which details how to install the files on a Windows PC, and a User Manual.

Figure 1 The desktop icon that calls the application, which is also shown. The E3 series has been selected, and a computed value of 56 has been entered. The closest E3 series value of 47 is apparent, along with the calculated error of the selected candidate.

Selecting a different series will automatically calculate and present the nearest value and its error for that series. Pressing the <Enter> key in the Enter Value box will clear the entry so that a new one can be checked. The Enter Value numeric sequence may be followed by an exponent (e6, E-2, etc.). A single alpha character (for instance, M, k, n, or others) also may be appended. Neither is necessary, but the format of the Nearest E value will always follow that of the Enter value.

Although not needed often, this is convenient to have around with the touch of a Desktop icon. Move it elsewhere if the Desktop is not your preferred location.

Christopher Paul has worked in various engineering positions in the communications industry for over 40 years.

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The post A convenient desktop-accessible calculator of E-series component values appeared first on EDN.

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Конференція Tech360: Policy Meets Technology kpi вт, 04/07/2026 - 12:37

Почесною відзнакою Вченої ради університету нагороджено Олександра Мохунька kpi вт, 04/07/2026 - 12:23

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