Microelectronics world news

For fourth-quarter 2023, deposition equipment maker Aixtron SE of Herzogenrath, near Aachen, Germany has reported record revenue of €214.2m, up 30% on €165m last quarter and up 17% on €183.2m a year ago: This is also about three times first-quarter 2023’s revenue of €77.2m, underlining Aixtron’s flexibility in its supply chain and manufacturing...

Novus Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz is a prominent name in the field of Robotics and Automation. Their landmark achievements in providing advanced automation and smart mobility solutions are testimony to the company’s competitive technology-oriented goals. The company empowers many substantial industries like automotive, consumer electronics, cell & battery, oil & gas, etc. Also, Novus’ impressive clientele includes brands like Maruti Suzuki, ITC Ltd., Havells, and Honda, among various others.

Team Novus is well-equipped and technically sustained to handle many aspects of business including factory and warehouse operations, road logistics operations, & smart mobility. With over 100+ patents in its name, and over 1000+ mobile robot solutions deployed, the company is bringing its A game in the segment.

Mr Anuj Kapuria, Founder, CEO, and CTO at Novus Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz

Rashi Bajpai, Sub-Editor at ELE Times interacted with Mr Anuj Kapuria, Founder, CEO, and CTO at Novus Hi-Tech Robotic Systemz on the premise of Novus’ core competencies and R&D goals.

This is an excerpt from the conversation.

 

 

 

 

ELE Times: What are the key products and solutions you have in the Smart mobility segment?

Mr. Kapuria: In the Smart mobility segment, Novus offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to address the pressing challenges facing the transportation industry, particularly in the realm of road safety. Our flagship products include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and video telematics solutions. Leveraging state-of-the-art edge AI technology, our ADAS products are tailored to the unique demands of road networks, especially in regions with high rates of accidents like India. Through real-time driver warnings and cloud-based insights, our video telematics solution contributes significantly to reducing accidents, decreasing instances of over-speeding, and enhancing fuel efficiency, ultimately fostering a safer and more efficient transportation ecosystem.

ELE Times: Throw some light on your latest R&D on ADAS and also provide us with an overview of the solutions in this domain.

Mr Kapuria: Novus is committed to continuous research and development in the field of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to tackle the pervasive issue of road safety. Our solutions are meticulously crafted to address specific challenges prevalent on Indian roads, leveraging extensive data analysis and innovative AI algorithms. With over 100 patents filed and a unique software-first approach to ADAS, Novus introduces ground-breaking technologies aimed at mitigating road fatalities and injuries. Our video telematics solution, powered by edge AI, not only provides real-time insights but also offers actionable intelligence for fleet operators, contributing to a safer and more efficient transportation infrastructure. We o­ffer a complete connected vehicle solution, covering L0 to L5 levels of autonomy.

ELE Times: Tell us about the NovusFlow and Novus Analytics platforms, and how they enhance the user experience of using your products.

Mr Kapuria: NovusFlow is a fog-based software suite for transforming physical operations. It stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation in optimizing factory, warehouse, and logistics operations. It serves as a connected software and hardware technology platform, integrating cutting-edge technologies to streamline processes and maximize efficiency. Employing a fog architecture with edge computing capabilities, NovusFlow ensures reliability, fault tolerance, and safety in operations. Complemented by the Novus Analytics platform, Novus Analytics is a suite of web-based application which helps to monitor the entire Novus family self-driving vehicle AMR, ABOPT & AGV in real-time. With the use of machine learning and Analytics tools,  logs data consolidates and presents data to the user in such a way that customers can improve processes and increase productivity, which delivers actionable insights to optimize processes further, these platforms collectively enhance user experience by simplifying operations, maximizing throughput, and minimizing costs.

ELE Times: From a manufacturing point of view, what are the key automation products/solutions Novus provides?

Mr Kapuria: Novus offers an array of automation products and solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern manufacturing facilities. At the forefront of our offerings are the innovative Software Defined Mobile Robots, which represent a paradigm shift in assembly line automation. These mobile robots, configurable through software, offer unparalleled flexibility and modularity, thereby reducing line stoppages and enhancing productivity. Our NovusFlow platform orchestrates the behaviour of these mobile robots, optimizing task assignment, traffic management, and process sequences to maximize efficiency. With successful deployments across a diverse range of industries, Novus is driving transformative change in manufacturing processes, delivering substantial cost savings and productivity gains.

ELE Times: How can fleet operators benefit from your Video Telematics solution?

Mr Kapuria: Fleet operators stand to gain immensely from Novus’ video telematics solution, which represents a paradigm shift in fleet management and optimization. By harnessing the power of edge AI technology, our solution provides real-time driver warnings and cloud-based insights, thereby enhancing fleet efficiency and safety. The impact of our solution is profound, with impressive outcomes including a 90% reduction in accidents, a 60% decrease in overspeeding instances, and up to a 5% increase in fuel efficiency. Novus’ video telematics solution not only optimizes fleet operations but also reduces operational costs and improves overall performance, making it an indispensable asset for fleet operators striving for excellence.

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With the latest model of the R&S FSPN phase noise analyzer and VCO tester, Rohde & Schwarz extends the frequency range for measurements from the previous maximum of 26.5 GHz up to 50 GHz.

By rigorously implementing functions strictly for phase noise analysis and voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) measurements, Rohde & Schwarz offers an excellent price-to-performance ratio with all R&S FSPN models. The R&S FSPN provides both high speed measurements and also accuracy for characterizing sources such as synthesizers, VCOs, OCXOs and DROs. Since a trade-off between increasing speed of test and higher accuracy is inevitable, users can choose the setting best suiting their application. This makes the R&S FSPN an ideal solution not only for production test, but also for many oscillator development requirements.

The new R&S FSPN50 covers the frequency range from 1 MHz to 50 GHz and complements the existing 8 and 26.5 GHz models. For engineers both developing and producing high quality oscillators, the R&S FSPN50 supports applications in the Ka band from 26.5 to 40 GHz, and in the Q band (36 to 46 GHz) and in the lower V band up to 50 GHz. Typical applications at these frequencies include commercial point-to-point wireless and microwave communication systems, satellite communications including high throughput satellite services, military satellite and communication systems operating up to 50 GHz, close-range targeting radars, and practically the entire 5G FR2 frequency range from 21.84 GHz to 50.20 GHz.

The excellent phase noise sensitivity of the R&S FSPN is based on two low noise internal local oscillators enabling real-time cross correlation. The user can increase the number of correlations for higher accuracy or reduce them for higher speed. The current cross-correlation sensitivity gain is shown in real-time together with the current result trace. Phase noise and amplitude noise are measured separately and simultaneously, providing both an excellent analysis of phase noise performance, and a direct route for identifying the cause of any problems, without any compromise in measurement speed. Accurate VCO measurements are enabled by three low-noise DC sources. OCXO and DRO technologies as well as VCO can all be measured. For easy remote control and production automation, sequences of SCPI commands can be recorded automatically.

The new R&S FSPN50 phase noise analyzer and VCO tester up to 50 GHz is now available from Rohde & Schwarz. For further information, go to: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/FSPN

The post Rohde & Schwarz introduces dedicated phase noise analysis and VCO measurements up to 50 GHz with the R&S FSPN50 appeared first on ELE Times.

ST says its newest wireless MCU reduces size and power without sacrificing performance or security.

A PWM linear LED driver, the AL1783Q from Diodes, provides independent control of brightness and color on all three of its channels. Used for automotive interior and exterior lighting, the AL1783Q delivers 250 mA per channel to support higher LED current ranges in a wider range of lighting applications.

The device allows vehicle occupants to change interior lighting colors to suit their mood. It simultaneously enables animated turn-indicator signals and exterior grill lighting for different road conditions. Three external REF pins are used to set LED current for each channel, while 40-kHz PWM provides independent dimming control.

Since higher voltage rails are often used to power vehicle subsystems, the AL1783Q operates from a 55-V rail, allowing it to accommodate increasing LED chain voltages. Protection functions include undervoltage lockout, overvoltage, and overtemperature, as well as LED open and short-circuit detection.

Qualified to AEC-Q100 requirements, the AL1783Q operates over a temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. It comes in a TSSOP-16EP package that has an exposed cooling pad for improved heat dissipation. The AL1783Q LED driver costs $0.43 each in lots of 2500 units.

AL1783Q product page

Diodes

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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Two 8-channel high-side switches from ST combine smart features with typical on-resistance of just 110 mΩ/channel to preserve system efficiency. Housed in tiny 8×6-mm packages, the IPS8200HQ and IPS8200HQ-1 provide output current of 0.7 A and 1.0 A, respectively, on each channel. They can control capacitive, resistive, or inductive loads with one side connected to ground.

Each device operates from 10.5 V to 36 V and includes 3.3-V/5-V compatible logic inputs. For added design flexibility, the switches are controlled via a parallel or 4-wire serial (SPI) interface. Typical applications include programmable logic controllers, distributed I/O, industrial PC peripherals, and CNC machines.

The IPS8200HQ and IPS8200HQ-1 integrate LED drivers to indicate the status of each output channel. An embedded 100-mA DC/DC voltage regulator powers the LED driver, SPI logic, and input circuitry. It can also be used to supply external components, such as optocouplers or digital isolators. In addition, the switches offer multiple device protection features. 

The IPS8200HQ and IPS8200HQ-1 switches are in production now, with prices starting at $5.11 each in lots of 1000 units.

IPS8200HQ product page

STMicroelectronics

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

The post Octal high-side switches minimize footprint appeared first on EDN.

Infineon’s 650-V and 1200-V CoolSiC G2 MOSFETs improve stored energy and charges by up to 20% compared to the previous generation. This second generation of CoolSiC trench MOSFETs continues to harness the performance attributes of silicon carbide, facilitating reduced energy loss and higher efficiency during power conversion.

CoolSiC G2 includes improvements in key figures-of-merit for both hard-switching operation and soft-switching topologies. The fast switching capability of these devices is increased by more than 30%, and thermal capability is now 12% better than the previous devices.

The large portfolio of CoolSiC G2 MOSFETs is suitable for all common combinations of AC/DC, DC/DC, and DC/AC stages. These low on-resistance SiC MOSFETs can be used in photovoltaic inverters, energy storage systems, EV charging, power supplies, and motor drives.

Datasheets and purchase information for CoolSic G2 MOSFETs can be accessed via the product page link below.

CoolSic G2 product page

Infineon Technologies 

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

The post Infineon hones SiC MOSFET trench technology appeared first on EDN.

The digital control pins of Nexperia’s NMUX130x series of 1.5-V to 5.5-V analog switches are compatible with 1.8-V logic thresholds across the entire supply range. Since the control pins operate independently of the VCC range, no additional components are required for voltage translation. The series includes AEC-Q100 qualified variants for automotive use, as well as general-purpose versions to address consumer and industrial applications.

The NMUX1308 is an 8-channel multiplexer/demultiplexer, whereas the NMUX1309 offers a dual 4-channel multiplexer/demultiplexer. All analog signal pins are bidirectional. Integrated injection-current control limits output voltage shifts on the active channel to under 5 mV when an overvoltage event happens on disabled signal channels.

IOFF protection circuitry on digital control pins and analog switch pins enhances overall system safety. Standard devices operate over a temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. Automotive qualified parts operate over a temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. Packaging options for the switches include both leaded and leadless options.

NMUX1308 product page

NMUX1309 product page  

Nexperia

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

The post Low-voltage analog switches ease system design appeared first on EDN.

Keysight’s AI Data Center Test Platform aims to fast-track the design and deployment of artificial intelligence network infrastructure. According to the company, the system speeds validation and optimization of AI network fabric and improves benchmarking of new AI infrastructures with unprecedented scale and efficiency.

The AI test platform is an 800/400GE solution with lossless fabric validation. Keysight claims it is faster to deploy and offers deeper insights than GPU-based systems, emulating high-scale AI workloads with measurable fidelity.

To simplify benchmarking and validation, the platform uses prepackaged methodologies delivered as applications. These applications have been built through partnerships with key AI operators and AI infrastructure vendors.

The platform also offers a choice of test engines. Users can choose between AI workload emulation on Keysight hardware load appliances and software engines or real AI accelerators to compare benchmarking results.

For more information about the AI Data Center Test Platform, obtain a quote, or request a demo, click here.

Keysight Technologies 

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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Recent discussions led me to read Marie Kondo. So I've removed everything that didn't bring me joy. What remains, a dummy load I made (never used). submitted by /u/danja [link] [comments]

Learn how the Ethernet Alliance Certified test plan and PoE certification can maximize your product success and help you avoid expensive recalls and post-launch redesigns.

At the end of the DI for a Simple log-scale audio meter, I promised to show how to upgrade it to work better. With these fixes, it now has near-digital performance, with faster response and smoother operation. Even this supersized version comes in two flavours, one comparatively simple, the other, maxed out. It can now out-perform the standard peak program meter (PPM) specs (for which this a good reference), and has a span of over 60 dB with easy setting of the desired minimum and maximum levels.

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

While the goal for the original version was to produce something simple and functional, the aim of this DI is to see how closely we can match the performance of a few lines of DSP code, no matter how much hardware it may take. The original used just one dual op-amp; this approach inflates that to two quad packs. Over the top: of course. Instructive fun: definitely, at least for us analogeeks.

The underlying principle is the same as before—force current through a diode, measure the resulting voltage, which is proportional to the logarithm of the input, and capture the peak value—but the implementation is different. Figure 1 shows the basic circuit.

Figure 1 We take the log of the input signal; its peak level is captured on C2, which is discharged slowly and linearly; and temperature- and level-corrections are applied in the current source which drives the meter.

The audio input to be measured is now applied through R1, a 10k fixed resistor rather than a thermistor. The thermistor gave compensation for the diodes’ tempco by scaling the (linear) input; with the fixed resistor, we’ll apply an offset to the (logged) signal later in the circuit to achieve the same result. A1’s output is a logarithmically-squashed version of the input. For now, we only need its positive peaks.

A2 and Q1 form a simple peak detector. Whenever A1.OUT is greater than the voltage on C2, A2/Q1 dumps current into C2 until the voltages match. Using a transistor rather than a diode greatly improves the speed; as drawn, with R2 = 22R, it will capture a single half-cycle at 20 kHz, as shown in Figure 2 which is way faster than the PPM spec calls for. (For a slower, more realistic response, increase R2. 1k5 gives a ~5 ms response time to within 1 dB of the final reading.) This may seem to be several op-amps short of a “proper” peak detector, but it does the job in hand: it’s been Muntzed. (Muntz? Who he? This will explain.) Taking A2.IN- directly from C2, which might seem more usual, leads to overshoot or slows the response, depending on the value of the series resistor.

Figure 2 The attack or integration time is very fast; the decay or return time, much slower, and linear.

Now that we have charged C2 fast, we need to discharge it slowly. A3 buffers its voltage, with D3/R4 bootstrapping R3 to give a linear fall in voltage equivalent to 20 dB in 1.7 s, which, more by happy accident than by design, is exactly what we want.

Now we pass the signal through D4, whose tempco of about -2 mV/°C compensates for that of D1/2. It also drops the level by its VF of about 600 mV, which needs restoring. D5 is shown as a generic 1.25 V shunt stabiliser, and its exact type or value is not critical. (I used an LM385 which was to hand; with a clean, stable negative supply rail, it can be designed out.) It provides an accurate source for offsetting not only D4’s VF, but also the signal as a whole, to set the meter needle’s zero point. R8 allows adjustment of this from about -62 dBu (R8 = 10k) to +1 dBu (R8 = zero).

A4 drives the meter movement, buffering the voltage from D4, the offset-voltage compensation being applied through R9. A4 drives current through the meter into R11, the resulting voltage across that being fed back through R10 to close the feedback loop. The meter has D6 in series with it to prevent underswings, and D5 catches negative swings on A4. (Shame we can’t do the same for A2.)

Calibration is simple. Apply the minimum input level at the input, or apply a DC voltage corresponding to the minimum negative peak value to the signal end of R1, and adjust R8 for zero indication on the meter. Now apply the maximum level—I chose +10 dBu—and set R11 for full-scale deflection. R8 must be set first, then R11.

Temperature stability is good. According to LTspice, the tempco is zero at around +1 dBu input and reasonable at other levels, giving a reading correct within 1 dB down at -50 dB or so for 15 to 35°C. Frustratingly, I could only get better compensation by adding extra resistors and a thermistor in a network around R10, the values differing according to the desired span: too many interactions. An extra stage could have fixed this, but . . . Figure 3 shows the response of the meter, both simulated and live.

Figure 3 Simulated and measured responses when set up for a 50 dB span with a +10 dBu maximum reading, showing the effects of temperature and op-amp offset.

We now have a high-performance meter, with near-digital accuracy and even precision. But it’s still only half-wave sensing, and has a couple of residual bugs. For full-wave operation, we can add inverter A5, etc., to the output of A1, along with a second peak-detection stage, A6 and Q2, effectively paralleled with A2 and Q1, to add in the contribution from positive-going inputs: see Figure 4. If A1 and A5 have zero offset voltage or if a few trimmer-derived millivolts are applied to A2.IN+ and A5.IN+, C3 can be omitted. The input offsets inherent in real-world (and cheap) op-amps limit the span, as they lead to inaccuracies at low levels, where the signal to be measured is comparable with them.

Another way of adding bipolar detection would have been to use a full-wave rectifier at the input, but the extra op-amp offsets made this approach too inaccurate without messy trimming.

Figure 4 Extra components can be added for full-wave detection.

This circuit responds faster than a meter movement can follow. C2 may be charged almost instantaneously by a transient, but its voltage will decay by an indicated 11.8 dB/second (or 20 dB in 1.7 s). Thus, if the meter takes 85 ms to respond, it will under-read that transient by 1 dB. Figure 5 shows how to cure this.

Figure 5 Final additions: a “power-on reset”, and a monostable to give ~100 ms hold time after a peak to allow the meter movement to catch up.

A7 and A8 form a monostable, which is triggered by a sharp increase in C2’s voltage and generates a positive pulse at A7.OUT. Connecting this to R4, which no longer goes to Vs-, via a diode cures the problem: while A7.OUT is low, C2 will discharge in the normal way, but while it is high, C2’s discharge path is effectively open-circuited. As shown, and with +/-6 V rails, this hold time is ~100 ms. Adjust C5 or R16 to vary this. The result can be seen in Figure 2.

A final touch is a power-on reset, also shown in Figure 5. (Digital circuits usually have them, so why should we be left out?) A sharp rise of the positive rail turns on Q3—which may be almost any n-MOSFET—for a few hundred milliseconds, clamping C2 to ground while the circuitry stabilises. Without this, C2 may charge to a high level at power-on, taking many seconds to recover.

Although a 100 µA meter movement is shown, A4 will comfortably drive several milliamps. Select or adjust R11 to suit.

While you may not want to build a complete meter like this, the techniques and ideas used here may well come in handy for other projects. But if you do, be sure to use an ebonite-cased movement, complete with polished brass inlays, and with a pointer based on a Victorian town-hall clock’s minute hand. Electro-punk lives!

—Nick Cornford built his first crystal set at 10, and since then has designed professional audio equipment, many datacomm products, and technical security kit. He has at last retired. Mostly. Sort of.

Related Content

• Simple log-scale audio meter
• Audio levels, dBu, dBV, and the gang: What you need to know
• Squashed triangles: sines, but with teeth?
• Laser simulator helps avoid destroyed diodes
• Multi-decade current monitor the epitome of simplicity

The post Supersized log-scale audio meter appeared first on EDN.

Polar Light Technologies (PLT) — which stems from research by founder professor Per-Olof Holtz and his team at Sweden’s Linköping University — has appointed Oskar Fajerson as CEO to lead it through the final stages of research and into commercialization of its micro-LED technology...

Servotech Power Systems Ltd., a driving force in India’s electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, announced a strategic initiative to bolster the nation’s self-sufficiency in critical EV charger components. To achieve this goal, Servotech has secured a technical collaboration with a leading international company.

Servotech is constructing a cutting-edge manufacturing facility focused on the production of Power Modules, Control Circuits, and PLCs – essential elements at the core of EV chargers. This move marks a decisive shift away from reliance on imports and positions India as a key player in the global EV charger supply chain.

The new plant will have an initial annual production capacity of 24,000 power modules and will ramp up its production capacity to 2.4 lakh power modules annually in order to cater with the rapidly growing Indian EV market which will require around 6 lakh units annually. This scalable approach demonstrates Servotech’s ambition to capture a significant share of the expanding EV charging sector.

Commenting on this announcement Arun Handa, Chief Technical Officer, Servotech Power Systems Ltd. said “Our goal is to make Servotech a preferred supplier of EV Chargers as well as preferred OEM supplier of Power Modules for Indian EV Charger manufacturers. By establishing a robust domestic supply chain, we contribute to the overall growth of the EV ecosystem, making charging solutions more affordable and accessible to a wider public.”

Key Milestones and Benefits:
The new plant is expected to be fully operational by December 2024.
This initiative will directly contribute to:
o Reduced reliance on imported components.
o Creation of high-skilled jobs within India.
o Economic growth in the technology sector.
o Advancement of India’s EV charging capabilities.

Servotech Power Systems Ltd. stands committed to spearheading India’s transition to clean energy solutions. This strategic investment in indigenous manufacturing reinforces the company’s dedication to providing dependable, cost-effective, and readily available EV charging solutions throughout the nation.

The post Servotech Power Systems Advances India’s EV Charging Industry with In-house Components Manufacturing appeared first on ELE Times.

As a market specialist in hardware engineering, avionics design and development, telecom solutions, and services, automotive, and medical and healthcare, Alpha-Numero is a global brand operating in India, Canada, Germany, and the USA. Their top-notch deliverables in VLSI design, semiconductor testing, FPGA design, and embedded systems expertise are quality-assured. Team Alpha-Numero is well-renowned for providing high-quality services in SAP, IT software, BI & Analytics, and Mechanical Engineering & Design to a wide range of industries.

Mr. Sukanta Mitra, Co-Founder of Alpha-Numero Technology Solutions Inc.

Rashi Bajpai, Sub-Editor at ELE Times had an opportunity to interact with Mr. Sukanta Mitra, Co-Founder of Alpha-Numero Technology Solutions Inc. and the Founder of MetricsNumero – a specialized brand under the Alpha-Numero Group. The conversation highlights the organization’s core competencies and expertise in several booming technologies and industries. 

This is an excerpt from the interview. 

ELE Times: What services does Alpha-Numero provide to the Aerospace & Defence, Automotive, and Electronics Industries?

Mr Mitra: We specialise in providing comprehensive product design services for the Aerospace & Defence, Automotive, and Electronics Industries. In the domain of automotive, aerospace, and avionics, our focus lies in embedded hardware and software design. This encompasses a wide range of services, including ASIC design, chip design, FPGA design, board design, hardware design, and embedded software design. Simply put, our expertise covers the entire product design process, starting from specification development to chip or silicon creation, hardware and software design, and system-level integration. We also excel in design verification and validation, ensuring the quality and reliability of the final product.

For instance, in the avionics domain, we undertake critical design work for systems such as flight control systems and cockpit display systems in commercial aircraft. Our involvement spans from the initial chip or ASIC design to FPGA-level implementation. We collaborate not only with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Boeing or Airbus but also with key Tier 1 companies in the aerospace sector, including Collins Aerospace, BAE Systems, and Honeywell. Moreover, our engagement extends to regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)– a crucial entity for certifying products for use in aircraft. This comprehensive approach underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality and certified solutions in the aerospace and automotive industries. Additionally, our commitment extends to regulatory compliance and certification processes. We engage with organisations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a crucial U.S. government agency responsible for certifying aviation products.

Similarly in the automotive domain, our services extend across the entire product design spectrum. We focus on components such as steering control systems and brake control systems. We also specialise in embedded software and hardware design, development, and the verification and validation processes for multiple OEMs. Likewise, when it comes to consumer electronics, our collaboration extends to chip design and semiconductor solutions. We also collaborate with leading companies such as Intel and AMD in the semiconductor and VLSI domains. So, overall, Alpha-Numero’s expertise lies in end-to-end design services, ranging from initial specifications to the development of embedded hardware and software for a diverse range of products in these industries.

ELE Times: What in your view is the role of cybersecurity in the Defence and Aerospace sector?

Mr Mitra: Cybersecurity’s role in the defence and aerospace sector is immensely crucial. Globally, there is a concerning trend where hackers breach systems and demand ransom for the compromised data. A similar incident occurred a few months ago, where a prominent company collaborating with the US military and defence had its entire system hacked, which resulted in heavy financial losses. Another example of a cyberattack in the public domain is Johnson Control, where a ransomware attack compromised highly sensitive data. The attackers also demanded a substantial amount of money, potentially in the millions or billions. Such attacks have become increasingly frequent, which highlights the need for organisations, especially those involved in defence and aerospace, to have robust cybersecurity measures in place. Neglecting cybersecurity could render any system vulnerable, as demonstrated by these instances. Moreover, without proper cybersecurity measures, there’s a risk that advanced technologies, including cloud-based systems, could be exploited. Also, with advancing technology, the risk of unauthorised external control, especially in aviation, could endanger the lives of hundreds on board. This vulnerability poses a severe threat, as external entities might potentially gain control over vital systems such as aircraft, putting the lives of hundreds of people at risk. Thus, it is imperative to embrace cybersecurity to prevent such scenarios.

Considering these challenges, Alpha-Numero is actively contributing to cybersecurity in the defence and aerospace sectors. We are assembling a team comprising industry veterans, cybersecurity experts, and promising newcomers. Our team-building approach involves recruiting experienced individuals from the industry and under them, we provide our workforce with comprehensive training in cybersecurity. collaboration with technology training providers, particularly focusing on defence-related aspects in both the US and India. In this process, we collaborate with multiple companies specialising in technology training, aligning with both defence sectors in the US and non-defense industries in India.

We expect to have a fully functional team within the next two quarters. However, it’s important to note that the cybersecurity services and related activities will not be directly managed by Alpha-Numero. Instead, these responsibilities will be overseen by MetricsNumero – another entity within our organisation.

ELE Times: Brief us on your work in Asset Tracking, Smart Mining, and Smart Building, in the IoT segment, technology implications, and application areas.

Mr Mitra: Alpha-Numero has ventured into the expansive domain of IoT, specifically focusing on Asset Tracking, Smart Mining, and Smart Building solutions. Our initial foray includes executing programs in the southern part of India, particularly in mines. We are designing these smart mining solutions to track the movement and activities of labourers within the mines. The system not only monitors their movements but also captures additional parameters to ensure their safety and well-being. This program has been designed to enhance the overall operational efficiency and safety measures within the mining industry.

Asset Tracking is another area of focus for us. We are in the early stages of developing sensor-based solutions for tracking assets. This aligns with our expertise in product design services, which has traditionally been centred around the avionics and automotive industries. The foray into sensor-based IoT solutions for asset tracking represents a strategic expansion for Alpha-Numero.

However, our foray into sensor-based IoT solutions, particularly in asset tracking, is still in its early stages. The implementation of IoT in these domains requires careful consideration of technological implications and the unique requirements of each application area, and thus, we are proceeding cautiously. Alpha-Numero primarily specialises in product design services for avionics and automotive industries. The exploration of sensor-based IoT solutions for asset tracking and industries such as mining represents a gradual expansion of our capabilities within these domains. As we delve deeper into sensor-based solutions, we anticipate further advancements and broader applications in the domains of asset tracking and beyond.

ELE Times: What kind of solutions does Alpha-Numero provide in the Medical and Healthcare field?

Mr Mitra: Alpha-Numero specialises in providing solutions within the medical and healthcare field, particularly in collaboration with major US OEMs. The focus lies in establishing an R&D centre in India to work closely with these giants on various fronts. Alpha-Numero is actively involved in providing solutions in the medical and healthcare sector, particularly focusing on stringent processes. We create medical devices such as stents and catheters, adhering to the rigorous regulatory standards set by organisations like the FDA.

Secondly, we are exploring opportunities in the development of iOS and Android applications for advanced medical devices. For instance, we are actively involved in creating modern medical devices, such as contactless pacemakers. These advanced devices eliminate the need for physical attachment to the body and can be monitored remotely. The monitoring involves the use of electric signals to assess both the patient’s health and the functionality of the device. This involves the development of IOS and Android-based applications for remote monitoring of patients’ health and device functionality. Updates and upgrades to software are also part of our service offerings in this domain.

We are also in the process of establishing an R&D team that will collaborate with leading companies in the medical and healthcare sector to provide engineering and software services. Moreover, to meet the regulatory requirements of the FDA, we are identifying engineers within its team for specialised training. What’s more, we have initiated basic training and plans to progress to more advanced levels to ensure FDA compliance. However, the FDA-related aspects will be handled by our group company, MetricsNumero.

ELE Times: Help us understand your expertise in semiconductor testing, embedded systems and VLSI design.

Mr Mitra: Alpha-Numero specialises in the core competencies of semiconductor testing, embedded systems, and VLSI (Very Large-Scale Integration) design. The avionics industry has witnessed a shift from ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) design due to its high cost and potential risks. Instead, the industry has embraced FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) design. Our expertise extends not only to FPGA design but also to system-level design, verification, and validation.

We also have contributed to multiple Boeing programs since our inception, besides demonstrating a strong track record of success. Furthermore, our focus on VLSI verification, validation, and semiconductor expertise is fundamental to our core capabilities. In addition, we collaborate with larger industry players that lack similar expertise in VLSI, Verilog, and the semiconductor domain. Through such collaborative efforts, we aim to work with these companies, and leverage their proficiency to provide our services to their customers with specific needs in the semiconductor domain. This collaborative approach serves as a mutually beneficial arrangement, besides creating a win-win situation for all parties involved.

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Teledyne e2v HiRel Electronics of Milpitas, CA, USA (part of the Teledyne Defense Electronics Group that provides solutions, sub-systems and components to the space, transportation, defense and industrial markets) has announced the availability of the TDLNA2050SEP radiation-tolerant S-band low-noise amplifier (LNA), suitable for demanding high-reliability, space and radar applications where low noise figure, minimal power consumption and small package footprint are critical to mission success. Developed on a 90nm enhancement-mode pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (pHEMT) process, the new LNA is available in an 8-pin dual-flat no-lead (DFN) 2mm x 2mm x 0.75mm plastic surface-mount package, and is qualified per MIL‑PRF‑38534 Class K...

Analog Devices, Inc. and the BMW Group has announced an early adoption of E²B, ADI’s 10BASE-T1S Ethernet to the Edge bus technology within the automotive industry. Automotive Ethernet connectivity is a key enabler of new, zonal architectures in automotive design and supports automotive megatrends such as software-defined vehicles. The BMW Group will be a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to implement the technology, leveraging ADI’s E²B for their ambient lighting system design in the vehicles of the BMW Group in the future.  

Since 2018, ADI has been working closely with the BMW Group on a new concept to simplify bringing Ethernet to the Edge. At the same time, the IEEE802.3cg Group was defining a new 10Mbps Ethernet standard called 10BASE-T1S, with ADI and the BMW Group among other companies both actively involved. Using ADI’s 10BASE-T1S E²B technology to remove microcontrollers and move software from edge nodes to central processing units, the BMW Group enables an all-hardware edge node while reducing software development and qualification tasks.  

“While working alongside ADI on 10BASE-T1S E²B, we joined efforts on a number of key considerations, from simplifying implementation, to cost analysis and design support. The relationship with ADI has enabled us to move more quickly to market with a solution of a zonal architecture for software-defined vehicles,” the BMW Group stated. 

“We continue to deeply engage with the BMW Group to understand their next-generation needs and bring further optimized products to aid next-generation architectures, as well as bring continued cooperation on standardization,” said Yasmine King, Vice President, Automotive Cabin Experience at ADI. “10BASE-T1S E²B is a great new addition to our automotive connectivity and networking portfolio, innovated to drive success across different use cases, with the flexibility and scalability to support zonal, domain and hybrid architectures.”  

In-cabin experience continues to be a critical focus for automakers, with driver and passenger expectations becoming more refined. This is especially true of the ambient lighting within the vehicle.  

However, many of today’s lighting solutions are complex to implement, use legacy technologies, and are difficult to scale and update as the number of supported LEDs increases. By leveraging the 10BASE-T1S with E²B technology, OEMs can provide a rich customer experience while also synchronizing lighting with other applications in the vehicle. Fully enabling a software-defined lighting system provides improved flexibility, ease of upgrade, and ease of use. 

“This approach to edge connectivity is so sought-after that the automotive industry inside the Open Alliance (opensig.org) is now aiming to standardize a similar solution. ADI, along with the BMW Group and other companies, are actively working with the industry to create an Open Standard implementation,” said Yasmine King.  

The post ADI and the BMW Group Join Forces to Provide Industry-Leading 10Mb Ethernet for Automotive, Enabling Software-Defined Vehicles appeared first on ELE Times.

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