Microelectronics world news

submitted by /u/AutoModerator
[link] [comments]

Put away the scalpel and wire wrap wire. submitted by /u/Linker3000 [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/MrCut1e [link] [comments]

submitted by /u/Trypocopris [link] [comments]

During his long and remarkably productive career, Jay Forrester accumulated an impressive list of innovations and achievements in electrical engineering, social science, and business management.

In this news analysis piece, Nthatisi examines Silicon Labs’ High Accuracy Distance Measurement (HADM) solution, which leverages Bluetooth LE's Channel Sounding feature, designed for complex RF environments.

For its fiscal third-quarter 2024 (to 30 December 2023), Qorvo Inc of Greensboro, NC, USA (which provides core technologies and RF solutions for mobile, infrastructure and defense applications) has reported revenue of $1073.9m, down 2.7% on $1103.5m last quarter but up 44.5% on $743.3m a year ago. This exceeds the high point of the guidance range (of $1bn, plus or minus $25m) by $49m. “Revenue continues to benefit from significant content gains at our largest customer,” says chief financial officer Grant Brown...

Two wideband current sensors from Allegro, the ACS37030 and ACS37032, ensure efficiency and reliability in GaN and SiC FET power architectures. With an operating bandwidth of DC to 5 MHz, the devices are suitable for electrified vehicles, clean energy solutions, and data center applications.

The ACS37030 and ACS37032 offer current sensing ranges of ±20 A, ±40 A, and ±65 A, with a typical response time of 40 ns. Both devices employ dual signal paths. One path captures low-frequency and DC current using Hall-effect elements. The other path captures high-frequency current data through an inductive coil. These two paths are summed to enable sensing from DC to 5 MHz in a single device.

The current sensors achieve stable and safe control, while reducing EMI. Sensitivity error over temperature is ±2%. The properties of the inductive coil increase signal to noise ratio (SNR) as frequency increases, minimizing noise at the output. The ACS37030 provides a zero current reference output, while the ACS37032 offers an overcurrent fault output.

Housed in compact 6-pin SOIC packages, the sensors have a rated isolation voltage of 3500 VRMS and a basic working voltage of 840 VRMS. They operate over a temperature range of -40° to +150°C. To learn more about the ACS37030 and ACS37032 current sensors, click here.

Allegro MicroSystems

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

The post Current sensors cover DC to 5 MHz appeared first on EDN.

MaxLinear is offering a product design kit (PDK) to help cable manufacturers integrate the Keystone PAM4 DSP into their active electrical cables. According to MaxLinear, the 5-nm PAM4 DSP can yield up to a 40% power savings over competitor solutions when used in active electrical cable (AEC) applications.

Unlike passive cables, active electrical cables actively boost signals, allowing for longer distances (up to 7 meters for 400G); higher bandwidth; and thinner, lighter cables. Keystone PAM4 DSPs based on 5-nm CMOS technology enable designers to build high-speed cables that maximize reach and minimize power consumption in next-generation hyperscale cloud networks. To ease DSP integration, the PDK includes strong application support, multiple tools to optimize and monitor performance, and both hardware and software reference designs.

Keystone 5-nm DSPs cater to 400G and 800G applications and provide a 106.25-Gbps host-side electrical I/O that aligns with the line-side interface rate. Variants support single-mode optics (EML and SiPh) and multimode optics (VCSEL transceivers and AOCs), as well as AECs. The family also includes companion transimpedance amplifiers.

For more information about the Keystone 5-nm PAM4 DSPs (MxL93642, MxL93643, MxL93682, and MxL93683), click here.

MaxLinear

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

The post PAM4 DSP toolkit optimizes cable design appeared first on EDN.

Sara-R520M19, an LTE-M and NB-IoT module from Swiss provider u-blox, delivers accurate positioning data concurrent with LTE communication. Simultaneous GNSS and cellular connectivity is an important factor for applications requiring continuous or cyclic tracking, such as utility metering and asset tracking.

The Sara-R520M10 module incorporates the company’s UBX-R52 cellular chip, M10 GNSS receiver, and dedicated GNSS antenna interface in a 16×26×2.2-mm, 96-pin LGA package. A variant without the GNSS receiver, the Sara-R520, is also available for general-purpose applications. This model features SpotNow, an assisted GPS receiver for applications requiring occasional tracking. 

The Sara-R52 series offers 23 dBm of RF output power to ensure stable connectivity. Modules include an Open CPU (uCPU) feature that allows users to run their own software on the chip without the need for an external MCU. An onboard smart connection manager performs automatic connectivity management. Its function is to achieve either the best performance or the lowest power consumption. This is useful when a connection is lost and needs to be re-established.

In addition to the Sara-R52 series, u-blox released the Lexi-R520 LTE-M module. The Lexi-R520 furnishes the same features as the Sara-R520, but in a smaller form factor. Its 16×16×2-mm, 133-pin LGA package lends itself to applications like wearables.

Samples of the LTE-M modules are available now, with volume production scheduled for Q3 2024.

Sara-R52 series product page

Lexi-R520 product page

u-blox

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

The post LTE-M module integrates GNSS receiver appeared first on EDN.

Asahi Kasei’s AK5707 ADC packs an acoustic activity analyzer (AAA) that can be configured to detect specific types of acoustic events, such as breaking glass. This integrated analog acoustic event detector makes the AK5707 16-bit monaural ADC well-suited for IoT security applications, like wireless cameras and smart doorbells.

Consuming just 34 µA, the AK5707’s AAA block listens for acoustic events that fit user-customizable profiles. Upon detection, the AAA activates the ADC and initiates recording to an integrated audio buffer. Simultaneously, it generates an interrupt to wake the external SoC.

Unlike typical loudness-based detection, the AAA constantly tracks the current noise floor and adjusts its detection parameters in response. AAA detection not only reduces false positives, but also increases battery life in noisier environments. Asahi Kasei offers a suite of detection profiles for the AAA, including glass-break, alarm patterns, crying baby, and human voice. These profiles are configurable, with multiple acoustic parameters set by the user.

The 16-bit, 48-kHz ADC block of the AK5707, which can be powered on and off independently of the AAA, achieves a signal-to-noise ratio of 95 dB, while consuming only 200 µA. Built-in AC coupling capacitors allow for a 3.2 mm2 PCB area, including one external capacitor.

The AK5707 comes in a tiny 1.53×1.58-mm WLCSP. It is currently sampling, with mass production scheduled to begin in September 2024.

AK5707 product page

Asahi Kasei Microdevices 

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

The post 16-bit audio ADC detects breaking glass appeared first on EDN.

Cirrus Logic, Intel, and Microsoft are developing a reference design that teams Intel’s forthcoming Lunar Lake processor with Cirrus audio and power devices. The reference platform will help developers create more immersive audio for laptop PCs, while reducing heat generation and extending battery life to enable smaller, thinner designs.

Claiming to bring best-in-class audio to more PCs, the reference design employs the Cirrus Logic CS42L43 SmartHIFI codec, CS35L56 audio amplifier, and CP9314 switched-capacitor power converter. The codec and audio amplifiers deliver louder bass, clearer voice, and lower distortion to both the speaker and the headset. The power converter promises to reduce power and heat, as well as fan noise.

In addition, the audio design will assist with the transition to the MIPI SoundWire interface and Microsoft’s ACX (audio class extension) framework. Along with built-in security features, the design supports next-generation features like spatial audio. It is scalable across different processors, speakers, and notebook designs, allowing OEMs to implement audio subsystems that scale in channel count and features.

Intel’s Lunar Lake processor for portable PCs is expected to launch later this year.

Cirrus Logic 

Intel

Microsoft

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

The post Reference design serves Lunar Lake CPU appeared first on EDN.

Conformance approval is a major step in bringing devices for the Internet of things (IoT) to the market. To ensure that these devices work properly, they need to be certified by testing laboratories accredited by certification bodies such as GCF, PTCRB or CTIA. With the successful verification of the 3GPP Rel. 17 NTN NB-IoT test cases in work item 333 at the CAG #77 meeting, using the R&S CMW500, the Global Certification Forum was able to activate the work item, kicking off conformance testing for NTN NB-IoT devices.

With this accomplishment, Rohde & Schwarz together with tier 1 chipset vendors like Qualcomm Technologies, Mediatek, and Sony Semiconductor Israel’s Altair and their respective platforms have contributed significantly to the adoption of non-terrestrial network-based IoT use cases spanning multiple sectors such as smartphone, consumer, automotive, agriculture, maritime, logistics, and mining. The NTN NB-IoT protocol test cases of work item 333 cover NTN-specific signaling aspects for NB-IoT devices as specified in 3GPP Rel.17 TS 36.523-1.

Rohde & Schwarz has equipped its market-leading NB-IoT solution with 3GPP Rel. 17 NTN features to provide the ecosystem with R&D, production, and conformance testing functions. The protocol conformance test cases were developed using the R&S CMW500 radio communication tester, which allows engineers to assess their NTN NB-IoT devices under realistic conditions, establishing a real-time, comprehensive connection with the simulated satellite network and testing the relevant signaling and RF scenarios in line with the 3GPP Rel. 17 specification. The test solution emulates geosynchronous orbit (GSO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) as well as low earth orbit (LEO) constellations. It helps engineers to verify NTN device challenges like time and frequency synchronization due to prolonged delay and Doppler effect, low Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR), power saving mechanisms, satellite ephemerides, and GNSS acquisition, to name just a few of the core features.

The official GCF platform R&S CMW-IoT is a single box solution for conformance testing including PCT, RRM and RF. In addition to this, the single box also supports carrier acceptance testing.

The post Rohde & Schwarz drives roll-out of NTN NB-IoT technology with new GCF-certified conformance test cases appeared first on ELE Times.

With latest ground-breaking innovation, Technovos is proactively paving the way for a new era of Green Mobility Solutions, amalgamating automotive capacity to eliminate manual labour-intensive tasks.

Technovos- a leading developer of sustainable mobility solutions disrupting the Cleantech and Agritech landscape has recently launched its latest yet innovative offering the GaadE Electric Wheelbarrow to redefine manual-material handling tasks. The launch signifies a revolutionary stride in labour-intensive tasks, reshaping the peripheral of diverse industries.

Challenging conventions and breaking the boundaries of possibilities in the realm of agriculture, logistics, construction and many more, the Wheelbarrow stands at the edge of sustainability convergence. Moving beyond the limits of being an electric motor-driven upgrade of its traditional counterparts, it embodies an inaugural fusion of cutting-edge technology and eco-friendliness.

Thrilled with the launch of its latest offering, Bharath Anantha Srinivas, CEO and Founder of Technovos, commented, “In a world where technological innovation continues to dominate every facet of our daily lives, Technovos aims to become the catalyst for revolutionising the Agritech and Sustainable mobility space. With our latest product, the dynamic Electric Wheelbarrow, we’ve crafted a breakthrough in the realm of material movement, being the premier platform to offer a purpose-driven electric wheelbarrow, designed to exude excellence from concept development to integration and assembly.”

With Electric Propulsion at its forefront, it employs a 4KW 3Phase Induction motor which helps in efficiently transporting substantial loads. Utilising advanced sensors and AI algorithms, it has opened the doors to self-navigation, along with obstacle avoidance and precise manoeuvring. Furthermore, it boasts a loading capacity to move 80% of the applications to minimise the need for human effort.

Accelerating green mobility to an elevated level, it operates with zero-emissions and energy-efficient mechanisms, emerging as the gateway to fostering a sustainable environment.

Offering an opportunity to partake in a future driven by automation, the introduction of electric wheelbarrows in the Precision AgriTech segment is a game-changing innovation. Being a labour-intensive sector, it will deliver farmers and agronomists an escape from manual lifting, opening doors to a versatile and efficient solution that is designed to improve farm operations, whilst enhancing crop management.

With multifaceted warehouse operations, the seamless integration of the GaadE- Electric Wheel-Barrow marks a significant leap forward in material handling and sustainability endeavours. This ingenious solution is poised to transform the warehousing and logistic industries, with access to streamlined operations and reduced costs, whilst enhancing the notions of industrial safety and environmental responsibility.

In the absence of a purpose-built machine for the hyper-local segment, Technovos has carved a distinctive niche with the augment of India’s premier purpose-driven Electric Wheelbarrow. With the launch of this innovative solution, the company has showcased its commitment to becoming the vanguard developer of sustainable mobility solutions that address the gap of implausible material movement methods in an array of markets. Autonomous wheelbarrow after this Electric wheelbarrow is the next innovation planned by Technovos.

The post Technovos’ announces latest innovation GaadE- Electric Wheelbarrow to revolutionise sustainable mobility landscape appeared first on ELE Times.

Infineon Technologies has announced a collaboration with Worksport Ltd. Worksport will use Infineon’s GaN power semiconductors GS-065-060-5-B-A in the converters for its portable power stations to increase efficiency and power density. Enabled by Infineon’s GaN transistors, the power converters will be lighter and smaller in size with reduced system costs. In addition, Infineon will support Worksport in the optimization of circuits and layout design to further reduce size and increase power density.

“Infineon’s high-quality standard and solid supply chain provide us with the best components to ensure power-dense converters for our COR system product line and contribute to a first-class end product performance,” said Worksport CEO Steven Rossi. The company’s COR battery system can be integrated into a pickup truck or recharged by any solar panel or wall outlet. By replacing the former silicon switch in the power converter with Infineon’s GaN power semiconductors and operating the transistors at higher switching frequency, Worksport will be able to reduce the battery system weight by 33 percent and system costs by up to 25 percent.

The working relationship with Infineon will also help Worksport to reduce CO2 in the manufacturing process. GaN is proving itself as a game-changing technology across many markets and applications. For example, in data centers, GaN solutions have a global energy savings potential of 21 TWh annually, 10 million tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) equivalent. “In order to further drive electrification and decarbonization, the industry’s power designs require innovation,” said Johannes Schoiswohl, Business Line Head GaN Systems of Infineon’s Power & Sensor Systems Division. “With our GaN power semiconductors we enable Worksport to create the next generation portable power stations that users require.”

Infineon’s GS-065-060-5-B-A is an Automotive-grade 650 V enhancement mode GaN-on-Silicon power transistor. It offers very low junction-to-case thermal resistance for demanding high-power applications such as on-board chargers, industrial motor drives and solar inverters. Furthermore, it features simple gate drive requirements (0 V to 6 V) and a transient tolerant gate drive (-20 / +10 V).

Availability

The GS-065-060-5-B-A is available in a bottom-cooled, low-inductance GaNPX® package.

The post Infineon and Worksport collaborate to reduce weight and cost of portable power stations with GaN appeared first on ELE Times.

Soctera of Ithaca, NY USA (a developer of thermally optimized III-nitride millimeter-wave power amplifiers) has demonstrated high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) exhibiting a peak surface temperature rise of just 59°C while dissipating 10.4W/mm. Typical gallium nitride (GaN) HEMTs reach the standard operating temperature limit of 225°C when dissipating about 5W/mm...

submitted by /u/Vladimir_crame [link] [comments]

ESK-SIC GmbH of Frechen near Cologne, Germany (which manufactures high-performance materials for industrial applications) and Kyocera (which manufactures technical ceramics and semiconductor technologies) have entered into a strategic partnership to develop solutions for the sustainable production of silicon carbide (SiC) and associated end-products...

submitted by /u/AdvisedPotato [link] [comments]

The metaverse and extended reality (XR) applications are considered critical to unlocking the full consumer potential of the 5G technology. Rigorous testing is crucial to ensure the performance and market acceptance of these immersive experiences. Rohde & Schwarz and Slalom have collaborated to address this need, developing essential tools to test XR use cases thoroughly prior to market launch. At Mobile World Congress 2024, visitors can experience a first demonstration of how to enable tomorrow’s augmented reality.

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) closely examined extended reality (XR) applications with Release 17. This was pivotal in identifying the current limitations and potential enhancements in today’s 5G specifications, paving the way for 5G-Advanced, which will be addressed in Release 18. One of the key areas for 5G-Advanced is the development of animated avatar calls that use augmented reality. This is considered a stepping stone toward a broader integration of the metaverse.

Rohde & Schwarz, a leader in test and measurement solutions, has partnered with Slalom, a next-generation professional services company creating value at the intersection of business, technology, and humanity, to create a state-of-the-art lab environment. This collaboration has resulted in a test bed for XR-based use cases. At the test bed’s core is the R&S CMX500 5G one-box signaling tester from Rohde & Schwarz. This innovative setup empowers network operators to evaluate XR-based applications and services in a controlled environment, ensuring optimal performance and quality of experience (QoE) for their subscribers even before mainstream deployment.

The animated avatar, developed by Slalom, renders on a cloud computing architecture, which is seamlessly integrated with the R&S CMX500. The R&S CMX500 emulates a 5G network to establish a Voice over New Radio (VoNR) connection to the end-user device. The end-user experience is brought to life using a Motorola Edge 40 Pro 5G smartphone connected to Lenovo ThinkReality A3 Smart Glasses, where the avatar is displayed. The system also features a loopback of audio samples, laying the groundwork for future audio quality assessments based on the POLQA algorithm. A key aspect of the avatar’s animation is head movement emulation, which is designed to convey attentiveness during calls. The accurate rendering and timely display of such details on the end-user device are among the key performance indicators that are being further investigated by both companies.

Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President for Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz says: “We are thrilled to enhance our application testing capabilities through our collaboration with Slalom. This partnership lays a robust foundation for the wireless ecosystem, accelerating the market introduction of XR-based applications and services to pave the way for the metaverse.”

Sam Andrews, General Manager at Slalom says: “In partnership with Rohde & Schwarz, we have developed an innovative concept where we can assess and measure the end-to-end quality of XR experiences that considers network, device, and application to create seamless outcomes for end users and unlock new opportunities for enterprises.” Jason Inskeep, Advanced & Converged Architectures / Mobile / 5G at Slalom, adds: “At Slalom, we believe that being able to architect a true end-to-end integrated solution – from the network to the application layer to the end user – is fundamental to helping our customers achieve resiliency and efficiency at scale, unlock new revenue streams and create amazing customer experiences.”

This collaboration between Rohde & Schwarz and Slalom opens the way to virtual interactions that are more immersive and personal. For consumers, this innovation promises an enhanced sense of presence and engagement during voice calls.

Rohde & Schwarz and Slalom will demonstrate the test bed for AR-animated avatar calls at the Mobile World Congress 2024 at the Rohde & Schwarz booth 5A80 in hall 5 of Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.

The post Toward the metaverse: Rohde & Schwarz and Slalom join forces to realize 5G-enabled AR-animated avatar calls appeared first on ELE Times.