Microelectronics world news

Quantum Ecosystems and Technology Council of India (QETCI) organises National Quantum Science and Technology Symposium 2023

ELE Times - Wed, 12/20/2023 - 13:19

Quantum Security Centre was launched A Quantum Value Chain report was also released to set context for future planning

Quantum Ecosystems and Technology Council of India (QETCI) along with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITy), Government of India organized the  1st National Quantum Science and Technology Symposium (NQSTS) on 14th & 15th December 2023 at Scope Convention Centre, New Delhi.  National Quantum Science and Technology Symposium (NQSTS) was organized with the objective to galvanize the Quantum Eco System in the country and develop synergies to leverage the Quantum Technology to solve real life problems. NQSTS is a quantum odyssey designed to break boundaries, spark innovation, and unite visionaries to envision and explore the disruptive use of quantum technology with shared global learning.

Quantum Value Chain Report provides the Roadmap for India’s Quantum Future It provides a deep understanding of the Quantum Ecosystem in India Insights into the Supply Chain, Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats It provides Informed Policy recommendations and outlines opportunities for collaboration both internally and internationally. Most importantly it sets the context for future planning

National Quantum Science and Technology Symposium (NQSTS) had distinguished Speakers from Govt, Policy makers, Policy experts, Technical Experts, Business Leaders representing the complete Quantum Ecosystem in India. The experts sharing their views and experiences with the use of Quantum technology in the real world and the possibilities that lay ahead. The highlight of the 2-day symposium was the launch of the Centre for Quantum Security and Forum – a joint initiative by Quantum Science and Technology Symposium (QETCI) and CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics Statistics and Computer Science (CR Rao AIMSCS). The Centre will work with multiple stakeholders in the Quantum Security Ecosystem, create a community, and provide a place for experimentation, Proof of Concepts, Vendor Neutral papers and reports, training, workshops, etc. It is designed to fast-track quantum security measures and implementations.

To forge strategic partnerships to accelerate research and adoption of Quantum Technology a MoU was signed between QETCI and BeST Cluster to supporting the Bangalore Quantum Ecosystem, in the Research to Commercialization, Startups and Market Opportunity Creation. A Quantum Security Centre was also launched and the logo was unveiled.

The Quantum Value Chain Report was also released at the symposium in the presence of Honourable Member Niti Aayog and Chairperson QETCI, Dr V K Saraswat and Shri S Krishnan, the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). It is a comprehensive report on the Quantum Ecosystem in India including the supply chain, allied value chains, non-supply chain elements in the ecosystem and does a deep dive into the Strength and Opportunities, Weaknesses and Threats associated with the Indian Quantum Ecosystem. The Report will be the basis for making data-based policy recommendations for strengthening the quantum supply chain in India.

Dr. V K Saraswat Chairman QETCI expressed, “Today signifies a significant stride in our quantum journey. QETCI is dedicated to establishing a robust foundation in the Quantum Landscape by uniting the education ecosystem. Together, we can cultivate collaboration in shaping curricula, extending crucial support to MSMEs and Startups.” Elaborating on the vision, he added, “QETCI envisions crafting an innovative environment, constructing mechanisms for G2G and B2B collaboration, thus assuming a groundbreaking role in nurturing and fortifying the quantum ecosystem.”

Touching upon the introduction of the Quantum Value Chain Report, he remarked, “The Quantum Value Chain report stands as evidence of our joint efforts in advancing quantum research and development.”

He underscored the pivotal role of the Quantum Value Chain and stressed the significance of international collaboration, stating, “Collaboration is the life force of our quantum pursuits, transcending boundaries and facilitating the smooth flow of knowledge across nations. We must contemplate concrete ways to enhance international collaboration in the quantum realm.”

Emphasizing the significance of the Quantum Value Chain Report, Shri Krishnan, Secretary Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology ( Meity)  highlighted that,” The report sets the groundwork for advancing quantum technologies within the country. Additionally, there are need for collaborative efforts among the government, industry, and academia to prepare the nation for global competitiveness.” He also highlighted MeitY’s initiative in the area of Quantum Technologies.

“The world is looking forward to a paradigm shift from classical to quantum, which holds promise in all aspects of technology. DRDO being one of the leading centres for quantum technologies, is taking steps to further the Government of India’s ambitious National Quantum Mission (NQM)”, said Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairperson of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

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Advanced Test and Inspection at NEPCON Japan 2024

ELE Times - Wed, 12/20/2023 - 12:55

Test Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading Test and Inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, will join NEPCON Japan 2024, held at Tokyo Big Sight from January 24 – 26, 2024, to showcase state-of-the-art Test and Inspection Solutions for the Smart Factory. Visit booth #E17-16 to experience the latest test and inspection innovations for the electronics manufacturing industry.

TRI will unveil the newly released SEMI 3D Optical Inspection Solutions: 3D SEMI SPI TR7007Q SII-S and 3D SEMI AOI TR7700Q SII-S. The SEMI Optical Inspection solutions are built for high-reliability industries and are equipped with superior specifications of a 25MP high-speed camera, 3.5 / 5 µm high-resolution, AI-Powered, and Metrology Ready.

Also presenting at NEPCON Japan will be the High-Speed Multi-Camera 3D AOI, TR7500QE Plus, world-class High-Speed 3D CT AXI TR7600 SIII for multiple industry applications and the most compact ICT in the market, TR5001T SII Tiny.

The AI solutions from TRI include AI Smart Programming, AI Repair Station, and more. TRI’s test and inspection solutions comply with Industry 4.0 standards like the IPC-Hermes-9852, IPC-CFX, and IPC-DPMX.

Join us at NEPCON Japan 2024 booth #E17-16 to discover why the leading EMS companies choose TRI as their Test and Inspection Partner.

The post Advanced Test and Inspection at NEPCON Japan 2024 appeared first on ELE Times.

Navigating the Waves: A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of RFID Cards

ELE Times - Wed, 12/20/2023 - 12:26

The smooth introduction of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology into our everyday routines has revolutionized various sectors by providing effective means of monitoring and controlling objects and data. RFID cards are at the centre of this technological revolution, with applications ranging from inventory management and payment systems to access control. This blog will look at various types of RFID cards and their unique features.

Understanding RFID Frequencies

RFID systems function using three distinct frequencies: ultra-high frequency (UHF), high frequency (HF), and low frequency (LF). The particular requirements of the application and the surrounding circumstances determine the frequency to be used.

1. Low-Frequency (LF) RFID:

LF RFID systems typically operate at 125 kHz or 134 kHz, with a frequency range of 30 kHz to 300 kHz. These cards are resistant to outside interference because of their short reading range of about 10 cm. LF RFID complies with ISO 14223 and ISO/IEC 18000-2 standards and finds use in access control and animal tracking.

2 . High-Frequency (HF) RFID:

HF RFID systems typically run at 13.56 MHz, although they can have frequencies as high as 30 MHz. The reading range (10 cm to 1 m) and data transfer speed are balanced on these cards. Applications utilizing ISO 15693, ECMA-340, ISO/IEC 18092, and MIFARE include tickets, payments, and data transfers.

3. Ultra-High-Frequency (UHF) RFID:

UHF RFID systems follow the UHF Gen2 standard (860 to 960 MHz), which covers frequencies from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. UHF RFID technology offers quick data transmission and a read range of more than 12 meters, making it perfect for medicine identification and retail inventories. EPC Global Gen2 (ISO 18000-63) regulates the global standard.

4. Passive and Active RFID Systems

RFID cards are further categorized as passive or active based on their power source.

  • Passive RFID Cards:

These cards are stable and cost-effective since they run on the energy that the RFID reader transmits. They are used in logistics, inventory control, and access control.

  • Active RFID Cards:

Active RFID cards actively transmit signals because they are equipped with an internal power source, typically a battery. They are appropriate for real-time tracking of valuable assets and vehicles and have an extended read range (more than 100 meters).

Conclusion

RFID technology offers a wide range of solutions to meet the unique requirements of different industries and applications. Every form of RFID card has a certain function, whether it’s the extended read range of UHF RFID cards, the versatile balance of HF RFID cards, or the short-range capabilities of LF RFID cards. RFID card applications will grow further as technology advances, enhancing the productivity and creativity of many industries. In this fast-evolving RFID era, knowing the subtleties of each type of RFID card enables individuals and organizations to select the technology that best suits their needs.

The post Navigating the Waves: A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of RFID Cards appeared first on ELE Times.

Navitas holds 2023 Investor Day at official opening of new HQ

Semiconductor today - Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:42
Gallium nitride (GaN) power IC and silicon carbide (SiC) technology firm Navitas Semiconductor Corp of Torrance, CA, USA held an Opening Ceremony and 2023 Investor Day at its new headquarters in Torrance, CA on 12 December...

Altum RF expands backend infrastructure for production and reliability testing

Semiconductor today - Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:11
Altum RF of Eindhoven, The Netherlands (which designs RF and millimeter-wave semiconductors for commercial and industrial applications) has unveiled its expanded backend production and reliability testing infrastructure in Eindhoven, Netherlands, which supports growing business demands...

ST Wireless Charger Solution for Wearables

ELE Times - Wed, 12/20/2023 - 07:15

Author: Siddharth GHOSH, Sr. Technical Marketing Manager, Power Discrete and Sub Analog (PDSA), STMicroelectronics

India’s wearable market ended 2022 with 46.9% y-o-y (year-over-year) growth, as shipments reached 100 million units, said International Data Corporation (IDC).As per India cellular Electronics Association (ICEA), India accounts for 4-5% of global wearables market by value, which is largely met through imports. Positive policies of the government could drive the complete domestic market to be catered for by local manufacturing and the country could bag a minimum of 8-10% of the global market share through exports by 2026 as per ICEA study.

The India market for earphones and smart watches rose to $2.8 billion in 2022 from $2.1 Billion in 2021. By 2026, the domestic wearables market is expected to touch $4 billion but manufacturing of wearables could reach $4.2 billion of exports.  Implementation of Phased Manufacturing Plan (PMP) on wearables last year helped domestic production reached 40% of the local market in 2022 as against negligible levels in 2021. After PMP, manufacturing growth for wearables reached almost 400% as companies started to produce locally as against relying on imports. All major wearables brands such as Boat, Noise and Firebolt are scaling manufacturing in India.

Innovation will be the key to product success and one of the emerging technologies that is gaining momentum is wireless charging. Inductive charging is the most popular wireless charging technology available followed by resonance-based charging. The Wireless Power Consortium maintains and develops the standards for a variety of wireless power applications. This includes Qi standards for smart phones and portable devices up to 15W of power. There are more than 350 member companies in the consortium including semiconductor giant STMicroelectronics.

STMicroelectronics is a world leader in innovation and a leading supplier of Wireless Charging Solutions for personal electronics, medical and industrial applications. Wireless charging in personal electronics offers great advantages such as water and dust proof design resulting in increased product life, better user experience and port free design.

Wireless Power transfer without charging a battery is another use case which has numerous industrial applications where it can enhance the freedom of movement of robotic arms. In medical and beauty devices, wireless power enables a hermetic product design which can be easily sterilized before subsequent use.

STMicroelectronics offers a wide range of products delivering 1W to 100W of power. STWLC38 is a Qi 1.3 certified Receiver IC which is optimized for space constraint applications such as wearables and hearables. It can deliver up to 15W of power and the total area of the solution (including peripheral components) is 7mm x 7mm. STWLC38 can be paired with STWBC86 which is the Transmitter IC.

STWLC38 comes in a WLCSP40 package (Wafer Level Chip Scale Package) 2.1mm by 3.3mm. The Vout is configurable from 4v – 12v in 25mV resolution. It is packed with the power of ARM 32-bit Cortex™-M0+ core running at up to 64MHz, 32kB RRAM for Firmware patch-ability like flash memory, 64KB ROM and 16kB RAM.

Foreign Object Detection (FOD) is an important step in designing Wireless Power applications. It enables the transmitter and receiver to identify the presence of a foreign object such as coils between the coils and cut off the power. Metal objects when placed in the magnetic field of the transmitter coil can quickly heat up due to generation of eddy currents. STWLC38 is capable of accurate voltage and current measurements and has several protections inbuilt to monitor conditions such as over current, over voltage and over temperature.

STWBC86 is a Qi1.2.4 compatible wireless power transmitter which can transmit up to 5W within Qi spec and up to 15W in proprietary mode. It is a monolithic solution with integrated full-bridge inverter. It also comes with an ARM 32-bit Cortex™-M0+ core running at up to 64MHz, 8 kB of FTP (Few Times Programmable Memory) for firmware patch-ability and 8 kB RAM. The design is optimized for Qi A11a topology and has a low Rds-on inverter for higher efficiency.

Migration from a wired solution to a wireless solution can be a challenging project. To make the process easier, ST has introduced two ready solutions for easy adoption. STDES-WLC38WA (Fig1a) with STDES-WBC86TX (Fig1b) is a complete solution pack for Wearable Application. It comes with PCB Gerber files, Firmware, Software, Design guidelines and technical notes which allows the user to build the PCB and use it as a plug-play device. The PCB area is 7mm*7mm (Fig1c) and highly optimised for space constraint application.

The STDES-WLC38TWS (Fig2a) is a ready solution for TWS (True Wireless Stereo) charging cradle. The custom coil (Fig2b) is optimized for the TWS case and allows the user to build a Wireless charging solution with ease. The time to market can be greatly reduced with the help of these reference designs.

Fig1a: STDES-WLC38WA Wearable Board based on STWLC38 Fig1b: STDES-WBC86TX Transmitter Board based on STWBC86 Fig1c: STDES-WLC38A comparison with 1Euro Fig2a: STDES-WLC38TWS Board based on STWLC38RX Fig2b: Custom Coil for STDES-WLC38TWS Board

Efficiency is best in class for the power range from 5W to 15W (Fig3).

Fig3: Efficiency vs Rs Output Power

The user experience with wireless charging is greatly dependent on how easily the application can be charged. Wireless charging is undoubtedly hindered by the misalignment of the transmitter and the receiver. The last thing we want to see is that the phone or earpiece has been laying on the charger for 2hours and not charged at all!

ST has introduced a patented technology, “ARC or Adaptive rectifier Configuration” which allows the receiver to charge even if it is up to 50% misaligned with the transmitter. This greatly enhances the user experience who can casually just place the smart watch on the charger without paying too much attention to aligning the charging coils and still get charged.

Another great use case that is enabled by ST’s receiver ICs, is reverse charging. This allows the users to use a wireless receiver to function as a wireless transmitter or charger. For instance, the user can use the smart phone to charge another device such as a smart watch or another smart phone.

Design houses also face an uphill task when it comes to Qi certification which is a time taking and expensive exercise. ST offers pre compliance testing to enable innovators to get a head start into interoperability and conformance to Qi standards.

To learn more on how ST could help your next product go completely wireless do visit www.st.com/wirelesscharging.

The post ST Wireless Charger Solution for Wearables appeared first on ELE Times.

Embracing the Future: Key Tech Trends That Can Propel Your Remote Business Forward

Electronic lovers - Wed, 12/20/2023 - 02:47

Pexels

In an era where remote work has become the norm, staying ahead of technological advancements is the key to fostering a thriving business environment. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses that embrace the latest tech trends gain a competitive edge.                 

In this blog post, we delve into the dynamic realm of technology, exploring the key trends that can propel your remote business into the future. From the transformative power of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to the indispensable role of collaboration tools, cybersecurity measures, and the game-changing potential of 5G technology, we unravel the intricacies of each trend.

Join us on this journey as we uncover how these innovations can optimize efficiency, enhance communication, and ultimately redefine the landscape of remote business operations in the years to come.

Time Management Software

Time management software has become an indispensable asset for organizations navigating the challenges of a fast-paced world. This innovative technology empowers business owners to streamline their employees’ daily activities, allocate resources efficiently, and prioritize tasks strategically. With features such as time and attendance tracking, real-time monitoring, and productivity labeling, time management software enhances productivity by providing valuable insights into time utilization patterns.

These tools enable business owners to set realistic goals, improve accountability, and optimize workflows, fostering a more organized and effective work environment. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of time as a valuable resource, investing in intuitive time management software becomes crucial for staying competitive and achieving long-term success.

Cloud Computing: The Foundation of Remote Operations

Cloud computing has revolutionized how businesses operate, particularly remote ones. By adopting cloud solutions for collaboration, data storage, and accessibility from any location worldwide.

Platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud provide scalable infrastructure, enabling businesses to adapt to changing needs and support remote teams effectively. By migrating to the cloud, businesses can streamline operations, enhance security, and improve overall efficiency.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Smart Automation for Remote Work

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing remote business operations by automating repetitive tasks and offering valuable insights. According to a recent study conducted by IBM, a significant 66% of HR executives acknowledge the considerable value that chatbots bring to employee engagement. This underscores the pivotal role of chatbots, virtual assistants, and AI-driven automated workflows in transforming the workplace. These advanced technologies excel at managing routine queries, freeing up valuable time for employees to redirect their efforts toward more complex and strategic tasks.

Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets, helping businesses make data-driven decisions. Integrating AI and ML into remote workflows enhances efficiency and contributes to a more agile and responsive business environment.

Collaboration Tools: Facilitating Seamless Communication

Remote work is only successful if you can communicate effectively. Collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams have become indispensable for remote teams.

These platforms provide real-time messaging, video conferencing, and document sharing to promote seamless communication and collaboration among remote teams. Businesses should invest in these tools so that remote workers can work cohesively together regardless of their physical distance and stay connected through shared ideas and collaboration.

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Remote Operations

As businesses increasingly rely on digital platforms, cybersecurity has become a top priority. Remote work introduces new challenges and risks, making robust cybersecurity measures essential. Implementing encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure VPNs can protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Regular cybersecurity training for remote employees is also crucial to creating a security-aware culture within the organization. By prioritizing cybersecurity, businesses can ensure the integrity of their operations and safeguard against potential threats.

5G Technology: Empowering Remote Connectivity

The rollout of 5G technology is set to revolutionize remote work by providing faster and more reliable internet connectivity. With increased bandwidth and lower latency, 5G facilitates smoother video conferencing, quicker data transfers, and enhanced overall connectivity for remote teams. Businesses should explore the potential of 5G to optimize their remote operations and capitalize on the benefits of improved network capabilities.

Augmented and Virtual Reality: Redefining Remote Collaboration

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are breaking down barriers in remote collaboration. These technologies enable immersive experiences, allowing remote workers to feel more connected despite physical separation.

VR-powered virtual meetings and collaborative AR applications can enhance training, design, and problem-solving processes. As these technologies become more accessible, businesses should explore their potential to foster creativity and improve collaboration among remote teams.

Flexible Project Management Tools: Adapting to Remote Work Dynamics

Traditional project management methods may not fully cater to the unique challenges of remote work. Adopting flexible project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira can help teams stay organized, track progress, and collaborate effectively. These platforms provide transparency and accountability, ensuring that remote teams can manage projects efficiently and adapt to changing priorities seamlessly.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of remote business, embracing technological advancements is not just an option but a necessity. Time management software, cloud computing, AI, collaboration tools, cybersecurity measures, 5G wireless networking technology, AR/VR project management tools, and flexible project management are keys to shaping the future of remote work.

Businesses that leverage cutting-edge technologies will not only flourish in today’s remote work environment but will also gain a competitive edge. By staying current on key tech trends, your remote business could reach new levels of productivity, efficiency, and success in today’s digital environment.

The post Embracing the Future: Key Tech Trends That Can Propel Your Remote Business Forward appeared first on Electronics Lovers ~ Technology We Love.

Intel Announces the Company’s Largest Architectural Change in 40 Years

AAC - Wed, 12/20/2023 - 02:00
Intel's new Core Ultra mobile processors and 5th Gen Xeon processors build in AI acceleration with specialized cores, marking the biggest architectural change since the 80286.

NYSE American commences delisting proceedings for NUBURU’s warrants

Semiconductor today - Tue, 12/19/2023 - 23:24
NYSE American LLC says that the staff of NYSE Regulation has decided to commence proceedings to delist the redeemable warrants of NUBURU, each whole warrant exercisable for one share of common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 (ticker symbol BURU WS) from the NYSE American. Trading in the warrants has subsequently been suspended immediately. Trading in the NUBURU’s common stock (ticker symbol BURU) continues on the NYSE American...

NUBURU wins BlueScan order for coil and motor winding production

Semiconductor today - Tue, 12/19/2023 - 23:09
NUBURU Inc of Centennial, CO, USA — which was founded in 2015 and develops and manufactures high-power industrial blue lasers — has received a purchase order for its BlueScan solution from a “worldwide leader in coil and motor winding and assembly systems to produce electric motors”. BlueScan includes a BL-250 laser, scanner and optics that will be supplied to the customer’s R&D lab where the automotive solenoid manufacturing production process will be validated...

Figuring out a dimmable filament LED light bulb

EDN Network - Tue, 12/19/2023 - 20:23

As also noted previously, I’ve done a lot of LED light bulb teardowns over the years, not even counting LED illumination sources that aren’t bulb-shaped, like touch-activated and motion-sensing panels:

They’re consistently popular with the readers, which is admittedly part of my (and EDN’s) motivation to continue doing them. But I personally also find them fascinating; inevitably I come across at least a thing-or-few that surprise me and/or I learn something from each time.

Today’s teardown “victim” is a two-fer: it’s (traditionally) dimmable, and it’s got a historically atypical but increasingly common multi-LED structure inside it. I alluded to the latter attribute within that earlier three-way bulb dissection project:

…see this comparative image of a conventional (albeit dimmable) LED light bulb also in my teardown pile:

(By the way, notice the hint of what looks like a filament structure inside this dimmable LED bulb. You’re going to have to wait for a future teardown to find out more about that!)

That time is now. But I’m getting ahead of myself; let’s first revisit that earlier “(traditionally) dimmable” comment. Why exactly is it that dimmer switch-compatible LED light bulbs have historically been (and to some degree remain):

  • User complaint-rife
  • Rare, and
  • Notably pricier

than their non-dimmable counterparts?

Here’s a good summary of the situation:

Most dimmers installed today are designed to be used with high-power circuits to drive traditional filament lamps which were all quite uniform and dimmable by just a voltage change. LED lamps on the other hand are low-power and more complex. An LED bulb is a solid-state product that has built in circuitry (called a driver) that takes high-voltage AC input current and converts it to low-voltage DC current to drive the LEDs. Furthermore driver specifications are not uniform across the LED industry.

They are many different types of dimmers installed in homes and offices of various specifications (e.g. resistive; leading-edge and trailing-edge and electronic). So when using new LED lamps with existing dimmers there is a matching of old technology with new which can be challenging.

The driver in dimmable LED lamps may work with many types of dimmer but not all, for instance LED lamps tend to work better with trailing-edge dimmers rather than leading-edge dimmers, but an existing dimmer may have a minimum load that is too high for an LED lamp, e.g. A 60W filament lamp may use a dimmer that has a minimum load of 25W the replacement LED has a power rating of 6.5W – below the level required by the dimmer. Dedicated LED dimmers have a very low minimum power rating.

The dimming experience can be different with LED. Overall the LED dimming performance is regulated by the capability of the LED driver/chip and the compatibility of the dimming circuit. Since there are a huge number of possible combinations of lamps and dimmer, it is very difficult to produce an LED lamp that works in all dimming environments.

LED currently have a lower dimming range than a filament lamp – LEDs currently dim down to about 10% of the total light output whereas filaments may go down to 1-2%. Low-voltage transformers as used with MR16 12V spotlights also add to the complexity.

Some of the issues that may occur when a dimmer is incompatible with an LED lamp are:

  • Flickering – Lamps will flicker (can also occur if a non-dimmable lamp is used)
  • Drop-out – No light output at the end of the scale
  • Dead travel – When the dimmer is adjusted there is no matching change in light output (light may not dim to acceptable level)
  • Not smooth – Light output may not go from dim to bright linearly
  • Multiple lamps – issues may become apparent when multiple lamps are added
  • Damage or failure – LED driver, circuit or LED is damaged or fails.
  • Load below minimum – The power load of the LED lamp is below the minimum required by the dimmer
  • Mixed models- Different models of LED will likely have different drivers – since drivers behave differently this could result in dimming issues.

I’ve personally experienced several of these issues with the arrays of dimmable BR40 LED light bulbs in my residence’s hallways and rooms, which replaced incandescent predecessors. On that note, however, also notice the words “traditional filament lamps” in the previous website article excerpt. Hold that thought.

One more clarification, regarding “(traditionally)”, before proceeding. If you look back at my prior LED light bulb teardowns, you’ll find several “smart” bulbs documented as being dimmable (as well as capable of changing their color temperature and broader color output, generating various strobe patterns, varying their behavior at various times of day, and the like). This isn’t them. Those earlier bulbs, as their “smart” names imply, integrate networked intelligence that handles not only AC-to-DC conversion but also dimming and other functions, are powered by a consistent AC voltage input and are controlled by a smartphone app, an Amazon Echo, or the like. The “dumb” bulb we’re showcasing today is conversely intended to act just like its incandescent precursor, dependent on the varying voltage coming to it from premises power in combination with an in-between dimmer switch to determine the brightness lumens it outputs.

Let’s dive in, as-usual starting with some outer box shots. Today’s victim comes from an A21 form factor four-bulb package, with “soft white” (2700K, to be exact) color temperature and 100W incandescent-equivalent (15W actual) brightness (1600 lumens, to be precise). I bought ‘em from Walmart (“Great Value” is the store brand) back in early February on sale for $1.97, believe it or not (that said, they’re $15.97-for-four as I type these words in early November).

Front view first; particularly note the “Frosted Glass” mention. I didn’t. Again, hold that thought:

Left side:

Back (it came to me pre-dented, but the contents were thankfully still intact):

Now for the right side. In that earlier box-front shot you might have also noticed the three asterisks next to “Dimmable”. Per the earlier discussion in this writeup, here’s what right-side verbiage they reference:

May not be compatible with all dimmers. Dimming compatibility available at www.walmart.com.

Top:

and bottom:

Here are some “stock” images of a standalone bulb:

and its industry-standard E26 base:

Speaking of stock images, look how happy these two are with their new light bulb! (I digress):

And here’s our victim in real life, as usual accompanied by a 0.75″ (19.1 mm) diameter U.S. penny for size comparison purposes:

Top:

Various views of the base from the side, to show the various markings stamped in it:

And another of the bottom end, reminiscent of the earlier one (which I admittedly didn’t look at until after I took this one, therefore the similarity):

Now to get inside…and now for my confession regarding the earlier “frosted glass” comment. I hadn’t, as previously mentioned, in-advance noticed that particular portion of the packaging’s front-panel notation. And I’m pretty sure that every other LED light bulb I’ve taken apart to date has had a plastic globe. So, although I still distinctly remember having thought something along the lines of “gee, this sure feels like a legacy glass-globe incandescent bulb” when taking it out of the box, I banished the thought and proceeded forward, operating on my must-be-plastic presumption. Insufficient questioning of assumptions strikes again…

First, I tried clamping down on, and then twisting, the bulb base with a pair of pliers while holding onto the globe with my bare hands. Are you cringing yet? I sure am, thinking about it in retrospect. Thankfully, that attempt was unsuccessful (or, depending on your perspective, successful). As was my next “brilliant” idea, to take a hacksaw to the junction between globe and base. My guardian angel (unlike my brain) was obviously working overtime that day.

Third attempt: expose the globe to my heat gun on its highest temperature setting. The globe didn’t eventually begin softening/melting as plastic ones previously had, which I thought was strange at the time. Instead, it eventually exploded with a loud “pop”, partially shattering into shards all over my kitchen. Thank goodness I was wearing eyes-protecting glasses that day:

Putting the remainder in a thick plastic bag and tapping on it with a ball peen hammer completed the glass (yes, Brian, glass, not plastic) globe-removal task:

What do we have here? I’ve provided multiple side-view overviews to give you a fuller picture:

In contrast, here’s a multi-LED array picture taken from my very first LED light bulb teardown of a 60W (dimmable as well, as it turns out; I didn’t realize its distinctiveness at the time) device back in September 2016:

What we have here today is a set of six LED filaments, together comprising the illumination nexus of this light bulb. From the as-usual excellent Wikipedia summary:

A LED filament light bulb is a LED lamp which is designed to resemble a traditional incandescent light bulb with visible filaments for aesthetic and light distribution purposes, but with the high efficiency of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). It produces its light using LED filaments, which are series-connected strings of diodes that resemble in appearance the filaments of incandescent light bulbs. They are direct replacements for conventional clear (or frosted) incandescent bulbs, as they are made with the same envelope shapes, the same bases that fit the same sockets, and work at the same supply voltage. They may be used for their appearance, similar when lit to a clear incandescent bulb, or for their wide angle of light distribution, typically 300°. They are also more efficient than many other LED lamps.

Here’s more, complete with Wikipedia-sourced pictures:

The LED filament consists of multiple series-connected LEDs on a transparent substrate, referred to as chip-on-glass (COG). These transparent substrates are made of glass or sapphire materials. This transparency allows the emitted light to disperse evenly and uniformly without any interference. An even coating of yellow phosphor in a silicone resin binder material converts the blue light generated by the LEDs into light approximating white light of the desired colour temperature—typically 2700 K to match the warm white of an incandescent bulb.

Structure of a typical filament.

Closeup of a filament at 5% power, showing the individual LED light spots.

And now, some photos of my own, taken of the assemblage from various perspectives:

The various LED filaments’ conductors split off at the base and travel vertically in parallel, rejoining and “completing the circuit” via the transparent “tube” at the center.

So, here’s what baffles me, although I have some theories. Why on earth would Walmart and its bulb supplier go with a fairly exotic LED filament approach for bulbs that sold for only $0.50 each? I’d get it if the globes were clear, so that a customer (like those two happy folks you saw earlier) could fully enjoy the incandescent-reminiscent cosmetics:

But why with a bulb whose illumination source is obscured by a frosted globe?

Part of the reason, I suspect, is the aforementioned near-360° coverage of the approach versus a 180°-or-less spread of a traditional bulb with an array of LEDs spread out in only two horizontal dimensions (although again, the diffusion aspects of a near-360° frosted globe above the array would seemingly minimize any inherent LED filament advantage).

The other, bigger, reason, I suspect, is two-fold and related. Although the LED filament structure itself may be more expensive to manufacture (albeit less so over time thanks to high-volume manufacturing efficiencies) the complexity, therefore cost, not to mention size of the circuitry driving those LED filaments can be less, as a total-cost counterbalance. I suspect, too, that this circuitry simplification also makes LED filament-based bulbs inherently more dimmer-friendly.

Here’s a pictorial representation of what I’m talking about:

And here’s more from Wikipedia, further bolstering my hypothesis:

A benefit of the filament design is potentially higher efficiency due to the use of more LED emitters with lower driving currents…The power supply in a clear bulb must be very small to fit into the base of the lamp. The large number of LEDs (typically 28 per filament) simplifies the power supply compared to other LED lamps, as the voltage per blue LED is between 2.48 and 3.7 volts DC. Some types may additionally use red LEDs (1.63 V to 2.03 V). Two filaments with a mix of red and blue is thus close to 110 V, and four are close to 220–240 V, compared to the mains AC voltage reduction to between 3 V and 12 V needed for other LED lamps.

Then there’s this, explaining (among other things) the eventual explosion after my bulb’s glass (did I mention that?) globe’s lengthy exposure to high heat:

The lifespan of LED emitters is reduced by high operating temperatures. LED filament bulbs have many smaller, lower-power LED chips than other types, avoiding the need for a heatsink, but they must still pay attention to thermal management; multiple heat-dissipation paths are needed for reliable operation. The lamp may contain a high-thermal-conductivity gas (helium) blend to better conduct heat from the LED filament to the glass bulb. The LED filaments can be arranged to optimize heat dissipation. The life expectancy of the LED chips correlates to the junction temperature (Tj); light output falls faster with time at higher junction temperatures. Achieving a 30,000 hour life expectancy while maintaining 90% luminous flux requires the junction temperature to be maintained below 85 °C. Also worth noting is that LED filaments can burn out quickly if the controlled gas fill is ever lost for any reason.

So, there you have it. The base of this bulb, like that of the charging base for the rechargeable electric toothbrush in a recent teardown, is “potted”, as you can probably tell from some of the photos I took, so I’m not going to bother trying to pry it open (the lingering shards of sharp-edge glass are admittedly also a deterrent). But as the earlier conceptual diagram suggests, the circuitry inside it is likely pretty elementary. I hope you’ve found this teardown exercise “illuminating” (hardy har har) and I welcome your thoughts in the comments!

Brian Dipert is the Editor-in-Chief of the Edge AI and Vision Alliance, and a Senior Analyst at BDTI and Editor-in-Chief of InsideDSP, the company’s online newsletter.

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The post Figuring out a dimmable filament LED light bulb appeared first on EDN.

International Researchers Move the Needle on Memristor Technology

AAC - Tue, 12/19/2023 - 20:00
Academics across the globe have made concurrent breakthroughs in a new form of non-volatile memory.

MediaTek Revolutionizes Connectivity with Launch of Dimensity 9300 and 8300 Chipsets, Elevating Generative AI Integration

ELE Times - Tue, 12/19/2023 - 13:46

In a groundbreaking announcement, MediaTek, the global fabless semiconductor powerhouse responsible for powering nearly 2 billion connected devices annually, has introduced its latest Dimensity 9300 and 8300 chipsets, emphasizing their cutting-edge Generative AI capabilities.

At the 13th chapter of the MediaTek Technology Diaries, themed ‘Powering Incredible Experiences with Futuristic Technologies,’ the company reaffirmed its commitment to driving the adoption of future-ready technologies across various domains. The event showcased MediaTek’s diverse portfolio, including Dimensity for 5G smartphones, Helio G series for 4G gaming smartphones, Pentonic for Smart TV technologies, Kompanio for arm-based Chromebooks, Filogic for smart Wi-Fi 6/6E & Wi-Fi 7 solutions, Genio for Internet of Things, and Dimensity Auto for innovative automotive technologies.

Key Announcements and Discussions:

  1. Smartphones and Smart Devices:
    • The MediaTek Dimensity flagship family, featuring Dimensity 9300, 9200+, 9200, 9000+, and 9000 SoCs, and the premium family with Dimensity 8300, 8300-Ultra, 8200, 8100, and 8050, showcased MediaTek’s leadership in diverse applications.
    • MediaTek continues to lead in digital TVs, smart speakers, Wi-Fi routers, arm-based Chromebooks, and other smart home products

2.  Networking & Connectivity:

    • Filogic 860 and Filogic 360 solutions deliver Wi-Fi 7 speeds, peak performance, and always-on reliability.
    • MediaTek T750 and T830 5G CPE chipsets enable fast 5G connectivity in homes and businesses with advanced broadband solutions.

3. MediaTek & NVIDIA Partnership:

    • A global collaboration to design next-gen intelligent, always-connected vehicles with advanced AI, connectivity, and computing capabilities.
    • MediaTek Dimensity Auto range includes solutions like Dimensity Auto Cockpit, Dimensity Auto Connect, Dimensity Auto Drive, and Dimensity Auto Components.

4. MediaTek Leveraging Meta’s Llama 2:

    • Aimed at building a complete edge computing ecosystem for accelerating AI application development across smartphones, IoT, vehicles, smart homes, and other edge devices.

5. 5G Satellite NTN:

    • MediaTek’s 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solution brings two-way satellite communications to smartphones and devices.
    • Devices powered by MediaTek MT6825 and Bullitt Satellite Connect include Cat S75 smartphone, Motorola defy 2 smartphone, and Motorola defy satellite link.

Industry Expert Insights:

The event featured a panel discussion titled ‘Next-Gen Technology – Reshaping India’s Digital Transformation,’ moderated by Rajiv Makhni. Panelists included Tarun Pathak from Counterpoint, Faisal Kawoosa from TechArc, Prabhu Ram from CMR, and Kartik Vasudevan from GfK.

Tarun Pathak, Research Director at Counterpoint Research, emphasized the importance of personalized experiences, with a focus on ultra-fast connectivity, making companies like MediaTek well-positioned in the smartly connected devices space.

Prabhu Ram, Head- of the Industry Intelligence Group at CyberMedia Research, highlighted the significance of Edge-AI for augmenting human intelligence, enabling hyper-personalization, responsiveness, privacy, and customization.

Kartik Vasudevan, Director, of Client Success Management, India at GfK, emphasized the role of AI, high-quality performance features, and 5G/6G-enabled products in shaping India’s digital highway, particularly driven by the tech-first lifestyle of GenZ.

Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India, expressed MediaTek’s excitement for the next five years, promising a deeper dive into next-gen technology advancements to lead in the Generative AI era.

The MediaTek Technology Diaries:

This interactive and informative series aligns with MediaTek’s philosophy of making advanced technology accessible, aiming to enhance, enrich, and make users smarter and healthier in their daily lives.

The post MediaTek Revolutionizes Connectivity with Launch of Dimensity 9300 and 8300 Chipsets, Elevating Generative AI Integration appeared first on ELE Times.

Riber launches MBE 8000 for mass production of epiwafers

Semiconductor today - Tue, 12/19/2023 - 13:09
Riber S.A. of Bezons, France – which makes molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) systems as well as evaporation sources – has announced final qualification of its MBE 8000 production platform by leading US epiwafer manufacturer...

Top 10 Drone Startups in India

ELE Times - Tue, 12/19/2023 - 11:00

Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have become crucial in many sectors including logistics and border security. With continuous enhancements and innovations at the forefront of drone technology, India is rising as a leading nation in bringing the finest, most competitive and intricate drone technologies to market. 

Top 10 Drone Startups in India 

We have curated a list of the top 10 drone startups in India that are excelling in manufacturing, designing, or training in UAV technology solutions. 

Skylark Drones

Working for verticals across deployment of solar energy, Yield estimation, Road surveys, volumetric measurements etc. Skylark Drones is among the top-performing startups in the drone technology space. Skylark also happens to be the only company featured by Germany’s Dronell. 

Their Product catalogue- 

  • Drone Mission ops – Full-stack flight solution 
  • Spectra – An integrated drone data platform
  • Watchtower – A free interactive Airspace map
IdeaForge

IdeaForge is a prominent player in the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) market. They have the largest operational deployment of indigenous UAVs across India. Its customers have completed over 380,000 flights using their UAVs. 

Their Drones are designed for two categories – 

  • Mapping – RYNO UAV, Q6 UAV
  • Security and Surveillance – Switch UAV, NETRA V4 Pro, NETRA V4+ UAV, Q4i UAV, NINJA UAV

Application areas – 

  • Conducting Land Surveys 
  • Wide range of mining area planning and mapping 
  • Execute volumetric estimations
  • Streamline oil and gas operations
  • Conduct surveillance operations
  • Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
  • Border Security
  • Crime Control
Garuda Aerospace

Garuda is a Drone-as-a-Service company, that has completed 350 projects and employs over 500 drone pilots. They have an extensive suite of Products that define cutting-edge innovation and high-end technologies like – 

  • Garuda Kisan drone
  • Surveillance Drone
  • Industry drone
  • Stringing Drone
  • Surya Solar panel Cleaning Drone
  • Vriksha Vahaan Sedd dropping Drone
  • Loudspeaker Drone
Marut Drones

Marut is India’s most prominent Agricultural Drone manufacturer. They are developing a wide range of drones for Pesticide Spraying, Crop intelligence, Afforestation, Surveillance, Logistics, Direct seeding, training, mapping, and agriculture. 

Product Catalogue-

  • Kisan drone – AG 365, AG 365S
  • Training drone – RPTO-S, RPTO-M
  • Afforestation drone – Seedcopter-L10
  • Public health drone – MARUT ZAP- L10
  • Logistics drone – Hepicopter – MD 10 
Asteria Aerospace

Asteria is another leading Drone-as-a-Service company that caters to industries like defence and homeland security, oil and gas, mining, telecom, industrial security etc. Their range of products includes-

  • Drones – A200, A200-XT, A410-XT, AT-15
  • SkyDeck – Cloud-based drone operations platform for end-to-end Drone-as-a-Service solution
  • Asteria Mission Control – UI application to make drone piloting easy
Drona Aviation 

Drone Aviation provides top-notch and developer-friendly design kits for easy assembling and coding of drones. Their drones are developed with a modular approach that helps users build on design frameworks easily. The kit also has an open-source SDK and IDE that helps build custom drones. Their Drone Catalogue includes – Pluto X, and Pluto 1.2

DroneAcharya Aerial

DroneAcharya provides best-in-class drone services, training, and GIS data solutions, and is also ready to manufacture high-end drones catering to many industries. Some of the highly known and taken drone courses are – 

  • DGCA Drone Pilot Training Course (Pune)
  • DGCA Drone Pilot Training Course (GUJARAT)
  • DGCA Drone Pilot Training Course (IIT Ropar)
  • Drone Building Course
  • Drones In Agriculture
  • Disaster Management With Drones
  • Drone Data Processing With GIS
  • Aerial Cinematography & Videography
Endure Air Systems

Endure Air is an Unmanned Aviation Technology company specializing in developing cutting-edge drone technologies and customisable drone solutions. They have till date acquired 8 patents in the VTOL technology. 

Drone catalogue– 

  • E-Vibhram
  • G-Vibhram
  • Alakh

Application areas

  • ISR Operations and Border Surveillance
  • Confines area surveillance
  • High-altitude surveillance
  • Perimeter security
  • Disaster rescue operation
  • Crowd Monitoring
  • Logistics
Dhaksha Unmanned Systems 

Dhaksha Unmanned Systems as a startup in the drone technology segment focuses on meeting real-time demands of homeland security and the civil commercial market segment. They are known for their end-to-end UAS technology solutions. 

Drone Catalogue – 

  • DH-AGRIGATOR 
  • DH-HM 
  • DH-QUAD 
  • DH-VTHT
  • DH-MICRO QUAD
  • DH-HELI
  • DH-MAPPER
  • DH-NANO QUAD

Application areas –  

  • Crowd and disaster management
  • Agricultural spraying 
  • Traffic Monitoring 
  • Remote data acquisition
  • Survey and area violation study
TechEagle 

TechEagle is a highly competitive brand in enabling On-Demand Drone Delivery for maritime, defence, e-commerce, healthcare etc. Some distinct and critical features that the company works on for all their drones are- Hybrid VTOL, long-range, safe and secure. Vikram Singh Meena and Anshu Abhishek, the founders of TechEagle were featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list for 2022. TechEagle also demonstrated the Made in India, Fastest Hybrid VTOL drone, Vertiplane X3 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Drone Mahotsav in Delhi.

The post Top 10 Drone Startups in India appeared first on ELE Times.

Cutting-Edge AI Computing Unleashed with Latest COM Express Compact Modules

ELE Times - Tue, 12/19/2023 - 08:17

In a significant leap forward for embedded and edge computing, a leading provider of technology in this space is unveiling its latest series of COM Express Compact modules featuring the groundbreaking Intel Core Ultra processors. These modules, equipped with a blend of CPU, GPU, and NPU compute engines, are poised to redefine the landscape for running demanding AI workloads at the edge.

The COM Express Compact modules boast a unique architecture, leveraging powerful P-cores and efficient E-cores for general computing, along with the high-performance Intel Arc GPU designed for graphics-intensive tasks. Adding to this impressive lineup is the integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) known as Intel AI Boost, which provides advanced neural processing capabilities to the overall computational framework.

The incorporation of the NPU is a game-changer, enabling the seamless integration of advanced AI workloads with reduced system complexity and costs compared to discrete accelerators. This development positions the Intel Core Ultra processor-based Computer-on-Modules as an optimal choice for applications demanding high-performance real-time computing coupled with robust AI capabilities. Industries such as surgery robotics, medical imaging, diagnostic systems, and industrial applications like inspection systems, stationary robotic arms, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) stand to benefit significantly.

Tim Henrichs, VP of Global Marketing & Business Development at Congatec, emphasizes the ease of integration and application readiness offered by the new conga-TC700 COM Express Compact Computer-on-Modules. “OEMs can effortlessly upgrade existing applications by simply exchanging the module, instantly gaining access to cutting-edge AI technologies. Integrating artificial intelligence into x86-based systems has never been more straightforward.”

Key Features of conga-TC700 COM Express Compact Modules:

  • Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors (code-named Meteor Lake), among the most power-efficient x86 client SoCs in the market.
  • Up to 6 P-Cores and 8 E-Cores support up to 20 threads, enabling the consolidation of distributed devices onto a single platform for enhanced cost-effectiveness.
  • Intel Arc GPU with up to 8 Xe Cores and 128 EUs, capable of handling stunning graphics up to 2x 8K resolution and ultra-fast GPGPU-based vision data processing.
  • Integrated NPU Intel AI Boost for efficient execution of machine learning algorithms and AI inferences.
  • Up to 96 GB DDR SO-DIMM with in-band ECC at 5600 MT/s for power-efficient high data throughput and low latency.

The modules are backed by Congatec’s robust OEM solution-focused ecosystem, offering efficient cooling solutions, evaluation carrier boards, and real-time hypervisor technology for virtual machine deployments. Additional services include shock and vibration tests, temperature screening, high-speed signal compliance testing, design-in services, and comprehensive training sessions to simplify the utilization of Congatec’s embedded computer technologies. The new conga-TC700 COM Express Compact Type 6 modules support an embedded temperature range from 0 °C to 60 °C, available in standard configurations.

The post Cutting-Edge AI Computing Unleashed with Latest COM Express Compact Modules appeared first on ELE Times.

Orbbec Leverages Nvidia Jetson in 3D Vision Camera-Computer Kit

AAC - Tue, 12/19/2023 - 02:00
Orbbec's new camera-computer kit for 3D vision is a lesson in AI collaboration.

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