ELE Times

LiFi, GiFi, and Wi-Fi are innovative wireless communication technologies, each offering unique capabilities in data transmission, speed, range, and security. This article explores their features, applications, and distinctions.

LiFi 

LiFi (Light Fidelity) is a wireless communication technology that transmits data using light, much like Wi-Fi relies on radio waves. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, which operates on radio frequencies, LiFi transmits data by modulating light from a light-emitting diode (LED) bulb. This modulation happens so quickly that it is imperceptible to the human eye. The photodetector captures the light signals and translates them back into data.

Key Features of LiFi:

1. High-speed data transfer: LiFi can offer data transfer speeds that surpass traditional Wi-Fi in certain cases.
2. Security: Since light does not pass through walls, the signal is confined to a specific area, providing enhanced security compared to radio-frequency-based communication.
3. Efficiency: LiFi can work with existing LED lighting infrastructure, making it energy-efficient and potentially reducing the need for additional network equipment.
4. Interference-free: It avoids interference from radio frequency devices, which can be an issue for Wi-Fi in certain environments (e.g., hospitals or airplanes).

Applications of LiFi:

• Smart homes and offices: For high-speed internet access using ambient light sources.
• Healthcare: In hospitals, where radio-frequency communication may interfere with medical equipment, LiFi can provide a safe alternative.
• Autonomous vehicles: LiFi can be used for communication between vehicles and infrastructure in smart cities.

Though still in the early stages of development compared to Wi-Fi, LiFi has the potential to revolutionize wireless communication by leveraging light as a medium for high-speed data transfer.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi (short for Wireless Fidelity) is a technology that allows devices to connect to the internet or local networks wirelessly using radio waves. It allows devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics to connect wirelessly to a router or access point linked to the internet, eliminating the need for cables.

Key Features of Wi-Fi:

1. Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi allows devices to connect to the internet or local area networks (LAN) without using wired connections, offering convenience and mobility.
2. Range: Wi-Fi works over short to medium distances, typically within a home, office, or public area (depending on the strength of the router or access point).
3. Multiple Devices: Wi-Fi supports multiple devices connecting to a single router or access point at the same time, allowing many users to share an internet connection.
4. Speed: Wi-Fi networks offer varying speeds depending on the technology used (e.g., Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6). For instance, Wi-Fi 6 provides higher speeds and improved efficiency in managing multiple connected devices.
5. Security: Wi-Fi networks can be secured with encryption methods like WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 to prevent unauthorized access.

How It Works:

1. Router/Access Point: A Wi-Fi router or access point is connected to the internet via a wired connection (e.g., fiber or DSL). This device emits radio signals.
2. Devices: Devices with Wi-Fi capabilities, such as smartphones or laptops, receive these radio signals and use them to communicate with the router, thus allowing access to the internet or local network resources.

Applications of Wi-Fi:

• Home Networking: Enabling internet connectivity for various household devices, including smart TVs, printers, gaming consoles, and smartphones.
• Public Wi-Fi: Many public spaces like cafes, airports, hotels, and libraries offer free or paid Wi-Fi for customers.
• Business Use: Wi-Fi is used in offices and workplaces to facilitate communication, file sharing, and internet access without the need for wired connections.

Wi-Fi is one of the most widely used technologies for wireless internet access and local networking, offering a high degree of convenience, speed, and flexibility.

GiFi

GiFi (also sometimes written as “Gifi”) is a short-range wireless communication technology that was designed to offer high-speed data transfer at close ranges. It operates in a similar way to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but with certain features aimed at achieving faster data rates and efficient communication for specific types of devices.

Key Features of GiFi:

1. High-Speed Data Transfer: GiFi was developed to offer fast data transfer speeds, potentially much higher than Bluetooth, and similar to Wi-Fi in terms of throughput, but optimized for short-range communication.
2. Short Range: GiFi is intended for short-range communication (typically up to 10 meters), making it suitable for personal area networks (PANs) and device-to-device communication in close proximity.
3. Frequency Band: GiFi operates in the 5 GHz frequency range, which is the same range used by Wi-Fi, enabling it to offer faster communication without interference from other common wireless technologies like Bluetooth.
4. Low Power Consumption: GiFi was designed to be energy-efficient, which would be ideal for battery-powered devices like smartphones, cameras, and other mobile electronics.

Potential Applications:

• Media Sharing: GiFi could enable the fast transfer of media such as photos, videos, and large files between devices, similar to how Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct work.
• Home Automation: It could be used for communication between smart home devices like lights, sensors, and appliances in a home network.
• Mobile Device Communication: Devices like smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronics could use GiFi for high-speed data sharing over short distances.

Current Status:

Despite its potential, GiFi did not gain widespread adoption and was largely overshadowed by more popular technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi Direct, which dominate the short-range wireless communication market.

GiFi remains a niche concept in wireless communications, with limited use or development in the broader consumer technology ecosystem.

Here’s a comparison of LiFi, GiFi, and Wi-Fi. This table highlights the key differences and strengths of each technology.

Feature	LiFi	GiFi	Wi-Fi
Technology	Uses visible light (LED) for data transmission	Uses radio waves (5 GHz) for short-range communication	Uses radio waves (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) for data transmission
Speed	Up to 10 Gbps or more	High-speed, similar to Wi-Fi for short range	Up to 9.6 Gbps (Wi-Fi 6)
Range	Short (typically within the same room)	Very short (up to a few meters)	Moderate (up to 100 meters indoors)
Frequency	Visible light spectrum	5 GHz	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6)
Security	Very secure (light cannot pass through walls)	Secured with typical encryption	Secured with WPA2/WPA3 encryption
Interference	Minimal (no radio frequency interference)	Less interference than Bluetooth but still susceptible	Can suffer interference from other RF signals (e.g., microwaves, other Wi-Fi networks)
Power Efficiency	Depends on LED usage, but generally energy-efficient	Energy-efficient (designed for mobile devices)	Power-consuming (especially for routers)
Primary Use Case	High-speed data in secure or confined environments (e.g., offices, hospitals)	Short-range, high-speed file sharing between devices	General internet access, networking, streaming, and file sharing
Adoption	Emerging, still in development	Limited adoption, niche use	Widely adopted, widely available
Infrastructure	Requires special light sources (LED bulbs)	Requires devices that support GiFi technology	Standard infrastructure (Wi-Fi routers, access points)
Device Compatibility	Devices with light sensors required	Devices supporting GiFi needed	Most devices (smartphones, laptops, smart devices, etc.) support Wi-Fi

 

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By: STMicroelectronics

Page EEPROM for asset tracking? Yes, indeed! A lot of companies with great assets are tracking how Page EEPROM is on track to transform asset tracking. While the phrasing is cheeky, the phenomenon is quite real. A couple of studies published just a few months ago both anticipate EEPROMs to exceed one billion dollars by 2030. Interestingly, both reports cite ST as a leading player, noting how innovative EEPROMs are driving this growth. Put simply, Page EEPROM is responsible for massive transformations in numerous industries, like medical devices and hearing aids. Let us, therefore, explore why this memory is gaining ground in asset tracking systems and what engineers should know to ensure that they stay ahead of this new trend.

What makes asset tracking special?

Asset tracking applications must deal with unique challenges because they often have an abnormally long lifespan. In many cases, the asset tracker doesn’t regularly return to a base. In some cases, it never does. Hence, changing a battery or physically accessing a terminal to update its firmware can be a real problem. Consequently, systems must not only be small and consume little power because they operate on batteries but also last five to ten years, and sometimes more. Hence, every microamp counts. Similarly, the memory must be robust and have enough endurance to survive hundreds of thousands of read-write cycles because their lifespan is so long.

What makes Page EEPROM unique? The basic workings of Page EEPROM

Avid readers of the ST Blog already know that ST’s Page EEPROM solves many of these issues with its ultra-low power consumption of 500 µA in read operations, its high data rate of 320 Mbit/s, and its high endurance of half a million read-write cycles per page. Thanks to its hybrid architecture, which uses 16-byte words and 512-byte pages while still enabling byte-level write operations, the Page EEPROM retains the flexibility and robustness of traditional EEPROMs while offering capacities and speeds on par with Flash. This unique structure also explains why ST is at the forefront of the EEPROM expansion, as Page EEPROMs can now serve applications that would have had to use Flash.

Consequently, Page EEPROM is often found in data logging applications and used for firmware management. Traditionally, engineers use EEPROM to log a lot of small data, like sensor information, due to its byte-level architecture. However, the memory itself lacks speed. Conversely, firmware management needs speed as it usually entails a large data transfer but doesn’t require the same granularity. Thanks to Page EEPROM, integrators get the best of both worlds, which means that they can use one time of memory for more applications, thus getting a better return on their investment.

What asset tracking applications do most often? Asset tracking applications have very unique needs

However, when an application like asset tracking must last a decade in the field, an application needs more than low power consumption. Tracking assets comes with the unique technical consideration that the system spends most of its time asleep. Indeed, the MCU will only wake up at specific intervals, and the external memory is active for only a short while to record information before adopting the lowest power mode possible. As a result, the power consumption during those off times is even more critical, and the time the memory takes to boot up is also a key factor because it will affect how long the system stays awake and thus consumes more energy.

What difference does a 30 µs power-up time make?

Page EEPROM is interesting because it’s possible to turn it entirely off while enjoying a power-up time of only 30 µs when connected to the MCU’s GPIO. Comparatively, a memory like Flash is often kept in a deep low-power mode, partly because it would take ten times longer to boot up. Hence, thanks to our memory’s inherent speed, it’s possible to spend no current at all most of the time, use the MCU to wake it up quickly, write to it, and then power it back down. Something that’s not feasible with Flash. Interestingly, this aspect has already drawn ST partners to adopt our Page EEPROM in asset-tracking applications.

Many engineers may also have noticed that driving the Vcc line of the memory with one of the MCU’s GPIO pins is unusual. Indeed, this is impossible with a traditional flash module because their peak current consumption is too high. However, because ST’s Page EEPROM never requires more than 4 mA, it becomes possible to power it using the microcontroller’s pin, thus ensuring a simpler design and faster power-up time.

What to do to get started with Page EEPROM for asset tracking? X-NUCLEO-PGEEZ1: A great place to start using Page EEPROM for asset tracking

We developed an internal demo firmware showcasing an asset-tracking system. As the video above demonstrates, it uses a Bluetooth connector to send data wirelessly and implements features like data logging and over-the-air update capabilities. Developers thus get to see what’s possible on our platform. We are also sharing a firmware over-the-air implementation that can run on evaluation boards coupled with the X-NUCLEO-PGEEZ1 daughterboard, which houses a 32 MB Page EEPROM. Put simply, we want to help developers avoid a vital mistake: thinking memory is just a commodity, and it won’t have a tremendous impact on their application.

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An actuator in IoT (Internet of Things) refers to a device that converts electrical energy or signals into physical motion or action. It interacts with the physical environment by performing specific tasks based on commands received from a control system, often as a result of data analysis from IoT sensors.

Key Characteristics of Actuators in IoT:

1. Physical Interaction: Actuators affect the physical world by creating movement, controlling systems, or altering conditions (e.g., opening valves, adjusting motors, or turning on lights).
2. Control Signals: They operate based on signals received from a central IoT system, which processes data collected by sensors.
3. Energy Conversion: Actuators typically convert one form of energy (electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic) into mechanical motion or other forms of output.

Types of Actuators in IoT

In the IoT ecosystem, actuators are essential components that convert electrical signals into physical actions. Different types of actuators are used depending on the nature of the application and the required action. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of actuators used in IoT:

Based on Motion

a) Linear Actuators

• Function: Convert energy into straight-line motion (push or pull).
• Examples: Automatic doors, conveyor systems, adjustable furniture.
• Applications: Smart factories, robotics, and industrial automation.

b) Rotary Actuators

• Function: Convert energy into rotational motion.
• Examples: Motors, valves, rotary arms.
• Applications: Robotic joints, rotating machinery, and smart appliances.

2. Based on Energy Source

a) Electric Actuators

• Energy Source: Electricity.
• Function: Use electric power to create motion or force.
• Examples: Electric motors, solenoids.
• Applications: Smart home devices (electric curtains, locks), robotics, and industrial automation.
• Advantages: Precise control, easy integration with electronic systems.

b) Pneumatic Actuators

• Energy Source: Compressed air.
• Function: Use air pressure to create motion.
• Examples: Pneumatic valves, air-powered pumps.
• Applications: Manufacturing, smart irrigation, and HVAC systems.
• Advantages: Simple design, reliable for high-force applications.

c) Hydraulic Actuators

• Energy Source: Hydraulic fluid.
• Function: Use pressurized liquid to create motion or force.
• Examples: Hydraulic arms, lifts, and presses.
• Applications: Heavy machinery, agricultural IoT systems.
• Advantages: High force output, suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

d) Thermal Actuators

• Energy Source: Heat or temperature changes.
• Function: Use thermal expansion to produce motion.
• Examples: Thermostats, temperature-regulated valves.
• Applications: Smart HVAC systems, temperature-sensitive processes.

3. Based on Control Mechanism

a) On/Off Actuators

• Function: Operate in binary states—either fully on or fully off.
• Examples: Relays, solenoids.
• Applications: Smart lighting, smart irrigation, and alarm systems.

b) Proportional (Continuous) Actuators

• Purpose: Deliver accurate motion control through the use of feedback systems.
• Examples: Servo motors, variable valves.
• Applications: Autonomous vehicles, robotic arms, and precision manufacturing.

4. Based on Application

a) Micro Actuators

• Purpose: Tiny actuators specifically engineered for applications at the microscale.
• Examples: MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) actuators.
• Applications: Wearable IoT devices, biomedical applications, and nanotechnology.

b) Smart Actuators

• Function: Incorporate built-in intelligence for real-time monitoring and adaptive control.
• Examples: AI-integrated robotic arms.
• Applications: Industrial IoT (IIoT), autonomous systems, and smart infrastructure.

5. Based on Movement Type

a) Solenoid Actuators

• Function: Create linear or rotary motion using electromagnetic fields.
• Examples: Electric locks, valves.
• Applications: Smart locks, vending machines, and automated systems.

b) Stepper Motors

• Function: Provide precise control of angular position through discrete steps.
• Examples: Camera focus adjusters, 3D printers.
• Applications: Robotics, smart cameras, and automated machinery.

c) Servo Actuators

• Function: Provide precise motion control using feedback systems.
• Examples: Servo motors in robotic arms.
• Applications: Autonomous vehicles, robotics, and drones.

Key Considerations When Choosing Actuators for IoT

1. Energy Efficiency: Essential for battery-powered or remote IoT applications.
2. Size and Weight: Important for wearable or space-constrained applications.
3. Precision: Critical for robotics, healthcare, and industrial automation.
4. Durability: Required for outdoor or harsh environments.
5. Cost: Balancing performance with budget constraints.

Examples of Actuators in IoT Systems:

1. Motors: Used in robotics or smart appliances for precise movement.
2. Valves: Adjust flow in smart irrigation or industrial automation.
3. Relays: Control high-power devices like HVAC systems or lighting in smart buildings.
4. Linear Actuators: Provide push or pull motion in industrial machinery or adjustable furniture.
5. Servos: Precise control in drones, robotic arms, or automotive systems.

Applications of Actuators in IoT:

1. Smart Homes: Actuators automate doors, windows, thermostats, and lighting systems based on sensor inputs.
2. Industrial IoT (IIoT): Used for robotic arms, conveyor belts, and automated quality checks.
3. Healthcare: Control devices like automated drug dispensers or robotic surgical instruments.
4. Agriculture: Operate smart irrigation systems or machinery for planting and harvesting.
5. Transportation: Enable autonomous driving functions by controlling brakes, steering, and engine components.

Actuators vs. Sensors in IoT

• Sensors: Detect and collect data (e.g., temperature, motion, light).
• Actuators: Perform actions or responses based on the data collected by sensors.

Importance of Actuators in IoT

Actuators are crucial for closing the loop in IoT systems, enabling not just data collection but also actionable responses. They transform IoT systems from passive monitoring tools into active, autonomous systems capable of interacting with the environment effectively.

 

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3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer using digital models as blueprints. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which often involves cutting or molding, 3D printing adds material incrementally, enabling precise and complex designs.

History of 3D Printing

• 1980s: 3D printing was invented by Charles Hull in 1983 when he developed Stereolithography (SLA), the first 3D printing technology.
• 1990s: The emergence of other techniques like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM).
• 2000s: Commercial adoption began, with significant use in prototyping and specialized industries like aerospace and healthcare.
• 2010s: affordable desktop 3D printers became available, catering to hobbyists and small businesses.
• 2020s: Widespread adoption across multiple industries, with advancements in speed, materials, and precision.

Types of 3D Printing

1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM):
   Thermoplastic filaments are melted and applied in layers to build the object.
2. Stereolithography (SLA):
   Utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light to solidify liquid resin layer by layer into a hardened structure.
3. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS):
   Fuses powdered material (plastics or metals) using a laser.
4. Digital Light Processing (DLP):
   Comparable to SLA, but relies on a digital projector to speed up the curing process.
5. Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF):
   Applies a fusing agent to powdered material and heats it to create layers.
6. Electron Beam Melting (EBM):
   Uses an electron beam to fuse metal powder in a vacuum environment.

How 3D Printing Works

1. Designing:
   A 3D model is created using CAD software or obtained via 3D scanning.
2. Slicing:
   The software divides the model into horizontal layers and creates the corresponding instructions for the printer.
3. Printing:
   The printer constructs the object by adding material one layer at a time.
4. Post-Processing:
   Steps like cleaning, sanding, or painting may follow for a polished final product.

Materials for 3D Printing

1. Plastics: ABS, PLA, PETG, nylon.
2. Metals: Steel, aluminium, titanium, gold.
3. Resins: Standard, flexible, tough, castable.
4. Composites: Carbon fiber, fiberglass.
5. Ceramics: Clay-based or silica.
6. Biomaterials: Used in healthcare for bioprinting tissues.
7. Concrete: For construction applications.

3D Printing Technologies

1. Layer-by-Layer Deposition: Material is deposited layer by layer as per the design.
2. Curing by Light: UV light cures resin or photosensitive materials.
3. Powder Fusion: Lasers or beams fuse powdered material into solid structures.

3D Printing Processes

1. Material Extrusion: Material is forced through a nozzle in the material extrusion process, as seen in FDM.
2. Vat Polymerization: Liquid resin is solidified using UV light (e.g., SLA, DLP).
3. Powder Bed Fusion: Powder is melted or fused (e.g., SLS, EBM).
4. Material Jetting: Small droplets of material are deposited layer by layer and then solidified.
5. Binder Jetting: A liquid binding agent solidifies powdered material.
6. Direct Energy Deposition (DED): Material is melted using focused energy during deposition.

How Long Does 3D Printing Take?

• Small objects: A few minutes to several hours (e.g., a phone case might take 1–3 hours).
• Large objects: Can take several days depending on complexity and printer speed.
• Factors affecting time:
  • Object size and complexity.
  • Layer thickness.
  • Printer type and material used.

Advantages of 3D Printing

1. Customization: Tailored designs for unique applications.
2. Complexity: Ability to create intricate geometries.
3. Efficiency: Reduces material waste.
4. Cost-Effective Prototyping: Ideal for iterative design processes.
5. On-Demand Production: Eliminates the need for inventory storage.
6. Eco-Friendly: Reduces waste compared to traditional manufacturing.

Disadvantages of 3D Printing

1. Material Limitations: Limited options compared to traditional methods.
2. Strength: Parts may not match the durability of traditionally manufactured ones.
3. Speed: Slow for mass production.
4. Size Restrictions: Printers have build volume limits.
5. Post-Processing Needs: Some objects require additional steps for finishing.
6. Cost of High-End Equipment: Advanced printers and materials can be expensive.

Industries Using 3D Printing

1. Aerospace: Lightweight components for aircraft.
2. Automotive: Prototyping and custom parts.
3. Healthcare: Prosthetics, implants, and bioprinting tissues.
4. Education: Teaching design and engineering concepts.
5. Construction: Printing building components or entire structures.
6. Consumer Goods: Custom jewellery, footwear, and electronics.
7. Manufacturing: Rapid prototyping and specialized tools.
8. Food Industry: Printing edible items like chocolates and pizza.

Conclusion

3D printing is revolutionizing industries by enabling innovative solutions that were once thought impossible. Its ability to produce highly customized and complex designs efficiently makes it a cornerstone of modern manufacturing and an essential technology for the future.

 

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The Hall Effect is a physical phenomenon discovered by Edwin Hall in 1879. It describes the generation of a voltage difference (called the Hall voltage) across an electrical conductor when a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the flow of electric current.

Hall Effect Principle

The Hall effect principle states that when a current-carrying conductor or semiconductor is placed in a perpendicular magnetic field, a voltage can be measured at a right angle to the current path.

How it Works

1. When a current-carrying conductor or semiconductor is placed in a magnetic field, the magnetic field exerts a force on the moving charge carriers (electrons or holes).
2. This force (called the Lorentz force) causes the charge carriers to accumulate on one side of the conductor, creating a voltage difference across the conductor.
3. This voltage is known as the Hall voltage, and its presence is the essence of the Hall Effect.

Key Components

– Current: Flowing through the conductor.
– Magnetic Field: Applied perpendicularly to the current.
– Hall Voltage: The measurable voltage generated across the conductor.

Applications of the Hall Effect

1. Magnetic Field Sensing:
– Hall Effect sensors detect the presence, strength, and direction of a magnetic field.
– Used in position sensing, speed detection (e.g., automotive wheel speed sensors), and current sensing.

2. Proximity Sensors:
– Hall sensors can detect the approach of magnetic objects without physical contact.

3. Current Measurement:
– Hall Effect sensors are used to measure current in conductors without interrupting the circuit.

4. Automotive Applications:
– Found in crankshaft position sensors, ABS braking systems, and electric power steering systems.

5. Brushless DC Motors:
– Hall sensors detect rotor position, enabling precise control of motor operation.

6. Semiconductor Applications:
– Helps in understanding properties of materials like charge carrier type (electrons/holes), carrier concentration, and mobility.

Hall Effect Theory and Formula

When a conductive plate is connected to a circuit powered by a battery, an electric current begins to flow through it. The charge carriers, such as electrons in a conductor, initially follow a straight path from one end of the plate to the other. This movement of charge carriers produces a magnetic field around them.

If an external magnet is placed near the conductive plate, its magnetic field interacts with the field created by the charge carriers, disturbing the straight path of their motion. The force responsible for altering the direction of the charge carriers is called the Lorentz force.

As a result of this force, the negatively charged electrons are deflected toward one side of the plate, while the positively charged holes move toward the opposite side. This separation of charges generates a potential difference between the two sides of the plate, which is known as the Hall voltage (\( V_H \)). This voltage can be measured using a meter.

The formula for Hall voltage is expressed as:

\[
V_H = \frac{IB}{nqd}
\]

Where:
–  I is the current flowing through the sensor,
–  B  is the strength of the external magnetic field,
– n  is the number of charge carriers per unit volume,
– q is the charge of each carrier, and
– d is the thickness of the conductive plate (sensor).

This principle forms the basis of the Hall Effect, widely used for measuring magnetic fields, current, and position in various applications.

Summary
The Hall Effect is the basis of many modern magnetic field sensors and current-measuring devices. It is crucial in industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics applications due to its accuracy, reliability, and non-contact sensing capabilities.

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An IoT sensor is a device that collects real-world data (such as temperature, motion, light, humidity, or pressure) and transmits it over the internet or a network for further processing and analysis. These sensors are a core component of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, enabling devices to communicate, monitor, and interact with their environment.

How IoT Sensors Work

IoT sensors operate as part of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, where they collect, process, and transmit real-world data to enable monitoring, analysis, and automation. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how IoT sensors work:

1. Data Collection
IoT sensors detect and measure specific physical or environmental parameters, such as temperature, light, motion, humidity, pressure, or sound.
Sensors convert these real-world measurements into electrical signals.
Example: A temperature sensor measures the surrounding temperature and generates an electrical signal proportional to it.

2. Signal Conversion and Processing
The raw data collected by the sensor is typically analog. A microcontroller or onboard circuitry processes and converts this analog data into a digital signal that can be understood by computers or cloud systems.
Many IoT sensors include built-in signal conditioning, data filtering, and pre-processing to ensure the data is accurate and clean.

3. Communication and Transmission
The processed data is transmitted to an IoT gateway, server, or cloud platform using wireless communication protocols such as:
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Zigbee
LoRa (Low Power Long Range)
Cellular Networks (4G/5G/NB-IoT)
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

The choice of communication protocol depends on the application’s range, power requirements, and data transmission needs.

4. Data Storage and Cloud Integration
The transmitted data is sent to an IoT platform or cloud storage for further processing.
Cloud-based systems store and analyze the data, enabling real-time access from anywhere.

5. Data Analysis and Decision-Making
The collected sensor data is analyzed using advanced tools like data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), or machine learning (ML) algorithms. Insights are generated to trigger actions, automate processes, or provide reports and alerts.
Example: If a motion sensor detects activity in a secure area, it sends an alert to a security system or triggers a camera to record.

6. Feedback and Action
Based on the processed data and analysis, actions can be automated. These actions may include:
– Triggering an actuator (e.g., turning on a fan if the temperature rises too high).
– Sending alerts or notifications to a user’s device.
– Adjusting settings for optimized performance.
– Example: In a smart irrigation system, a soil moisture sensor can trigger water sprinklers when the soil is too dry.

Types of IoT Sensors

1. Temperature Sensors: Measure temperature changes (e.g., in HVAC systems, cold chain monitoring).
2. Proximity Sensors: Detect the presence or distance of an object (e.g., in parking systems or smartphones).
3. Motion Sensors: Detect movement (e.g., in security systems or smart lighting).
4. Humidity Sensors: Measure moisture in the air (e.g., in agriculture or industrial environments).
5. Pressure Sensors: Monitor pressure in gases or liquids (e.g., for weather forecasting or automotive systems).
6. Light Sensors: Measure light intensity (e.g., in smart lighting or camera systems).
7. Gas Sensors: Detect the presence of gases (e.g., for air quality monitoring).
8. Vibration Sensors: Measure vibrations in machinery (e.g., for predictive maintenance).
9. Sound Sensors: Capture sound levels (e.g., in noise monitoring systems).

Applications of IoT Sensors

IoT sensors have a wide range of applications across industries, enabling automation, monitoring, and real-time data-driven decision-making. Below are key areas where IoT sensors play a critical role:

Smart Homes: Used in thermostats, security systems, smart lighting, and appliances.
Healthcare: Monitor vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels, or glucose levels.
Industrial IoT (IIoT): Measure machine performance, detect faults, and improve efficiency.
Agriculture: Monitor soil moisture, humidity, and weather conditions for optimized farming.
Smart Cities: Enable traffic monitoring, waste management, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
Transportation and Logistics: Track vehicles, cargo conditions, and fuel levels.
Environmental Monitoring: Detect pollution, temperature, and weather conditions.

Key Features of IoT Sensors
– Low Power Consumption: Designed to work efficiently for extended periods.
– Wireless Connectivity: Support protocols like Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and NB-IoT.
– Compact and Scalable: Small in size and easy to integrate into systems.
– Real-Time Monitoring: Provide instant data feedback for faster decision-making.

Summary
An IoT sensor acts as the “eyes and ears” of an IoT system, enabling devices to collect data from the physical world and transmit it for analysis. This data-driven approach powers smart solutions across industries, improving efficiency, automation, and decision-making.

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Infineon Technologies AG and Eve Energy Co., Ltd. (EVE Energy), a manufacturer of lithium batteries, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The two companies aim at enabling comprehensive battery management system solutions for the automotive market. As part of the MoU, Infineon will supply a complete chipset, including microcontroller units, balancing and monitoring ICs, power management ICs, drivers, MOSFETs, controller area networks and sensor products. Equipped with these solutions, EVE Energy’s battery management system can provide high safety, high reliability and optimized cost. It also enables more accurate monitoring, protection and optimization of electric vehicle battery performance and improves driving experience and energy efficiency.

“The rapid growth in electrification has driven the need for advanced battery solutions. The partnership between Infineon’s advanced battery management ICs and EVE Energy`s advanced battery technologies will pave the way for the next generation of intelligent battery packs,” said Andreas Doll, Senior Vice President and General Manager Smart Power at Infineon. “Infineon offers a comprehensive and advanced system-level solution that meets the diverse needs of customers. We believe that further cooperation between the two sides will foster positive interaction and collaborative development at various levels.”

“EVE Energy has experienced rapid growth in the field of battery management systems in recent years, and we are determined to continue this development. Therefore, we highly value the partnership with Infineon,” said Liu Jianhua, co-founder and president of EVE Energy. “Our goal is to jointly introduce more advanced solutions to the market that meet customers’ needs and drive the development of reliable and efficient systems.”

BMS solutions from Infineon

Electrification and battery management systems are key focus areas for Infineon. Infineon has a complete portfolio for battery management systems, including wired and wireless BMS solutions. The wired BMS solution is based on AURIX, PMIC and Balancing and Monitoring IC products, and others. TLE9012DQU and TLE9015DQU provide an optimized solution for battery cell monitoring and balancing. They combine excellent measurement performance with highest quality standards and application robustness, enabling the implementation of lean and cost-efficient designs. The ICs are suitable for a wide range of industrial, consumer and automotive battery applications and fulfill safety requirements up to ASIL-D. The wireless BMS solution, on the other hand, utilizes Infineon’s latest low-power CWY89829 chip to create an interconnected mesh network that ensures maximum node connectivity while maintaining sensor efficiency. In addition, Infineon offers reliable LV MOSFET and EiceDRIVER solutions including 2ED2410 and 2ED4820 products designed for future applications such as the electrification of 24V/48V BMS main switches.

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With its new R&S NRPxE RF power sensors, Rohde & Schwarz sets a new standard for accurate and reliable power measurements in frequency ranges up to 18 GHz, while offering an unprecedented level of affordability. These innovative sensors offer a perfect blend of precision, durability, and value, making them an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, from R&D and production to education and field service

The new R&S NRPxE power sensors from Rohde & Schwarz offer unmatched performance and versatility. They feature an impressive dynamic range of 80 dB, a video bandwidth of 100 kHz, and the ability to perform up to 1,000 measurements per second. With frequency ranges from 10 MHz to 8 or 18 GHz, the power sensors cater to various measurement needs. Their compact design and ruggedized housing ensure easy handling and reliable operation in demanding environments.

Simplified Operation

The R&S NRPxE sensors feature a user-friendly design with IEEE-compliant label and connector color coding, ensuring safe and secure operation. The built-in trigger capability and RGB status LED provide additional convenience, allowing users to monitor sensor status and trigger measurements with ease.

Seamless Integration and Remote Control

Equipped with a USBTMC interface, the R&S NRPxE sensors can be easily integrated into test systems and controlled remotely via PC or mobile device. The free PowerViewer mobile app enables on-the-go measurements using an Android smartphone, making it perfect for field service and maintenance applications.

The new R&S NRPxE RF power sensors replace the established NRP-Z2x1 RF power sensors, offering up-to-date power measurements on modulated and unmodulated signals. They are now available from Rohde & Schwarz and selected distribution partners. For further information visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/nrpxe

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As we look ahead to 2025, one thing is clear: the digital landscape is evolving quickly, and it’s creating new cybersecurity challenges for businesses globally. From the growing speed, scale and sophistication of cyberattacks to the changing nature of how we work and connect, the future of network security depends on a holistic approach that integrates advanced AI technologies and seamless user experience.

In fact, Palo Alto Networks 2025 Cybersecurity and AI Predictions showcase how we’re at a pivotal moment in the evolution of enterprise security practices. One of the standout predictions we made was that 2025 will be the year enterprises will widely adopt a secure browser. This trend is not only an inevitability, it’s a necessity. ​​While secure browsers will see a huge increase in adoption in the year ahead, they represent only one piece of the puzzle.

Eight Network Security Trends We Think Will Redefine Organizations’ Approach to Cybersecurity in 2025:

1. The Rise of the Secure Browser

As more work is done through the browser and data breaches increasingly originate from browser vulnerabilities, securing this gateway to the digital world is now non-negotiable. We’re no longer living in an era where employees access business applications solely through desktops located primarily in an office. With the proliferation of remote work, BYOD (bring your own device) and the ever-growing reliance on cloud services, it’s more critical than ever that organizations provide workers with secure access to the digital tools needed to get their work done, regardless of location, device or application. Secure browsers not only safeguard against attacks but also prevent accidental and intentional leakage of sensitive data, yet can be as easy to use as consumer browsers. As this technology becomes widely adopted, it will fundamentally reshape how organizations approach browser security, marking the start of a new era in secure digital transformation.

2. As Nation-States Increase Attacks on Infrastructure, Governments Will Invest in Smart and Secure Infrastructure Technology

We expect ​​governments will invest in modernized and secure systems, especially as nation-state attacks on critical infrastructure increase. This effort goes beyond replacing outdated technology and focuses on deploying smart technologies while securing both legacy and new infrastructure to meet the needs of a digitally connected world.

Governments are also prioritizing investments in 5G technology to enable smart cities. These advancements will drive innovation in transportation, energy and public services, supporting the transition to smarter infrastructure. However, the challenges are significant. For instance, 66% of transportation organizations have been affected by ransomware attacks, and 77% of the government and other public sector organizations lack complete visibility over all their IoT devices. These gaps expose critical systems to risks, such as physical damage, data theft and service interruptions. This highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security measures.

Many critical environments, including industrial sites and remote facilities, face unique challenges in securing infrastructure. Ruggedized NGFWs are an essential solution for these settings, providing reliable security in places where traditional equipment may fail. With increasing threats and the complexity of securing IoT and OT devices, a robust approach to visibility and protection is essential.

We believe governments will focus on building integrated security solutions that protect both legacy systems and new technologies. By leveraging AI-driven tools for real-time discovery, monitoring and protection of IoT and OT devices, these investments will ensure critical systems remain secure while supporting the digital transformation of public infrastructure. These efforts will help keep essential services running while offering citizens the safety and confidence they expect.

3. Attackers Will Leverage Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQCs) to Evade Security Defenses

The security controls that are intended to protect against future quantum attacks (PQCs) have created an opportunity for attackers to take advantage of security solutions that don’t support or haven’t been upgraded to identify and block traffic encrypted with PQCs. For example, the Google Chrome browser now supports PQCs by default. The unintended consequence of this is that we’ll see an increase in PQC attacks, embedded in the web traffic that is encrypted now by default. This will affect cybersecurity because many network security products are unable to inspect PQC traffic, and attackers will take advantage of this to hide attacks inside of post-quantum encryption.

To combat this, enterprises will need visibility into where these algorithms are being used and ensure they are able to decrypt and inspect all data flowing through their enterprise networks. The good news is that the technology exists, like the Strata Network Security Platform, to identify, block and decrypt PQCs.

4. Attacks Will Increasingly use Multiple Techniques for a Successful Breach, Requiring Security Services to Work Together as Part of a Platform

Gone are the days of attacks hitting a single product or vulnerability. In 2025, one of the most alarming trends in cybersecurity will be the increasing use of multivector attacks and multistage approaches. How does it work? Cybercriminals leverage a combination of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs), hitting across multiple areas at once to breach defenses. We’ll see an increase in sophistication and evasion from web-based attacks, file-based attacks, DNS-based attacks and ransomware attacks, which will make it more difficult for traditional, siloed security tools to effectively defend against modern threats.

Preventing these attacks will require multiple security services to work together as part of an integrated platform to stop every attack along the cyber kill chain. For example, our Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) powered by Precision AI can prevent the latest and most advanced threats in real-time, with protections built into our Network Security Platform and delivered automatically. By protecting at multiple points in the cyber kill chain, companies can thwart the attack, providing defense-in-depth to address the full spectrum of threat vectors. In 2025 and beyond, only security solutions with global visibility into the attack patterns across network, cloud and endpoints will offer the most effective protection.

5. AI in Security Will Allow Organizations to Chip Away at the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

As cyberthreats become more sophisticated and widespread, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to outpace the supply. But, there are bright skies ahead as AI-powered copilots fill in the gaps as intelligent assistants designed to support cybersecurity professionals in their daily tasks. If 2024 was the year when every security vendor introduced a copilot, 2025 will be the year of widespread adoption as customers understand the full extent of their power. Using our copilots, cybersecurity experts can harness knowledge at their fingertips, gain instant access to insights and benefit from guided automation. In the future, the life of the cybersecurity professional will get even easier, thanks to copilots’ ability to automate repetitive tasks, sift through huge amounts of data, and give more insightful answers and analysis.

This is a huge deal as the cybersecurity skills gap has long been a challenge to enterprises globally. When every cybersecurity professional is armed with a highly capable, AI-powered assistant (like our free Strata Copilot), cybersecurity professionals will be empowered to work smarter, not harder.

6. 2025 will be an Inflection Point Year, as Companies Will Double Their Interest and Deployment of Single Vendor Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

No longer confined to the office, workers need secure, high-performance access to critical business technologies. From the home office, to the local coffee shop, to the beach, ​​they need to get their work done no matter where they are, and no matter what device they use. To adapt to the next frontier of work, companies will need to do more to protect sensitive workloads and data, while ensuring worker productivity. This is why in 2025, we’ll see the widespread adoption of single-vendor SASE solutions.

Because workers will demand the same experience they get from consumer applications, the security solution of choice will need to help, not hinder, productivity. This includes ensuring that users experience minimal latency and downtime, even when accessing cloud-based applications from remote locations. With a cybersecurity vendor like Palo Alto Networks, your workforce can access SaaS apps up to 5x faster than they would directly over the internet, so you don’t have to make a choice between security and performance. The future of work demands flexibility, and single-vendor SASE solutions are poised to provide the agility and security that enterprises need to thrive in an increasingly distributed workforce. And a comprehensive SASE solution should include a secure browser natively!

7. AI Will be Infused in Every Major Business Application, Leading to a Rise in AI-Specific Attacks

We anticipate the number of AI Apps will increase by 3-5x in the next 12-24 months. As companies eagerly bring these technologies onboard, they may overlook key issues in data collection methods, governance and AI-specific security needs. Anticipating weaknesses, attackers will step up their attacks against new components, such as LLMs, and training and inferencing data. This has the potential to create security incidents, compliance and legal issues in the coming year.

At the end of the day, it’s about protecting your sensitive data. But the question is how? The only way to protect against all these AI-specific threats is through comprehensive, AI-powered solutions. You can enable AI with AI, by using AI Access Security, which ensures that employees can securely access GenAI applications. AI Security Posture Management (SPM) identifies risks in your AI supply chain, including configuration issues and ways you might be exposing your sensitive data. AI Runtime Security ensures your applications, data and models are protected from AI-specific threats. In 2025, the companies that are securely adopting AI will separate themselves from the pack.

8. AI Will Make Phishing Emails Indistinguishable from Legitimate Ones

In 2025, user-targeted techniques, like phishing emails, will become more successful, thanks to bad actors’ adoption of generative AI (GenAI) to craft better and more convincing attacks. We’re already seeing a 30% increase in successful phishing attempts when emails are written or rewritten by GenAI. Mere humans, like ourselves, will become even less reliable as a last line of defense and enterprises will rely on advanced, AI-powered security protections to defend against these sophisticated attacks.

While companies today rely on antiphishing technologies, such as URL filtering (AURL) at the network level, more companies will enhance their protection with secure browsers as a first line of defense against these attacks. Pair this with an AI-powered single vendor SASE solution that offers advanced, cloud-delivered security services and your company will be ready to prevent the latest and most advanced threats in real-time. The best part? With Palo Alto Networks, these protections are built into our SASE solution and delivered automatically. And with us, you don’t need to cobble together point products. All these innovations are natively integrated into one comprehensive SASE solution, across every user, device and app.

Preparing for the Future of Network Security

The future of network security is an exciting one, but it also comes with its challenges. As 2025 approaches, it’s critical for organizations to stay ahead of these emerging trends by building agile security strategies that are adaptable to the rapidly changing threat landscape.

For businesses looking to future-proof their network security, the key is investing in a holistic platform approach that incorporates new technologies like secure browsers, single-vendor SASE, AI Copilots and AI-driven threat detection and response. By doing so, they will not only defend against today’s threats but also be ready for the cyber risks of tomorrow.

In 2025, network security will be more dynamic, innovative and proactive than ever before —transforming the way organizations defend their most valuable assets and ensuring a secure, resilient future in the face of an ever-evolving digital world.

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Anritsu Corporation introduces an option that evaluates the RF transmit and receive characteristics of 2×2 MIMO as defined in IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) for its Wireless Connectivity Test Set MT8862A (WLAN Tester). With this new expanded capability, the MT8862A supports to measure the receive sensitivity and transmit power of devices supporting Wi-Fi 7 2×2 MIMO, using the Network Mode [*], which allows devices to be evaluated under real-world operating conditions, thus helping to improve the communication quality of WLAN-equipped devices.

Development Background

Although the official release of the Wi-Fi 7 standard is scheduled for 2024, product development based on the draft standard is underway, with leading companies already beginning to bring their products to market. Especially, in devices for applications such as ultra-high-definition video streaming and AR/VR, large amounts of high-speed data is being handled. Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology is used to increase transmission speed and the amount of traffic, but the complexity of the evaluation is a challenge. Anritsu has therefore enhanced the functionality of the MT8862A, which can easily measure WLAN-equipped devices under real-world operating conditions, to enable the evaluation of devices supporting Wi-Fi 7 2×2 MIMO, which requires two antennas for each of the transmitter and receiver.

Anritsu will contribute to improving the performance of ALMA, the unravelling of the universe, and the development of science.

Product Overview

• Evaluating RF TRX characterization of Wi-Fi 7 in Network Mod

The MT8862A supports three frequency bands (2.4 GHz/5 GHz/6 GHz), a 320 MHz channel bandwidth, and 4096 QAM modulation, and the new option allows it to evaluate the RF TRX characteristics of devices supporting Wi-Fi 7 2×2 MIMO in Network Mode.

• Easy to use and measure

The MT8862A can perform the necessary measurements by simply connecting to the WLAN-equipped device under test. No target control settings are required, and measurements can be taken even by personnel unfamiliar with how to configure the measurement system.

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ROHM has announced the adoption of its PMICs in power reference designs focused on the next-generation cockpit SoCs ‘Dolphin3’ (REF67003) and ‘Dolphin5’ (REF67005) by Telechips, a major fabless semiconductor manufacturer for automotive applications headquartered in Pangyo, South Korea. Intended for use inside the cockpits of European automakers, these designs are scheduled for mass production in 2025.

ROHM and Telechips have been engaged in technical exchanges since 2021, fostering a close collaborative relationship from the early stages of SoC chip design. As a first step in achieving this goal, ROHM’s power supply solutions have been integrated into Telechips’ power supply reference designs. These solutions support diverse model development by combining sub-PMICs and DrMOS with the main PMIC for SoCs.

For infotainment applications, the Dolphin3 application processor (AP) power reference design includes the BD96801Qxx-C main PMIC for SoCs. Similarly, the Dolphin5 AP power reference design developed for next-generation digital cockpits combines the BD96805Qxx-C and BD96811Fxx-C main PMICs for SoC with the BD96806Qxx-C sub-PMIC for SoC, improving overall system efficiency and reliability.

Modern cockpits are equipped with multiple displays, such as instrument clusters and infotainment systems, with each automotive application becoming increasingly multifunctional. As the processing power required for automotive SoCs increases, power ICs like PMICs must be able to support high currents while maintaining high efficiency. At the same time, manufacturers require flexible solutions that can accommodate different vehicle types and model variations with minimal circuit modifications. ROHM SoC PMICs address these challenges with high efficiency operation and internal memory (One Time Programmable ROM) that allows for custom output voltage settings and sequence control, enabling compatibility with large currents when paired with a sub-PMIC or DrMOS.

Moonsoo Kim,
Senior Vice President and Head of System Semiconductor R&D Center, Telechips Inc.

“Telechips offers reference designs and core technologies centered around automotive SoCs for next-generation ADAS and cockpit applications. We are pleased to have developed a power reference design that supports the advanced features and larger displays found in next-generation cockpits by utilizing power solutions from ROHM, a global semiconductor manufacturer. Leveraging ROHM’s power supply solutions allows these reference designs to achieve advanced functionality while maintaining low power consumption. ROHM power solutions are highly scalable, so we look forward to future model expansions and continued collaboration.”

Sumihiro Takashima,
Corporate Officer and Director of the LSI Business Unit, ROHM Co., Ltd.

“We are pleased that our power reference designs have been adopted by Telechips, a company with a strong track record in automotive SoCs. As ADAS continues to evolve and cockpits become more multifunctional, power supply ICs must handle larger currents while minimizing current consumption. ROHM SoC PMICs meet the high current demands of next-generation cockpits by adding a DrMOS or sub-PMIC in the stage after the main PMIC. This setup achieves high efficiency operation that contributes to lower power consumption. Going forward, ROHM will continue our partnership with Telechips to deepen our understanding of next-generation cockpits and ADAS, driving further evolution in the automotive sector through rapid product development.”

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The increasing connectivity of road vehicles leads to a growing need for cybersecurity. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has therefore adopted the R155 and R156 regulations, which define the cybersecurity requirements for OEMs. OEMs who want to sell new vehicles in UNECE-regulated markets must hold a valid type approval certificate and implement cybersecurity practices throughout the supply chain to minimize the risk of attack throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle. The TRAVEO T2G Automotive Microcontroller family for Body and Cluster from Infineon Technologies AG features a Hardware Security Module (HSM) that is capable of executing secured boot and ensuring secured isolation of HSM applications and data. To further enhance this, Infineon plans to retrospectively implement product compliance for the TRAVEO T2G automotive microcontroller family with the latest automotive cybersecurity standard ISO/SAE 21434. All necessary documentation, including the Cybersecurity Manual and Cybersecurity Case Report, will be provided to customers.

“With ISO/SAE 21434 compliant TRAVEO T2G automotive microcontrollers, OEMs’ effort to comply with UNECE R155 and R156 regulations will be significantly reduced. This enables faster time to the regulated markets”, said Ralf Koedel, Vice President Automotive Microcontroller at Infineon. “For existing customers, compliance becomes simpler, faster and more cost-effective while allowing the reuse of existing software and hardware. New customers can also benefit from the ISO/SAE 21434 compliance.”

The TRAVEO T2G microcontrollers are based on the Arm Cortex-M4(Single core)/M7(Single core/Dual core/ Quad core) core and deliver high performance, enhanced human-machine interfaces, high-security and advanced networking protocols tailored for a wide range of automotive applications. They offer state-of-the-art real-time performance, safety and security features. This is reflected, among other things, in the introduction of HSM (Hardware Security Module), dedicated Cortex-M0+ for secured processing, and embedded flash in dual bank mode for FOTA requirements.

With the planned new product compliance, developers can continue to use the TRAVEO T2G MCUs to develop their ISO/SAE 21434 compliant ECUs. As a result, they will benefit from lower product development costs and faster time-to-market for both existing and new platforms.

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The United States, China, and India are known for their significant contributions to the global automotive industry. Let’s dive into the details of each market and analyze the factors that make them unique and influential on a global scale.

Currently, the USA leads with a market size of Rs 78 lakh crore, followed by China at Rs 47 lakh crore. India, now at Rs 22 lakh crore, has significant potential.

The US Automotive Market: The United States has one of the largest automotive markets in the world. With a population of over 330 million people, there is a high demand for vehicles in the country. In 2020, the US automotive market was valued at approximately $1.5 trillion. This value includes the sales of new cars, as well as aftermarket services and products.

The market is anticipated to witness increased demand for commercial vehicles due to the thriving logistics and passenger transportation industry. Government policies and initiatives is also a market driver that have a significant impact on its growth and are anticipated to continue doing so in the years to come.

One of the key drivers of the US automotive market is consumer demand. Americans have a strong preference for larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs, which contribute significantly to the overall market size. Additionally, the US is home to several major automakers such as General Motors, Ford, and Tesla, which further stimulate market growth.

The China Automotive Market

China is the largest automotive market in the world in terms of vehicle sales. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, the demand for cars in China is immense. In 2020, the Chinese automotive market was valued at approximately $1.5 trillion, on par with the US market.
One of the key factors driving the growth of the Chinese automotive market is the rising middle class. As incomes in China continue to increase, more people are able to afford cars, leading to a surge in vehicle sales. Additionally, the Chinese government has implemented policies to promote the production and adoption of electric vehicles, further boosting market growth.

China Automotive Vehicle Industry is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.10% from 2021-2030.

The Chinese automotive industry is uniquely situated to become a centre for the best technologies. By Category, the Chinese automotive vehicles industry’s principal categories include Electric Vehicle (EV), Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV), Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV), Diesel Vehicle, Petrol Vehicle. In recent years, Electric vehicles (EV) and Mild Hybrid Electric vehicles (MHEV) have been very successful in China. In particular, due to the Chinese government’s support and the cost-saving trend offered through buying an electric vehicle, which avoids the cost of purchasing a license plate, which is indeed a considerable saving.

The India Automotive Market

India is another key player in the global automotive industry. With a population of over 1.3 billion people, India has a large consumer base for vehicles. In 2020, the Indian automotive market was valued at approximately $100 billion, significantly smaller than the US and China markets.
One of the main drivers of the Indian automotive market is the increasing urbanization of the country. As more people move to cities, the demand for vehicles, especially two-wheelers and compact cars, is on the rise. Additionally, government initiatives such as the “Make in India” campaign have encouraged domestic production and manufacturing in the automotive sector.
In conclusion, the US, China, and India are three key players in the global automotive market, each with its unique characteristics and drivers of growth. While the US and China have larger market sizes, India is a rapidly developing market with great potential for future expansion. By understanding the size and dynamics of these markets, stakeholders can make informed decisions and capitalize on opportunities for growth and innovation.

Some of the recent/planned investments and developments in the automobile sector in India are as follows:

• The Renault-Nissan alliance is stepping up its investments in India plans to invest US$ 600-700 million at its Chennai-based facility to step up platform localisation and improve sophistication levels in manufacturing.
• Mercedes Benz will make an investment of Rs 3,000 crore (US$ 360.14 million) in Maharashtra.
• In March 2024, Tata Motors Group has signed a facilitation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to explore setting-up of a vehicle manufacturing facility in the state. The MoU envisages an investment of US$ 1,081.6 million (Rs. 9,000 crores) over 5-years.
• Tata Motors, in April 2024, announced the inauguration of a new commercial vehicle spare parts warehouse in Guwahati.
• In April 2024, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, commissioned another vehicle assembly line at its Manesar facility.
• In February 2024, Hyundai Motors has announced it will invest over US$ 3.85 billion (Rs 32,000 crore) from 2023 to 2033 in expanding its EV range and enhancing its current car and SUV platforms.
• In January 2024, Mercedes-Benz is set to invest US$ 24.04 million (Rs 200 crore) in India in 2024 and is gearing up to introduce more than a dozen new cars, including EVs this year.
• In February 2024, Klaus Zellmer CEO of Skoda Auto said India is the most promising growth market for Skoda Auto and Skoda Auto India is looking to increase its share in the Indian market to 5% by 2030.
• In April 2024, Hero Motocorp said it has opened an assembly facility in Nepal in partnership with its distributor CG Motors with capacity of 75,000 units per annum.
• Ola Electric IPO to be the first auto company in India to launch an IPO in over two decades (20 years). It has an expected size of US$ 1.01 billion (Rs. 8,500 crore).
• In January 2024, BMW sold 1,340 luxury cars, the highest in the segment, which gave it a market share of 0.34%. Mercedes-Benz sold 1,333 cars in January 2024.
• In January 2024, Hyundai Motor India Limited announced US$ 743.8 million (Rs. 6,180 crore) investment plans in the state of Tamil Nadu including US$ 21.7 million (Rs. 180 crore) towards a dedicated ‘Hydrogen Valley Innovation Hub,’ in association with IIT- Madras.
• In January 2024, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. finalized the acquisition and transfer of specified assets at General Motors India’s Talegaon Plant in Maharashtra and inked an MoU with the Government of Maharashtra committing to an investment of US$ 722 million (Rs. 6,000 crore) in the state.
• In January 2024, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and the India-Japan Fund (“IJF”), managed by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (“NIIF”), entered into a binding agreement, with IJF committing to invest US$ 48.1 million (Rs. 400 crore) in Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML).
• In January 2024, at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, Maruti Suzuki announced the investment plans in Gujarat with a New Greenfield plant and a fourth line in SMG.

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The automotive industry in India is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with experts predicting that it will become the largest in the world within the next five years. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing disposable incomes, rising demand for cars and commercial vehicles, and government initiatives to promote manufacturing in the country.

Why is the Indian Automobile Industry on the Path to Becoming the Largest?

1. Growing Economy: India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a rising middle class that has more purchasing power than ever before. This has led to an increase in demand for vehicles, both for personal and commercial use.
2. Government Initiatives: The Indian government has introduced several initiatives to promote the growth of the automotive industry, such as the “Make in India” campaign, which aims to boost manufacturing in the country. In addition, policies such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme have incentivized the production of electric vehicles.
3. Investment from Global Players: Several international automotive companies have set up manufacturing plants in India to cater to the growing demand in the country. This influx of investment has not only created job opportunities but has also boosted the overall growth of the industry.

What are the Key Challenges Facing the Indian Automobile Industry?

1. Infrastructure Development: The lack of adequate infrastructure, such as highways and roads, poses a significant challenge to the growth of the automotive industry in India. Poor road conditions can lead to increased wear and tear on vehicles, as well as higher maintenance costs.
2. Environmental Concerns: With the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental conservation, the automotive industry in India is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. This has led to the development of electric vehicles and other alternative fuel technologies, but more needs to be done to address this issue.
3. Competition from Foreign Markets: While the Indian automotive industry is experiencing significant growth, it faces tough competition from established markets such as China and the United States. Indian manufacturers need to innovate and adapt to changing market trends to stay ahead in the global market.

The Indian automobile industry is well-positioned to become the largest in the world within the next five years. With the right government support, investment from global players, and a focus on innovation and sustainability, the industry is set to witness exponential growth. However, challenges such as infrastructure development and environmental concerns need to be addressed to ensure sustainable growth in the long run.

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IT/OT convergence brings physical (OT) equipment and devices into the digital (IT) world. This digital transformation is driven by technologies like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and big data analytics, which are crucial for enhancing production efficiency and boosting productivity. Historically, both systems have operated independently with distinct priorities, protocols, and security needs. However, with the dynamic digitalization landscape, challenges are ever evolving. Complexities arise as the demands for security, flexibility, scalability, lifecycle management, and efficiency become more evident. aReady.COM, congatec’s application-ready offering around computer-on-modules (COMs), provides the perfect building blocks for out-of-the box IT/OT convergence, reducing complexity by seamlessly integrating hardware and software for enhanced performance and flexibility.

The advent of Industry 4.0 and the IIoT have positioned IT/OT convergence as a pivotal element in the core of business operations, becoming indispensable for organizational success. This convergence demands the exchange of data from machines and systems with minimal latency to ensure the integrity of a real-time digital twin. Additionally, it is imperative to have a feedback mechanism integrated within the same hardware platform for usage-based business models that rely on immediate access to operational data, such as finance, for accurate billing, and maintenance to enhance productivity and maximize uptime.

However, as the integration of IT and OT systems deepens, the exposure to cyber threats escalates. Cyber attacks, once primarily aimed at IT, now extend their reach to OT. In response to this heightened risk, the European Union introduced the Cyber Resilience Act alongside the IEC 62443 standards. These measures mandate that starting in 2027, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) must ensure their connected systems, devices, and machines comply with these regulations before entering the EU market. The objective is to reduce the vulnerability to cyber-attacks and safeguard against potential risks by secure software updates.

Security through separation

To ensure such secure updates via a separated IIoT gateway for example, OEMs don’t need to add individual hardware. Using system consolidation techniques alongside a hypervisor, such an instance can be implemented on the same multi-core module fully separated and secure. All that’s needed is a separate instance that doesn’t run under the same operating system as the HMI or the control system but instead operates in an isolated environment. This environment, acting as a security island, separates data and applications from one another. This approach helps reduce hardware costs while increasing the system’s flexibility and reliability.

However, implementing the necessary software for this consolidated system can be more complex than configuring the hardware itself. Crafting a hypervisor tailored for system consolidation is an arduous task if done in-house, given the tightly coupled association between this type of hardware-related software and the embedded platform. In such instances, the specialized knowledge of an embedded systems partner is invaluable.

IT/OT convergence needs dedicated software

Furthermore, many organizations do not possess the necessary in-house capabilities to develop the functional IT/OT convergence software, as the generic software solutions available on the market may not meet specific functional needs. Furthermore, the availability and precision of the embedded system’s operation hinges on the hardware data, which must be accessible and standardized by the IIoT software in terms of format, transmission protocol, and measurement units. For instance, a discrepancy in temperature data units – receiving Kelvin or Fahrenheit when Celsius is expected – could lead to operational disarray. This can be circumvented by leveraging the expertise of embedded manufacturers who can provide the required building blocks for monitoring software, given their intimate knowledge of their hardware.

The software in question should enable a range of functionalities, including remote monitoring of essential hardware details such as module identification, health, specifications, and sensor data, as well as the integration with standard communication interfaces like I2C, GPIOs, and Ethernet. It should also facilitate comprehensive monitoring and secure access to embedded systems, encompassing security protocols, sensor and actuator integration, control logic, lifecycle management, and historical data. Additionally, it should provide connectivity to prevalent cloud services like Azure and AWS, with options for establishing or integrating private on-premises clouds to protect critical business data. At its most advanced, the software should grant secure, real-time control over machines through edge devices, complete with remote management capabilities.

With a resilient, reliable, and secure IIoT connection, businesses gain real-time visibility of all data types from devices and connected sensors. Further advantages include reliable data processing, secure and encrypted connection with authorized access, real-time machine operation capabilities, and optimized maintenance costs with minimal on-site service for routine work and updates. With or without AI enhancement, predictive maintenance provides further opportunities to reduce machine downtime compared to fixed maintenance intervals.

Application ready software building blocks

With aReady.VT for system consolidation and aReady.IOT for IIoT connection, congatec has set out to address these needs. The aReady.VT virtualization technology enables designers to consolidate functions that previously required multiple dedicated systems on one single hardware platform. For example, the IIoT connector for IT/OT convergence can be highly efficiently integrated on the same COM that is hosting the application by using a dedicated virtual machine.

By reducing the number of systems, embedded computing applications can achieve significant size, weight, power consumption, and cost (SWaP-C) savings. aReady.VT supports the full range of congatec’s x86 COMs, from low-power to high-performance Server-on-Modules (SOMs). Notably, congatec is currently the only manufacturer to implement such Hypervisor-on-Module functionality application-ready across all their current x86 modules. This system consolidation shortens time-to-market and optimizes overall system functionality.

aReady.IOT offers a range of application-ready software building blocks that can be chosen to implement the exact functionality needed for successful digitalization (Figure 1). The IoT software and hardware building blocks enable seamless communication and data transfer between diverse systems and devices. This empowers companies to optimize production processes, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. Crucially, aReady.IOT incorporates intrinsic security features to safeguard sensitive data against cyber threats and maintain operational integrity.

The capabilities of the aReady.IOT solution encompass a comprehensive suite of functions. Users can remotely access a wealth of device information, including serial numbers, software versions, voltages, and temperatures. It also allows for the retrieval of status values from an array of connected peripheral devices and sensors, capturing metrics such as acceleration, pressure, and vibrations. Beyond monitoring, the solution provides for the remote control of devices, enabling users to manage operations from afar.

In terms of data presentation, the system facilitates the visualization of information through dashboards or digital twins, offering an intuitive and interactive representation of the devices’ statuses. Additionally, the solution supports process automation, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.

The technology that underpins aReady.IOT is built upon the solid foundation established by Arendar, a company that congatec acquired in 2023. A key advantage of aReady.IOT is that designers don’t need to program their IIoT connection from scratch. Instead, they can simply parameterize it through a web interface. This approach offers maximum flexibility and the convenience of ready-made apps, providing instant access to cost-saving opportunities.

Robotic arm implementation

Consider a robot arm with a stereoscopic camera for object recognition and positioning. This system consolidates various tasks but doesn’t run them under one operating system. Instead, it creates dedicated virtual systems for real-time control, HMI, AI-powered object recognition and an IIoT connection for secure IT/OT convergence.

This setup enables predictive maintenance and new business models like Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS). System consolidation allows these diverse tasks to co-exist on a single COM yet be kept separate by a hypervisor. This approach transforms multiple systems into one, maximizing resource utilization while reducing space requirements and cabling, resulting in significantly lower overall system and installation costs and increased reliability.

Application-ready COMs

As part of its aReady.COM strategy, congatec offers aReady.VT and aReady.IOT in an application-ready or custom-configured package (Figure 2). These aReady.COMs integrate a pre-configured hypervisor, operating system, and IIoT software. Developers can boot these individually configured aReady.COM modules immediately and install their applications.

Alternatively, they can skip this task and let congatec deliver ready-made images with pre-installed application software, allowing modules to be directly deployed on-site during the commissioning process. This streamlines workflows, supply chain, and warehousing, making them much more efficient.

Regardless of the chosen integration level, aReady.COMs minimize the complexity of integrating diverse IIoT functionalities into embedded and edge computing systems below the application layer.

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In recent years, there have been significant advancements in automotive battery technology, paving the way for cleaner and more efficient vehicles. Researchers worldwide are actively exploring new materials and technologies to improve the performance and sustainability of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars. So, what is next for automotive battery technology?

The Future of Automotive Battery Technology:

1. Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries have been the go-to choice for electric vehicles due to their high energy density and long cycle life. However, researchers are working on enhancing these batteries further to increase their energy storage capacity and reduce their cost.
2. Solid-State Batteries: One of the most promising advancements in battery technology is the development of solid-state batteries. These batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, which can significantly increase energy density and improve safety.
3. Graphene Batteries: Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, has shown great potential for use in batteries due to its high conductivity and strength. Research is ongoing to incorporate graphene into battery designs to increase energy storage and reduce charging times.
4. Sodium-Ion Batteries: Sodium-ion batteries are being explored as a more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. Sodium is abundant and inexpensive, making it a viable option for large-scale energy storage applications.
5. Wireless Charging: Wireless charging technology is gaining traction in the automotive industry, allowing EVs to charge without physical connections to charging stations. This convenience could revolutionize the way we power our vehicles in the future.
6. Challenges and Opportunities:
   While the future of automotive battery technology looks promising, there are still challenges that need to be overcome. The high cost of advanced battery materials and the limited availability of rare earth elements are major hurdles in the widespread adoption of EVs. Additionally, battery recycling and disposal methods need to be improved to minimize environmental impact.

However, with continued research and development, these challenges can be addressed, opening up new opportunities for innovation in the automotive industry. From increasing energy density to reducing charging times, the possibilities for automotive battery technology are limitless.

The future of automotive battery technology is bright, with researchers worldwide working tirelessly to push the boundaries of energy storage and efficiency. From solid-state batteries to graphene-enhanced designs, the possibilities for enhancing EV performance are endless. As we look towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, automotive battery technology will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the way we drive. So, what is next for automotive battery technology? The answer lies in continuous innovation and collaboration towards creating the next generation of batteries for electric vehicles.

What Is the Current State of Automotive Battery Technology?

The current state of automotive battery technology is advanced, with lithium-ion batteries being the most common type used in electric vehicles. These batteries have a high energy density, which allows them to store a large amount of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package. However, there are still some challenges that automakers face when it comes to implementing these batteries in their vehicles.

The Most Challenging Aspect of Automotive Battery Technology Today

In today’s fast-paced world, the automotive industry is constantly evolving to meet the demands of consumers and the environment. One of the key areas of focus for automakers is battery technology, as more and more vehicles are transitioning to electric power. But what is the most challenging aspect of automotive battery technology today?

1. Cost: One of the biggest challenges of automotive battery technology today is the cost of manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. While the cost of these batteries has decreased in recent years, they still make up a significant portion of the overall cost of an electric vehicle, making them less accessible to the average consumer.
2. Range: Another challenge facing automakers is the range of electric vehicles. While advancements in battery technology have increased the range of electric vehicles, they still cannot match the range of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. This limitation makes consumers hesitant to make the switch to electric vehicles.
3. Charging Infrastructure: The lack of a robust charging infrastructure is another challenge that automakers face. While there are more charging stations being built every day, the infrastructure is still not as widespread or convenient as gas stations, making it difficult for consumers to rely solely on electric vehicles for their transportation needs.
4. Durability: Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, which can lead to a decrease in performance and range. This degradation can be exacerbated by factors such as extreme temperatures or fast charging, making it difficult for automakers to guarantee the longevity and durability of their batteries.

How Can These Challenges Be Overcome?

1. Research and Development: Continued research and development in battery technology is crucial to overcoming the challenges faced by automakers. By investing in new materials and manufacturing processes, automakers can reduce the cost of batteries, increase their energy density, and improve their longevity.
2. Infrastructure Investment: Building a robust charging infrastructure is essential to increasing the adoption of electric vehicles. Governments and private companies must work together to install more charging stations and make them more accessible to consumers.
3. Consumer Education: Educating consumers about the benefits of electric vehicles and addressing their concerns about range and charging infrastructure is key to increasing their adoption. Automakers must work to dispel myths and misconceptions about electric vehicles and highlight their environmental and cost-saving advantages.

While automotive battery technology has come a long way in recent years, there are still several challenges that automakers face in implementing these technologies in their vehicles. By addressing issues such as cost, range, charging infrastructure, and durability, automakers can pave the way for a future where electric vehicles are the norm rather than the exception.

The Future of Automotive Battery Technology

Are you curious about what the future of automotive battery technology holds? In this article, we will explore the advancements and innovations that are shaping the future of automotive batteries.

What the Future Automotive Battery Would Be Like?

1. Longer Battery Life: One of the most significant developments in automotive battery technology is the quest for longer battery life. Manufacturers are constantly working on improving the energy density of batteries to increase the range of electric vehicles. This will result in fewer charges and longer driving distances, making electric cars more convenient and practical for everyday use.

2. Faster Charging Speeds: Another key aspect of the future of automotive batteries is faster charging speeds. With advancements in charging technology, electric vehicles will be able to charge more quickly, reducing the time it takes to power up and get back on the road. Fast-charging stations will become more widespread, making electric vehicles a more viable option for long-distance travel.

3. Enhanced Safety Features: Safety is always a top priority when it comes to automotive batteries. In the future, we can expect to see even more advanced safety features built into battery systems to prevent overheating, overcharging, and other potential hazards. This will give drivers peace of mind knowing that their electric vehicles are not only environmentally friendly but also safe to use.

4. Integration with Renewable Energy Sources: As the world moves towards sustainable energy solutions, automotive batteries will play a crucial role in storing and utilizing energy from renewable sources such as solar and wind. This integration will not only reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles but also help make them more self-sufficient and eco-friendlier.

5. Lightweight and Compact Designs: Advancements in battery materials and manufacturing processes will lead to lighter and more compact battery designs in the future. This will not only improve the overall performance of electric vehicles but also make them more efficient and easier to produce on a large scale.
The future of automotive battery technology is bright, with advancements in energy density, charging speed, safety features, integration with renewable energy sources, and lightweight designs. Electric vehicles are set to become even more practical, convenient, and environmentally friendly in the years to come.

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