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Back in November 2023, I told you about how my 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon:

had failed (more accurately, not completed) its initial emissions testing the year before (October 2022) because it hadn’t been driven substantively in the prior two years and its onboard diagnostic system therefore hadn’t completed a self-evaluation prior to the emissions test attempt. Thankfully, after driving the vehicle around for a while, aided by mechanics’ insights, online info and data sourced from my OBD-II scanner, the last stubborn self-test (“oxygen sensor heater”) ran and completed successfully, as did my subsequent second emissions test attempt.

The battery, which I’d just replaced two years earlier in September 2020, had been disconnected for the in-between two-year period, not that keeping it connected would have notably affected the complications-rife outcome; even with the onboard diagnostic system powered up, the vehicle still needed to be driven in order for self-evaluation tests to run. This time, I vowed, I’d be better. I’d go down to the outdoor storage lot, where the Jeep was parked, every few weeks and start and drive it some. And purely for convenience reasons, I kept the battery connected this time, so I wouldn’t need to pop the hood both before and after each driving iteration.

I bet you know what happened next, don’t you? How’s that saying go…”the road to hell is paved with good intentions”? Weeks turned into months, months turned into years, and two years later (October 2024) to be exact, I ended up with not only a Jeep whose onboard diagnostics system tests had expired again, but one whose battery looked like this:

Here it is in the cart at Costco, after my removal of it from the engine compartment and right before I replaced it with another brand-new successor:

I immediately replaced it primarily for expediency reasons; it’s somewhat inconvenient to get to the storage lot (therefore why my prior aspirations had been for naught) and given that I already knew I had some driving to do before it’d pass emissions (not to mention that my deadline for passing emissions was drawing near) I didn’t want to waste time messing around with trying to revive this one. But I was nagged afterwards by curiosity; could I have revived it? I decided to do some research, and although in my case the answer was likely still no (given just how drained it was, and for how long it’d been in this degraded condition), I learned a few things that I thought I’d pass along.

First off: what causes a (sealed, in my particular) lead-acid (SLA) battery to fail in the first place? Numerous reasons exist, but for the purposes of this particular post topic, I’m going to focus on just one, sulfication. With as-usual upfront thanks to Wikipedia for the concise but comprehensive summary that follows:

Lead–acid batteries lose the ability to accept a charge when discharged for too long due to sulfation, the crystallization of lead sulfate. They generate electricity through a double sulfate chemical reaction. Lead and lead dioxide, the active materials on the battery’s plates, react with sulfuric acid in the electrolyte to form lead sulfate. The lead sulfate first forms in a finely divided, amorphous state and easily reverts to lead, lead dioxide, and sulfuric acid when the battery recharges. As batteries cycle through numerous discharges and charges, some lead sulfate does not recombine into electrolyte and slowly converts into a stable crystalline form that no longer dissolves on recharging. Thus, not all the lead is returned to the battery plates, and the amount of usable active material necessary for electricity generation declines over time.

And specific to my rarely used vehicle situation:

Sulfation occurs in lead–acid batteries when they are subjected to insufficient charging during normal operation, it also occurs when lead–acid batteries left unused with incomplete charge for an extended time. It impedes recharging; sulfate deposits ultimately expand, cracking the plates and destroying the battery. Eventually, so much of the battery plate area is unable to supply current that the battery capacity is greatly reduced. In addition, the sulfate portion (of the lead sulfate) is not returned to the electrolyte as sulfuric acid. It is believed that large crystals physically block the electrolyte from entering the pores of the plates. A white coating on the plates may be visible in batteries with clear cases or after dismantling the battery. Batteries that are sulfated show a high internal resistance and can deliver only a small fraction of normal discharge current. Sulfation also affects the charging cycle, resulting in longer charging times, less-efficient and incomplete charging, and higher battery temperatures.

Okay, but what if I just kept the battery disconnected, as I’d been doing previously? That should be enough to prevent sulfication-related degradation, since there’d then be no resulting current flow through the battery, right? Nope:

Batteries also have a small amount of internal resistance that will discharge the battery even when it is disconnected. If a battery is left disconnected, any internal charge will drain away slowly and eventually reach the critical point. From then on the film will develop and thicken. This is the reason batteries will be found to charge poorly or not at all if left in storage for a long period of time.

I also found this bit, both on how battery chargers operate and how sulfication adversely affects this process, interesting:

Conventional battery chargers use a one-, two-, or three-stage process to recharge the battery, with a switched-mode power supply including more stages in order to fill the battery more rapidly and completely. Common to almost all chargers, including non-switched models, is the middle stage, normally known as “absorption”. In this mode the charger holds a steady voltage slightly above that of a full battery, in order to push current into the cells. As the battery fills, its internal voltage rises towards the fixed voltage being supplied to it, and the rate of current flow slows. Eventually the charger will turn off when the current drops below a pre-set threshold.

A sulfated battery has higher electrical resistance than an unsulfated battery of identical construction. As related by Ohm’s law, current is the ratio of voltage to resistance, so a sulfated battery will have lower current flow. As the charging process continues, such a battery will reach the charger’s preset cut-off more rapidly, long before it has had time to accept a complete charge. In this case the battery charger indicates the charge cycle is complete, but the battery actually holds very little energy. To the user, it appears that the battery is dying.

My longstanding-use battery charger is a DieHard model 28.71222:

It’s fairly old-school in design, although “modern” enough that it enables the owner to front panel switch-differentiate between conventional SLA and newer absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery technologies from a charging-process standpoint (speaking of which, in the process of researching this piece I also learned that old-school vehicles like mine are also often, albeit not always, able to use both legacy SLA and newer AGM batteries). And it conveniently supports not only 10A charging but also 2A “trickle” (i.e., “maintain”) and 50A “engine start” modes.

That said, we’re storing the Volkswagen Eurovan Camper in the garage nowadays, with my Volvo perpetually parked in the driveway instead (and the Jeep still “down the hill” at the storage lot). I recently did some shopping for a more modern “trickle” charger for the van’s battery, and in the process discovered that newer chargers are not only much more compact than my ancient “beast” but also offer integrated desulfation support (claimed, at least). Before you get too excited, there’s this Wikipedia qualifier to start:

Sulfation can be avoided if the battery is fully recharged immediately after a discharge cycle. There are no known independently-verified ways to reverse sulfation. There are commercial products claiming to achieve desulfation through various techniques such as pulse charging, but there are no peer-reviewed publications verifying their claims. Sulfation prevention remains the best course of action, by periodically fully charging the lead–acid batteries.

With that said, there’s this excerpt from the linked-to ”Battery regenerator” Wikipedia entry:

The lead sulfate layer can be dissolved back into solution by applying much higher voltages. Normally, running high voltage into a battery will cause it to rapidly heat and potentially cause thermal runaway, which may cause it to explode. Some battery conditioners use short pulses of high voltage, too short to cause significant heating, but long enough to reverse the crystallization process. 

Any metal structure, such as a battery, will have some parasitic inductance and some parasitic capacitance. These will resonate with each other, and something the size of a battery will usually resonate at a few megahertz. This process is sometimes called “ringing”. However, the electrochemical processes found in batteries have time constants on the order of seconds and will not be affected by megahertz frequencies. There are some websites which advertise “battery desulfators” running at megahertz frequencies.

Depending on the size of the battery, the desulfation process can take from 48 hours to weeks to complete. During this period the battery is also trickle charged to continue reducing the amount of lead sulfur in solution.

Courtesy of a recent Amazon Prime Big Deal Days promotion, I ended up picking up three different charger models at discounted prices, with the intention of tearing down at least one in the future in comparative contrast to my buzzing DieHard beast. For trickle-only charging purposes, I got two ~$20 1A 6V/12V GENIUS 1s from NOCO, a well-known brand:

Among its feature set bullet points are these:

• Charge dead batteries – Charges batteries as low as 1-volt. Or use the all-new force mode that allows you to take control and manually begin charging dead batteries down to zero volts.
• Restore your battery – An advanced battery repair mode uses slow pulse reconditioner technology to detect battery sulfation and acid stratification to restore lost battery performance for stronger engine starts and extended battery life.

Then there were two from NEXPEAK, a lesser known but still highly rated (on Amazon, at least) brand, the ~$21 6A 12V model NC101:

• [HIGH-EFFICIENCY PULSE REPAIR] battery charger automotive detects battery sulfation and acid stratification, take newest pulse repair function to restore lost battery performance for stronger engine starts and extended battery life. NOTE: can not activate or charging totally dead batteries.

And the also-$21 10A 12V/24V NC201 PRO:

with similarly worded desulfation-support prose:

• [HIGH-EFFICIENCY PULSE REPAIR]Automatically detects battery sulfation and acid stratification, take newest pulse repair function to restore lost battery performance for stronger engine starts and extended battery life. Note: can not activate or charging totally dead batteries.

In fact, with this model and as the front panel graphic shows, the default recharging sequence always begins with a desulfation step.

Do the desulfation claims bear out in real life? Read through the Amazon user comments for the NC101 and NC201 PRO and you’ll likely come away with a mixed conclusion. Cynically speaking, perhaps, the hype is reminiscent of the “peak” cranking amp claims of lithium battery-based battery jump starters. And I also wonder for what percentage of the positive reviewers the battery resurrection ended up being only partial and temporary. That said, I suppose it’s better than nothing, especially considering how cost-effective these chargers are nowadays.

And that said, my ultimate future aspiration is to not need to try to resurrect my Jeep’s battery at all. To wit, given that as previously noted, “I don’t have AC outlet access for [editor note: conventional] trickle chargers” at the outdoor storage facility, I’ve also picked up a portable solar panel with integrated trickle charger for ~$18 during that same promotion (two, actually, in case I end up moving the van back down there, too):

which, next time I’m down there, I intend to mate to a SAE extension cable I also bought:

bungee-strap the solar panel to the Jeep’s windshield (or maybe the hood, depending on vehicle and sun orientations), on top of the car cover intermediary, and route the charging cable from underneath the vehicle to the battery in the engine compartment above. I’ll report back my results in a future post. Until then, I welcome your comments on what I’ve written so far!

—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 Dead Lead-acid Batteries: Desulfation-resurrection opportunities? appeared first on EDN.

• Latest MCUs leverage cutting-edge near-threshold chip design to set record performance-per-watt efficiency benchmark
• Secret-key protection and in-factory provisioning boost cyber security
• Typical applications include utility meters, healthcare devices, and industrial sensors

STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has introduced new STM32U3 microcontrollers (MCUs) with cutting-edge power-saving innovations that ease deployment of smart connected tech, especially in remote locations.

The latest MCUs are aimed at IoT devices, which must typically operate for extended periods without maintenance and with limited energy from a coin cell or ambient solar or thermoelectric source. Typical applications that depend on the lowest possible power consumption include utility meters, healthcare devices such as glucose meters and insulin pumps, animal care monitors, forest-fire sensors, and industrial sensors including thermostats and smoke detectors. STM32U3 MCUs are also used in consumer products such as smart watches, wearables, and hearables.

“The STM32U3 series builds on the heritage of ST-established ultra-low-power general-purpose microcontroller class as it is known today, which opened the door to widespread diffusion of smart technology in diverse environments,” commented Patrick Aidoune, General-Purpose MCU Division General Manager, STMicroelectronics. “Leveraging innovative techniques such as recent advancements in near-threshold design, the new devices cut dynamic power consumption to the bone, boosting efficiency by a factor of two compared to our previous generation, hence contributing to companies’ sustainability goals.”

In addition to its extreme energy efficiency, the STM32U3 series meets the needs of IoT devices by providing robust cyber protection using the latest hardware security techniques. The MCUs are designed to confine secret keys permanently in secure memory, eliminating vulnerable CPU fetches. In addition, attestation credentials for each device are provisioned by ST at manufacture before leaving the factory, which strengthens security and simplifies provisioning. All those security mechanisms, in addition to the SESIP3 and PSA Level3 certifiable security assets, such as cryptographic accelerators, TrustZone® isolation, random generator, and product lifecycle will contribute and enable ST customers to reach compliancy towards the upcoming RED and CRA regulations.

Customer testimonials:

“STM32U3 enables us [smaXtec] to bring our hardware for animal health monitors to the next level. The consumption in active mode is extremely low, only a few µA/MHz, which enables us to reduce the energy needed for current data processing algorithms while at the same time adding new features to our products. In addition, its advanced range of low-power modes lets us put the device into deep sleep if no data is processed. The newly implemented STOP3 mode, including its wakeup capabilities, is a neat way to keep power consumption low,” said Manuel Frech, Product Development Engineer, smaXtec.

Technical Notes for Editors

ST has set the pace in ultra-low-power (ULP) MCUs with previous STM32 variants and is now taking ULP performance to a new level with the new STM32U3 series. Leveraging advanced power-saving chip design, fine-tuned with AI-enhanced tools, and the latest Arm Cortex-M33 core running at up to 96MHz, the new MCUs achieve the market-leading Coremark-per-milliwatt score of 117. This is almost twice the efficiency of ST’s preceding STM32U5 series, and five times that of the STM32L4 series.

• STM32U3 MCUs set new standards in dynamic performance by taking advantage of near-threshold technology that operates IC transistors at extremely low voltage, saving energy proportionately according to a square law
• ST’s innovative near-threshold implementation uses AI-driven adaptive voltage scaling at wafer level to compensate for process variations in the foundry
• In addition to dynamic power savings (down to 10µA/MHz), the STM32U3 series achieve extremely low stop current, at 1.6µA
• STM32U3 embeds up to 1MB of Flash memory dual-bank and 256kB of SRAM
• In terms of security, STM32U3 MCUs embed all successful security features of the STM32U5, with additional keystore capabilities. Newly, secret keys are loaded in-factory by ST on the STM32U3 MCUs and are protected by a coupling and chaining bridge (CCB), representing the first use of this technology in the STM32 MCU family
• Two product lines are available, presenting a choice of MCUs either with or without a hardware cryptographic accelerator
• Combined with their low power, the devices integrate efficient and high-performing peripherals including the latest I3C digital connectivity
• MCUs are available in commercial (-40°C to 85°C) and extended industrial
  (-40°C to 105°C) temperature ranges

The STM32U3 series is in production now and available from $1.93 for orders of 10,000 pieces. For more information, please go to www.st.com/stm32u3

The post STMicroelectronics reveals STM32U3 microcontrollers extending ultra-low power innovation for remote, smart and sustainable applications appeared first on ELE Times.

Flexible displays and wearable technology are rapidly transforming the consumer electronics industry, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in human-device interaction. Flexible displays enable devices to bend, fold, and stretch, while wearable technology integrates electronic components into materials that can be comfortably worn. These advancements are driven by materials science, miniaturization of components, and innovative manufacturing techniques. This article explores the latest breakthroughs, industry trends, technical challenges, and real-world applications of these cutting-edge technologies.

The Evolution of Flexible Displays

1.1. Core Technologies Behind Flexible Displays

Flexible displays leverage new materials and fabrication techniques to achieve durability and functionality. The primary display technologies used are:

• Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs): OLEDs use organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied. Their thin and flexible nature makes them ideal for foldable and rollable screens. OLEDs also offer superior color accuracy, contrast ratios, and power efficiency compared to traditional LCDs, making them a preferred choice for mobile and wearable devices.
• MicroLEDs: MicroLEDs offer higher brightness, energy efficiency, and longevity, making them an attractive alternative to OLEDs for flexible display applications in smartwatches, augmented reality (AR) devices, and automotive dashboards. Unlike OLEDs, microLEDs do not suffer from burn-in issues, providing longer-lasting performance in demanding environments.
• E-Paper Displays: Although traditionally rigid, e-paper technology is evolving to include flexible variants that allow for bendable e-readers and dynamic signage. E-paper displays consume significantly less power than OLEDs and microLEDs, making them ideal for applications where energy efficiency is paramount, such as electronic shelf labels and wearable medical devices.

1.2. Breakthroughs in Flexible Display Materials

Recent material innovations have significantly enhanced the flexibility and durability of displays.

• Graphene-Based Substrates: Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, exhibits exceptional electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and lightweight properties. These characteristics make graphene an excellent candidate for next-generation flexible displays, providing both durability and energy efficiency.
• Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG): Companies like Samsung and Corning have developed ultra-thin, chemically treated glass that bends without breaking. This innovation is crucial for foldable smartphones and tablets, as it offers superior scratch resistance and optical clarity compared to polymer-based alternatives.
• Polyimide Films: Polyimide is a high-performance polymer that serves as a flexible and durable substrate for OLED and e-paper screens. It offers excellent thermal stability and mechanical strength, making it an essential component in the development of bendable and stretchable displays.

Manufacturing Techniques for Flexible Displays

2.1. Roll-to-Roll (R2R) Printing

Roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing is a continuous production process that enables the fabrication of thin, flexible electronics on a large scale. By printing electronic circuits and display components onto flexible substrates, R2R technology significantly reduces production costs and increases manufacturing efficiency. This technique is essential for the commercialization of affordable flexible displays in consumer electronics, medical devices, and wearable technology.

2.2. Laser Patterning and Etching

Laser patterning and etching techniques enhance the precision of flexible circuit production, allowing for high-resolution displays in compact form factors. By selectively removing material layers with laser beams, manufacturers can create intricate circuit patterns that improve the performance and durability of flexible displays. These techniques also enable the development of micro-LED and quantum-dot displays with enhanced color accuracy and brightness.

Wearable Technology: The Integration of Flexible Displays

Wearable technology has benefited immensely from flexible display advancements, enabling next-generation applications in fitness tracking, healthcare, and immersive computing.

3.1. Smartwatches and Fitness Bands

Smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch utilize OLED and microLED technology to deliver high-resolution displays in a compact, power-efficient form. The use of flexible displays enhances durability and adaptability, allowing for sleeker designs and better user experiences. Additionally, fitness bands equipped with flexible screens provide real-time health metrics, including heart rate, oxygen saturation, and stress levels, making them indispensable tools for health-conscious consumers.

3.2. Smart Glasses and Augmented Reality (AR) Devices

Smart glasses and AR devices rely on flexible OLED micro-displays to provide immersive digital experiences without compromising portability and battery life. Products like Microsoft HoloLens and Meta’s AR glasses integrate ultra-thin, lightweight flexible displays that enhance usability and comfort. These wearables are expected to play a pivotal role in industries such as healthcare, education, and remote collaboration, where real-time data visualization and hands-free interaction are essential.

3.3. E-Textiles and Smart Clothing

The integration of flexible circuits into textiles has given rise to e-textiles, which are fabrics embedded with electronic components. These smart fabrics can monitor vital signs, track movement, and even display real-time information on fabric surfaces. Applications of e-textiles range from sportswear with embedded biometric sensors to military uniforms equipped with heads-up displays (HUDs) for enhanced situational awareness.

Industry Trends and Market Adoption

4.1. Consumer Electronics Giants Leading the Charge

Leading technology companies are investing heavily in flexible display innovation:

• Samsung: The Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series demonstrate the commercial viability of foldable displays, offering a glimpse into the future of mobile computing.
• LG: LG’s rollable OLED displays are finding applications in televisions, automotive dashboards, and commercial signage, showcasing the versatility of flexible display technology.
• Apple: Rumors suggest that Apple is developing foldable iPhones and wearable microLED screens, indicating a strong commitment to flexible display research and development.

4.2. Adoption in Healthcare and Medical Wearables

Flexible sensors and displays are revolutionizing medical monitoring by enabling real-time health tracking and diagnostics. Wearable medical devices equipped with flexible displays offer several advantages:

• Continuous ECG and glucose monitoring for patients with chronic conditions.
• AI-powered diagnostics integrated into smart bands for early disease detection.
• Skin patches embedded with stretchable biosensors for non-invasive health assessments.

Challenges in Flexible Displays and Wearables

5.1. Durability and Longevity

Repeated bending and folding can lead to material fatigue, impacting the longevity of flexible displays. Researchers are exploring self-healing materials and reinforced ultra-thin glass layers to enhance durability.

5.2. Power Efficiency and Thermal Management

Flexible electronics require optimized power consumption strategies to maintain battery life. Advances in energy-efficient microprocessors and flexible lithium-ion batteries are crucial for sustaining long-term usability.

5.3. Cost and Scalability

Despite technological advancements, mass production of flexible displays remains costly due to specialized fabrication processes. Industry efforts are focused on streamlining production and improving yield rates to make flexible technology more accessible.

The Future of Flexible Displays and Wearable Tech

6.1. Integration with AI and IoT

Future wearables will incorporate AI-driven health monitoring, context-aware displays, and seamless IoT connectivity, enhancing user experiences across various domains.

6.2. Advances in Quantum Dot and Perovskite Materials

Quantum dot and perovskite-based displays could revolutionize flexible screens by improving color accuracy, efficiency, and lifespan.

6.3. Fully Stretchable and Shape-Adaptive Devices

The next frontier is fully stretchable electronics that dynamically adapt to user needs, with applications in robotics, prosthetics, and adaptive interfaces.

Conclusion

Flexible displays and wearable technology are set to redefine digital interaction, merging advancements in materials science, electronics, and AI. As manufacturing processes evolve, these devices will become more durable, power-efficient, and accessible, shaping the future of consumer electronics, healthcare, and beyond.

The post The Future of Flexible Displays and Wearable Technology: A Technical Deep Dive appeared first on ELE Times.

The Indian smart home market is experiencing rapid growth, with smart switches playing a pivotal role in home automation. These devices allow users to control lighting, appliances, and other electrical fixtures remotely, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency. Several Indian startups have emerged as key players in this domain, offering innovative smart switch solutions tailored to the unique needs of Indian consumers. Here are ten notable smart switch startups in India:

1. Wipro Smart Home

A subsidiary of Wipro Limited, Wipro Smart Home specializes in integrated smart lighting systems, security solutions, and energy management devices. Their smart switches enable users to control home lighting remotely, schedule operations, and monitor energy consumption, all through a user-friendly mobile application. The seamless integration with other smart devices makes Wipro a prominent player in the Indian smart switch market.

2. Syska

Syska is renowned for its smart lighting solutions, including smart bulbs and switches. Their smart switches are designed for easy installation and compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Features such as remote operation, scheduling, and energy monitoring cater to the evolving needs of tech-savvy consumers.

3. Oakter

Oakter offers modular smart home kits, including smart plugs and switches, that can be controlled via smartphones or voice commands. Their smart switches are designed for retrofit installations, allowing users to upgrade existing setups without extensive rewiring. The focus on affordability and user-friendly interfaces has made Oakter a popular choice among Indian homeowners.

4. Cubical Labs

Cubical Labs provides automation systems for lighting, security, and energy management. Their smart switches offer features like touch-sensitive controls, remote access, and integration with other smart devices. The emphasis on scalability and customization allows users to tailor their smart home experience according to individual preferences.

5. Atomberg Technologies

While primarily known for smart ceiling fans, Atomberg Technologies has ventured into smart switches that complement their energy-efficient appliances. These switches offer remote control, scheduling, and energy monitoring, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

6. Silvan Innovation Labs

Silvan specializes in integrated home automation systems, including smart switches that control lighting, security, and entertainment devices. Their products feature AI-powered systems and voice recognition, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience. The focus on high-end residences and luxury hotels showcases their expertise in creating sophisticated smart home ecosystems.

7. TagHaus

TagHaus offers a range of smart home devices, including smart plugs and switches, that prioritize simplicity and affordability. Their smart switches are designed for plug-and-play installation, making it easy for users to upgrade their homes without professional assistance. Features like cloud connectivity and mobile app control enhance the convenience and appeal of their products.

8. Inoho

Inoho provides retrofit smart home solutions, including smart switches that allow users to control appliances remotely. Their modular design and affordability make it accessible for homeowners looking to upgrade their existing electrical systems without significant modifications.

9. Leccy & Genesis

Leccy & Genesis focuses on centralized control systems, offering smart switchboards that manage various appliances simultaneously. Their products are designed to be dependable and user-friendly, providing homeowners with the ability to control lighting, fans, and other devices through a centralized interface.

10. Jasmine Smart Homes

Jasmine Smart Homes offers Wi-Fi-enabled smart switches designed specifically for Indian homes. Their products feature innovative designs, easy installation, and compatibility with popular voice assistants. The focus on combining functionality, style, and reliability has made them a trusted name in the Indian smart home market.

 

These startups are at the forefront of India’s smart switch industry, offering a diverse range of products that cater to various consumer needs. From energy efficiency to seamless integration with existing home systems, these companies are driving the adoption of smart home technologies across the country.

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

🏓 Турнір з настільного тенісу серед студентів! kpi пн, 03/10/2025 - 10:47

Гуманітарне розмінування: гуртуємося задля успіху kpi пн, 03/10/2025 - 10:16

So, I tried to free form a similar clock I free formed earlier this year, except it includes the hours, minutes, and seconds. I wanted to see if I could possibly improve my free forming builds compared with the first clock I built, but honestly, it still came out ugly to me. At any rate, I kinda like the scraggly look of Freeform/dead bug electronics assembly. I’ll never be as good as Mohit Bhoite, Eirik Brandal, etc. However, I noticed that building stuff like this is calming to me. It’s difficult and stressful, although I find that when my job is pissing me off, I spent 15 minutes working on this clock to calm me down. The awesome part was after I assembled everything onto the base, I decided to just power it up and see if it worked. At first, I set my power supply to 12v and limited the current to 100mA. It powered up and hit the 100mA limit. I slowly increased the current, and when I hit 250mA, all the nixies counted down from 9 to 0, then counted up from 0 to 9, and displayed the time. Sort of. I had to ‘reset’ the DS1302 RTC, installed the button cell battery, and cycled the power…and it just worked. I set the time, and there it was, a working nixie Freeform clock! At first I was excited, then thought, “but now I have nothing to troubleshoot…” Where do I go from here? I don’t know; I may be seriously thinking about free forming Keith Bayern’s design, a discreet component nixie clock. That kit contains over 1,000 components, but it might be doable and pretty impressive lol submitted by /u/Asuntofantunatu [link] [comments]

Where does analog design stand in the rapidly growing artificial intelligence (AI) world? While neuromorphic designs have been around since the 1980s, can they reinvent themselves with building blocks like field-programmable analog arrays (FPAAs)? Are there appropriate design tools for analog to make a foray into the AI space? Georgia Tech’s Dr. Jennifer Hasler, known for her work on FPAAs, joins other engineering experts to discuss ways of accelerating analog design in the age of AI.

Read the full transcript of this discussion or listen to the podcast at EDN’s sister publication, EE Times.

Related Content

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• Field-Programmable Qubit Arrays: The Quantum Analog of FPGAs
• Lowered Price for Field Programmable Analog Array (FPAA) Development Kit

The post How to reinvent analog design in the age of AI appeared first on EDN.

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Зустріч з бійцями Сил спеціальних операцій ЗСУ kpi сб, 03/08/2025 - 12:25

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Need to try still if it works submitted by /u/ImpressiveTaste3594 [link] [comments]

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Due to “high demand and requests from several participants”, there has been an extension to 17 March (14:00 Norwegian time) of the auction (begun on 28 February) of the assets of CrayoNano AS of Trondheim, Norway — a developer and manufacturer of semiconductor components, including UVC-LEDs, based on patented and proprietary nanomaterials technology, until its bankruptcy in January...

Енерго-Інноваційний Хаб КПІ: рік досягнень та нових можливостей kpi пт, 03/07/2025 - 18:28

Editor’s Note: This is a two-part series. Part 1 can be found here.

My father, John Edward Dunn, was a Foreman in the New York City Department of Bridges. His shop was in Brooklyn on Kent Avenue adjacent to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. His first assistant at that shop was a man named Connie Rank. Dad’s responsibilities were to oversee the maintenance and repairs of all of the smaller bridges in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and parts of Queens. The Mill Basin Bridge was one of his.

Dad was on call 24/7 in response to any bridge emergencies. At any time of day or night a phone call would come in and he would have to respond. When calls came in at 2 AM or 3 AM or whenever, the whole household would be awakened. Dad would answer the call and I would hear “Yeah. Okay, I’m on my way.” Then I’d hear Dad dialing a call where I’d hear “Connie? Yeah. See you there,” and that would be that. The routine was that familiar. Nothing further needed to be said. He wouldn’t get home again until at least 5:30 PM the following day for having responded to whatever emergency had occurred and then having worked a full day afterward without interruption.

Many of those emergencies were at the Mill Basin Bridge. One of them made the front page of a city newspaper. There was a full page photo of the bridge taken from ground level showing all kinds of emergency vehicles on the scene with all of their lights gleaming against the dark sky. Dad showed me that paper and asked “Do you see that little dot here?” I said “Yes,” and he said, “That little dot is me.” He knew where he had been standing.

Following one accident, perhaps it was the accident above, Dad apparently saved someone’s life. He was honored for that by Mayor Robert F. Wagner. Neither I at the age of twelve nor my sister at nine were ever told the details of the event, but it led to Dad shaking hands with the Mayor at New York City Hall.

John Dunn’s late father, John Edward Dunn, shaking hands with NYC mayor Robert F. Wagner circa 1956 to receive an award for his brave work saving a life as a foreman with the NYC Department of Bridges.

John Dunn is an electronics consultant, and a graduate of The Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (BSEE) and of New York University (MSEE).

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