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Courtesy: Nordic Semiconductor

The way we get from A to B and back is rapidly evolving. At the heart of the urban transport revolution is technology-driven electric mobility (‘e-mobility’). This encompasses not only electric bikes (‘e-bikes’), electric scooters (‘e-scooters’), and other lightweight electric transport, but also electric cars that rely on the availability of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to stay in motion. Driven by smart connectivity solutions, the e-mobility market is taking transportation efficiency to the next level in cities around the world.

Shared micromobility takes commuters the last mile 

Micromobility technologies are enabling flexible, cost-effective, and eco-friendly ‘last mile’ alternatives to traditional commuting. For example, rentable e-bikes and e-scooters now make it faster, cheaper, healthier, more convenient, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly for people to travel the final part of a journey. Better yet, these solutions allow people to avoid private and public transport, reducing both traffic congestion and carbon footprints.

It’s still early days for the sector, but all signs point to sustained growth and exciting development. One report by Market Research Future forecasts the global micromobility market will expand from $114.15 billion in 2024 to $303.47 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 13 percent during the forecast period.

Bluetooth LE the key to unlocking e-mobility potential 

Advanced low power wireless connectivity is the key to efficient e-mobility. Shared micromobility solutions require short-range wireless technologies such as Bluetooth LE to communicate between smartphones and rented transport, enabling equipment unlocking and mobile payment/subscription functionality.

By reliably and securely linking shared e-bikes and e-scooters to smartphones, for example, riders can use associated apps to not only locate and unlock the nearest machine, but also take advantage of unique features such as beginner/safe modes and the ability to check estimated travel times to help plan journeys.

Bluetooth LE is currently used in most share bikes for communication between the bike and a linked mobile because of its ubiquitous smartphone interoperability. Other systems employ cellular IoT with Bluetooth LE as a backup connectivity technology. The low power consumption of both cellular IoT and Bluetooth LE ensures e-vehicles remain connected for long periods.

Wireless tech powers electric vehicle charging stations 

And it’s not only micromobility that’s shifting the gears of urban transport. Reliable, secure wireless connectivity also enhances the value proposition of EV charging stations. By encouraging EVs instead of conventional vehicles in city centers, carbon emissions are slashed, and everyone gets to breathe cleaner air.

Wireless connectivity enables EV charging stations to become smart. For example, data can be gathered on the availability and condition of charging sockets. This data can be relayed to a central platform for staff to respond to disruptions or problems remotely. Avoiding potential technical issues can improve availability of the charging outlet for the consumer’s benefit.

By seamlessly integrating Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, and cellular IoT, developers can create innovative charging solutions that meet the evolving needs of the EV industry. This is important as EV adoption is accelerating and a large fleet of reliable charging points will be needed to meet demand.

One innovative solution for increasing the number of charging points is to integrate them into smart streetlamps. Streetlamps are already connected to the main electricity supply offering a ready supply of energy for EVs. The U.K., for example, already boasts over 8,000 streetlight and bollard charging stations. Further lamppost conversions will allow the country to greatly expand its network of over 53,000 public charging points. Given charging point access has proved a significant barrier to EV adoption, converting streetlamps into EV charging stations will aid the rollout of EVs generally by ensuring charging is more accessible and convenient.

Nordic nRF54 Series future ready for e-mobility advancement 

Nordic Semiconductor’s latest generation SoCs provide a powerful solution for developers of innovative e-mobility applications. The nRF54H20, for example, boasts multiple Arm Cortex-M33 processors and multiple RISC-V coprocessors. Combined with 2 MB non-volatile memory and 1 MB of RAM, the nRF54H Series endows the developer with the dedicated computing power needed to run complex e-mobility applications while also keeping power consumption low to extend battery life.

As one of the most secure low power, multiprotocol SoCs on the market, the nRF54H20 is an ideal connectivity solution for e-mobility applications that demand protection of sensitive personal data used for payment, as well as safeguarding valuable e-transport assets.

Furthermore, the nRF54H20 features an integrated high-speed CAN FD controller. CAN (controller area network) is a standard bus used in vehicles for communications within their electronic systems, and integrating it into the nRF54H20 provides a powerful option for lower cost e-mobility implementations.

Tomorrow’s e-mobility solutions powered by the nRF54H20 will be even more flexible, convenient, efficient, and secure. What those solutions will look like are down to the imagination of the developer, but we can be sure that they will extend micromobility to an even wider population resulting in cleaner, quieter, and safer cities.

The post New, powerful SoCs aid drive to e-mobility appeared first on ELE Times.

Courtesy: Comsol

Picture this: A battery pack is connected to a charger and is left to recharge. The first minute passes without incident, with electricity flowing into the pack as expected. Suddenly, one battery cell experiences a short circuit and rapidly heats up, which in turn sparks a chain reaction as other cells in the pack follow suit. By the time 20 minutes have passed, the entire battery pack has been completely ruined. To explore this potentially dangerous scenario, we modelled a battery pack as it endures this rapid change.

The Risks of Batteries Going Wrong

Batteries can experience thermal runaway when they are pushed beyond their normal operating range, subjected to damage, or suffering from a short circuit, like in our dramatic example above. During this process, a battery cell heats up uncontrollably and triggers adjacent cells to follow suit. When excessive heat generation is not counteracted by sufficient dissipation, the whole pack exhibits thermal runaway. This can quickly damage the entire battery pack beyond use. In worst case scenarios, the extreme temperatures can even start fires, with potentially dire consequences.

To get insight into how this type of failure could develop and progress in prospective designs, battery designers can turn to modeling and simulation (M&S) to test their designs without damaging any materials — or themselves, for that matter — in the process. M&S makes it possible to look inside the battery pack in a way that is impossible in a lab setting and multiphysics simulation, specifically, ensures that the models reflect the real-world context in which the battery pack will eventually live.

Building a Battery Pack Model in COMSOL Multiphysics

Let’s take a look at a simple pack of 20 cylindrical batteries in a 5s4p configuration. In a 5s4p configuration, 4 sets of battery cells are connected in parallel, and each set contains 5 serially connected individual battery cells. For this model example, we included two plastic holder frames to keep the batteries in their locations and fix the cell-to-cell distances. The model also has parallel connectors welded to the serial connectors, midway between the battery cylinders, and a thin plastic wrapping that encloses the whole pack. This wrapping forms a compartment of quiescent air surrounding the battery cylinders.

The modelled battery pack geometry.

The model uses the following materials from the material library in the COMSOL Multiphysics software:

• Acrylic plastic (for the plastic holders)
• Steel AISI 4340 (for the connectors and battery terminals)
• Air (for the air in the compartment)

Next, let’s trigger thermal runaway in the pack! To initiate our propagation, we assume that one cell endures a short circuit early in the charging process.

Modeling Thermal Runaway

In our simulation, as soon as the short circuit is triggered (at the 1-minute mark) the maximum measured temperature within our battery pack instantaneously increases by more than 300°C. However, the average temperature only jumps moderately as just one battery cell experiences this dramatic increase in temperature. We see an incubation period during which nearby cells are warmed by our problem cell until another cell is triggered to heat up instantly.

Pack voltage and maximum battery temperature in the pack.

The threshold temperature for the remaining cells to be triggered into experiencing a thermal event is 80°C and, with the overall heat growing in the battery pack, the intervals between successive cell runaways become shorter. To simulate the loss of electrolyte and the resulting increase of internal cell resistances, the internal ohmic resistance of a battery cell is set to increase about two orders of magnitude when a thermal event is triggered.

At the 10-minute mark, the maximum charging voltage limit has been reached and the charger is turned off. Unfortunately, this has come too late to prevent further damage, and the thermal runaway continues to propagate throughout the rest of the pack. After just a few more minutes, we have lost all 20 of our battery cells. The thermal processes have run their course by the 20-minute mark, but the average temperature of our battery pack remains at more than 350°C. Had this been a real battery pack, the modelled scenario would likely have resulted in a fire, or even an explosion.

Prevent Problems Before They Arise

Batteries that have been kept too hot, operated in an unsafe way, or damaged, can experience thermal runaway events. When one part of the system begins to overheat, things can rapidly devolve. By modeling these events, users can virtually test their designs and verify, for example, the effectiveness of battery management systems as well as the temperature regulation of the system in potential deployment locations. It is through this approach that thermal runaway events can be better understood and, hopefully, avoided altogether.

The post Simulating Thermal Propagation in a Battery Pack appeared first on ELE Times.

The company’s market presence in India has been steadily growing, with over 25,000 square meters of LED displays deployed to date

Building on this success, the company has set an ambitious target for 2024, aiming to achieve more than 5,000 deployments by the end of this year

The market reception for AET Displays has been overwhelmingly positive, with a surge in business inquiries not only from India but also from other APAC regions, including Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand

AET Displays, a renowned industry expert in fine-pitch LED displays, has announced plans to launch five new LED solutions by the end of 2024, further expanding its already impressive range of over 60 products available in the Indian market. Currently, AET Displays boasts a comprehensive product lineup tailored for both outdoor and indoor applications. The outdoor category features more than 20 SKUs, including the AEO Series, AEO Plus Series, AEO Pro Series, and AMO Series. For indoor environments, the company offers over 30 SKUs, comprising the AT Series, NT Series, KOALA Series, NX Series, and All in One Series. Additionally, AET Displays provides specialized solutions such as Flexible Screens, Transparent Series, Modules, and Rental Series, catering to unique customer requirements.

The company’s market presence in India has been steadily growing, with over 25,000 square meters of LED displays deployed to date. AET Displays has made significant inroads in more than 20 diverse sectors, including government institutions (ministries, defence, PSUs, and state entities), broadcasting and media houses, retail, education, hospitals, corporate environments, transportation hubs (airports, railways, and metro stations), outdoor and indoor advertising, NOC rooms, surveillance facilities, and the cinema industry. Notably, the government sector, broadcasting and media houses, retail and corporate clients, and the entertainment industry have contributed most to the company’s revenue stream, highlighting AET’s strong position in high-demand, high-visibility markets. Geographically, AET Displays has seen a particularly strong market presence in the South, West, and North regions of India. Building on this success, the company has set an ambitious target for 2024, aiming to achieve more than 5,000 deployments by the end of this year.

Commenting on the company’s expansion plans, Mr. Su Piow Ko, Vice President of AET Global, stated, “Our decision to introduce five new LED solutions by the end of 2024 is a direct response to the dynamic market demands and our unwavering commitment to technological leadership. The remarkable success we’ve achieved in India, coupled with growing interest from other APAC regions, validates our approach to innovation and quality. These new solutions are designed not just to meet current market needs, but to anticipate future requirements, ensuring AET Displays remains at the forefront of visual communication technology. We are confident that these new offerings, when launched, will be received with love and appreciation by our customers and partners.”

The flagship product of AET Displays, the AT 55′ COB, exemplifies the company’s technological prowess. Utilizing MIP (Mass Transfer) Technology and featuring HDMI connectivity, this versatile display offers 2K resolution in a single unit, making it ideal for a wide range of indoor applications. At the heart of AET Displays’ innovation is its cutting-edge COB (Chip on Board) technology and patented QCOB Technology. Implemented across all indoor Active LED Displays, QCOB Technology provides an IP65 rating with ingress protection on the surface, ensuring both moisture and dust resistance. This proprietary technology is part of AET Displays’ impressive portfolio of over 1,000 patents, highlighting the company’s dedication to research and development in the LED display industry.

The market reception for AET Displays has been overwhelmingly positive, with a surge in business inquiries not only from India but also from other APAC regions, including Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand. As the demand for active LED displays continues to rise, AET Displays is strategically positioning itself to capture a larger market share in both government and corporate sectors. To support this growth and ensure customer satisfaction, AET Displays plans to double its employee strength by the end of 2024, with a focus on enhancing after-sales and pre-sales support.

Mr. Su Piow Ko, CEO, AET Display

The post AET Displays to Launch 5 New LED Solutions in 2024, Expanding Current Range of 60+ Products in India appeared first on ELE Times.

Buckle up, tech enthusiasts! We’re about to dive into the electrifying world of embedded technology in electronics – a realm where innovation meets opportunity, and where the tiniest chips spark the grandest revolutions. If you’re looking for a career that’s not just cutting-edge but blazing a trail into the future, you’ve come to the right place! In today’s interconnected world, embedded technology silently powers countless devices and systems that we interact with daily. From smart home appliances to advanced industrial machinery, embedded systems form the backbone of modern technological innovation. This article explores the world of embedded technology, its applications, and the exciting career opportunities it offers.

What is Embedded Technology?

Embedded technology refers to computer systems designed for specific functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. Unlike general-purpose computers, embedded systems are optimized for particular tasks, often with real-time computing constraints. These systems typically consist of a microprocessor or microcontroller, memory, input/output interfaces, and software tailored to the application.

Key Characteristics of Embedded Systems:

• Dedicated functionality
• Real-time operation
• Limited resources (memory, processing power)
• Low power consumption
• High reliability and durability
• Often operating without human intervention

Applications Across Industries: Powering Innovation and Efficiency

Embedded systems find applications across a diverse range of industries, driving innovation, enhancing operational efficiency, and improving user experiences.

• Automotive Electronics: Embedded systems play a pivotal role in automotive electronics, powering advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and vehicle telematics. These systems enable intelligent features such as adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and autonomous driving technologies.
• Healthcare and Medical Devices: Medical IoT devices equipped with embedded systems monitor patient health, deliver personalized treatments, and transmit critical data securely to healthcare providers. Embedded systems in medical devices ensure reliability, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory standards for patient safety.
• Smart Home and Consumer Electronics: From smart thermostats to connected appliances, embedded systems enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and connectivity in modern homes. These systems enable seamless integration, remote monitoring, and intelligent automation for enhanced lifestyle experiences.
• Industrial Automation and Manufacturing: Embedded systems drive automation and process control in industrial environments, optimizing production efficiency, monitoring equipment performance, and enabling predictive maintenance. Industrial IoT platforms leverage embedded systems for real-time analytics, inventory management, and supply chain optimization.

Growing Importance of Embedded Technology

As we progress towards a more connected and automated world, the demand for embedded systems continues to surge. The IoT revolution, Industry 4.0, and the push for smarter, more efficient devices are driving factors behind this growth. According to market research firm Precedence Research, the global embedded systems market size was reached at USD 162.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to hit around USD 258.6 billion by 2032, poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.77% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032.

Embedded Future: A Symphony of Progress

The embedded revolution is a marathon, not a sprint. By embracing the practical realities, fostering collaboration, and continuously pushing boundaries, we can unlock the full potential of embedded systems. These tiny titans have the power to revolutionize industries, improve our lives, and create a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future. The future is embedded, and it’s an orchestra waiting to be conducted. Are you ready to pick up the baton and join the symphony?

Call to Action: Be a Part of the Embedded Revolution

The future of embedded systems is bright, and the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI) is committed to equipping professionals with the necessary skills to lead this revolution. ESSCI offers a range of skill development programs in IoT hardware and Embedded Full Stack for candidates who meet specific educational and experience requirements. ESSCI provides four specialized courses – Embedded Software Engineer, Embedded Product Design Engineer-Technical Lead, Embedded Full Stack IoT Analyst and IoT Hardware Analyst. These roles involve preparing comprehensive blueprints of hardware, including schematic layouts, quality verification requirements, and performing PCB testing in compliance with regulatory standards. The design documentation process ensures all details are accurately recorded. Additionally, individuals in these roles are responsible for the efficient functioning and overall performance of the systems.

Career progression in embedded technology often involves moving from junior roles to senior engineering positions, then to team lead or project manager roles. Some professionals may specialize in particular industries or technologies, while others may transition into roles such as systems architect or technical director.

Skills and Qualifications:

To succeed in the embedded technology field, professionals typically need:

• Strong programming skills, especially in C and C++
• Knowledge of microcontroller architectures and peripherals
• Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
• Understanding of digital electronics and circuit design
• Experience with debugging tools and techniques
• Proficiency in version control systems like Git
• Knowledge of communication protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN, etc.)
• Familiarity with IoT platforms and cloud technologies
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams

In conclusion, the embedded revolution is a testament to human ingenuity. By harnessing the power of these tiny titans, we can create a future that is not only technologically advanced but also efficient, sustainable, and improves our quality of life. Join the movement, become a part of the symphony, and let’s shape the future together, one embedded system at a time.

Dr Abhilasha Gaur- Chief Executive Officer, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India

The post Embedded Technology in Electronics: Powering the Future, Igniting Careers! appeared first on ELE Times.

Courtesy: Cadence Systems

Allegro X Constraint Manager provides a worksheet-based environment where you define and manage constraints for all the objects in your design. In large, complex designs with various object relations, grouping objects can easily manage constraints. Grouping objects helps to assign constraints to multiple objects at once. However, assigning unique values to individual objects that are part of these group objects requires understanding constraint inheritance and precedence. For instance, constraining multiple Net Groups, which share the same constraints except for one constraint for one of the Net Groups.

Constraining design objects in the Allegro X design environment is a streamlined process. Constraints are organized in a hierarchy, which governs their flow across the objects, ensuring that the expected constraints appear at the appropriate levels in the design.

Constraint Inheritance

Constraints defined for objects at the top level of the object hierarchy are inherited by the lower-level objects, as illustrated in the following table:

For example, if you define the MIN_LINE_WIDTH constraint for a Net Class object in the Physical domain, all the objects placed below the Net Class object in the constraint hierarchy—Net Groups, Buses, Differential Pairs, XNets, Nets, Pin Pairs, Region, and Region Class—inherit the new value of the MIN_LINE_WIDTH constraint as well.

In Constraint Manager, assigned values appear in bold blue and inherited values appear in white text (in dark mode, which is the default).

In the illustrated example, when you update the constraint value for the Net Class, POWER_GROUP(10), the value of the MIN_LINE_WIDTH constraint is updated for all the nets under it.

Constraint Precedence

Constraints defined for the objects that are placed at a lower level in the object hierarchy take precedence over the values of the same constraints applied to higher-level objects, as illustrated in the following image:

In the following example, you can override the value of the MIN_LINE_WIDTH constraint for a Net object that already has the constraint inherited from a higher-level object in the hierarchy, such as Net Classes or Differential Pairs. The constraint value for all the higher-level objects associated with the updated net remains unchanged.

Constraints for a design must be defined at the highest level of the object hierarchy. This ensures that the constraints are consistent across all the objects in the hierarchy, as all the lower-level objects inherit the constraints. You can update the individual objects that need to be constrained differently.

Constraint Resolution

The Allegro X constraint system adheres to object precedence when resolving constraints. Constraint resolution works differently for constraints, depending on the domain. There are no default values for any electrical constraints in the Electrical domain. You can have unspecified electrical constraints for design objects, but not in the Physical, Spacing, and Same Net Spacing domains. In these domains, physical design objects—clines, shapes, pins, or vias—are considered part of a net or an XNet. Constraint Manager uses the constraint value that is set on a net or XNet object.

If the net or XNet is not constrained directly, it inherits a constraint value from a higher-level object in the constraint hierarchy that includes this net as a member. The higher-level object can be a group object, such as a Match Group, Differential Pair, Bus, or Net Class.

In this way, the Constraint Manager moves one level up to look for a constraint value. It continues this process until it finds a constraint specified on a level that includes the net as a member and uses that constraint value. If no constraint value is specified on the net or on a hierarchy level to which the net belongs, the net inherits the constraint from the design (Dsn).

Conclusion

You can leverage the constraint inheritance and precedence behavior to your advantage by grouping design objects appropriately. This can significantly aid the process of constraining design objects. Instead of defining a consistent property at multiple object levels, if the objects are properly organized in group-objects, you can simply define the constraint at the highest required level and have the rest of the objects inherit the constraint.

 

The post BoardSurfers: Leveraging Object Hierarchy for Effective Constraint Management appeared first on ELE Times.

How can one stay focused on a few projects until completion? I have a habit of trying to do all the things at once, which leaves my work area in a state of disarray. Which is not ideal, as this space is used for my work from home office as well. submitted by /u/Asuntofantunatu [link] [comments]

In booth #B83 at the European Conference on Optical Communication (ECOC 2024) exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany (23–25 September), the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) is to lead a dynamic interoperability demonstration featuring live collaboration between 34 member companies...

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

I've always wanted one of these! However, since the professional ones are dead expensive, I built a couple of them myself. They're ESP32-based, have 354 LEDs each, use NTP and support satellite time sync (GNSS) with an optional u-blox module. A deep photo frame worked perfectly as enclosure. Hardware and firmware is open source and can be found found on GitHub. submitted by /u/Party-Butterfly-4857 [link] [comments]

Recently I had an interesting conversation with Bourns. TAC, my USB-C power supply, I wrote about recently, uses a coupled inductor for negative rail generation. Surprisingly, after prototypes came, the negative rail maximum load was 3 times lower than expected. Totally confused, I did multiple analysis until I incorporated finite coupling factor into the simulations. Because it turned out to be an important parameter, poorly defined, I decided to ask the manufacturer. As probably all of you know, Bourns is one of the better inductor manufacturer in the world. May request got forwarded from sales to engineering team and back to sales. The response I got was: "Please find our measurements of 5 samples. The coupling between the windings are 100% on this measurements." For anyone less advanced, the coupling factor can not be 100% in any physically real device. Fortunately, the response also included the original report of the engineering team, showing measurement points. I don't know why the system generated K=100%, when my math shows 99.0-99.5%, but I'll let you be the judge of that (results sheet included) On an unrelated note, when ordering PnP I misspelled F for E in the part no, costing me countless sleepless nights and gray hairs, but that's a story for another time. https://preview.redd.it/hj2jewehhahd1.jpg?width=473&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1caf0151c21c4e5459c063a4a8e3d721314e2e31 https://preview.redd.it/039liuqjhahd1.png?width=737&format=png&auto=webp&s=d95470f987039489dcfd569af27458b780373eec submitted by /u/Important-Ad5990 [link] [comments]

LED product and lighting maker Lumileds LLC of San Jose, CA, USA has released the LUXEON HL4Z undomed power LED, intended for applications that require very high intensity and superior efficacy...

Button batteries, also known as coin cells, are small power sources that are often found in numerous electronic devices which require a compact, efficient source of power. They’re named “button” batteries because of their small, round, and flat shape that resembles a button.

These batteries come in different types, the two main ones being alkaline and silver oxide:

1. Alkaline button batteries: Wide range of sizes, relatively low initial cost but have a shorter life compared to other types. They also discharge more quickly when stored.

2. Silver oxide batteries: Slightly more expensive, but they offer a longer lifespan and better stability for devices that need a continuous, stable energy supply.

Button batteries have different models, including but not limited to: LR44, SR44, CR3032, LR1130, SR1130 etc. These represent different chemistries, voltage levels and sizes.

How widely are button batteries used?

Button batteries are incredibly widespread in their use due to their small size and efficiency. They’re often found in a diverse range of products both in consumer electronics and in industrial applications. Here are some typical applications:

1. Watches: One of the most common uses of button batteries is in analog watches, which require a compact, long-lasting, and reliable source of power.

2. Hearing Aids: In hearing aids, button batteries are widely utilized due to their small size, which fits the compact design of the devices.

3. Electronic Car Keys: The transmitters inside electronic car keys are often powered by button batteries.

4. Calculators: Smaller calculators often use button batteries because they require little power and operate for a long time on a single battery.

5. Portable Medical Devices: Devices like glucose meters, digital thermometers, and certain types of heart-rate monitors may use button batteries.

6. Games and Toys: Many handheld electronic games and small toys use button batteries.

7. Computer Motherboards: Button batteries are used in computers to power the BIOS, which maintains system time and settings when the computer is powered off.

8. Small LED Lights: Some small LED lights, such as those used in wearable tech, keychain lights, or seasonal decorations, are powered by button batteries.

9. Remote Controls: Devices like remote controls for alarm systems or garages may use button batteries.

Precautions for using button batteries

Caution is advised in households with small children and pets as they can be a choking hazard, and can cause health complications if swallowed because these batteries contain heavy metals like mercury, lead, zinc and others which are toxic in nature.

Button batteries provide a valuable service for powering various small electronic devices, but it’s crucial to take a few precautions when handling and using them:

1. Choking Hazard: Due to their small size, button batteries pose significant dangers as choking hazards, especially for young children and pets. Always make sure to use and store these batteries in a place that’s out of reach of small children and pets.

2. Risk from Ingestion or Insertion: Beyond being choking hazards, if button batteries (particularly lithium button batteries) are ingested or inserted into the body (such as in the ears or nose), they can cause serious injuries. Swallowed button batteries can cause chemical burns in as little as two hours, and even potentially be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe a battery has been swallowed or inserted into the body.

3. Proper Installation: Always make sure to install the button batteries the correct way into your devices. Incorrect installation can potentially lead to short circuits, leakage or even rupture.

4. Proper Replacement: Replace button batteries with the same or equivalent type to avoid any damage to the device. Mixing different types can lead to leakage or rupture.

5. Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not expose the batteries to extreme heat or cold. These conditions can pote

Summarize

The small size of button batteries poses a risk to children and pets who might inadvertently consume them, thereby causing severe, even potentially fatal, health complications due to chemical leaks or burns. Therefore, it’s essential to keep all batteries, new or used, securely stored and out of reach.

Immediate medical intervention is crucial if ingestion is suspected. Avoid inducing vomiting or giving food or drink unless instructed by a healthcare professional, as it might worsen the condition. Follow medical advice closely and provide any information about the ingested battery’s type and size, if known.

The post Widely Used Button Batteries and Usage Precautions appeared first on Electronics Lovers ~ Technology We Love.

Переможці конкурсу наукових проєктів за програмою «Горизонт 2020» kpi ср, 08/07/2024 - 17:10

The fuse described in this design idea does not drop the connection, it simply limits the output current. A behavior that is similar to a polyfuse, however the circuit shown in Figure 1 is more accurate, does not depend on ambient temperature (polyfuses rely on temperature), and resets far more rapidly (see quote from Wiki page below).

“The device may not return to its original resistance value; it will most likely stabilize at a significantly higher resistance (up to 4 times initial value). It could take hours, days, weeks or even years for the device to return to a resistance value similar to its original value, if at all.”

Figure 1 The Q1, Q2 transistor pair provide thermal compensated monitoring of the voltage drop on resistor r; when this drop rises to ~20 mV, the fuse goes “on”, limiting output current to ~150 mA.

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

When the fuse is “off”, the voltage drop may be as low as 30 to 50 mV. With the value of resistor (r) as 0.13 Ω, the circuit limits output current to ~150 mA.

While this circuit is more complex than your standard resettable fuse, more costly gadgets can most certainly afford a not dirty-chip fuse. The circuit consists of 5 PNP transistors (of which 4 may already be part of a chip), 5 resistors, and 1 ceramic capacitor.  

The pair Q1, Q2 provides thermal compensated monitoring of the voltage drop on resistor r; when this drop rises to about 20 mV the fuse goes “on”.

Capacitor C1 provides compensation in the loop. Transistor Q5 should dissipate all power Ei*Iout and its Vce(sat) should be as low as possible to reduce voltage losses, it also should have a decent hFE. I used TIP32, but this was long ago, so it is possible to find much better substitutes.

—Peter Demchenko studied math at the University of Vilnius and has worked in software development.

 Related Content

• Mitigating battery overtemperature threats in wearable electronics
• A Universal Circuit Protection Solution for Low-Voltage Generator Interfaces
• Protecting against reverse polarity: Methods examined, Part 1
• Open-collector output provides fail-safe operation
• Protect your boost converter

The post An accurate resettable fuse appeared first on EDN.

Guerrilla RF Inc (GRF) of Greensboro, NC, USA has closed a private placement with a single institutional investor generating gross proceeds of $22m...

Sivers Semiconductors AB of Kista, Sweden (which supplies ICs and photonic modules for communications and sensor solutions) has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to merge its subsidiary Sivers Photonics Ltd of Glasgow, Scotland, UK with byNordic Acquisition Corp, a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company (SPAC)...

Like the internet and computer, Wi-Fi has woven itself into the fabric of our daily lives for more than two decades. The term “Wi-Fi” – first used in 1999 – helped usher in a new era of connectivity. However, it was Steve Jobs’ iconic “One more thing” reveal at the 1999 Macworld event in New York that truly catapulted Wi-Fi into the limelight. He introduced the iBook laptop, fully equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, marking a pivotal moment in digital communication. This event not only popularized Wi-Fi but also set it on a path to becoming the ubiquitous wireless networking technology it is today, seamlessly integrating into our homes, workplaces, schools, and public spaces around the world.

Remarkable evolution

 

Wi-Fi technology has evolved considerably over the past 25 years with each generation marked by significant innovation and improvements. In 1999, Wi-Fi was only capable of supporting up to 11 megabits per second based on the IEEE 802.11b standard. Now in its seventh generation, Wi-Fi access points can reach speeds of about 25 gigabits per second. That’s more than 2000x improvement in speed performance.

Continuous improvements to the IEEE 802.11 standards over the past two and a half decades have made Wi-Fi one of the fastest adopted technologies in modern times. From 1999 to early 2000’s, there were no Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices, only a small number of laptops equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity. Today, Wi-Fi is one of the most prevalent technologies used all over the world with a huge installed base of connected devices, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and wireless access points. Just to drive home the point, we would not have video streaming services to binge watch your favorite TV shows, or chatGPT on your computers without Wi-Fi. According to the latest IDC research, there were less than 2.5 million Wi-Fi enabled devices shipped in 2000. By the end of 2024, the cumulative shipment of Wi-Fi enabled devices is expected to surpass 45 billion units with an installed base of more than 20 billion units. Wi-Fi has undoubtedly become ubiquitous in everyday devices and plays an important role in today’s hyperconnected world.

The sheer growth of connected devices in the past decade has led to a massive increase in wireless data traffic, which started putting a strain on the airwaves used by these devices and limiting the actual user experience in many instances. Having the foresight to increase unlicensed spectrum access to meet the rising data demand, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), chaired by Ajit Pai, made a monumental decision on April 23, 2020 to open up 1.2 GHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi. The new swath of bandwidth (5.925 – 7.125 GHz) not only boosts Wi-Fi speed performance, but also reduces the uplink and downlink latency dramatically. This was quickly followed by a spate of countries opening up the 6 GHz band for unlicensed access. Today, countries accounting for over 70% of the world’s GDP have enabled the 6 GHz band, underscoring the recognition for better, faster Wi-Fi as a way of life.

Allowing Wi-Fi devices to operate in the 6 GHz band was pivotal in the evolution of Wi-Fi. This paradigm shift in wireless connectivity has enabled major advances in Wi-Fi applications and services and unlocked many new use cases, such as 16K video streaming, real-time collaboration, and wireless gaming.

Sustained continuous innovation

Since the release of IEEE 802.11b standard in 1999, Broadcom has been at the forefront of Wi-Fi development and played a major role in driving innovation and technology adoption. Broadcom has pioneered successive generations of Wi-Fi chips that have enabled countless new applications and transformed wireless experiences. Broadcom Wi-Fi chips are found in billions of devices spanning both the consumer and enterprise markets. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, Broadcom continues to push the frontiers of wireless communications, supporting our global vision of Connecting Everything and bridging the digital divide.

A few of our more notable achievements that have helped in the evolution and advancement of Wi-Fi technology are shown below. While the past 25 years of Wi-Fi has been impressive, we are excited about the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead for Wi-Fi. We look forward to the next 25 years.

Vijay Nagarajan, Vice President, Wireless Connectivity Division, Broadcom

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Courtesy: Avnet

It’s not the first time we’ve talked about the phenomena of the ‘ghost touch’ or ‘false touch’, where a touch screen responds, seemingly without human interaction. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you view it!), there is nothing spooky going on here. There are quite a few circumstances where it could happen – electrical noise or even water spilling on the screen can trigger an unwanted response in a standard projective capacitive touch screen. Simply put, the screen just can’t tell what’s human and what is not.

If your screen is being used for tasks which have safety implications, as many of our customers do, this is far from ideal. So how do we tackle the problem?

We use force. (No, not that kind of force.)

By adding a pressure detection solution under the touch screen, we can remove all fear of false triggering. Based on electromagnetic induction, ‘force touch’ creates a waterproof, mistake-proof environment that will even allow for continuous clicking without lifting your hand. But how does this work?

Eddy Current Pressure Sensors

These sensors operate based on the principle of electromagnetic induction and are a spiral planar coil made from a printed circuit board (PCB). When an alternating current (AC) flows through the coil, it generates an alternating magnetic field around it.

If a conductive material (such as a metal target) is brought near this magnetic field, eddy currents are induced within the material. These then create an opposing magnetic field, which reduces the inductance of the sensor. The inductance changes as a function of the distance between the sensor and the conductive surface.

Why we use Eddy Current Pressure Sensors in TFT Projects

ECP Sensors can measure pressure over a really large surface area. In TFT (thin-film transistor) projects, these sensors can be very useful for touchscreens or interactive displays and have many benefits:

Accurate Measurement of Distribution Force: This means that, in a TFT display, you can easily and precisely detect variations in pressure across the screen.

Button Replacement: Eddy current sensors can even be an alternative to physical buttons. Plus, they don’t need any cutouts or holes in the display, which makes for a sleeker design.

Unaffected by debris, liquids or magnetic interference: Unlike mechanical buttons, these sensors are immune to these problematic external factors.

Into the assembly – how pressure sensing sits in the stack

Pressure sensitive coils are made on a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC) and laminated to the metal frame and touch screen with double-sided adhesive. Micro-deformation occurs between the inductive layer and the metal frame when the touch screen surface is pressed, and the pressure-sensitive chip detects this electromagnetic change.

Design benefits of a Pressure Sensing Solution

This approach reduces structural design difficulties by using the metal frame for touch screen assembly and there is no need for additional sensors when you can just use the PCB metal alignment.

The pressure-sensitive chip has a built-in algorithm which directly outputs the press force level, according to the commissioning parameters, after the structure has been assembled, making it easy for our customer to adjust.

The IO port can drive LEDs directly, creating an integrated solution from pressure sensing to light output.

Subdivision of 1024 levels of force within 0.1mm pressure deformation range.

Eddy Current Sensors are reliable and offer good linearity and repeatability in sizes up to 12.1”.

And finally – they even work with gloves! Which is superb news for those working in extreme environments. Because Eddy Current Sensors aren’t affected by temperature variations, unlike some other pressure sensors. In fact, you could go as far as to say that we’ve ‘forced’ out ghost touches for good.

The post Only your fingers have the force appeared first on ELE Times.

Courtesy: Analog Devices

Mobile robots consist of various technologies that must communicate with each other quickly and reliably to transmit critical messages for navigation and performing tasks, whether it’s an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) or an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). Let’s consider the architecture of an AMR as shown:

There are several components that make up any mobile robot (such as wheel drive & encoder systems, vision inputs, inertial measurement unit (IMU) data, and battery management systems), and all of them need to communicate, usually with a main controller or main compute unit or sometimes to decentralized units that control specific functions of the robot, which can be done to reduce the overhead on a main controller and also aid in time critical applications such as  perception of its environment and actuator control. There are many communication methods that live within the operation of a typical mobile robot, and each type of protocol has their pros and cons for use. In the above example there are potentially 7 different communication methods employed within the one mobile robot: GMSL, UART, CAN, Ethernet, RS-485, SPI, RS-422. While this blog focuses on wired communication protocols, it is important to note that mobile robots typically require wireless communication as well. Wireless communication is essential for enabling mobile robots to interact with a base station and collaborate with other robots, ensuring seamless coordination and operation in dynamic environments.

Here is a quick comparison of a selection of technologies comparing their speed and latency.

As it can be seen in table 1, the parameters for the highlighted technologies vary in speed and latency and the appropriate technology needs to be chosen according to the need and the design itself and will most likely include a combination of different technologies. Operations in mobile robots typically demand near real-time speeds to function effectively. This is crucial for tasks such as obstacle avoidance, navigation, and interaction with dynamic environments, where even slight delays can impact performance and safety. The key parameters that need to be taken into consideration for communication are performance, reliability, and scalability.

An AMR needs to be able to navigate while perceiving its surroundings to execute tasks in an efficient way, and a simple flow diagram can describe how it acts:

Both the perception and the action parts play important roles, the environment needs to be perceived in order for actions to be taken and this data is usually acquired with RGB cameras, depth cameras, Lidar sensors and radar or a combination but transferring all this data to a processing unit needs a robust link with enough bandwidth and in the case of industrial robots, reliability against interferences. That critical work can be executed by protocols such as GMSL.

Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link

There is a new protocol entering the mobile robotics scene, GMSL. The protocol can transfer up to 6 Gbps of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) sensor data over a coax cable while simultaneously transferring power and control data over a reverse channel. It is a highly configurable serializer deserializer (SERDES) interconnect solution which supports sensor data aggregation (Video, LiDAR, Radar, etc.), video splitting, low latency and low bit error, and Power over Coax (PoC)

The topology for a GMSL application consists of the sensor, a serializer, a cable, and a deserializer on the system on chip (SoC) side.

This simplifies the mobile robot design and makes it more robust since GMSL was designed with transferring this type of data and was optimized to ensure high bandwidth, low latency transmission of data.

The synergy between Industrial Ethernet, GMSL, and wireless communication technologies is driving the next generation of mobile robotics. These technologies provide the robust, high-speed, and flexible communication necessary for mobile robots to operate autonomously and efficiently in various environments. As innovations continue to emerge, the capabilities of mobile robots will expand, revolutionizing industries and transforming our daily lives.

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