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AXT Inc of Fremont, CA, USA — which makes gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP) and germanium (Ge) substrates and raw materials at plants in China — intends to offer and sell shares of common stock in a public offering. In connection with the offering, the firm also expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day overallotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the shares offered in the public offering price, minus the underwriting discounts...

Ordered a SOT323 diode instead of a SOD323, worked out in the end. Just had to make sure not to let pin 2 touch the exposed ground plane submitted by /u/circuitsable [link] [comments]

InPHRED Inc of Boston, MA, USA (a developer of next-generation photonics solutions for consumer sensing and digital health that was founded in 2023 at Yale University) has announced its formal expansion into the data-center optical interconnect market, extending its nanoporous platform into high-speed connectivity solutions for next-generation AI infrastructure...

I made this little piano using an ATtiny85 and a some push buttons. All 12 keys are read through a single ADC pin using a resistor-ladder voltage divider. Each button taps a different point in the chain, so the voltage tells the chip which key is down. Functional but quite limited as only one key really works at a time. This was my first project to learn the ATtiny85 and I'm happy with how it turned out. Sounds pretty rough though. submitted by /u/RAZK0M [link] [comments]

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

Applied Optoelectronics Inc (AOI) of Sugar Land, TX, USA (a designer and manufacturer of optical and hybrid fibre-coaxial networking products for AI data centers, cable TV and broadband fiber access networks) plans to expand its Houston-area footprint through the addition of two adjacent buildings in Pearland, Texas, adding about 388,000ft2 of manufacturing capacity...

Applied Optoelectronics Inc (AOI) of Sugar Land, TX, USA (a designer and manufacturer of optical and hybrid fibre-coaxial networking products for AI data centers, cable TV and broadband fiber access networks) received a new $71m order for 800G single-mode data-center transceivers in early April from one of its major hyperscale customers. This marks $124m in orders from this customer since mid-March, which will more than double the existing backlog from this customer...

Three smart home hubs, from two different companies. All supporting both 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and proprietary 900 MHz wireless links. How do they differ, and are similar? Let’s find out.

Last month, I told you about TP-Link’s Tapo Hubs and their functional similarity to Blink’s Sync Modules. And last week, I took apart Blink’s second-generation hub, comparing it to its premiere predecessor which’d gone “under the knife” nearly a decade earlier. Today, I’ll be dissecting the entry-level Tapo H100 hub I conceptually covered in late March.

How comparable (or not) is its design to those of its Blink competitors? Let’s dive in and see.

Smart hub brothers from different mothers?

I shared a full set of outer box shots last month; so to avoid redundancy, this time I’ll show only the perspective that’s different, since last month’s device remains in ongoing use while this one (with a different serial number) is intended (initially, at least) solely for dissection.

As usual, it’s accompanied by a 0.75″ (19.1 mm) diameter U.S. penny for size comparison purposes. Also note that, per the common “US/1.26” notation on the sticker found on the bottom of both boxes, this device and last month’s H100 are presumably based on the same hardware version.

Opening up the packaging, you’ll find a sliver of literature inside, with our patient below it.

The only constant is change

On the product support page I initially referenced earlier, you’ll also discover that there have been four hardware versions to date: v1.0, v1.2, my v1.26, and the subsequent (I’m assuming) v1.8. Attempts to mix-and-match divergent hardware, as I’ve noted before, can be problematic. That said, most households will contain only a single hub device (versus multiple sensors and other “smart” peripherals), minimizing the potential-problem set size in this particular case.

Before continuing, let’s revisit the backside of the device, this time zooming on the markings.

Notice what looks like a label stuck on top of part of the original info? That’s exactly what it is.

As it turns out, the FCC ID found on the backside markings (2AXJ4H100) was also later updated; it’s now 2BH7FH100. Are the two changes related? Dunno.

Time to dive inside, a task that, compared to TP-Link smart switches of (recent) past, was thankfully fairly straightforward this time around.

Inside the front half of the enclosure, you’ll find a speaker (used, for example, to implement the sound emitted when the hub is paired with, and activated by, a “smart” doorbell).

And the mechanical assembly for the pairing-and-reset switch is shown on one side, as seen earlier.

Categorizing the guts

Here, however, is the view that most of you are most interested in, I guess.

The bottom half of the PCB disconnected itself from the back half of the enclosure while I was prying apart the two halves.

Further bending back the PCB reveals how the AC “prongs” connect to it.

As well as the PCB backside itself.

The small five-lead IC in the middle, PCB-labeled U4, is marked:

TACeY1

Its identity is unknown to me (readers?). Below it, in a larger seven-lead package, is On-Bright Electronics’ OB2512NJP offline primary-side-regulation (PSR) power switch. Below that is a M7 high voltage rectifier diode. And to its left is another (bridge and three-lead, this time) rectifier, Galaxy Microelectronics’ MBF10M.

Back to the PCB front side, after “un-popping” the PCB (putting it back in its normal place within the enclosure, which is upside down in both the prior-version and the following photo versus its normal orientation).

Note first the two antennae, one embedded and along the lower edge, the other discrete and along the right side. I assume one’s for 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi while the other supports TP-Link’s proprietary 900 MHz ISM band “ultra-low power wireless protocol”. Reader suggestions as to which is what are greatly appreciated in the comments.

In the upper right (again, lower left in normal operating orientation) is the status LED, which ends up shining out the device front cover. The pairing-and-reset switch is along the left side. The top half of the PCB, perhaps obviously given the sizeable transformer, houses the AC/DC conversion circuitry (the fact that the AC prongs are directly behind it at the rear of the device is another functional tipoff).

And, last but not least, the various ICs. In the lower right corner of the transformer is an Eon Silicon Solution EN56Q64-104HIP 64 Mbit serial flash memory, which we’ve seen before in both higher and lower capacities. I assume it houses the code for Realtek’s RTL8710CM SoC below and to its left, also found in the first two of the three TP-Link smart switches I’ve dissected so far. At the bottom, in the middle, is WayTronic’s WT588F02B audio DSP with an integrated DAC, which “can directly drive 8R 0.5W speakers”, an unsurprising function given the speaker connection directly to the left of it. Above and to the right of the audio DSP is another IC I can’t ID:

35UT
53C1

And above and to the left of the mono speaker connector is one final mystery:

300A
S992
515

Reader insights into any of the chips I was unable to identify, as well as broader thoughts on anything I’ve discussed here, are always welcome in the comments.

Brian Dipert is the associate editor, as well as a contributing editor, at EDN.

Related Content

• The Tapo Hub: TP-Link joins the low-bandwidth, long-range RF club
• The Blink Sync Module 2: Faster response and local storage, too
• Teardown: Security camera network module
• TP-Link’s Kasa HS103: A smart plug with solid network connectivity
• TP-Link’s Kasa EP10: If at first it doesn’t connect, buy, buy again

The post TP-Link’s Tapo H100: Smart sensing unencumbered appeared first on EDN.

Ketone detection may sound like the domain of biochemistry, but at its core, it’s also an electronics challenge: how do we translate a chemical presence into a measurable electrical signal?

The key lies in the ability of circuits to convert molecular interactions into quantifiable outputs. Through principles like signal conversion, amplification, and conditioning, electronics transform invisible chemical activity into reliable data, making ketone monitoring practical and accurate while underscoring how deeply electronics shape modern health technologies.

Ketones: Small molecules, big impact

Ketone detection is crucial because these molecules act as direct indicators of how the body manages its energy balance. Moderate levels can reflect healthy states such as fasting, exercise, or adherence to ketogenic diets, while dangerously high concentrations may signal conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis that require urgent medical attention.

By providing timely and accurate measurements, ketone monitoring empowers individuals to optimize nutrition and performance and gives clinicians essential data to prevent and manage metabolic complications. In both everyday wellness and clinical care, reliable ketone tracking plays a decisive role in safeguarding health.

Overview of ketone detection sensors

Nowadays ketone detection has moved well beyond the lab bench and into lifestyle and wearable electronics. Compact analyzers are being built into fitness trackers, smartwatches, and portable health devices, giving users real-time insights into metabolism and diet. This evolution is powered by the fundamentals of electronics—miniaturization, low-power design, and signal processing—that make complex biochemical measurements practical in everyday life, turning health monitoring into a seamless part of daily routines.

While electronics provide the backbone for translating chemistry into measurable signals, the choice of sensor defines how ketones are detected. Electrochemical sensors generate currents via redox reactions, optical sensors capture variations in light absorption or fluorescence, and chemiresistive sensors—including semiconductor gas sensors—exploit surface-level conductivity shifts. Each technology offers a unique pathway from molecular interaction to electrical output, setting the stage for circuits to amplify, filter, and interpret the data with precision.

Ketone sensing: The gold standard and beyond

In practice, blood testing is the clinical gold standard, using the enzyme β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH) to generate a precise electrical signal from β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Keep note that a blood ketone meter functions as a miniaturized potentiostat; it maintains a fixed voltage across the biosensor to measure the current produced by this reaction, providing the data needed to distinguish safe ketosis from metabolic crisis.

Figure 1 Today’s multifunction blood meter kits provide a fast and reliable method for measuring β-ketone, blood glucose, and other parameters from fresh whole blood samples in just a few simple steps. Source: eLinkCare

However, the field is evolving beyond the invasive finger-prick. Researchers are now optimizing alternative biomarkers and delivery methods to bridge the gap between clinical accuracy and user convenience.

Exhaled breath analysis targets acetone—a volatile byproduct of fat metabolism. Current technologies, such as chemiresistive metal-oxide sensors, offer a high-frequency, non-invasive “proxy” for ketosis. While breath analysis currently lacks the clinical precision required for acute emergencies like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), it provides a sustainable, pain-free alternative for routine wellness tracking.

In a nutshell, ketone breath analyzers typically employ semiconductor-based, chemiresistive sensors to detect acetone—a byproduct of fat metabolism—in exhaled breath. These sensors function by measuring changes in electrical resistance triggered by volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which serves as a proxy for blood ketone concentration. High-end models often integrate CMOS technology to enhance both sensitivity and measurement precision.

Figure 2 Ketone breath analyzers and subcutaneous sensors deliver real-time feedback on ketosis levels. Source: Author

Continuous ketone monitoring (CKM) is an emerging technology that utilizes a small subcutaneous sensor—similar to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)—to measure BHB levels in the interstitial fluid. By providing real-time data and automated alerts, these devices aim to detect rising ketone levels before they escalate into metabolic emergencies, effectively transitioning patient care from ‘spot-check’ diagnostics to continuous, proactive health management.

Note that a subcutaneous sensor is a tiny, flexible filament inserted into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. By monitoring the interstitial fluid in this layer, the sensor uses enzymes to measure specific chemical markers—like glucose or ketones—and converts those readings into a continuous digital stream. Because it stays in place for several days and does not require venous access, it offers a painless, real-time alternative to repeated finger-prick testing.

Electronic biosensing for makers

To wrap this up, remember that while the medical industry uses highly proprietary, pre-calibrated systems, the underlying principle is a fantastic playground for makers.

Whether you are working with a glucose oxidase strip for blood sugar or a β-hydroxybutyrate strip for ketone levels, the principle is the same: enzyme-mediated reactions generate electrons that must be measured against a stable reference potential.

Once you master the transimpedance amplifier (TIA), you have essentially built the core of a professional-grade diagnostic instrument. In fact, most commercial biosensors integrate the TIA and supporting circuitry into an analog front end (AFE), which delivers low-noise performance and simplifies design, an approach that makers can emulate at smaller scale when experimenting.

On a related note, amperometry is the electrochemical technique at the heart of most biosensor strips. It involves applying a fixed potential to an electrode and measuring the resulting current, which is directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte.

In glucose oxidase strips, the enzymatic reaction produces hydrogen peroxide that is oxidized at the electrode, while in β-hydroxybutyrate strips, NADH transfers electrons through a mediator. In both cases, the transimpedance amplifier converts this tiny current into a usable voltage signal, enabling accurate, low-noise measurement.

Figure 3 Quick view shows a closeup of a standard ketone blood tester strip. Source: Author

For those curious about non-chemical ketone monitoring, it’s worth noting that hobbyists have also experimented with MQ13x series gas sensors such as MQ138 to approximate acetone levels in breath.

These gas sensors are not medical-grade and require careful calibration against known standards, but they can respond to volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath. Pairing one with a microcontroller, a stable heater supply and signal conditioning circuitry give you a rough, experimental ketone breath analyzer. It’s a fun proof-of-concept project—ideal for learning sensor physics and electronics.

Figure 4 MQ138 sensor module helps detect acetone in exhaled breath, enabling experimental DIY ketone analysis. Source: Author

Just keep in mind that for any real-world health tracking, these DIY setups should be for educational exploration only. Medical-grade devices undergo extensive clinical validation to handle variables like hematocrit levels, temperature, and signal interference—factors that a prototype might miss.

Finally, do not let the complexity of biomedical electronics intimidate you. Every expert once started as a novice tinkering with circuits and sensors. Dive in, experiment boldly, and let curiosity be your guide—the frontier of electronic biosensing is wide open for makers willing to explore.

T. K. Hareendran is a self-taught electronics enthusiast with a strong passion for innovative circuit design and hands-on technology. He develops both experimental and practical electronic projects, documenting and sharing his work to support fellow tinkerers and learners. Beyond the workbench, he dedicates time to technical writing and hardware evaluations to contribute meaningfully to the maker community.

Related Content

• What’s in store for optical biosensors?
• The critical role of sensors in medical devices
• Designer’s guide: Sensors for medical applications
• Developing medical sensors compliant with global requirements
• Tools and techniques for electrical characterization of biosensors

The post Electronic biosensing: A quick take on ketone detection appeared first on EDN.

Market analyst firm TrendForce forecasts that the global AI-focused optical transceiver market will rise at more than 57% year-on-year from US$16.5bn in 2025 to $26bn in 2026, as it has entered a phase of rapid growth. This surge is driven not only by specification upgrades but also reflects a broader structural reshaping of the optical communications supply chain amid accelerating AI data-center deployment...

The UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC) has appointed Brian Robertson as director of international partnerships to lead on strengthening the UK’s global position in semiconductors and deepening connections between the UK ecosystem and international partners...

Tried to use it to light some LED’s though I think the circuit expects a battery voltage to use as feedback as it has very low output current otherwise. Short circuit current was 300mA submitted by /u/ram_the_socket [link] [comments]

Current setup 😅 ESP32 + RFID + SDR + random modules Not sure if this will fully work yet… But it’s getting interesting 👀 Any ideas what I should add next? submitted by /u/AppropriatePen283 [link] [comments]

There must be a T48 UV erasing addon with the EPROM blank check. 270-280nm 800mW diode. submitted by /u/nerovny [link] [comments]

I have been designing PCBs to carry a small microcontroller, an RS485 transceiver, an LED and the associated balance of plant required to make lights for my ROV. Space is at a premium, so track sizes are being chosen to minimise real estate used. KiCad has a netclasses setup page that uses IPC 2221 requirements and PCBway capabilities. I have come up with a sensible set of pre-defined values https://philipmcgaw.com/kicad-traces-net-classes/ submitted by /u/skippyuk [link] [comments]

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Infineon Technologies AG of Munich, Germany says that radiation-hardened (rad-hard) devices from its IR HiRel (high-reliability) division supported the electronic backbone — from critical power supply and control systems to data communications — were at the heart of the Orion capsule of NASA’s Artemis II mission, which recently returned from its 10-days around the Moon (reaching the furthest distance from Earth ever achieved by crewed spaceflight)...

Nuvoton Technology of Kyoto, Japan has announced the start of mass production of the KLC434FL01WW high-power violet laser diode (402nm, 4.5W), which achieves what is claimed to be industry-leading optical output in a 9.0mm-diameter TO-9 CAN package, for continuous-wave (CW) operation at a case temperature (Tc) of 25°C. Due to the proprietary device structure and heat-dissipation design technology, the new product achieves 1.5 times the 3.0W optical output of the firm’s conventional 402nm product in a TO-9 CAN package (the KLC432FL01WW), contributing to improved production throughput in optical equipment such as maskless lithography systems. Furthermore, adding this product to the firm’s lineup enables the product portfolio to support major photosensitive materials used in advanced semiconductor packaging...

40 років Чорнобильської катастрофи: реалії сьогодення та виклики майбутнього kpi пт, 04/17/2026 - 16:24