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In the realm of automotive care, there’s a little hero that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for the longevity and reliability of your vehicle’s battery. Yes, you guessed it – we’re talking about the trickle charger. This device may not seem like the most glamorous tool in your garage, but its role is pivotal in ensuring that your vehicle is ready to go when you are.

Understanding the Role of a Trickle Charger

Have you ever planned a delightful road trip, invited friends over, and then discovered that your car wouldn’t start? This frustrating situation often occurs due to a discharged battery – a common issue for vehicles that aren’t used regularly. This is where a trickle charger comes into play.

A trickle charger is a type of battery charger that delivers a small, steady stream of electricity to your battery. Unlike standard chargers that can quickly replenish a battery’s power, trickle chargers are designed to maintain a battery’s charge over extended periods. They do this by compensating for the natural rate of battery discharge, thus ensuring that your vehicle’s battery remains in peak condition, even if you don’t drive it for weeks or months at a time.

Choosing the Right Trickle Charger for Your Needs

Selecting the right trickle charger can be likened to choosing a candle for a serene evening. Just as you would select a candle’s scent and size based on the mood you wish to create and the size of the room, choosing a battery trickle charger requires similar consideration. You need to assess the type and size of your battery, as well as how often and for how long you’ll use the charger.

For most standard vehicles, a simple 12-volt charger with an output of about 1 to 2 amps will suffice. However, for larger vehicles or those with special battery requirements, you may need a charger with different specifications. Always ensure that the charger you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s battery to avoid potential damage.

How to Use a Trickle Charger

Using a trickle charger is not particularly complicated, but it is instructive to know the correct steps to ensure safety and efficiency. First, ensure your vehicle is in a safe, static position – preferably in a garage or a similar sheltered area. Next, connect the charger to your battery; red to positive, black to negative. Most modern trickle chargers come with a monitoring system that prevents overcharging, but it’s wise to periodically check on the progress to ensure everything is functioning as expected.

Remember the story of the novice chef who tried to melt chocolate without a double boiler, leading to a burnt, unsalvageable mess? Similarly, skipping steps or rushing the charging process can lead to battery damage. Just as the chef learned to follow instructions carefully for perfect results, so should you take your time to properly connect and set up your trickle charger.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

Maintaining your trickle charger is not demanding, but it deserves attention. Always keep the charger clean and dry, store it in a safe place, and inspect the cables and clamps regularly for wear and tear. Safety is paramount when dealing with electrical devices and car batteries. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, wear protective gear if necessary, and ensure the charging area is well-ventilated.

Why a Trickle Charger is an Essential Tool for Every Garage

Imagine planning a relaxing weekend getaway. Your bags are packed, your itinerary is set, and you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The last thing you want is to be held back by a vehicle that won’t start. A trickle charger ensures that your battery is charged and ready, providing peace of mind and reliability.

Just as a candle can transform an ordinary room into a cozy sanctuary, a trickle charger can transform your vehicle maintenance routine from reactive to proactive. By maintaining your battery consistently, you extend its life and performance, reduce waste, and save money in the long run.

So, whether you’re an occasional driver, own a classic car, or simply want to ensure your vehicle is always ready to roll, a trickle charger is not just a tool—it’s an investment in your vehicle’s longevity and reliability. Embrace this indispensable gadget and drive with confidence, knowing that your battery’s health is in good hands.

The post Powering Your Drive: A Comprehensive Guide to Trickle Chargers appeared first on Electronics Lovers ~ Technology We Love.

Three phase power transformer secondaries that are set up in a delta configuration do not have an earthing or grounding point. By contrast, a wye configuration of windings would provide such a point, but delta windings are frequently the transformer designer’s choice (Figure 1).

 Figure 1 Wye versus delta transformer secondaries.

Where the three coils of the wye configuration meet, a ground or earth connection can be established, but the three secondary coils of the delta configuration offer no such point.

In such cases, an earthing point can be established using a zig-zag transformer as in the following sketch in Figure 2.

Figure 2 A zig-zag transformer with an established earthing point.

The origin of the phrase “zig-zag” would seem to be self-evident. The underlying theory of zig-zag transformers and additional discussions of its characteristics have been written up extensively as shown in its Wikipedia page. 

Looking at this device feeding just a single load (Figure 3), we can see how earthing can be achieved when power is fed from delta secondaries.

Figure 3 A zig-zag transformer with an earthed load with power fed from delta secondaries.

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

Related Content

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• Old transformer repurposed with new windings
• Autotransformers – Part 2
• Homebrew loop gain test transformer
• A pole, a zero and a transformer

The post Zig-zag transformers appeared first on EDN.

While the news about Altera being up for grabs isn’t new, there are fresh bytes on its sale to either an FPGA industry player like Lattice Semiconductor or private equity firms such as Francisco Partners, Silver Lake Management, and Bain Capital. Altera’s transition from Intel’s lap to an independent entity is all set, and the only hiccup is money.

Start with Lattice, whose market value is $8 billion. So, to acquire Altera, Lattice will inevitably need a financial partner. On the other hand, proposals from private equity firms value Altera at $9 billion to $12 billion, far below the $17 billion Intel paid to acquire it.

Altera, which once made the FPGA duopoly along with Xilinx, was acquired by then-cash-rich Intel in 2015. This sparked a guessing game in the semiconductor industry regarding why the CPU kingpin had grabbed an FPGA player. Archrival AMD followed suit by snapping Xilinx in 2020.

However, while industry watchers were mulling over the ultimate objectives of CPU makers acquiring the FPGA business and how it could potentially relate to their server and data center roadmaps, trouble started brewing at Intel. Next, we heard about Intel considering to spinning off Alter to deal with its capital crunch. The decision was made by then-CEO Pat Gelsinger.

Figure 1 Sandra Rivera has been named the CEO of Altera. Source: Intel

According to a new Bloomberg report, Intel has shortlisted several buyout firms for the next phase of bids and has set a deadline of the end of January for bidders to formalize their offers. However, while the Santa Clara, California-based chipmaker seems committed to executing Altera’s spin-off, the price tag has become a stumbling block.

Intel’s co-CEO and former CFO David Zinsner has hinted about a way out if Intel doesn’t get a financially viable offer. He mentioned the possibility of a deal like IMS Nanofabrication, an industry leader in multi-beam mask writing tools required to develop extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV).

In June 2023, Intel sold 20% of its stake in IMS to Bain Capital in a deal that valued IMS at around $4.3 billion. Three months later, Intel sold an additional 10% stake in IMS to TSMC. We’ll see in 2025 which way things go, but it’s worth remembering that Intel doesn’t have an enviable history regarding acquisitions.

Figure 2 Altera continues to launch an array of FPGA hardware, software, and development tools to make its programmable solutions more accessible across a broader range of use cases and markets. Source: Intel

Founded in 1983, Altera is an important company. So, at a time when the AMD-plus-Xilinx combo is doing well, it’s crucial to watch how the future of Altera 2.0 is shaped in 2025. A successful outcome will provide Intel with a much-needed cash boost and offer Altera greater independence to proactively innovate in the FPGA design realm.

Related Content

• Intel to Buy Altera for $16.7B
• Intel, Altera End Acquisition Talks
• Intel to Accelerate Altera, Says CEO
• The State of the FPGA Union is Uncertain
• How will Intel’s purchase of Altera affect embedded space?

The post Who will get Altera in 2025? appeared first on EDN.

In the dynamic realm of Industry 4.0, digital twins have established themselves as a revolutionary technology. They are reshaping how industries design, operate, and maintain their processes and equipment. A digital twin is a digital model of a physical system, process, or product that enables real-time analysis, monitoring, and optimization.  In smart factories, digital twins are not just a technological advancement but a strategic enabler of efficiency, agility, and innovation.

What Are Digital Twins?

Digital twins combine data from the physical world with advanced modeling and analytics to create an accurate digital counterpart. Using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, real-time data is continuously fed into the digital model, ensuring it remains synchronized with its physical counterpart. This real-time feedback loop allows manufacturers to monitor operations, predict outcomes, and make data-driven decisions.

Key components of a digital twin include:

1. Physical Entity: The actual machinery, system, or process being modeled.
2. Digital Model: A detailed virtual representation of the physical entity.
3. Data Interface: Real-time data from IoT sensors, processed through advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms.

Transformative Impact on Smart Factories

Digital twins have revolutionized several aspects of smart manufacturing:

1. Enhanced Predictive Maintenance
   • Conventional maintenance schedules frequently lead to either excessive upkeep or unforeseen equipment failures. Digital twins, powered by IoT data and AI-driven analytics, enable predictive maintenance by identifying potential issues before they escalate. This minimizes downtime, prolongs equipment lifespan, and enhances resource utilization.
2. Improved Production Efficiency
   • Digital twins provide real-time insights into manufacturing processes, helping identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. By simulating various scenarios, manufacturers can optimize workflows, improve quality control, and reduce waste.
3. Accelerated Product Development
   • Virtual prototyping through digital twins allows engineers to test and refine designs without the need for physical prototypes. This speeds up the development process, lowers costs, and enhances product performance and reliability.
4. Dynamic Supply Chain Management
   • Digital twins offer end-to-end visibility of the supply chain, enabling real-time tracking of inventory, logistics, and supplier performance. This ensures timely deliveries and minimizes disruptions, enhancing overall supply chain resilience.
5. Employee Training and Simulation
   • Virtual environments created by digital twins serve as effective training tools for employees. Workers can simulate complex processes and emergency scenarios in a risk-free environment, improving their preparedness and productivity.

Technologies Driving Digital Twins

The implementation of digital twins relies on a convergence of cutting-edge technologies:

1. IoT Sensors: Enable continuous data collection from physical assets.
2. Cloud Computing: Offers the infrastructure required to manage and process large volumes of data efficiently.
3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): Analyze data patterns, predict outcomes, and optimize processes.
4. Edge Computing: Enables real-time data processing directly at the source, minimizing latency.
5. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Improve visualization and interaction with digital twins.

While the benefits of digital twins are compelling, their adoption is not without challenges:

1. Integration Complexity: Combining data from legacy systems, IoT devices, and cloud platforms can be technically challenging.
2. Data Security: The reliance on real-time data exchange raises concerns about cybersecurity and data integrity.
3. High Initial Costs: The development and implementation of digital twins require substantial investment in technology and infrastructure.
4. Skill Gaps: Organizations often need to upskill their workforce to effectively utilize digital twin technologies.

Future Outlook

The capabilities of digital twins will grow as technology continues to advance. Advances in AI, 5G, and edge computing are expected to make digital twins more accessible and efficient. In addition, the integration of digital twins with blockchain technology can enhance data security and traceability, particularly in supply chain management.

By 2030, digital twins are projected to be a cornerstone of Industry 5.0, where human-machine collaboration will redefine manufacturing paradigms. They will play a crucial role in creating sustainable, resilient, and highly adaptive industrial ecosystems.

Conclusion

Digital twins are undeniably a game-changer for smart factories, enabling manufacturers to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. By bridging the physical and digital worlds, they empower organizations to make informed decisions, reduce risks, and drive continuous improvement. As industries increasingly embrace this technology, digital twins will be instrumental in shaping the future of manufacturing and beyond.

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Analog electronics focuses on the study and manipulation of continuous signals through circuits specifically designed to handle them. These signals can vary smoothly over a range, representing physical quantities like temperature, pressure, sound, or light intensity. Analog circuits use components like resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transistors to amplify, filter, or modulate these signals. Applications include audio amplifiers, radio receivers, and sensors for real-world measurements. Analog systems are valued for their high-resolution processing but are more susceptible to noise and distortion compared to digital systems.

Digital electronics is a branch of electronics that deals with discrete signals represented in binary form (0s and 1s). It uses components like logic gates, flip-flops, microprocessors, and memory to process, store, and transmit digital data. Digital circuits are less susceptible to noise, allow for precise operations, and are widely used in devices like computers, smartphones, digital watches, and IoT systems. They enable fast, efficient, and reliable processing of information.

Analog vs Digital Electronics: Key Differences and Comparison

Feature	Analog Electronics	Digital Electronics
Signal Type	Processes continuous signals.	Processes discrete signals (binary: 0 and 1).
Representation	Uses waveforms or continuously varying signals.	Uses binary numbers (0s and 1s).
Examples of Signals	Audio signals, temperature, pressure.	Computer data, digital audio, and images.
Accuracy	High resolution with theoretically infinite precision.	Limited by step size; approximations are common.
Complexity	Relatively simple circuits but prone to noise.	More complex circuits but less affected by noise.
Components	Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, diodes.	Logic gates, flip-flops, microprocessors, memory chips.
Applications	Audio amplifiers, radio tuners, temperature sensors.	Computers, digital watches, smartphones, microcontrollers.
Noise Susceptibility	Highly susceptible to noise and signal degradation.	Less affected due to discrete nature of signals.
Signal Manipulation	Difficult to process, requiring analog circuitry.	Easier to process with algorithms and digital circuitry.
Storage	Stored using physical properties (e.g., magnetic tapes).	Stored as binary data in digital storage devices (e.g., SSDs).
Processing Speed	Limited by signal nature and physical properties.	Fast processing enabled by advanced digital systems.
Cost	Often less expensive for simple systems.	Typically higher due to complexity but decreasing with scale.
Power Consumption	Higher due to continuous operation.	Lower due to binary switching.
Error Correction	Difficult to implement.	Easier with error-detection and correction algorithms.

 

Summary of Differences

1. Nature of Signals: Analog systems deal with smooth, continuous signals, while digital systems handle binary data, enabling more robust processing and storage.
2. Design and Complexity: Analog circuits are simpler but more susceptible to noise, while digital circuits are more complex yet provide higher accuracy and resilience.
3. Applications: Analog systems excel in real-world measurements like temperature and sound, whereas digital systems dominate computing, communication, and modern technology.

Use Cases

• Analog Electronics: Audio amplifiers, radio systems, and sensors for temperature or pressure.
• Digital Electronics: Computers, IoT devices, smartphones, and digital communication systems.

Both analog and digital electronics are essential, often complementing each other in hybrid systems like analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital-to-analog converters (DACs).

 

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A digital integrated circuit (IC) is a compact electronic device that integrates several digital electronic components onto a single semiconductor chip. Each IC is typically designed for a specific function, ranging from simple tasks like performing a logical AND operation on three inputs to more complex operations like decoding inputs to activate one of several outputs. Digital ICs can also encompass highly sophisticated components like microprocessors.

Integrated circuits are broadly categorized into two types: digital and analog. Analog ICs process continuous signals, which represent varying quantities like audio, temperature, or pressure, over a continuous range of values (e.g., any number between 0 and 10, including decimals like 1.2 or 3.456). In contrast, digital ICs handle discrete signals, which are limited to binary values of 0 and 1. These signals, often called switching circuits, operate within two defined voltage levels—high and low—representing binary states. A discrete signal moves in steps between values, unlike a continuous signal, which flows smoothly. For instance, a discrete signal could represent whole numbers between 0 and 10, while a continuous signal might include any fractional values within that range. Sampling a continuous signal can generate a discrete signal.

Digital ICs incorporate elements like flip-flops, multiplexers, and logic gates, which facilitate their operation. While the complexity and functionality of these circuits can vary, they are often economical and relatively simple to design. Digital ICs are also found in linear and radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits, further broadening their applications.

Modern digital ICs include diodes, microprocessors, and transistors, each serving specific roles like voltage storage, current control, and memory. With modern circuits containing over a billion transistors, integrated circuits play a crucial role in achieving functionality and efficiency. They are highly reliable and cost-effective, making them indispensable in today’s electronic systems.

Examples of Digital Integrated Circuits

1. Logic Gates:
   • AND, NOT, OR, NAND, XOR, XNOR, NOR gates.
   • Example: 7400 series NAND gate (TTL logic).
2. Microprocessors:
   • Perform computation and control in computers and embedded systems.
   • Example: Intel 8086, ARM Cortex processors.
3. Microcontrollers:
   • Integrated systems combining a CPU, memory, and peripherals.
   • Example: Arduino (based on ATmega328P), ESP32.
4. Memory Chips:
   • Store digital information in various formats.
   • Example: SRAM, DRAM, Flash memory chips.
5. Digital Signal Processors (DSPs):
   • Optimize mathematical computations for signals.
   • Example: Texas Instruments TMS320 series.
6. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs):
   • Configurable digital ICs for custom logic designs.
   • Example: Xilinx Spartan series.
7. Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs):
   • Custom ICs for specific applications.
   • Example: Bitcoin mining chips.
8. Timing and Control ICs:
   • Manage the timing of signals.
   • Example: 555 Timer in astable or monostable mode.

Applications of Digital Integrated Circuits

1. Computing and Consumer Electronics:
   • Laptops, desktops, and smartphones.
   • Examples: Microprocessors, GPUs, and memory ICs.
2. Communication Systems:
   • Modems, routers, and mobile networks.
   • Examples: DSPs, transceivers.
3. Industrial Automation:
   • Robotics and control systems.
   • Examples: Microcontrollers, ASICs.
4. Automotive:
   • Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment, and sensors.
   • Examples: FPGAs, microprocessors.
5. Aerospace and Defense:
   • Navigation systems, signal processing, and avionics.
   • Examples: Radiation-hardened ASICs, FPGAs.
6. Healthcare:
   • Medical imaging, portable diagnostic devices, and wearable health tech.
   • Examples: Microcontrollers, ASICs.
7. Smart Home and IoT Devices:
   • Smart thermostats, light switches, and security systems.
   • Examples: Microcontrollers like ESP8266, ASICs for IoT.
8. Data Centers and Cloud Computing:
   • Server processors, storage controllers, and network interface cards.
   • Examples: Memory ICs, high-performance FPGAs.

Digital ICs are crucial in almost all modern technology sectors, driving innovation and enabling advanced functionalities.

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Last time, I covered one half of the Energizer Ultimate Powersource Pro Solar Bundle that I first introduced you to back at the beginning of August and purchased for myself at the beginning of September (and, ironically, is for sale again as I write these words on November 6, at Meh’s companion SideDeal site):

If you haven’t yet read that premier post in this series, where I detailed the pros and cons of the Energizer PowerSource Pro Battery Generator, I encourage you to pause here and go back and peruse it first before proceeding with this one. This time I’ll be discussing the other half of the bundle, Energizer’s 200W Portable Solar Panel. And as before, I’ll start out with “stock” images from the bundle’s originator, Battery-Biz (here again is the link to the user manual, which covers both bundled products…keep paging through until you get to the solar panel section):

Here’s another relevant stock image from Meh:

Candidly, there’s a lot to like about this panel, model number ENSP200W (and no, I don’t know who originally manufactured it, with Energizer subsequently branding it), reflective of the broader improvement trend in solar panels that I previously covered back in mid-September. The following specs come straight from the user manual:

Solar Cells

• Solar Cell Material: Monocrystalline PERC M6-166mm
• Solar Cell Efficiency: 22.8%
• Solar Cell Surface Coating: PET

Output Power

• Max Power Output – Wattage (W): 200W
• Max Power Output – Voltage(Vmp): 19.5V
• Max Power Output – Current (Imp): 10.25A
• Power Tolerance: ±3%
• Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 23.2V
• Short Circuit Current (Isc): 11.38A

Operating Temperatures

• Operating Temp (°C): -20 to 50°C / -4 to 122°F
• Nominal Operating Cell Temp (NOCT): 46°± 2° C
• Current Temp Coefficient: 0.05% / °C
• Voltage Temp Coefficient: – 0.35% / °C
• Power Temp Coefficient: – 0.45% / °C
• Max Series Fuse Rating: 15A

Cable

• Anderson Cable Length: 5M / 16.5 ﬞ
• Cable Type: 14AWG dual conductor, shielded
• Output Connector: Anderson Powerpole 15/45

Dimensions and Weight

• Product Dimensions – Folded: 545 x 525 x 60 mm/21.5″ x 20.7″ x 2.4″
• Product Dimensions – Open: 2455 x 525 x 10 mm/96.7″ x 20.7″ x 0.4″
• Product Net Weight: 5.9 kgs/ 13.0 lbs

As you can see from the last set of specs, the “portable” part of the product name is spot-on; this solar panel is eminently tote-able and folds down into an easily stowed form factor. Here’s what mine looked like unfolded:

Unfortunately, as with its power station bundle companion, the solar panel arrived with scuffed case cosmetics and ruffled-through contents indicative of pre-used, not brand new, condition:

Although, I was able to clip a multimeter to the panel’s Anderson Powerpole output connector and, after optimally aligning the panel with the cloud-free direct sunlight, I got close to the spec’d max open circuit output voltage out of it:

the connector itself had also arrived pre-mangled by the panel’s prior owner (again: brand new? Really, Battery-Biz?), a situation that others had also encountered, and which prevented me from as-intended plugging it into the PowerSource Pro Battery Generator:

Could I have bought and soldered on a replacement connector? Sure. But in doing so, I likely would have voided the factory warranty terms. And anyway, after coming across not-brand-new evidence in the entire bundle’s constituents, I was done messing with this “deal”; I was offered an exchange but requested a return-and-refund instead. As mentioned last time, Meh was stellar in their customer service, picking up the tab on return shipping and going as far as issuing me a full refund while the bundle was still enroute back to them. And to be clear, I blame Battery-Biz, not Meh, for this seeming not-as-advertised bait-and-switch.

A few words on connectors, in closing. Perhaps obviously, the connector coming out of a source solar panel and the one going into the destination power station need to match, either directly or via an adapter (the latter option with associated polarity, adequate current-carrying capability and other potential concerns). That said, in my so-far limited to-date research and hands-on experiences with both solar panels and power stations, I’ve come across a mind-boggling diversity of connector options. That ancient solar panel I mentioned back in September, for example:

uses these:

to interface between it and the solar charge controller:

The subsequent downstream connection between the controller and my Eurovan Camper’s cargo battery is more mainstream SAE-based:

The more modern panel I showcased in that same September writeup:

offered four output options: standard and high-power USB-A, USB-C and male DC5521.

My SLA battery-based Phase2 Energy PowerSource Power Station, on the other hand:

(Duracell clone shown)

like the Lithium NMC battery-based Energizer PowerSource Pro Battery Generator:

expects, as already mentioned earlier in this piece, an Anderson Powerpole (PP15-45, to be precise) connector-based solar panel tether:

To adapt the male 5521 to an Anderson Powerpole required both the female-to-female DC5521 that came with the Foursun F-SP100 solar panel and a separate male DC5521-to-Anderson adapter that I bought off Amazon:

What other variants have I encountered? Well, coming out of the EcoFlow solar panels I told you about in the recent Holiday Shopping Guide for Engineers are MC4 connectors:

Conversely, the EcoFlow RIVER 2:

and DELTA 2 portable power stations:

both have an orange-color XT60i solar input connector:

the higher current-capable (100 A vs 60 A), backwards-compatible successor to the original yellow-tint XT60 used in prior-generation EcoFlow models:

EcoFlow sells both MC4-to-XT60 and MC4-to-XT60i adapter cables (note the connector color difference in the following pictures):

along with MC4 extension cables:

and even a dual-to-single MC4 parallel combiner cable, whose function I’ll explore next time:

The DELTA 2 also integrates an even higher power-capable XT150 input, intended for daisy-chaining the power station to a standalone supplemental battery to extend runtime, as well as for recharging via the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger:

Ok, now what about another well-known portable power station supplier, Jackery? The answer is, believe it or not, “it depends”. Older models integrated an 8 mm 7909 female DC plug:

 

which, yes, you could mate to a MC4-based solar panel via an adapter:

Newer units switched to a DC8020 input; yep, adapters to the rescue again:

And at least some Jackery models supplement the DC connector with a functionally redundant, albeit reportedly more beefy-current, Anderson Powerpole input:

How profoundly confusing this all must be to the average consumer (not to mention this techie!). I’m sure if I did more research, I’d uncover even more examples of connectivity deviance from other solar panel and portable power station manufacturers alike. But I trust you already get my point. Such non-standardization might enable each supplier to keep its customers captive, at least for a while and to some degree, but it also doesn’t demonstrably grow the overall market. Nor is it a safe situation for consumers, who then need to blindly pick adapters without understanding terms such as polarity or maximum current-carrying capability.

Analogies I’ve made before in conceptually similar situations, such as:

• It’s better to have a decent-size slice of a sizeable pie versus a tiny pie all to yourself, and
• A rising tide lifts all boats

remain apt. And as with those conceptually similar situations on which I’ve previously opined, this’ll likely all sort itself out sooner or later, too (via market share dynamics, would be my preference, versus heavy-handed governmental regulatory oversight). The sooner the better, is all I’m saying. Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments!

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

Related Content

• Experimenting with a modern solar cell
• SLA batteries: More system form factors and lithium-based successors
• Experimenting with a modern solar cell
• Then and Now: Solar panels track the sun
• Solar-mains hybrid lamp
• Solar day-lamp with active MPPT and no ballast resistors
• Beaming solar power to Earth: feasible or fantasy?

 

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In recent years, smart farming has emerged as a transformative approach to agriculture, integrating technology to enhance productivity and sustainability. Central to this transformation are low-power microcontrollers (MCUs) and reliable RF devices, which provide the backbone for efficient data collection and communication in remote farming applications. These innovations are essential for monitoring environmental conditions, managing livestock, and optimizing resource use, all while addressing the unique challenges of remote and battery-powered systems.

The Role of Smart Farming in Modern Agriculture

Smart farming leverages data analytics and IoT technology to inform and enhance agricultural practices. By monitoring critical parameters such as soil condition, moisture levels, and livestock health, farmers can make informed decisions that improve efficiency and reduce waste. Precision agriculture, a key component of smart farming, uses tools like variable rate technologies (VRTs) to optimize the application of inputs such as seeds, water, and fertilizers.

There are two primary types of VRT: map-based and sensor-based. Map-based VRT relies heavily on satellite imagery to plan input applications, while sensor-based VRT gathers real-time data directly from sensors in the field or on farm machinery. These systems often work together, with sensor-based VRT providing immediate insights that allow for real-time adjustments.

Beyond Crops: Monitoring Livestock

Smart farming extends its benefits to livestock management as well. By monitoring animal health and behavior, farmers can detect early signs of illness or disease, enabling timely intervention. Advanced sensors collect a range of data, from temperature and moisture to soil health indicators such as salinity, pH, and nutrient levels. This information allows for targeted actions that enhance productivity and sustainability.

Addressing Challenges in Remote Farming Applications

Many smart farming systems operate in remote locations where power efficiency and secure wireless communication are critical. Battery-powered devices, often supplemented by photovoltaic (PV) cells, need to function effectively with minimal energy consumption. For basic measurements like temperature, moisture, and nutrient levels, the data transfer requirements are modest, making efficient design essential.

Microcontrollers play a pivotal role in achieving these efficiencies. MCUs designed for low-power applications, and are optimized for tasks like digital sensor connectivity and data processing. These devices include core independent peripherals (CIPs), which perform repetitive tasks with minimal CPU involvement, reducing power consumption and enhancing reliability.

Innovations in Sensor and IoT Technology

Modern MCUs feature advanced interfaces like SPI and I2C for digital sensor integration and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with programmable gain amplifiers (PGAs) for versatile sensor connectivity. Such capabilities allow for precise monitoring of environmental conditions, from soil composition to plant health.

In addition to MCUs, RF devices play a crucial role in wireless communication. For example, data transfer in smart farming can be facilitated using technologies like Zigbee, which offers reliable connectivity within a 100-meter range. For longer-range communication, systems can utilize Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), a low-data-rate variant of 4G LTE tailored for applications like smart metering.

Enhancing Livestock Monitoring with RFID

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology is particularly useful for livestock tracking. Devices like Microchip’s ATA5575M2 chip enable contactless identification, operating within the 100-150 kHz frequency band. These chips use a single coil for both power supply and communication, making them efficient and practical for remote applications.

RFID technology can also support soil and crop monitoring. For instance, in-field sensors equipped with RFID can provide real-time data on soil health, enabling precision application of fertilizers and water. This targeted approach minimizes resource use while maximizing crop yield.

Leveraging Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and IoT

Drones and IoT-enabled systems further enhance the capabilities of smart farming. Drones can capture aerial imagery to assess plant health and soil conditions, while IoT devices collect and transmit data to cloud-based systems for analysis. Automated actions based on this data can optimize resource use and improve operational efficiency.

IoT technology also facilitates seamless integration across the supply chain. Data from in-field sensors can inform decisions on input procurement and determine optimal harvest times, enhancing overall productivity.

The Importance of Secure and Sustainable Solutions

As IoT becomes integral to smart farming, robust cybersecurity measures are essential to protect sensitive data and ensure system integrity. Secure communication protocols safeguard the nodes and cloud-based infrastructure from potential threats, minimizing risks without significantly increasing costs.

Sustainability is another critical consideration. By using energy-efficient designs and leveraging renewable energy sources like solar power, smart farming solutions can minimize their environmental impact. Low-maintenance systems further reduce operational costs and enhance long-term viability, particularly in remote locations.

Practical Applications and Real-World Benefits

Studies worldwide have demonstrated the positive impact of smart farming on agricultural productivity. By monitoring factors such as humidity, temperature, and soil composition, farmers can achieve higher crop yields and reduce resource waste. In livestock management, real-time monitoring of health indicators enables early detection of issues, improving animal welfare and productivity.

A Smarter Future for Agriculture

Smart farming represents a significant leap forward for agriculture, combining advanced sensors, IoT technology, and efficient RF devices to create systems that are both powerful and sustainable. Low-power MCUs and innovative RF solutions are driving this transformation, enabling precise monitoring and seamless communication even in the most challenging environments.

As technology continues to evolve, the integration of IoT and smart farming will play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges such as food security and resource conservation. By adopting these cutting-edge solutions, the agricultural industry is paving the way for a smarter, more sustainable future.

The post Smart Farming Redefines Agriculture with Advanced IoT and Sensor Technology appeared first on ELE Times.

Wireless communication has long served as a foundational pillar of modern technology, facilitating seamless connectivity across devices and regions. However, the advent of 5G—and the promises of 6G and beyond—marks a paradigm shift in how electronics are designed, deployed, and experienced. These advancements are not just incremental; they redefine the fundamental capabilities of wireless technology and its impact on electronics, from consumer gadgets to industrial systems.

Understanding 5G: The Foundation of Future Connectivity

5G, or the fifth generation of wireless communication, offers unprecedented speed, latency, and connectivity. With theoretical speeds of up to 10 Gbps and latency as low as 1 millisecond, 5G is not just an evolution of 4G but a revolutionary leap.

Key features of 5G include:

• Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): Facilitates ultra-fast internet for high-definition streaming and virtual reality.
• Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC): Supports billions of IoT devices with efficient communication protocols.
• Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC): Enables mission-critical applications like autonomous vehicles and remote surgery.

These capabilities create new possibilities for electronics, requiring innovation in hardware and software to fully leverage 5G’s potential.

Transformative Impact on Consumer Electronics

The consumer electronics industry is among the biggest beneficiaries of 5G. Smartphones, wearable devices, and smart home systems are now more powerful and interconnected than ever.

• Smartphones: 5G enables real-time applications such as augmented reality (AR) gaming, ultra-high-definition streaming, and seamless video conferencing. It also pushes hardware manufacturers to adopt advanced processors and antennas capable of handling higher data rates.
• Wearables: Devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches now support continuous monitoring and real-time data analysis, enhancing user experience and utility.
• Smart Homes: 5G enhances the reliability and responsiveness of smart devices, from thermostats to security cameras, fostering a truly interconnected living environment.

Industrial Applications: A New Era of Automation

Industries across sectors are leveraging 5G to revolutionize operations. From manufacturing to healthcare, the integration of 5G and electronics is driving unprecedented efficiency and innovation.

• Smart Manufacturing: 5G-powered Industrial IoT (IIoT) enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and autonomous robotics, leading to a new era of Industry 4.0.
• Healthcare: Wearable medical devices can provide continuous patient monitoring, while 5G’s low latency supports telemedicine and robotic surgery.
• Energy and Utilities: Smart grids and renewable energy systems benefit from 5G’s ability to handle vast amounts of data from distributed sources in real time.

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication

One of the most promising applications of 5G in electronics is in the automotive sector. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication relies heavily on 5G to enable real-time data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, pedestrians, and networks.

• Autonomous Vehicles: 5G ensures ultra-low latency communication required for self-driving cars to make split-second decisions.
• Smart Traffic Management: Connected infrastructure can dynamically manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve safety.
• Enhanced In-Vehicle Experiences: High-speed connectivity supports in-car entertainment systems, navigation, and over-the-air software updates.

Challenges and Opportunities in 5G Electronics Design

While the potential of 5G is immense, realizing its full capabilities presents significant challenges, particularly in electronics design.

• Thermal Management: Higher data rates and power consumption generate more heat, necessitating advanced cooling solutions.
• Miniaturization: Integrating 5G components, such as antennas and transceivers, into compact devices requires innovative design approaches.
• Energy Efficiency: Power management becomes critical, especially for IoT devices that rely on battery power.

On the flip side, these challenges drive innovation in materials, design methodologies, and manufacturing techniques, paving the way for next-generation electronics.

The Road to 6G and Beyond

As 5G technology continues to revolutionize global connectivity, researchers and industries have already turned their attention toward the possibilities of 6G. Expected to roll out by 2030, 6G promises to surpass 5G in every metric, offering speeds up to 1 Tbps and microsecond-level latency.

Key advancements anticipated in 6G include:

• Terahertz Communication: Utilizing higher frequency bands for unprecedented bandwidth and speed.
• Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC): Combining communication with environmental sensing to enable applications like digital twins and high-precision navigation.
• AI-Driven Networks: Using artificial intelligence to optimize network performance, resource allocation, and security.

These developments will further transform the electronics landscape, introducing new opportunities and challenges.

Sustainability in the Era of 5G and Beyond

With great power comes great responsibility. The massive deployment of 5G infrastructure and devices raises concerns about energy consumption and electronic waste.

• Energy-Efficient Designs: Engineers are developing low-power chips and optimizing network architectures to minimize energy use.
• Recycling and Reuse: Encouraging circular economies in electronics can mitigate the environmental impact of rapid technological turnover.
• Green Networks: Using renewable energy sources for powering 5G infrastructure is a key focus for sustainable deployment.

Real-World Success Stories

• South Korea: A global leader in 5G adoption, South Korea has demonstrated how 5G can transform urban infrastructure, healthcare, and entertainment.
• Germany: In manufacturing, German companies are leveraging 5G for smart factories, showcasing the potential of Industry 4.0.
• United States: The rollout of 5G networks has spurred innovation in autonomous vehicles and telemedicine, with significant societal benefits.

A Connected Future

5G is not merely a technological upgrade but a transformative force reshaping the electronics industry and beyond. As we move towards 6G and beyond, the synergy between wireless communication and electronics will continue to drive innovation, enhance quality of life, and tackle global challenges. However, realizing this potential will require collaboration across industries, academia, and governments to address technical, economic, and ethical considerations.

The journey of wireless communication is far from over. Each generation builds upon the last, creating a future where connectivity is ubiquitous, intelligent, and transformative.

The post The Wireless Revolution Transforming Electronics with 5G and Beyond appeared first on ELE Times.

Sivers Semiconductors AB of Kista, Sweden (which supplies RF beam-formerICs for SATCOMs and photonic lasers for AI data centers) is in advanced discussions with its strategic customer Ayar Labs of San Jose, CA, USA (which provides silicon photonics-based chip-to-chip optical connectivity solutions) to partner on the next phase of engagement focused on manufacturing at scale to support deployment of Ayar Labs’ in-package optical interconnect solutions...

New and repurposed fabrication techniques for flexible electronic devices are proliferating rapidly. Some may wonder if they are better than traditional methods and at what point they’ll be commercialized. Will they influence electronics design engineers’ future creations?

Flexibility is catching on. Experts forecast the flexible electronics market value will reach $63.12 million by 2030, achieving a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%. As its earning potential increases, more private companies and research groups turn their attention to novel design approaches.

Flexible electronics is a rapidly developing area. Source: Institute of Advanced Materials

As power densification and miniaturization become more prominent, effective thermal management grows increasingly critical—especially for implantable and on-skin devices. So, films with high in-plane thermal conductivity are emerging as an alternative to traditional thermal adhesives, greases, and pads.

While polymer composites with high isotropic thermal conductivity (k) are common thermal interface materials, their high cost, poor mechanics, and unsuitable electrical properties leave much to be desired.

Strides have been made to develop pure polymer film with ultrahigh in-plane k. Electronics design engineers use stretching or shearing to enhance molecule chain alignment, producing thin, and flexible sheets with desirable mechanical properties.

Here, it’s important to note that the fabrication process for pure polymer films is complex and uses toxic solvents, driving costs, and impeding large-scale production. A polyimide and silicone composite may be the better candidate for commercialization, as silicone offers high elasticity and provides better performance in high temperatures.

Novel manufacturing techniques for flexible electronics

Thermal management is not the only avenue for research. Electronics engineers and scientists are also evaluating novel techniques for transfer printing, wiring, and additive manufacturing.

Dry transfer printing

The high temperatures at which quality electronic materials are processed effectively remove flexible or stretchable substrates from the equation, forcing manufacturers to utilize transfer printing. And most novel alternatives are too expensive or time-consuming to be suitable for commercial production.

A research team has developed a dry transfer printing process, enabling transferring thin metal and oxide films to flexible substrates without risk of damage. They adjusted the sputtering parameters to control the amount of stress, eliminating the need for post-processing. As a result, the transfer times were shortened. This method works with microscale or large patterns.

Bubble printing

As electronics design engineers know, traditional wiring is too rigid for flexible devices. Liquid metals are a promising alternative, but the oxide layer’s electrical resistance poses a problem. Excessive wiring size and patterning restrictions are also issues.

One research group overcame these limitations by repurposing bubble printing. It’s not a novel technique but has only been used on solid particles. They applied it to liquid metal colloidal particles—specifically a eutectic gallium-indium alloy—to enable high-precision patterning.

The heat from a femtosecond laser beam creates microbubbles that guide the colloidal particles into precise lines on a flexible substrate. The result is wiring lines with a minimum width of 3.4 micrometers that maintain stable conductivity even when bent.

4D printing

Four-dimensional (4D) printing is an emerging method that describes how a printed structure’s shape, property or function changes in response to external stimuli like heat, light, water or pH. While this additive manufacturing technique has existed for years, it has largely been restricted to academics.

4D-printed circuits could revolutionize flexible electronics manufacturing by improving soft robotics, medical implants, and wearables. One proof-of-concept sensor converted pressure into electric energy despite having no piezoelectric parts. These self-powered, responsive, flexible electronic devices could lead to innovative design approaches.

Impact of innovative manufacturing techniques

Newly developed manufacturing techniques and materials will have far-reaching implications for the design of flexible electronics. So, industry professionals should pay close attention as early adoption could provide a competitive advantage.

Ellie Gabel is a freelance writer as well as an associate editor at Revolutionized.

 

 

Related Content

• Flexible electronics tech shows progress
• Fab-in-a-Box: Flexible Electronics Scale Up
• Printed electronics enhance device flexibility
• Flexible electronics stretch the limits of imagination
• Printed Electronics to Enhance both Exteriors and Interiors in EVs

The post Innovative manufacturing processes herald a new era for flexible electronics appeared first on EDN.

This is an old rv remote that i broke by stepping on it. I had to do something so i could watch tv. As you can see it cracked clean from the tip. At least the ir led was ok. I saw that it was only one layer. I always wanted to repair electronics so i always watch repair videos. With a big ass tweezers i scratched the mask and got to the lines. There was 6 line i had to connect. As you can see the joints are scary. Because i live in a 3rd world country and a student i had to the repair with a oxidated tip and a 40w soldering iron. No flux, just low quality fluxed solder. But the important thing is it workss. Yes its ugly bot nobody sees it and i know i did it. I gotta get me some good equipment fr. I just wanted to share my joy. Dont hold back anything say what you want. submitted by /u/guserrrr [link] [comments]

Power Integrations Inc of San Jose, CA, USA (which provides high-voltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient power conversion) has introduced a wide-creepage package option for its InnoSwitch3-AQ flyback switcher IC for automotive applications. A wide drain-to-source-pin creepage distance of 5.1mm eliminates the need for conformal coating, making the IC compliant to the IEC60664-1 standard in 800V electric vehicles (EVs) while simplifying manufacturing and increasing system reliability...

Microchip’s MTCH2120 turnkey touch controller offers 12 capacitive touch sensors configured via an I2C interface. Backed by Microchip’s unified ecosystem, it simplifies design and streamlines transitions from other turnkey and MCU-based touch interface implementations.

The MTCH2120 delivers reliable touch performance, unaffected by noise or moisture. Its touch/proximity sensors can work through plastic, wood, or metal front panels. The controller’s low-power design enables button grouping, reducing scan activity and power consumption while keeping buttons fully operational.

Easy Tune technology eliminates manual threshold tuning by automatically adjusting sensitivity and filter levels based on real-time noise assessment. An MPLAB Harmony Host Code Configurator plug-in eases I2C integration with Microchip MCUs and allows direct connection without host-side protocol implementation. Design validation is facilitated through the MPLAB Data Visualizer, while built-in I2C port expander capabilities allow for the addition of three or more unused touch input pins.

In addition, access to Microchip’s touch library minimizes firmware complexity, helping to shorten design cycles. For rapid prototyping, the MTCH2120 evaluation board includes a SAM C21 host MCU for out-of-the-box integration.

MTCH2120 product page

Microchip Technology

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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A synchronous step-down LED driver with high-side current sensing, Diodes’ AL8891Q drives up to 2 A of continuous current from a 4.5-V to 65-V input. It also supports up to a 95% duty cycle, enabling the driver to power longer LED chains in various automotive lighting applications.

The AL8891Q uses constant on-time control for simple loop compensation and cycle-by-cycle current limiting, offering fast dynamic response without needing an external compensation capacitor. Its adjustable switching frequency, ranging from 200 kHz to 2.5 MHz, optimizes efficiency or enables a smaller inductor size and more compact form factor. Spread spectrum modulation further enhances EMI performance and aids compliance with the CISPR 25 Class 5 standard.

Two independent pins control PWM and analog dimming. PWM dimming, from 0.1 kHz to 2 kHz, enables high-resolution dimming. Analog dimming, ranging from 0.15 V to 2 V, supports soft-start and other adjustments. The AL8891Q also features comprehensive protection with fault reporting.

The AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified AL8891Q driver costs $0.78 each in lots of 1000 units.

AL8891Q product page 

Diodes

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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The Certus 9704 IoT module from Iridium supports satellite IoT applications requiring real-time data analysis and automated decision-making. This compact module offers larger file transfer sizes and faster message speeds than previous Iridium IoT modules, enabling the delivery of data, pictures, and audio messages up to 100 KB in industrial and remote environments.

With Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) technology, the Certus 9704 provides two-way IoT services worldwide over Iridium’s low-latency global satellite network. The module is 34% smaller than the Iridium 9603, 79% smaller than the Iridium 9602, and offers an 83% reduction in idle power consumption compared to both.

In addition to conventional satellite IoT applications, the Certus 9704 is AIoT-ready. Products built with Certus 9704 modules can offload more computing to the cloud in a single message, where an AIoT engine can quickly make decisions and send actionable instructions back to the remote device. With IMT at its core, a built-in topic-sorting capability ensures messages are efficiently organized for delivery to the appropriate engine for real-time data, audio, or image analysis.

Iridium offers a development kit preconfigured with the Certus 9704 module mounted on a motherboard, along with a power supply, antenna, and Arduino-based software. The kit comes with 1000 free messages and GitLab-hosted reference materials.

Certus 9704 product page 

Iridium Communications 

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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