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Swathi Weapon Locating Radar: A Beacon of Indian Defense Technology

ELE Times - Сбт, 01/18/2025 - 13:24

India has steadily emerged as a formidable force in defense technology, with indigenous innovations taking center stage. Among its crowning achievements is the Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR), a state-of-the-art radar system designed to detect and track enemy artillery, mortars, and rockets. Developed by Indian defense engineers, the Swathi radar underscores India’s self-reliance in defense capabilities, offering world-class performance at a competitive cost.

What is Swathi Weapon Locating Radar?

Swathi Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) is an advanced radar system designed to locate the origin of hostile artillery fire and pinpoint the location of enemy weapons. It provides critical real-time data to armed forces, enabling them to neutralize threats effectively. The radar has been a game-changer for India’s military and has garnered international attention for its capabilities.

Developed by Indian Expertise

Swathi WLR was developed indigenously by the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a division of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This collaboration brought together cutting-edge radar technology and indigenous manufacturing expertise, resulting in a highly reliable and efficient system tailored to the needs of the Indian Armed Forces.

Swathi Radar: Full Form and Significance

The term “Swathi” does not have a conventional acronymic full form; it is a name that symbolizes vigilance and precision. In the context of military technology, it signifies the radar’s ability to scan, detect, and act with unparalleled accuracy, much like its namesake.

Swathi’s significance lies in its ability to act as a force multiplier. By detecting and neutralizing threats before they can cause damage, the radar enhances the strategic and tactical advantage of armed forces in conflict scenarios. It also reduces the dependency on foreign-made radar systems, contributing to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Technical Features and Capabilities

The Swathi Weapon Locating Radar boasts several cutting-edge features that make it a world-class system:

  1. Detection Range: Swathi WLR has a range of up to 50 kilometers for locating artillery and up to 30 kilometers for detecting mortars and rockets. This extended range ensures early threat detection and effective countermeasures.
  2. Coverage Area: The radar can simultaneously track multiple targets over a wide area, making it ideal for use in complex battlefield scenarios.
  3. Accuracy: With high precision, the radar can pinpoint the location of enemy weaponry, providing critical data for swift retaliatory action.
  4. Mobility: Mounted on a mobile platform, the radar can be rapidly deployed in different terrains, from deserts to mountainous regions.
  5. Weather Resilience: The radar performs reliably under varied weather conditions, ensuring uninterrupted operation during critical missions.
Swathi Radar Exports: Expanding Global Reach

Swathi WLR is not just a domestic asset; it has also made its mark on the international stage. India’s defense exports have grown significantly, with Swathi being a flagship product. Notably, Armenia has procured the radar system, recognizing its exceptional capabilities and cost-effectiveness. This export marked a significant milestone for India’s defense industry, positioning Swathi as a competitive alternative to systems offered by countries like the United States, Israel, and Russia.

The successful export of Swathi underscores the global recognition of India’s indigenous defense technology. It also reflects India’s growing capability to design and manufacture advanced systems that meet international standards.

Cost-Effectiveness: A Strategic Advantage

One of Swathi’s most compelling aspects is its affordability. Priced significantly lower than similar systems from other countries, Swathi offers an attractive option for nations looking to bolster their defense capabilities without overshooting their budgets. The radar’s competitive pricing, combined with its high performance, has made it an appealing choice for several countries exploring modern defense solutions.

Operational Impact and Applications

Swathi WLR has proven invaluable in enhancing battlefield operations. Here’s how:

  1. Threat Neutralization: By detecting the source of enemy artillery, the radar allows forces to respond quickly and effectively, neutralizing threats before they escalate.
  2. Border Security: Deployed along sensitive borders, Swathi provides constant surveillance and tracking, ensuring robust national security.
  3. Counter-Battery Fire: The radar’s ability to accurately locate enemy firing positions enables counter-battery operations, minimizing damage and ensuring tactical superiority.
  4. International Peacekeeping: Swathi can be deployed in international peacekeeping missions, where its precision and reliability contribute to maintaining stability in conflict zones.

Future Prospects and Upgrades

To maintain its edge, Swathi radar is expected to undergo periodic upgrades, incorporating advancements in radar and sensor technologies. Future iterations may include enhanced range, better integration with command-and-control systems, and AI-driven analytics for real-time decision-making.

Additionally, with an increasing focus on exports, DRDO and BEL are likely to develop customized versions of Swathi to meet the specific needs of different countries.

Conclusion

The Swathi Weapon Locating Radar is a testament to India’s strides in indigenous defense technology. Combining cutting-edge features with cost-effectiveness, it has become a valuable asset for both domestic and international applications. Its successful deployment and export highlight India’s potential to be a global leader in defense innovation. As Swathi continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of India’s defense strategy and a beacon of technological excellence.

The post Swathi Weapon Locating Radar: A Beacon of Indian Defense Technology appeared first on ELE Times.

5G vs LPWA Technologies: A Comparative Overview of 5G, NB-IoT, Sigfox, and LoRa IoT

ELE Times - Сбт, 01/18/2025 - 12:49

The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to revolutionize industries by enabling seamless connectivity among devices, sensors, and systems. The choice of communication technology is critical in determining the efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of IoT implementations. Among the most prominent technologies are 5G and Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) networks, which include NB-IoT, Sigfox, and LoRa. Each of these technologies has distinct characteristics, making them suitable for specific use cases. This article explores the differences between 5G and LPWA technologies, highlighting their unique features, advantages, and limitations.

Understanding the Basics

5G Technology

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, designed to provide ultra-fast data speeds, minimal latency, and support for massive device connectivity. It is a versatile technology catering to diverse applications, from enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) to ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine-type communication (mMTC).

Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) Technologies

LPWA technologies, such as NB-IoT, Sigfox, and LoRa, focus on low power consumption, wide coverage, and cost-efficiency. These technologies are tailored for IoT applications requiring long battery life, low data rates, and devices distributed over vast areas.

Key Features and Capabilities
Feature 5G NB-IoT Sigfox LoRa
Data Speed Up to 10 Gbps Up to 250 kbps 100 bps to 600 bps 0.3 kbps to 50 kbps
Latency 1 ms or less ~1.5 seconds ~10 seconds ~1 to 5 seconds
Coverage Urban and dense environments Deep indoor and rural Global (through operators) Regional (private networks)
Power Efficiency Moderate High Very High Very High
Cost High Low to moderate Low Low

 

Comparing the Technologies
  1. 5G: High-Speed and Versatility

5G excels in high-bandwidth applications requiring real-time responsiveness. It is ideal for:

  • Autonomous Vehicles: Low latency ensures real-time decision-making for self-driving cars.
  • Smart Cities: 5G supports dense sensor deployments, enabling smart traffic systems and public safety applications.
  • Industrial Automation: Ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) facilitates advanced robotics and precision manufacturing.

However, 5G’s advanced capabilities come at a higher cost. Its infrastructure demands significant investment, and its power consumption is relatively high, making it less suitable for battery-powered IoT devices.

2. NB-IoT: Simplified Cellular Connectivity

Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) is a cellular-based LPWA technology developed to address the needs of IoT applications requiring low power consumption and wide coverage. Key applications include:

  • Smart Utilities: NB-IoT is widely used in smart metering for water, gas, and electricity.
  • Agriculture: It supports soil moisture sensors and livestock monitoring systems.
  • Asset Tracking: NB-IoT enables cost-effective tracking of shipping containers and equipment.

NB-IoT operates within the licensed spectrum, ensuring minimal interference and reliable connectivity. Its power efficiency allows devices to run for years on a single battery. However, its data speed and latency are not sufficient for applications requiring real-time responsiveness.

3. Sigfox: Global Connectivity at Low Cost

Sigfox is a proprietary LPWA technology designed for simplicity and affordability. Operating in the unlicensed ISM band, it focuses on:

  • Environmental Monitoring: Sigfox supports sensors for air quality, weather, and water levels.
  • Smart Logistics: It enables tracking of pallets and packages globally.
  • Security Systems: Sigfox connects low-power intrusion sensors and alarms.

Sigfox’s ultra-low data rates and power consumption make it ideal for applications transmitting small amounts of data sporadically. However, its reliance on Sigfox operators limits flexibility and scalability compared to open standards.

4. LoRa: Flexibility and Decentralization

LoRa (Long Range) is an open standard LPWA technology operating in the unlicensed ISM band. It is particularly valued for its:

  • Private Networks: LoRa enables businesses to establish their own IoT networks without relying on third-party operators.
  • Agriculture and Environmental Use: LoRa supports monitoring of farmlands, forests, and wildlife habitats.
  • Smart Buildings: LoRa connects HVAC systems, lighting controls, and security sensors.

LoRa’s flexibility and cost-effectiveness make it a popular choice for localized IoT deployments. However, its reliance on gateways and lack of native global coverage can be limitations for some use cases.

Selecting the Right Technology

The choice between 5G and LPWA technologies depends on the specific requirements of the IoT application.

Consideration Best Technology
High-speed data transfer 5G
Battery life and power efficiency Sigfox, LoRa, NB-IoT
Global connectivity Sigfox
Private network setup LoRa
Real-time responsiveness 5G

 

The Future of IoT Connectivity

As IoT ecosystems continue to expand, hybrid approaches integrating multiple technologies are emerging. For example, 5G can provide high-speed backbone connectivity, while LPWA networks handle localized low-power tasks. Additionally, advancements in edge computing and AI are enhancing the capabilities of all these technologies, enabling more intelligent and efficient IoT solutions.

Conclusion

5G and LPWA technologies each bring unique strengths to the IoT landscape. While 5G is the backbone of high-performance, real-time applications, LPWA technologies like NB-IoT, Sigfox, and LoRa cater to cost-sensitive, low-power use cases. The diversity of these technologies ensures that IoT can address a wide spectrum of needs, driving innovation across industries and transforming how we interact with the world around us.

 

The post 5G vs LPWA Technologies: A Comparative Overview of 5G, NB-IoT, Sigfox, and LoRa IoT appeared first on ELE Times.

Іноземні студенти обирають навчання у КПІ ім. Ігоря Сікорського!

Новини - Птн, 01/17/2025 - 23:08
Іноземні студенти обирають навчання у КПІ ім. Ігоря Сікорського!
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kpi пт, 01/17/2025 - 23:08
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Нещодавно відбувся черговий випуск студентів–іноземців і 67 студентів з різних держав світу, серед яких, зокрема, 🇨🇳 Китай, 🇪🇬 Єгипет та 🇪🇨 Еквадор, отримали дипломи магістрів нашого університету.

Aehr’s quarterly revenue hit by order delays

Semiconductor today - Птн, 01/17/2025 - 18:17
For its fiscal second-quarter 2025 (ended 29 November 2024), semiconductor production test and reliability qualification equipment supplier Aehr Test Systems of Fremont, CA, USA has reported revenue of $13.5m, up slightly from $13.1m last quarter but down on $21.4m a year ago. While Services revenue has rebounded from $0.97m last quarter to $1.47m, Product revenue has fallen further, from $19.8m a year ago and $12.2m last quarter to $12m...

Powering a Sustainable Future: A Look at Emerging Sustainable Power Technologies

ELE Times - Птн, 01/17/2025 - 13:44

The world is at a critical juncture. The ever-increasing demand for energy coupled with the looming threat of climate change necessitates a paradigm shift towards sustainable power generation. Thankfully, innovation is blossoming in the realm of renewable energy, with a plethora of emerging technologies poised to revolutionize the way we power our planet.

This article delves into some of the most promising sustainable power technologies that hold immense potential for shaping a cleaner and more secure energy future. We will explore these technologies based on the following categories:

  • Solar Energy Advancements
  • Wind Power Innovations
  • Alternative Renewable Energy Sources
  • Energy Storage Solutions
Solar Energy Advancements

Solar energy remains at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution. However, advancements are constantly pushing the boundaries of efficiency and affordability. Here are some exciting developments:

  • Perovskite Solar Cells: These next-generation solar cells boast the potential to surpass the efficiency limits of traditional silicon-based cells. Perovskite materials are lightweight, flexible, and can be manufactured at lower costs, making them ideal for large-scale deployment.
  • Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) with Thermal Storage: CSP plants use mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, generating heat that can be converted into electricity. Integrating thermal storage allows for continuous power generation even during periods of low sunlight.
  • Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV): BIPV technologies seamlessly integrate solar panels into building materials, transforming rooftops, facades, and windows into power generators. This not only reduces reliance on traditional grids but also enhances building aesthetics.
Wind Power Innovations

Wind power is another established renewable energy source, and advancements are focusing on efficiency and harnessing wind energy from untapped sources:

  • Offshore Wind Farms: With stronger and more consistent winds blowing offshore, these large-scale wind farms offer significant potential for clean energy generation. Technological advancements in turbine design and floating platforms are making offshore wind farms more cost-effective.
  • Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): Unlike traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines, VAWTs can capture wind from any direction, making them suitable for urban environments or areas with unpredictable wind patterns. Their compact design also reduces visual impact.
  • High-Altitude Wind Power (HAWP): HAWP systems utilize tethered kites or balloons equipped with turbines to harness the stronger and more consistent winds at high altitudes. This technology is still in its early stages but holds promise for large-scale energy generation.
Alternative Renewable Energy Sources

Beyond solar and wind, a diverse range of renewable energy sources are emerging:

  • Geothermal Energy: This technology utilizes the Earth’s internal heat to generate electricity. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) are expanding the reach of geothermal power by creating artificial geothermal reservoirs in areas with limited natural resources.
  • Ocean Energy: The power of waves, tides, and currents can be harnessed through various technologies like wave energy converters, tidal turbines, and ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). These technologies are still under development but offer immense potential for coastal regions.
  • Biomass Energy: While concerns exist regarding sustainability, advancements in biofuel production and waste-to-energy conversion can contribute to a cleaner energy mix.
Energy Storage Solutions

The intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources necessitates efficient energy storage solutions. Here are some key technologies:

  • Advanced Battery Storage: Lithium-ion batteries are currently the dominant technology, but advancements in solid-state batteries and flow batteries promise higher capacities, longer lifespans, and faster charging times.
  • Pumped Hydroelectric Storage (PHES): This mature technology stores energy by pumping water uphill during off-peak hours and releasing it through turbines to generate electricity during peak demand periods.
  • Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES): CAES stores energy by compressing air into underground caverns. When electricity is needed, the compressed air is released to drive turbines and generate power.
The Road Ahead: A Collaborative Effort

The successful integration of these emerging sustainable power technologies requires a collaborative effort. Governments, research institutions, and private companies need to work together to address challenges like:

  • Cost Reduction: While advancements are lowering costs, further research and development are crucial to make these technologies cost-competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
  • Grid Modernization: Integrating a diverse range of renewable energy sources necessitates a smarter and more flexible grid infrastructure.
  • Policy and Regulations: Supportive policies and regulations can incentivize the adoption of renewable energy technologies and create a stable investment environment

The post Powering a Sustainable Future: A Look at Emerging Sustainable Power Technologies appeared first on ELE Times.

Infineon strengthens Sensor and Radio Frequency portfolio with new business unit to drive profitable growth

ELE Times - Птн, 01/17/2025 - 12:12

Infineon Technologies AG, a leader in power, automotive and IoT semiconductors, announced the formation of a new business unit to drive the company’s growth in the area of sensors by combining the existing Sensor and Radio Frequency (RF) businesses into one dedicated organization. The new business unit SURF (Sensor Units & Radio Frequency) will be part of the Power & Sensor Systems (PSS) division and include the former Automotive and Multi-market Sense & Control businesses.

By combining its sensor and RF expertise, Infineon strengthens its competitiveness and go-to-market approach by leveraging cost and R&D synergies accelerating innovation and value to customers. This strategic move will capitalize on the vast market potential of the sensor and RF markets, projected to exceed 20 billion US- Dollars by 2027. The new business unit became effective on 1 January 2025.

“With the new business unit, we are addressing the growing demand for sensors and RF solutions, driven by trends such as green energy, clean and safe mobility, and smart and secure IoT,” says Dr. Thomas Schafbauer, Head of SURF business unit at Infineon. “Our dedicated business unit for sensors and RF allows for the expansion of our sales activities and combines our innovation capabilities, offering even more differentiated system solutions for our automotive, consumer and industrial customers.”

With devices attaining higher levels of intelligence and autonomy, sensor semiconductors are becoming ubiquitous components in connecting the real and digital world: Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and ambient monitors allow for context-aware devices; Infineon’s microphones based on high-end microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) already play a crucial role in smartphones, wearables, and smart speakers, enabling AI-based language solutions for enhanced consumer experience; Infineon radar solutions enable reliable object recognition e.g. in autonomous driving; And in electric cars and industrial automation, Infineon’s magnetic sensors are key enablers for controlling motion precisely and its current sensors allow for better energy-efficiency in power inverters and batteries.

The post Infineon strengthens Sensor and Radio Frequency portfolio with new business unit to drive profitable growth appeared first on ELE Times.

New Family of Switchtec PCIe Gen 4.0 16-Lane Switches Provides Versatility for Automotive and Embedded Computing Applications

ELE Times - Птн, 01/17/2025 - 11:46

Microchip’s PCI100x devices deliver high performance and cost efficiency for any application where accelerated or specialized computing is used

Efficient management of high-bandwidth data transfer and seamless communication between multiple devices or subsystems are critical in automotive, industrial and data center applications, making PCIe switches an indispensable solution. They provide scalability, reliability and low-latency connectivity, which are crucial for handling the demanding workloads of modern High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems. Microchip Technology today announces sample availability of the new PCI100x family of Switchtec PCIe Gen 4.0 switches in variants to support packet switching and multi-host applications.

The PCI1005 is a packet switch which expands a single host PCIe port to as many as six endpoints. The PCI1003 device enables multi-host connectivity through Non-Transparent Bridging (NTB) and is fully configurable to support from 4–8 ports. All devices are compliant with the PCI-SIG Gen5 specification and operate up to 16GT/s. High-speed DMA is supported on all variants. Advanced Switchtec technology features include Automatic Error Reporting (AER), Downstream Port Containment (DPC) and Completion Timeout Synthesis (CTS). The PCI100x devices are available in wide temperature ranges including commercial (0°C to +70°C), industrial (−40°C to +85°C) and Automotive Grade 2 (−40°C to +105°C) ambient ratings.

“The PCI100x family is a cost-effective solution that does not compromise on high performance and high reliability. It enables designers to now take advantage of PCIe switch capabilities for mass market automotive and embedded computing applications,” said Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip’s USB and networking business unit. “In addition to these connectivity solutions, customers can get many critical components from Microchip including timing, power management and sensors.”

Microchip’s broad portfolio of PCIe switches provides high-density, low-power and reliable solutions for applications like data centers, GPU servers, SSD enclosures and embedded computing. The portfolio also includes Flashtec NVMe controllers and NVRAM drives, Ethernet PHYs and switches, timing solutions and Flash-based FPGAs and SoCs, supporting markets such as storage, automotive, industrial and communications. For more information about PCIe switches.

Pricing and Availability

The PCI1005 and PCI1003 switches are now available in limited sample quantities. Pricing for the PCI1005 commercial variant is $43 each in 1,000-unit quantities (note pricing is subject to change). For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.

The post New Family of Switchtec PCIe Gen 4.0 16-Lane Switches Provides Versatility for Automotive and Embedded Computing Applications appeared first on ELE Times.

New MOTIX family of full-bridge ICs for smart brushed DC motor applications enables comfort and convenience in vehicles

ELE Times - Птн, 01/17/2025 - 11:28

With the automotive industry continuing to evolve, features that were once considered premium are now becoming standard. As a result, smart low-voltage motors will play an increasingly important role in shaping tomorrow’s user experience in the vehicle. Automotive manufacturers are looking for more reliable, energy-efficient and cost-effective semiconductor solutions that can work effectively even under the given harsh conditions. To address this demand, Infineon Technologies AG is now expanding its portfolio with the MOTIX Bridge BTM90xx family, a product family of full-bridge/ H-bridge integrated circuits (ICs), specifically designed for brushed DC motor applications. The new BTM90xx full-bridge ICs complement the MOTIX low-voltage motor control IC portfolio spanning from driver ICs to highly integrated system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. BTM90xx devices are not limited to but in particular optimized for automotive applications such as door, mirror, seat, body and zone control modules. Accompanying safety documentation is available to allow use also in safety relevant applications.

The BTM90xx family is characterized by a high functionality to enable intelligent and tiny motor control solutions. The devices, with a supply voltage range for normal operation of 7 V to 18 V (extended 4.5 V to 40 V) offer extensive protection and diagnostic functions such as overtemperature, undervoltage, overcurrent, cross-current or short-circuit detection. Currents are measured for both the high-side and low-side switches and the devices are suitable for automotive applications with a current limit of at least 10 A (BTM901x) or 20 A (BTM902x). PWM operation is possible for frequencies up to 20 kHz. The BTM9011EP and BTM9021EP are SPI variants and support pin-saving daisy chain function to help reduce overall system costs. BTM9021 in addition features an integrated watchdog. The BTM90xx’s tiny TSDSO-14 (4.9 x 6.0 mm) package reduces the overall PCB board space required and features a large exposed pad that simultaneously improves the device’s thermal performance.

To simplify the evaluation and design-in process for MOTIX BTM90xx, Infineon also provides a comprehensive support package, including technical product documentation, simulation models, a tool for calculating power dissipation, evaluation boards and Arduino example code. In addition, software (MOTIX BTM90xx Device Driver) and the MOTIX Full Bridge IC Configuration Wizard are available for free at the Infineon Developer Center (IDC).

The post New MOTIX family of full-bridge ICs for smart brushed DC motor applications enables comfort and convenience in vehicles appeared first on ELE Times.

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