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The Google Chromecast Gen 3: Gluey and screwy
In my recent 2nd generation Google Chromecast teardown, “The Google Chromecast Gen 2 (2015): A Form Factor Redesign with Beefier Wi-Fi, Too,” I noted that I subsequently planned on tearing down the...
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SoC interconnect automates processes, reduces wire length
A new network-on-chip (NoC) IP aims to dramatically accelerate chip development by introducing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automation and reducing wire length to lower power use in...
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A precision digital rheostat
Rheostats Rheostats are simple and ubiquitous circuit elements, usually comprising a potentiometer connected as an adjustable two terminal resistor. The availability of manual pots with resistances...
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A new platform for thermally stable DRAM peripheral transistors
Dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) chips contain many other transistors besides the access transistor to enable full operation of the DRAM memory. These peripheral transistors must meet stringent...
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Optimizing motor control for energy efficiency
In today’s world, motors are ubiquitous, powering everything from household appliances to industrial machinery. The importance of optimizing motor control for energy efficiency cannot be overstated,...
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GaN converter meets space satellite demands
Frontgrade has successfully screened its GaN DC/DC converter and complementary EMI filter to MIL-PRF-38534 Class L requirements. Under the Defense Logistics Agency’s specification, Class L screening...
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TVS device protects automotive Ethernet
The RClamp10022PWQ two-line transient voltage suppressor (TVS) from Semtech safeguards automotive Ethernet interfaces against ESD. It meets Open Alliance standards for 10Base-T1S, 100Base-T1, and...
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Wideband DF antenna hones radio location
Compact and lightweight, the R&S ADD507 direction finding (DF) antenna covers 9 MHz to 8 GHz, reducing the need for multiple antennas. Expanded VHF coverage improves weak signal detection, making...
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Secure MCUs provide segment LCD drive
Low-power 32-bit MCUs in the Renesas RA4L1 group integrate a segment LCD controller, capacitive touch sensing unit, and robust security. Based on an 80-MHz Arm Cortex-M33 processor with TrustZone...
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GaN transistors fit standard Si packages
Infineon is advancing industry-wide standardization by offering its CoolGaN Generation 3 (G3) transistors in silicon MOSFET packages. The IGD015S10S1 100-V transistor will be housed in a 5×6-mm...
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New chip reveals Microsoft’s quantum computing playbook
We took a step back and said, ‘OK, let’s invent the transistor for the quantum age, said Chetan Nayak, corporate VP of Quantum Hardware at Microsoft. He was talking about the company’s Majorana 1 chip,...
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Designing better listening experiences with multi-driver IEMs
Once primarily used by stage performers, modern in-ear monitors (IEMs) have expanded into the personal audio space over the past decade, transforming how we experience music, games, and digital content...
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EcoFlow’s RIVER 2: Svelte portable power with lithium iron phosphate fuel
As I discussed in early December, my first purchase attempt of a lithium battery-based portable power generator, Energizer’s PowerSource Pro, didn’t pan out. But I didn’t give up. In fact, as I’d...
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Easing the development burden for embedded systems
A fragmented ecosystem Embedded developers have an ongoing struggle to keep the pace by upgrading compilers and debugging tools, while ensuring the processing hardware going into their systems are...
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RRAM: Non-volatile memory for high-performance embedded applications
Non-volatile memory is an important component in a wide range of high-performance embedded applications. Especially, many consumer, industrial, and medical applications need increased re-writability to...
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Power Tips #138: 3 ways to close the control loop for totem-pole bridgeless PFC
Introduction Among all power factor correction (PFC) topologies, totem-pole bridgeless PFC provides the best efficiency; therefore, it is widely used in servers and data centers. However, closing the...
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Overdesign
How much needless stuff is designed into modern products? How much do we suffer when we’re trying to use software products sometimes described as “bloatware”? What was the origin of the term “bells and...
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The QLDPC code breakthrough in quantum error correction
The quantum low-density parity check (QLDPC) codes, the “holy grail” of quantum error correction research and development for 30 years, have a breakthrough, according to the Vancouver-based Photonic...
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The Apple iPhone 16e: No more fiscally friendly “SE” for thee (or me)
A new “entry level” iPhone Truthfully, I originally didn’t plan on covering the new iPhone 16e, Apple’s latest “entry-level” phone preceded by three generations worth of iPhone SE devices. I knew a...
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1 A, 20V PWM DAC current source with tracking preregulator
This design idea reprises another “1A, 20V, PWM controlled current source.” Like the earlier circuit, this design integrates an LM3x7 adjustable regulator with a PWM DAC to make a programmable 20 V, 1...
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