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GaN scores a double whammy on MMIC linearity and solar power efficiencies

In two separate design projects Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology has surpassed GaAs passive mixer designs relative to input third-order intercept point to local oscillator drive and has facilitated increased solar power inverter efficiencies. Manufacturer of m...

By Paul Whytock | 03-05-2017

One cable to rule them all

When Apple thinks there is a better option available than current de facto connectivity standards it has never been afraid to pioneer it. It was therefore no surprise when the early 2015 MacBook launched featuring just one wired connection type (aside from the...

By Mark Patrick | 27-04-2017

Not now darling, I'm playing with my phone

Picture the scene. The cosy dinner for two is finished, the bottle of Rioja has been demolished and you're both nicely tucked between the sheets only to have your partner turn and say, "not now darling I'm playing with my iPhone." Don't think it happens. Think...

By Paul Whytock | 25-04-2017

Double-faced cell innovation will boost solar power efficiencies

The power-generation potential of solar cells has received a significant boost following the development of a highly efficient bifacial cell. The cell design was facilitated by nano-electronics and digital technology organisation Imec and bifacial solar cells...

By Paul Whytock | 19-04-2017

ADAS collaboration aims to make autonomous cars safer

A technology collaboration aimed at making autonomous self-driving vehicles safer has been agreed between analog component specialists Analog Devices (ADI) and Japanese semiconductor company Renesas. The companies’ work will focus on a system-level 77/79-GHz R...

By Paul Whytock | 18-04-2017

iRobot - you fired. Maybe not

Over the past decade humans have managed to churn out millions of words about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it will eventually obsolete the creativity, ingenuity, perceptiveness and determination that are the hallmarks of homo sapien intellect. The Rise...

By Paul Whytock | 11-04-2017

Can this collaboration switch on huge electricity savings?

City lights views at night are great visually but they are a greedy consumer of the world’s electricity resource. Here are the facts. Nearly 20% of all the electricity consumed globally is for lighting and approximately 80% of that is being consumed by office...

By Paul Whytock | 03-04-2017

Free car App will help drivers handle the motorway madness

A downloadable software App that can turn a car into a self-driving autonomous unit can now be downloaded via the Internet. (Link at end of story) Called DriveYOU the app only works on cars less than five years old and will only operate while the vehicle is on...

By Paul Whytock | 31-03-2017

Embedded system security: Get it right or pay mega bucks

The major contributing factor jeopardizing embedded security is the prolific surge of IoT related products and systems that are hitting the market. So why can’t all these new connectivity products that are going to brighten our lives be secure? And who is goin...

By Paul Whytock | 29-03-2017

Can this SiPh transceiver technology satisfy the bandwidth-guzzlers?

The constant demand for ever-increasing interconnect bandwidth in datacentres means single-mode optical transceivers will need to scale to Tb/s capacity and be tightly integrated with network switches. For some years industry has been concerned as to whether i...

By Paul Whytock | 21-03-2017

Embedded World Show 2nd day highlights

For those electronics engineers that didn’t make it to the Nuremberg show here’s a selection of the highlights from day two of the exhibition. Three new entry class T&M instruments T&M specialists Rohde & Schwarz introduced three entry-level test a...

By Paul Whytock | 15-03-2017

Embedded World Show first day highlights

Over 700 electronics companies gather at the Nuremberg exhibition centre this week. Loads of new technology launches. Here are a few of the highlights.  Car software design accelerates NXP Semiconductors launched the S32K1 family combining a breakthrough suite...

By Paul Whytock | 14-03-2017

Can this help embedded engineers keep pace with IoT challenges?

We’re all subjected to the relentless hyperbole expounding the theory that the Internet of Things (IoT) will revolutionise connectivity and make the world a better, more intelligent and efficient place to be in. Whether or not you believe all or some of that t...

By Paul Whytock | 08-03-2017

Is today’s gizmo-loaded car a hackers dream machine?

I recently met a senior engineer that had worked for a large international car maker for most of his career and the topic of our conversation was how modern cars had become laden with electronically enabled systems. Now, before I go any further you need to kno...

By Paul Whytock | 22-02-2017