The emergence of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) is changing how designers use and specify microcontrollers (MCUs), but it’s only one dimension of the changes occurring in the design of automotive systems (Figure 1). This FAQ will begin with the basics of AEC-Q100 requirements for automotive integrated circuits – those requirements are not going away […]
FAQ
MCU specification considerations for robotics
Robotics platforms have unique needs where microcontroller (MCU) performance is concerned. MCUs that have been optimized for use in robots often incorporate multiple functions, including built-in internet protocol (IP) connectivity, safety and security functions, and advanced control algorithms. Integrating an MCU core with a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is another approach to achieving optimized […]
Nuances of low power MCUs for wireless sensors and wearables
The optimization of microcontrollers (MCUs) in power-sensitive applications such as wireless sensor nodes and wearables is all about maximizing power management effectiveness. To minimize power consumption, low-power MCUs typically operate at frequencies below 50 MHz, compared with hundreds of MHz or even 1+ GHz for conventional MCUs. These power-optimized MCUs also use low-power peripherals; they […]
8-, 16- and 32-bit MCUs…are more bits better?
Are more bits better in an MCU? That’s similar to asking: are more cylinders better in an internal combustion engine (ICE)? Peripherals and other features matter, not just bits (or cylinders). For example, in the 1980s, Volvo offered a station wagon with a turbo-V4 engine that was faster off the line than Chevrolet Corvette with […]
What does automotive qualification mean?
Automotive qualification means that a component or system meets specific industry standards for manufacturing and performance. Automotive qualification is not a static landscape. New standards are developed in response to new technologies, and existing standards evolve in response to changing applications and new mission profiles. This FAQ reviews and contrasts key international automotive standards such […]
Keeping digital health safe and secure with unforgeable cyber protection
By Chris Jones, Crypto Quantique Digital health is the modern approach to healthcare, with the potential to broaden access and improve the quality and affordability of services. It’s how providers worldwide are expecting to deal with diverse pressures connected with factors such as population growth, increasing health awareness and demand for services, and the fact […]
Teardown: D7 robot vacuum from Neato Robotics
The D7 robot vacuum from Neato Robotics in California boasts a lot of navigational features such as zone cleaning, no-go lines, and floor plan mapping. We tore down a D7 to see how these features are implemented and to get a close look at the lidar unit that helps the bot find its way around. […]
Introduction to Raspberry Pi 4
Raspberry Pi is a credit-card-sized, single-board computer developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-based charity that works to ensure global access to computing and digital technology. It was initially developed as a low-cost microcomputer to impart digital skills to kids. It comes without any power supply or peripherals as it’s meant to be programmed […]
MEMS challenges – and silicone solutions
by Jayden Cho, Manabu Sutoh, and Roderick Chen, Dow The market for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices is growing, especially in the automotive industry. However, designers of these devices face engineering, manufacturing, and application challenges. For example, traditional organic adhesives may not be able to withstand the higher temperatures associated with today’s electronics, especially in 5G […]
Packaging options and advances for digital ICs
The packaging options for digital ICs (and the related buzz words and acronyms) continue to multiply. Advanced digital ICs such as microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and application specific custom ICs (ASICs) are offered in a wide array of package styles such as: QFN, quad flat no leads; FBGA, fine pitch ball grid array; WLCSP, […]
