MCU start up is a highly structured process designed to ensure proper operation. Numerous elements are involved including initial power/voltage sequencing and regulation, oscillator startup, the use of a vector table, boot loaders (including possible secure boot) and application initialization. This FAQ walks step-by-step through the various elements involved during the start-up of a MCU. […]
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MCU Bits and Bytes: sizes, types, and uses
Bits are the 1s and 0s that form the basis of digital information. A group of 8 bits is a byte and forms the basis of digital computing. Bits and bytes are used for storing and processing information as well as other functions in a digital IC. This FAQ begins with a brief review of […]
Smart buildings and the IoT: Zoning systems
There are significant benefits to moving some decisions in smart HVAC systems close to the application and away from the cloud. Asem Elshimi, Silicon Labs We’ve probably all experienced an office environment that always felt too cold or hot no matter the weather. And we’ve all experienced the fruitlessness of asking the building facilities team […]
The Doppler effect: From highly ridiculed to absolutely indispensable, Part 2
Originally derided as scientifically erroneous, the Doppler effect is now a vital tool in all aspects of technology, ranging from microscopic to galactic. Doppler, back in the day – and now The explanation of the Doppler effect is almost intuitive to us, with our understanding of wave phenomena along with available frequency sources and measurement […]
The Doppler effect: From highly ridiculed to absolutely indispensable, Part 1
Originally derided as scientifically erroneous, the Doppler effect is now a vital tool in all aspects of technology, ranging from microscopic to galactic. Engineers are familiar with many “effects” ranging from widely used ones such as the piezoelectric effect to somewhat lesser-known ones such as the RF skin effect and even less-familiar ones such as […]
Edge computing security: Challenges and techniques
By Rob Oshana, Vice President Software Engineering, Research and Development, Edge Processing at NXP Semiconductors In today’s connected world, a growing number of applications depend on embedded devices, collecting and acting upon data from a wide range of physical processes. As the computing power of the Systems-on-Chip (SoC) at the heart of these devices continues […]
Connector standard helps pave the way to the IIoT
A new universal connectivity standard will help bring Single-Pair Ethernet to the Industrial Internet of Things. Eric Leijtens, TE Connectivity The rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) places new demands on industrial networks. With the increasing number of IIoT nodes, there’s a need for a simplified, economical communication infrastructure at the field level. […]
Practicalities of specifying 5G antennas for the IoT
Antennas can be an afterthought in many designs. With the deployment of 5G, the need to get the most out of the antenna will only become more important. Josh Mickolio, Digi-Key Electronics There are a lot of assumptions, confusion and questions about how 5G will impact the non-handset world. There are several high-level goals for […]
Satellite-based search-and-rescue, Part 4: Enhancements, even the moon
A sophisticated satellite-based system allows pinpointing a person’s location in a dangerous, isolated situation on land or sea. It thus hopefully speeds their subsequent rescue in many cases. This final part looks at the next generation of system satellites and some ideas for a similar lunar system. The MEOSAR satellites The most recent enhancement to […]
Satellite-based search-and-rescue, Part 3: Space segment and satellites
A sophisticated satellite-based system allows pinpointing a person’s location in a dangerous, isolated situation on land or sea. It thus hopefully speeds their subsequent rescue in many cases. Cospas-Sarsat uses three types of satellites: low-Earth orbit search-and-rescue (LEOSAR), medium-Earth orbit search-and-rescue (MEOSAR), and high-altitude geosynchronous orbit search-and-rescue (GEOSAR satellites). There are five LEOSAR, seven GEOSAR, […]
