As more nodes connect to the Internet, developers are looking are looking to differentiate their products, adding more unique features. But the problem remains — how do you add more nodes and scale without further straining the network? With more nodes, you need more interfaces to the gateway to talk to these nodes. A typical MCU provides […]
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Teardown: Inside Sphero’s R2-D2 toy
Our teardown of R2-D2 shows what’s inside this little droid with a big personality. One of the hot new toys released in advance of the new Star Wars movie is R2-D2 by Sphero, the same toymaker that developed the BB8 for the 2015 Star Wars sequel called The Force Awakens. As with the BB8, R2 […]
Entry-level sensing MCUs support customization of 25 functions
Texas Instruments is now offering low-cost, ultra-low-power MSP430 microcontrollers for sensing applications. Developers can now implement simple sensing solutions through a variety of integrated mixed-signal features in this family of MSP430 value line sensing MCUs, available for as low as US$0.25 in high volumes. Additions to the family include two new entry-level devices and a new TI LaunchPad […]
Teardown: The Apple Sport watch
Apple recently came out with the Series 3 version of its watch. We can get an idea of how the Series 3 goes together from a teardown analysis of Apple’s earlier Sport model. The Sport model we analyzed has an aluminum case but the watch is also available in stainless steel. It measures about 39 […]
MCUs carry integrated ultrasonic sensing for smart water meter apps
Texas Instruments unveiled a new family of MSP430 microcontrollers (MCUs) with an integrated ultrasonic sensing analog front end that enables smart water meters to deliver higher accuracy and lower power consumption. In addition, TI introduced two new reference designs that make it easier to design modules for adding automated meter reading (AMR) capabilities to existing […]
USB-key-fob computer comes in BeagleBoard format
The newest BeagleBoard.org board is PocketBeagle, an ultra-tiny-yet-complete open-source USB-key-fob computer. PocketBeagle features an incredible low cost, slick design and simple usage, making PocketBeagle the ideal development board for beginners and professionals alike. At 35 x 56 x 5 mm, PocketBeagle is small and flexible enough to fit in gaming, 3D printing, robotics or other electronics […]
The IoT and motion control fuels a rising tide of Raspberry PI, BeagleBoard, and Arduino boards
The internet of things has created a big market for inexpensive computer boards, so much so that standard open-source designs now have their own clones. Leland Teschler • Executive Editor If you eyeball crowd-funding sites such as Indiegogo or Kickstarter you will find several projects aimed at creating computer boards in the format of the […]
Sensing is key to autonomous operation
A lot of work in sensor technology is taking place to make robotic vehicles practical. It’s becoming clear that autonomous vehicle deployment will depend on the development of smart sensors. Industry analysts see advances coming in traditional areas of radar and proximity sensing. They also think the architecture of vehicle systems will evolve in ways […]
Image gallery: Cool autonomous vehicle tech at TU-Automotive Detroit
The recently wrapped-up TU-Automotive Detroit conference on autonomous and connected vehicles played host to 150 conference speakers and 3,000 people kicking tires in the 200,000-ft2 exhibition area. In the pages that follow are some of the more interesting technologies we found on display as we roamed the exhibit aisles. Taking a ride in a robotic […]
SoCs support 10 industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus communication standards
Cost-optimized industrial Ethernet communication is now attainable with the newly announced family of Sitara AMIC SoCs from Texas Instruments. The AMIC110 SoC is a multiprotocol industrial communication processor that provides a ready-to-use solution supporting more than 10 industrial Ethernet and Fieldbus communication standards. The device leverages TI’s unified software platform, Processor SDK, and the programmability of TI’s […]
