Two-half-period rectifiers on op amps

Schemes of two-half-period rectifiers on op amps with switching inputs in accordance with the polarity of the input voltage are given. The switching of inputs is performed by a control signal taken from the output of the zero-indicator made…

Edge and corner cases: AI’s conceptual simplifications and potential complications

Whether or not (and if so, how) to account for rarely encountered implementation variables and combinations in hardware and/or software development projects is a key (albeit often minimized, if not completely overlooked) “bread and butter”…

A sneak peek at next-generation ultrasound imaging

The use of sound waves for non-invasively visualizing a fetus in the womb, via ultrasound imaging, is widely recognized. By emitting high-frequency sound waves into the body and converting their echo into electrical signals, real-time images…

Why responsible implementation of AI technology is critical

Artificial intelligence (AI) is seemingly everywhere. As AI models like ChatGPT are experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity, calls from critics and regulators have circulated the airwaves to do something about the potential threats that AI…

PIN diode switches operate up to 75 GHz

Comprising 10 models, Pasternack’s line of ultra-broadband PIN diode switches covers frequencies ranging from 1 MHz to 75 GHz. The military-grade devices are available in SP2T, SP4T, and SP8T configurations, all with integrated TTL drivers…

Optical sensor improves performance, shrinks footprint

A reflective optical sensor, the VCNT2030 from Vishay provides a high current transfer ratio (CTR) and increased sensing distance in a tiny surface-mount package. The VCNT2030 packs a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) and silicon…

Partnership elevates video doorbell security

Omnivision and iCatch Technology are working together to bring enhanced color pre-roll and edge AI processing to wireless home security products. With pre-roll enabled, users can save up to 4 seconds of video footage prior to the camera’s…

Power MOSFETs target automotive ECUs

Infineon offers six OptiMOS 5 MOSFETs in the 60-V and 120-V range housed in TOLx packages for use with automotive ECUs requiring 24 V to 72 V. The compact TOLx packages include the TO-leadless (TOLL), TO-leaded with gullwing (TOLG), and TO-leaded…

Kyocera-AVX launches supercapacitor modules

Series-connected supercapacitor modules in the SCM series from Kyocera-AVX provide strong pulse power handling with high capacitance and low ESR. The double-layer, electrochemical supercapacitor modules can be used by themselves or in conjunction…

Take-back-half thermostat uses ∆Vbe transistor sensor

Cobbling up precision temperature control systems typically poses two particular design challenges: Accurate and cost-effective sensing of the temperature to be controlled. Closure of the feedback loop between temperatures sensor and heat and/or…

Intel, Tower, and the diary of a failed acquisition bid

The termination of Intel’s bid to acquire Tower Semiconductor seems to be the latest fallout from semiconductor business-related tensions between China and the United States. It could also be seen as a heavy blow to Intel’s foundry ambitions…

Blue screen of deterioration

The song “Love Is Blue” has been recorded by many artists. One version I really like is by Marty Robbins and can be watched here while an instrumental version by Paul Mauriat can be watched here  but the issue below takes the concept of…