Latest Consumer Electronics Technical Articles

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Designing Safety and Reliability into Intelligent Power Outlets for Smart Homes

This article provides designers with recommendations for protection and low-power control components for power outlet design that both prevent overloads from damaging sensitive circuitry and maximize device efficiency.

January 26, 2021 by Ryan Sheahen, Littelfuse

Introduction to Photodiodes: The Nature of Light and pn Junctions

Learn about how semiconductor devices interact with electromagnetic radiation to enable electronic detection of light, UV, and infrared.

December 16, 2020 by Robert Keim

The History of Vacuum Tubes: An Era Away

While semiconductor devices make possible the lightweight 'gadgets' we enjoy, our electronic world was built on devices that operated on a different scale. Let's take a look at vacuum tubes!

December 11, 2020 by Marie Christiano

Improving Home Appliance Safety with IEC Standards

This article explores the IEC 60730 Class B standard for functional safety to address both mechanical and electrical design in appliances. Learn what the standard entails and controllers to help meet these standards.

December 01, 2020 by Chad Solomon, Microchip Technology

Introduction to CMOS Image Sensors

In this article, you'll learn the basics of the CMOS image sensor, including its core components, its block diagram, its strengths and weaknesses, and its applications.

November 09, 2020 by Steve Arar

A Low-Cost Method of Powering a Microcontroller

This article proposes a simple microcontroller power-supply circuit that is worth considering when you’re developing a (very) cost-sensitive system.

October 30, 2020 by Robert Keim

Machine Learning and Intelligent Vision for the Industrial Edge

NXP’s i.MX 8M Plus applications processor enables machine learning and intelligent vision for consumer applications and the industrial edge. Learn about the features of this processor and how it can be used in embedded vision systems.

October 22, 2020 by Jeff Steinheider, NXP Semiconductors

Finding Statistical Significance from t-Tests Applied to Engineered Systems

This article discusses important aspects of t-testing with the help of the example experiment presented in the previous article.

October 14, 2020 by Robert Keim

Eaton TVS Diode ESD Suppressors

Transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes provide surge protection to protect internal electronics from damage caused by transient voltage and ESD. In this article, learn more about the role of TVS diodes.

In partnership with Eaton Electronic Components

Precisely Capture Servo Motor Position Using a High-Speed Simultaneous Sampling ADC

Autonomous drones and robots utilize small motors. These fast-spinning mini motors require miniature encoders and IC package sizes. This article shows how an optical sinusoidal encoder provides a higher resolution and increased speeds with a 2x3 mm dual simultaneous-sampling SAR-ADC.

August 11, 2020 by Bonnie Baker, Maxim Integrated

Photon Noise, Read Noise, and Reset Noise in CCD Image Sensors

In this article, we’ll take a look at electrical and optical conditions that contribute to reduced image quality in CCD camera systems.

May 22, 2020 by Robert Keim

Dark Noise in CCD Image Sensors

This article introduces the concept of image noise and discusses one noise source that plays a prominent role in the design of CCD systems.

May 21, 2020 by Robert Keim

Pixel Readout and Frame Rate in CCD Imaging Systems

This article continues our exploration of frame rate in relation to the structure and implementation of a CCD image sensor.

April 22, 2020 by Robert Keim

CCD Image Sensors: What Is Frame Rate?

This article explores the relationship between CCD readout characteristics and the maximum rate at which images can be generated.

April 21, 2020 by Robert Keim

CCD Binning in Imaging Systems: Increasing Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Frame Rate

This article explains a technique that allows us to incorporate flexibility into the operational parameters of a CCD imaging system.

April 20, 2020 by Robert Keim

Understanding CCD Output Signals

This article discusses charge-amplification techniques and explains the characteristics of the voltage waveform that contains a CCD’s pixel data.

April 08, 2020 by Robert Keim

Charge-Coupled Device Clocking Techniques for CCD Readout

This article continues the Image Sensor Technology series by examining details involved in the movement of light-generated electric charge within a CCD.

April 02, 2020 by Robert Keim

CCD Image Sensor Types: Full-Frame, Interline-Transfer, and Frame-Transfer CCDs

This article explains the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of three CCD (charge-coupled device) architectures.

March 30, 2020 by Robert Keim

Prolonging the Battery Life of Wireless Security Cameras with Proper Power Management

This article explores how a power management voltage regulator’s efficiency and quiescent current play a critical role in wireless security camera battery life.

March 24, 2020 by Chinmay Honrao, Maxim Integrated

Introduction to Image Sensor Technology, from Photons to Electrons

This article, the first in a series, discusses light-sensitive electronic devices called photodiodes and compares CCD and CMOS sensors.

March 23, 2020 by Robert Keim