Category: Uncategorized

  • 48V Power in Data Centers: Efficiency and Reliability with BarKlip®

    Data centers are the engines of our digital world. From running AI algorithms to powering global cloud storage, they work around the clock like cities that never sleep. But with every leap in computing power, their hunger for energy grows.

    Traditionally, server farms relied on 12VDC power distribution. For many years, this system did the job. However, as workloads expanded, 12V solutions started to fall behind. They became inefficient, costly, and harder to scale.

    That’s why a new standard is taking over: 48VDC power distribution. This upgrade offers higher efficiency, lower costs, and a path toward more sustainable computing. Let’s explore why data centers are making the switch—and how Amphenol’s BarKlip® connectors help them get there.

    Why Move from 12V to 48V?

    As computing workloads intensify, power delivery becomes a bottleneck. For example, a 12V rack can stay fairly efficient (around 80%) up to 15kW. But once it crosses that threshold, efficiency drops sharply—sliding down to 64% at 36kW.

    In contrast, 48V systems hold efficiency close to 90%, even for racks requiring more than 15kW. This difference is game-changing. Here’s why:

    • Reduced power loss: Higher voltage means less current, which means less wasted energy.
    • Cooler operation: With lower current, there’s less heat to manage, reducing cooling costs.
    • Smaller cables: 48V cables are almost 90% thinner than 12V cables, saving space and materials.
    • Higher rack density: By freeing space, data centers can fit more servers into the same footprint.
    • Lower costs over time: Less copper, smaller cooling systems, and better efficiency mean savings.

    Put simply: 48V delivers more computing power with less waste.

    Solving the Efficiency Puzzle with BarKlip® Connectors

    Transitioning to 48V is about more than voltage—it’s about reliability. Power shelves in server racks use busbars to distribute electricity, and the connection points between busbars, cables, and circuit boards are critical. Weak or inefficient connections can create resistance, heat, and performance issues.

    This is where Amphenol’s BarKlip® Power Cable Assemblies step in. Specifically designed for the Open Compute Project’s (OCP) Open Rack v3 (ORv3), these connectors deliver maximum efficiency and reliability in high-density environments.

    Key benefits of BarKlip® connectors include:

    • Ultra-low resistance: Just 0.05mΩ end-of-life contact resistance, ensuring performance stays strong over time.
    • High current-carrying capability: Ready for demanding, power-dense applications.
    • Customizable design: Adaptable for power shelves, BBUs, server/storage sleds, and more.
    • Durability and safety: High-conductivity copper alloy with ultrasonic welding and extra grounding.

    By reducing losses at the most critical points, BarKlip® connectors improve overall system performance and extend hardware lifespan—all while cutting long-term costs.

    The Bigger Picture: Why 48V Is the Future

    Yes, moving from 12V to 48V may require retrofitting racks and upgrading hardware. Yet, the payoff is well worth it. Data centers that adopt 48V gain:

    • Higher computing density → More power, less space.
    • Improved efficiency → Less energy wasted, fewer cooling requirements.
    • Environmental benefits → Lower energy use means a smaller carbon footprint.
    • Future-proof systems → Ready to support AI, IoT, and next-gen workloads.

    The global demand for faster, smarter, and greener computing isn’t slowing down. And in that future, 48V power distribution will be the gold standard. With Amphenol’s BarKlip® connectors, data centers can embrace this shift confidently—unlocking efficiency, reliability, and sustainability all at once.

    Sources

    https://www.opencompute.org/files/OCP18-Workshop-Huawei-v2-final.pdf

    https://www.opencompute.org/documents/open-rack-base-specification-version-3-pdf

  • Smarter, Safer, and More Connected: The Future of E-Bikes

    Turning a traditional bicycle into an electric bike (e-bike) once meant simply attaching a motor for extra pedal assistance. But today’s e-bikes have gone far beyond that basic concept. Thanks to smarter motors, advanced batteries, and connected ride systems, modern e-bikes deliver not only power but also intelligence, efficiency, and a seamless riding experience.

    This new generation of e-bikes shows how mobility technology is evolving—shifting from raw mechanical power to smart, adaptive systems that make every ride smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

    Smarter Motors for a Natural Ride

    In the past, e-bikes relied on simple throttle-based systems that offered basic assistance but lacked precision. Early designs often used cadence sensors, which detect how fast a rider is pedaling. While affordable, cadence sensors couldn’t measure the rider’s effort, so motor support often felt either too strong or not responsive enough.

    Today’s torque sensors have changed that. By measuring how hard a rider pedals, torque sensors deliver the right amount of motor assistance exactly when needed. The result?

    • More help on uphill climbs
    • Less wasted power on flat terrain
    • A smoother, more natural riding experience

    Even better, because assistance is applied only when necessary, torque sensors help conserve battery life, giving riders longer range and improved efficiency.

    Smarter Battery Management Systems (BMS)

    Powerful motors are only as reliable as the batteries behind them. That’s why advanced battery management systems (BMSs) are becoming a standard feature in modern e-bikes.

    A good BMS does more than just monitor charge levels—it:

    • Tracks each cell’s voltage and temperature
    • Balances charge across the battery pack
    • Prevents overcharging, overheating, and deep discharging

    Some intelligent systems even communicate directly with the motor controller, adjusting performance based on battery health or environmental conditions.

    By integrating battery-monitoring ICs and modular BMS platforms, manufacturers can now design slimmer, safer, and more efficient e-bike frames without sacrificing performance.

    The Rise of Connected Ride Systems

    E-bikes are no longer just about the ride itself—they’re becoming part of the Internet of Things (IoT). With wireless modules, GPS, and mobile apps, connectivity is transforming how riders interact with their bikes.

    Connected ride systems allow cyclists to:

    • Monitor speed, range, and battery life in real time
    • Receive maintenance alerts and firmware updates
    • Track stolen bikes via GPS
    • Customize ride profiles through mobile apps

    These features not only improve convenience but also open the door for manufacturers to offer subscription services, remote diagnostics, and personalized riding experiences.

    Powering the Next Generation of E-Bike Technology

    Meeting the demands of smart e-bike systems requires equally advanced microcontrollers. For example, NXP Semiconductors’ S32K37 and S32K39 microcontrollers are designed for motor control and BMS applications.

    Key features include:

    • Dual split-lock Arm® Cortex®-M7 cores and one lockstep core pair running at 320MHz
    • Motor control coprocessors with high-resolution PWM (in the S32K39 variant)
    • A built-in CoolFlux DSP for audio and signal processing
    • Up to 69 external analog inputs for monitoring battery voltages and temperatures

    With these capabilities, developers can create e-bike systems that are smarter, safer, and more efficient than ever before.

    The Road Ahead: Smarter, Not Just Faster

    The future of e-bikes isn’t just about speed or bigger batteries. It’s about intelligence, adaptability, and connectivity. By combining torque sensors, advanced BMSs, and IoT-powered ride ecosystems, the next generation of e-bikes promises:

    • Longer-lasting batteries
    • Safer and more reliable rides
    • Personalized and connected cycling experiences

    In short, e-bikes are becoming smarter companions on the road, redefining what it means to ride. Whether you’re a commuter, an adventurer, or a casual cyclist, the e-bike revolution is bringing a new level of performance and enjoyment to every journey.

    Sources

    https://www.mxmoto.co/blogs/bms-in-electric-bikes/

    https://www.aventon.com/blogs/aventon_bikes/torque-sensor-vs-cadence-sensor

  • The rise of Robodoctors

    In recent years, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) have revolutionized healthcare, offering solutions that are smarter, faster, and more precise than ever before. From humanoid robots to autonomous mobile platforms, these innovations are redefining patient care, medical training, and disaster response. By combining advanced sensors, AI algorithms, and responsive materials, robodoctors are becoming essential tools in modern medicine.

    Transforming Hospitals with AI-Driven Care

    One of the most striking examples of AI in healthcare comes from Tsinghua University in China, which launched the world’s first AI hospital in 2024. This hospital employs AI doctors and nurses powered by large language models (LLMs) to diagnose, treat, and monitor patients across 21 specialties. With 42 AI doctors and four AI nurses, the system can handle over 3,000 patients daily while maintaining a 93% accuracy rate in diagnoses based on the MedQA benchmark.

    The AI hospital serves two key purposes:

    1. Providing affordable, round-the-clock healthcare with expert-level medical knowledge.
    2. Offering a virtual medical training environment for students, including simulated patients to improve clinical skills and decision-making.

    This innovative setup demonstrates how robodoctors can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and deliver high-quality care at scale.

    Humanoid Robots in Healthcare

    Humanoid robots have advanced far beyond science fiction. AI-enabled humanoid robots, such as Hanson Robotics’ Sophia and the healthcare-focused Beomni, are now assisting in clinical settings. These robots combine AI and human-like behavior to foster trust among patients while performing medical tasks.

    Humanoid robots excel in:

    • Routine patient care
    • Elderly assistance
    • High-risk scenarios, such as handling infectious diseases, reducing the risk to human healthcare workers—a lesson reinforced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    By integrating humanoid robots, hospitals can maintain high standards of safety, reliability, and patient comfort.

    Robodoctors for Disaster Response

    Robotics isn’t limited to hospitals. Mobile robotic platforms are transforming disaster medicine. The University of Sheffield in the UK developed an autonomous ground vehicle equipped with robotic arms and virtual reality (VR) capabilities, allowing medics to perform remote triage in hazardous environments.

    These robots can:

    • Assess vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature
    • Administer pain relief or medication via auto-injectors
    • Provide real-time data to human operators for informed decision-making

    Future iterations aim to create large-scale deployable medical platforms for rapid disaster response, improving both safety and efficiency in emergencies.

    In-Home Robodoctors

    The rise of telemedicine has paved the way for autonomous in-home robodoctors, such as the model developed at National Taipei University, Taiwan. These robots can:

    • Detect patients using visual recognition
    • Retrieve medical history before examinations
    • Conduct physical assessments with embedded sensors (e.g., heart rate, temperature, and skin checks)
    • Coordinate with human doctors via telemedicine

    In-home robodoctors reduce hospital visits and waiting times while providing accurate and timely medical advice, making healthcare more accessible and convenient.

    Robotic Surgery: Precision and Minimally Invasive Procedures

    Robotic assistance in surgery has become a critical tool for precision and minimally invasive procedures. Surgeons control robotic arms via a console, allowing smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and more accurate operations.

    Robotic systems are used in a wide range of procedures, including:

    • Appendectomy and colectomy
    • Gallbladder removal and gastric bypass
    • Brain, spinal, and cardiothoracic surgeries
    • Gynecologic and urologic procedures

    With robotic surgery, the combination of human expertise and robotic precision improves patient outcomes and recovery times.

    The Future of Robodoctors

    The healthcare industry is witnessing a remarkable surge in robotics and AI applications. While regulatory challenges remain, robodoctors are already making significant clinical impacts. As AI algorithms improve and robotics hardware becomes more advanced, we can expect robodoctors to play an increasingly prominent role in everyday healthcare—offering essential care, reducing costs, and expanding access for patients worldwide.

    Sources

    https://www.beomni.ai/

    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22178-robotic-surgery

    https://www.hansonrobotics.com/sophia/

    https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/communication/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2024.1420312/full

    https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/robotic-surgery/what-robotic-surgery

    https://med-tech.world/news/china-worlds-first-ai-hospital-milestone-in-healthcare-innovation/

    https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/news/new-robot-medics-go-where-doctors-cant-developed-university-sheffield-scientists

    https://med-tech.world/news/chinas-ai-hospital-transforming-healthcare/

  • Powering Next-Generation Processors with NXP PMICs

    From artificial intelligence (AI) to edge computing, the demand for high-performance processors has never been greater. Data-intensive applications, from autonomous vehicles to smart factorie, require computing systems that are faster, more efficient, and more reliable. However, as processors evolve to smaller nodes and higher transistor densities, the challenge of delivering precise, efficient power has become a critical factor in enabling next-generation technologies.

    Why Modern Processors Need Advanced Power Solutions

    Modern processors now operate on nodes as small as 3nm, with voltage requirements dropping from 5V to just 0.8V. These shrinking node sizes demand:

    • Greater voltage accuracy to ensure stability
    • Improved thermal management due to higher heat density
    • Rapid power supply response to match faster processor speeds

    Without fast, efficient, and reliable power delivery, voltage drops can cause system crashes, hardware failures, or inefficiency in energy-hungry environments such as data centers.

    The Shift to Multi-Rail Power Management

    Early single-core processors relied on single-rail power supplies, delivering one fixed voltage. Today’s multi-core processors require multi-rail power management, with each rail powering different blocks such as cores, memory, and I/O.

    Modern systems also face new challenges in energy sourcing:

    • Renewable integration: Solar and battery-based energy storage systems deliver DC power, requiring advanced conversion.
    • 48V architectures: Increasing voltage while lowering current reduces resistive conduction losses, improving system efficiency.
    • Fewer conversion steps: Multi-rail PMICs that minimize voltage step-downs deliver higher overall efficiency compared to traditional fixed-voltage architectures.

    Power in Demanding Applications

    The rise of edge AI, embedded systems, and automotive electronics pushes processors out of controlled data centers into safety-critical environments. For example:

    • Automotive: Self-driving vehicles and ADAS require strict compliance with Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) standards to protect drivers and passengers.
    • Industrial IoT: Smarter, connected factories depend on robust, efficient power delivery that meets long-term reliability requirements.

    This shift highlights the need for power solutions that are not only efficient but also safe, scalable, and standards-compliant.

    NXP PMICs: Scalable, Reliable Power Delivery

    NXP Semiconductors offers a range of Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMICs) designed specifically to address these challenges. Key features include:

    • Multi-rail integration: Simplifies PCB design and reduces component count.
    • Dynamic voltage scaling (DVS): Delivers power on demand, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
    • Lower thermal footprint: Higher efficiency reduces heat, cutting cooling costs and complexity.
    • Safety compliance: Built-in ASIL-B and ASIL-D compliance for automotive and mission-critical applications.
    • Longevity program: Guaranteed product availability for 10–15 years, ensuring design continuity.

    NXP’s flagship PMIC families—PF81, FS65, and PF0100—provide robust solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

    The Future of Power Management

    As AI, edge computing, and autonomous systems become integral to everyday life, the demands on processors—and their power supplies—will only grow. Traditional single-rail solutions can no longer keep pace with the speed, safety, and efficiency requirements of modern devices.

    NXP’s PMICs represent the next step in power evolution: scalable, efficient, and future-ready power management for the processors that drive tomorrow’s innovations.

  • Silicon Carbide Power Electronics: Driving the Future of Electrification

    Electrification is reshaping the global energy landscape, paving the way for cleaner, more sustainable systems. At the heart of this transformation is silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics, a breakthrough technology offering major advantages over conventional silicon (Si). As a wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor, SiC delivers higher efficiency, durability, and performance, making it essential for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and industrial automation.

    Why Silicon Carbide Outperforms Silicon

    The key to SiC’s superior performance lies in its material properties. Unlike silicon’s 1.12 eV bandgap, SiC boasts a wide bandgap of 3.26 eV, enabling devices to:

    • Operate at higher voltages, temperatures, and frequencies
    • Provide better thermal conductivity for improved heat dissipation
    • Achieve lower switching and conduction losses in MOSFETs and diodes
    • Reduce the need for bulky cooling systems and heat sinks

    These benefits translate into more compact, energy-efficient designs, lower operating costs, and longer system lifespans.

    SiC in Transportation: Powering Efficient Electric Vehicles

    In the race toward sustainable mobility, SiC power electronics are transforming electric vehicle powertrains. They are widely used in:

    • Traction inverters
    • On-board chargers (OBCs)
    • DC-DC converters

    Replacing a silicon-based 400V inverter with an 800V SiC inverter improves power density and system efficiency, while also reducing energy losses. The result?

    • Extended driving ranges
    • Faster charging times
    • Simplified thermal design
    • Lighter, more compact systems

    SiC’s high-frequency switching also reduces the size of inductors and capacitors, lowering weight and cost while enhancing overall EV performance.

    Industrial and Renewable Energy Applications

    Beyond automotive, SiC is revolutionizing industrial systems and renewable power generation.

    Renewable Energy Systems

    In solar photovoltaic (PV) applications, SiC inverters offer:

    • Smaller, more efficient form factors
    • Placement closer to solar arrays, reducing power losses
    • Simplified overall system architecture

    For energy storage and grid-tied applications, SiC converters enable:

    • Faster and more reliable switching
    • Bidirectional power flow for smart grids
    • Lower cooling requirements and operating costs

    Industrial Automation

    In factories and industrial plants, SiC improves motor drives and variable-speed systems by:

    • Increasing efficiency
    • Reducing downtime
    • Enhancing energy savings in high-demand operations

    Isolated Power Solutions for Harsh Industrial Environments

    For programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and low-power industrial electronics, isolated power converters are essential for reliability and safety. They help:

    • Eliminate ground loops
    • Prevent channel-to-channel interference
    • Ensure electrical isolation in tough environments

    The Texas Instruments SN6507 exemplifies this design approach. It’s a compact, high-frequency push-pull transformer driver with integrated safety features such as:

    • Over-current protection (OCP)
    • Over-voltage and under-voltage lockout (OVLO/UVLO)
    • Thermal shutdown (TSD)
    • Programmable soft start for reduced inrush currents

    Additionally, with spread spectrum clocking (SSC) and slew rate control (SRC), it meets ultra-low EMI requirements.

    Paired with WĂĽrth Elektronik’s WE-PPTI Push-Pull Transformers, these solutions provide:

    • 2.5kV isolation voltage
    • Wide 120 kHz – 480 kHz frequency range
    • Reliable performance across motor drives, medical devices, communication interfaces, solar inverters, and automation systems

    For design testing, the SN6507 Development Kit enables engineers to evaluate multiple transformer configurations, supporting applications from renewable energy to industrial control.

    Challenges and Future Outlook

    Despite its promise, SiC adoption faces challenges—primarily manufacturing complexity and cost. Producing high-quality SiC wafers requires advanced crystal growth methods and specialized fabrication, making it more expensive than silicon.

    However, rapid progress in wafer production, device fabrication, and supply chain scaling is steadily driving down costs. As yields improve, SiC devices will become increasingly affordable for mass-market applications.

    The Path to a Sustainable Electrified Future

    From EV drivetrains to solar inverters and industrial motor drives, SiC technology is accelerating the global shift toward electrification. Its unique combination of efficiency, compact design, and high performance makes it a cornerstone of the energy transition.

    As production expands and costs continue to decline, silicon carbide power electronics will play a critical role in building a cleaner, smarter, and more energy-efficient world.

  • Bourns SM91243L: High-Isolation Gate Driver Transformer for EV Chargers & Solar Inverters

    Precision, reliability, and compact design are essential in modern high-voltage power systems. Whether it’s driving GaN (gallium nitride) FETs in solar inverters or managing isolation in EV chargers, engineers need components that deliver flawless performance.

    The Bourns SM91243L gate driver transformer combines advanced design-for-manufacturing (DFM) overmoldingwith fully automated production to offer consistent, high-isolation performance in a compact form factor.

    Automated Manufacturing: Ensuring Precision and Reliability

    Unlike traditional transformers that rely on manual winding, the SM91243L benefits from fully automated DFM overmolding. This approach offers:

    • Repeatable quality: Every unit meets precise standards.
    • High reliability: Reduced human error minimizes defects.
    • Cost efficiency: Faster production cycles and lower labor costs.

    Automation also ensures tight control over key parameters like interwinding capacitance (Ciw) and leakage inductance (Lk), which are critical for supporting the fast-switching speeds of modern GaN gate drivers.

    In gate driver applications, the SM91243L safely transmits PWM (pulse-width modulation) signals and delivers gate bias power to the secondary side, making it ideal for high-performance power electronics.

    A Compact Design with High Isolation

    The SM91243L transformer is engineered for high-voltage reliability in industrial, automotive, and renewable energy systems. Key features include:

    • Reinforced insulation for safe operation
    • 10mm creepage and clearance distances
    • High-voltage isolation up to 5kVDC
    • Compliance with RoHS and REACH standards

    Consistent performance is guaranteed thanks to automated manufacturing, giving engineers confidence in large-scale applications.

    Cost-Effective, Scalable, and Efficient

    Automation also reduces production costs while improving efficiency:

    • Minimizes material waste
    • Reduces labor costs
    • Accelerates production for space-constrained designs

    These advantages make the SM91243L suitable for data centers, robotics, and clean energy systems, where high-volume production and tight design tolerances are essential.

    As the industry moves toward wide bandgap semiconductors like GaN and silicon carbide (SiC), compact high-isolation transformers like the SM91243L become crucial to unlock their full potential.

    Seamless Integration with GaN Gate Drivers

    The SM91243L is optimized for use with Allegro MicroSystems AHV85000 and AHV85040 GaN gate driver chipsets, making it a perfect fit for:

    • Next-generation AC-DC converters
    • High-efficiency DC-DC converters
    • EV chargers and solar inverters

    Engineers benefit from a smarter, safer, and more scalable power system when using these integrated solutions.

    Key Takeaways

    The Bourns SM91243L gate driver transformer combines automation, innovation, and compact design to deliver:

    • High-voltage isolation for industrial, renewable, and automotive systems
    • Reliable and repeatable performance through automated production
    • Compact form factor ideal for space-constrained designs
    • Optimized compatibility with GaN and SiC power devices

    For engineers designing modern power systems, the SM91243L provides precision, efficiency, and scalability in one high-performance transformer.

  • From Analog Signals to Digital Audio: How Sound Becomes Data

    Turning natural sound into precise digital data lies at the heart of today’s audio technology. This process, known as analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), ensures that every note, voice, or sound effect is captured accurately while taking advantage of the durability and flexibility that digital formats offer.

    From microphones to studio mixing desks, every step of this transformation depends on carefully engineered systems that preserve the authenticity of sound while making it easier to process, store, and share.

    What Are Analog Signals?

    To understand digital audio, it helps to first know what analog signals are. Essentially, they are continuous waveforms, like the vibrations produced by a guitar string or a singer’s voice captured by a microphone. These waveforms carry a tremendous amount of detail, which is why analog recordings can sound so rich and natural.


    However, analog signals also have limitations:

    • Noise and distortion
    • Signal degradation over time
    • Storage and reproduction limits

    Because of these weaknesses, digital formats were developed. Digital audio not only preserves sound quality but also enables advanced features like compression, streaming, and precise editing.

    How Analog-to-Digital Conversion Works

    The conversion from analog to digital happens in several carefully controlled stages. Each stage ensures that the original sound is faithfully represented in a digital format.

    1. Sampling

    The analog waveform is measured at fixed intervals. Common sampling rates include:

    • 44.1 kHz (used in CDs)
    • 96 kHz (used in professional studio recordings)

    Higher sampling rates capture more detail, improving fidelity.

    2. Quantization

    Next comes quantization. Here, each sampled point is assigned a numerical value, forming the digital representation of the sound. This step allows computers, processors, and storage devices to work with the audio efficiently.

    3. Signal Processing (DSP)

    Once digitized, audio passes through digital signal processing (DSP). DSP techniques include:

    • Noise reduction
    • Equalization
    • Filtering and effects

    DSP is also what powers modern features like active noise cancellation (ANC) in headphones, adaptive EQ, and immersive spatial audio.

    4. Digital-to-Analog Conversion (DAC)

    Finally, to hear the sound, digital audio must be converted back into analog form. DACs perform this task, turning numbers into continuous waveforms that drive speakers or headphones. Advances in high-resolution DACs and planar magnetic drivers are helping audio reproduction reach unprecedented levels of clarity.

    DSPs: The Power Behind Modern Audio

    DSPs (Digital Signal Processors) enable real-time control of audio. They allow manufacturers and sound engineers to:

    • Tailor audio to different environments
    • Experiment with effects and spatial sound
    • Enhance dynamic range

    From studio mastering to everyday earbuds, DSPs are central to modern listening experiences.

    Cutting-Edge Audio Components

    Two innovative products highlight how far audio amplification and signal processing have come:

    • STMicroelectronics HFA80A
      • Class-D audio amplifier for bridge-tied load (BTL) systems
      • Combines high efficiency, low distortion, and strong output power
      • Perfect for portable and automotive audio applications
    • Analog Devices MAX98380
      • Compact Class-D digital input amplifier
      • Integrates PWM modulator, power stage, and low-pass filter
      • Supports versatile audio sources with excellent efficiency
      • Available with the MAX98380EVSYS evaluation kit for real-world testing

    These components show how semiconductor technology continues to shape high-fidelity, energy-efficient audio systems.

    From Sound to Data: Technology Meets Artistry

    The journey from analog sound to digital audio is more than just technical—it’s a blend of artistry and science. Each stage, from sampling to playback, ensures that the final sound is as true to the original as possible while benefiting from the precision of digital systems.

    Whether you’re an audiophile, a sound engineer, or simply a music lover, understanding this process reveals how creativity and technology come together to create immersive, high-quality listening experiences.

  • From Isolated Tools to Living Systems: How AI Is Reshaping the Electronics Supply Chain

    There was a time when artificial intelligence (AI) was treated as a standalone tool—something to plug into a process here and there. Those days are over. Today, AI is no longer an isolated system but an essential fabric of modern business operations.

    And here’s the real shift: it’s not just a single AI running the show. Instead, multiple AI agents, each with unique capabilities, are working together. By sharing context, data, and insights, they deliver outcomes no single system could achieve alone.

    Beyond Code: When AI Moves Into Machines

    This intelligence isn’t staying trapped in software. It’s migrating into the physical world, into autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that roll across factory floors, assist human co-workers, and tackle repetitive or dangerous tasks.
    These machines don’t just “work”. Indeed, they adapt, learn, and communicate. Step by step, they’re becoming co-workers we rely on rather than tools we simply control.

    From Advantage to Necessity

    Not long ago, companies bragged about having a competitive edge with AI. That’s history. The reality of 2025 is sharper: those who don’t adopt AI are now at a serious disadvantage.
    The conversation has flipped—from “What can AI do for us?” to “How do we survive without it?”

    The Supply Chain Revolution

    Confidence in AI is skyrocketing, and with it, the trust to hand over more tasks. Soon, AI agents won’t just support human decision-makers—they’ll speak directly on behalf of customers and suppliers. Negotiating orders, optimizing procurement, predicting shortages, and even preventing disruptions before they happen.
    Autonomy, in all its forms, is transforming the supply chain into a living network that operates faster, leaner, and smarter.

    Moondust Electronics is already ahead of the curve, using AI and machine learning to reinvent how electronic components are distributed and procured. The investments being made today aren’t just about short-term gains—they’re setting the foundation for a supply chain built to last.

    The Takeaway

    AI has reached a milestone that changes the rules of the game forever. It’s no longer an optional upgrade—it’s the backbone of efficiency, resilience, and growth in electronics and beyond.
    The future is being built right now, one connector, one agent, and one decision at a time.

  • Smarter Power for Primary Cells: How the nPM2100 Redefines Battery Management

    Primary cell batteries have become the go-to solution for countless devices thanks to their low cost, easy integration, and impressive longevity. Today’s ultra-low-power electronics can run for years before needing a replacement, which has fostered a “fit-and-forget” mindset. But no matter how efficient the design, stored power eventually runs out, often leaving valuable unused energy behind.

    Most devices powered by primary cells operate without power management. They rely on stable voltage, and once the battery dips below the circuit’s minimum threshold, it is simply replaced. Many modern ICs can tolerate supply ranges from 1.8 V to 3.4 V. Still, in practice, batteries often get swapped before their true capacity is fully tapped. Considering the millions of primary cells discarded daily, there is a clear need for solutions that squeeze every last bit of energy out of them.

    Image source: Nordic Semiconductor

    The Role of the Boost Converter

    This is where a boost converter proves valuable. By extracting energy even when voltage falls below operational limits, it allows devices to operate longer. While some power management ICs already include boost converters, they tend to be complex, bulky, and tailored for multi-rail systems, not compact devices running on a single primary cell.

    A Purpose-Built Solution

    Enter Nordic Semiconductor’s nPM2100. It is the company’s first PMIC designed specifically for primary cell applications and also their smallest yet at just 1.9 mm by 1.9 mm in chip-scale packaging. Unlike conventional PMICs, the nPM2100 was created to extend the usable lifetime of batteries in ultra-low-power devices, whether connected or standalone.

    Nordic primarily designed it to support its wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Thread, Matter, and Zigbee. Yet, the nPM2100 is versatile enough for any battery-powered system that requires efficiency, stability, and compactness.

    Key Features that Set It Apart

    The nPM2100 delivers several power-optimized features that make it stand out:

    • An ultra-efficient boost converter with up to 95% efficiency
    • A factory-ready ship mode so devices can ship with batteries pre-installed
    • Hibernate mode with a sleep timer to extend battery longevity
    • A smart fuel gauge that estimates battery lifetime more accurately

    The boost converter is particularly impressive. It can sustain an output voltage between 1.8 and 3.3 V even when input voltage drops as low as 0.7 V. Once the battery dips below 3.0 V, the boost converter activates and keeps delivering reliable power until the absolute minimum is reached. This allows the nPM2100 to consistently supply 3.3 V at up to 150 mA, provided the cell’s internal resistance doesn’t limit input current.

    In addition, the PMIC integrates an LDO regulator controlled via I²C. This can deliver up to 50 mA with an adjustable output from 0.8 V to 3.0 V, offering flexibility for different loads.

    Modes that Maximize Efficiency

    Factory-installed batteries not only improve the consumer’s unboxing experience but also reduce waste by eliminating isolation tags and extra packaging materials. Nordic’s ship mode supports this approach by cutting power draw to just 35 nA, less than the self-discharge current of common alkaline or lithium manganese dioxide cells.

    Devices can exit ship mode programmatically or via the SHPHLD pin, which can be configured to wake the PMIC on a rising or falling edge, or even by breaking a ground connection.

    For everyday use, hibernate mode offers another layer of efficiency. Consuming only 175 nA, it lets the PMIC sleep while using its internal timer to wake periodically. With a maximum sleep cycle of three days, this mode extends battery life without compromising responsiveness.

    Smarter Battery Insight

    Measuring battery voltage alone does not provide a clear picture of remaining capacity, since temperature significantly affects performance. Nordic addresses this challenge with a software-based fuel gauge that combines voltage and temperature data. By applying algorithms tuned to specific chemistries, devices can predict battery life more accurately, ensuring timely replacement without unnecessary waste.

    Additional Capabilities

    The nPM2100 integrates two GPIO pins configurable via registers, an ADC for monitoring voltage and temperature, and essential functions like a boot monitor and watchdog timer. These ensure reliable operation by resetting or cycling the system if it encounters errors during boot or runtime.

    Why It Matters

    For applications such as smart sensors, medical devices, and other compact systems, every microamp counts. With peak current support of 150 mA and efficiency levels up to 95%, the nPM2100 sets a new standard for primary cell battery management.

    By enabling longer lifetimes, reducing e-waste, and enhancing the user experience, Nordic’s nPM2100 goes beyond simply powering devices. It redefines how engineers can harness every last bit of stored energy from primary cells.

  • The Hidden Heroes of Industry: Why Connectors Make or Break Modern Systems

    Connectors might look like small, unimportant parts compared to million-dollar machines. But when they fail, entire systems can grind to a halt. A HelioVolta study in the solar energy industry revealed a shocking truth: more than 80% of installations had connector-related faults. Nearly half required urgent repairs, and some were forced into full shutdowns.

    The lesson? Connectors are the unsung heroes or silent saboteurs of industrial technology.

    When Small Mistakes Create Big Failures

    From smart agriculture to renewable energy, from distributed power systems to satellite communications, today’s equipment works in some of the harshest conditions imaginable. And at the frontline of these environments are connectors.

    They carry power, data, and signals while being exposed to vibration, dust, moisture, and even UV radiation. Poor design, wrong choice of connector, or sloppy installation can lead to failure modes that damage the entire system. Worse, these failures are almost always preventable.

    IP Ratings: Your First Line of Defense

    Choosing a rugged connector isn’t guesswork—it’s science. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating system makes it easier to match connectors to real-world environments.

    • IP67 connectors can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Perfect for exposed equipment but not long-term underwater use.
    • IP68 connectors go further. They’re designed for prolonged immersion beyond 1 meter, with seals built to withstand higher pressure.

    The difference is huge—not only in performance but also in cost. If your system won’t face long-term submersion, there’s no need to over-engineer with expensive IP68 models. The key is aligning your choice with the actual operating environment.

    Mating Matters More Than You Think

    Even the toughest connector is worthless if it isn’t installed correctly. Water damage alone is blamed for around 20% of all electronic failures, and connectors are often the weak spot.

    Misaligned threads, dirt, worn O-rings—tiny oversights can destroy protection. And here’s a detail many miss: most connectors are only waterproof when mated. If left unplugged, their defenses drop unless they have sealed housings or protective caps.

    In short: follow manufacturer instructions and treat mating as a precision task, not an afterthought.

    Smarter Choices: The Stewart Connector M-Series

    So how do designers and engineers choose wisely? Stewart Connector’s M-Series offers solutions tailored for different environments and needs:

    • M5 connectors – Ultra-compact, sealed, and vibration-resistant. Perfect for small sensors or space-constrained PCBs.
    • M8 connectors – Flexible and versatile. They handle signal, data, and low-current power with optional metal dust caps for unmated protection.
    • M12 connectors – Heavy-duty workhorses. D-coded variants support Ethernet and industrial automation; K-coded options deliver high-current power for motors and actuators.

    All Stewart M-Series connectors come IP-rated, meaning designers can build modular, scalable, and reliable systems without compromising protection.

    The Bigger Picture: Connectors as Core Components

    Too often, connectors are treated as an afterthought in design. But every system is only as strong as its weakest link.

    • Choose connectors matched to the actual operating conditions.
    • Respect IP ratings and don’t overspend where it’s unnecessary.
    • Install and mate carefully to avoid preventable failures.

    In industrial technology, reliability isn’t optional—it’s survival. And sometimes, the difference between uptime and downtime comes down to something as small as a connector.

    Sources

    https://www.heliovolta.com/resources/connector-white-paper
    https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5422477