Jun 14 04:00 AM PST

Vehicle Manufacturers Try to Lighten Up

Approximately one-third of a passenger vehicle’s total fuel consumption depends on its weight, and according to industry estimates, fuel efficiency increases by 6-8% for every 10% drop in vehicle weight. This fact, combined with stricter regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, has automakers examining every facet of the vehicle – from chassis, wheels and windshields to seating and headliner materials – in search of lighter, more cost-effective components. Keep reading…

Jun 07 03:00 AM PST

Better Late Than Never – DisplayPort 1.2 Becomes a Real Standard

Although it took a little more time than intended, VESA has finally unveiled DisplayPort v1.2. Billed as the industry’s most innovative and flexible digital communication interface standard for transporting display, audio and other data, its impressive array of capabilities and no-fee licensing is sure to entice manufacturers of new consumer electronics. Keep reading…

Jun 01 06:00 AM PST

Here We Are Now, ‘Infotain’ Us!

The automotive industry is quickly embracing consumer demand for an array of infotainment options in the vehicle – from navigation systems to smart phones, media players, and the list goes on. However, in this climate of recalls and consumer wariness, the auto industry also needs to play it safe. Keep reading…

May 25 06:00 AM PST

Stimulus Money Lights the Way for LED Technology

On January 15, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced funding of more than $37 million to support high-efficiency, solid-state lighting (SSL) projects. With lighting accounting for approximately 24% of the total electricity generated in the U.S. today, it is no small wonder that the DOE decided to accelerate the deployment of SSL technology. Keep reading…

May 18 06:00 AM PST

Wake Up and Smell the Wasabi!

Monitoring fire alarm systems via phone lines, standard practice since the 1980s, has generally fallen out of favor with security professionals, as the quality of fire alarm communications has steadily declined and new technologies have emerged. The rapid growth of IP alarm monitoring and wireless notification systems is quickly changing the face of the industry. Security and fire alarm systems are designed for operation within specified current and voltage ratings. If these ratings are exceeded due to short circuit or voltage transients, electronic components may sustain permanent damage and the equipment may fail. Keep reading…

May 11 05:24 AM PST

USB 3.0 to the Competition: You’re Fired!

Now that USB 3.0 has been introduced, does this spell the end for FireWire serial bus? It’s been a long time coming – nearly eight years – but well worth the wait if super speed is what you need. However, with all this new speed capability and twice the power consumption, there are design challenges that need to be addressed. Keep reading…

Welcome to around the circuit

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Several of the industry’s leading passive component engineering and marketing professionals contribute to around the circuit by providing insights and observations on market trends, current and emerging technologies, and industry news. Our posts will primarily focus on high-level industry topics … Keep reading…