Many IoT devices are battery-powered and one of the most important operating parameters is how long those batteries last in normal service. Maximizing battery life improves the user experience, lowers maintenance costs, and reduces wastage. &nbsp;An engineer could opt for a larger capacity battery to extend battery life, but that adds cost, volume, and weight. A better way is for the developer to take a systematic approach to IoT device design to ensure that not a single joule of energy is wasted during operation.Cellular IoT devices use either LTE-M or NB-IoT protocols. Both are designed for low power operation but are only part of the story. The cellular IoT device’s overall energy consumption is determined by the efficiency of its key elements and the application for which it is being used.<h2>Cellular IoT power saving techniques&nbsp;</h2>While not the only factor&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;battery life, radio transmission is the most significant contributor to current draw. The faster an LTE-M/NB-IoT radio can be switched on, send its&nbsp;data&nbsp;and go back to sleep, or the faster a GNSS radio can fix on a group of satellites,&nbsp;determine&nbsp;location&nbsp;and go back to sleep, the more efficient the IoT device will be.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some radio activity is necessary to ensure the cellular IoT device remains registered with and connected to the network such that data can be sent virtually instantaneously when required. However, there are several power saving techniques that can be used to minimize radio transmission time while ensuring a reliable network connection.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first is called “extended Discontinuous Reception” (eDRX). When using eDRX, the IoT device connects to the network less frequently, thus saving power by not having to turn on the radio so often. There is a trade-off: when the cellular IoT device is asleep, it is unreachable by the network - such unavailability introduces latency. The developer must decide on a suitable eDRX interval to strike a balance between power consumption and latency to suit the needs of the application.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second energy conservation technique puts the cellular IoT device into an even deeper sleep state. Called “Power Saving Mode” (PSM) the method shuts off the modem, while the device remains registered to the network. The device will be unreachable for a pre-set time but can wake up whenever needed (for example, in response to an alarm).&nbsp;<h2>nRF9151 gains from Nordic’s own power saving techniques&nbsp;</h2>eDRX and PSM are standard power saving technologies available to any cellular IoT device maker. Nordic’s renowned ultra-low power expertise has allowed it to take energy saving significantly further in its latest low-power cellular IoT solution, the nRF9151 SiP. The nRF9151 was designed from the ground up to minimize power consumption and includes full support for eDRX and PSM in addition to Nordic’s own power saving features.&nbsp;&nbsp;One example of Nordic’s technology is “reduced mobility”—which limits swapping between cells—to decrease modem activity for devices that are mostly stationary. Another is “country-specific search optimization” whereby network search parameters for 70 countries can be pre-loaded - saving the power consumed during the initial search for a network in a new location. A third is “abort network search early”; in poor radio conditions, the modem can be instructed to abort initial attempts to connect to a network and try later rather than expend energy on an extended search.&nbsp;Nordic’s nRF9151 modem also offers a “pre-evaluation of a connection” feature. Before connecting and transmitting data, the modem evaluates the estimated power consumption it would most likely use when sending data, and provides an estimate (“excellent”, “good”, “normal”, “poor” or “bad”) and information about raw parameters such as radio link quality, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), TX power and path loss. By performing this analysis of the cell downlink radio environment, the application can decide whether to send data depending on its energy efficiency requirements.&nbsp;<h2>Supplementing battery power&nbsp;</h2>The design decisions made when developing the nRF9151’s included consideration for powering the SiP solely from harvested energy (such as photovoltaic (PV) power) for certain applications. No matter how intrinsically efficient the cellular IoT product might be, energy harvesting will significantly extend its battery life. And in the case of the nRF9151 SiP, energy harvesting doesn’t place any constraints on the chip’s connectivity or computational capabilities.&nbsp;However, energy harvesting might restrict the application’s duty cycle. Fortunately, the flexibility built into Nordic cellular IoT solutions makes it easy to optimize the duty cycle to meet the predicted energy reserves of the cellular IoT product’s battery.&nbsp;<h2>nRF9151 supports Class 5 output&nbsp;</h2>Another enhancement to the nRF9151 that helps extend battery life in certain applications is support for Power Class 5 20 dBm output power - complementing the existing nRF91 Series Power Class 3 23 dBm support. The additional output power support allows developers to save transmit power—helping eke out battery energy—if the Class 5 output power matches the needs of the application. This enhancement offers developers greater flexibility, broadening the scope of use cases for which the SiP can be employed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Highly efficient cellular IoT SiPs allow, for example, asset tracker manufacturers to build lightweight, compact devices with powerful processing capabilities that can run for years from a single battery charge - lowering maintenance requirements. And because battery production and disposal are dramatically reduced the environment benefits too.&nbsp;

Many IoT devices are battery-powered and one of the most important operating parameters is how long those batteries last in normal service. Maximizing battery life improves the user experience, lowers maintenance costs, and reduces wastage.  

Extending cellular IoT end-product battery life

Satellite sensors are used for Earth observation, navigation and positioning, telecommunications, military missions, and scientific research. Custom sensors have specialized capabilities, but commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products that use advanced technologies can reduce development and launch costs.&nbsp;If you’re selecting satellite sensors, consider these four factors.<ol start="1" type="1"><li>Sensor type</li><li>Performance specifications</li><li>Environmental considerations</li><li>Integration with satellite systems</li></ol>The following sections explain.<h2>#1 Sensor Types</h2>Satellites are equipped with a variety of sensors, including some that are redundant to ensure continued operations in the event of device failure. The type of sensor to select is a function of your application requirements and the device’s capabilities.<h3>Optical Sensors</h3><a href="https://www.mouser.com/c/sensors/optical-sensors/?srsltid=AfmBOopLoBeb_e87pPGBojAgJIghB1oK08NvEPMH4Vkz5TKRXeVkyrv-">Optical sensors</a> detect light within specific spectral ranges, such as visible and infrared (IR), for imaging, monitoring, and navigation. They are highly accurate, compact, lightweight, and can support high-bandwidth transmissions. For satellites with directional antennas, optical sensors are used for positioning, tracking, and alignment. For laser communications with ground stations, these satellite sensors support very fast transmissions. &nbsp;<h3>Radar Sensors</h3><a href="https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/backgrounders/what-is-sar">Synthetic aperture radar (SAR)</a> sensors combine multiple radar signals collected over time as a satellite moves in orbit. They support high-resolution imaging without the use of a large antenna. Unlike optical sensors, SAR operates in the microwave range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Among their advantages, radar sensors can capture images regardless of lighting or cloud cover.<h3>Gyroscopes and Accelerometers</h3><a href="https://escies.org/download/webDocumentFile?id=1056#:~:text=Guidance%2C%20navigation%20and%20control%20systems,and%20stabilization%20of%20its%20attitude.">Gyroscopes</a> measure angular velocity and help satellites maintain their orientation in flight.<a href="https://metromatics.com.au/applications-for-accelerometers/#:~:text=Accelerometers%20in%20Space&text=Accelerometers%20measure%20the%20vibration%20and,of%20the%20vehicles%20during%20operation.">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://metromatics.com.au/applications-for-accelerometers/#:~:text=Accelerometers%20in%20Space&text=Accelerometers%20measure%20the%20vibration%20and,of%20the%20vehicles%20during%20operation.">Accelerometers</a> measure linear acceleration and can determine shock and vibration levels during launch, flight, and landing. There are also piezoelectric accelerometers, capacitive accelerometers, mechanical gyroscopes, ring laser gyroscopes (RLGs), and fiber optic gyroscopes (FOGs), each suited to specific applications.<h3>Magnetometers</h3><a href="https://www.pnisensor.com/understanding-magnetometers-and-their-uses/">Magnetometers</a> are sensors that measure changes in magnetic fields. They are essential for navigation and are used in conjunction with gyroscopes and accelerometers for attitude determination and motion tracking. Subtypes include fluxgate, optically pumped, SQUID, hall effect, magneto-resistive (MR), and Lorentz force magnetometers.<h3>Thermal Infrared Sensors</h3><a href="https://up42.com/blog/introduction-to-thermal-infrared">Thermal infrared sensors (TIR)</a> measure land surface temperatures and detect heat signatures. Unlike near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave infrared radiation (SWIR) devices, TIR technology senses emitted energy rather than reflected energy. With their high spatial resolution, TIR sensors can attribute temperature values to specific features, such as urban heat islands.<h3>Radio Frequency Sensors</h3>Radio frequency (RF) sensors detect and measure RF signals for applications that include signals intelligence (SIGINT) and environmental monitoring. By triangulating signals from multiple orbital points,<a href="https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2023/09/05/what-are-radio-frequency-rf-monitoring-satellites/#:~:text=Advanced%20RF%20sensors%20aboard%20satellites,classification%20and%20detection%20of%20patterns.">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://newspaceeconomy.ca/2023/09/05/what-are-radio-frequency-rf-monitoring-satellites/#:~:text=Advanced%20RF%20sensors%20aboard%20satellites,classification%20and%20detection%20of%20patterns.">RF sensors</a> for SIGINT can identify distinct emitters and find their precise location. For environmental monitoring, RF sensors can track signals regardless of weather conditions.<h3>GNSS Sensors</h3>Global navigation satellite system (<a href="https://www.geo-instruments.com/technology/gnss-sensors/">GNSS</a>) sensors provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning. As satellites orbit the Earth, they transmit a unique signal along with orbital parameters. Ground-based receivers use this information to calculate a user’s exact location. GNSS encompasses a variety of satellite-based systems, including the U.S. global positioning system (GPS).<h2>#2 Performance Specifications</h2>Satellite sensors differ in terms of performance specifications. Depending on the specific application, some specs may be more important than others. For example, Earth observation requires sensors with high spatial resolution to distinguish small objects on the ground from their surroundings.<h3>Frequency Range</h3>Frequency range is the range of frequencies over which a satellite sensor is designed to operate. It determines the sensor’s ability to capture specific signals, perform remote sensing tasks, or transmit and receive data. Different sensors are designed to operate within different frequency bands, such as the ultra-high frequency (UHF) band within the RF portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.<h3>Resolution</h3>Resolution refers to a sensor’s ability to distinguish between closely spaced objects or fine details. There are different types of resolution, including spatial, spectral, temporal, radiometric, and angular resolution. Satellite sensors with higher resolution can acquire more data, but they also need more storage and processing power. In addition, higher resolution sensors are more expensive.<h3>Sensitivity</h3>Sensitivity refers to the ability of a sensor to detect small changes or weak signals in the quantity it’s designed to measure. Depending on the type of space sensor, this quantity could be IR or visible light, magnetic fields, temperatures, or RF signals. With SAR sensors, sensitivity determines how well the radar can detect small, reflected signals from objects on Earth’s surface. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Power Consumption</h3>Sensor power consumption refers to the amount of electrical power that a sensor uses. It includes the power that’s consumed by the sensor itself for signal detection and the power used by supporting electronics for signal amplification, processing, or transmission. Because satellites have limited power availability, sensors with low power consumption are preferred.<h3>Weight and Size</h3>Sensor weight and size are important because satellites have strict payload limitations. These specifications can also affect larger design decisions and overall sensor performance. For example, the size of an optical sensor that’s used with a satellite’s camera determines how much light the camera has available to create an image. In turn, this affects image quality.<h2>#3 Environmental Considerations</h2>When selecting a satellite sensor, consider the environment in which it will be used. Outer space exposes sensors to extreme conditions, and repairing or replacing components can be challenging.&nbsp;<ul><li>Radiation Tolerance: Space environments expose sensors to high levels of ionizing radiation, which can degrade performance over time. Choose sensors and other electronic components that are radiation-hardened.</li><li>Temperature Variations: Satellites face extreme temperature fluctuations, and sensors need to function reliably under these changing conditions. Depending on whether a satellite is in sunlight or shadow, temperatures can range from -270°C to +200°C.</li><li>Outgassing and Vacuum: Choose sensors that are built from materials that do not outgas in the vacuum of space. Outgassing, the process by which materials release trapped gasses when exposed to vacuum pressure, can cloud optical lenses and interfere with signals.</li></ul><h2>#4 Integration with Satellite Systems</h2>When selecting satellite sensors, consider how the device will integrate with larger systems that are essential for continuous operations. There are several systems that are especially critical.<h3>Data Handling and Communications</h3>Command and data handling (CDH) systems acquire, process, store, format and downlink data to ground-based assets. They include various subsystems, such as telemetry and telecommunications (TTC). For real-time or delayed data transmissions, choose sensors that are compatible with the satellite’s onboard data handling system.<h3>Pointing and Stabilization</h3><a href="https://www.satnow.com/search/antenna-pointing-mechanisms">Antenna-pointing mechanisms</a> direct a satellite’s antenna toward a specific communication target. A control system receives data that’s acquired from sensors, calculates the required rotation of the antenna, and stabilizes the device. Depending on the sensor type and application, pointing and stabilization may also be used with high-resolution cameras.&nbsp;<h3>Power Monitoring</h3>Satellites have multiple subsystems, each of which requires different amounts of power. Each subsystem must receive the correct voltage and current, and without power spikes or other anomalies that can jeopardize performance. Power monitoring systems for energy generation and storage must work with satellite sensors and support the use of onboard solar panels and batteries.Are you looking for satellite sensors? <a href="https://www.mouser.com/c/sensors/?srsltid=AfmBOoroprtuwE_0UkwpJGlpiyyQxfRCl337OHfi9U8LZ_YkVUuPqpRZ">Visit Mouser Electronics.</a>

The Arctic Weather Satellite is collecting data in one of the regions of our planet that is most severely affected by climate change. ©OHB Sweden

Key Considerations for Selecting Satellite Sensors: Types, Performance, Environment, and Integration

How to Select Satellite Sensors: Five Key Considerations

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing how businesses operate, connecting billions of devices for smarter, faster decisions. However, scaling IoT solutions demands more than plugging devices into a network; it requires mastering IoT connectivity architectures. Let’s unleash its potential.

IoT Connectivity Architecture: Engineering Guide to Enterprise-Scale Implementation

In order to promote the development of the global embodied AI industry, the Unitree G1 robot operation data set is open sourced, adapted to a variety of open source solutions, and continuously updated:&nbsp;Open source data collection:&nbsp;<a tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3VhODBhSF8tQzQtdFlpaUk2blczM2t1WFdkd3xBQ3Jtc0ttTkF6bzFrSzVTbkk5elFNaXl4ZmZyQTE5VGFfbWpESlhxVS1VRklKVXozX2JrZ2ItekNReGx3Vm5QOHY2OGxER0diUUhhTWlBdmotSU9LUV9EcWV0dC00Y3pjTWpyQXlQUTU5RmZCYjhoRl9KeXhadw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Funitreerobotics%2Favp_teleoperate&v=OTWHXTu09wE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-immersive-translate-walked="dc553b62-3d51-4d74-bb21-9b5c19549e6f">https://github.com/unitreerobotics/av...</a>Open source learning algorithms:&nbsp;<a tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFVfRV9DS25fNFpSMXVpaEJicUFBV29QY2NYd3xBQ3Jtc0tuejRtek9OWDF5Qk9Fc0FRNUhzWkl0SEdDSFM4UFRHLWk2MHdOUjR3LWxwN0JlUmxGRkJ5TjhlbE83S0hlZEhDY0IxQmFiOGJaM0MxRFVtdmtta3ZMMWVCOXlQMS1WR2hJa0hla0RtVHpvZWlQc3pPZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fgithub.com%2Funitreerobotics%2Funitree_IL_lerobot&v=OTWHXTu09wE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-immersive-translate-walked="dc553b62-3d51-4d74-bb21-9b5c19549e6f">https://github.com/unitreerobotics/un...</a>Open source datasets and models:&nbsp;<a tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGh0clVCMHBNbkpPWTczdTFjSGtWNGFfLVowUXxBQ3Jtc0trV2VfWFBrLUVNNS1oM3JNR2ZEU0d0MnlYZXhBNDVQVjNfYkN1aGd1b3BMc3JHUGtNTnFBN0JSMi1CQUJHSnRUTzZMTWNIZnJNQ29IUmNtT2t1blZkRXJ3ZEtfZmRKYVdqUGk1OWNZSUl4d1g5Qk16MA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fhuggingface.co%2FUnitreeRobotics&v=OTWHXTu09wE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" data-immersive-translate-walked="dc553b62-3d51-4d74-bb21-9b5c19549e6f">https://huggingface.co/UnitreeRobotics</a>

In order to promote the development of the global embodied AI industry, the Unitree G1 robot operation data set is open sourced, adapted to a variety of open source solutions, and continuously updated.

Unitree G1 Open Source Dataset

This article explores the principles behind optical encoders, their types, and their advantages, highlighting how they enhance performance, ensure accuracy, and meet demanding standards in complex control environments.

Optical Encoder Technology: Advanced Guide to Precision Motion Control Systems

What if machines could intelligently and automatically adapt to the needs of industrial workers and integrate themselves in the human interaction loop, rather than expecting the worker to become trained about their intricacies?&nbsp;What if digitally enabled industrial production systems could prioritize sustainability and social performance in addition to maximizing production efficiency and optimizing production costs? &nbsp;This could unlock a new era for industrial production that delivers business and societal benefits at the same time. Imagine a world where digital manufacturing systems will be fundamentally designed to be human-centric and sustainable. This is not the distant future: It is the dawn of Industry 5.0, the next evolutionary step after Industry 4.0 and Cyber Physical Production Systems, where industrial production innovations meet empathy in order to craft a new wave of smarter, cost-effective, sustainable and human centric solutions to the benefit of both consumers and industrial organizations.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">Introducing Industry 5.0</h2>Industry 5.0 focuses on sustainability and the collaboration between humans and smart systems towards shaping an industrial future that's not only productive but also inclusive and environmentally conscious. Similar to Industry 4.0, Industry 5.0 relies on the deployment of cyber physical systems and their integration with advanced digital technologies. As such it is a continuation of Industry 4.0 towards a more responsible, sustainable and humanized use of manufacturing. The main characteristics of Industry 5.0 production systems are:<ul><li dir="ltr">Human-Centric Design: Industry 5.0 places the well-being, creativity, and capabilities of human workers at the heart of technological innovation.</li><li dir="ltr">Customization in Production: In the scope of Industry 5.0, the vision of mass customization is realized based on highly personalized products and services that meet the unique demands of consumers.</li><li dir="ltr">Sustainable Practices: Industry 5.0 is about manufacturing processes that minimize environmental impact, reduce waste, and promote the recycling of resources.</li><li dir="ltr">Cobots (Collaborative Robots): Industry 5.0 relies on co-bots i.e., robots designed to interact and work alongside human colleagues, as opposed to replacing them, which is the case with fully autonomous industrial robots.</li><li dir="ltr">Flexibility and Resilience: The production systems of the Industry 5.0 era must adapt swiftly to market changes based on agility that combines the best of machine precision and human intelligence.</li></ul>Overall, Industry 5.0 extends the digital transformation initiated by Industry 4.0 based on a layer of advanced personalization and environmental stewardship. It is a paradigm shift that recognizes not only the value of efficiency but also the humans’ role in complementing technology with creativity, contextual understanding, and moral judgment.To stay ahead in this transformation modern industrial organizations must embrace cutting-edge electronic components and semiconductor products. The latter are among the main building blocks that drive innovation, including for example sensors enabling precision in cobots to chips processing vast amounts of data towards smarter decisions for sustainable products and practices. The components and semiconductors used to support Industry 5.0 advancements are gradually becoming more sophisticated as high-quality and sustainable technologies are required. For instance, semiconductor innovation is driving the efficiency of energy use in production processes, which contributes to the Industry 5.0 sustainability ambition. Moreover, electronics that push the boundaries of what's possible in automation and machine intelligence are foundational for companies that develop advanced personalization and customization services.<h2 dir="ltr">Technology Enablers and Integration Challenges </h2>Industry 4.0 has been built upon cyber-physical production systems that are powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, and advanced robotics. For over a decade, such systems have boosted the automation and optimization of manufacturing processes. For instance, AI systems are instrumental in support predictive maintenance and production scheduling optimization use cases. At the same time, IoT and advanced robots facilitate the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), which enables digitally controlled applications like digital twins.&nbsp;Industry 5.0 builds on the above-listed technologies, yet it also elevates their role to support human centricity and sustainability. As a prominent example, Industry 5.0 leverages "Trusted AI" and "Explainable AI" (XAI) technologies, which integrate ethical principles (e.g., fairness, transparency) into AI systems. Trusted AI and XAI technologies enable AI systems to make decisions that are comprehensible and justifiable to human workers. As another example, state of the art IoT infrastructures evolve in Industry 5.0 to support user-centric digital networks. This enables real-time IoT communications are not only device-centric but also augmented for direct human interaction in ways that enhance machine-to-human collaboration. Moreover, conventional robotics are nowadays integrated with sensory and cognitive technologies to enable cobots and Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). Cobots work side-by-side with humans towards merging human intuition and empathy with robotics automation capabilities.Moreover, Industry 5.0 embraces new technological advancements such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP). A DPP resembles a secure decentralized digital twins’ infrastructure which can track a product's lifecycle journey. It provides detailed data on the origin, components, materials, and assembly process of products, towards boosting supply chain integrity and ecological consciousness.Considering these technologies, the implementation and integration of state of the art Industry 5.0 is much more challenging than the integration of systems of earlier generations. The integration challenge lies in the need to blend heterogeneous technologies, while considering the workers’ profile and sustainability parameters. For example, digital twin implementations must be worker centric based on the consideration of workers’ digital profiles. This enables human-centred digital twins that are typically difficult to design and integrate. As another example, the integration of a DPP infrastructure is typically complex as it federates heterogeneous data sources and services from different actors of the manufacturing chain. &nbsp;Overall, the integration of diverse systems in ways that balance automated efficiency and the creative value that human workers provide is one of the main challenges of Industry 5.0.<h2 dir="ltr">Industry 5.0 Use Cases</h2>Industry 5.0 enables a wide range of use cases that were hardly possible few years ago, including:<ul><li dir="ltr">Enhanced Customization and Personalization of Products: Industry 5.0 leverages AI-driven analytics and flexible manufacturing systems to provide a superior degree of product customization, which would traditionally be cost-prohibitive and logistically complex. To this end, machine learning algorithms are used to analyse consumer profiles and preferences towards tailored products at an individual level. Moreover, 3D printing technologies can be integrated with AI to enable just-in-time manufacturing of customized parts in ways that reduce waste and optimize resource use.</li><li dir="ltr">Sustainable Manufacturing Use Cases: Industry 5.0 enables the implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices. For instance, DPPs enable transparent tracking of the ecological footprints of products, which is a key for adherence to environmental standards. Furthermore, AI can optimize energy use and automate waste management based on predictive scheduling of machinery maintenance that minimizes downtime and resource depletion. Likewise, AI-enhanced logistics enable eco-friendly supply chain management through optimization of routes and reduction of carbon emissions.</li><li dir="ltr">Improved Quality and Innovation through Human Insight and Machine Precision: Industry 5.0 fosters the interplay of human experience and robotic accuracy. For example, in quality control, AI algorithms for rapid and precise anomaly detection are combined with human oversight that can provide a better understanding of varied quality issues that may not be immediately apparent to AI. This symbiosis enhances the product innovation cycle and quality assurance processes, leading in higher production standards and innovative product features.</li><li dir="ltr">Anticipating and Meeting the Changing Needs and Expectations of Consumers: Predictive analytics and real-time data processing enable anticipatory models that forecast consumer trends and market demands. AI systems can integrate these insights with dynamic production planning tools to adapt manufacturing processes in near real time. This is a key to fast responsiveness to market fluctuations and consumer demands.</li><li dir="ltr">Human-Robot Collaboration: There are several Industry 5.0 applications based on cobots. As a prominent example, in automotive assembly, cobots perform heavy lifting and precision tasks, which reduces ergonomic risk to human workers. At the same time, humans provide critical quality assurance and fine adjustments, which optimizes the assembly process.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Best Practices for Industry 5.0 Adoption and Deployment </h2>Industrial organizations wishing to adopt, deploy, and fully leverage Industry 5.0 had better consider the following best practices:<ul><li dir="ltr">Integration of Human-Centric Technology Solutions towards a smooth transition: Integrating human-centric technology asks for a structured framework that begins with an identification of the specific needs and capabilities of the human workforce which can be enhanced through technology. Accordingly, there is a need for a comprehensive technological audit that documents the digital maturity of the industrial organization and identifies gaps where human-centric technology can be beneficial. This is a key for designing interfaces and applications that prioritize ease of use, accessibility, sustainability and ergonomic principles. The next step involves the implementation of pilot projects to validate the effectiveness and acceptance of proposed solutions. The latter must be refined iteratively based on stakeholders’ feedback. This requires continuous dialogue between technology designers and end-users to foster innovation and inclusivity.</li><li dir="ltr">Strengthening the Human Factor through upskilling and reskilling: Industry 5.0 is hardly possible without a strategic commitment to develop the workforce's skillset to thrive alongside advanced technologies. This involves assessing the skill gaps that may emerge as a consequence of new technology adoption, as well as crafting tailored training programs. It is also essential to promote a culture of lifelong learning and adaptability, which ensures that employees adopt new technologies as an opportunity for growth.</li><li dir="ltr">Measuring Economic Performance and Sustainability: Industry 5.0 organizations must adopt a dual-lens approach to performance measurement that encompasses both economic viability and sustainability metrics. This includes incorporating sustainability objectives into the core strategic planning and performance evaluation frameworks. Moreover, it entails the use of advanced data analytics to monitor and optimize resource utilization, energy consumption, and waste generation. Note also that sustainability and economic performance reporting must be transparently to stakeholders in order to foster trust and reinforce commitment to ethical practices.</li><li dir="ltr">Human Centricity by Design: Designing systems and processes with a human-centric approach ensures that technological advancements do not detract from the welfare and productivity of the workforce. This entails embedding ergonomic design principles across technological interfaces and work environments to enhance safety and comfort, while prioritizing the development of technologies that augment human abilities and creativity. A good practice is also to engage workers in the design and innovation process towards ensuring that their insights shape the development of technologies and work practices.</li><li dir="ltr">Sustainable by Design Production: A 'Sustainable Production by Design' philosophy integrates sustainability considerations into every stage of the product lifecycle, from conception to disposal. Relevant strategies include: (i) Selecting materials and product configurations that lead to eco-friendly products; (ii) Leveraging digital twin technology for optimizing product designs with minimal material waste and energy usage; (iii) Adopting circular economy principles, such as designing for disassembly and recyclability that minimize the environmental footprint; (iv) Employing lifecycle assessment tools to evaluate and mitigate the environmental impact of products and operations.</li><li dir="ltr">Keeping up with Future Trends like AI Advancements and Sustainable Technologies: Staying abreast of technological advancements is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and sustainability in Industry 5.0. This requires: (i) Investing in research and development (R&amp;D) and establishing partnerships with academic and industry leaders to tap into emerging technologies; (ii) Adopting a proactive approach to technology scouting to anticipate technological breakthroughs and their implications; (iii) Cultivating a culture of innovation that encourages experimentation and the exploration of novel applications of Industry 5.0 concepts.</li></ul><h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>Overall, Industry 5.0 introduces a transformative convergence of advanced digital technologies with human-centric design and sustainability principles. This convergence recalibrates the industrial fabric towards personalization, circularity, and enhanced collaboration. It also asks for the strategic integration of AI, IoT, and cyber-physical systems in ways that augment human expertise and innovation. Industry leaders must embrace these principles towards the dual objective of optimizing economic growth and environmental performance.&nbsp;

Industry 5.0 envisions a future where machines adapt to workers’ needs, integrating seamlessly into human workflows. In this new era, digital manufacturing systems will focus on sustainability and social impact alongside efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Industry 5.0: Evolving Digital Industry Towards Maximum Societal Value

In wireless product development, what happens behind the scenes when selecting, designing, and integrating an antenna into a product? What is the journey of a PCB antenna, or more specifically, a PCB-mounted embedded antenna?Designing and integrating an antenna may seem complex, but it can be broken down into manageable steps. It begins with defining the product’s requirements, which drive the antenna specifications. Next, you select and design the appropriate antenna type. Then, verify the design’s performance through simulations. After building and testing prototypes, manufacturing begins.Each step demands careful attention. This article offers a clear, step-by-step guide to the PCB antenna design process, explaining each stage and providing practical tips to help you successfully integrate the antenna into your wireless product.<h2>Step 1: Requirements Engineering</h2>The first step in designing an antenna for wireless solutions is to identify and document the product's essential needs. This process is known as Requirements Engineering (RE).RE focuses on understanding what needs to be designed, not how. To effectively define these requirements, the design team must conduct a thorough problem analysis. This analysis should address several critical questions to ascertain the operational and environmental conditions under which the product will function. These include:<ul><li>What types of communication protocols will the product support (e.g., WiFi, cellular, GPS)?</li><li>What operating frequency and bandwidth are required?</li><li>What are the coverage, gain, and cost expectations?</li><li>Will the product operate indoors, outdoors, or under specific environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures or high humidity?</li><li>How much space can be afforded for antenna clearance on the PCB?</li></ul>The product requirements define the necessary antenna specifications, which help narrow down the possible antenna technologies. When proposing antenna solutions, include a detailed assessment of the costs, timeline, and, if possible, recommendations for placement and orientation.Document all antenna and product requirements in a way that supports testing. These requirements should guide the design process and serve as a checklist during testing to ensure the design meets the goals.<h2>Step 2: Design</h2>The design stage starts by using the requirements defined in the RE phase to select the appropriate antenna type and design its specifications to meet those needs.The antenna must be designed to cover the required frequency and range. Its key parameters, such as efficiency and directionality, should align with the product’s needs. The polarization of both the transmitting and receiving antennas must match to maximize power transfer. The Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) should be kept low and the return loss high.When attaching the antenna to a PCB, match the antenna's impedance with the characteristic impedance of the feed line connecting it to either a transmitter or a receiver. Impedance mismatches can significantly reduce the RF link budget, lowering the antenna's efficiency and range.Remember, an antenna is a sensitive component. Its performance is greatly influenced by its placement, surrounding components, the ground plane, and the enclosure or casing.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729781924459-1729781924459.png" alt="Antenna design pcb" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><ul><li>Antenna Placement: Antenna placement on the PCB is crucial. Datasheets often suggest various placement options. Choose one of these for optimal performance. If you need to place the antenna elsewhere, you'll need to validate the placement through careful study.</li><li>Nearby Components: Placing metallic objects near an antenna can interfere with its performance. Metallic objects reflect the antenna’s radiated energy back to the antenna. It’s best to avoid this, or at least account for these components when designing and tuning the antenna. Finalize the device's mechanical layout before tuning the antenna, as changes later on can disrupt the tuning.</li><li>PCB Size and Ground Clearance: PCB size is crucial for ground-dependent antennas because the board itself affects radiation. Follow ground clearance guidelines in datasheets to avoid poor performance due to detuning or reduced efficiency.</li><li>Casing: Materials used to manufacture the device casing can be critical for the antenna’s performance. This is even more critical for small antennas. If the dielectric material properties are available, it is better to choose a material with low permittivity and dielectric losses that are as low as possible. Such materials are virtually transparent to the antenna’s radiation.</li></ul>For more in-depth guidance during antenna design, refer to our previous white paper covering six essential considerations for PCB antenna design.<h2>Step 3: RF Simulation</h2>To shorten and ensure reliable design cycles for PCB antennas, designs must be verified early on. However, predicting antenna performance is challenging, as solving Maxwell's equations requires complex algorithms. Electromagnetic simulators can help predict performance and optimize antenna designs before building physical prototypes.Remember, however, these simulators are tools, not replacements for the designer. They can predict performance based on the designs you give them, but you need a strong understanding of antenna theory to use them effectively.Choosing the right simulation method is also important. Popular algorithms include the Method of Moments (MoM), Finite Element Method (FEM), Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD), and Finite Integration Technique (FIT). Each has specific advantages and disadvantages summarized below:<table><thead><tr><th scope="col">Algorithm</th><th scope="col">Advantages</th><th scope="col">Limitations</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Method of Moments (MoM)</td><td><ul><li>Analyzes complex layered structures effectively.</li><li>Simulates designs with many ports efficiently, without added time costs.</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Cannot handle general 3D structures, limiting its use to planar designs.</li><li>Demands large storage and increases computational time sharply with the size of the problem.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Finite Element (FEM)</td><td><ul><li>Can analyze arbitrarily shaped 3D structures, not just layered setups, offering an advantage over the MoM.</li><li>Simulates designs with many ports efficiently, without added time costs.</li><li>Offers the most flexible approach to electromagnetic analysis.</li><li>Serves as a frequency-domain solver, making it ideal for problems with periodicity like phased arrays, frequency-selective structures, and band gap antennas.</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Simulating complex antenna structures uses significant computer memory.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD)</td><td><ul><li>Can analyze 3D structures.</li><li>It has an advantage over the FEM method in that it does not require solving a matrix, allowing it to handle very large problems with relatively small amounts of computer memory.</li><li>Highly suitable for parallel processing, which allows it to leverage modern GPUs to speed up simulations.</li><li>Simpler to implement a basic FDTD solver compared to MoM and FEM solvers.</li><li>Well-suited for simulating specific antenna types such as horn antennas, waveguides, microstrip antennas, conformal antennas, and small planar array antennas.</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Requires running a separate simulation for each port in a design, making it less efficient for designs with many ports.</li><li>Not optimal for certain types of antennas like wire antennas, aperture antennas, reflector antennas, and those with electrically large structures.</li></ul></td></tr><tr><td>Finite integration technique (FIT)</td><td><ul><li>Effective for analyzing antennas with inhomogeneous materials, wideband issues, and ultra-wideband (UWB) applications.</li><li>FIT underpins many commercial simulation tools because it can handle the entire spectrum of electromagnetics, from DC to high-frequency and optical applications.</li></ul></td><td><ul><li>Not well-suited for simulating wire antennas.</li></ul></td></tr></tbody></table><h3>Choosing the Right Simulation Method</h3>Selecting the appropriate EM(Electromagnetic) analysis tool depends on factors like ease of model creation, integration with circuit simulation tools, and the level of EM expertise required.For planar structures, such as PCB interconnects and planar antennas, the MoM is most effective. For fully 3D structures like connectors, packages, and 3D antennas, FEM or FDTD methods are better.For complex 3D structures with many ports, FEM is ideal. FDTD is best for large structures with fewer ports, such as antenna placements on vehicles or aircraft, and for evaluating antenna performance near detailed human body models.<h2>Step 4: Performance Tests and Optimization</h2>After optimizing the designs, prototypes are built for testing. These tests take place in an anechoic chamber designed to absorb all sound waves. Key measurements include return loss, efficiency, maximum gain, Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP), Total Radiated Power (TRP), Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS), and impedance. These measurements fully assess the antenna’s performance. If the results show any issues, the design can be adjusted.Testing falls into two categories: passive and active.Passive antenna testing evaluates the antenna alone, without the influence of the rest of the device. The antenna port is isolated from the RF front end and connected to a vector network analyzer (VNA) set to specific frequencies and amplitudes. The VNA measures data, which is then used to calculate efficiency, gain, directivity, and EIRP.Active antenna testing measures the antenna as part of the entire system, including the RF front end. The main measurements are TRP and TIS.TRP measures the total power radiated by the antenna when it is transmitting across a frequency band. TIS measures the average sensitivity of the receiving antenna system over a frequency band. TRP and TIS are key indicators of signal quality, offering a reliable gauge of the system’s overall performance.<h3>Practical Considerations During Testing</h3><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729781924565-1729781924565.png" alt="Antenna design considerations" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><ul><li>If possible, make the prototype from the same materials, using the same manufacturing processes and facilities as the final product. This ensures accurate testing.</li><li>Start critical measurements and prototype testing early. This speeds up the successful production of the final product.</li><li>Antennas must be customized to their specific environment and materials, as they may not perform as expected based on datasheets. Testing should simulate real-world conditions by considering the intended use cases and positions, such as near the head, body, or on different surfaces.</li><li>When planning tests, verify if the product must meet specific regulatory requirements. For instance, for cellular IoT devices, TRP and TIS are crucial, as failing to meet carrier standards for these parameters can prevent product approval.</li><li>Follow regulatory standards for electromagnetic emissions and safety. Include electromagnetic emissions compliance checks throughout the design and testing process. This ensures legal compliance and prevents interference with other devices.</li></ul>Antenna testing offers significant advantages. It allows designers to optimize the antenna’s design for better radio performance, considering factors like product size, typical use, manufacturing costs, and RF exposure. Even a small improvement, such as a 6 dB gain, can double coverage, while a 3 dB gain can cut the power amplifier’s energy consumption in half, leading to longer battery life. As a result, users experience extended range and enhanced signal quality.<h2>Step 5: Manufacturing</h2>The final step is manufacturing. Success in this stage depends on a stable design, a reliable production process, and effective end-of-line testing. Even the best designs are useless if they can't be produced efficiently and with high quality. To achieve this, consider the following when selecting and collaborating with a manufacturer:<ul><li>Early Collaboration: Involve the manufacturer early in the design process. Close collaboration between design, manufacturing, and materials teams throughout all stages—from design and prototyping to production—ensures a smooth transition to manufacturing, saving time and costs.</li><li>Quality Assurance: Choose a manufacturer that offers robust quality assurance, including innovative end-of-line testing methods. Ensure any overseas facilities comply with local legal standards and maintain strict confidentiality agreements.</li><li>Timely Production: The manufacturer must meet your deadlines and pricing requirements without compromising on quality. Confirm their average lead time to ensure they will deliver on schedule and within budget.</li><li>Fabrication Tolerances: Select a fabrication process capable of meeting tight tolerances. Use prototyping and testing to evaluate the manufacturer’s capabilities and limitations and how their fabrication tolerances impact antenna performance.</li></ul><h2>Conclusion</h2><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1729781924596-1729781924595.png" alt="Red pcb design" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Designing and manufacturing antennas is a complex process. It is crucial for the success of any wireless product. Choosing the right partner is essential. The design team must work closely together. They need to understand the product’s requirements. They must also follow regulations on frequency, power output, EMC, and testing.The design should consider factors like PCB size, ground plane, casing, placement, and nearby components. Early design verification is important. Rapid prototyping helps speed up production. Ultimately, even the best designs are only valuable if they can be manufactured efficiently.<h4 id="isPasted">Ready to start your PCB Antenna prototype?</h4><a href="https://factory.macrofab.com/quick_quote?utm_term=electronic%20manufacturing%20systems&utm_campaign=ampliva-search-electronics-manufacturing&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc" target="_blank">Get an Instant Quote Now</a>

Making your prototype from the same materials using the same manufacturing processes and facilities as your final product ensures accurate testing and better final results. This article also outlines other best practices. 

PCB Antenna Design: A Step-by-Step Guide

Perhaps IoT businesses are just IT businesses. So why the fixation on hardware? Hardware has long been considered the cornerstone of the IoT industry, but we're increasingly recognizing that success hinges not on the physical devices themselves but on the software that drives them. This shift mirrors patterns we've seen in the world of cloud computing, where software is being written without considering the hardware it runs on. Let's dive into this transformation.<h3>Commoditization: Scaling Through Common Hardware</h3>At the heart of the transformation from hardware-centric to software-focused solutions is commoditization. Jason Kridner, founder of <a href="http://beagleboard.org/" target="_blank">BeagleBoard.org</a>, aptly stated:"If you make a reprogrammable machine, then that machine can be used in a whole lot of other applications. We can pretty much put everything into that box. Then you drive the hardware to commodity because that’s what scales."By commoditizing hardware, companies can focus their resources on software development, where true differentiation occurs. Kridner emphasizes that it's the software engineers who ultimately "win" because “that’s where you put your differentiation”. Hardware becomes the scalable foundation upon which innovative software solutions are built.The saying: “hardware is hard” still resonates with many in the industry. Hardware development is associated with complexities, high investments, lengthy development cycles and significant security risks. By treating hardware as a common, reliable platform, businesses may find ways to work around these obstacles and focus on their core competencies.<h3>Software Defined Everything</h3>Hardware lacks flexibility, until it doesn’t. The move from hardware commoditization to software-defined solutions feels like a natural progression. “Software gets abstracted from the hardware layer”, as Gregory Roth from <a href="https://monogoto.io/" target="_blank">Monogoto</a> explains, “leading to more flexible solutions”.This abstraction enables agility and it liberates companies from the complexities of hardware-specific constraints. Francisco Xavier Garcia (<a href="https://www.picmg.org/" target="_blank">PICMG</a>) reinforces this point:"You want a modular solution that is quickly scalable and quickly deployable because you want to respond swiftly to the rapidly changing industry. When you have embedded software and hardware tightly coupled, your flexibility is limited, your adaptability to respond to threats is limited. Extensibility is needed, where you can extend your capability and grow what your system can do. Software gives you all that ability."By decoupling software from hardware, businesses enhance their ability to innovate, adapt, and scale, which is essential in a market characterized by constant change.<h3>Adopting Cloud Practices: Stealing from the Best</h3>The IoT industry's shift mirrors the evolution seen in cloud computing over the past decade. In 2011, Adam Wiggins, one of Heroku’s founders, published the <a href="https://12factor.net/" target="_blank">Twelve-Factor App</a>, outlining twelve principles of modern application development. While many of these principles seem obvious today, they weren’t at the time, highlighting how far we've come in embracing common cloud practices.Brandon Satrom from <a href="https://blues.com/" target="_blank">Blues</a>, drew inspiration from these principles to create a similar set for the connectivity landscape called the <a href="https://12factor.io/" target="_blank">Twelve Factor Thing</a>. This initiative aims to enhance developer efficiency and product reliability, increasing market trust in connected devices that adhere to these principles. Satrom doesn’t want to impose these 12 factors to anyone, but merely initiate the conversation on how to grow the market in terms of efficiency, security and reliability.Consider the common practices such as automated testing, DevOps, continuous integration, you name it. By applying these practices to the world of IoT, reliance on specific hardware components is significantly reduced – a lesson learned during recent chip shortages that exposed the vulnerabilities of tying software too closely to specific hardware.Eventually, there are a couple of things – or principles – we should be able to agree upon, already now. Think of the way we should approach <a href="https://12factor.io/factors/firmware/" target="_blank">firmware as a collection of dynamic assets</a> which change frequently through standardized firmware update processes. The necessity of testing, the 12 Factor Thing specifically mentions&nbsp;<a href="https://12factor.io/factors/hardware-in-the-loop/" target="_blank">Hardware-in-the-Loop test</a> (HIL). And, one of Satrom’s Things he’s most passionate about: <a href="https://12factor.io/factors/transport/" target="_blank">Harmonization of Radio Access Technologies</a> “you don’t want developers having to learn everything from soup to nuts” if they add an additional radio technology. This will “slow them down and increase the likelihood of failures”.<h3>Conclusion</h3>The IoT industry's future lies in embracing the fact that software people ultimately take all the credits. Hardware gets commoditized to better suit software-defined solutions, minimizing the learning curve for developers who can build their solutions using familiar interfaces and APIs, regardless of the underlying hardware.This approach not only streamlines development and deployment but also empowers businesses to swiftly respond to market changes and emerging threats. By focusing on software, companies can enhance flexibility, scalability, and adaptability. It's not just about building better machines; it's about redefining how we manage those machines and how we, as an industry, can better serve the needs of a constantly changing world.<blockquote>This article is based on the discussion that took place at <a href="https://iotstars.com/" target="_blank">IoT Stars</a>, held during Embedded World North America on October 8, 2024. Thanks to Brandon Satrom (Blues), Jason Kridner (<a href="http://BeagleBoard.org" target="_blank">BeagleBoard.org</a>), Francisco Xavier Garcia (PICMG) and Gregory Roth (Monogoto) for sharing their take on Software Defined IoT. To join future discussions on the developments in IoT, visit <a href="https://iotstars.com/" target="_blank">iotstars.com</a>.</blockquote>

In a world where software drives innovation, why are we still fixated on hardware in IoT?

The Reprogrammable Machine: The rise of software-defined IoT

Industrial process automation is changing manufacturing by using technology to reduce the need for human involvement. From robots assembling products to smart systems managing inventory, factories are being transformed. This article will explore the successful elements behind industrial automation.

Industrial Process Automation: The Future of Manufacturing

The stage is set and the pressure is high in this final episode of Circuit Showdown.&nbsp;Michael, Renee, and Charles return to face their toughest challenge yet. After two intense rounds of competition and a bit of a curveball, they have one last design standing between them and the title of the first-ever Circuit Showdown. Who will be the champion?&nbsp;Just when everything was going smoothly, Chief Mentor, Raymond Yin, let the contestants know that they’d need to create an IoT dashboard using the Arduino IoT Cloud to show their data visually.&nbsp;An unexpected twist means that each contestant must quickly adapt. Now, they not only have to complete their designs in a short time frame, but also connect them to the cloud—bringing real-time data into the mix.&nbsp;For these rising engineers, winning isn’t just about the prize; it’s about proving their ability to innovate under pressure.&nbsp;“Winning this contest would be an awesome part of my career,” Michael shared. Renee chimed in, “I just really want to make the people who have helped me get to this point in my life so far, proud.”&nbsp;With the clock ticking down, every second counts even more!&nbsp;As they work to incorporate the Arduino IoT Cloud into their projects, the judges weigh in on the difficulty of this final step. They admit that it’s not impossible but will add another layer of difficulty, especially with time running out.&nbsp;By the time the countdown reaches its final moments, the contestants step back from their workstations, exhausted yet hopeful.<h2>Final Presentations: A Battle of Ingenuity</h2>Each contestant presents their final design to the judges, walking them through their creative process and how they overcame the hurdles along the way. Every project is unique, blending practicality with innovation, but the challenge of incorporating IoT adds a new level of complexity.&nbsp;For some, the cloud integration didn’t go exactly as planned and set them back.<h2>A Tough Decision</h2>The judges take time to discuss what they’ve seen. They know that choosing a winner won’t be easy. Each project brought something different to the table—whether it was creativity or technical skill.&nbsp;While the projects were impressive and tied into their personal experience, the IoT twist separated those who could quickly adapt under the pressure.&nbsp;As the deliberation continues, it becomes clear that this will be a close decision. The judges need to rely heavily on the criteria—functionality, usage of available resources, adherence to the theme, and originality. They will also need to consider how the contestants handled the unexpected twist.<h2>Who Will Win?</h2>With the decision made, the contestants are called back to hear the judges’ final thoughts. “All of you demonstrated incredible resilience and creativity,” the judges announce. “But only one of you can be crowned the champion of Circuit Showdown.”&nbsp;As the final moments unfold, one contestant emerges as the champion, but the true victory belongs to all three—who walk away with confidence in their abilities and the experience of competing at the highest level.&nbsp;Find out who will be the first-ever Circuit Showdown champion. Watch the <a href="https://www.mouser.com/circuit-showdown/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=circuitshowdown&utm_campaign=episode4">finale episode</a> now.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qkuIrHsNVPA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>

In the final episode of Circuit Showdown, three contestants face their toughest challenge yet: integrating an IoT dashboard into their designs. With time running out, the judges are left with a tough decision. Who will rise to the occasion and win the championship?

The Finale: Who Will Be Crowned Circuit Showdown Champion?

Delve into the basics of absolute encoders, its applications, advancements in technologies, calibration techniques, and the advantages over encoder types.


Absolute Encoder: Precision Positioning in the Digital Age

Embedded system designs all have one thing in common: a microprocessor and controller. These can be as sparse as 4-bit wide controllers with less than 1K of code space or as big as a multicore multi-GHz processing supercomputer with Gis of code space. But, modern IoT-based embedded system designs also have another typical requirement. Many designs will be mixed signals, so almost every design will include wireless communications.Herein lies a challenge. Will a designer choose an overkill all-in open processor with much more performance, peripherals, memory, and processing power than is needed just to have a single integrated processor or dedicated functional processors to handle dedicated and specific tasks?Both approaches may have merit depending on a variety of design constraints. Is time to market the driving force? Is cost the critical constraint? What about size or power efficiency? There are many factors and microcontrollers/microprocessors to choose from, especially as embedded systems invade our living space and become more prevalent. Nearly every place is now an intelligent environment.<h2>Wireless Protocols</h2>Every wireless device uses some sort of protocol to establish and maintain communications. While higher-cost, higher-end cellular protocols can be used for home and building communications, this carries the cost of a recurring monthly cellular fee. Modern 4G and 5G systems fall into this category, utilizing a range of wireless protocols for enhanced connectivity.Wi-Fi® is popular for media-based streaming and high-speed connectivity within a facility. Many Wi-Fi ICs and modules are readily available for designers in their embedded design. Still, many designs don't require the multi-Gbit/sec data rates or have higher power budgets to justify the more sophisticated and costly Wi-Fi medium.Zigbee,&nbsp;Bluetooth®, and LTE are the more power-friendly wireless protocols for room or building use. These require much less firmware, memory, and current, making them suitable for remote controls, lighting systems, media systems, temperature sensors, smoke/fire detectors, heating/cooling systems, and more.What makes these protocols even more desirable is the topological flexibility they offer. In addition to point-to-point, these protocols can offer star, mesh, peer-to-peer, and client-server architectures. Star networks require each node to be in closer proximity to the star center, which is usually an aggregator. Peer-to-peer and mesh networks can “pass the baton” from node to node and cover longer distances since packets propagate along a routing path. This can also help preserve battery life since not a lot of transmission power is needed. Eventually, packets that are necessary for connecting to the World Wide Web will need to be routed to an access point. In all cases, security should be used.<h2>Security</h2>Sometimes, a security breach can be just an annoyance, like if someone hacks into your smart TV and changes channels. Other cases can be more serious, though, such as someone hacking into a home medical system. Handling these threats can be tackled in a few ways, but the most common strategy is encryption.Many encryption algorithms and standards exist—some simple and some very complex. Wireless protocols like Zigbee and BLE have various methods of providing encryption protection. ZigBee uses 128-bit AES keys and is effective at applications layers as well as MAC layers. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) allows four layers of security:<ul><li>Level 1:No Security<ul><li>Used for scenarios where data confidentiality is not a concern.</li></ul></li><li>Level 2:Unauthenticated Pairing with Encryption<ul><li>Basic level of security, encrypting data transmission without verifying the identity of the connecting device.</li></ul></li><li>Level 3:Authenticated Pairing with Encryption<ul><li>Enhances security with a method of authentication, such as a PIN, before establishing an encrypted connection.</li></ul></li><li>Level 4: Authenticated LE Secure Connections<ul><li>The highest level of security in BLE, which uses an advanced encryption algorithm for authenticated pairing and secure connections.</li></ul></li></ul>Hardware-accelerated security functions can offload security functions from firmware and make processors much more desirable. Hardware encryption, decryption, hash code generation, pseudo-random sequence generators, and other blocks operate at lightning speed in hardware but take longer to implement in software. This adds latency time and requires the programmer to generate and debug more code.In addition to runtime data protection, another layer of security needs to be in place, which is called a secure boot. With secure boot, boot loader firmware is protected and locked, preventing anyone from rewriting this critical code and redirecting its functionality. Normally, unprotected firmware feeds a processor when it boots. If it is replaced in flash somehow, the system is compromised. Secure boot takes advantage of strongly encrypted initial boot instructions, which then use digital signatures to authenticate the next layer of startup code.<h2>A Dream Come True</h2>Realizing the tightrope that designers have to walk when choosing an ideal microcontroller/microprocessor, many device makers are providing microcontrollers/microprocessors targeting this massive market for IoT, building automation, automotive, and industrial control. These applications need more than a simple processor but don't need a super processor. While development time needs to be quick, cost and size are generally high on the list of constraints.One of the best ways to get the processors and peripherals you need is to use a system-on-chip (SoC) solution. These modular units can be made by an OEM for small quantity runs or used to prototype your own higher volume custom version.The key is the 64MHz&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/microchip/microchip-pic32cx-advanced-security-mcus/" target="_blank">PIC32CX-BZ3</a> family of processors based on the 32-bit Cortex MF4 Arm. This processor brings a multitude of peripherals and its secure boot ROM checks integrity and authenticity before executing to ensure system root trust. There are also eight protected memory zones and a final fuse that makes it impenetrable.The WBZ351 (Figure 1) drives the <a href="https://www.mouser.com/new/microchip/microchip-pic32x-bz3-wbz351-modules/" target="_blank">WBZ35x modules</a>, which feature a fully compliant Bluetooth Low Energy 5.2 transceiver. The transceiver is also Zigbee 3.0 certified with software stacks built around the robust MPLAB Harmony v3 framework.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1728876602476-WBZ351+Power+Module+Block+Diagram.webp" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 1: The peripheral-packed WBZ351 requires few external devices to implement the entire IoT or wireless design. (Source: Microchip Technology)Also important are the hardware-based security accelerator and public critical hardware (Figure 2). The AES security encryption and HASH code generator are also included to create a secure execution environment. Anti-rollback and firmware readable life cycle encounters offer even more levels of protection.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1728876638327-WBZ35x+Module+Block+Diagram.webp" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 2: The WBZ351 module contains all the processing horsepower and peripherals needed to support smart homes and buildings, industrial control and monitoring, and wireless IoT applications. (Source: Microchip Technology)<h2 id="isPasted">Conclusion</h2>When it comes to the IoT and smart environments, designers have a big job. They must integrate wireless connectivity with strict security measures. That’s where Bluetooth Low Energy and Zigbee come in. These solutions can cover large areas with mesh networks while consuming less power. By incorporating secure boot and capacitive touch functionalities, designers can accelerate concept-to-market and allow designers to meet the demands for security and user interaction in today’s IoT devices.The PIC32CX-BZ3 family of processors packs everything needed into one place, including advanced connectivity options and hardware-based security features. By leveraging powerful solutions, designers can navigate complex modern IoT ecosystems to ensure smart environments are intelligent, secure, and user-friendly.

When it comes to the IoT and smart environments, designers have a big job. They must integrate wireless connectivity with strict security measures. 

Wireless IoT Designs Just Got Easier

‘Industry 4.0’—the next&nbsp;stage of the Industrial Revolution—leans heavily on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to support large scale automation of traditional manufacturing practices. In turn, today’s IIoT is founded on wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) communication,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Technologies/Edge-AI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">edge computing</a>, and Machine Learning (ML).&nbsp;Wireless networks&nbsp;using these technologies&nbsp;link machine tools,&nbsp;programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, gateways, and the Cloud, enabling every part of the factory to gather and process data and share information with every other part as well as the Internet. This&nbsp;deep&nbsp;mine of information is enabling engineers to revolutionize how everything is manufactured - from cans to cars, screws to smartphones, and jigsaws to jet turbines.&nbsp;But there is always room for improvement. For example, machines can be further enhanced to improve yield and quality while using less material, while engineers can design products for greater sustainability. A new generation of IIoT solutions promises to make this happen.&nbsp;<h2>IIoT&nbsp;and M2M&nbsp;increase manufacturing flexibility&nbsp;</h2>Wireless technology not only cuts the cost of implementing IIoT connectivity it also makes it easy to reconfigure networks as the factory adapts and expands. Such technology not only changes the way products are made but also how they’re designed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, connectivity links the front office to the factory floor using M2M communications, allowing computer aided design (CAD) tools to talk to machine tools to directly program them to make parts. And machine tools can speak to CAD to let them know where the bottlenecks are in the manufacturing process such that products can be redesigned for simpler manufacture without compromising function.&nbsp;The results are an increase in productivity and reduction in product failures - bringing sustained cost savings and environmental benefits.&nbsp;<h2>Edge computing and&nbsp;ML&nbsp;optimize&nbsp;production in&nbsp;smart factories&nbsp;</h2>Once mass production is up-and-running, wireless technology makes the modern factory a highly controlled and optimized environment. Things rarely go wrong. But rarely doesn’t mean never. Today’s wireless&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Bluetooth-Low-Energy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bluetooth LE</a>&nbsp;Systems-on-Chip (SoCs) from Nordic incorporate powerful embedded processors to perform edge processing, looking for the infrequent trends that indicate things might be changing for the worse. This edge computing is increasingly reliant on ML models constantly adapting to spot deviations in sensor trends and forwarding the key information for further action.&nbsp;&nbsp;Such models can help to pre-empt issues that might arise due to these external factors—for instance, an increase in humidity caused by workers arriving for the day, air flow from open windows and doors, and changes in temperature throughout the day and night—and adjust machine settings in advance of those factors&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;manufacturing processes. And dedicated vibration and acoustic sensors can&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;the machine tools to make sure they are in the best of health. Any unusual vibration, temperature increase or increase in power consumption can be reported ahead of a breakdown for early maintenance – thus preventing an unscheduled and expensive hiatus in production.&nbsp;<h2>Tech to&nbsp;power the industrial future&nbsp;</h2>But while modern factories are impressive examples of the power of connectivity, standing still is not an option. The Japanese concept of Kaizen (“improvement”) epitomizes this strategy. Kaizen guides continuous effort across the factory to improve programs and processes while eliminating waste and redundancy. Kaizen has proved so successful that it has spread throughout the world.&nbsp;To continue the improvement process, factories will need even better wireless technology than they have today. Nordic is working hard and investing deeply to build and supply the next generation of IIoT technology. Several multiprotocol SoCs and Systems-in-Package (SiPs) from Nordic’s product range already support TinyML, a framework for running embedded ML on constrained devices. But there’s much more to come.&nbsp;The company’s new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF54H20">nRF54H20 SoC</a>, for example, integrates multiple Arm Cortex-M33 processors, clocked up to 320 MHz, together with multiple RISC-V coprocessors. The higher clock speeds of the SoC’s application processors allow for reduced processing latency for AI operations, when compared to Nordic’s nRF5340 SoC.&nbsp;&nbsp;Better yet the nRF54H20 brings increased efficiency—cutting the power consumption required to run equivalent operations—because it is fabricated using the cutting-edge 22-nm process node. In addition, Nordic’s next-generation multiprotocol radio offers improvements in both TX power and RX sensitivity, enabling efficient and reliable transfer of information from embedded ML applications to Cloud connected devices, or between different nodes in a network. This makes the SoC ideal for next generation IIoT applications.&nbsp;&nbsp;The nRF54H20 will be supported in Nordic’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Technologies/Edge-AI/ML-Studio?lang=en#infotabs">ML Studio</a>&nbsp;alongside the nRF52, nRF53, nRF91 Series products already supported.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>The beginning of a revolution&nbsp;</h2>Wireless tech is&nbsp;booming&nbsp;in&nbsp;IIoT&nbsp;applications.&nbsp;According to&nbsp;ABI Research, the Bluetooth-enabled industrial devices market&nbsp;alone&nbsp;is expected to grow from 143 million annual unit shipments in 2023 to over 611 million by 2028, achieving a CAGR of 34 percent over the five-year forecast&nbsp;period[1]. But even with this impressive growth things are just getting&nbsp;started; Industry 4.0 is set to have a larger impact on global manufacturing than all three&nbsp;previous&nbsp;major leaps in the industrial revolution combined.&nbsp;<hr><h3>References </h3>1. https://www.abiresearch.com/market-research/product/7783366-how-can-bluetooth-technology-enable-digita/&nbsp;

‘Industry 4.0’—the next stage of the Industrial Revolution—leans heavily on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to support large scale automation of traditional manufacturing practices.

Machine Learning is transforming the Industrial Internet of Things

GPS is a critical tool in modern society, and there’s more that can be done to improve the coverage, safety, and security of the technology. | iStock/aapsky

An expert in global positioning technologies looks ahead to expand GPS’s capabilities to the moon and, perhaps, beyond.

The Future of GPS: Innovations and Impacts on Navigation

Most modern Internet-of-Things appliances and devices can be monitored, controlled and activated from anywhere in the world. These things generate data regularly,&nbsp;and collectively they account for a massive amount of data. To access information and services quickly and reliably, companies across all sectors are more invested in connectivity, which entails faster, more reliable networks and better encryption and security.Smart cities have the potential to better people’s lives by bridging the gap between the connected consumer and a connected infrastructure. Imagine a world where you save time getting to your flight because an application in your cellphone let you know of an open parking spot on level 4, or if traffic lights could more dynamically control traffic flow to ease commutes. Imagine if a connected lighting pole in front of your house could communicate with the utility company when the lights go out.Connectivity is a key part of making this a reality.Utilities and companies developing products for smart cities have several connectivity options, and the Wi-SUN field area network (FAN) is a good option. Why? Let’s start by considering its reliability.Most common network topologies are star or mesh (shown in <a href="https://www.ti.com/document-viewer/lit/html/sszt224?keyMatch=wireless%20connectivity#R_DOCUMENT-HEADER1_FIG1" data-di-id="di-id-d6fb6dc7-f2bdb606" target="_blank">Figure 1</a>); Wi-SUN is a mesh network.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1728285513761-GUID-3EFD7940-459B-4C51-BC94-BB8C2D12EA0A-low.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 1 Example of mesh and star networksThe star topology is simple and easy to configure, having a hierarchical structure, where bridges and switches are normally connected to a small number of end nodes. Because of its structure, it can have a single point of failure, which may cause concerns when a field crew must perform maintenance or replace a malfunctioning device to keep the network up and running.A mesh topology is not a hierarchical structure, and as such, you can add routers dynamically to the network to extend the range of a node, using self-configuration to connect to other routers. In the event of a router failure, the network will go into “self-healing” mode, during which the routers find another available connection to allow traffic to continue. What does that mean for end users? A more robust network and reduced downtime for the thousands of connected nodes.Wi-SUN is based on a frequency-hopping scheme, which contributes to its robustness and reliability because it reduces potential packet losses caused by interference from other networks, especially in high-density areas like city downtowns (shown in <a href="https://www.ti.com/document-viewer/lit/html/sszt224?keyMatch=wireless%20connectivity#R_DOCUMENT-HEADER1_FIG2" data-di-id="di-id-ee77b11a-499d32a" target="_blank">Figure 2</a>). Frequency hopping also makes it possible to transmit high-output power in Canada and in the Americas, up to +30 dBm.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1728285532756-GUID-4F64B902-0E17-4C7E-8D0F-D3BF7808E1BC-low.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 2 Example of how frequency-hopping can avoid interferenceWi-SUN supports a range of data rates, trading off coverage versus throughput. This enables the Wi-SUN FAN to meet the needs of a wide range of network deployment applications, like electric vehicle charging stations, smart transportation, smart parking, environmental sensors and traffic management (<a href="https://www.ti.com/document-viewer/lit/html/sszt224?keyMatch=wireless%20connectivity#R_DOCUMENT-HEADER1_FIG3" data-di-id="di-id-9d147ffe-6cb3c431" target="_blank" id="isPasted">Figure 3</a>). Consider the smart city example – throughput and coverage needs can vary widely among certain applications. Smart meters and smart parking, for example, have a need to transmit different amounts of data. The Wi-SUN FAN can scale as needed to meet these varied demands, enabling the applications illustrated below.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1728285551351-GUID-3D6F6448-2D9D-4A18-B2AA-52D864BA34C3-low.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 3 Example of potential applications using the Wi-SUN FANAnother concern that Wi-SUN addresses is security. Hackers are sharpening their skills by the minute, and networks must be resilient against potential threats designed to steal data. Wi-SUN has a security profile that uses device certificates authenticated by trusted root certification authorities to prevent unauthorized network access. It also uses cryptoalgorithms such as elliptic curve Diffie-Hellman, elliptic curve digital signature algorithm and Advanced Encryption Standard-128 cipher block chaining-message authentication code to preserve message confidentiality and integrity. This is important when adding new devices to the network and enabling their identification and authentication. Wi-SUN equipment manufacturers can even obtain a cybersecurity certificate indicating compliance with the FAN Technical Profile Specification.Because Wi-SUN provides scalability reliability, security and high speed, you may be wondering if it is costly. The good news is that Wi-SUN is an open-standard solution, based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4g wireless standard. As an open standard, it allows the interoperability of equipment from different manufacturers, which may translate to competitive prices for consumers. To guarantee compatibility, manufacturers must go through a formal certification process, which should give city managers and utility companies peace of mind.As of this month, there are more than 230 members of the Wi-SUN alliance representing 26 countries, with more than 96 million devices deployed worldwide.Texas Instruments provides transceivers and network processors that support Wi-SUN FAN 1.0. For example, the low-power and high-performance <a href="https://www.ti.com/product/CC1200" target="_blank" data-di-id="di-id-aca99eaa-a03fa6f8">CC1200</a> wireless transceiver supports a maximum transmission data rate of 1 Mbps and has a sensitivity of -122 dBm at 1.2 kbps, which translates to high speed and long range. It also meets North American, European and Japanese standards.For developers looking for a network processor, <a href="https://www.ti.com/product/CC1312R" target="_blank" data-di-id="di-id-479cf99c-d47db8bb">CC1312R</a> and <a href="https://www.ti.com/product/CC1352P" target="_blank" data-di-id="di-id-479cf99c-2279ca15">CC1352P</a> wireless microcontrollers include a 48-MHz Arm® Cortex® M4F, with flash memory (so you can update your firmware over the air) and a cryptoaccelerator for security purposes. Block diagram shown in <a href="https://www.ti.com/document-viewer/lit/html/sszt224?keyMatch=wireless%20connectivity#R_LEADING_INDUSTRY_CONNECTIVITY_AS_A_WI-SUN_ALLIANCE_PROMOTER_MEMBE_FIG1" data-di-id="di-id-effaa648-b73565f1" target="_blank">Figure 4</a> below.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1728285585273-GUID-0CC59979-23D9-45DD-9B1F-DF489DD4B4F9-low.png" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 4 CC13x2 Block DiagramWi-SUN brings these benefits to utilities, equipment manufacturers and end users:<ul><li>A robust network with low downtime due its mesh configuration.</li><li>A reliable communication technology that uses frequency-hopping scheme, resulting in a very low number of packet losses in noisy and high-density areas.</li><li>A secure network through a well-defined security profile.</li></ul><hr><h2>Additional resources</h2><ul><li>Check out our&nbsp;<a href="https://training.ti.com/wi-sun-connected-lights-demo-smart-cities" target="_blank" data-di-id="di-id-f84d052b-a737642a">demo video</a> exploring the benefits of a Wi-SUN mesh network.</li><li>Learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wi-sun.org/wp-content/uploads/Wi-SUN-Alliance-Fact-Sheet.pdf" target="_blank" data-di-id="di-id-1a43033b-4aa5aee6" data-lf-fd-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">Wi-SUN FAN certification program</a>.</li><li>Explore&nbsp;<a href="https://wi-sun.org/cyber-security-certificates/" target="_blank" data-di-id="di-id-e0bdc1fa-5eea0d1">cybersecurity certification</a>.</li><li>Request information about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ti.com/licreg/docs/swlicexportcontrol.tsp?form_id=324287&prod_no=WISUN-STACK&ref_url=epd_connect_sub1ghz%20" target="_blank" data-di-id="di-id-dc31faa5-5043dcf9">software TI provides for WI-SUN projects</a>.</li></ul>

To access information and services quickly and reliably, companies across all sectors are more invested in connectivity, which entails faster, more reliable networks and better encryption and security.

How Wi-SUN FAN Improves Connected Infrastructures

Exploring the design, development, connectivity, security, and more aspects of IoT devices

Internet of Things: A Comprehensive Guide to its Engineering Principles and Applications

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Introduction

The Blueprint for a Modern Smart Factory

Technology Enablers of Manufacturing Automation and Future Factories 

Applications of the Factory of the Future 

The Human Factor: Trustworthy Technologies and Workforce Upskilling 

Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance in Manufacturing Automation

Measuring ROI and Sustainability

Report Conclusion

A Comprehensive Guide to Manufacturing Automation

Building the Factory of Tomorrow

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A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a specialized computer that operates factory machines, power plants, and even theme parks. Unlike a regular PC, a PLC can handle tough environments to manage production lines or operate elevators. This article will discuss its operations and unique features.

What is a PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers): A Comprehensive Guide

A low-voltage motor control centre with fixed shelves

A deep dive into the basics of MCC buckets, architecture, applications, and challenges associated with the implementation of MCC buckets in varying industrial infrastructures.

MCC Buckets: Engineering Marvels Revolutionizing Material Handling

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What is a VFD: Unlocking the Power of Variable Frequency Drives

IoT

Building the Factory of Tomorrow

Introduction

1. The Blueprint for a Modern Smart Factory

2. Technology Enablers of Manufacturing Automation and Future Factories

3. Applications of the Factory of the Future

4. The Human Factor: Trustworthy Technologies and Workforce Upskilling

5. Cybersecurity and Regulatory Compliance in Manufacturing Automation

6. Measuring ROI and Sustainability

7. Report Conclusion

Internet of Things: A Comprehensive Guide to its Engineering Principles and Applications

Profiles