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<?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="https://community.element14.com/cfs-file/__key/system/syndication/rss.xsl" media="screen"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"><channel><title>Learning Center</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/</link><description>your place for all things related to learning about electronic engineering. </description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>Telligent Community 12</generator><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/essentials/w/documents/4074/automation-control-panel-design?CommentId=d4ff035f-d3eb-4235-a074-62898bb79b15</link><pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:49:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:d4ff035f-d3eb-4235-a074-62898bb79b15</guid><dc:creator>Daniela</dc:creator><description>Good course</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/essentials/w/documents/27834/learn-the-basics-of-motor-and-drive-efficiency?CommentId=17386c0b-3e54-45d6-a67d-6b370027ca53</link><pubDate>Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:15:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:17386c0b-3e54-45d6-a67d-6b370027ca53</guid><dc:creator>Keita_W</dc:creator><description>Very useful piece of knowledge when working with motors, thank you :)</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Position Sensing That Never Forgets: Inside Analog Devices' Absolute Rotary Encoder</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/b/blog/posts/position-sensing-that-never-forgets-inside-analog-devices-absolute-rotary-encoder</link><pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 10:05:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:00709832-612c-4810-ad93-d1658327ac8f</guid><dc:creator>Vinod-G</dc:creator><description>Imagine a six‑axis industrial robot arm mid‑cycle on a factory floor. The power goes off, and production grinds to a halt. Once power is restored, the controller faces a critical challenge that must be resolved before production can resume: Where exactly is each joint right now? With a conventional rotary encoder, the answer can be found only after a full rehoming routine is completed. The controller executes a predetermined sequence in which each axis is first moved sequentially to a reference limit before production resumes. However, such downtime costs money. In surgical robots or flight‑surface actuators, unplanned shutdowns carry even more serious consequences. Analog Devices has solved this problem at the silicon level with the ADMT4000, a pioneer single-chip True Power-On (TPO) multiturn absolute position sensor. Why Every Existing Solution Is a Workaround Prior to the ADMT4000, designers solving the multiturn TPO problem faced three well-known but imperfect paths. Battery-Backed FRAM Systems : Maintain turn counts during power loss but depend on batteries or capacitors that age and require maintenance, especially in regulated or explosion-risk environments. Wiegand Wire Energy Harvesters : Remove the battery but require additional magnetic assemblies, PCB space, and qualification effort. Gear Reduction Mechanisms: Translate multiturn motion into single-turn sensing, but add backlash, wear, alignment sensitivity, and mechanical bulk, making them unsuitable for compact or high-cycle designs. The ADMT4000 Approach A 24-pin TSSOP IC runs from a single 3.3 V supply. There is no need for any battery, energy harvester, or any external magnetic assembly. Even a gearbox is superfluous. Turn counting happens passively in the physics of a nanowire spiral — drawing 0 nA at V DD = 0 V. The Physics Behind Zero-Power Turn Counting The ADMT4000 is built around a GMR spiral, a ferromagnetic nanowire coil that records rotations through stable magnetic domain walls. As the external magnet rotates, domain walls move through the spiral and retain their position without power. Even when V DD and V DRIVE are 0 V, drawing 0 nA, the magnetic pattern continues tracking rotations. On power-up, ADCs read the GMR resistance pattern, and the decoder instantly converts it into a turn count without movement, calibration, or host intervention. This is a physical readout of passive magnetic memory in silicon, supporting 0 to 46 turns. Figure 1. GMR multiturn operating principle — domain wall propagation through the ferromagnetic nanowire spiral (Source: analog.com) Triple Sensor Architecture: From Domain Walls to 16,560&amp;#176; Absolute Position Turn count alone is insufficient. To resolve where the shaft sits on a given turn, the ADMT4000 integrates two additional sensor types on the same die — forming a three-sensor architecture that requires no external components beyond the application magnet. GMR Turn Count Sensor: The nanowire spiral described above tracks 0–46 whole turns in a resistance-encoded domain wall pattern. It functions without power. AMR Angle Sensor: Two sets of anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) elements arranged in Wheatstone bridges, offset by 45&amp;#176; from each other. Output voltages are proportional to the sine and cosine of the incident magnetic field direction, delivering a resolved angle over 0&amp;#176;–180&amp;#176; of rotation with &amp;#177;0.25&amp;#176; accuracy (typical, at 25 mT, 25&amp;#176;C). GMR Quadrant Sensor: Extends the AMR sensor&amp;#39;s 0&amp;#176;–180&amp;#176; range to a full 360&amp;#176; by detecting the magnetic quadrant, removing the inherent AMR 180&amp;#176; ambiguity. The digital signal processor on-chip fuses all three sensor outputs into a single value stored in the ABSANGLE register. Upper 6 bits encode whole turns in straight binary; lower 10 bits encode within-turn angle at 0.351&amp;#176; resolution. Result: a continuous absolute position range of more than 16,560&amp;#176;, delivered over SPI on every conversion cycle. Figure 2. ADMT4000 Functional Block Diagram showing GMR turn count, AMR angle, and GMR quadrant sensor integration (Source: analog.com) That silicon-level integration becomes especially valuable at the mechanical interface, where the only external requirement is a correctly positioned dipole magnet. Figure 3. Typical end-of-shaft application assembly — NdFeB/SmCo dipole magnet above ADMT4000 in TSSOP package (Source: analog.com) Electrical Specifications at a Glance Parameter Value Design Significance Turn Count Range 0 to 46 turns Covers most industrial and automotive multi-turn ranges Absolute Position Output &amp;gt;16,560&amp;#176; Single ABSANGLE register read — no host-side computation needed Angle Accuracy &amp;#177;0.25&amp;#176; (typ., 25 mT, 25&amp;#176;C) Sub-degree precision for servo and actuator closed-loop control Angle Noise (IIR filter off) 0.25&amp;#176; RMS (25&amp;#176;C, 25 mT) Baseline for medium-precision applications Angle Noise (IIR filter on) 0.03&amp;#176; RMS (25&amp;#176;C, 25 mT) &amp;gt;8&amp;#215; noise reduction for precision motion control Measurement Update Rate 100 kSPS Sufficient for high-speed servo control loops Magnetic Field Window 16 mT – 31 mT Compatible with NdFeB and SmCo end-of-shaft magnets Zero-Power Mode Current 0 nA (V DD = 0 V, V DRIVE = 0 V) True battery-free passive turn counting Active Mode Current 18–22 mA (one-shot, typ.) Standard 3.3 V CMOS power envelope V DD Supply 3.0 V – 3.6 V (nom. 3.3 V) Single supply; compatible with standard MCU rails V DRIVE (SPI Logic) 1.7 V – 5.5 V Direct interface to 1.8 V, 3.3 V, or 5 V microcontrollers Junction Temperature −40&amp;#176;C to +150&amp;#176;C Full industrial and automotive grade qualification SPI Interface Mode 0, up to 10 MHz SCLK 5-bit CRC per frame (polynomial x⁵ + x&amp;#178; + 1, seed 0x1F) Package 24-pin TSSOP Compact footprint; θJA = 73.25&amp;#176;C/W, θJC = 17.56&amp;#176;C/W Table 1. ADMT4000 technical specifications (Source: analog.com) On-Chip Intelligence: Calibration, ECC, and Fault Management Harmonic Calibration Engine: The ADMT4000 corrects 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 8th harmonic errors caused by misalignment, magnet offset, tolerances, and shaft tilt using dedicated SPI calibration registers. Redundant Turn Count Decoding: Primary and redundant turn count decoders run in parallel and trigger a fault if outputs differ by more than 0.5 turns. NVM Integrity — ECC: Factory calibration and configuration data are ECC-protected with single-bit correction and double-bit detection. SPI Data Integrity — 5-bit CRC: Each SPI frame uses 5-bit CRC to detect single and double bit errors. Fault Register Coverage: The FAULT register monitors magnetic, decoder, NVM, ECC, voltage, and interface errors. Magnetic Reset: A Critical Production Step The GMR turn count sensor must be reset once. This is to be done at the point of final assembly with the installed application magnet. This injects a known domain wall pattern into the nanowire spiral, establishing a calibrated zero reference. Reset is also required if the sensor is exposed to a field exceeding BMAX, or if FAULT bits D9 or D13 are set. Two methods are available for resetting the GMR turn count sensor. The mechanical method rotates the system magnet a minimum of 46 turns clockwise. The preferred production method applies an external field exceeding 60 mT at the 315&amp;#176; orientation for at least 10 &amp;#181;s. Figure 4. Embedded reset coil position and alignment relative to ADMT4000; reset pulse voltage and current waveforms (Source: analog.com) Once the reset geometry is fixed, the production challenge shifts to delivering a clean, repeatable magnetic pulse. Figure 5. Reset pulse voltage and current waveforms. Yellow: voltage at drain terminal of Q1; green: voltage at gate of Q1; blue: voltage at source terminal of Q1; magenta: current pulse through coil L2. (Source: analog.com) Application Landscape The ADMT4000 surfaces up in a plethora of applications: INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION Robotics and Cobots: Joint position tracking across power cycles eliminates rehoming after power interruption. Wire Draw Encoders: Turn counting supports cable drums, hoists, winches, spools, and reels, including powered-off movement. Figure 6. Wire draw encoder rotary-to-linear configuration (Source: analog.com) AUTOMOTIVE Steer-by-Wire / EPS: Absolute steering angle is available at ignition-on without calibration or wheel sweep. Transmission &amp;amp; Parking Actuators: Position confirmation works without battery drain during key-off cycles. MEDICAL &amp;amp; INDUSTRIAL x-y Tables &amp;amp; Machine Tools: Power-on absolute tracking avoids startup initialization movement. MOTOR CONTROL Brushless DC Motors: Startup rotor position enables immediate commutation without homing. Figure 7 shows how the ADMT4000 combines zero-power turn counting with absolute angle sensing to report true multiturn position immediately after power-up—without batteries, gears, or rehoming. Figure 7. Steer-by-wire absolute angle application (Source: analog.com) Conclusion - Enabling the Next Generation of Position Sensing The ADMT4000 does not incrementally improve on existing multiturn position sensing solutions — it replaces the entire subsystem architecture. What previously required a battery or energy harvester, an FRAM chip, supporting circuitry, a maintenance schedule, and ongoing service costs now fits inside a single 24-pin TSSOP IC running from 3.3 V. The BOM, PCB footprint, and system qualification scope shrink. The field maintenance contract disappears. Most importantly, the time-to-position after any power event collapses from a multi-axis rehoming sequence to a single SPI register read. For any design where shaft position must be known the instant power returns, the ADMT4000 makes zero-power absolute positioning the design default rather than the engineering achievement. For more innovative products from ADI Shop Now ADMT4000BRUZAB Buy Now About the Sponsor Every day, electronic devices are becoming smarter with greater integration. Body sensors can monitor our health. Cars can drive themselves. Networked homes can power up when needed. Analog Devices are solving engineering problems and empowering design innovation, enabling our customers to create products that shape our world. They invent highly integrated solutions that make technology seamless. Their innovative and high-performance analog and mixed-signal products and technologies make systems smaller and smarter, with enhanced security and increased energy efficiency. They channel their collective expertise to stretch the limits of technology, understand your needs, and help you get to market faster. For more information, click here.</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/admt4000">admt4000</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/adi">adi</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/ADI_2D00_e14">ADI-e14</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Position%2bsensing">Position sensing</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Zero_2D00_Power%2bPosition%2bsensing">Zero-Power Position sensing</category></item><item><title>File: Hasbro Smart R2D2 control by Casio calculator and new DroidX web browser app</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/m/managed-videos/151686</link><pubDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:42:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:a30c7cf9-767a-40a3-822d-e85bc4a6bf32</guid><dc:creator>MikeNZ</dc:creator><description>Retore control of your Hasbro Smart R2D2! Hasbro&amp;#39;s Smart R2-D2 was sold in 2016 with an Android app that controlled it over Bluetooth. Modern phones will not install it, so the toy lost a lot of functionality and playability. Nothing is wrong with...</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/esp32">esp32</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Homemade%2bsensors">Homemade sensors</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Hasbro%2bR2D2">Hasbro R2D2</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/webserver">webserver</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Casio%2bgraphing%2bcalculator">Casio graphing calculator</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Casio%2bFX_2D00_9860">Casio FX-9860</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/keypad">keypad</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/remote%2bcontrol">remote control</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/hmi">hmi</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Hasbro%2bSmart%2bR2D2">Hasbro Smart R2D2</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/DroidX">DroidX</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/RIGEL">RIGEL</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Maker%2bScience">Maker Science</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/hands_2D00_on%2bmaths">hands-on maths</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/human%2bmachine%2binterface">human machine interface</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Science%2btools">Science tools</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Casio%2bFX_2D00_9750">Casio FX-9750</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/low%2bcost%2bscience">low cost science</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/R2D2%2bapp">R2D2 app</category></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/b/blog/posts/catching-what-swept-analyzers-miss-lab-grade-wideband-rf-analysis-in-a-handheld-platform?CommentId=657281dc-62bd-401e-a419-11e895d0cef0</link><pubDate>Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:54:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:657281dc-62bd-401e-a419-11e895d0cef0</guid><dc:creator>balajivan1995</dc:creator><description>I looked up the product, and my honest thought was &amp;quot;Was that few extra digits by mistake?&amp;quot;</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/microbit/b/blog/posts/use-a-casio-caclulator-as-a-microbit-display-and-keypad---data-logging-remote-control-and-more?CommentId=25066841-56e7-4acf-9a27-94f281d2099f</link><pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:42:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:25066841-56e7-4acf-9a27-94f281d2099f</guid><dc:creator>DAB</dc:creator><description>Nice project.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Use a Casio Caclulator as a Microbit display and keypad - data logging, remote control,and more</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/microbit/b/blog/posts/use-a-casio-caclulator-as-a-microbit-display-and-keypad---data-logging-remote-control-and-more</link><pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:27:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:60125b43-f53d-4583-b496-de67e5b14936</guid><dc:creator>MikeNZ</dc:creator><description>A discovery from 2007 fully exploited in 2026 - hacking the Casio calculator serial protocol The Microbit is the board most schools already own for jumior classes. Using these as cross-curricula sensor units requires adding a display, a keypad, SD module to save data. But what if you could build something greater than the sum of the parts? And cheaper? Greatly extend the capabilities of a calculator many students already own. You can even upcycle old Casio FX-9750 G Plus calculators - and transform both the Microbit and Casio calculator into a general purpose tool for physical education, health, science, mathematics, Internet-of-things (IoT), and robotics / instrumentation. Reduce electronic waste at the same time! What is that port for again? The forgotten feature in the 2.5 mm port of a Casio FX-9750 and FX-9860 is now available on my GitHub, open-source and free. It takes the burden off the teacher, because the learners become the experts - constructing, coding and repairing their own smart data logger that also acts as a remote control and automation control interface. This is an extension of my 2008 research, which carried classroom validation and student feedback, now with a modern facelift and cross-platform compatibility. Full serial communication between the Casio and Microbit Full bidirectional communication using the Casio serial protocol works with Arduino, Picaxe, Microbit, ESP8266, and ESP32. Learners can record heart rate, temperature, sound level, and other readings using sensors they build themselves, for cents or a few dollars. Use an old Casio G Plus (I got one very a few dollars from a second-hand shop) to give a alphanumeric display and a keypad to the Microbit. There low-cost universal serial interface is simple and connects with 5V and 3V microcontroller and Casio models safely. Instructions, C++ code, teacher and student manual are here: https://mikefentonnz.github.io/projects/casio-calculator-data-logger-hack.html So, what do you want to build using a keypad and display most students already have access to at senior level? A historical heart rate monitor? A NASA Mars orbital surveyor simulator? A colorimeter to monitor a chemical change that logs every 2 seconds or every 2 minutes? A remote control for a robot? A PIN pad to open a secure system? All these ideas are demonstrated and work - and the calculator still does maths!</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/tutorial">tutorial</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/makerspace">makerspace</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/stem">stem</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/teaching%2bprogramming">teaching programming</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/microbit%2bv1">microbit v1</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/microbit%2bv2">microbit v2</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/microbit%2bprojects">microbit projects</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/diy">diy</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/fitness">fitness</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/bbc%2bmicrobit">bbc microbit</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/code">code</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/big%2bideas">big ideas</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/sensor">sensor</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/lesson%2bplans">lesson plans</category></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Green Envy finally gets to make its debut at Lake Gairdner</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/52707/green-envy-finally-gets-to-make-its-debut-at-lake-gairdner/237955</link><pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:21:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:5951ed82-30f9-41c5-87c0-4f69ed66b277</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>Well, I did try... https://community.element14.com/members-area/f/forum/55579/top-tech-voices-podcast-episode-5-evs-the-race-to-electrify-power-management/227213</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Green Envy finally gets to make its debut at Lake Gairdner</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/52707/green-envy-finally-gets-to-make-its-debut-at-lake-gairdner/237951</link><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:20:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:e05dc997-62fd-4bcf-a5cd-7a1006aa858f</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>Final run for this event, finishing with a good result. The weather held out, which is a factor when you have to ship your machinery and mobile workshop halfway around the world for an event window typically lasting just a few days. The next outing should be even more interesting now that a lot of the initial gremlins appear to have been evicted. (Co-pilot Dolly looks pleased with this week&amp;#39;s result.) (&amp;#39;Top Time of The Meet!&amp;#39; award)</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Green Envy finally gets to make its debut at Lake Gairdner</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/52707/green-envy-finally-gets-to-make-its-debut-at-lake-gairdner/237950</link><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:46:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:229a6db8-4dc9-4446-a6fa-b895622b48d7</guid><dc:creator>cstanton</dc:creator><description>I feel this whole thing deserves a dedicated blog post with more info, this is so cool.</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Green Envy finally gets to make its debut at Lake Gairdner</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/52707/green-envy-finally-gets-to-make-its-debut-at-lake-gairdner/237949</link><pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:29:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:9cdc5b9c-23a1-4b67-87da-9834b4d6758c</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>Meta glasses and LED matrix displays at 222MPH... https://www.instagram.com/eva_hakansson/p/DcfCSyCCF0Y/</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Green Envy finally gets to make its debut at Lake Gairdner</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/52707/green-envy-finally-gets-to-make-its-debut-at-lake-gairdner/237915</link><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:50:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:a7d99001-e0a5-4b00-bb2b-e283cb1a33bd</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>Green Envy is currently at Bonneville this week ready for the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials 23rd - 27th August. Salt looks good, the shakedown runs on the runway last month went well, so hopefully a chance for some fast runs at long last.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/b/blog/posts/how-does-a-silicon-photomultiplier-work?CommentId=a4115c88-64bb-4940-b495-b1373fd2cf5a</link><pubDate>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:45:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:a4115c88-64bb-4940-b495-b1373fd2cf5a</guid><dc:creator>ANIL_GUPTA</dc:creator><description>Very good discription in easy language and good information, now scintillation detectors size will reduse. What is the cost compare to PMT?</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/w/documents/28134/how-do-we-optimize-renewable-energy-and-energy-harvesting?CommentId=cd6fc225-13ea-4d8d-9ed4-affb62e562d5</link><pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2026 03:05:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:cd6fc225-13ea-4d8d-9ed4-affb62e562d5</guid><dc:creator>ggabe</dc:creator><description>This article misses the bigger optimization opportunity. The problem is increasingly not how to harvest more renewable energy , but how to stop throwing away what we already generate . That problem is called curtailment : solar and wind generation is deliberately reduced because the grid cannot absorb, transmit, store, or economically use it. The interesting engineering problem is therefore curtailment reduction : storage, flexible loads, EV charging, HVAC, industrial demand, transmission, and smarter scheduling that move consumption to when renewable energy is abundant. Optimizing another converter for a fraction of a percent is nice. Using megawatt-hours we currently throw away is the bigger opportunity.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Modular Precision ATE Test Platforms for Next-Generation Validation</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/b/blog/posts/modular-precision-ate-test-platforms-for-next-generation-validation</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:26:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:9c5a420d-694c-4841-9745-825f8679c0e1</guid><dc:creator>Vinod-G</dc:creator><description>Advancements in semiconductor technology, optoelectronics, and power electronics have introduced new challenges for test and measurement infrastructure. Modern devices require higher precision, faster throughput, and more flexible test configurations. Traditional benchtop instruments often struggle to scale efficiently and integrate seamlessly into automated workflows. They consume excessive rack space, lack reconfiguration flexibility, and cause costly downtime during maintenance, turning these limitations into critical bottlenecks. Modular precision test platforms address all these challenges effectively. The Tektronix MP5000 Series Modular Precision Test System redefines Automated Test Equipment (ATE) by combining high-density modularity, sub-microsecond synchronization, and embedded automation in a compact 1U chassis. This spotlight explores the technical architecture of the MP5000, specifically detailing how its embedded Test Script Processor (TSP&amp;#174;) technology and modular design solve the &amp;quot;Cost of Test&amp;quot; equation. What is a Script-Driven Modular Test System? A script-driven modular test system represents the latest evolution of standard ATE. Unlike traditional instruments that rely on a central PC to send individual commands for every action (source, measure, decision), a script-driven system embeds a processor directly within the instrument. This enables the instrument to execute complex test sequences locally. This feature, when combined with a modular chassis design, allows users to mix Source Measure Units (SMUs) and Power Supply Units (PSUs) in a single frame. Such systems provide a high-density solution that maximizes channels per rack unit. Key Challenges in Conventional Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Precision degradation in high-channel systems: Accuracy and resolution often decline as channel count increases, particularly for low-level current and voltage measurements. Poor Low-Current Measurement Capability: Many ATE platforms struggle with picoamp-to-nanoamp measurements due to noise, leakage, and inadequate front-end design. Synchronization and Parallel Testing Limitations: Difficulty in tightly synchronizing multiple instruments results in sequential sampling, timing errors, and reduced test fidelity. High System Footprint and Rack Density Constraints: Traditional ATE consumes significant rack space and requires extensive infrastructure, limiting laboratory and production floor efficiency. System Downtime During Maintenance and Calibration: Calibration complexity and module-level servicing often result in extended downtime and reduced test availability. Calibration complexity and long-term accuracy drift Maintaining traceability and precision over time is costly and operationally intensive. Automation and Software Complexity: Steep learning curves, fragmented software stacks, and custom scripting increase development time and maintenance overhead. High Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Initial capital expense combined with ongoing costs for calibration, maintenance, infrastructure, and upgrades reduces return on investment (ROI). What Makes the MP5000 a Precision Test Platform? Precision measurement requires stability, repeatability, and seamless integration into automated environments. The MP5000 achieves this through a combination of technologies and design principles that distinguishes it from both standalone bench instruments and other modular test architectures. The key USPs are: True Mix-and-Match Modularity: The MP5103 mainframe provides three slots that accept any combination of MSMU60-2 source measure units and MPSU50-2ST programmable power supplies. Independent slot power control means engineers can remove, replace, or upgrade modules without powering down the system. They can swap a module in minutes while the remaining channels continue testing. This capability transforms maintenance from a system-disrupting event into a routine operation that barely affects throughput. Unprecedented Channel Density: The MP5000 packs up to 6 independent channels into a single 1U mainframe, optimizing rack space and reducing overall system costs compared to bulkier alternatives. A traditional six-channel SMU configuration consumes approximately 12U of rack space. The MP5000 accomplishes the same in 1U. The MSMU60-2 provides two complete four-quadrant source-measure channels, while the MPSU50-2ST delivers two isolated 50-watt power supply channels. Ultra-Low Noise Precision: With current resolution down to 100 fA and voltage down to 500 nV (6&amp;#189;-digit accuracy), the MP5000 is tailored for sensitive measurements in low-power devices like photodiodes and sensors. Embedded Automation: The built-in Test Script Processor (TSP&amp;#174;) runs Lua-based scripts directly on the instrument, eliminating PC latency for faster, more reliable test execution. When paired with the TSP Toolkit (a Visual Studio Code extension for debugging and no-code generation), it simplifies custom automation. Engineers can choose their path: code with the Python driver (tm_devices beta; IVI-C/.NET and LabVIEW soon), script effortlessly using the free TSP Toolkit VS Code extension (with autocomplete, validation, and live debugging; beta auto-generates I-V scripts), or go no-code with the upcoming Automated Characterization Suite (ACS) for drag-and-drop test sequences. Sub-Microsecond Synchronization: TSP-Link&amp;#174; technology delivers &amp;lt;500 ns timing across up to 32 linked mainframes, perfect for parallel multi-site testing in production lines. Future-Ready Scalability: The engineer can stack, rack, or link units effortlessly. While current modules cover essential needs, development continues on enhancements like a 200V high-pulse SMU module. This module is slated for early 2026 release to handle higher-voltage applications in semiconductors. Fig 1. MP5000 Series Modular Precision Test System ( Source ) A few special technologies power these features: TSP and TSP-Link: TSP handles on-instrument processing with human-readable commands, custom APIs, and tools for rapid script development. TSP-Link extends this to distributed systems, ensuring tight synchronization without external controllers, crucial for reducing test times in high-throughput scenarios. Advanced digitization and sensing: 1 MSa/s ADCs per channel capture waveforms accurately, while features like 4-wire remote sensing, asymmetric compliance, auto-sense resistors, and hardware protections (OVP/OCP) safeguard devices and enhance measurement integrity. User-friendly interfaces: A modern touchscreen and embedded web server provide real-time insights, troubleshooting, and control, making it accessible for both benchtop and rack-mounted setups. Challenge Conventional Rack Systems MP5000 Advantage Channel density 1–2 channels per 2U 6 channels per 1U Synchronization ms-level triggers ≈500 ns via TSP-Link Downtime Full rack recalibration Module-only calibration Automation PC-dependent Embedded scripting Performance specifications: A technical deep dive The MP5000 ecosystem starts with the MP5103 Mainframe (1U, 3 slots), supporting Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, digital I/O, and TSP-Link for seamless expansion. The available modules are: MSMU60-2 Dual-Channel SMU : Channels: 2 independent, 4-quadrant bipolar. Voltage/Current: &amp;#177;60 V / &amp;#177;1.5 A, 30 W per channel. Resolution: 100 fA current, 500 nV voltage. Features: 1 MSa/s digitizers, asymmetric compliance, output disconnect relays. Ideal for precise IV sweeps and low- current measurements. Fig 2. MSMU60-2 Module: Dual Channel SMU ( Source ) MPSU50-2ST Dual-Channel PSU: Channels: 2 isolated, stackable for extended ranges (&amp;#177;100 V / &amp;#177;10 A). Voltage/Current: &amp;#177;50 V / &amp;#177;5 A, 50 W per channel. Features: Bipolar outputs without lead switching, 4-wire remote sense, fast OVP/OCP. Perfect for power delivery in mixed setups. Fig 3. MPSU50-2ST Module: Dual Channel PSU ( source ) These specs ensure 6&amp;#189;-digit accuracy across quadrants, with low-noise performance critical for AMS validation. Connectivity options such as USB-C and web interfaces further streamline integration into modern workflows. Application Showcase: MP5000 Driving High-Speed VCSEL Validation VCSELs are core to a large number of applications ranging from smartphone facial recognition to automotive LiDAR. Validating these devices demands fast, tightly synchronized LIV (current–voltage–light) measurements, something conventional test setups struggle to deliver at production scale. The Challenge: Accurate VCSEL LIV characterization requires sourcing a precise drive current while simultaneously measuring forward voltage and photocurrent from an integrated photodiode. Even minor timing skew between these measurements leads to inaccurate results. In production, the challenge intensifies: 50–100 current points must be captured in seconds to meet throughput and cost targets, which is well beyond the limits of command-by-command automation. The MP5000 Advantage: A Tektronix MP5000 system configured with two or three MSMU60-2 modules solves this festering problem. One SMU sources fast, highly stable laser current; a second captures forward voltage with nanovolt resolution; a third measures photocurrent with femtoamp sensitivity. Built-in 1 MSa/s simultaneous digitizers ensure all parameters are captured in perfect time alignment. Using a single TSP script, the MP5000 executes a complete LIV sweep from threshold to maximum current in under one second, returning a fully correlated dataset. For multi-site testing, TSP-Link synchronizes multiple MP5000 mainframes, enabling parallel validation of large VCSEL arrays without crosstalk or thermal distortion. The result is up to 10&amp;#215; higher throughput, dramatically reducing cost per device and redefining VCSEL production test efficiency. Fig 4. VCSEL Module Functional Test Other Real-World Applications: Clarifying Use Cases The MP5000 is designed to solve specific challenges in precision testing: Semiconductor and sensor characterization : In IC functional testing or AMS production, engineers can combine SMU precision for low-current probing (e.g., photodiodes, sensors) with PSU channels for stable biasing. Parallel testing via linked mainframes boosts throughput, ideal for high-volume fabs. General device validation in industrial settings : Handle emerging low-power IoT sensors or high-reliability components with femtoamp-level sensitivity and hardware interlocks, ensuring safe, repeatable results in critical environments like aerospace or automotive electronics. Zero-Downtime Precision Without the Hassle The Tektronix MP5000 Series, with its modularity and embedded intelligence, represents a fundamental shift in the architecture of precision test systems. By addressing pain points like downtime and scalability while delivering unmatched accuracy, it builds trust through proven performance and supports faster innovation cycles. For R&amp;amp;D teams, this means test systems that evolve through product development cycles without repeated capital investments. For production engineers, it means optimizing cost-performance on a per-application basis while maintaining scalability for volume growth. For facilities managers, it means dramatic space efficiency improvements that translate directly to reduced infrastructure costs. Featured Products MP5103 Buy now MPSU50-2ST Buy now MSMU60-2 Buy now For more innovative products from Tektronix Shop Now ABOUT THE SPONSOR Tektronix designs and manufactures test and measurement solutions to break through the walls of complexity, and accelerate global innovation. Together we empower engineers to create and realize technological advances with ever greater ease, speed, and accuracy. For more information, click here.</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/tektronix_2D00_e14">tektronix-e14</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Tektronix%2bMP5000">Tektronix MP5000</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Modular%2bTest%2bSystems">Modular Test Systems</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Source%2bMeasure%2bUnits%2b_2800_SMU_2900_">Source Measure Units (SMU)</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Automated%2bTest%2bEquipment%2b_2800_ATE_2900_">Automated Test Equipment (ATE)</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/Semiconductor%2bTest%2band%2bMeasurement">Semiconductor Test and Measurement</category></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: Do you want to build a computer?</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/57127/do-you-want-to-build-a-computer/237555</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 19:01:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:bb8c290c-4d51-4245-a50e-8dceee553d10</guid><dc:creator>DAB</dc:creator><description>I did bit-slice design in college. Not sure I want to delve back into that world.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/b/blog/posts/catching-what-swept-analyzers-miss-lab-grade-wideband-rf-analysis-in-a-handheld-platform?CommentId=7022f865-43e7-4858-bf3e-2bf8d168a934</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2026 12:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:7022f865-43e7-4858-bf3e-2bf8d168a934</guid><dc:creator>rsjawale24</dc:creator><description>I have used one before (not the same model though) :)</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: Do you want to build a computer?</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/stem-academy/f/forum/57127/do-you-want-to-build-a-computer</link><pubDate>Thu, 23 Jul 2026 22:55:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:6d8a32ca-2f0c-4f6f-8de7-3e979bf30db2</guid><dc:creator>stanto</dc:creator><description>Come on out and play~~~ (to the tune of &amp;#39;do you want to build a snowman? from Frozen) https://nandgame.com/ The interface is a little janky but it&amp;#39;s still quite fun. I&amp;#39;m not affiliated with whoever made it.</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/nand%2bgame">nand game</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/tags/build%2byour%2bown%2bcomputer">build your own computer</category></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/b/blog/posts/catching-what-swept-analyzers-miss-lab-grade-wideband-rf-analysis-in-a-handheld-platform?CommentId=ee04d26c-7c14-4839-b718-de4a6d7e0fa1</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:52:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:ee04d26c-7c14-4839-b718-de4a6d7e0fa1</guid><dc:creator>JWx</dc:creator><description>I wonder how much computing power is needed to process continuous flow of &amp;gt; 1Gb/s of measurement data in realtime</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/learning-center/the-tech-connection/b/blog/posts/catching-what-swept-analyzers-miss-lab-grade-wideband-rf-analysis-in-a-handheld-platform?CommentId=a4d49074-09f9-4a11-b136-4b47a8123716</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:32:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:a4d49074-09f9-4a11-b136-4b47a8123716</guid><dc:creator>JWx</dc:creator><description>perfect candidate for a roadtest :) I know, I know, but very expensive equipment also sometimes appears in roadtests (for example B&amp;amp;K DAS60 roadtest )</description></item></channel></rss>