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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>Manufacturers</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/</link><description> </description><dc:language>en-US</dc:language><generator>Telligent Community 12</generator><item><title>Blog Post: TT Electronics’ Optek Hall-Effect Sensors Selected for NASA Dragonfly Mission</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tt-electronics/b/blog/posts/tt-electronics-optek-hall-effect-sensors-selected-for-nasa-dragonfly-mission</link><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2026 19:50:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:dc21929b-23a1-438d-b98b-db61c2df409b</guid><dc:creator>william.walsh</dc:creator><description>Woking, UK - 27, May 2026 - TT Electronics, a global provider of mission-critical power and sensing technology, has been selected to supply Hallogic&amp;#174; Hall-effect sensors for integration into fan assemblies on NASA’s Dragonfly rotorcraft mission. The sensors support a spacecraft subsystem where reliability and consistency are essential across the programme lifecycle. Hallogic&amp;#174; Hall-effect devices, part of the Optek technology portfolio, are designed for non-contact motion sensing and switching, with variants processed and screened for military and space-grade applications where consistency and reliability are deisgn priorities. Hallogic&amp;#174; OMH3075S is a high-reliability Hall-effect sensor in the Optek portfolio, designed for non-contact switching and operation across a broad range of supply voltages. The device is specified for operation from -55 &amp;#176;C to +150&amp;#176;C, supporting applications that require reliable switching across wide temperature ranges, and is suitable for military and space applications. For applications requiring enhanced screening, B and S versions are processed and screen to MIL-STD-883, with ESD Class 3B per the same standard. Dragonfly is a rotorcraft lander mission to Saturn&amp;#39;s largest moon, Titan, that is designed to conduct science across multiple locations, sampling surface materials to measure their detailed compositions, and observing geology and meteorology. The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) manages the Dragonfly mission for NASA and is building the rotorcraft, which is scheduled to launch in 2028 and reach Titan in 2034. &amp;quot;Dragonfly is a mission that demands exceptional reliability and consistency, and we’re proud that the Hallogic OMH3075S has been selected for this application,” said Klaus Zwerschina, VP Components, TT Electronics. “We work closely with customers to de-risk performance-critical designs, supporting programmes that value engineering continuity and a disciplined supply approach from design-in through production, for long service life.&amp;quot; About TT Electronics TT Electronics is a global provider of engineered electronics for performance-critical applications. The company designs and manufactures solutions that enable a safer, healthier and more sustainable world. Serving key markets including healthcare, aerospace and defence, and industrial, TT Electronics partners with customers to deliver highly reliable solutions where failure is not an option. Visit www.ttelectronics.com to learn more.</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/hall_2D00_effect">hall-effect</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/sensors">sensors</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/optek">optek</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/nasa">nasa</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/tt%2belectronics">tt electronics</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/Johns%2bHopkins">Johns Hopkins</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: Architectural Reliability and Performance Optimization of Optical Isolation in Modern Power Systems</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tt-electronics/b/blog/posts/architectural-reliability-and-performance-optimization-of-optical-isolation-in-modern-power-systems</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 13:52:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:7edebfa4-ff73-44b6-af65-6684b5a2f337</guid><dc:creator>william.walsh</dc:creator><description>This TT Electronics white paper gives power system architects a practical framework for selecting, calculating, and maintaining optical isolation components designed to last 25 years in demanding grid environments. Optical Isolation Fundamentals How galvanic isolation has evolved into a critical performance enabler, including a breakdown of optical coupling mechanics and a comparison of five photodetector types mapped to their industrial applications. CTR Calculations &amp;amp; Worst-Case Design How to calculate the Current Transfer Ratio under real operating conditions — with a worked example showing how a nominal 200% CTR device can degrade to 129.2% in the field. Reliability &amp;amp; LED Aging Mechanics The Black Formula for predicting long-term CTR degradation, the Five Pillars of Optocoupler Longevity, and how to design for the 2σ worst-case population over a 25-year service life. Advanced Applications &amp;amp; Compliance SiC/GaN wide-bandgap driver requirements, integrated smart gate driver comparisons, and a plain-language guide to IEC 60747-5-5, partial discharge testing, and insulation standards. CLICK HERE TO READ THE WHITE PAPER</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/sensors">sensors</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/tt%2belectronics">tt electronics</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/sensors_5F00_group">sensors_group</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/optoelectronics">optoelectronics</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/optoisolators">optoisolators</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/power">power</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: Staying Connected When Always on the Move - The Communication Backbone of Mobile Robots</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/analog-devices/b/blog/posts/staying-connected-when-always-on-the-move---the-communication-backbone-of-mobile-robots</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 16:35:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:fb942f73-7fcb-45d8-850d-ad6742c650bf</guid><dc:creator>SarahCrowe28</dc:creator><description>by Rafael Marengo We discussed how mobile robots navigate their environments through a variety of sensor types to collect data about the real world in the previous blog . However, we didn&amp;#39;t explore how this data is communicated within the robot to translate perception into actions, such as movement. Mobile robots consist of various technologies that must communicate with each other quickly and reliably to transmit critical messages for navigation and performing tasks, whether it&amp;#39;s an Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) or an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). For a refresher on the differences between these types of robots, you can refer to this this blog in the series. Let’s consider the architecture of an AMR as shown: Figure 1. AMR Communication Overview There are several components that make up any mobile robot (such as wheel drive &amp;amp; encoder systems, vision inputs, inertial measurement unit (IMU) data, and battery management systems), and all of them need to communicate, usually with a main controller or main compute unit or sometimes to decentralized units that control specific functions of the robot, which can be done to reduce the overhead on a main controller and also aid in time critical applications such as perception of its environment and actuator control. There are many communication methods that live within the operation of a typical mobile robot, and each type of protocol has their pros and cons for use. In the above example there are potentially 7 different communication methods employed within the one mobile robot: GMSL, UART, CAN, Ethernet, RS-485, SPI, RS-422. While this blog focuses on wired communication protocols, it is important to note that mobile robots typically require wireless communication as well. Wireless communication is essential for enabling mobile robots to interact with a base station and collaborate with other robots, ensuring seamless coordination and operation in dynamic environments. Here is a quick comparison of a selection of technologies comparing their speed and latency. As it can be seen in table 1, the parameters for the highlighted technologies vary in speed and latency and the appropriate technology needs to be chosen according to the need and the design itself and will most likely include a combination of different technologies. Operations in mobile robots typically demand near real-time speeds to function effectively. This is crucial for tasks such as obstacle avoidance, navigation, and interaction with dynamic environments, where even slight delays can impact performance and safety. The key parameters that need to be taken into consideration for communication are performance, reliability, and scalability. An AMR needs to be able to navigate while perceiving its surroundings to execute tasks in an efficient way, and a simple flow diagram can describe how it acts: Both the perception and the action parts play important roles, the environment needs to be perceived in order for actions to be taken and this data is usually acquired with RGB cameras, depth cameras, Lidar sensors and radar or a combination but transferring all this data to a processing unit needs a robust link with enough bandwidth and in the case of industrial robots, reliability against interferences. That critical work can be executed by protocols such as GMSL. Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link There is a new protocol entering the mobile robotics scene, GMSL. The protocol can transfer up to 6 Gbps of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) sensor data over a coax cable while simultaneously transferring power and control data over a reverse channel. It is a highly configurable serializer deserializer (SERDES) interconnect solution which supports sensor data aggregation (Video, LiDAR, Radar, etc.), video splitting, low latency and low bit error, and Power over Coax (PoC) The topology for a GMSL application consists of the sensor, a serializer, a cable, and a deserializer on the system on chip (SoC) side. This simplifies the mobile robot design and makes it more robust since GMSL was designed with transferring this type of data and was optimized to ensure high bandwidth, low latency transmission of data. The synergy between Industrial Ethernet, GMSL, and wireless communication technologies is driving the next generation of mobile robotics. These technologies provide the robust, high-speed, and flexible communication necessary for mobile robots to operate autonomously and efficiently in various environments. As innovations continue to emerge, the capabilities of mobile robots will expand, revolutionizing industries and transforming our daily lives. To learn more, visit analog.com/mobile-robotics. WIRED COMMUNICATION MAX96724RGTN/V+T AD-GMSL522-SL Evaluation Kit MAX96717R-AAK-EVK# Evaluation Kit EVAL-ADIN1110EBZ Eval Kit ADIN1110BCPZ ADIN1110CCPZ DEMO-ADIN1100D2Z Evaluation Kit EVAL-SPOE-KIT-AZ Evaluation Kit ADIN1100BCPZ ADIN1100CCPZ EVAL-ADIN1100EBZ EVAL-ADIN1200FMCZ Evaluation Kit EVAL-10BT1L-MCS-BZ Evaluation Kit EVAL-10BT1L-MCS-AZ Evaluation Kit ADIN1200BCP32Z EVAL-ADIN1300FMCZ Evaluation Kit EVAL-CN0506-FMCZ ADIN1300CCPZ ADIN1300BCPZ WIRELESS COMMUNICATION HMC7044LP10BE HMC7044LP10BETR EK1HMC7044LP10B Evaluation Kit</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/ADI%2bMobile%2bRobotics">ADI Mobile Robotics</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/gmsl">gmsl</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/Gigabit%2bMultimedia%2bSerial%2bLinkTM%2b_2800_GMSL_2900_">Gigabit Multimedia Serial LinkTM (GMSL)</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/Motor%2band%2bControl">Motor and Control</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/ethernet">ethernet</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/robotics">robotics</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/autonomous%2bmobile%2brobot">autonomous mobile robot</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/Motors%2b_2600_amp_3B00_%2bMotion%2bControl">Motors &amp;amp; Motion Control</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/industrial%2bautomation">industrial automation</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: 56mm² Stepper Motor with Integrated Driver – EAO Ltd Introduces Sanyo Denki Solution</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/eao/b/blog/posts/56mm2-stepper-motor-with-integrated-driver-eao-ltd-introduces-sanyo-denki-solution</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 16:04:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:851db472-c870-4c84-b0ff-98799be4481f</guid><dc:creator>dilara.nazli</dc:creator><description>EAO Ltd announces the UK availability of Sanyo Denki’s new 56mm stepper motor with integrated driver , a compact motion solution designed to reduce wiring, save installation space, and deliver precise control for automation, robotics, and conveyor applications. Building on Sanyo Denki’s reputation for precision engineering, this integrated motor-and-driver unit combines high performance with a compact footprint, helping to simplify system design while improving overall reliability. Space-Saving, Reduced Wiring By integrating the motor and driver into a single unit, wiring requirements are significantly reduced. The motor can be operated using as few as five wires for power and communication, with direct connections for limit sensors and homing signals further simplifying equipment design. Precise and Reliable Motion Control The high-performance stepper motor ensures accurate, repeatable positioning regardless of load. This makes it well suited for applications requiring precision, including conveyor systems, automated machinery, and packaging equipment. Simple Setup and Operation The integrated driver supports standard motion commands, including: Positioning Continuous rotation Homing Key parameters such as position, speed, and acceleration can be configured quickly, enabling fast commissioning and easy optimisation. Smooth Motion with S-Curve Acceleration To reduce mechanical stress and improve motion smoothness, the motor offers two S-curve acceleration/deceleration profiles: Type 1: Peak acceleration between 25–75% of the cycle, achieving up to 1.25&amp;#215; linear acceleration Type 2: Peak acceleration at 50% midpoint, delivering up to 1.9&amp;#215; linear acceleration These profiles help minimise vibration and improve performance during speed transitions. Technical Highlights Two versions are available: DB31F561S-50 – 0.14 Nm holding torque, 56 &amp;#215; 76 mm DB31F562S-50 – 0.24 Nm holding torque, 56 &amp;#215; 88 mm Key specifications: 24 VDC &amp;#177;10%, 2 A RS-485 communication (38400 bps, up to 16 axes) Open-loop control, 1/8 micro-step Operating temperature: 0–50&amp;#176;C I/O: 5 photocoupler inputs (limits, homing, rotation direction, emergency stop) 2 photocoupler outputs (operation, alarm signals) The motors are designed for industrial environments, with vibration resistance from 10–2000 Hz and built-in protection for voltage fluctuations, fuse faults, and CPU errors. Learn more here!</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/driver">driver</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/integrated%2bdriver">integrated driver</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/eao">eao</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/stepper%2bmotor">stepper motor</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/sanmotion">sanmotion</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/sanyo%2bdenki">sanyo denki</category></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/analog-devices/b/blog/posts/using-the-max32630fthr-to-read-the-1v8-serial-output-from-the-arduino-q-debug-port?CommentId=9f80d8ad-7ccc-4519-9294-4f78ddebf070</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 15:34:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:9f80d8ad-7ccc-4519-9294-4f78ddebf070</guid><dc:creator>ralphjy</dc:creator><description>Nice feature. I didn’t realize that the MAX32630 had the capability to set voltages levels. Of course, I don’t have one so can’t try it . I’m waiting for the BugHopper to be available.</description></item><item><title>Forum Post: RE: .187 Faston receptacle terminal using Bright Tin plating?</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/teconnectivity/f/forum/56749/187-faston-receptacle-terminal-using-bright-tin-plating/235542</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 13:14:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:eeb77c7f-2183-48a2-a21d-29a418f25b24</guid><dc:creator>Richard_Holt</dc:creator><description>Good afternoon Restore_it. Thank you for posting the question regarding TE product support in this forum and our apologies for the delay as we add new members to monitor this forum. Unfortunately, we do not have direct technical expertise support here but please feel free to contact our TE Global Technical Support team via live chat, phone, or the web form at the link below: TE Connectivity Global Technical Support Thank you for reaching out to TE Connectivity. Richard @ TE Connectivity</description></item><item><title>File: arduinoQ_debug_port</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/analog-devices/m/managed-videos/151314</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 12:03:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:b4c5a860-9591-40aa-aa74-ed77fe638842</guid><dc:creator>BigG</dc:creator><description /></item><item><title>Blog Post: Using the MAX32630FTHR to read the 1V8 serial output from the Arduino Q debug port</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/analog-devices/b/blog/posts/using-the-max32630fthr-to-read-the-1v8-serial-output-from-the-arduino-q-debug-port</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 12:01:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:823a7e50-7227-4d52-8ebe-c9d922c5a1ed</guid><dc:creator>BigG</dc:creator><description>Introduction The MAX32630FTHR chip comes with a very handy feature. You can set the logic level for any GPIO in software. You can define your logic level either at 3V3 level (default) or at 1V8 logic level with the following commands: useVDDIOH(pin_no) for 3V3 and useVDDIO(pin_no) for 1v8. Little did I realise that I would find a useful application for this feature so soon. Arduino Q debug port Over the weekend I decided to set up my Arduino Q board. This did not go smoothly. I found that my board would not always boot up correctly (see video). So, when I did get access to the board I decided to do a full system upgrade. This then locked me out the board, so to speak, on reboot as the HDMI stopped working. A quick SSH into the board confirmed that all was fine but it did prompt me to look at whether you get access to a debug UART port, like with a Rasberry Pi board for example. The official Arduino Q users manual webpage confirmed that you do have access to a debug UART via the JCTL header pins. The gotcha is that this is 1V8 logic. Of course you can simply use a logic level shifter to handle this, as the JCTL connector includes a handy +1V8 VOUT pin. But this is all rather messy, in my opinion. To solve this, I simply grabbed my MAX32630FTHR feather board and flashed it with the standard Arduino passthrough example with a couple of code amendments. I needed to use &amp;quot;Serial2&amp;quot; at 1V8 logic, which is provided on pins P3_0 and P3_1. I decided to also start with 115200 baud rate, but as I&amp;#39;m not constrained by the speed of the logic level shifter, I could go push this higher if needs be. /* SerialPassthrough sketch created 23 May 2016 by Erik Nyquist https://docs.arduino.cc/built-in-examples/communication/SerialPassthrough/ */ void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); // set the 1v8 logic for P3_0 and P3_1 useVDDIO(P3_0); useVDDIO(P3_1); Serial2.begin(115200); } void loop() { if (Serial.available()) { // If anything comes in Serial (USB), Serial2.write(Serial.read()); // read it and send it out Serial1 (pins 0 &amp;amp; 1) } if (Serial2.available()) { // If anything comes in Serial1 (pins 0 &amp;amp; 1) Serial.write(Serial2.read()); // read it and send it out Serial (USB) } } And that&amp;#39;s it. You then connect the two boards with 3 wires (for RXD, TXD, and GND): And here&amp;#39;s the result. It works a charm. community.element14.com/.../arduinoQ_5F00_debug_5F00_port.mp4 What makes this really handy is that I can now search in real time for keywords etc. The MAX32630FTHR ARM Cortex M4 is well suited for this.</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/max32630fthr">max32630fthr</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/useVDDIO">useVDDIO</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/debug">debug</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/maxim_5F00_blog">maxim_blog</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/Arduino%2bQ">Arduino Q</category></item><item><title>Blog Post: How Does Analog Discovery Pro 2440/2450 Compare to NI USB‑5132/5133?</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/digilent/b/blog/posts/how-does-analog-discovery-pro-2440-2450-compare-to-ni-usb-5132-5133</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 10:50:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:5e736774-baa5-4d85-abd3-6fdcf6b4e696</guid><dc:creator>bogdanilies</dc:creator><description>NI USB oscilloscopes have a strong track record. If your workflow specifically depends on NI‑SCOPE driver features, InstrumentStudio, or formal calibration services, then NI’s modular instruments are the right path. For most prototyping, research, and validation teams, the Analog Discovery Pro 2440 / 2450 provides a more integrated mixed‑signal experience in a compact USB form factor: Mixed‑signal by design : four analog inputs plus sixteen digital I/O with included protocol tools and a built‑in 14‑bit AWG, so you can stimulate, capture, and correlate signals without stacking extra instruments. Choose the profile that fits the job : ADP2440 emphasizes 12‑bit fidelity at 100+ MHz, while ADP2450 emphasizes 200+ MHz bandwidth and up to 1 GS/s, both with ten true hardware ranges up to &amp;#177;25 V and selectable 50 Ω / 1 MΩ. Deep, flexible memory : capture hundreds of millions of samples, allocate memory between analog and digital, and use segmentation for fast re‑arm during burst or intermittent events. Scale when you need to : Dual Mode lets two units synchronize for 8 analog channels and 32 digital I/O with coordinated triggering and phase alignment. Unified software and automation : WaveForms runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and the WaveForms SDK supports Python, C, and other languages for quick scripting and automated validation. Both instrument families can be programmed in NI LabVIEW using the LabVIEW WaveForms Toolkit for the Analog Discovery Pro 2440/2450 or NI-SCOPE for the USB-5132/5133. Specification ADP2440 ADP2450 USB-5132 USB-5133 Channels 4 4 2 2 Bandwidth 100 MHz 200 MHz 50 MHz 50 MHz Resolution 12-bit 8-bit 8-bit 8-bit Input Ranges &amp;#177;25 mV, &amp;#177;50 mV, &amp;#177;100 mV, &amp;#177;250 mV, &amp;#177;500 mV, &amp;#177;1 V, &amp;#177;2.5 V, &amp;#177;5 V, &amp;#177;10 V, &amp;#177;25 V &amp;#177;20 mV, &amp;#177;50 mV, &amp;#177;100 mV, &amp;#177;200 mV, &amp;#177;500 mV, &amp;#177;1 V, &amp;#177;2 V, &amp;#177;5 V, &amp;#177;10 V, &amp;#177;20 V Waveform Generator 1 x 15 MHz, &amp;#177;5 V ✘ Digital 16 DIO ✘ Front Panel Software WaveForms InstrumentStudio Automation Software LabVIEW WaveForms Toolkit WaveForms SDK for C, Python and additional languages NI-SCOPE for LabVIEW, C/C++ and Visual Basic Supported Operating Systems Windows, Mac, Linux Windows Certified Calibration ✘ ✔</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/analog%2bdiscovery%2bpro">analog discovery pro</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/ni">ni</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/digilent%2bblog">digilent blog</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/digilent">digilent</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/analog">analog</category></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tt-electronics/b/blog/posts/adaptable-optical-sensors-vs-fixed-legacy-systems-a-guide-for-industrial-engineers?CommentId=8eaf8874-352f-497a-aaea-3a7864fe8dec</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 11:22:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:8eaf8874-352f-497a-aaea-3a7864fe8dec</guid><dc:creator>geralds</dc:creator><description>Hi william.walsh I agree with the arguments you&amp;#39;ve explained here. The biggest problem I&amp;#39;ve had in over 50 years of working in electronics was programming the appropriate algorithms and transmission protocols. Electronic hardware and materials physics were less of a problem for me; I&amp;#39;m a &amp;quot;walking encyclopedia&amp;quot; of data. I remember physical properties more easily than source codes. Well, on top of that, other people are programming too, and then you eventually run into trouble because someone suddenly says, &amp;quot;You can&amp;#39;t do that without certifications. Have you a license for this? Are you even qualified? Are you... etc ...&amp;quot; THAT&amp;#39;S the real problem: instead of all of us working together, there&amp;#39;s fierce competition against you. Well, and now... now I&amp;#39;m retired (physically, but mentally I feel young). It all boils down to &amp;quot;who&amp;#39;s paying for it?&amp;quot;... Money greed and lust for power are the fundamental problems of human society. Summary, it&amp;#39;s not a problem of technology (Ind. 4, Ind. 5, Ind. 6, ...), it&amp;#39;s a problem of human society. We&amp;#39;d already be on Mars if we ALL truly worked together and didn&amp;#39;t deliberately destroy anything. Best Regards Gerald ---</description></item><item><title>Blog: Blog</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tt-electronics/b/blog</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:05:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:db719426-90b5-4266-9542-2eb4516f7ab2</guid><dc:creator /><description /></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tt-electronics/b/blog/posts/adaptable-optical-sensors-vs-fixed-legacy-systems-a-guide-for-industrial-engineers?CommentId=099ad986-b93c-4177-a476-43f5f0983388</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:27:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:099ad986-b93c-4177-a476-43f5f0983388</guid><dc:creator>DAB</dc:creator><description>Throughout my career, I have always had to deal with legacy systems. It has always been a cottage industry to go in and extend the life of working systems, that just need a little upgrade to keep them useful. One of my biggest upgrades involved an existing FLIR system on an older helicopter. We replaced an old box with some new hardware and software to provide the user with a significant upgrade for a search and rescue system.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: Adaptable Optical Sensors vs. Fixed Legacy Systems: A Guide for Industrial Engineers</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tt-electronics/b/blog/posts/adaptable-optical-sensors-vs-fixed-legacy-systems-a-guide-for-industrial-engineers</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:42:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:695a201a-34bb-4750-a65b-a5815b6c6be1</guid><dc:creator>william.walsh</dc:creator><description>In the landscape of industrial automation, the debate between maintaining fixed legacy systems and migrating to adaptable optical sensors is not just about technology; it is about operational philosophy. For decades, fixed optical systems—standard logic photocells, basic LED emitters, and fixed-gain optoisolators—have been the backbone of manufacturing. They are reliable, understood, and inexpensive. However, the shift toward Industry 4.0 has exposed the limitations of these rigid systems. Engineers are now tasked with integrating components that can self-calibrate, communicate status, and adapt to environmental degradation. This article provides a transparent comparison between fixed legacy systems and modern adaptable optical sensors, covering Fibre Optics, Optoisolators, Photologic assemblies, and VCSEL technologies. The Core Definition: Fixed vs. Adaptable Fixed Legacy Systems A fixed system operates on binary logic or set parameters defined at the hardware level. Once installed, its behaviour is static. For example, a standard infrared emitter paired with a phototransistor will trigger a signal when a light beam is broken. If dust accumulates on the lens, the signal degrades until the system fails. To fix it, a technician must physically clean the sensor or adjust a potentiometer. Adaptable Optical Sensors Adaptable sensors utilise intelligent circuitry and superior materials (like VCSELs) to adjust to their environment. A programmable Photologic sensor, for instance, might dynamically adjust its hysteresis threshold to account for signal drift caused by temperature changes or debris. These systems prioritise data continuity and predictive maintenance over simple binary switching. The Argument for Fixed Legacy Systems We must acknowledge why legacy systems remain prevalent. They are not without merit. Lower Upfront BOM Cost – A standard fixed-gain optoisolator or a simple LED-based interrupter is significantly cheaper than a programmable alternative. Simplicity of Replacement – If a fixed sensor fails, you pull it out and plug in an identical part. There is no firmware to update and no calibration software to run. Zero Latency – Purely analogue fixed systems often have faster response times than smart sensors that require processing cycles to interpret data. Technology Comparison: Fixed vs. Adaptable Optical Sensors 1. VCSEL vs. Standard LED Emitters Legacy systems rely on standard LEDs. While functional, they suffer from beam divergence and lower power efficiency. Adaptable systems utilise Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VCSELs). VCSELs offer a narrow, coherent beam that requires less power and provides higher accuracy for position sensing. In adaptable systems, the VCSEL current can be modulated dynamically to maintain constant output power as the component ages. 2. Photologic&amp;#174; vs. Discrete Components A fixed system usually employs a discrete photodiode and a separate amplifier circuit. Adaptable Photologic sensors integrate the sensor, amplifier, and logic gate into a single package. The benefit is not just space; it is consistency. These adaptable units often feature internal voltage regulation and temperature compensation that fixed discrete circuits lack. 3. Flexible Fibre Optics vs. Hardwired Connections In high-EMI environments, copper is a liability. While legacy systems try to shield copper, adaptable systems switch to fibre optics. Modern industrial fibre optic links are adaptable because they provide complete electrical isolation and can be routed through hazardous areas where electrical sparks are prohibited. They are immune to the electromagnetic interference that plagues fixed copper legacy systems. Decision Matrix: When to Switch to Adaptable Optical Sensors? Engineers should consider migrating to adaptable sensors if: Environmental variation is high – Varying light levels, dust, or temperature swings require sensors that can auto-calibrate. Downtime is expensive – If stopping a line to wipe a sensor lens costs thousands of pounds, an adaptable sensor that compensates for occlusion is worth the investment. Precision is critical – If you are moving from simple object detection to precise position sensing, VCSEL-based adaptable systems are required. Conclusion Fixed legacy systems are not obsolete, but they are becoming niche. For simple, cost-constrained applications where downtime is manageable, they remain a valid choice. However, for industrial engineers building systems for longevity, reliability, and Industry 4.0 integration, adaptable optical sensors offer a superior return on investment despite the higher upfront cost. By eliminating manual calibration and reducing failure points related to environmental stress, adaptable sensors future-proof manufacturing lines. Written by TT Electronics</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/industrial">industrial</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/sensors">sensors</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/tt%2belectronics">tt electronics</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/sensors_5F00_group">sensors_group</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/automation">automation</category></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/b/blog/posts/pic16f13276-pic18-q35-programmable-hardware-logic-no-cpld-required--new-from-microchip?CommentId=1e60e835-2dfd-4325-8834-bdf20cc2747f</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:51:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:1e60e835-2dfd-4325-8834-bdf20cc2747f</guid><dc:creator>Microchip_MCU</dc:creator><description>Thank you for catching that. We have replaced the image.</description></item><item><title>Webinar: Building Reliable, Repeatable Tests With NI DAQ (Using No-Code!)</title><link>https://community.element14.com/learn/events/c/e/1752</link><pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:1d301911-e50b-4b31-8e05-9dc34ead3eb1</guid><dc:creator>m.arguello</dc:creator><description>Discover how to unlock the full potential of Data Acquisition (DAQ) using a no-code approach, demonstrated in this webinar using a motor and fan test combined with LabVIEW and NI software tools. Whether you’re validating new designs or looking to improve your workflow, this session is designed to give attendees the knowledge to build robust, repeatable tests using simple configuration tools. This webinar will show you how to quickly set up reliability tests, automate start stop cycles, measure motor efficiency, and evaluate fan airflow, without writing any code. Join us for an expert-led session covering: An overview of no-code testing with DAQ DAQ testing essentials A live demo: Building a fan and motor test without coding Stay until the end for a live Q&amp;amp;A session where you can have all your questions on data acquisition, no-code, LabVIEW and more, answered by the session&amp;#39;s expert host: Jelmer van den Dries, Principal Field Application Engineer at Emerson.</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/ni">ni</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/no_2D00_code">no-code</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/data%2bacquisition">data acquisition</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/emerson">emerson</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/daq">daq</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/no%2bcode">no code</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/labview">labview</category></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/b/blog/posts/pic16f13276-pic18-q35-programmable-hardware-logic-no-cpld-required--new-from-microchip?CommentId=e93eed6e-4e89-4ded-8beb-d7d82e26ac6a</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:29:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:e93eed6e-4e89-4ded-8beb-d7d82e26ac6a</guid><dc:creator>jc2048</dc:creator><description>The evaluation board for the 18F56Q35 is EV55P36A https://www.microchip.com/en-us/development-tool/EV55P36A Microchip Direct have them in stock, so they&amp;#39;re just taking their time to work their way through distribution. They aren&amp;#39;t very much money either. It&amp;#39;s a very easy route to experimenting with logic design. If I&amp;#39;m understanding the datasheet correctly, the CPU-less ones would allow the part to work as just a CPLD. I used 16F parts quite a lot back in the 1990s - assembler, never in C. They&amp;#39;re very simple RISC parts. The data memory is separate to the code memory and is in the form of a register file (256 of them, so 8 bits in the instruction as an address), with paging of banks for the devices with more than 256. With multiple banks, there&amp;#39;s an area of 16 registers that are common to all banks. Personally, I wouldn&amp;#39;t try programming them in C without a good understanding of the architecture (ie learn with assembler, and then use the C as merely a high-level and more efficient way of writing the assembler). Presumably the compiler will hide that from you to a certain extent (bank switching in the background, etc), but there are still going to be complications with things like buffers wrapping round the page, and those sorts of issues, aren&amp;#39;t there. The 18F parts would be more amenable to high level coding because there&amp;#39;s a way of addressing the data memory in a flat form (only very vaguely remembered - I only did one design with 18F before moving on to the 24F parts, though even those I programmed in assembler). Somewhere I&amp;#39;ve got a PicKit3 programmer, but I don&amp;#39;t know if it would work with any of these parts.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/b/blog/posts/pic16f13276-pic18-q35-programmable-hardware-logic-no-cpld-required--new-from-microchip?CommentId=8f9d8430-8dac-46cb-9312-0a89e5dd4f4f</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:49:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:8f9d8430-8dac-46cb-9312-0a89e5dd4f4f</guid><dc:creator>Jan Cumps</dc:creator><description>The EV18Z11A evaluation kit is below 10 &amp;#163;, with on-board debugger... (looks like not in stock though with avnet and other distributors)</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/b/blog/posts/pic16f13276-pic18-q35-programmable-hardware-logic-no-cpld-required--new-from-microchip?CommentId=11fe5b0e-7209-492d-8b44-fc83fa6d5e84</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:20:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:11fe5b0e-7209-492d-8b44-fc83fa6d5e84</guid><dc:creator>jc2048</dc:creator><description>Interesting devices. The 18F parts in particular, with 128 BLEs and available in DIP packages. Mistake in the selection graphic? BLE = basic logic element.</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: PIC16F13276 &amp; PIC18-Q35: Programmable Hardware Logic, No CPLD Required- New from Microchip</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/microchip/b/blog/posts/pic16f13276-pic18-q35-programmable-hardware-logic-no-cpld-required--new-from-microchip</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:26:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:754d39e3-ac14-4326-9cb1-fc1aee235427</guid><dc:creator>Microchip_MCU</dc:creator><description>What if you didn&amp;#39;t need a CPLD or FPGA for programmable logic? What if your MCU could do it all- no external components, smaller BOM, less board space, and still give you everything a CPLD would? Introducing the PIC16F132 and PIC18-Q35- the latest additions to Microchip&amp;#39;s growing Configurable Logic Block (CLB) product portfolio ; each with an on-chip CLB peripheral that runs fully independent of the CPU, so response times are deterministic and fixed, no jitter, no variability. For automotive, industrial, and safety-critical designs where timing guarantees are non-negotiable, that matters. And unlike FPGA toolchains, it&amp;#39;s fast to work with: MCC&amp;#39;s graphical CLB synthesizer lets you configure, simulate, and debug logic in minutes, with no HDL experience required. Eliminate that external component, shrink your BOM, reclaim that board space, and you haven&amp;#39;t given anything up. If you used PIC16F13145 last year, you already know where this is going. The PIC16F132 product family- Embedded Innovation with Configurable Logic and Enhanced Security The entry point. It&amp;#39;s an 8- to 40-pin PIC16 with 32 CLB logic elements - automotive-ready, cost-effective, and low-power. It&amp;#39;s built for designs where you need real hardware logic capability without the overhead of a standalone CPLD. Pair it with the 10-bit ADC with computation, 10-bit DAC, hardware CVD touch sensing, dual 16-bit PWMs, 2&amp;#215; comparators SMBus-compatible I&amp;#178;C/SPI and dual EUSARTs Up to 28 KB Flash, 2 KB SRAM, 256 B EEPROM Packages: SOIC, TSSOP, PDIP, SSOP, VQFN, TQFP and you have a surprisingly capable chip in a small, affordable package. Security is handled too PDID permanently disables the programming and debug interfaces after deployment, locking down your firmware from the hardware level up. PIC18-Q35- Maximum Flexibility for Custom Embedded Solutions This is where the CLB story gets serious. 128 logic elements . 64 MHz PIC18 core . Multi-Voltage I/O from 1.62V to 5.5V eliminates external level shifters for mixed-voltage designs. 4x DMA controllers handle data movement without touching the CPU. UART with LIN and DMX protocol support, Zero-Cross Detect, and the same PDID security lockdown as the F132- all in 28- to 48-pin packages. Built for industrial, automotive, and security-sensitive environments that demand both performance and flexibility on a single chip. Both families are fully supported in MPLAB X IDE and VS Code . MCC&amp;#39;s CLB synthesizer gives you a graphical drag-and-drop interface, Verilog for advanced users, built-in simulation, timing analysis, and hardware debug pins. No HDL experience needed -you can have custom logic running in minutes. Resources: Learn more about- PIC16F13145 / PIC16F132 / PIC18Q35 Check out products on Farnell- PIC16F132 Start developing with PIC16F132 Curiosity Nano Development Board PIC18FQ35 Family Data sheets- PIC16F132 community.element14.com/.../PIC16F13276_2D00_Product_2D00_Family_2D00_Sell_2D00_Sheet_2D00_DS00006301-_2800_1_2900_.pdf community.element14.com/.../PIC18_2D00_Q35_2D00_Product_2D00_Family_2D00_DS00006343.pdf PIC18Q35</description></item><item><title>Blog Post: There’s still time to register for our April 28 webinar!</title><link>https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/ni/b/blog/posts/there-s-still-time-to-register-for-our-april-28-webinar</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:50:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:2ca1d84a-d7fa-4ea9-9a5b-f0cb9b9d6d64</guid><dc:creator>m.arguello</dc:creator><description>Learn how to unlock the full potential of Data Acquisition (DAQ) using a no-code approach —with a live demo of a motor and fan test using LabVIEW and NI tools. Discover how to set up reliable, repeatable tests, automate cycles, and evaluate motor efficiency and fan airflow— without writing any code . Stay for a live Q&amp;amp;A with Jelmer van den Dries , Principal Field Application Engineer at Emerson. Register now before it’s too late!</description><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/ni">ni</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/data%2bacquisition">data acquisition</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/compact%2bdaq">compact daq</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/national%2binstruments">national instruments</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/automated%2btest">automated test</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/daq">daq</category><category domain="https://community.element14.com/products/manufacturers/tags/CompactDAQ">CompactDAQ</category></item></channel></rss>