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  • Author Author: rscasny
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Seeking Feedback on The Historically Low Number of Applications for Power-Focused Roadtests

Greetings. It's October already! For me the year has gone by real quickly! I hope you've had a great year!

 

As the year starts winding down, I typically begin an audit of roadtests. This is something I do every year as RoadTest Program manager. I look at the review completion rate, the number of applications per roadtest, and anything else that would be relevant for improving the element14 Roadtest program.

 

While I have just begun this task, I feel the program is in good shape as far as review completions go. Many thanks to all roadtesters who have completed reviews. Our sponsors value your input and what you write is read closely.

 

The number of applications seems to be an area that needs improvement. For example, I noticed that for our power-focused roadtests, there seems to be a historically lower number of applications:

 

MPS Four-Channel Output Power Module EVM   14 applicants

ROHM 8-Channel Multi-Rail DC/DC Converter Board  15 applicants

Summer of FPGAs: MAX77714 Multichannel PMIC EVM  21 applicants

Vishay Synchronous Buck Regulator EV Board  22 applicants

TI SWIFTTm Power Module EVM  14 applicants

Texas Instruments-DCDC Power:FPGA & Data Converter  15 applicants

 

Now, for DC Power Supplies, which are actually test equipment roadtests in my mind, the number of applications is much better:

R&S 4-Output Bench Power Supply, Prog (HMP4040.04)  33 applicants

Tenma Handheld DC Power Supply  238 applicants   (This is NOT a typo. It had 238 applicants.)

R&S NGP814 Power Supply 44 applicants

AIM-TTI Bench Power Supply  33 applicants

 

I peeked into some webinars to see if they corresponded to roadtests (since roadtests and webinars are complementary programs that are often cross-promoted). They seem to be similar. For example:

MPS Four-Channel Output Power Module EVM  14 applicants

Techniques and Technologies for Better Power Management Design (Win a Power Module!)  30 registrants

 

I was hoping to get some insights into the historically lower number of applicants for power-focused roadtests. This information can not only help me, but also help me work with our sponsors.

 

Poll Question: Why haven't you applied for power-focused roadtests?  Why do you think there is a historically lower number of applicants for power focused roadtests than other roadtests?

Read Comments

  • Personally, I would probably have signed up for one of these road tests, but I've been crazy busy lately. It would certainly only have been one of them though. Maybe a run of similar(ish) devices to road test probably didn't help with uptake?

     

    Things that tend to motivate me to apply for a road test are:

    • Is it something I'd make use of afterwards? Gough's "value for time" comment really resonated.
    • Is it something I think I can do a good job testing? There's no point doing a bad job.
    • Do I have the time to do the road test? Sometimes I do. Other times I don't.
    • Is it something I'm interested in? I applied to road tested a few FPGA boards because I wanted to learn more about FPGAs.
    • Is it something I can help with? I have enrolled for an undersubscribed road test in the past because I wanted to support the road test program that's given us so much in the past. (Couldn't do that this time. Sorry.)

  • I think it comes down to knowledge and available test equipment.

     

    Looking into the details of a power supply is not a simple task.

     

    To measure specifications requires a good programable load and accurate measurement equipment.

     

    If I were up to doing a road test I would have looked into testing these devices, but I just cannot do a good enough job at this time.

     

    DAB

  • Also to add on, recent power products have come back to back in timeline for review. Like the Summer of FPGAs: MAX77714 Multichannel PMIC EVM, Microchip dsPIC33C Digital Power Starter Kit and ROHM 8-Channel Multi-Rail DC/DC Converter Board. I like reviewing power products and so does some other members too. But, it becomes a bit too back to back as one is already committed to previous power based RT and so the already existing low numbers to RoadTest these gets enhanced. I think putting these power stuffs in gaps of 40 - 60 days would be beneficial.

  • From my sight of view The Reason for the Peoples Not Showing Interest is Due to

     

    1. Lack Of technical Knowledge on Power Design: Many Engineers in the Community blog express their interest in only Opensource Microcontroller Platform because they will get the code online,  But for power designs Theoretical and Practical Knowledge is Needed , this will stuck the brains of  People and skips these tests. its not good for their Future Knowledge If they not come up for all the divisions of electronics.

     

    2. Lack of Equipment's and lack Testing and Operating Knowledge: For some Peoples in my Friend zones Say's that to do testing of the power designs They Not have Proper Knowledge and measuring Equipment's.

    its not good for their Future Knowledge.

  • I am more into power supply than anything else. Since I design many types of circuit that includes RF circuit, audio circuit, microprocessor and many more. For me it's highly important to design a proper power supply else it causes power integration issue and complete system failure while we test it on actual site.

  • in reply to scottiebabe

    That being said my application was one sentence, so, it is unlikely I will be selected.

     

    It all depends on how much interest there is for a product, and a bit of randomness as well... More detailed applications have a higher chance, but Imo the track of the user is as much or more relevant than what the applicant promises it will do. I've seen your blogs, an even if your application was succinct I would expect the RT to be comprehensive.

  • in reply to Jan Cumps

    I'm almost sure that I am ineligible as well, as I owe an RT. but Due to moving, I have lost almost 2 years of my life.

    ~~Cris

  • in reply to robogary

    I laughed when I read this! Caught trying to Speed-up the Roadtest application process.

  • in reply to scottiebabe

    For getting reported, I think you deserve a special sticker with a red and blue flashing police light, "I'm bad to the bone" .

  • in reply to Jan Cumps

    *poof* - Account Deactivated. I think I am still here. I like that idea too.

     

    I respect why the Roadtest application process exist, in order to fairly award potential RoadTesters an opportunity to be selected. Perhaps some legal aspects on being a prize competition as well.