Each week, the editor of Planet Analog finds items of interest and features and puts them into two sections, entitled “Also of Interest” and “Elementals”. Each cites items from publications outside the Planet Analog and EETimes portfolios.

It's an extension of our belief that engineers are interested in on-going tutorial on obviously relevant topics, as well as the serendipity of exploring topics which are not directly related to their jobs, but which will broaden their knowledge and sometimes spurs innovative and creative approaches. The first box highlights a few items of general interest to the engineer, while the second highlights some basic and tutorial electronic-engineering material.

Among the publications we check are IEEE Spectrum , Machine Design , Design News , Laser Focus World , EDN , Electronic Design , NASA Tech Briefs , and Physics Today , among others.

Consider these items as “online-only” extras, and worth a look! (Please note: there are also links to the previous weeks' editions, at the bottom).

Also of Interest:

• Mobile laser-projectors based on MEMS will soon enable projection of full-color, high-resolution images from mobile phones, laptop computers, and other portable devices:
  “Nanosecond modulation makes cell-phone projectors possible,”
  Laser Focus World , May 2008
• Innovative drivetrain technology is making it easier to get power from the wind:
  “Green technology: Inside an advanced wind turbine,”
  Machine Design , June 5, 2008
• David Byrne's newest musical installation, Playing the Building, uses pneumatic and electric actuators to transform a New York City ferry terminal into an enormous musical instrument:
  “Actuators Strike A Musical Note,”
  Design News , June 5, 2008
• Get ready for actuators that can fit into smaller spaces, react more quickly, and save weight thanks to smart materials:
  “Smart and small,”
  Machine Design , June 5, 2008

Elementals:

• Pease Porridge on this simple but misunderstood circuit function:
  “What’s All This Current-Source Stuff, Anyhow?,”
  Electronic Design , June 26, 2008
• The comprehensive measurement capabilities and high accuracy of real-time spectrum analyzers make them ideal test tools for characterizing modern pulsed radar signals:
  “Making Advanced Radar Measurements,”
  Microwaves & RF , June 2008
• Laboratory test procedures measure photovoltaic cells and modules according to
  international standards:
  “Photovoltaic Test Performance,”
  Photonics Spectra , June 2008

Previous Editions:

• August 11, 2008
• August 4, 2008
• July 28, 2008
• July 21, 2008
• July 14, 2008
• July 7, 2008
• June 30, 2008