Each week, the editor of Planet Analog finds items of interest and then features them in two sections, entitled “Also of Interest” and “Elementals”. Each cites items from publications outside the Planet Analog and EETimes portfolios. And we also have an archive of recent weekly Planet Analog Newsletters, as pdf files; see the list at the very bottom.
“Also of Interest” and “Elementals” is 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 items of general interest to the engineer, while the second highlights 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 , Microwave Journal , RF & Microwaves , and Physics Today , plus others.
Consider these items as “online-only” extras, and worth a look. (Please note: there are also links to the previous weeks' editions, below this week's items.)
Also of Interest:
- Moving cables generate particles, but only recently has this phenomenon been quantified:
“Cables for Clean Rooms,”
Machine Design , July 21, 2009 - A new control methods cuts velocity disturbances to keep motion profiles smooth and precise:
“New Algorithm Thwarts Velocity Disturbances in Motion-Control Schemes,”
Machine Design , July 21, 2009 - Advances in semiconductor manufacturing require that chips in production be inspected for new parameters such as strain, which could be done using x-ray diffraction of Raman spectroscopy.:
“Avoiding failure: Advanced metrology finds tiniest defects in semiconductor materials,”
Photonics Spectra , July 2009 - Researchers are showing that electromagnetic radiation can be the key to safe and effective medical therapies, but only when applied at specific wavelengths and power levels:
“PHOTONICS IN MEDICINE: Low-level light therapy: It’s all about wavelength and power,”
Laser Focus World , July 2009 - There are numerous potential applications in highly miniaturized sensors and electronic devices:
“Silicon Nanowire Growth at Chosen Positions and Orientations,”
NASA Tech Briefs , July 2009
Elementals:
- Combining 5 Gbps with the convenience of USB sounds like a sure win, but many issues are hiding behind the premise:
“USB 3.0: A simple idea full of challenges,”
EDN , June 11, 2009 - Try this simple loop technique, which offers an inexpensive and reliable alternative to other current-sensing methods, when monitoring mains current:
“Measuring Mains Current Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult,”
Electronic Design , June 11, 2009 - A vector signal analyzer can be used to perform baseband noise figure analysis of the I/Q demodulators found in many modern wireless receivers:
“Use A VSA To Analyze Quad Demod Noise Figure,”
Microwaves & RF , June 2009 - Capacitive MEMS sensors can be used to measure many different physical parameters:
“Patient Monitoring Using Capacitive Sensors,”
Embedded Technology , May 2009
Previous “Also of Interest” and “Elementals” Editions:
Recent Planet Analog Newsletters:
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