The demand for artificial Intelligence (AI) chips is increasing due to their suitability in certain AI applications. This development mirrors the rise of Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) for 3D applications years ago. However, traditional CPUs and even GPUs often fall short in handling the unique demands of AI workloads, prompting the emergence of AI-specific chips.…
What are the most practical and useful modern spy gadgets?
Spy gadgets, once exclusive to professional espionage, are now widely accessible and affordable for everyday users. Today, such devices are commonly employed in personal security, surveillance, private investigations, and sting operations. They also serve practical personal needs, such as monitoring pets, children, or elderly family members, recording lectures and meetings, and documenting events. Various spy…
What sensors are used in modern vehicles?
Modern cars feature over 70 sensors that monitor various aspects of the vehicle, with 15 to 30 solely dedicated to tracking engine functions. As the automotive industry moves toward automation, the role of sensors will only increase. For example, Level 2+ autonomous vehicles require environmental awareness akin to that of a human driver, using a…
Smart Electronic Gadgets that supports learning and education
Electronic gadgets have transformed how we learn and teach, revolutionizing many aspects of education. Thanks to advancements in technology, remote learning is now accessible to anyone, anywhere, meaning it’s possible to learn from educators globally without leaving home. Internet-powered devices and artificial intelligence have made personalized, data-driven education a reality, which increases engagement through customized…
10 Real Life Instances of Internet of Things (IoT) in Use
It goes without saying that technology is highly responsible for transforming the world around us in so endless number of ways. Not only it’s growing at a faster pace but it’s also gradually leading us to a smarter and better future. The term that has lately become the talk of the town is Internet of Things i.e. IoT. We are completely surrounded by so many applications of IoT in our daily lives but most of us are not aware of them. Interestingly, IoT was coined in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, a British entrepreneur, while he was working in his lab.
How to build a GPS tracking device?
Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers are widely used devices that provide real-time or periodic location updates. Their applications range from navigation, logistics, fleet management, and personal safety to outdoor activities, theft prevention, and even pet monitoring. Available in various sizes and with diverse features, GPS trackers are adaptable to different needs. Whether for personal use…
What is a vehicle infotainment system?
Modern vehicles are incomplete without an infotainment system, an automotive computer system with various multimedia features and functions. Infotainment is derived by combining the words “entertainment” and “information,” and these systems deliver both. They’re comprised of an embedded computer system for multimedia, developed to enhance and enrich the overall driving experience. Typically, infotainment systems include…
What is CCTV and how does it work?
CCTV, short for Closed-Circuit Television, plays a vital role in modern surveillance systems. It’s commonly used for home security, traffic management, crowd control, crime prevention, property and employee monitoring, and even wildlife observation. Installing a CCTV system involves connecting a network of cameras to a centralized hub, ensuring comprehensive and secure monitoring across various applications.…
How to build your own smart home
The idea of a smart home first took hold in 1975 when Pico Electronics introduced the X10 protocol and devices designed to control electronic appliances using power lines. However, computers were not yet advanced enough for automation or remote control. As technology evolved, so did automation. Microcontrollers played a critical role, but the early systems…
What sensors are used in fitness-based smartwatches?
Smartwatches are popular wearable devices that are divided into two broad categories: phone companions and fitness trackers. The phone companion acts as an extension or mini clone of the wearer’s smartphone, staying connected via Bluetooth. Common features include email notifications, calling, messaging, social media integration, calendar management, music control, mobile payments, and voice assistant functionality. While certain…
CAN protocol: Understanding the controller area network
Controller Area Network or CAN protocol is a method of communication between various electronic devices like engine management systems, active suspension, ABS, gear control, lighting control, air conditioning, airbags, central locking etc embedded in an automobile.CAN initially developed for in-vehicle networking of automobiles has expanded its applications in various other industries. The application started for luxurious cars is now being used in heavy duty vehicles like trucks, buses, trains and rail vehicles.
How do smart TVs work as embedded systems?
Televisions have been presenting video content since the 1930s. At first, they were only used to broadcast programs by receiving and displaying over-the-air television signals. Eventually, they began displaying recorded content from VHS tapes, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. In 2007, Samsung introduced the first smart LCD TV, “Bordeaux.” This smart TV featured built-in Wi-Fi connectivity…
Is the CAN protocol still relevant?
The Controller Area Network (CAN) is a well-established communication protocol widely recognized for its use in automotive and industrial applications. Developed by Bosch in the 1980s, CAN was specifically designed to support real-time control systems, making it an essential technology in automation. Although newer protocols have emerged, it remains a legacy standard that’s integral to…
How does a smartwatch work as an embedded system?
The global wearable technology market was valued at US $70 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $231 billion by 2032. “Hearables,” such as earbuds and headphones, constitute 61.3% of this market. Smartwatches witnessed a growth of 8% last year. With chip and sensor technology advances, smaller devices like smart rings are emerging as…
How to design a digital circuit using VHDL
Digital circuit design is a critical part of electronics. In fact, most electronic components are digital electronic circuits. Even simple integrated circuits (ICs) contain thousands or hundreds of thousands of transistors. Microprocessors and microcontroller ICs typically have millions or billions of transistors. Most ICs are produced in fabs, but digital circuit designs can be made…
What is MQTT Sparkplug?
Since its launch in 1999, MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) has been a valuable standards-based messaging protocol for automation applications. Its lightweight, efficient “publish-subscribe” model makes it ideal for communication between and across various devices, systems, and services. MQTT has transformed applications in supply chain management, quality control, predictive maintenance, M2M communication, and industrial energy…
The top IoT projects for enhancing everyday life
The Internet of Things (IoT), a collective network of connected devices that communicate via the Internet, transforms how we live, work, and interact with objects in our environment. By integrating real-time connectivity and cloud computing into everyday devices, IoT enables real-time data collection and analysis, facilitating better decision-making and personalized experiences. For example, it can…
The top chatbots for microcontrollers and embedded systems
ChatGTP, a language-based chatbot developed by OpenAI, has gained a lot of use and attention since its release in 2022. Since then, it and other chatbots — programs designed to mimic human language and conversation — have become increasingly common, used for providing content creation, marketing, programming, research, entertainment, customer service, and much more. Embedded…
What are the top brainwave kits of 2024?
Neuralink recently demonstrated the successful use of its N1 chip — a brain-computer interface (BCI) — in the first human participant. This 64-probe device has 1,024 electrodes and can provide data on how the human brain works. The electrodes connect directly with an individual’s neurons, providing detailed insight into how brainwave signals operate. However, this…
The top mobile app development tools for IoT and electronics
Electronics makers often build mobile apps to control electronic devices. These are typically WiFi or Bluetooth-connected devices controlled by a smartphone. Several software frameworks and tools support the development of native or cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android. Some popular frameworks include React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, Swiftic, Ionic, Apache Cordova, Jquery Mobile, and Native…