Inspiring the Evolution of Embedded Design

October 29, 2024


Night of the Living Chips 🧟‍♀️

Vishay Extends Voltage Rating Options for Four-Terminal Snap-in Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors

The 299 PHL-4TSI devices are polarized aluminum electrolytic capacitors with a non-solid electrolyte, suitable for smoothing, filtering, and energy storage in applications such as power supplies and renewable energy converters. Their 4-terminal configuration enhances mechanical stability and ensures keyed polarity. Cylindrical case sizes range from 35×50 mm to 45×100 mm.

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TDK's Capacitors Simplify Powertrain Inverter Design

The DC link capacitors are scalable and modular for different power levels and densities and are compatible with wide-bandgap (WBG) silicon-carbide and gallium-nitride power semiconductors. They also feature good self-healing properties and low equivalent series resistance (ESR) and equivalent series inductance (ESL).

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USB Sink Controllers from Diodes Incorporated Offer Versatile PD EPR Solutions for Battery-Powered Devices

Both the AP33771C and AP33772S feature smart, standard built-in firmware for practical applications like LED light indication, cable voltage drop compensation, and moisture detection. While no programming is required to activate this feature in the AP33771C, designers have the option of using I2C commands to configure the AP33772S. These sink controllers also feature 34V tolerant CC pins to offer robust system protection against accidental shorts to the high-voltage VBUS. The sink controllers also help to reduce the bill of materials (BOM) by supporting NMOS FETs for input voltage delivery.

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Editor's Desk by Kirsten Campbell



Attack of the Phantom Signals: Ghost Issues in Chip Design 👻💀

Welcome to the chilling world of semiconductor design, where phantom signals lurk in the shadows, waiting to spook unsuspecting engineers. These elusive, intermittent issues are the stuff of nightmares—haunting designs with their ghostly appearances and sudden disappearances, leaving a trail of fright and frustration in their wake.


Picture this: you’re deep in the trenches of chip design, confident in your creation, only to be jolted by a spike in voltage or an erratic chip behavior that seems to emerge from nowhere. It’s as if the very circuits themselves have come alive, booning you with their unpredictable antics. These phantom signals are the spectral troublemakers of the semiconductor realm—slipping through the cracks, goblin your time, and making you question your sanity.

But fear not!


To banish these demons, engineers must don their detective hats and embrace their inner ghostbusters. The hunt for these mischievous signals involves a blend of sharp intuition, rigorous analysis, and a sprinkle of technological wizardry. Think advanced signal integrity checks, phantom simulations, and the relentless pursuit of even the most subtle anomalies. It’s a game of cat and ghost, with engineers chasing after whispers of disturbances that vanish just when they think they have them cornered.


The pressure is on to exorcise these pesky poltergeists before they wreak havoc on timelines and budgets. It’s a thrilling chase, fraught with tension and intrigue, as teams dive into the fray, armed with oscilloscopes and a healthy dose of determination.


We must remain ever-vigilant against the shadows that threaten to haunt our designs. With the right tools, techniques, and a dash of ingenuity, we can shine a light on these phantom signals and banish them for good. After all, a chip design free of ghostly interruptions is not just a dream—it’s a spooktacular reality waiting to be unveiled. So, gather your courage, embrace the challenge, and let’s ghost-bust those phantom signals once and for all!


Stay spooky and circuitously safe this Halloween! 🎃🕸️🍬

What would you like to see, more editorial or less, more of a particular topic, or less? Let us know. Reach out to the Product Editor

Latest News

ESP32-P4-NANO Combines ESP32-P4 and ESP32-C6 Chips for PoE and Wireless Connectivity

Waveshare has launched the ESP32-P4-NANO board, powered by the ESP32-P4 SoC featuring RISC-V dual-core and single-core processors. This board is tailored for advanced HMI and edge computing applications. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5/BLE via the onboard ESP32-C6-MINI module, it ensures efficient wireless connectivity through the SDIO interface.

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