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Avnet Staff - at Avnet

We use Avnet Staff as a collective byline when our team of editors and writers collaborate on the content.

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A collage of thermal management technologies

Thermal innovations keep high-performance electronics cool

By Avnet Staff - April 4, 2025

Technical article

Thermal management solutions are innovating rapidly to address the challenge of keeping electronic systems cool as they get smaller and faster, oftentimes used in combination to spread and transfer the heat.

Connectors for harsh environments

By Avnet Staff - April 2, 2025

Technical article

The right connectivity solution for harsh environments depends on an understanding of the disruptive environmental factors and how they affect sensitive equipment. With this knowledge, engineers can select connectors

Meeting the challenges of medical cable assembly design

By Avnet Staff - April 1, 2025

Technical article

Cable assemblies play a crucial role in the medical industry, providing the essential connection between medical devices, patients and healthcare professionals. These assemblies must meet stringent requirements to ensure patient safety while delivering re...

An integrated circuit on a printed circuit board

Programming secure devices at scale, in a software-defined world

By Avnet Staff - March 7, 2025

Technical article

Software stored in non-volatile memory plays a crucial role in electronic products. Getting software into hardware and securing those devices in a connected world requires specialized support that is both repeatable and scalable.

Discover what’s special about AI processor architectures

By Avnet Staff - February 10, 2025

Technical article

Are you and your engineering peers curious about AI processors? There’s a good chance you are, but can you agree on what makes them different, better or special? It’s not just a label; they are architected in a fundamentally different way.

computer servers in a row standing in a green field surrounded by wild- lowers

Life on the edge of the network

By Avnet Staff - January 29, 2025

Technical article

We are hearing more about AI at the edge, but where exactly is the edge? Is it just a concept, or something more tangible? Is it a hub or router in a building, a sensor in a field, or everywhere in between?

you-are-here-token-on-a-map-inside-a-shopping-mall

Bluetooth 6.0 vs. Bluetooth 5.4: Key advantages

By Avnet Staff - October 24, 2024

Technical article

Bluetooth 6.0 comes with six new features of note. With centimeter-level positioning one of them and now available, will this change the way we navigate?

What to know about global action on cybersecurity

By Avnet Staff - August 12, 2024

Technical article

Growing concerns about cybersecurity and the financial damage caused by ransomware attacks are not going unnoticed by governments around the world.

many robots working together in industry

Breaking down the IT and OT barrier is maximizing productivity

By Avnet Staff - August 7, 2024

Technical article

The digital capability of Operational Technology is advancing, gaining on the automation and productivity of Information Technology.

System-level considerations for EVSE design

By Avnet Staff - August 5, 2024

Technical article

To get the optimum return over the EVSE’s lifetime, it is critical to evaluate the fundamental requirements of any specific charging station based on its purpose and location. These requirements may not always be the same.

An introduction to mmWave connectors for 5G wireless networks

By Avnet Staff - July 16, 2024

Technical article

Addressing the challenges of mmWave for 5G networks requires careful system design and mmWave RF connector selection to help maximize link range, ensure link reliability and protect signal integrity.

Understanding trade-offs for DC-DC converters in EV charging

By Avnet Staff - June 24, 2024

Technical article

Within EV fast charging technologies, focus is on the crucial role of DC-DC converters in enabling efficient energy transfer. The design will be influenced by the primary commercial objective.

Designing Vienna Rectifiers for EV Chargers

By Avnet Staff - June 24, 2024

Technical article

As the EV charging infrastructure grows, EVSE providers need to offer a choice. Cost, efficiency and reliability are trade-offs that begin at the component level and move quickly to the converter topology.

Avnet Embedded and AUO: A new partnership for industrial open frame displays

By Avnet Staff - May 17, 2024

Technical article

Made to be integrated, open frame displays have never been more in demand. You’ll spot them everywhere – across Point of Sale, Point of Information, EV charging , Industrial and Marine applications and so many more.

Breathe easy: How electrochemical sensors safeguard air quality

By Avnet Staff - April 29, 2024

Technical article

Design engineers seeking to develop more sustainable devices can turn to electrochemical gas sensors for a variety of applications that reduce carbon emissions, protect the environment and safeguard human health.

Engineers_bench_with_electronic_components

Where is the new low end in FPGAs?

By Avnet Staff - April 8, 2024

Technical article

Programmable logic is a favorite of design engineers. Programmable devices blend flexibility, functional density, and time-to-market advantages. When low-end parts are discontinued, it reflects how electronic system design is evolving.

person holding a small open standards module

Using Open Standard Modules in the IoT age

By Avnet Staff - April 8, 2024

Technical article

When you think about embedded compute modules, you should be thinking small.

Use multicore microcontrollers for higher speed at lower power

By Avnet Staff - April 8, 2024

Technical article

The 8-bit single-core microcontroller ruled the embedded market for several decades. Advanced 32-bit multicore architectures now offer massive performance increases.

Will Ethernet cancel CAN?

By Avnet Staff - March 28, 2024

Technical article

10BASE-T1S Ethernet is the perfect protocol for implementing zonal electronic and electrical architectures in automobiles. This article highlights how it meets automotive requirements and showcases the Onsemi product family.

AI is impacting passive and interconnect design

By Avnet Staff - February 22, 2024

Technical article

Engineers selecting passive and power components must consider the needs of AI running in the cloud and on high-performance computers. Moving huge amounts of data around is also influencing interconnect design.

patients-using-continous-passive-motion-machines-in-a-medical-setting

Learn how AI and the latest CPM technologies optimize patient rehabilitation

By Avnet Staff - February 21, 2024

Technical article

Continuous passive motion (CPM) is now a critical part of patient rehabilitation. New technologies, including artificial intelligence, are helping medical OEMs take the next step to optimize patient therapy.

a-stethoscope-and-medical-images-with-data

Using sound to capture medical data boosts device innovation

By Avnet Staff - February 21, 2024

Technical article

Wearable medical devices provide continuous body monitoring. Acoustic sensing is non-intrusive and the data supports early diagnosis and remote analysis. Are the stethoscope’s days numbered? That’s not likely, but new device opportunities abound.

a-ct-scanning-machine-in-a-hospital-setting

Designers lead advances in CT scanning field

By Avnet Staff - February 21, 2024

Technical article

High resolution and low dose are two of the latest developments in computed tomography equipment used by medical professionals. Looking inside tells us how these innovations are being achieved.

Safer, targeted approaches to treat atrial fibrillation

By Avnet Staff - February 21, 2024

Technical article

Pulsed field ablation is a bold approach to treating atrial fibrillation. The control required is extreme, leading to innovative solutions and newly patented technologies gaining attention from doctors, patients and OEMs.

exploded-view-of-a-cellphone-showing-interconnect

Explore interconnect innovations that save space

By Avnet Staff - January 16, 2024

Technical article

Demand for electronic interconnect prioritizes smaller sizes and more connections. Delivering both without sacrificing reliability, usability or incurring higher costs are challenges.

Modernizing automotive interfaces

By Avnet Staff - January 5, 2024

Technical article

Microcontrollers (MCUs) drive virtually every embedded system. The automotive industry makes extensive use of MCUs, from comfort to cruise control. The latest features rely on data from increasingly diverse sensors. This requires both established and

What’s going on inside an energy harvesting PMIC?

By Avnet Staff - September 25, 2023

Technical article

Power management ICs, or PMICs, are useful in most applications. A single PMIC can control multiple power rails and manage the way they come online at power-up. This can protect sensitive devices.

Specifying-Effective-Components-to-Meet-the-Needs-of-Industrial-and-Building-Automation-EN-Image

Key trends across the development of MedTech devices

By Avnet Staff - September 18, 2023

Technical article

The healthcare industry is facing a unique combination of challenges over the coming decades.

An-image-showing-various-modules-from-3G-4G-and-5G-implying-5G-is-faster

What’s new in mmWave and 5G SoCs and modules?

By Avnet Staff - August 24, 2023

Technical article

This article looks at recent developments in mmWave and 5G modules and systems-on-chips (SoCs), and the benefits they represent to product development teams working at both the board level and system level of design.

What is the impact of using AI in 5G networks?

By Avnet Staff - August 22, 2023

Technical article

AI is impacting the performance, security and maintenance of 5G networks. Network operators are racing to reap the benefits. AI promises to deliver returns on network investment and improve the end-customer experience along the way.

An IC on a PCB with glowing connections and serial interface names

Comparing common MCU interface protocols

By Avnet Staff - August 15, 2023

Technical article

Microcontrollers are the heart of an embedded system, and their real power comes from interfacing to other components. Take a closer look and compare the three common protocols in use today.

An illustration of the type of analog signals microcontrollers work with

Take these steps to maximize performance of analog peripherals

By Avnet Staff - August 15, 2023

Technical article

For many embedded engineers, the microcontroller provides the beating heart of system design. More MCUs now integrate analog peripherals, reducing the need for additional analog components. This is where hardware and software come together.

TTI transforms global supply chain into a competitive differentiator using Avnet business migration solutions

By Avnet Staff - July 14, 2023

Case Study

CUSTOMER CASE STUDY: See how Techtronic Industries used Avnet’s business migration solutions for insight into its supply chain, enabling it to make real-time decisions about chip inventory for its contract manufacturers worldwide.

Microcontroller chip on printed circuit board

Take a look inside your first board support package

By Avnet Staff - July 11, 2023

Technical article

A good board support package (BSP), or software development kit (SDK), provides a jump-start for embedded software developers. What are you expecting to find inside a BSP, and what should you be looking for?

Extending operational lifetime for battery-powered devices is crucial

By Avnet Staff - July 11, 2023

Technical article

Ultra-low power devices encourage the use of primary cell batteries. Developers can employ design techniques to maximize the power available. It starts with understanding your application’s power profile.

AI takes on growing role in HVAC system efficiencies

By Avnet Staff - July 6, 2023

Technical article

In most countries, buildings account for about 40% of the total energy consumed. HVAC and lighting consume around half that amount. Fortunately, AI is already delivering improved energy efficiency in these systems.

Wiring-placed-in-a-3d-structure-by-robot

An interview with a robotics pioneer

By Avnet Staff - June 28, 2023

Technical article

Wiring harnesses are the second heaviest component in a car. What would happen if we could print electrical connections directly to the chassis, or replace wires in other products? Avnet asked a pioneering company looking to do just that.

How do you make a cobot inherently safe?

By Avnet Staff - June 27, 2023

Technical article

As the market and uses for cobots grow, so does productivity. Cobots can quickly deliver an investment return when used alongside human operators. Given their close human proximity, how do you make cobots inherently safe?

Common industrial motors and how to drive them

By Avnet Staff - June 27, 2023

Technical article

Controlling electric motors means understanding torque, speed and efficiency. Selecting the right type of motor for an application may also include the best control method, such as pulse width modulation or field-oriented control.

Empower your food storage equipment with Avnet’s IoT accelerator

By Avnet Staff - June 23, 2023

Technical article

Maintaining proper temperatures in fresh food storage applications means increased productivity for employees and reduced waste. Avnet’s IoTConnect accelerator enables real-time alerts and notifications for temperature, humidity and other factors.

A cnc machine is milling a piece of metal

Explore options for choosing an optical rotary encoder for motion control and position sensing

By Avnet Staff - June 20, 2023

Technical article

Rotary position sensing is used in motor control and user interface panels. It comprises various encoding methods. Optical encoders can offer advantages. We look at the options and how to choose the right one for your application.

How are magnetic rotary encoders used in industrial automation?

By Avnet Staff - June 15, 2023

Technical article

The Hall effect is used in rotary encoders to monitor position, speed and direction in electric motors and rotary dials. The encoder designs vary, so it is helpful to understand the main features and how they affect performance.

The Avnet RFSoC Gen 3 with the Phased Array Antenna Module (PAAM) from Fujikura

How modelling and simulation support mmWave design integration and delivery

By Avnet Staff - June 6, 2023

Technical article

5G mmWave system design is too complex to approach at a component level. Engineers need to take full advantage of software in all its forms to bring new solutions to market and provide full lifetime support.

man drawing on glass to describe vehicle tracking system

Developing an IoT asset tracker: What are the key technical considerations?

By Avnet Staff - May 2, 2023

Technical article

Technology is making asset tracking more accessible. Connectivity options are increasing, including non-terrestrial networks. Any object can be located and monitored. This blog uncovers the design challenges, including power, protocols and precision.

A pcb with surface mount passive components

Crucial role of analog front ends, creating bridge to digital world

By Avnet Staff - April 29, 2023

Technical article

Analog front end, or AFE, is something every electronics engineer has heard of but may have difficulty defining. The design of these versatile circuits varies by application, making them essential even in a digital world.

Wide bandgap semiconductor material in its raw form

When GaN is too fast for your application, consider SiC instead

By Avnet Staff - April 24, 2023

Technical article

The best power converters are not always the ones that switch the fastest. Gallium Nitride (GaN) switches faster than other power transistors, but sometimes it is too fast. Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs may sometimes be a better option.

Understand the sources of electromagnetic interference in electric vehicles

By Avnet Staff - April 24, 2023

Technical article

Electrical noise sources within vehicles fall into two types: electromagnetic inference (EMI) and electrostatic discharge (ESD). We explain these and the basic concepts of conducted and radiated EMI noise, with relevant examples.

Combining GaN and SiC for cost-effective power conversion

By Avnet Staff - April 20, 2023

Technical article

The public image of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) is as wonder materials. We know they are displacing older silicon technology, boosting the efficiency of power conversion stages. However, neither is a universal solution.

A close-up of an onboard charger in an electric vehicle

Understand practical GaN and SiC differences for EV onboard chargers

By Avnet Staff - April 18, 2023

Technical article

Depending on the design, wide bandgap devices may provide efficiency gains in power conversion for onboard chargers. But which do you choose over silicon if any? We look at the options and offer some advice.

Cropped view of a heart monitor giving vital sign readings during an operation

Operating environment drives temperature sensor selection in medical applications

By Avnet Staff - April 10, 2023

Technical article

Understanding a medical device’s operating environment and performance needs can result in a more optimal temperature sensor choice. This article looks at some key medical device applications and considerations for selecting a temperature sensor.

Digital interfaces are driving data in the automotive sector

By Avnet Staff - April 3, 2023

Technical article

High-speed automotive networks link independent control units. This article compares the role and specifications of Ethernet, CAN and SPE, and explores recent network innovations enabling zonal network architectures.

Optical sensing heart-rate monitors may move from the wrist to the clinic

By Avnet Staff - March 27, 2023

Technical article

Optical sensors deliver a non-invasive solution for monitoring the body below the skin, especially the cardiovascular system. The way tissue absorbs light is the principle, but sensors provide the accuracy.

Take the programmable approach to smart sensing

By Avnet Staff - March 20, 2023

Technical article

A smart world depends on the data generated all around us. Take the programmable approach to capturing a smarter analog world. The right programmable gain amplifier (PGA) offers high analog performance with convenient digital control.

A primer: Understand the importance of EMI and EMC in EVs

By Avnet Staff - March 10, 2023

Technical article

A strong understanding of the basics of electromagnetic interference and of electromagnetic compatibility is vital for any automotive engineering team. This article introduces the concepts as well as some initial checklist items.

How to succeed with programmable analog

By Avnet Staff - February 10, 2023

Technical article

Programmable analog mixes things up. It is analog, but it's also digital. It is hardware, but it is software-defined. It takes analog peripherals to the next level. But it is hard to get right. Many have tried, here are the ones that have succeeded.

Computer board, laptop and test equipment

Private 5G networks are becoming fundamental to enterprises

By Avnet Staff - January 27, 2023

Technical article

Cellular networks are no longer the exclusive domain of traditional telecom operators. If you are looking for guaranteed service levels, you should consider a private 5G network. The key is to master mmWave and MIMO technologies.

How 5G networks support precision agriculture

By Avnet Staff - January 9, 2023

Technical article

Modern farming faces many challenges, but technology holds the key. Precision agriculture uses the latest technologies, enabled by 5G networks. Drones and robots have joined tractors and harvesters, becoming the hardware of farming.

bus, greenhouse, satellite, auto manufacturing

Explore some real-world examples of private 5G networks

By Avnet Staff - January 6, 2023

Technical article

There are increasing examples of private 5G networks, but many more at the trial-and-test bed stage. Find out why all kinds of industries are building private 5G networks rather than using public 5G networks.

More industries seek performance benefits of private 5G networks

By Avnet Staff - January 6, 2023

Technical article

We have waited 10 years for public 5G networks. While real-world implementations of private networks are in their infancy. Owning one means you don’t have to wait any longer. You also get exclusive access to the performance 5G offers.

fireman attempting to extinguish car fire

How engineers cut development time in half for an EV fire warning system

By Avnet Staff - December 5, 2022

Technical article

Through rapid prototyping, Amphenol developed sensor modules that reliably detect carbon dioxide and hydrogen from cell decomposition venting for early warning of lithium cell thermal runaway.

How to find the right op amp

By Avnet Staff - November 23, 2022

Technical article

Analog design relies heavily on many types of op amps. They are the most versatile of all electronic components and there are many parameters to consider when choosing the right device for your design.

Two robot arms face each other in a clean room

Why you should be turning on to brushless DC motors

By Avnet Staff - November 22, 2022

Technical article

For most applications, brushless DC motors are the more flexible and efficient choice.

A handheld thermal imaging device shows the heat coming off high-voltage cables

Understanding the analog aspect of data converters

By Avnet Staff - November 16, 2022

Technical article

There are many types of data converters available. First, choose the right architecture to meet your requirements. Comparison then helps you make the right choice for your application.

Designing ultra-rapid DC EV chargers

By Avnet Staff - July 13, 2022

Technical article

If electric drivetrains are to replace internal combustion, particularly in larger vehicles, we need more high-speed DC charging capacity. This article examines six of the main design considerations.

How wide bandgap semiconductors are improving renewable energy design

By Avnet Staff - July 13, 2022

Technical article

While silicon served us admirably for half a century, engineers are turning to wide bandgap technologies such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride to increase converter/inverter efficiency as momentum to harness renewable energy increases.

Person paying for EV charging with a credit card

Defining security for the EV charging infrastructure

By Avnet Staff - July 13, 2022

Technical article

Drivers are demanding easy access to public EV charging points. Providers must meet this demand without sacrificing security for simplicity. Cybercriminals will find any security weaknesses, but the latest standards are here to help.

Predicting the kW sweet spot in EV charge point variants

By Avnet Staff - July 13, 2022

Technical article

Do you want AC or DC, fast or slow charging? Manufacturers of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment need to predict what will be demanded most by consumers, while responding to the requests coming from Charge Point Operators.

Load balancing in the EV charging infrastructure

By Avnet Staff - July 8, 2022

Technical article

We all know what it’s like to wait in line to refuel, but what if you must continue waiting after you plug in your EV? Managing multiple charge points in one location is creating some interesting challenges for the EV charging infrastructure.

two buisiness people exchanging handshake with SiC icons overlayed

A closer look at SiC quality

By Avnet Staff - June 27, 2022

Technical article

Silicon carbide builds on established manufacturing methodologies but requires entirely new manufacturing processes. Increasing yield and reducing costs relies on imposing the highest quality at every stage.

Why you should care about SiC figures of merit

By Avnet Staff - June 10, 2022

Technical article

SiC semiconductors are becoming ubiquitous in power conversion equipment, particularly in the areas of EVs, solar and energy storage systems. This article reviews applications and explores the figures of merit that can be used to compare devices.

How robust testing forms part of the SiC supply chain

By Avnet Staff - June 10, 2022

Technical article

In high reliability/availability applications, SiC semiconductors are seen as emerging technology. This article explains their benefits and how an end-to-end supply chain with robust testing makes SiC a safe design option.

Taking stock of the supply chain crisis: Lockdowns and shortages cost automotive manufacturers over $500 billion

By Avnet Staff - May 12, 2022

Technical article

Avnet Silica analysed public financial records to reveal the impact of the pandemic on semiconductor stock levels, automotive factory closures and revenue.

Understanding the impact of radar and lidar on autonomous technologies

By Avnet Staff - March 31, 2022

Technical article

Many component makers are betting heavily on radar and lidar systems enjoying a golden period of growth in the next few years. Vision systems and the processors that go in them present an exciting opportunity, too.

Man looking at a tablet; an example of smart building technology

Smarter lighting makes for healthier people

By Avnet Staff - March 23, 2022

Technical article

Lighting can have an important effect on our well-being and effectiveness. In fact, lighting matters so much that UNESCO designated May 16 as the annual International Day of Light to recognize its role in healthy living.

Putting the smarts into building automation

By Avnet Staff - March 21, 2022

Technical article

Smart building automation can augment the capabilities of today’s building management systems and create new data flows that reveal insights about how a building is functioning and used. It can also enable new revenue streams for building managers.

Over-the-air broadcasting returns with perks

By Avnet Staff - February 24, 2022

Technical article

As households replace cable with streaming services, can OTA TV still compete? Many say yes. Although it operates at the same frequencies as existing channels and access remains free, the true benefits lie in NextGen TV’s hybrid architecture.

The interdependence of safety and security in autonomous driving

By Avnet Staff - February 24, 2022

Technical article

The quest for increased road safety is an important factor in the development of higher levels of driving automation. As in any industry, suitable standards help OEMs validate their work in the eyes of regulators and the marketplace.

Technologies for drones, robots and autonomous vehicles

By Avnet Staff - February 17, 2022

Technical article

When we talk about autonomous applications, devices such as drones, robots and driverless vehicles come to mind. What they all have in common is the ability to gather information on their surroundings, process this data, interpret it and act on it.

Vision systems: Processing at the edge, in the cloud, or both?

By Avnet Staff - February 17, 2022

Technical article

Computer vision perfectly exemplifies the conundrum developers face when comparing processing data in the cloud or at the edge. That is, should the data generated by the camera be processed locally, in the cloud or both?

The next frontier for IoT is outer space

By Avnet Staff - February 15, 2022

Technical article

IoT is now in space thanks to a burgeoning industry including traditional providers such as Viasat-Inmarsat and HughesNet to Starlink and a variety of other new players. It’s the latest addition to the already unwieldy number of choices.

How electronic sensors mirror nature

By Avnet Staff - February 15, 2022

Technical article

Recent research puts sensors at the top of the list of technologies of interest to engineers. Find out how the latest electronic devices replicate some of the most amazing sensory capabilities found in nature.

Hands holding a tablet showing data, with an industrial robot in the background

The Industrial IoT is driving economic growth

By Avnet Staff - January 14, 2022

Technical article

With billions of dollars at stake, Industrial IoT isn’t just about financials. Safety, scalability and flexibility are part of digital transformation. In industrial sectors this has significant implications, but is no longer unchartered territory.

Time-of-flight cameras make patient monitoring secure and private

By Avnet Staff - January 14, 2022

Technical article

A growing need exists for alternative solutions to patient monitoring applications in healthcare facilities. Time-of-flight cameras enable sensors to read position data of scenes within the field of view, but without identifying patient information.

Engineer alongside industrial machines arranged in a line

Supporting a service-oriented approach in the IIoT

By Avnet Staff - January 11, 2022

Technical article

Your industrial environment is a complex network of devices with varying roles and responsibilities. Bringing all that together requires the application of proven and new technologies. Efforts are underway to make them all work in harmony.

How 5G will deliver more for less

By Avnet Staff - December 2, 2021

Technical article

From improved timing algorithms and sleep modes to the modernization of network hardware and new network protocols, 5G employs several power reduction strategies to manage network energy consumption.

Remote testing gives RF engineers a short-cut to mmWave application development

By Avnet Staff - November 17, 2021

Technical article

For RF engineers working on mmWave applications, limited access to hardware and test equipment can mean delays, cost and complexity. Remote testing over a secure internet connection lets engineers jump directly to application development.

industrial cellular icons over a night time city scape

Cellular may be the solution to common Industrial IoT networking woes

By Avnet Staff - November 15, 2021

Technical article

A recent survey found 99 percent of respondents identified networking challenges as their customers’ primary roadblock to Industrial IoT implementation. Can cellular networks replace conventional networks for IIoT applications?

When will wireless power transfer redefine the Industrial IoT?

By Avnet Staff - November 12, 2021

Technical article

Power loss in a single sensor might result in downtime for an entire production line, so keeping them operational will be critical. With developments in the enabling technologies, could wireless power transfer be the answer?

man working in an industrial environment

Quick solutions for intelligent condition monitoring

By Avnet Staff - November 11, 2021

Technical article

A small intelligent condition-monitoring project provides a great entry point to the IIoT. Modules are available that make light work of sensing, data analytics and device management.

How the Root of Trust underpins device-level IoT security

By Avnet Staff - November 11, 2021

Technical article

With over 5,400 cyberattacks monthly on IoT devices, security by design is an imperative for industrial installations. Designing Root-of-Trust concepts into MCUs and other components could be key to more secure IoT networks.

Amid chip shortage, focus shifts to assurance of supply

By Avnet Staff - November 9, 2021

Executive overview

From standard inventory fulfilment and management programs to sophisticated supply-chain-as-a-service-models, companies are looking to achieve a reliable flow of components all along the electronics ecosystem.

The 5G interconnect design challenges and their solutions

By Avnet Staff - October 14, 2021

Technical article

Avnet spoke with Molex Global Product Manager Mike Hansen about the role copper interconnect is playing in the development of the next high-speed cellular network.

100GHz+ sign with digital globe in the background

Beyond millimeter wavelengths, the terahertz domain awaits

By Avnet Staff - October 13, 2021

Technical article

Realizing the potential of terahertz frequencies will require enormous advances in technologies from semiconductors through network design.

woman using mobile device in remote location

What to know about electromechanical interconnects for 5G systems

By Avnet Staff - October 12, 2021

Technical article

High-performance radio frequency, input/output and board connectors are helping developers meet the challenge of 5G. Designed for mmWave and PAM-4 signals in the fronthaul of the network, engineers can use them to improve signal integrity.

No, millimeter-wave 5G is not ‘dead’

By Avnet Staff - October 12, 2021

Technical article

5G will require a new network design in which smart repeaters, advanced software and algorithms, digital beamforming, and other techniques allow millimeter-wave signals to permeate RF-restrictive environments.

The future of 5G depends on software-defined radio

By Avnet Staff - October 11, 2021

Technical article

5G is a technological moving target. If designers had to rely only on hardware to make those changes, it’s possible that 5G would be far too expensive or technically impossible to deploy. That’s where SDR comes in.

How 6G networking will solve your city’s traffic problems

By Avnet Staff - October 11, 2021

Technical article

6G networking and self-driving cars could make traffic congestion a thing of the past.

As 5G evolves, 6G takes aim at Internet of Everything

By Avnet Staff - October 8, 2021

Technical article

Work on 6G is already underway to define what the standard will do and how it will do it. If 5G is about enabling the Internet of Things (IoT), 6G is about enabling the Internet of Everything – including you.

Streamlining the IoT using smart cameras for asset monitoring

By Avnet Staff - September 29, 2021

Technical article

Ultra-low power Bluetooth-enabled image sensors provide an easy way to add ubiquitous intelligence to the IoT. By using cloud-based AI, smart cameras will get smarter over time, without increasing the complexity of the end-application.

Smart cameras, cloud platforms shorten long tail of the IoT

By Avnet Staff - September 29, 2021

Technical article

Bluetooth-enabled, ultra-low-power image systems and AI-enabled object recognition make it easier to scale up the IoT. For the first time, low power solutions make smart cameras a cost-effective route to adding intelligence everywhere.

Zigbee or Bluetooth Mesh: Which is right for your application?

By Avnet Staff - September 28, 2021

Technical article

STMicroelectronics’ STMWB55 microcontroller supports both Zigbee and Bluetooth Mesh. Which is right for you?

graphic depiction of a highway and over a city

Turning cars into data centers on wheels

By Avnet Staff - August 31, 2021

Technical article

Cars are becoming data centers on wheels, which makes Ethernet the new digital backbone for vehicles. But that means adding more security and functional safety features to standard Ethernet solutions.

Building trust in the IoT

By Avnet Staff - August 18, 2021

Technical article

The process of building trust in the IoT is going to take a combination of hardware and software innovations, checklists, certification schemes and legislation.

Free eBook explores in-vehicle networking’s future

By Avnet Staff - August 18, 2021

Technical article

Avnet’s free eBook examines some of the biggest issues emerging around in-vehicle networks, their impact on design and new considerations for engineers.

This is what your car’s network will look like in 2050

By Avnet Staff - August 11, 2021

Technical article

The flat CAN bus architecture is obsolete. We’ll see major changes over the next 10-15 years, but let’s look even further. NXP has forecasts as far out as 2050 and we can use those to gain an inkling of what IVN will look like in 30 years.

The LED has conquered the world of lighting

By Avnet Staff - August 11, 2021

Trend report

Requiring very little power for the same output, the applications for LEDs are endless. And the reduced energy consumption makes them a perfect candidate for the manufacturer exploring carbon credits.

Q&A: Carbon credits for LEDs? They’re coming soon

By Avnet Staff - August 11, 2021

Trend report

Think your company isn’t large or sophisticated enough for carbon offsets? Think again. Now is the time for solid-state lighting to harness this nascent opportunity.

EV charging: The drive for faster charging speeds and higher efficiency

By Avnet Staff - August 11, 2021

Technical article

Fast DC chargers and wide-bandgap silicon carbide switches are key to improved EV charging.

To fight EV fires, focus is on early detection of battery cell thermal runaway

By Avnet Staff - August 11, 2021

Technical article

Sensing solutions that focus on decomposition gases are being used to focus on early detection of battery cell thermal runaway.

Not just a stopgap, how 48V mild hybrid systems boost performance

By Avnet Staff - August 11, 2021

Technical article

48-Volt mild hybrid systems help meet emissions targets

As EV market grows, so does push for higher efficiency

By Avnet Staff - August 11, 2021

Technical article

‘The electric car has no future.’ That’s what some said in 1908 when Henry Ford introduced his cheap Model T. Despite his new assembly line manufacturing concept, that single statement rendered electric vehicles (EVs) obsolete. EVs had been around since...

Three cell phones showing different biometric information

Taking a low-code approach to developing a great GUI

By Avnet Staff - August 11, 2021

Technical article

GUIs connect us to the connected world and help create the best user experience. Low-code tools help jump-start the development process.

The rising scourge of EMI continues to vex automakers

By Avnet Staff - August 10, 2021

Technical article

EMI remains an enormous challenge for design engineers as vehicle features become more electronic than mechanical

Single-ended and differential signaling: Two options for in-vehicle networking IVN applications

By Avnet Staff - August 10, 2021

Technical article

In-vehicle networking (IVN) is experiencing strong growth due to the increase of complex capabilities in next-generation transportation applications and the rapid advancement of technology.

Connected transportation: Technology solutions to EMI/ESD design challenges for in-vehicle networking IVN

By Avnet Staff - June 3, 2021

Technical article

As the number of nodes in IVNs and electronic content under the hood proliferate, electromagnetic interference has greater potential to wreak havoc. Coupled with the ongoing need for reliability, the need to safely manage EMI is an imperative.

Is automotive Ethernet throwing CAN under the bus?

By Avnet Staff - May 20, 2021

Technical article

The CAN bus has served the industry for over three decades, and now Ethernet is moving in. While it’s not perfect for everything, CAN still has gas left in the tank.

Man sitting in his car with self drive mode engaged

As complexity intensifies, in-vehicle networking gets a radical rethink

By Avnet Staff - May 10, 2021

Technical article

To keep up with the demand for more processing power and blazing-fast data transmission speeds, the auto industry is moving toward a zonal electronic/electrical (E/E) architecture.

Robotic machinery that can perform surgery

Improving Performance and Precision in Robotic Surgery

By Avnet Staff - April 1, 2021

Technical article

While modern day advancements in electronics and robotic technology haven’t brought forth total autonomous robotic surgery, robot-assisted surgery is one of the fastest growing disciplines within the clinical surgery.

Physician using a tablet to record patient information

Safety and Security in Medical Devices

By Avnet Staff - April 1, 2021

Technical article

Medical devices are a critical and integral part of patient care – from monitoring blood pressure and oxygenation to providing life support.

Faster 4D Imaging with Heterogenous Computing

By Avnet Staff - April 1, 2021

Technical article

Medical imaging is one of the most valuable tools doctors have in detecting and diagnosing disease or anomalies in patients. Both 2D and 3D imaging play a big role in enabling medical professionals to deliver better clinical outcomes.

FPGA vs. GPU vs. CPU – hardware options for AI applications

By Avnet Staff - March 31, 2021

Technical article

Field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) deliver many advantages to artificial intelligence (AI) applications. How do graphics processing units (GPUs) and traditional central processing units (CPUs) compare?

Top 10 pitfalls in developing machine vision systems with artificial intelligence

By Avnet Staff - March 31, 2021

Technical article

Machine vision (MV) and artificial intelligence (AI) provide valuable inspection and analysis capabilities to a wide range of leading-edge applications. As with all advanced technologies, there are pitfalls to avoid.

How to ensure superior power supply design integration

By Avnet Staff - March 30, 2021

Technical article

A key to unlocking device innovation is a power supply design that solves critical power challenges, especially the always-present demand to pack more power into smaller footprints.

Unlock innovation with power management expertise

By Avnet Staff - March 19, 2021

Technical article

Every electronic device has something in common: the need for power. Designing power management solutions correctly from the beginning pays major dividends later, both in longevity and user satisfaction.

Top nine considerations when evaluating microcontrollers

By Avnet Staff - December 22, 2020

Technical article

It’s hard to imagine modern life without touchscreen displays, televisions, washing machines, coffee makers, remote controls and connected devices of all types. Microcontroller units (MCUs) make these modern necessities possible.

group of young people at office table discussing project

Don’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to IoT

By Avnet Staff - October 30, 2020

Technical article

Avnet’s scalable, repeatable vertical SaaS applications are each between 60 and 80% complete, speeding time to market in IoT.

engergy engineers monitoring grid on ipad

Designing for the IoT as Intelligence Moves to the Edge

By Avnet Staff - October 30, 2020

Technical article

The Internet of Everything will be all inclusive, from huge data centers to single-purpose sensors. While individual power requirements vary across the IoT, the need for energy efficiency will be present everywhere.

Person controlling robotic machinery with a tablet

IoT Platforms: Build, Buy, or Both?

By Avnet Staff - October 30, 2020

Technical article

With the accessibility, affordability and overall democratization of technology, it is tempting today to try and do everything yourself.

diagram of smartphone and connected devices

Building the right security foundation for connected devices

By Avnet Staff - October 30, 2020

Technical article

Advances in IoT have led to a boom in connected devices, so security is more important than ever. Discover how to build the right security foundation.

Building the right security foundation for connected devices

By Avnet Staff - October 30, 2020

Technical article

Advances in IoT have led to a boom in connected devices, so security is more important than ever. Discover how to build the right security foundation.

Delivering quality healthcare through mixed reality

By Avnet Staff - August 3, 2020

Technical article

Few industries drive adoption of new technology like healthcare. Thanks to advancements like Microsoft’s HoloLens technology, medical providers can harness mixed reality to improve the quality of patient care and overall experience.

Avnet and Tapptek collaborate remotely to develop beverage analytics device

By Avnet Staff - June 26, 2020

Technical article

It was only natural for us throughout this year’s challenges to reach further and find new ways to help our partners develop technology solutions.

Person in a warehouse checking shipping status via tablet

Q&A: How supply chains can survive the pandemic

By Avnet Staff - May 7, 2020

Technical article

Tom Linton, retired Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer at EMS giant Flex, shares his unique insights on the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on supply chains, and tips on what industry executives can do to keep their businesses afloat.

Man and woman in a crowd wearing medical masks

Prospects for V-Shaped Recovery

By Avnet Staff - May 7, 2020

Technical article

Prospects for V-shaped recovery from COVID-19 shutdown dimming, but veteran tech analyst Dale Ford confident in ability of supply chain to persevere.

Why artificial intelligence at the edge matters

By Avnet Staff - April 10, 2020

Technical article

AI at the edge will have profound effects on many industries, including transportation, defense, manufacturing and healthcare to name a few. How will AI at the edge change these industries, and why does it matter?

How AI and IoT are transforming logistics

By Avnet Staff - April 8, 2020

Technical article

The latest developments in AI and IoT are shaping the future of logistics with data-driven, intelligent supply chains employing machine learning (ML). AI can deliver increased optimization in logistics while giving businesses speed and flexibility.

Spending on design up front can save you from long-term pain

By Avnet Staff - March 20, 2020

Technical article

Spending money in the early phase of development may be painful, but problems with quality, production runs and backers can be far more painful.

The State of Automotive Only Starts with Autonomous Driving

By Avnet Staff - March 6, 2020

Technical article

Learn how the state of automotive spans a variety of applications, from electrication to in-cabin AI.

view from autonomous vehicle as it interprets street signs

Somewhere Between the Flintstones and the Jetsons

By Avnet Staff - March 6, 2020

Technical article

Learn more about developing adaptable automotive automation with Xilinx

Capstone's IntelliH2O® intelligent water meter

Connected tech helps cities conserve resources and reduce costs

By Avnet Staff - January 28, 2020

Case Study

Capstone enables municipalities to save water with a little help from the Internet of Things (IoT) — and Avnet’s /IOTCONNECT™ platform and Partner Program

man wearing virtual reality headset with graphic overlays

How LoRaWAN and AI at the Edge Revolutionize the IoT

By Avnet Staff - January 3, 2020

Technical article

Learn how LoRaWAN and artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge can revolutionize the internet of things by reducing data transmission and improving latency.

couple checking smart watches while exercising

Redefining nanopower for the Internet of Things

By Avnet Staff - December 10, 2019

Technical article

Internet of Things trends today revolve around shiny objects—whether they be artificial intelligence or blockchain—but what if one of the most revolutionary parts of the IoT is something designers consider every day in devices?

metal nut in venier calipers measuring tool

Is best in class the only consideration for your analog design?

By Avnet Staff - December 10, 2019

Technical article

It’s easy to seek out the absolute top of the line when it comes to a design. Whatever the “best” part is, is probably what’s going to be the most compelling for your design, right?

Designing Reliable Analog Circuits in a Less-Than-Reliable World

By Avnet Staff - December 10, 2019

Technical article

Analog touches everything. If not for the multitude of analog and mixed-signal components that vendors have developed in the past decades, the digital “revolution” that has made so many industry sectors leap forward would not be possible.

Connectivity Among Major Analog Design Considerations in Health Wearables

By Avnet Staff - December 10, 2019

Technical article

Development of very low powered analog body sensors, digital microcontrollers, and innovative power and battery management circuits are driving the growth of wearable healthcare products.

6 Unique Op Amp Circuits

By Avnet Staff - December 10, 2019

Technical article

Electronics circuits evolved from discrete circuits to highly integrated circuits (IC) on a single chip enabling highly advanced analog and digital systems saving space and cost. An operational amplifier (Op Amp) is one such integrated circuit that has pl...

internet of things visualization with finger pointing to it

Securing the Keys to the Kingdom: Hardening the IoT-connected supply chain

By Avnet Staff - November 22, 2019

Technical article

To harden the IoT-connected supply chain, cybersecurity strategies need to move beyond a single enterprise’s digital infrastructure and encompass all the players within the value chain.

3 ways IoT means true business transformation

By Avnet Staff - October 17, 2019

Technical article

IoT is business transformation and will change organizations more than Six Sigma or agile methodologies or social media.

Three men and woman having discussion in network operations center

Your business doesn’t have one IoT use case, it has dozens

By Avnet Staff - October 17, 2019

Technical article

It’s a well-worn story: finding the appropriate use case is crucial to ensuring that organizations can build an IoT system structured for insights.

Why settle for just any IoT platform?

By Avnet Staff - October 17, 2019

Technical article

To capitalize on IoT, it's important to assess exactly what's needed from an IoT platform like security, interoperability and flexibility.

IP&E sourcing considerations for developers

By Avnet Staff - August 8, 2019

Technical article

Designing with IP&E components comes down to more than just simple part selection.

Robotic arm industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0

Wired together: How automation systems power the Industrial Internet of Things

By Avnet Staff - July 16, 2019

White paper

From process control and automotive assembly, to robotics and the food and beverage industry, the concept behind Industry 4.0 touches all industries.

Getting started in enterprise IoT: Six tricks for solving the puzzle

By Avnet Staff - July 9, 2019

Executive overview

IoT is like a technological Rubik’s Cube. Here are some of the best tips to solving the IoT puzzle.

person inserting probes into computer board

Don’t ignore analog—it’s the secret sauce of IoT

By Avnet Staff - May 19, 2019

Technical article

Most of the innovation in IoT is focused on digital technology. From power servers running software in the cloud, to increasingly more intelligent devices operating ever closer to the edge in our factories, homes and personal devices. What is often l

Today's case for AI at the edge for engineers

By Avnet Staff - May 16, 2019

White paper

AI might feel far away, but engineers are innovating everyday. Should you consider edge AI?

Decreasing Time to Design in the Industrial Internet of Things

By Avnet Staff - April 23, 2019

Technical article

The huge potential for innovation in industrial IoT (IIoT) offers the promise of significant productivity gains, operational efficiency and bottom line revenue increases, but only if it’s enabled by a supply chain based on reliability, stability an

automobile with sensors collecting information

We’re All Part of the Automotive Evolution

By Avnet Staff - April 23, 2019

Technical article

ADAS (Advanced Drive Assist Systems) and its evolution into full autonomy could see the end of road-based fatalities, injuries and incidents. Technology is now providing the solutions that can help the automotive industry achieve Vision Zero within j

Don’t get caught in proof of concept purgatory

By Avnet Staff - April 9, 2019

Executive overview

Here are the 5 classic signs you are in PoC purgatory.

Transportation Safety: 5 Protocols & Processes to Know

By Avnet Staff - April 4, 2019

Technical article

A dynamic range of protocols can help make our transportation technology safer.

Transportation Trends in Commercial & Non-Passenger Vehicles

By Avnet Staff - March 29, 2019

Technical article

Some of the most exciting technology trends shaping transportation are for commercial vehicles.

Specialists vs. end-to-end partners: the pros and cons for developers

By Avnet Staff - March 27, 2019

Technical article

Getting a product to market requires more than just the right idea; it also needs the right partner.

Making sense of sensors

By Avnet Staff - March 26, 2019

Technical article

If creators still don’t think that sensors are getting the attention they deserve now, then there really is no limit to where the IoT can go.

depiction of data flowing against a black backdrop

Data Defines Your Destiny in IoT

By Avnet Staff - March 8, 2019

Technical article

Data can be daunting. It’s intangible, invisible and typically isolated in physical things like the trucks in your fleet, monitors in your hospitals, or machines in your factory.

A group of colleagues working in a computer security room having a discussion

Avnet and Microsoft Azure Sphere: IoT security in hardware, software and at the edge

By Avnet Staff - March 5, 2019

Technical article

IoT has transformed various industries by automating them at large, but the security concerns associated are just as large as the market opportunity this technology presents. That’s where Azure Sphere comes in.

person holding superimposed globe with IoT symbols

Reimagining the ‘things’ of IoT

By Avnet Staff - February 28, 2019

Executive overview

While our collective vision for IoT’s impact on the future is grand in scale, it is still too easy for companies to get distracted by the minutiae of our present day IoT challenges.

How AI-powered virtual assistants can transform healthcare

By Avnet Staff - February 26, 2019

We have witnessed a paradigm shift in the way patients are being treated by the doctors with the help of AI and machine learning.

field of zeros and ones with shadow of letters AI in center

AGI, artificial general intelligence, the AI bubble and more: Q&A with Toby Walsh

By Avnet Staff - February 25, 2019

Technical article

We sat down with "rock start of AI" Toby Walsh to talk about the buzz around AI, how far true intelligence really is and how to operationalize AI today for benefits in your business tomorrow.

4 ways AI connects retailers and customers

By Avnet Staff - February 25, 2019

Technical article

Technologies like machine learning and AI help retailers to process massive amounts of customer data. And with this data in hand, retailers can thoroughly understand their customers’ buying behavior.

How leading manufacturing companies are reaping various benefits of AI

By Avnet Staff - February 25, 2019

Technical article

Manufacturing companies are applying AI-powered analytics for multiple use cases, such as, cutting unplanned downtime, better product designing, increasing product quality, ensuring employee safety, and many more.

The rise of machine intelligence in the AI era

By Avnet Staff - February 24, 2019

Technical article

Whether you know it or not, this technology has a lot of potential to deal with business-specific challenges and the benefits of deep learning outnumber its drawbacks.

The Car: A Rolling Smart Device

By Avnet Staff - February 5, 2019

Technical article

Be it for streaming your favorite music, sending emails or getting real-time information on traffic jams: cars have long since played host to mobile internet—and will continue to via diagnostics, hotspots and ADAS.

Our Top Takeaways from CES 2019

By Avnet Staff - January 15, 2019

Trend report

More than 180,000 people flocked to Las Vegas for CES, where Avnet debuted IoT and AI products as well as showed the expertise within our global ecosystem.

man using tablet computer in industrial setting

5 of the best artificial intelligence use cases

By Avnet Staff - January 3, 2019

Technical article

AI’s upgraded algorithms make predictive analytics, parse data, and help businesses make smarter decisions from the boardroom to the factory floor.

The Avnet ecosystem comes to life at Electronica 2018

By Avnet Staff - December 28, 2018

Technical article

Here’s how Avnet Abacus, Avnet Silica, EBV Elektronik, Premier Farnell and Hackster.io brought the Avnet ecosystem to Electronica this year.

group of young people wearing virtual reality headsets

Top 6 Trends: Get ready to meet the demand for IoT solutions

By Avnet Staff - December 11, 2018

Technical article

Gartner predicts that in less than two years, more than 20 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices will be deployed. Here are the top six technology trends to ensure your IoT strategies are successful.

Person going through security using IoT-enabled thumbprint scanning technology

2018 Was IoT’s Breakout Year

By Avnet Staff - December 11, 2018

Technical article

From connected devices at home to security cameras and sensors in factories, the acceleration of IoT in 2018 has ignited the imagination and pushed product development in new directions.

Doctor checking on a patient from a remote patient monitoring device -- artificial intelligence

AI From A-Z: The biggest buzzwords around artificial intelligence

By Avnet Staff - November 28, 2018

Technical article

Companies across markets from consumer electronics to factory floors are finding power in the introduction of two letters: AI (artificial intelligence).

worker using tablet computer to monitor industrial robotic arm

The Building Blocks of IoT: You Just Can't Stack Them Up

By Avnet Staff - November 14, 2018

Executive overview

I’ve spent my entire career in the business of technology, and I’ve watched many ideas go from “shiny new object” to “buzzword” to “table stakes.”

Increasingly powerful chips driving artificial intelligence

By Avnet Staff - November 13, 2018

Technical article

AI-supported applications must keep pace with rapidly growing data volumes and often have to respond simultaneously in real time. The classic CPUs that you will find in every computer quickly reach their limits in this area because they process tasks

How wireless communication protocols make or break designs

By Avnet Staff - November 11, 2018

Technical article

The design process includes many critical decisions for engineers, such as which wireless communications protocol to use.

How startups can integrate with design partners

By Avnet Staff - November 9, 2018

Technical article

While it might feel like the rubber truly meets the road at the manufacturing stage, the design process is truly where creators’ great ideas take shape. It’s also where you’ll make major decisions that impact your production and deployment.

Crowd watching live rock band playing on stage

How the Deaf Experience Music—Then and Now

By Avnet Staff - November 8, 2018

Case Study

When you think of experiencing music, what comes to mind? The sound. But sound is vibrations—and the key to how Avnet created a wearable to allow deaf and hard of hearing people to listen to live music.

Thee men standing around a computer monitor

The 3 IoT Security Fundamentals Startups Need to Know

By Avnet Staff - November 6, 2018

Technical article

In a startup environment, when funding sources—or lack thereof—are looming every day, security might not be on the top of your mind. Here are 3 reasons why it should ... and what to consider about security.

Engineering Considerations for the Substitution of Solid Tantalum and Tantalum Polymer Capacitors for Surface-Mount MLCCs

By Avnet Staff - October 18, 2018

Technical article

Due to current bottlenecks in the procurement of surface-mount ceramic capacitors, designers are looking for substitutes to keep their production lines running smoothly, and to find long term replacements for hard to find ratings.

Choosing A Pressure Sensor

By Avnet Staff - October 12, 2018

White paper

When comparing pressure sensors, there are a number of physical and performance attributes to be considered.

Two IoT professionals have a meeting to discuss strategy

Does your IoT strategy have a connection problem?

By Avnet Staff - September 7, 2018

White paper

You’ve heard it everywhere: IoT is a game-changer, a disrupter and a gigantic business opportunity for everyone. That’s all well and good. However, the reality is that many companies have eyes bigger than their stomachs when it comes to IoT.

Engineer participating in online community on desktop computer

In their words: Benefits of the world’s biggest engineering community

By Avnet Staff - September 5, 2018

Technical article

In the summer of 2018, Avnet celebrated a major milestone: 1 million community members across Hackster.io and element14. Here's the value of these communities from the members themselves.

Solar panels providing an alternate power source with the city skyline they are powering in the background

Alternative Solutions For Powering IoT Devices

By Avnet Staff - August 9, 2018

Technical article

In this article, we look at why edge devices need power, and the options for reducing this need to a level where energy harvesting becomes sustainable.

photo of young woman with robotic owl on shoulder

From hacker spaces to Hackster.io: Alex Glow owes her career in hardware to communities

By Avnet Staff - July 17, 2018

Technical article

Exposure to engineering as a kid helped Alex Glow fall in love with hardware. But it was communities that gave her confidence to turn her hobby into a career.

Batteries are key to charging options

By Avnet Staff - July 6, 2018

Technical article

Learn how having an understanding of the pros and cons of charging and battery options is key to realizing the full potential of your new product.

How one engineer found both confidence and community in element14

By Avnet Staff - June 22, 2018

Technical article

Catch the story of Frederick Vandenbosch and how element14 helped him kindle his passion for computer hardware.

Building PetaLinux for the UltraZed & PCIe Carrier Card

By Avnet Staff - June 22, 2018

Technical article

In this installment of our exploration of Avnet’s UltraZed SoM and the PCIe carrier card, we will develop an example application.

UltraZed SoM and PCIe Carrier card circuit board

Working with the UltraZed SoM & PCIe Carrier Card

By Avnet Staff - June 22, 2018

Technical article

Learn about the UltraZed SoM - the latest in a line of embedded computing technologies from Avnet which include a heterogeneous System on Chip (SoC).

Young woman wearing safety gear standing in tunnel

Element14 allows Sneha Nidhi to continue a lifetime of learning

By Avnet Staff - June 22, 2018

Sneha Nidhi describes her love for technology and appreciation for the element14 community.

How Secured Is Your IoT Business?

By Avnet Staff - June 18, 2018

Technical article

Think of reliability, safety and profit when considering security in the Internet of Things

Learning to utilize the benefits of Artificial Intelligence

By Avnet Staff - May 30, 2018

Technical article

Learn about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the market opportunities it presents.

trade show floor with people at vendor booths

Blending IT, OT among hot topics at IoT World 2018

By Avnet Staff - May 17, 2018

Technical article

Avnet Internet of Things experts harnessed the knowledge gained from working with more than 2 million customers around the world to present ideas at IoT World 2018 in Santa Clara, Calif.

AMD Xilinx SoCs and the reVISION Stack Accelerate Embedded Vision Integration

By Avnet Staff - May 4, 2018

Technical article

See how designers can capitalize on the power and efficiency of AMD Xilinx's Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC devices to implement designs using Avnet's Embedded Vision Kits.

two young people working with technology

As technology reshapes our world, ecosystems reshape our business models

By Avnet Staff - April 25, 2018

Technical article

See why businesses are now increasingly reliant on formal structures that tap into the power of partnership - “the company you keep.”

Insurance and the Internet of Things

By Avnet Staff - April 21, 2018

Technical article

Learn about the impacts of IoT on insurance - from auto, home, health and other insurance policies.

10 Things Every Intelligent Systems Needs

By Avnet Staff - April 20, 2018

Technical article

The Internet of Things (IoT) is changing the way businesses use technology. This web of interconnected devices and machines gathers information from gas-oil-water exploration sensors to sensors in corn fields, to medical devices and train control sys

Ensuring robust connectivity in the Industrial Internet of Things

By Avnet Staff - April 20, 2018

Technical article

The industrial Internet of Things promises to bring greater visibility and control of manufacturing processes. To achieve its potential, however, industrial data networks need robust interconnect solutions able to maintain robust connectivity despite

Edico Genome: Fast forward to the future of medicine

By Avnet Staff - April 16, 2018

Case Study

Edico Genome’s DRAGEN Platform is changing the way clinicians diagnose and treat deadly diseases like cancer by giving them crucial genetic information at unprecedented speed, scale and accuracy.

Graphic of a green car flying in the air

Autonomous vehicles are the future

By Avnet Staff - April 9, 2018

Technical article

Autonomous vehicles do not just replace the driver, helmsman or pilot, but have the potential to create completely new business models worth billions.

Woman controlling thermostat temperature via mobile device

4 energy applications for smart home technologies

By Avnet Staff - April 4, 2018

Technical article

See four energy and utilities applications that can transform a one-off technology into an integral part of the home of the future.

Security and surveillance: two sides of the coin in smart homes

By Avnet Staff - April 4, 2018

Technical article

With smart building automation and home security comes the need to protect a home's hardware and software.

From enabled to proactive: the evolution of home automation

By Avnet Staff - April 3, 2018

Technical article

The demand for smart homes is booming and homes are getting 'smarter' along the way.

Key Design Considerations for Selecting the Right RF Antenna

By Avnet Staff - March 16, 2018

Technical article

Know when to choose standard, when to go custom.

Ribbon Communications: Shifting supply chain economics with Avnet Integrated

By Avnet Staff - March 16, 2018

Case Study

Ribbon Communications provides advanced network solutions that deliver reliable, scalable and secure communications for service providers, telecommunications carriers and enterprises in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Model behavior with microcontrollers: Kitty Yeung’s intersectional engineering spans art, science

By Avnet Staff - March 6, 2018

Technical article

Learn how Kitty Yeung used open source communities and platforms to incorporate electronics into her fashion designs.

two young men working in lab on prototype

Creators See Progress Moving Technology from Development to Market, but Hurdles Still Remain.

By Avnet Staff - March 6, 2018

Technical article

See how engaging with a partner that has a robust ecosystem can help creators and startups get new and exciting hardware products to market.

Two men and woman reviewing technology products.

3 ways All Programmable SoCs create new opportunities for designers

By Avnet Staff - March 2, 2018

Technical article

In the growing market of embedded vision, there’s a need to not only rapidly scale to compete but to also be ready for machine learning’s effect on the space. That’s all while keeping up with lightning fast design cycles.

person using small ultrasound device and smartphone to examine patient

Clarius takes ultrasounds further

By Avnet Staff - January 30, 2018

Case Study

From the magical to the unimaginable, ultrasound technology gives critical insight in to what’s going on in the depths of our bodies. Despite a century of innovation, the multi-billion-dollar ultrasound industry is still dominated by large, cart-based sys...

Avnet booth at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show

3 Hardware Takeaways from CES 2018

By Avnet Staff - January 18, 2018

Technical article

If the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is any indication, a huge hardware evolution is coming.

The story of Swift Navigation

By Avnet Staff - January 11, 2018

Case Study

Autonomous functionality is set to disrupt industries from automotive to agriculture and robotics. There’s just one problem: GPS technology needs to catch up.

Man using a soldering tool to work on a circuit board

What’s A Lead Time – And Why Should You Care?

By Avnet Staff - December 19, 2017

Technical article

Learn how effective management of lead times and partnering with a distributor can help you keep promises.

person modifying settings on audio mixer console

VGAs Manage, Optimize RF Signal-Chain Ranging

By Avnet Staff - December 18, 2017

Technical article

The variable-gain amplifier (VGA) is a critical part of the RF receiver signal chain. Its function is to solve the problem of received RF signals having more dynamic range than the analog-input circuitry can accommodate.

How all programmable technology revolutionizes embedded vision

By Avnet Staff - December 14, 2017

Technical article

Autonomous driving is just the start of EV solutions. Learn how all-programmable is revolutionizing embedded vision.

2D shape of a hea with digital data overlay and the work IoT

Cognitive Computing and IBM Watson IoT: Unlocking the Power of Information

By Avnet Staff - December 9, 2017

Technical article

Businesses, academic institutions, cities, and other enterprises may have diverse objectives and missions but all have two things in common: Data, lots of it, and the need for a comprehensive—and comprehensible—way to make use of it. Most executi

supply chain concept with vehicles and tools around the work IoT

For Industry 4.0, Reliability Builds on Robust Connections

By Avnet Staff - December 9, 2017

Technical article

Looking to relieve increasing product complexity and cost pressures, manufacturers are moving toward the next phase of industrial automation envisioned in Industry 4.0. In this concept, smart factories respond instantly to changing workloads to more

hands holding iPhone with overlaid IoT icons

Avnet: Your Key Enabler for Efficient IoT Product Development

By Avnet Staff - December 8, 2017

Technical article

There’s no shortage of hype when it comes to IoT! Fashion designers, futurists, gadget geeks, salespeople…Beyond the logistic efficiencies and capabilities of being the largest global component distributor, Avnet focuses significant technica

yellow key imbossed on micromicrochip attached to circuitboard

Circuit Protection: Helping Drive Reliability and Longer Life

By Avnet Staff - December 8, 2017

Technical article

The primary concerns of engineers designing mobile devices connected to the IoT remain device functionality, performance and feature set. With more devices connected to the IoT intended for long life, remote operation circuit protection increasingly

person holding smartphone on coffee table

3 levels of Qi testing

By Avnet Staff - November 14, 2017

Technical article

See how the Qi Sniffer and Qi Certified Product Testers can help you test and certify your Qi products.

Watch for these two problems in your Qi wireless charging project

By Avnet Staff - November 14, 2017

Technical article

Here are two of the most common problems engineers face in integrating Qi wireless charging in their projects.

How to get your Qi project certified by the Wireless Power Consortium

By Avnet Staff - November 14, 2017

Technical article

By aligning with the Wireless Power Consortium and Qi standard—the way big name brands like Apple, Samsung and Avnet have—you can help verify the quality of your product to new customers.

Qi standard is for more than just smartphones

By Avnet Staff - November 14, 2017

Technical article

I’m not alone in my suspicion that the engineering world will soon follow a singular standard for wireless charging: the Qi standard. I think it would be the right move—and its impact would extend far beyond the charging of mobile phones.

Code 42: The journey to securing data at the edge

By Avnet Staff - October 27, 2017

Case Study

As threats to intellectual property get more sophisticated and the resulting business disruptions become more prevalent, Code42 helps mitigate the risks that companies face from workforces that are increasingly mobile.

The story of Owlet

By Avnet Staff - October 11, 2017

Case Study

In 2012, Kurt Workman was a full-time chemical engineering major at Brigham Young University. Kurt’s aunt had just had twins, prematurely, so he and his wife were lending a helping hand whenever they could.

The story of Twyst

By Avnet Staff - September 27, 2017

Case Study

Imagine walking into your favorite store, getting a special offer just for you, choosing your items and then walking out. No line, no checkout.

Zero Downtime Industrial IoT Using Programmable SoCs

By Avnet Staff - July 10, 2017

Technical article

See an IP design from SoC-e for the Xilinx Zynq®-7000 SoC, providing a flexible solution for equipment that will be connected to HSR rings, PRP LANs, etc.

Driving Data with Unintentional New Uses: Internet of Things

By Avnet Staff - June 11, 2017

Technical article

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a natural evolution of the things we already make today. It is created by the convergence of several key trends, including: growing intelligence of devices that put new power to good use, ubiquitous and cheap connecti

hand holding the Breeze breathalyzer and with results on iphone

Shark Tank Big Winner Saves Lives

By Avnet Staff - May 5, 2017

Technical article

Smart mobility changed everything, but it was advancements in wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® Smart that truly freed...

How Retailers are Using Location Awareness Technology to Track Buyers’ Habits

By Avnet Staff - April 21, 2017

Technical article

Location tracking has been in use for a lot longer than one may expect. For example, military Special Forces and intelligence organizations have been using trackers and tracers for decades. Auto theft recovery services such as LoJack have offered rea

IoT concept image with icons in cloud bubbles over cityscape

Harnessing the Power of IoT: Microsoft’s Unique Approach

By Avnet Staff - April 19, 2017

Technical article

Little could this now-famous British serial entrepreneur have known in 1999 that the name he chose to define his approach for using RFID in P&G’s supply chain would top Gartner’s 2015 Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies report. Hackneyed though

Wearables: Tracking, Computing and Making Sense of Context Awareness

By Avnet Staff - April 15, 2017

Technical article

Wearable devices are moving quickly from concept to reality based on evolving technologies such as sensor fusion, communications and vision. Wearables have evolved to become perceptually aware agents that learn through users’ experiences, activitie

The Edge to Enterprise - Avnet and IBM Partner to Deliver IoT Offering

By Avnet Staff - April 11, 2017

Technical article

This white paper examines the Internet of Things market with a lens on the complexity of the vendor ecosystem and how partnerships are enabling holistic solutions to come to market.

Real-Time Operating Systems - What's Really at the Core

By Avnet Staff - April 2, 2017

Technical article

For most design engineers, the Internet of Things is referenced regularly. From an abundance of applications and security concerns to discussions about how data will be used, the topic of IoT is pervasive. When questions arise regarding the core of I

The story of Braster

By Avnet Staff - April 1, 2017

Case Study

Braster S.A. is a Poland-based company founded by scientists with a mission – to save lives by giving women an easier, more effective and more comfortable way to conduct breast self-examinations at home

The story of Ubicquia

By Avnet Staff - March 30, 2017

Case Study

Ubicquia is making cities across the globe smarter with Kairo, a customizable, light pole-based router that takes advantage of existing city infrastructure.

OCF and Thread Group Alliance Boosts Windows 10 and its Smart Home Initiative

By Avnet Staff - March 29, 2017

Technical article

Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) and Thread Group, recently collaborated to fire up the automated ‘smart home’ functionalities on the Windows 10 operating system.

conceptual graphic of IoT icons around a blue globe

An Introduction to IoT Components

By Avnet Staff - March 29, 2017

Technical article

From locomotives and jet engines to baby monitors and home appliance controls, new applications are challenging the imaginations of designers — both in startup companies and within giant corporations.

energy harvesting concept with green batteries sprouting from the ground

Powering the Internet of Things via Energy Harvesting

By Avnet Staff - March 27, 2017

Technical article

The push is on to add Internet capability to everything—often called the Internet of Things (IoT)—and the challenge for design engineers is to figure out how to power each of these IoT nodes.

night time cityscape with fast-moving traffic

10 Companies and Municipalities that Are Harnessing the Internet of Things to Run Smarter Cities

By Avnet Staff - March 25, 2017

Technical article

Many of the devices we interact with today are enabled by computers and connected to the Internet. Much of the popular interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) focuses on consumer electronics, with everything from smart refrigerators to thermostats,

man holding out his hand with icon overlay

The Internet of Everything is Here…or Is It?

By Avnet Staff - March 18, 2017

Technical article

The next great age of technology is the Internet of Things (IoT), if, that is, you believe everything you read on the Internet.

smart watch with IoT icons on the screen

Wearable Electronics: Four Approaches to Implement a Sensor Hub and Save Power

By Avnet Staff - March 17, 2017

Technical article

As more sensors are added to nearly every electronic device including smartphones, tablets and wearables, more power is needed to run sensor data and turn it into useful information.

PoE + LEDs: An effective pairing, with some limitations

By Avnet Staff - March 17, 2017

Technical article

Using the evolving Power over Ethernet standard to supply DC power to LED-based lighting in place of using the AC line offers both new options and some serious concerns.

It’s Time For The Government And The Internet Of Things

By Avnet Staff - March 15, 2017

Technical article

The Internet of Things or IoT has become quite the well-known term in the past year or two. What started out as a radical concept – connecting everything to everything else and to the Internet!

nurse checking person wearing health monitoring system on wrist

Internet of Things: Designing Sensor-Based Devices with Coin Cell Batteries

By Avnet Staff - March 11, 2017

Technical article

A popular vision of the Internet of Things (IoT) is that it will comprise billions of sensors gathering information about their local environment and transmitting that data back to servers in the cloud. Such data will be compiled, analyzed and shared

hand holding smart phone with IoT icons emanating from the phone

Indispensable Building Blocks of Mobile IoT Devices

By Avnet Staff - March 10, 2017

Technical article

The concept of IoT connected devices connotes many different ideas. Some think of data centers full of servers, network switches and storage arrays aggregating untold gigabytes of random data. Others identify with Ethernet-enabled devices in their pl

The Internet of Things at Cruising Altitude: Airlines and the IoT

By Avnet Staff - March 10, 2017

Technical article

What are your thoughts when you step onto an airplane? “Where’s my seat?” “Is this a Wi-Fi flight?” “I hope I make my connection.”

shiping yard vehicles, airplan with IoT icons overlay

How the IoT will Change the Supply Chain?

By Avnet Staff - March 10, 2017

Technical article

The potential applications of Internet of Things (IoT) technology across any industry or sector are vast. Existing and future IoT applications promise new ways of value creation and revenue streams for businesses in a digital world.

What’s All The Buzz About? Bees And Smart Map Technology

By Avnet Staff - March 8, 2017

Technical article

You’ve heard about the problems with the bees, right? Their population numbers are dwindling and that’s not good news.

MEMs Revolutionizes Sensor Landscape

By Avnet Staff - March 8, 2017

Technical article

Until fairly recently—roughly 15 to 20 years ago—sensors for ubiquitous physical parameters such as pressure, motion and magnetic fields were relatively large, costly, power-hungry and electrically incompatible with standard circuitry.

microprocessor chip being examined by worker

Zynq SoMs Decrease Customer Development Times and Costs

By Avnet Staff - March 8, 2017

Technical article

Xilinx’s Zynq®-7000 All Programmable (AP) System-on-Chip (SoC) provides a new paradigm for embedded system design.

The Internet of Slacks? IoT and Smart Clothing

By Avnet Staff - March 8, 2017

Technical article

When you think of wearable technology you probably think about those fitness trackers that you wear on your wrist. What you probably don’t think about is your shirt, your pants or even your socks.

Using Programmable Logic to Build Power-Efficient Systems

By Avnet Staff - March 8, 2017

Technical article

The successful implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) requires new thinking about how to power connected devices.

Differentiated FPGAs Provide Security in Today’s Hyperconnected World

By Avnet Staff - March 8, 2017

Technical article

FPGAs offer the fastest way to integrate a specific design into a single device. See why an FPGA might be the perfect solution for your next project.

AC/DC Supplies: Design and Make, or Just Buy?

By Avnet Staff - March 8, 2017

Technical article

How to implement the ubiquitous AC/DC supply is a complicated decision with many factors and perspectives, ranging from technical to regulatory ones.

Yellow rainboots and gardening tools on flowerbed

The Internet of Things Has Thumbs – And They’re Green

By Avnet Staff - March 8, 2017

Technical article

It’s no surprise that technology, data and intelligent systems are transforming industrial agriculture.

metal and glass building with electrical activity

All-Around ESD and Heat Protection

By Avnet Staff - March 7, 2017

Technical article

See why LED lighting systems require high-performance ESD and overtemperature protection to achieve the best lifespan, maintenance costs and reliability.

Automotive LEDs Deliver Greater Design Flexibility for Safety, Style and Efficiency

By Avnet Staff - March 7, 2017

Technical article

LED lighting has been making major inroads into the automotive market for two key reasons: safety concerns and energy consumption.

An Overview of FPGAs: The Solution to Countless Design Challenges

By Avnet Staff - March 7, 2017

The field-programmable gate array as a primary processing element offers many design, debug, and production benefits with few, if any, downsides.

Risky Business: IoT’s Impact on Insurance

By Avnet Staff - March 7, 2017

Technical article

Risky Business: IoT’s Impact on Insurance By Steve Gereb August 25, 2016. I enjoy reading about how the data collected by Intelligent Systems will help people live better lives.

conceptual image of hand with legs and city background

Smart Cities: What To Look For In 2016 And Beyond

By Avnet Staff - March 7, 2017

Technical article

In a recent article in Government Technology, IDC research director Ruthbea Yesner Clarke discusses three trends emerging around the growing smart cities movement

woman on laptop with smart phone and smart watch

Will HaLow Open the Door for More Intelligent Systems?

By Avnet Staff - March 7, 2017

Technical article

Reporting on the recent announcement of the “long-awaited Wi-Fi HaLow standard for products incorporating IEEE 802.11ah wireless networking technology,” Jim Hunter of Tech Crunch explains why this new standard may pave the way for more connected

Power Management Techniques for Low-Energy IoT Devices

By Avnet Staff - March 7, 2017

Technical article

With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), embedded designers are, more than ever, focusing their attention and efforts on system energy usage.

Study: Digital Intelligence Driving Massive Business Transformation

By Avnet Staff - March 7, 2017

Technical article

The Internet of Things (IoT) is widely regarded as the next revolution in technology. Cisco predicts that by 2020, there will be 50 billion things connected to the Internet, generating revenues of $19 trillion.