Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) has several names, including micro-electro-mechanical systems, and micromechatronic systems. In Japan, MEMS is called micromachines, while in Europe, it’s referred to as microsystem technology (MST). Whatever name that’s used, MEMS devices are made using components measuring from 1 to 100 μm (0.001 to 0.1 mm), with MEMS devices ranging from 20 μm […]
Aerospace & Defense
Automotive grade thick-film chip resistors offer anti-sulfur performance
Many types of electronic products across a variety of market segments require higher reliability components. Automotive grade resistors offer increased reliability and improved performance without the high cost and limited availability of components procured to established reliability military specifications. Stackpole’s RMCA series is AEC-Q200 qualified and provides excellent long-term reliability. This series is produced on […]
Radiation tolerant 20-GHz SPDT absorptive RF switch targets space applications
Teledyne e2v HiRel announces the availability of a rad-tolerant 20 GHz, Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) absorptive RF switch, model TDSW020A2T, that is ideal for use in demanding high reliability, space and defense applications and is now available with qualified material off-the-shelf. This new RF switch, developed on 0.15 μm InGaAs pHEMT technology, will be available […]
Super-high energy density film capacitors save space and weight
Exxelia introduced Miniature Micro-Layer (MML) capacitors, a breakthrough technology that allows tremendous size and weight reduction thanks to an unrivaled energy density. The energy density of 400 J/dm3 allows for a reduction in size and weight compared to traditional Polypropylene or Polyester dielectrics, together with an increased operating temperature up to 140°C and transient voltage […]
Chip resistors are AEC qualified
Electronics that require high reliability are no longer confined to military, aerospace, medical, or automotive market sectors. Many types of electronic end products now demand the higher reliability provided by automotive-grade resistors. Automotive-grade resistors offer increased reliability without the high cost of established reliability Mil-Standard products which allows engineers to increase the reliability of their […]
Optical links for spacecraft, Part 2: Projects and progress
Using laser-sourced light beams rather than wireless RF to link spacecraft with Earth offers the possibility of a significant increase in data rates. Still, there are significant technical challenges to the concept. The previous part of the article established the need for higher-speed data links to spacecraft and their missions and looked at some of […]
Optical links for spacecraft, Part 1: The throughput limitation
Using laser-sourced light beams rather than wireless RF to link spacecraft with Earth offers the possibility of a significant increase in data rates. Still, there are significant technical challenges to the concept. Scientists, engineers, and researchers communicating with spacecraft have a problem: there’s so much data coming from these spacecraft – and to send to […]
How chipless RFIDs will revolutionize consumer and defense applications
by Kishor Kanada, Allied Market Research Researchers from Somark Innovations launched biocompatible RFID ink that can be used for tattooing laboratory rats and cattle. The ink can be colored or invisible and uses RFID technology with no metals or chips. The usage of chipless RFID in the creation of ink would eliminate the issue of […]
Phased-array antennas optimized for satellites, space vehicles
ThinKom Solutions announced the development of a new family of phased-array antennas for deployment on satellites and other space vehicles. The antennas are based on ThinKom’s proven VICTS (Variable Inclination Continuous Transverse Stub) technology. The multi-frequency full-duplex antennas are designed for operation on geostationary and non-geostationary satellites using C-, X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q-, V-, E- and […]
Dev kit works with ADC for mixed-signal, subsystem implementations
Teledyne e2v has expanded the scope of engineering support accompanying its popular EV12AQ60x analog-to-digital converter (ADC) series. The new EV12AQ600-FMC-EVM development kit will be an invaluable tool for those implementing mixed-signal subsystems. Intended for prototyping work relating to avionics, military, space, telecommunications, industrial, and high energy physics applications, this kit may be used for evaluating […]