Digi-Key Editor, Art Pini,  Explains:  To meet efficiency and form factor requirements, switched-mode power supply manufacturers are incorporating new semiconductors and circuit topologies, while also adhering to higher standards of power integrity. As a result, designers must make more complex measurements of switched-mode waveforms, which increases test time and adds cost.

In an effort to reduce test time, test equipment makers have developed hardware and software that work together to automate many of the functions and complex analysis. A good example of this combination is the Teledyne LeCroy HDO4104 oscilloscope with Power Analyzer software. This article will describe how the two can be used to perform critical analyses to shorten power supply development and test.  http://bit.ly/2qxAIvZ

Developers have had access for some time to MCUs that feature low-power operating states, shutting down peripherals and even the core itself to reduce system power requirements. For some applications, however, developers need more direct control over power utilization to ensure that portions of the system remain powered to meet key functional requirements.  http://bit.ly/2qxcwtL

Designing an Internet-connected product requires many skillsets. Developers need to know how to write embedded software, build a circuit board, understand how to secure their device, and connect to a network to remotely update and manage their device. Building out the expertise and the infrastructure for a single IoT product can be challenging, time consuming, and expensive. Development teams require a way to jumpstart their development and minimize what they need to do in a typical design cycle in order to meet cost and time-to-market requirements.  http://bit.ly/2qx4ktm

The antenna can contribute enormously to a system’s performance, but only if it is given due consideration early in the design process.

This article introduces popular antenna configurations such as the monopole and dipole, and discusses their performance characteristics and how to work with them in the real world. It also discusses newer antenna designs such as patch and chip antennas, and how they can help designers meet more demanding application requirements.  http://bit.ly/2qwIMzJ

Digi-Key Feature Editor Murray Slovick describes HCL and introduces Infineon Technologies’ Arduino-compatible XMC1202 RGB LED Lighting Shield

As LED lighting systems mature, it is no longer sufficient to simply provide adequate brightness without glare. With research showing clearly that ambient light affects human biology, attention has now shifted to controlling the light source to affect human circadian rhythm, visual acuity, and even productivity.  http://bit.ly/2pFy4nL

Digi-Key Editors Explain How To Take the Zero-Touch Approach to Securely Lock Down an IoT Device

The demonstrated ability of hackers to penetrate IoT devices says more about the level of security of these devices than the skill of the hackers: in most cases, the affected products lack the most basic security provisions. That said, basic security is simple conceptually, but its implementation requires careful attention at every node in a system to avoid vulnerabilities.

A pre-built security solution from Microchip Technology allows developers to implement zero-touch device provisioning in IoT applications built around the Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT service.   http://bit.ly/2pFnAVj