<p><strong>The Evolution of Microcontrollers: From 8-bit to 32-bit</strong></p><p>Microcontrollers (MCUs) are at the heart of countless electronic systems, from simple devices like LED controllers to complex IoT applications. Over the years, the shift from 8-bit to 32-bit MCUs has revolutionized how engineers design and implement embedded systems. While 32-bit MCUs offer greater computational power and advanced features, 8-bit MCUs remain highly relevant for specific applications due to their simplicity, low cost, and efficiency.</p><p>To illustrate this evolution, let’s examine two iconic boards from the Arduino ecosystem: the <a href="https://store.arduino.cc/products/arduino-uno-rev3" target="_blank"><strong>Arduino UNO Rev3</strong></a> (8-bit) and the <a href="https://store.arduino.cc/pages/uno-r4" target="_blank"><strong>Arduino UNO R4</strong></a> (32-bit). These boards highlight the practical applications and trade-offs between these architectures.</p><p> </p><p><strong>The Strength of 8-bit: Arduino UNO Rev3 <iframe id="634a64bc581cc50009e3a4c4" width="250" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/arduino-uno-rev3?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></strong></p><p>Key advantages of 8-bit MCUs:</p><ul><li><strong>Simplicity</strong>: 8-bit MCUs process data in chunks of 8 bits, making programming intuitive for tasks like toggling LEDs, controlling motors, or reading sensors.</li><li><strong>Power Efficiency</strong>: They consume less energy, making them ideal for battery-powered projects.</li><li><strong>Cost-Effectiveness</strong>: Their minimal hardware requirements reduce manufacturing costs, making 8-bit MCUs a budget-friendly choice.</li></ul><p>However, 8-bit MCUs have limitations in handling large datasets or computationally intensive tasks. Indeed, they can only directly process numbers up to 255, which restricts their use in advanced applications.</p><p>The Arduino UNO Rev3, built around the 8-bit ATmega328P microcontroller, is a cornerstone for hobbyists and professionals alike. Its straightforward design and ease of programming have made it a go-to board for beginners and educational environments.</p><p>The Arduino UNO Rev3 thrives in applications like:</p><ul><li>Educational projects and learning environments.</li><li>Simple automation, such as motor control or basic sensor integration.</li><li>Low-power devices with minimal processing needs.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>The Power of 32-bit: Arduino UNO R4 <iframe id="67c039cffce3cdd64812a4d5" width="250" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/arduino-uno-r4-wifi?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></strong></p><p>Key benefits of 32-bit MCUs:</p><ul><li><strong>Advanced Processing Power</strong>: Capable of handling numbers up to 4.3 billion, 32-bit MCUs excel in data-intensive applications like real-time analytics or image processing.</li><li><strong>Enhanced Peripherals</strong>: Features like 12-bit DAC, CAN Bus, and Wi-Fi®/Bluetooth® connectivity open new possibilities for IoT and advanced automation.</li><li><strong>Scalability</strong>: Larger memory and faster processing speeds allow for complex algorithm execution.</li></ul><p>The Arduino UNO R4, featuring a 32-bit Arm® Cortex®-M4 processor, brings modern capabilities to the table. Its launch marked a leap in architecture that expanded the scope of what Arduino UNOs can achieve.</p><p>The Arduino UNO R4 is perfect for:</p><ul><li>IoT applications requiring seamless cloud integration and real-time data analysis.</li><li>Robotics and automation with various connectivity options.</li><li>Creative projects involving advanced animations or gesture recognition.</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>When to Choose 8-bit or 32-bit?</strong></p><p>The decision between 8-bit and 32-bit MCUs depends on your project requirements:</p><ul><li>Choose <strong>8-bit MCUs</strong> like the <a href="https://store.arduino.cc/products/arduino-uno-rev3" target="_blank">Arduino UNO Rev3</a> for projects with minimal data processing, lower power requirements, or educational settings where simplicity is key.</li><li>Opt for <strong>32-bit MCUs</strong> like the <a href="https://store.arduino.cc/pages/uno-r4" target="_blank">Arduino UNO R4</a> when you need higher computational power, advanced peripherals, or scalability for future enhancements.</li></ul><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Do 8-bit MCUs Still Make Sense?</strong></p><p>It’s important to note that “bigger” isn’t always better. For example, an 8-bit MCU might be more efficient for small-scale automation or projects constrained by cost or power.</p><p>As technology advances, the demand for powerful yet efficient MCUs continues to grow. The evolution from 8-bit to 32-bit architectures reflects the broader trend of integrating more intelligence and connectivity into devices. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each type of MCU, engineers can make informed decisions that balance performance, cost, and efficiency.</p><p>Whether you’re working on a basic automation project or designing an advanced IoT solution, the Arduino ecosystem offers the tools you need to bring your ideas to life. <a href="https://blog.arduino.cc/2024/12/18/uno-rev3-or-uno-r4-choosing-the-perfect-arduino-for-your-project/?queryID=0f54b728bdf23d25dabe8d05b5e7afb9" target="_blank">Find out more about the UNO Rev3 and R4 from Arduino’s blog</a>.</p>

Explore the strengths, limitations, and applications of different architectures. Using the Arduino UNO Rev3 and R4 as examples, you’ll understand when to choose simplicity and cost-effectiveness versus power and scalability.

Understanding 8-bit vs. 32-bit Microcontrollers: A Guide for Engineers

<section id="isPasted"><p>In electronics, counterfeiters have become more sophisticated, making it difficult for companies to identify fraudulent parts. In the midst of the shift, electronics developers face major challenges, particularly as they recover from a period when traditionally-sourced components were difficult to find.</p><p>Experts believe that counterfeit goods cost the global economy as much as $250B every year. It was reported in 2011 that 15% of the spare and replacement parts purchased by the Pentagon were counterfeit, not only jeopardizing national security but possibly putting American lives at risk.</p><p>Today, one in ten IT products sold may be counterfeit. It is common for counterfeit products to enter the legitimate sales stream; in fact, about two-thirds of counterfeit electronics are sold by reputable companies, with little awareness of the problem.</p><h2>How do Counterfeit Parts Get Purchased?</h2><p>As a result of the complex and opaque nature of the electronics supply chain, counterfeit parts can be integrated into circuit boards in a variety of ways. This is due to a number of factors, including</p><ul><li><strong>Supply chain complexity.</strong> Multi-tier supply chains make it difficult to understand where parts originate from.</li><li><strong>Lack of quality control.</strong> Leaving testing and quality control to others can result in undesirable results. By enforcing proper QC standards, counterfeit electronic parts can be avoided.</li><li><strong>Time pressures.</strong> Buying parts under time pressure may lead some to consider buying from unvetted sources.</li><li><strong>Availability issues.</strong> During periods of shortage, counterfeit parts may become the only option available. Many may fall into the trap of believing that what they don&rsquo;t know can&rsquo;t harm them.</li><li><strong>Cost.</strong> The cost-conscious buyer finds counterfeit parts appealing because they are usually cheaper than genuine parts.</li><li><strong>Misrepresentation.</strong> Often, fake parts look and behave just like the real thing, so it is difficult for buyers to distinguish between the two. Sometimes visual inspections can prevent counterfeits, but other times electrical testing or X-ray inspection are required.</li></ul><p>As counterfeits have become more prevalent, engineers are being asked to do more to prevent them from entering product builds. In this article, we&rsquo;ll first touch on why counterfeit components are a serious problem for modern electronics developers. Then we&rsquo;ll discuss ways to avoid counterfeit components in electronics manufacturing across product development.</p><h2>The Dangers of Counterfeit Components</h2><p>Counterfeit components are dangerous to companies and consumers for several reasons. These reasons include:</p><ul><li>Increased rate of product failures</li><li>Safety hazards</li><li><a href="https://www.macrofab.com/documents/engineers-guide-pcb-manufacturing-intellectual-property" target="_blank">Intellectual property infringement</a> (IP)</li><li>Loss of revenue</li></ul><p>Therefore, avoiding counterfeit components is not only financially beneficial &ndash; it&rsquo;s paramount for long-term enterprise success. Let&rsquo;s take a closer look at each issue.</p><h3>Product Failures</h3><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1686845486809-1686845486809.png" alt="Product failures sparks" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>One of the more obvious downsides of counterfeit components is that they lead to product failures. This poses a commercial risk to business customers who depend on these products to deliver their own services. Moreover, it poses a financial risk to the company developing the technology because of reputational damage, litigation, warranty claims, and recall expenses.</p><p>To offset product failures caused by counterfeits, companies must produce higher volumes of goods in exchange for no incremental gain. Production efficiency comes down, and procurement teams must source additional components within a short period of time, which may further increase the chance that counterfeits enter the process. Such product failures lead to increased production costs and decreased profit margins as the company absorbs costs associated with fixing problems caused by counterfeit parts.</p><h3>Safety Hazards</h3><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1686845486518-1686845486518.png" alt="Laptop on fire" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Depending on the nature of a product, counterfeit components can cause physical harm to users. Take counterfeit laptop batteries, for example. These parts can overheat and ignite, posing a clear threat to unsuspecting users and even to factory workers on production lines.</p><p>Additionally, the use of counterfeit components in medical devices and equipment can pose a serious risk to patient health and safety, as these products are used in critical medical procedures and treatments. In the worst-case scenario, the failure of a counterfeit component could result in serious injury or death, further emphasizing the importance of ensuring the quality and authenticity of all components used in these products.</p><p>In the third quarter of 2022, the number of US product recalls across all categories reached a 20-year high, according to Sedgwick Claims Management. As part of this report, the FDA provided guidance on how to protect advanced medical technology from cyberattacks, which could result in the death of a patient. There is a real and growing problem here.</p><h3>Intellectual Property Infringement</h3><p>Counterfeiting also falls under the IP infringement umbrella. IP theft is already a huge issue in the electronics world. Many countries, like China, don&rsquo;t offer robust IP protections like the U.S., Canada, and Mexico do. Counterfeit parts can alter the final performance of a product, thereby deceiving consumers and detracting from the original intention of a product&rsquo;s design.</p><h3>Loss of Revenue</h3><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1686845486721-1686845486721.png" alt="Trusted brand logo" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Counterfeiting is a major issue for electronics companies and can lead to significant financial losses. The use of counterfeit parts can result in product failure, which can have a negative impact on a company&rsquo;s reputation and brand image.</p><p>Faulty counterfeit electronics can make customers lose trust in a brand, leading them to switch to competitor products. This leads to a decrease in sales and top-line revenue for the company, which can have a domino effect on the company&rsquo;s financial performance.</p><p>The decrease in sales can impact a company&rsquo;s operating margin, making it more difficult for the company to invest in high-quality electronics. This can further erode the company&rsquo;s competitiveness, leading to a continuation of the downward spiral.</p><p>With fewer customers choosing their products, the company may struggle to maintain its market position, leading to long-term financial losses and a reduction in overall revenue.</p><h2>Where Counterfeits Cause Harm</h2><p>Counterfeits cause harm in three specific areas related to the electronics production process:</p><ul><li>Engineering design workflow</li><li>Product viability</li><li>Enterprise reputation</li></ul><p>All three must be protected to ensure maximum product performance and efficiency.</p><h3>Engineering Design Workflow</h3><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1686845486686-1686845486686.png" alt="Engineering design workflow agile" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>The engineering design workflow should be transparent, collaborative, and proactive. Stakeholders across the product development lifecycle should be in regular communication about marketplace conditions, enterprise goals, and current developments. This is how production remains agile and resilient in the age of disruption.</p><p>But counterfeit parts add chaos to the equation. They force teams to take shortcuts and go outside their standard operating procedures, increasing risk dramatically.</p><h3>Product Viability</h3><p>The use of counterfeit parts can also pose a risk to a product&rsquo;s viability. It&rsquo;s challenging to determine whether a product meets market demand and customer expectations when counterfeit parts are present within the design. A counterfeit part is more likely to fail, so it increases the likelihood of a product malfunctioning.</p><p>With the presence of counterfeit components, it becomes difficult to accurately assess the product&rsquo;s success, as the product&rsquo;s reliability and performance have been compromised.</p><h3>Enterprise Reputation</h3><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1686845486640-1686845486640.png" alt="Enterprise reputation" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Finally, counterfeit components can hurt a company&rsquo;s reputation. As alluded to previously, counterfeit parts lead to more product failures and safety hazards. When a product fails to fulfill its intended function, it is a mark against the company. And in the modern era, this information spreads quickly.</p><p>It&rsquo;s getting harder for organizations to protect their reputations, and few enterprises work within markets free from competition. With so much data and so many substitute products available, it&rsquo;s easier for potential customers to find a replacement product. The process of repairing a tarnished reputation is time-consuming, expensive, and difficult. Counterfeit components can set an electronics business back and even catalyze its downfalls.</p><h2>How to Keep Counterfeit Components out of Company Designs</h2><p>For all the reasons above, engineers involved in the electronics design process must take an active role in blocking counterfeit components from entering the production process. This primarily includes design, component, and purchasing engineers.</p><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1686845486762-1686845486762.png" alt="Keep counterfeit components out of designs" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><p>Especially for products with short life cycles, design engineers can reduce counterfeit risk by incorporating flexibility and modularity into designs. The more flexible and modular a design is, the easier it is to slot in a replacement part when the end-of-life stage approaches or if counterfeits find their way into production. As a result of a proactive approach like this, counterfeit components have less impact on the final outcome.</p><p>Component engineers can also mitigate counterfeit risk by informing design engineers of component options, alternatives, and availability. Knowing what&rsquo;s on the market and planning ahead allows component engineers to make sure their organizations use reliable and accessible parts. They prevent businesses from having to make difficult future decisions should component supply dry up.</p><p>Additionally, purchasing engineers or procurement specialists should use authorized suppliers and allow sufficient time to conduct a thorough purchase process. While this isn&rsquo;t always possible, encouraging component and design engineers to share designs early can alleviate the need for purchasers to explore options outside of trusted channels.</p><p>Partnering with an experienced supplier or trusted contract manufacturer who can also source components safely makes sense, as well, and provides a <a href="https://www.macrofab.com/documents/modern-strategic-sourcing-principles" target="_blank">safe procurement</a> channel. The key here is to look for organizations with <a href="https://www.erai.com/" target="_blank">ERAI membership</a> that have access to risk assessment tools and reports on the current counterfeit marketplace. MacroFab is a proud member of ERAI.</p><p>There is a real and growing threat of counterfeit products in the electronics industry. To address this issue, design engineers, component engineers, and purchasing engineers must take proactive measures to ensure that the components used in their products are authentic. From implementing stricter supplier selection criteria to utilizing technology for product traceability, these key players can play a significant role in keeping counterfeit parts out of the supply chain and ensuring the quality and reliability of end products.</p><h4>Learn More About Reducing Counterfeits in PCBA</h4><p><strong>Watch the On-Demand Webinar:</strong></p><p>How to Maximize PCBA Design Efficiency with Reduced Redesign</p><a href="https://www.macrofab.com/webinars/maximize-pcba-design-efficiency" target="_blank">WATCH NOW</a></section><section><br></section>

Counterfeit parts can derail your project fast 

There is a real and growing threat of counterfeit products within the electronics industry.  Do you know how to mitigate it? 

For Engineers, Counterfeit PCBA Parts Pose New Challenges

<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Fast track into the cloud with CGConnect</h2><p dir="ltr">&quot;Enterprises who rely on drones and robotics for business operation often own a diverse range of uncrewed vehicles that may not be compatible with one another. <a href="https://youtu.be/lumuuYy2fHU" target="_blank">CGConnect</a> is designed to solve this pain point by linking them to the Cloud Ground Control platform, regardless of manufacturer or model, turning them into a holistic, connected fleet,&quot; said Michal Weiss, Head of Product at Cloud Ground Control.</p><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fogtQQ3N4rQ?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe></span><br></p><h2 dir="ltr">Plug-and-play connectivity</h2><p dir="ltr">Using CGConnect, remote users gain instant access to Cloud Ground Control&#39;s features, including real-time telemetry, cloud storage, video and payload data, all from a web browser simultaneously. Weighing only 55 grams with similar sizing to a credit card, CGConnect can be integrated into any product design, offering the following benefits:</p><ul id="isPasted"><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Open platform:</strong> The customisable open platform operates on the MAVLink standard. This multiplies potential product applications and enables diverse autonomous vehicles and payloads to operate as a coordinated fleet.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Robotic agnostic:</strong> Works flexibly with open-sourced libraries and is agnostic to the type of technology and vehicle enterprises may wish to use.&nbsp;</p></li></ul><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>White labelled:&nbsp;</strong>Available as a white label product, allowing users to rebrand the user interface to complement business branding and coding requirements.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>High-grade security:&nbsp;</strong>Utilises military-grade encryption and authentication to safeguard data and IP from vulnerabilities and security breaches, helping users meet compliance obligations.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Simple and accessible:</strong> Revolutionises multi-drone operation by making it simple, cost-effective and accessible to users of every skill grade.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>AI modelling:&nbsp;</strong>The platform runs AI algorithms in the cloud, relaying real-time camera feed data to the end user to support versatile missions, such as object detection, tracking and thermal imaging.</p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr"><strong>Edge AI:</strong> CGConnect supports edge AI to perform intensive object identification and classification directly on the vehicle for dynamic missions.</p></li></ul><p dir="ltr"><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lumuuYy2fHU?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe></span><br></p><h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">Unlock new markets</h2><p dir="ltr">Integrating CGConnect into a vehicle&#39;s design expands the product&#39;s functionality and applications while saving development time. This allows manufacturers to fine-tune the product&#39;s competitive advantage, expanding the robot&#39;s potential and ultimately unlocking access to new markets.</p><p><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-jVsC77f5bo?&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe></span><br></p><p dir="ltr">Cloud Ground Control helped Clean Earth Rovers transform its Rover AVPros into an autonomous, connected fleet. By integrating CGConnect, Clean Earth Rovers were able to provide customers with real-time situational awareness and greatly accelerate recovery efforts in ocean health.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jVsC77f5bo&t=22s" target="_blank">Discover the integration here</a>.</p><p dir="ltr">For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cloudgroundcontrol.com/manufacturers" target="_blank">www.cloudgroundcontrol.com/manufacturers</a>.&nbsp;</p>

CGConnect, its cellular micro-modem that uses 4G/5G networks to link any drone or robotic vehicle to Cloud Ground Control’s cloud-based drone fleet management platform, enabling live-streaming, command and control from a web browser.

Transform multiple unmanned vehicles into connected fleet with new  micro-cellular modem

<h1>Power is priority</h1><p>High-performance products and systems that meet the increasing trend towards miniaturization and low power consumption require engineers to have a comprehensive understanding of discrete semiconductor technologies such as power MOSFETs, small-signal MOSFETs, and GaN FETs. Whether the application is in automotive, IoT, &nbsp;or consumer and other mobile electronic devices - effective power management must be prioritized.&nbsp;</p><p>The global move to reduce CO2 emissions drives a need for more efficient power conversion and increased electrification across industries. Staying ahead of trends, including developments in components and their application, as well as understanding exactly how to use them, is essential for engineers to remain cutting edge.</p><p>Semiconductor manufacturer, Nexperia, has just released the <a href="https://efficiencywins.nexperia.com/efficient-products/mosfet-and-gan-fet-application-handbook.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MOSFET and GaN FET Engineer&rsquo;s Handbook</a> with the goal to optimize their customer&rsquo;s electronic designs through sharing their expertise. The handbook is a collection of technical and application insights and a part of the <a href="https://www.nexperia.com/technology-hub.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Technical Nexperia Encyclopedia</a> made up of handbooks, seminars, and video resources.</p><h1>MOSFET Applications</h1><p>Advances in <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/next-generation-mosfet-technology-meets-demand-for-strong-thermal-performance-in-automotive-applications" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">power MOSFET structures</a> and packaging are driving system efficiency and performance forward in both mains and battery-powered applications. &nbsp;MOSFETS are also designed for very specific applications (ASFETs). For example, the rise of small, power-dense, high-performance applications such as mobile battery-powered electronics has spurred the development of advanced packages with high-speed switching. Other application-specific designs include optimized parameters for soft-start, live insertion, short-circuit resilience, avalanche ruggedness, and advanced thermal management.</p><p>An essential aspect of power MOSFETs for engineers to leverage is their thermal performance. Thermal system optimization is increasingly important in relation to electrical optimization as the power requirements in their applications increase. Additionally, a MOSFETs strong thermal performance is essential for reliability. Where this property is especially relevant is in automotive applications. Power steering, ABS braking, &nbsp;DC/DC conversion, and reverse battery protection all require reliable and rugged components that can withstand both high temperatures and manage the switching load while maintaining thermal efficiency. Outside of the automotive industry, power MOSFETs with exceptional thermal performance are required for battery-powered power tools, power supply equipment, and telecom infrastructure.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 788px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjA2NDkyMDYxNzczLUFCUy5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19"><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">Figure 1: MOSFETs play a crucial role in ABS braking.</span></span></span></p><h1>GaN FET Applications</h1><p>The automotive industry is quickly <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/enabling-robust-automotive-communication-ethernet-esd-protection" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">becoming electrified</a>. Optimistic forecasts suggest electric vehicle (EV) sales will reach <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2019" target="_blank">44 million vehicles&nbsp;</a>per year by 2030. While the battery remains central to the continued development of efficient and powerful electric cars, improvements across the powertrain will also significantly impact vehicle efficiency.</p><p>Power GaN FET technology, though at the early stage of technology maturity, offers significant commercial viability with robustness and reliability. GaN delivers on smaller, more efficient, and lower-cost power systems thanks to its ability to provide lower switching loss, faster-switching speeds, increased power density, and improved thermal budgets. GaN FETs are designed to address the needs of AC-DC and DC-DC conversion, power factor correction (PFC), automotive on-board charging, and electric drive applications. To ensure the reliability of automotive electronics, the Automotive Electronics Council introduced its AEC-Q100 family of standards. Automotive devices must meet or exceed this standard.</p><h1>The MOSFET and GaN FET Handbook</h1><p>To meet the push towards increased intelligent use of MOSFETS and GaN FETs by engineers, Nexperia has launched a MOSFET and GaN FET Engineer&rsquo;s Handbook. The handbook provides a comprehensive view of their components currently available in these families. It is a useful tool to guide designers through the design and application of MOSFETs and GaN FETs. Nexperia&rsquo;s internal engineering experts developed the handbook for an engineering audience.</p><p>The handbook is designed as both an educational tool and a reference guide. Each chapter of the book guides an engineer through different aspects of the components including a valuable overview of how to read data sheets where the goal is to help an engineer decide what device is most suitable for a particular application.</p><h2>The fundamentals of MOSFET and GaN FETs explained</h2><p>The <a href="https://efficiencywins.nexperia.com/efficient-products/mosfet-and-gan-fet-application-handbook.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">handbook</a> includes an analysis of common Power MOSFET applications that highlight the demands imposed on the MOSFET gate-oxide by the application. Different applications have been analyzed to develop a mission profile for the VGS. This states what levels of VGS the MOSFET will be exposed to, for how long, and at what temperature. This information can then be used to select the correct MOSFET for the application, thus ensuring optimum and reliable operation.</p><p>Power GaN technology is full of challenges. They are already successful in <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/towards.5g.mobility.the.role.of.efficient.discrete.semiconductors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Radio Frequency applications</a>, but there are still challenges to meet in high current high power applications. &nbsp;The handbook elaborates on the robustness and reliability at high voltage and high temperatures of Power GaN FET technology and provides direction for application. The handbook goes beyond just revealing which components would survive in a particular application but provides guidance on which component is suitable to get the best result.</p><p><strong id="isPasted">Recommended reading:&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-designers-guide-to-logic-and-its-applications" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Designers Guide to Logic and Its Applications</a></span></p><p>Each chapter also includes a frequently asked question section to share the knowledge Nexperia has gathered from its broad community of engineers. The handbook aims to become a &lsquo;go-to&rsquo; reference for anybody tasked with delivering optimized power and small-signal switching, power conversion, and power management. &nbsp;Within the handbook, QR codes refer readers to relevant video learning resources created by Nexperia.</p><p><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width: 788px;"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjA2NDkyMjU1MzI0LU1vc2VmdHMucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ=="><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">The LFPAK family exceed AEC-Q101 standards.</span></span></span></p><h1>Conclusion</h1><p>MOSFETs and GaN FETs are essential to meet and exceed the requirements of both an increasingly electrified but power-conservative world. Understanding the design, application, and potential of these components can be complicated and confusing and require resources that support engineers&rsquo; design process. These resources must provide relevant references, case studies, examples, and FAQ so engineers can select components that deliver innovation.</p><hr><h1>About the sponsor: Nexperia</h1><p><a href="https://efficiencywins.nexperia.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Nexperia</em></a><em>&nbsp;is the expert in high-volume production of discrete and MOSFET components</em><em>, Power GaN FETs,</em><em>&nbsp;and analog &amp; logic ICs. With an absolute focus on efficiency, Nexperia consistently produces the essential semiconductors required by every electronic design in the world: more than 90 billion annually. Products that are benchmarks in efficiency - in process, size, power, and performance - with industry-leading small packages that save valuable energy and space. With decades of experience, supplying to the world&rsquo;s biggest companies, Nexperia has over 11,000 employees across Asia, Europe, and the U.S., offering global support. The company has an extensive IP portfolio and is certified to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001.</em></p><p><em><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjA2NDkxNjI3ODc2LW5leHBlcmlhIGFydGljZWwgbG9nbyBiYW5uZXIuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 788px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></em><br></p><div language="JavaScript"><br></div>

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