Electronic Products takes a look back at some of the most-read articles of 2021. The basics of electronics resonated with our readers with an introduction to electromechanical switches topping the top 10 articles ranking in 2021.
Among the top 10 is a primer that explains the difference between ECM and MEMS microphones and where it makes sense to use the technologies. Other how-to articles include a step-by-step guide on how to determine the bandwidth of an op amp and how a capacitive-isolation daisy-chain data acquisition IC streamlines an electric vehicle (EV) junction box – it eliminates multiple components.
Also top of mind for many readers is 5G. Ericsson’s mobility report, released in June 2021, forecasts that 5G will become the fastest-adopted mobile generation, with mobile subscriptions surpassing 1 billion two years ahead of 4G LTE’s timeline. One big driver is new device chipsets for mmWave spectrum bands that will lower pricing, thus the reason why Understanding the challenges of 5G mmWave made the top 10 ranking.
As for components, microLEDs and time-of-flight (ToF) sensor articles were among the top 10 as well as nanotechnology. Other stories of interest include Synaptics’ big push into the consumer IoT market as well as computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions at the edge, thanks to several acquisitions over the past several years.
With supply chain issues throughout the year, there is no surprise that designers were interested in learning how to reduce supply-chain risk by considering dual-footprint devices. It reduces risk by increasing the number of devices that can be used in a given circuit design.
Here’s our top 10 most popular articles posted in 2021, based on page views.
Back to basics: An introduction to electromechanical switches
Electromechanical switches are relatively low-cost and simple human-to-machine interfaces that are available in a range of different types, sizes, and current switching.
MicroLEDs have a bright future in automotive displays
MicroLEDs aren’t widely used yet due to high production costs but will make inroads into automotive displays thanks to their advantages over OLEDs and LCDs.
Synaptics: A natural progression to edge-AI processors
Once best known for interface products such as fingerprint sensors and touchpads, Synaptics’ portfolio now expands into edge-AI processors.
How is nanotechnology waterproofing smartphones?
Nanotechnology is coming to the rescue of smartphone owners by offering waterproofing protection in case of accidental exposure to water.
ECM vs. MEMS microphones: Does new mean better?
ECM and MEMS microphones each have their own benefits and drawbacks, so here’s what designers need to know about both technologies.
Will ToF sensors come standard on smartphones?
Getting consumers eager to own smartphones with ToF sensors starts by helping them understand the benefits.
Understanding the challenges of 5G mmWave
Unlocking the potential of 5G everywhere with ultra-fast mmWave speeds and low latency requires solving fundamental challenges around range, signal blockers, and proximity to a 5G tower or small cell.
Reducing supply-chain risk with dual-footprint devices
It is possible to reduce supply-chain risk during the early design stage by considering dual-footprint devices and pin-to-pin alternates that meet your system requirements.
How much bandwidth does your op amp need?
TI explains step-by-step how to determine the bandwidth of an op amp at the required frequency and offers a calculator tool to make this complex task easier.
Streamline your EV junction box design
Learn how a capacitive-isolation daisy-chain data acquisition IC enables a streamlined EV junction box, eliminating multiple components.
Other top articles in 2021 include Choosing the right component reliability levels for your space mission, Integration solves power design challenges in railway industry, How to select the right gate driver for your SiC MOSFET, Programmable analog output circuit maximizes industrial system flexibility, and Rethinking Wi-Fi: 10 reasons why Wi-Fi HaLow will supercharge the IoT.
If you missed any of our digital issues this year, here are links to each one.
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