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Avalue BC680R ATX motherboard

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Avalue Technology Inc. has launched the BC680R ATX motherboard, equipped with Intel 12th/13th generation Alder Lake and Raptor Lake platforms. The motherboard can be used with Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3/Pentium or Celeron processors depending on the application requirements. Designed with high-speed transmission, multiple expansion options and a wide temperature range, the motherboard offers users an efficient way to build a solution that is suitable for the harsh environment of industrial applications. The motherboard is designed to meet the upgrade needs of industrial manufacturing, automotive electronics, military, medical and other fields.

The motherboard features the Intel R680E chipset with the LGA 1700 socket, supporting processors up to 65 W thermal design power. Users can choose from different performance Intel Core processors depending on the industrial application requirements. The motherboard also features multiple high-speed transmission interfaces, including 2.5G Ethernet interfaces, USB 3.2 Gen 2, multiple PCIe and M.2 NVMe slots, providing flexibility for expansion. The motherboard is designed to operate in environments ranging from 0 to 60°C, meeting the requirements of computing and data storage solutions.

The motherboard supports up to 128 GB DDR5-4400 MHz memory with ECC memory slots for efficient system operation. It provides 4 SATA III or 2 M.2 NVMe SSD slots, increasing storage configuration flexibility. For networking, it offers two 2.5G network and M.2 CNVi slots for high-speed data transfer to enhance workload efficiency. In addition, the BC680R can drive four displays simultaneously, including 2 HDMI and 2 DP++ display output interfaces, providing high-resolution 4K@60 Hz display effects.

The motherboard supports multiple interface expansions, with a wide-temperature design that makes it suitable for demanding environmental applications. Enhanced data security is provided by Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 technology, offering more choices for industrial applications and supporting the upgrade to industrial intelligence.

RMIT research shows connection between internet access & stockmarket stability

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

What are the ramifications for the stockmarket when you turn off the Internet? According to the latest research, published in the Journal of Financial Economics, limiting access to research can impact investors' decision-making — increasing the risk of a stock market crash.

An RMIT study into the 2010 withdrawal of Google from mainland China examined the impact of the search engine’s exit and the subsequent impact on investment markets. For those who are looking to study at RMIT, such as completing an MBA online in Australia, this study is an example of how research can take you to some truly fascinating places.

Challenging Assumptions

The RMIT study results challenged past assumptions of the influence of search engines and their behavioural impact on investors.

Dr Gaoping Zheng, lead researcher, highlighted that the findings of this study challenged previous thinking that results simply justified the existing ideas of investors, noting that search functions more as a facilitator for decision-making, rather than solely as a validation tool.

“Until now it’s been widely thought that unrestrictive internet searches result in bias and an overvaluation of stocks but that would mean restricting search would decrease stock market crash risk. Instead, we saw a significant jump,” Zheng said. “This suggests internet searching does not exacerbate investors’ biases instead, it facilitates their ability to access and analyse information.”

Studying a Search Engine Withdrawal

China’s stock market is one of the largest in the world — and with nearly a quarter of a billion individual investors, it presents a unique opportunity for a study in a near-natural replication of other markets.

The research, undertaken by Dr Zheng’s team, was rather novel in its approach. By dividing a list of Chinese firms into two groups — one, which had a high search volume on Google before their 2010 withdrawal, and a second group, which were not regularly searched for on the platform.

Measuring the impact on the average stock price risk before and after Google’s withdrawal, the team was able to identify that the group of stocks that were regularly searched on Google were 19% more unstable than the group of lesser searched firms.

The research delved into the role of search engines such as Google in providing a search result that is less likely to be constrained by political constraints, unlike state-owned platforms which are restricted under severe domestic censorship regulation.

Commenting on the research, Zheng noted that these restrictive search conditions result in investors being less informed, and are more likely to fall prey to deceptive conduct and other biases. “If managers withhold negative news, investors are less likely to mitigate their misconceptions and biases surrounding a certain stock,” she said, highlighting how transparency and corporate accountability can be crucial in keeping companies honest to potential shareholders.

An Australian Perspective

The research provides helpful insights into the potential impact on markets if search engines such as Google choose to exit the Australian market. While many nations have many more accessible search engines, Google still holds a dominant market share in web search traffic in Australia, so it’s reasonable to consider what the impacts may be if they were to leave the Australian market.

In a world that is increasingly digital, interconnected, and challenging, the research undertaken by Dr Zheng’s team highlights how access to unbiased information is critical in mitigating the risks of volatile stock markets.

Image credit: iStock.com/Andrii Fomenko

OKW SOLID-BOX, SMART-PANEL enclosure range

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Electronic enclosures specialist OKW has extended its range of ergonomic plastic housings for smart building services systems. The OKW SOLID-BOX (IP 66, IP 67, IK 08) is designed for smart building technology in challenging industrial and outdoor environments. These PC+ABS (UL 94 V-0) enclosures can be installed ‘lid closed’ to protect the seal and electronics from dust or water ingress.

OKW has also added a new size to its SMART-PANEL range of ABS+PC (UL 94 V-0) wall-mounted enclosures for touch screens and other building control technology. The SMART-PANEL fits standard flush-mounted/cavity wall boxes, blending into residential, commercial and industrial environments. New size S114 (114 x 114 x 21.3 mm) complements existing sizes 84 x 84 x 21.3 mm and 155 x 84 x 21.3 mm.

There is also a new standard colour option for OKW’s MINI-DATA-BOX (IP 65 optional) range of fast-fit flanged enclosures. These ASA+PC (UL 94 V-0) enclosures are available with (or without) flanges so they can be cable-tied to poles or screw-fitted to flat surfaces. The flanged version is also available with a traffic white (RAL 9016) top and a traffic grey A (RAL 7042) base, in addition to the existing traffic white and anthracite grey (RAL 7016) options.

Other OKW enclosures for building services systems include wedge-shaped SMART-CONTROL for corner-mounted/desktop electronics and slim NET-BOX wall-mount enclosures for control units and network nodes.

OKW can supply enclosures fully customised. Services include machining, lacquering, printing, laser marking, decor foils, special materials, EMC shielding and installation/assembly of accessories.

For more information: https://www.okw.com.au/en/Applications/Security-Building-services-systems.htm.

Scientists revolutionise wireless communication with 3D processors

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

The innovation is poised to transform the landscape of wireless communication at a time when advances in AI are dramatically increasing demand.

Traditionally, wireless communication has relied on planar processors, which, while effective, are limited by their two-dimensional structure to operate within a limited portion of electromagnetic spectrum. The UF-designed approach leverages the power of semiconductor technology to propel wireless communication into a new dimension — quite literally.

Researchers have successfully transitioned from planar to three-dimensional processors, ushering in a new era of compactness and efficiency in data transmission.

Roozbeh Tabrizian, PhD, an associate professor in UF’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, whose team developed the three-dimensional processor, said it marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of wireless communication as the world becomes increasingly reliant on seamless connectivity and real-time data exchange.

“The ability to transmit data more efficiently and reliably will open doors to new possibilities, fuelling advancements in areas such as smart cities, remote health care and augmented reality,” he said.

Currently, data in our cellphones and tablets are converted into electromagnetic waves that propagate back and forth among billions of users. Much like highway design and traffic lights ensure traffic flows efficiently through a city, filters, or spectral processors, move the data across different frequencies.

“A city’s infrastructure can only handle a certain level of traffic, and if you keep increasing the volume of cars, you have a problem,” Tabrizian said. “We’re starting to reach the maximum amount of data we can move efficiently. The planar structure of processors is no longer practical as they limit us to a very limited span of frequencies.”

With the advent of AI and autonomous devices, the increased demand will require a lot more traffic lights in the form of filters at numerous different frequencies to move the data to where it is intended.

“Think of it like lights on the road and in the air,” Tabrizian said. “It becomes a mess. One chip manufactured for just one frequency doesn’t make sense anymore.”

Tabrizian and his colleagues at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering use CMOS technology, or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor fabrication process, to build the three-dimensional nanomechanical resonator.

“By harnessing the strengths of semiconductor technologies in integration, routing and packaging, we can integrate different frequency-dependent processors on the same chip,” Tabrizian said. “That’s a huge benefit.”

The three-dimensional processors occupy less physical space while delivering enhanced performance and have indefinite scalability, meaning they can accommodate growing demands.

“This entirely new type of spectral processor, which integrates different frequencies on one monolithic chip, is truly a game changer,” said David Arnold, associate chair for faculty affairs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “Dr Tabrizian’s new approach for multi-band, frequency-agile radio chipsets not only solves a huge manufacturing challenge, but it also allows designers to imagine entirely new communication strategies in an increasingly congested wireless world. Put more simply, our wireless devices will work better, faster and more securely.”

The team of researchers, which included Tabrizian, Faysal Hakim, Nicholas Rudawski and Troy Tharpe, began work on this new approach to the processor in 2019. They received funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, a U.S. Department of Defense agency that invests in breakthrough technologies for national security.

Image credit: iStock.com/Ignatiev

STMicroelectronics ST60A3H0 transceiver IC

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

The STMicroelectronics ST60A3H0 short-range wireless point-to-point transceiver IC removes the need for cables and connectors in accessories and personal electronics like digital cameras, wearables, portable hard drives and small gaming terminals. The IC also addresses data-transfer challenges in industrial applications such as rotating machinery.

As a cable replacement, ST60A3H0 transceiver enables designers to create products with slim, aperture-free cases that can be water-resistant while allowing wireless docking. Self-discovery with instant mating saves pairing, while low power consumption preserves battery runtime. The IC operates in the 60 GHz V-band and provides eUSB2, I2C, SPI, UART and GPIO tunnelling.

The IC also requires minimal energy consumption, as it is designed to consume 130 mW in eUSB rx/tx mode and 90 mW for UART, GPIO and I2C modes, with a 23 µW shutdown mode. As the device can handle exchanges at up to 480 Mbps, wireless connections can deliver cable-like speed and low latency. The transceiver IC is designed for connecting an external antenna, giving flexibility to address diverse applications. It has a small, 2.2 x 2.6 mm footprint.

In industrial environments, wireless connections with this transceiver provide a range of benefits including safe galvanic isolation and protection from environmental hazards such as dust and humidity. The device is also suitable for mobile equipment like robotic arms. Being free from mechanical wear, the transceiver’s lifetime is not limited by the number of rotations.

The transceiver is easy to use without installing software drivers or a protocol stack. In addition to enhancing end-user experiences, it also enables efficient contactless product testing and debugging, including loading firmware over the air (FOTA), during manufacture and after sales.

The ST60A3H0 is in full production and is covered by ST’s 10-year product-longevity program.

u-blox NORA-W4 Wi-Fi 6 module

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

u-blox has launched the NORA-W4 module, featuring a range of wireless technologies (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth LE 5.3, Thread and Zigbee) and a compact form factor (10.4 x 14.3 x 1.9 mm). The module is suitable for IoT applications such as smart home, asset tracking, health care and industrial automation.

The single-band tri-radio Wi-Fi 6 module is built on the Espressif ESP32-C6 system-on-chip. It enables battery-powered IoT nodes to operate directly over Wi-Fi. This simplifies implementation by limiting the need for a Bluetooth gateway, making it suitable for applications like wireless battery-operated sensors.

The module uses Wi-Fi 6 technology that is enhanced for IoT and reduces network congestion in environments such as factories, workplaces or warehouses, thereby improving throughput and reducing latency. Fully backward compatible with Wi-Fi 4, the module can also be used in cases where the Wi-Fi infrastructure has not been upgraded.

The module also supports Matter protocol, Thread and Zigbee technologies that are designed for new applications in the smart home environment. Consequently, it allows interoperability with other Matter smart home devices.

The module’s compatibility with other u-blox NORA modules facilitates technology migration, such as transitioning from Wi-Fi 4 to Wi-Fi 6. In addition, the module includes enhanced security features, such as secure boot, trusted execution environment and flash encryption.

NORA-W4 is available in six different variants: open CPU or u-connectXpress, antenna pin or PCB antenna, and with either 4 or 8 MB flash memory.

SCHURTER MSM II metal line indicator

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Following the launch of the MSM II switch family, SCHURTER has released the MSM II metal line indicator, made of the same stainless steel as the MSM II switch. As with the redesigned MSM II switch family, the indicator elements are also available in a range of illumination variants: point, ring or surface illumination. This variety offers users innovative ways of visualising their information.

The indictor’s RGB illumination colour range provides a range of illumination colours covering almost the entire spectrum (16.7 million colours) to enable immediate information recognition. From classic white to bright, dynamic colours, the user has a variety of options available to achieve enhanced signalling for their application.

The metal line indicator elements are also designed for operation with a range of voltages (5, 12, 24 VDC or variable) in order to fulfil the most individual requirements. The indicator elements also feature high impact resistance in accordance with the IK08 standard. They are therefore designed to withstand the challenges of tough use over many years.

The entire MSM II range is available in two different installation depths, giving developers the freedom to choose the optimum solution for devices with different installation requirements.

Australian EdTech sector generates 2.9 billion in revenue

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Educational Technology (EdTech) may not only be one of the nation’s best ways of ensuring that future generations have access to a stellar education — but also a lucrative and secure career path. A recent report by EdTech acceleration company, EduGrowth, found that the EdTech sector turns in a revenue of around 2.9 Billion dollars.

With many of the recent advancements in EdTech being focused on connectivity and AI integration, this is an exciting time for many career paths. An online MBA, for example, would give you the tuition relevant to becoming a Pathway Manager, Project Manager, or Human Resource Development; all of which are essential jobs in the educational technology sector. The excellent thing is that this is one of only a myriad of educational opportunities that can land you a career in this industry.

Considering the current state and projected growth of educational technology in our schools, the apparent lucrativeness, security, and demand for EdTech professionals will climb in the coming years. A report by Campion, a company that specialises in the supply of print and digital education resources, found that half of Australian Schools are using dual-learning methods. Simply put, that means 50% of all schools are using both print and digital media to teach their students. The report also showed that a third of schools are hoping to expand the role that up-to-date technology plays in their educational endeavours.

As schools attempt to increase their technological teaching and learning capabilities, demand for professionals in the industry will increase exponentially. Considering the EdTech industry’s previous trends in growth, there doesn’t seem to be any reason why we shouldn’t expect the sector to grow just as much, if not more, than in previous years.

Image credit: iStock.com/Drazen Zigic

Australia has a reputation for offering good educational standards. In 2023, global rankings put Australia in tenth place for education. Against the entire world that’s quite a feat. Despite recent criticisms thrown at our national curriculum, the consistent and aggressive growth of the educational technology industry sector is emblematic of a nation that considers the education of its citizens a high priority. With technological innovation and implementation like this, curriculum reform may not be too far behind.

Indeed, in 2022, the curriculum did undergo some changes, with topics such as consent and ethics in personal relationships, as well as a deeper understanding of First Nations people’s history and culture, earlier and deeper global history tuition, a deeper focus on English phonics, and more, the curriculum reform isn’t something Australia is hesitant about.

All in all, the EdTech sector, according to previous trends and the EduGrowth annual industry growth report, there is a lot to look forward to right now if your career path is sending you to the land of digitised textbooks and online exams. Educational Technology is an exciting industry sector to be involved in at the moment and as an industry with such astronomical revenue growth, not only is there no shortage of opportunity, but it’s lucrative as well.

Top image credit: iStock.com/Daniel de la Hoz

Microwave photonics chip uses optics for analog computation

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

A research team led by Professor Wang Cheng from the Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) has developed a world-leading microwave photonic chip that is capable of performing ultrafast analog electronic signal processing and computation using optics.

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong (City UHK) have developed a microwave photonic chip that is capable of performing ultra-fast analog electronic signal processing and computation using optics. The chip, which is reportedly 1000 times faster and consumes less energy than a traditional electronic processor, has a range of applications in areas such as 5/6G wireless communication systems, high-resolution radar systems, artificial intelligence, computer vision and image/video processing.

The research findings have been published in the scientific journal Nature. The expansion of wireless networks, the Internet of Things and cloud-based services has placed significant demands on underlying radio frequency systems. Microwave photonics (MWP) technology, which uses optical components for microwave signal generation, transmission and manipulation, offers solutions to these challenges. However, integrated MWP systems struggle to achieve ultrahigh speed analog signal processing with chip-scale integration, high fidelity and low power simultaneously.

Professor Wang Cheng from CityUHK said the researchers developed an MWP system that combines ultrafast electro-optic (EO) conversion with low-loss, multifunctional signal processing on a single integrated chip. This was achieved by using an integrated MWP processing engine based on a thin-film lithium niobate (LN) platform capable of performing multi-purpose processing and computation tasks of analog signals.

The team has been researching the integrated LN photonic platform for years; in 2018, the researchers developed a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor)-compatible integrated electro-optic modulator on the LN platform, which laid the foundation for the current research. LN is referred to as the “silicon of photonics” for its importance to photonics comparable to silicon in microelectronics.

Feng Hanke, first author of the paper, said the chip can perform high-speed analog computation with ultrabroad processing bandwidths of 67 GHz and enhanced computation accuracies. This research opens up a new research field (LN microwave photonics) that could facilitate the development of microwave photonics chips with compact sizes, high signal fidelity and low latency.

Image credit: iStock.com/krystiannawrocki

CSIRO launches printed flexible solar cells into space

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Printed flexible solar cell technology developed by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has been launched into space aboard an Australian private satellite, Optimus-1, on Space X’s Transporter-10 mission. CSIRO is exploring the potential of printed flexible solar cells as an energy source for future space endeavours, in collaboration with Australian space transportation provider Space Machines Company. A major challenge that impedes the development of spacecraft is low-mass, high-efficiency power systems.

CSIRO Space Program Director Dr Kimberly Clayfield said the printed flexible solar cells could provide a reliable, lightweight energy solution for future space operations and exploration. “If the space flight test reveals similar performance as we’ve shown in the lab, this technology offers significant advantages over traditional silicon-based solar,” Clayfield said.

The printed flexible solar cell technology was successfully launched into space aboard Australian private satellite Optimus-1. Image credit: Space Machines Company.

CSIRO Renewable Energy Systems Group Leader Dr Anthony Chesman said eight mini-modules of CSIRO’s printed flexible solar cells were attached to the surface of the Optimus-1 satellite. “CSIRO researchers have been working for many years to improve our solar cell performance using perovskite — an advanced material that is highly efficient in converting sunlight into energy. Our perovskite cells have been achieving incredible outcomes on earth and we’re excited that they’ll soon be showcasing their potential in space,” Chesman said.

Rajat Kulshrestha, CEO of Space Machines Company, said the innovative flexible solar cells will transform spacecraft power systems and enable new possibilities for future space missions. “Through perseverance and teamwork, our engineers and scientists, alongside partners like CSIRO, have created something truly groundbreaking. We’re thrilled to integrate this groundbreaking technology into Optimus,” Kulshrestha said.

According to Chesman, in situ testing will provide information on the performance of the perovskite solar cells as they orbit the planet. The researchers will gain information on how the panels are holding up under extreme conditions in space and data on the efficiency they achieve. The team has already undertaken research on the likely performance of the cells in a space environment.

“Based on our research we expect our printed flexible solar cells will stand up to the effects of cosmic electron and gamma radiation, which can compromise the performance and integrity of traditional solar cells. We are also confident these cells will outperform traditional cells in cases where sunlight hits them at non-optimal angles,” Chesman said.

The researchers will use the feedback received from the satellite to gain insights into the practical application of the printed flexible solar cell technology, thereby informing future development. “This is a great opportunity for Australian technology to contribute to global space exploration. We are eager to collaborate with potential partners to explore this further,” Chesman said.

The research exploring the potential of printed flexible solar cells in space was published in the journal ACS Applied Energy Materials.

Top image caption: Eight mini-modules of CSIRO’s Australian-made printed flexible solar cells were attached to the surface of Space Machine Company’s Optimus-1 satellite. Image credit: CSIRO.

ICP Electronics ICP DAS tET-AD2 tiny Ethernet module

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

ICP Electronics Australia has launched the ICP DAS tET-AD2, designed to enhance the efficiency of industrial processes. This tiny Ethernet module features isolated 2-channel analog inputs, offering versatility in monitoring and control tasks within a wide array of industrial applications. It comes equipped with a web server for straightforward configuration, thereby reducing set-up time and complexity.

Supporting a range of communication protocols including Modbus TCP/UDP, MQTT and SNMP V2c, the tiny Ethernet module enables integration into existing networks, facilitating real-time data exchange and analysis. Its I/O pair connection feature, enabling push and pull functionality, further enhances its adaptability in complex automation set-ups.

The module is designed to endure challenging industrial environments, featuring dual-watchdog support and the capability for firmware updates via Ethernet. With built-in I/O that includes 2-channel single-ended inputs for both voltage and current, the module enables flexible data acquisition.

Adjustable sampling rates, available in fast or normal modes, cater to varied application requirements, facilitating performance in diverse operational contexts such as industrial automation, machinery, building automation, food and beverage systems, semiconductor fabrication and control systems. Its robust design also includes 4 kV ESD protection and 3000 VDC intra-module isolation.

A leap towards computers with light-speed capabilities

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Technologies in these emerging fields that operate at the atomic level are already realising big benefits for drug discovery and other small-scale applications.

In the future, large-scale quantum computers promise to be able to solve complex problems that would be impossible for today’s computers.

Lead researcher Professor Alberto Peruzzo from RMIT University in Australia said the team’s processor — a photonics device that used light particles to carry information — could help enable successful quantum computations, by minimising ‘light losses’.

“Our design makes the quantum photonic quantum computer more efficient in terms of light losses, which is critical for being able to keep the computation going,” said Peruzzo, who heads the ARC Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) node at RMIT.

“If you lose light, you have to restart the computation.”

Other potential advances included improved data transmission capabilities for ‘unhackable’ communications systems and enhanced sensing applications in environmental monitoring and health care, Peruzzo said.

What did the team achieve?

The team reprogrammed a photonics processor in a range of experiments, achieving a performance equivalent to 2500 devices, by applying varying voltages. Their results and analysis are published in Nature Communications.

“This innovation could lead to a more compact and scalable platform for quantum photonic processors,” Peruzzo said.

Yang Yang, lead author and RMIT PhD scholar, said the device was “fully controllable”, enabled fast reprogramming with reduced power consumption and replaced the need for making many tailored devices.

“We experimentally demonstrated different physical dynamics on a single device,” he said.

“It’s like having a switch to control how particles behave, which is useful for both understanding the quantum world and creating new quantum technologies.”

Professor Mirko Lobino from the University of Trento in Italy made the innovative photonic device, using a crystal called lithium niobate, and Professor Yogesh Joglekar from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis in the United States brought his expertise in condensed matter physics.

Lithium niobate has unique optical and electro-optic properties, making it ideal for various applications in optics and photonics.

“My group was involved in the fabrication of the device, which was particularly challenging because we had to miniaturise a large number of electrodes on top of the waveguides to achieve this level of reconfigurability,” Lobino said.

Image caption: Professor Mirko Lobino from the University of Trento in Italy. Image credit: Daniel Peace.

“Programmable photonic processors offer a new route to explore a range of phenomena in these devices that will potentially unlock incredible advancements in technology and science,” Joglekar said.

Another quantum leap?

Meanwhile, Peruzzo’s team has also developed a world-first hybrid system that combines machine learning with modelling to program photonic processors and help control the quantum devices.

Peruzzo said the control of a quantum computer was crucial to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of data processing.

“One of the biggest challenges to the device’s output accuracy is noise, which describes the interference in the quantum environment that impacts how qubits perform,” he said.

Qubits are the basic units of quantum computing.

“There are a whole range of industries that are developing full-scale quantum computing, but they are still fighting against the errors and inefficiencies caused by noise,” Peruzzo said.

Attempts to control qubits typically relied on assumptions about what noise was and what caused it, Peruzzo said.

“Rather than make assumptions, we developed a protocol that uses machine learning to study the noise while also using modelling to predict what the system does in response to the noise,” he said.

With the use of the quantum photonic processors, Peruzzo said this hybrid method could help quantum computers perform more precisely and efficiently, impacting how we control quantum devices in the future.

“We believe our new hybrid method has the potential to become the mainstream control approach in quantum computing,” Peruzzo said.

Image caption: The team’s reprogrammable light-based processor. Image credit: Will Wright, RMIT University.

Lead author Dr Akram Youssry, from RMIT, said the results of the newly developed approach showed significant improvement over the traditional methods of modelling and control, and could be applied to other quantum devices beyond photonic processors.

“The method helped us uncover and understand aspects of our devices that are beyond the known physical models of this technology,” he said.

“This will help us design even better devices in the future.”

This work is published in Npj Quantum Information.

Next steps

Peruzzo said startup companies in quantum computing could be created around his team’s photonic device design and quantum control method, which they would continue to study in terms of applications and their “full potential”.

“Quantum photonics is one of the most promising quantum industries, because the photonics industry and manufacturing infrastructure are very well established,” he said.

“Quantum machine-learning algorithms have potential advantages over other methods in certain tasks, especially when dealing with large datasets.

“Imagine a world where computers work millions of times faster than they do today, where we can send information securely without any fear of it being intercepted and where we can solve problems in seconds that would currently take years.

“This isn’t just fantasy – it’s the potential future powered by quantum technologies, and research like ours is paving the way.”

Top image caption: The team’s reprogrammable light-based processor. Image credit: Will Wright, RMIT University.

Nanothin memory chips manufactured with 2D printing

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Engineering researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a 2D printing process using liquid metals that could create new ways of creating more advanced and energy-efficient computing hardware that is manufactured at the nanoscale. The development comes amid increasing demand for memory devices, which require significant amounts of energy to produce and use.

Dr Mohammad Ghasemian, the study’s lead author, said reducing the temperature at which zirconium and hafnium become liquid is crucial for developing lower-cost electrical devices, as less energy is required. The researchers first combined tin, zirconium and hafnium in a precise ratio, thus allowing the alloy to be melted below 500°C, lower than the individual melting points for zirconium (1855°C) and hafnium (2227°C).

The liquid metal alloy has a thin oxide layer while maintaining a liquid centre, and is used to harvest the ultra-thin tin oxide nanosheets doped with hafnium zirconium oxide. “Tin is abundant, low-cost and can be used at a large scale for the manufacture of critical semiconductors, transistors and memory chips. Though hafnium zirconium oxide is a well-known ferroelectric material used in nanoscale applications, like memory devices and sensors, obtaining nanosheets using conventional techniques is both difficult and costly,” Ghasemian said.

The researchers applied the tin-zirconium-hafnium alloy to harvest the nanothin tin oxide layer doped with hafnium zirconium oxide through exfoliation — lifting it from its liquid surface — so it could then be 2D printed on a substrate as ferroelectric nanosheets. These sheets are designed to form the basis of next-generation computing hardware, such as semiconductors and memory chips. Ghasemian likened the alloy to a marble coated in ink.

“The alloy is like a solvent that allows us to remove that ink and then use it for printing. Our process allows us to harvest this precious crust layer and turn it into ultra-thin sheets, which are then used to manufacture electronics. It could be a new source of functional 2D materials which are not accessible by conventional methods. This process allows us to introduce ferroelectricity into much smaller, 2D metal oxides, allowing for the development of next-generation nanoelectronics at low temperatures,” Ghasemian said.

The research findings were published in the journal Small.

Image credit: iStock.com/sefa ozel

FIDO tech boosts stability of perovskite solar cells

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have created a material based on fullerene indanones (FIDO) that could improve the durability of next-generation solar cells. The researchers published their findings in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

The next-generation of solar cells will potentially use perovskite-based cells. These crystal-based cells are efficient and can even generate electricity indoors under weak light conditions. They are also lighter and more flexible than conventional silicon solar cells and are therefore suitable for installation on vertical surfaces, such as windows and walls.

Many of the unique properties of these solar cells come from fullerene (C60). Shaped like soccer balls, fullerenes are carbon-based semiconductors that can channel electrons to create power, making them essential for organic electronics. Researchers can attach organic molecules to fullerenes to enhance their electronic function, thereby creating derivatives with different properties. The researchers, led by Professor Yutaka Matsuo, added indanone to fullerene to create FIDOs.

Indanone is a useful compound in reactions and has a unique structure of fused rings that create strong carbon links between the fullerene and the benzene part of the indanone. This creates an arrangement with excellent stability even when heated. Using FIDO, the researchers controlled the film to create an amorphous material instead of the more common crystalline material found in silicon solar cells. Amorphous materials have a more random structure than carefully organised crystals; this allows amorphous films to be engineered to have specific properties by adjusting the deposition conditions and tailoring the electrical characteristics of the film to meet the requirements of solar cell technology.

When compared with a standard film, the researchers found that the new film was more efficient and stable; these properties also did not degrade. There was also no decrease in conversion efficiency. Matsuo said the amorphous film did not crystallise upon heating and showed excellent morphological stability.

“A problem with films is that when heated to 150°C, the degree of crystallisation increases. Our newly developed film is an amorphous thin film after deposition and remains amorphous even when heated,” Matsuo said.

This new technique could have a range of applications, as the fullerene derivatives can be used for perovskite solar cells and for photoelectric conversion elements, such as organic photodiodes and organic photodetectors. “Organic photodetectors contribute to the high resolution of imaging sensors in cameras and will be used in fingerprint authentication on smartphone displays, allowing unlocking from any part of the screen touched by a finger,” Matsuo said.

Image credit: iStock.com/deyanarobova

ICP Electronics ICP DAS I-7550-M PROFIBUS converter

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

ICP Electronics Australia has launched the ICP DAS I-7550-M, an advanced PROFIBUS to RS-232/422/485 converter, designed to facilitate the integration of RS-232/422/485 devices into a PROFIBUS DP protocol network. As a DP-V0 Slave, it features an automatic transmission rate detection feature, to simplify setup and provide optimal communication speeds. It supports a maximum input and output data length of 128 bytes, to facilitate data exchange.

The converter also features a versatile address setting range (0~126) that can be configured via DIP switch. This flexibility makes it suitable for a range of industrial applications. The converter features a Hybrid COM 1 port, incorporating a ‘Self Tuner’ that supports RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 communication, making it adaptable to various communication requirements. It supports data formats of 7/8 data bits, with No/Odd/Even parity and 1 stop bit, for compatibility with a broad spectrum of devices.

The converter is also equipped with high-grade network isolation protection via a High-Speed iCoupler and DC isolation protection of 3000 VDC on the PROFIBUS side, offering an extra layer of safety. These features make it suitable for industrial, factory and process automation applications, providing a secure way to integrate various devices into a PROFIBUS network.

Navigating regulatory landscapes: The crucial role of product compliance folders in the Australian and New Zealand markets

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

In the dynamic landscape of electrical, radiocommunication and telecommunication equipment, adherence to regulatory standards stands as a cornerstone for both manufacturers and importers. Central to this commitment is the establishment and upkeep of a robust product compliance folder. This collaborative conversation with Comtest Group delves into the pivotal role such folders play in navigating the intricacies of the Australian and New Zealand markets, shedding light on their indispensable nature.

At the core of the imperative lies legal obligations. Compliance with regulatory standards transcends mere preference, constituting a binding legal mandate in Australia and New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand boast stringent regulations governing the safety, radiocommunications, electromagnetic energy, and electromagnetic compatibility of electrical and telecommunication equipment. Leveraging Comtest Group’s regulatory prowess, importers and manufacturers can adeptly manoeuvre these legal requisites, ensuring seamless alignment with all prescribed standards and regulations.

Market access stands as another compelling reason underpinning the necessity of product compliance folders. The Australian and New Zealand markets, characterised by our regulatory rigor, proscribe entry or withdrawal from shelves for non-compliant products. Comtest Group extends a suite of comprehensive compliance services encompassing testing, certification, and documentation support, facilitating expedited market access. Through our collaborative efforts, importers and manufacturers stand poised to streamline the certification and approval process, thereby garnering a competitive edge within these markets.

Consumer safety emerges as a paramount concern for regulatory authorities across Australia and New Zealand. Comtest Group’s meticulous testing protocols and compliance acumen serve to identify and mitigate potential safety hazards inherent in electrical, radiocommunication and telecommunication equipment. By forging partnerships with us, importers and manufacturers can showcase their unwavering commitment to consumer safety while concurrently adhering to regulatory benchmarks.

Mitigation of risks constitutes yet another compelling rationale for prioritising compliance. Non-compliance entails a gamut of ramifications spanning legal repercussions, tarnished reputations, and financial losses. Comtest Group adopts a proactive stance towards compliance management, empowering importers and manufacturers to mitigate these risks through the provision of readily available and up-to-date documentation. Our holistic suite of compliance services instils a sense of reassurance, enabling businesses to channel their energies towards innovation and growth without the spectre of compliance-related anxieties.

In a landscape marked by regulatory dynamism, staying abreast of updates assumes paramount importance. Regulatory standards and requirements undergo constant change, necessitating diligent monitoring and subsequent updates to compliance documentation. Comtest Group’s skilled team of experts remains vigilantly attuned to regulatory developments, ensuring prompt updates to compliance folders reflective of any alterations. By forging alliances with us, importers and manufacturers can maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory benchmarks, thereby sidestepping potential penalties and fines.

In summation, the establishment and ongoing maintenance of a product compliance folder emerge as non-negotiable imperatives for importers and manufacturers of electrical, radiocommunication and telecommunication equipment endeavouring to penetrate or continue their presence within the Australian and New Zealand markets. Armed with Comtest Group’s comprehensive compliance services, businesses can navigate regulatory exigencies with assurance, thereby ensuring unfettered market access, consumer safety, and risk mitigation. For more information, visit our website or contact us today to embark on the journey towards compliance excellence within the Australian and New Zealand markets.

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Metromatics HBK 3DM-GQ7-GNSS/INS MicroStrain

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Metromatics now offers the MicroStrain by HBK 3DM-GQ7-GNSS/INS. This sensor is designed to provide accurate positioning and orientation, making it suitable for guiding drones and unmanned vehicles or even navigating autonomous robots.

The sensor features two multi-band GNSS receivers, alongside a tactical-grade IMU, to help enable projects to stay on track during harsh conditions ranging from dense urban environments to remote, uncharted territories. The sensor also features RTK support and an adaptive Kalman filter.

With the addition of Microstrain’s mobile-enabled 3DM-RTK Modem and the SensorCloud RTK Network, users can enhance the sensor’s navigation capabilities for greater accuracy, tracking and performance.

The sensor is also designed to be compact and efficient across a variety of settings. Plus, with features like 1.5°/h gyro bias instability, dual antenna GNSS heading, adjustable sampling rates up to 1 kHz and a lightweight design, it’s engineered to support a range of projects.

For more information: https://metromatics.com.au/product/gnss-ins-navigation-sensor/.

STMicroelectronics NeoChromVG GPU

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

STMicroelectronics has launched the NeoChromVG GPU, a vector graphics accelerator for general-purpose microcontrollers. NeoChromVG GPU is a traditional NeoChrom GPU with a hardware unit designed to accelerate vector graphics computations, such as quadratic Bézier curves, which are very common in vector fonts, Bézier tessellation to render surfaces and vector calculations for vertex transformation, among other things, to rapidly draw vector graphics on screen.

The device relies on the same texture mapper as the regular NeoChrom GPU and has similar features like L8 compression. Vector graphic acceleration simply becomes an additional tool in a developer’s arsenal to enhance their UI. The feature also comes on the heels of TouchGFX 4.23, which has gained support for vector fonts.

The GPU will be available on the new STM32U5G9 and STM32U5F9, the former being the version housing a crypto core. Both will feature 3 MB of RAM and 4 MB of dual-bank flash. This hardware configuration enables customers to move to a single-chip design that didn’t require external memory at all, while the increase in internal memory and vector graphics support helped others use smaller NAND devices. In both cases, it helps simplify the PCB design to move to only four layers and lower the bill of materials.

STMicroelectronics is releasing the STM32U5G9J-DK, with a 480 x 480 display, and the STM32U5G9J-DK2, with an 800 x 480 screen, as well as a UI demo showing what developers can accomplish with vector graphics.

iEi TANK-XM811 Modular Edge AI Rugged PC

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

ICP Electronics Australia has launched the iEi TANK-XM811, a fanless embedded PC featuring Intel’s 13th/12th Generation Core processors in a robust platform designed for edge AI applications. This system supports a trio of CPUs: the i5-12500TE, i7-12700TE and the i9-12900TE, each offering a balance of performance and power efficiency with up to 4.8 GHz turbo frequencies and 16 cores on the flagship model.

Equipped with dual 2.5GbE ports for high-speed networking, numerous USB and serial ports for peripheral connectivity and multiple internal expansion options, the PC is designed to provide flexibility and scalability. Users can further customise their set-up with various optional backplanes and chassis, tailoring the system to meet specific industrial IoT requirements such as surveillance, transportation and advanced manufacturing.

The device is supported by its enhanced GPU and NVMe storage capabilities. Its eChassis modules offer scalability, allowing for easy integration of additional GPUs or accelerators to boost AI inference performance. Furthermore, this system also features a fanless cooling design that enables operation in extreme temperatures and conditions, making it suitable for deployment in challenging environments.

The device is also certified for CE and FCC compliance, for safety in industrial settings. Its emphasis on modular design also reduces lead times, providing a configurable solution for modern edge computing challenges.

For more information, visit: https://www.icp-australia.com.au/product/tank-xm811/.

Bernic electronic enclosure range

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +1100

Bernic has launched the ERNI/TE Connectivity range of LDG-A and LDG-S electronic enclosures. Crafted from polycarbonate (PC) with a light grey finish, the enclosures offer a range of features to meet the requirements of modern industries. The range of enclosures features steel tin-plated screw clamp terminals for enhanced safety and a snap design to facilitate quick assembly. The enclosures also come with options for wall or DIN-rail mounting, and can accommodate different numbers of screw clamp terminals. Users can choose from 12, 14, 16, 30 or even 46 screw clamp terminals.

The LDG-A Series of fully insulated enclosures is suitable for PCB board protection, with screw clamp terminals to meet safety standards. The LDG-A series comes in sizes from LDG-A-12 to LDG-A-70, with a snap design for industrial and signalling applications.

The LDG-S Series of enclosures is designed for the machinery and automotive sectors, featuring DIN-rail mounting (LDG-S2 22.5 mm and LDG-S4 45 mm widths) for efficient installation. Users can also choose between screw terminal blocks or PCB headers for flexible termination. The LDG-S Series of enclosures also comes with integrated ventilation slots for efficient heat dissipation.

The Bernic LDG enclosures offer a secure housing solution for a range of electronic devices.

For more information, visit: https://www.erntec.com.au/supplier-products/bernic/din-rail/ldg-enclosures.