Avnet is hosting an Embedded Conference in Michigan

I wanted to let you know that on April 24, 2013, Avnet will be hosting Embedded World at our Michigan office.  Avnet Electronics Marketing introduces Embedded World, a one-of-a-kind event that will provide
attending customers with a tour of the Embedded World. Hear from key lines and talk trends in
embedded processing, displays, software and storage. If you’re working on integrating, designing
and implementing technology in 2013 and beyond, then this event is for you.
For more info visit this link.

Good Overview on the PI Factory

Team,
I missed posting an article on PI day, but I thought it never is to late to talk about PI.  I just saw this great video link about Raspberry PI and how they are bringing production to the UK.   The volume of Raspberry PI's sold is amazing. 

Check out the video at this link.

Take care,

Jason

Next generation BeagleBone is coming...

Hello,

I am proud to announce that the next generation of the BeagleBone is coming out.  For those of you unfamiliar with the original BeagleBone, it is an applications processor board capable of being designed into HMI panels, simple tablets, industrial control systems, and medical devices.  BeagleBone is based on TI's Sitara line of processors and is a low-cost way to get started into higher end applications because the BeagleBone is only $89.  Now, BeagleBone is coming out with a brand new revision that is lower cost, higher performance, has an HDMI video port on it, and is a different color.  Here is an "un-zipping" and a video link.  I am so excited to get my hands on one:

Transistor Radios are still relevant

I saw this new book on building your own transistor radio.  My wife and I have purchased the book and we plan to build up a few of the different types of radios.  If you are interested in understanding the theory in a practical way, this book is definitely for you - link.

US Patent System - First to File

The US is going to be changing to a first-to-file system starting March 16, 2013.  The system as it exists today is the first-to-invent system as was changed in 2011 under the America Invents Act.  With the new system we will join every other country in the first-to-file approach.  The theory is that we will bring back efficiencies with the patent system.   Check out this law review of the different changes coming - link.

Triple Level Nand... Crazy

Miniaturization in storage continues as Micron announced its smallest 128Gbit NAND flash memory fabbed on a 20nm process.  The memory device uses a triple-level-cell (TLC) design which stores three bits of information per cell. This means a reduction in size of the memory footprint for the same size density as MLC memory today.  Check out the link - link. 

Getting AMPed for the Weekend?

I saw a video this week that I wanted to share on op-amp design basics.  For those of you who deal with amplifiers on a day to day basis you will find this training trivial.  However, I do feel his explanations gives a good feeling for how to understand basic properties of op-amps: