Tech Briefs

Electronics & Software

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Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on electronics and software, from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Graphene-Reinforced Carbon Fiber
Briefs: Motion Control
Hummingbird Robot Uses AI to Maneuver in Tight Spaces
Briefs: Wearables
Wireless “Pacemaker” for the Brain
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Top Stories

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Can We Trust A.I.? Modeling Tool Quantifies How Much a Machine Doesn't Know

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Tomorrow's Fastest Jet

INSIDER: Energy

Biomorphic Batteries Could Provide 72 Times More Energy for Robots

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Blog: Transportation

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Latest Tech Briefs

Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Breathable Electronics for Wearable Technologies
The material was designed specifically for biomedical or wearable technologies, since sweat and volatile organic compounds evaporate away from the skin.
Briefs: Test & Measurement
Smart Fabrics with Bioactive Inks Monitor the Body by Changing Color
Bioactive inks printed on wearable textiles can map conditions over the entire surface of the body.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Soft Robotic Insect Survives Being Flattened by a Flyswatter
The ultra-light robotic insect can be folded or crushed, yet continues to move.
Briefs: Imaging
Blinking Artificial Human Eye Replica for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing
This eye-on-a-chip can help treatment of dry eye disease.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Comb-on-a-Chip Optical Ruler Measures Colors of Light Waves
The newest version of these combs could revolutionize clocks, telescopes, and telecommunications.
Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
Quantum Sensor Enables Wide Spectral Coverage
The sensor could provide a way to detect communication signals over the entire radio frequency from 1 to 100 GHz.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Electronic Diodes Demonstrate Performance Beyond 5G
Applications include high-speed communications, networking, and sensing.
Briefs: Data Acquisition
Formula May Help 5G Wireless Networks Share Communications Frequencies
This method of machine learning could make communications in the unlicensed bands much more efficient.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Electronically Controlled 2D Reflector Improves Microwave Communications
Flat-panel technology could transform antennas, wireless, and cellphone communications.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Technology Integrates Electronics onto Physical Prototypes
In place of flat breadboards, 3D-printed CurveBoards enable easier testing of circuit design on electronics products.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Hermetically Sealed Semiconductors
A new encapsulation technique protects electronic properties of sensitive materials.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Miniature Electronic Devices Work Under Extreme Pressure
Pop-up miniature electronics based on the Japanese art of kirigami can be repeatedly compressed.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Aerogels Protect Against Electromagnetic Interference
Aerogels based on cellulose nanofibers can effectively shield electromagnetic radiation over a wide frequency range.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Electronics Cooling Using Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing creates cooling solutions with sizes and shapes not previously possible.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Quantum Error Correction Method
This method provides a key step toward quantum computers, sensors, and distributed quantum information.
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Tunable, Chip-Based, Vortex Microlaser and Detector
This system encodes information in twisting beams of light.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Smart Windows Self-Illuminate on Rainy Days
Self-powering, color-changing humidity sensors are applicable to various fields including smart windows, health care, and safety management.
Briefs: Energy
Self-Powered Alarm Fights Forest Fires, Monitors Environment
A remote forest fire detection and alarm system is powered by nothing but the movement of trees in the wind.
Briefs: Imaging
Leap in Lidar Could Improve Safety and Security of New Technology
University of Colorado researchers have described a new silicon chip that improves the resolution and scanning speed needed for a lidar system.
Briefs: Materials
Ultrasound Device Improves Charge Time and Run Time in Lithium Batteries
The device brings lithium metal batteries one step closer to commercial viability.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Spreadable Way to Stabilize Solid-State Batteries
A “butter-like” interlayer material boosts current density and increases safety.
Briefs: Materials
Doubling Battery Performance with Lithium Metal
Drop-in replacements for lithium ion batteries would not pose a fire danger.
Briefs: Materials
Electrolyte Design Improves Anode Capacity in Lithium-Ion Batteries
The battery design increases the number of possible cycles from tens to more than 100 with little degradation.
Briefs: Energy
Semi-Liquid Metal Anode
Lithium batteries made using this electrode type could be much safer than typical lithium metal-based batteries.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Tough, Solid Electrolyte Battery Component
Using ceramic material and graphene, the toughness of solid-state lithium-ion batteries can be doubled.
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Organic Lithium-Powered Batteries
These batteries are more environmentally friendly while retaining performance, stability, and storage capacity.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Transparent Graphene Electrodes
A new roll-to-roll production method could enable lightweight, flexible solar devices and a new generation of display screens.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Selecting Electrical Safety Relay Modules for Optimal Performance
New safety relay modules follow updated standards to give designers more options for a tailored electrical safety implementation.
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Wearable Strain Sensor Using Light Transmittance
This technology shows potential for the detection of subtle human motions and the real-time monitoring of body postures for healthcare applications.
Question of the Week
Will 'Biomorphic' Batteries Support a Future of Tiny Robots?

Webcasts

Webinars: Medical

Making Medical Device Designs Possible with Innovative Silicone...

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High-Voltage Arteries: How Connectivity Gives Life to Electric...

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Metal Injection Molding

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

The Power of the Hollow: Using Hollow Aluminum Extrusions to Meet...

Upcoming Webinars: Electronics & Computers

Helping HEV/EV Batteries Go the Distance and Stay Cool Under...

Upcoming Webinars: Test & Measurement

Standardization for Automated-Vehicle Testing and Simulation

Trending Stories

Q&A: Electronics & Computers

Q&A: Charge Wirelessly as You Drive

Briefs: Wearables

Wearable Ultrasound Patch Monitors Blood Pressure

Blog: Medical

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Blog: Wearables

At Sensors Expo: SST Wireless on a 'Journey of Innovation'

Videos