Electrical/Electronics

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

Briefs: Materials

Materials Capable of Self-Propulsion

Shape and environment can cause materials to move without motors or hands.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Laser Printing Technology for Waterproof E-Textiles

The next generation of waterproof smart fabrics can be laser-printed and made in minutes.

Briefs: Unmanned Systems

Charging Port for Autonomous Drone Swarms

Hundreds of drones can recharge autonomously on unmanned ground vehicles.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Quantum-Limit-Approaching Chemical Sensing Chip

Study shows improvements to chemical sensing chip that aims to quickly and accurately identify drugs and other trace chemicals.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Prototype Fuel Gauge for Orbit

The technology could continuously monitor fluid flow in pipes on the International Space Station and prevent satellites from colliding.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Method Checks Electronic Properties of Oxide Materials

This method is an important step towards smaller, more advanced, environmentally friendly electronics.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

System Standardization Streamlines Industrial Designs

Equipment designers can simplify design efforts and adjust controller platforms as needed when they standardize on electronic input/output products.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Transistor Design Disguises Key Computer Chips from Hackers

This built-in security measure would prevent hackers from getting enough information about the circuit to reverse-engineer it.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Sensor Material Enables Stretchable Electronics to Perform Better Under Strain

The stretchable electronics are more stable as they change shape, which could lead to next-generation sensors for healthcare applications.

Briefs: Materials

Semiconductor Detector Identifies Radioactive Isotopes with High Resolution

The device has applications in medical diagnostics and homeland security.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

Lightweight, Hypersonic, Thermal Protection Material

The material is designed for high-temperature applications in aircraft, building insulation, personal protective clothing, industrial, and automotive.

Briefs: Wearables

Stretchable Micro-Supercapacitors Self-Power Wearable Devices

A stretchable system can harvest energy from human breathing and motion.

Briefs: Energy

New Approach Makes Lighter, Safer Lithium-Ion Batteries

Adding polymers and fireproofing to a battery’s current collectors makes it lighter, safer, and about 20% more efficient.

Briefs: Aerospace

Method Tracks What Happens Inside Batteries

The method could be key to designing more efficient batteries for specific uses such as electric cars and airplanes.

Briefs: Transportation

Design Enables Safe Storage of Lithium Ions

This technology charges lithium batteries faster and reduces the risk of device explosions.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Flexible, Thin-Film Battery

Computers or smartphones with folding screens, smart clothing, and wearable sensors all require an energy source, which is usually a lithium-ion battery. These are typically heavy and rigid, making them...