Tech Briefs

Electronics & Software

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

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Nanotransistors Stay Cool at High Voltages

The transistors enable power converters to perform at substantially improved efficiencies, especially in high-power applications.

Briefs: Software

Software Improves Accuracy of 3D-Printed Parts

The software could help reduce cost and waste for companies using additive manufacturing to mass-produce parts in factories.

Briefs: Materials

Polymer-Based Electrical Insulation for Circuits

The new material could help put more power in smaller microchips.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Biodegradable Displays for Sustainable Electronics

Thanks to its flexibility and adhesion, the biodegradable display can be worn directly on the hand.

Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs

Nanowire Could Provide a Stable Superconducting Transistor

The technology could boost quantum computers and other superconducting electronics.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

High Bus Voltage Stepper Motor Systems

New high bus voltage stepper motor systems avoid the complexity and expense of servo motors.

Briefs: Motion Control

Transport of Mechanical Energy, Even Through Damaged Pathways

This work could lead to much more robust devices that continue to operate in spite of damage.

Briefs: Aerospace

LogFire

The software automatically checks mission operations logs.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Synapse-Like Phototransistor

The technology could help computers process visual information more like the human brain.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Heated Facemask Filters and Inactivates Coronaviruses

The reusable mask would include a heated copper mesh powered by a battery and surrounded by insulating neoprene.

Briefs: Medical

Radar Enables Touch-Free Monitoring of Heart Sounds

Mobile radar devices could replace standard stethoscopes.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Quantum-Dot Infrared Cameras for Electronics and Self-Driving Cars

The inexpensive cameras are easy to produce.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Smartphone-Based Medical Tests

A smartphone, combined with nanoscale porous silicon, enables inexpensive, simple, home diagnostics.

Briefs: AR/AI

Using Neural Networks for Faster X-Ray Imaging

Artificial intelligence is used to decode X-ray images faster, which could aid innovations in medicine, materials, and energy.

Briefs: Materials

New Process Breaks Down Polystyrene

Due to the chemical stability and durability of industrial polymers, plastic waste does not easily degrade in landfills and is often burned, which produces carbon dioxide and other hazardous gases. In order...

Briefs: Imaging

Device Combines Optics and Image Analysis to Count Biomolecules

The promise of personalized medicine involves a simple device that keeps each person apprised of their level of health, identifies even trace amounts of undesirable biomarkers in...

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Fully Recyclable Printed Electronics

Nearly 100% of all-carbon-based transistors are reclaimed while retaining future functionality of the materials.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Tiny Wireless Implant Detects Oxygen Deep Within the Body

The device, powered by ultrasound waves, could help doctors monitor the health of transplanted organs and provide early warning of potential transplant failure.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

WiFi RSSI Sensor Tracker for the ISS

This software could also be used for indoor navigation assistance for the visually impaired.

Briefs: Aerospace

Imaging Space Debris in High Resolution

A team has introduced a new method for taking high-res images of fast-moving and rotating objects in space, such as satellites or debris in low-Earth orbit.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor

Innovators have developed an RFID-based system for sensing the angular position of rotating systems. The RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor can be used as a position/orientation sensor or implemented in a...