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Warm hints: The word in this article is about 2000 and  reading time is about 10 minutes.SummaryIn ten years ago,the average selling price of industrial robots is about 500 thousand;however, the price is now four large family robot 15-20 million,Eft, and other domestic price slightly lower than the eston robot four family, economic type of pure domestic robot (terminal sales price of about 80 thousand. It is estimated that in the future, the average price of industrial robots will be reduced to less than 50 thousand with the localization of the spare parts and other parts.  CoreIndustrial RobotsCategoryRobotKeywordsindustrial robots;cloud service robotContentFuture market prediction about industrial robots in China Catalogs CatalogsI. The Statistics of Industrial robots Sales in recent yearsII.One of the development trends of industrial robots: more flexibleIII.The two development trend of industrial robots: low cost economy OntologyIV.Prediction about Industrial Robot IntroductionBefore we read the artcle,let's see a video about "MIT cheetah robot lands the running jump".In a leap for robotic development, the MIT researchers who built a robotic cheetah have now trained it to see and jump over hurdles as it runs — making this the first four-legged robot to run and jump over obstacles autonomously.  I. The Statistics of Industrial robots Sales in recent yearsWe know that science and technology are constantly growing after see the above video. According to IFE statistics,the global industrial robot sales exceeded $13 billion 200 million (plus integration part, system on the industrial robot market is about $50 billion) in 2016,with the major economies of the global industrial automation,robot using density increase. What’s more, IFR predicted that the world robot sales were 34.7, 37.8, 43.5 and 522 thousand respectively when in 2017-2020 years,and CAGR reached 15.4% in the next 4 years.Prediction of the sales of industrial robots in the global marketAccording to statistics, in 2016, domestic industrial robot sales hit a new high, reaching 87 thousand units, and by December 2017, China's industrial robot output reached 131 thousand units (set), an increase of 51% over the same period, and sales volume is expected to continue to grow this year. According to the prediction of IFR, 2018-2020 years of domestic robot sales were 16, 19.5, 238 thousand, 22% to 3 years in the future CAGR.Prediction of the sales of industrial robots in the global market In 2017, the domestic industrial robot market rapid growth for two reasons, one is the demand of the robot driven by 3C's apple, the other is the general manufacturing robots used in large-scale attempt, many general manufacturing enterprises, such as the winery, an order in more than 100. The difficulty of recruiting workers and the high cost of recruiting workers are becoming more and more common, which makes the demand for robots increase.At present, the domestic robots are mainly used in the general manufacturing industry other than cars and 3C. This year, not only foreign brands, but also domestic industrial robots.Domestic industrial robot sales structure in 2016 and over the yearsAccording to the National Bureau of statistics, China has 50 million manufacturing workers in each industrial robot instead of 2-3 workers, the potential stock market will reach 1800-2500 million units, taking into account a lot of jobs cannot substitute robots, may the actual market is not so big. We discussed with industry experts, five years can be seen in the domestic market sales reached 50-60 million units.Prediction of the sales of industrial robots in the global market AnalysisII.One of the development trends of industrial robots: more flexibleIn order to increase the use of industrial robots, the robot is more flexible. DFKI (German Research Center for artificial intelligence, is Germany's top intelligence research institutions, is currently the world's largest non-profit artificial intelligence research institutions, its shareholders include Google, Intel, Microsoft, BMW, SAP, Airbus, the global top ten enterprises of science and Technology) developed intelligent assembly robot, can through the abstract memory system for assembly, adaptive grasping and intelligent products specifically, is in the head mounted stereoscopic camera, camera mounted near the object in the arm; at the same time, using the left internal antenna reads from the inside of the product size, weight and hot.DFKI Grasping and assembling robotInter-generational evolution of industrial robots: robots are undergoing a shift from "machine" to human. We can divide the robot into three generations, the first generation of traditional industrial robots, which have not changed significantly for nearly 50 years. The second generation is a "feeling" robot. They have a certain sense of perception in the outside world, with visual, tactile and auditory functions. Such as a cooperative robot, a arc welding robot that automatically tracks the weld according to the laser feedback. The third generation planning based on artificial intelligence technology, robot control, according to their perception of information, independent thinking, recognition and reasoning, and make judgments and decisions, without human intervention automatically, become the main production system, can even replace machine and other machine tools, such as cloud service robot.The robot is undergoing a change from "machine" to "man"The second generation of robot representatives: UR cooperative robot. At present, cooperative robots occupy a part of the market with their safety, low cost, easy to use and low cost of transformation, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises which are mainly small batch and customized. However, in the long run, human-computer cooperation is the direction, and the potential of the cooperative robot market is great.UR5 apply in Volkswagen automobile production lineBecause of the great prospect of the cooperative robot, the robot enterprises both at home and abroad have the product development and sale, and have obtained the better market response. Although the domestic collaboration robot started late, but in the past two years, many products appeared in the development. In China, especially for the electronics industry, the domestic cooperative robot has a promising commercial prospect.Typical enterprise and product of cooperative robotThe third generation of robot - cloud service robot. Cloud service robots, integrating the latest information technology, will produce more dramatic changes in the impact of artificial intelligence and industrial robots.In 2015, the domestic industrial robot AIFUTE leading enterprises began the layout of the next generation of robot technology, and the Silicon Valley in the United States set up R & D center. A preliminary cloud robot platform product will be formed in 2018.The concept of cloud evert robotIII.The two development trend of industrial robots: low cost economy OntologyThe medium and small businesses can receive the longest payback period of two years, preferably one year, so the industrial robots should be popularized in China. In the long run, the price should be controlled at least 100 thousand. ConclusionIV.Prediction about Industrial RobotIndustrial robot in 10 years ago, the average selling price of about 500 thousand, the price is now four large family robot 15-20 million, Eft, and other domestic price slightly lower than the eston robot four family, economic type of pure domestic robot (terminal sales price of about 80 thousand. It is estimated that in the future, the average price of industrial robots will be reduced to less than 50 thousand with the localization of the spare parts and other parts.  Book Recommendation House of Robots: Robot Revolution Hardcover – January 16, 2017After a few early glitches in their relationship, Sammy and his "bro-bot" E are now fast friends. In fact, E is such a valued member of the family that the other electronic occupants of the House of Robots are feeling sorely unappreciated. And when Sammy's inventor mom becomes distracted by a top-secret project, the robots soon begin to fall into disrepair.Cue a robot revolt, with the droids wreaking harmless havoc in the house! Armed with pranks like glue in the shampoo bottles and flying toast missiles, the robots demand to be cared for. It's up to Sammy and his disabled sister Maddie to keep the peace until his mom reveals her secret project...and why it was worth the wait.--James Patterson  (Author),‎ Juliana Neufeld (Illustrator),‎ Chris Grabenstein (Contributor) Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future Paperback – July 12, 2016What are the jobs of the future? How many will there be? And who will have them? As technology continues to accelerate and machines begin taking care of themselves, fewer people will be necessary. Artificial intelligence is already well on its way to making "good jobs" obsolete: many paralegals, journalists, office workers, and even computer programmers are poised to be replaced by robots and smart software. As progress continues, blue and white collar jobs alike will evaporate, squeezing working- and middle-class families ever further. At the same time, households are under assault from exploding costs, especially from the two major industries-education and health care-that, so far, have not been transformed by information technology. The result could well be massive unemployment and inequality as well as the implosion of the consumer economy itself.The past solutions to technological disruption, especially more training and education, aren't going to work. We must decide, now, whether the future will see boad-based prosperity or catastrophic levels of inequality and economic insecurity. Rise of the Robots is essential reading to understand what accelerating technology means for our economic prospects-not to mention those of our children-as well as for society as a whole.--Martin Ford  (Author)Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (MIT Press) Hardcover – August 25, 2017How to educate the next generation of college students to invent, to create, and to discover -- filling needs that even the most sophisticated robot cannot.Driverless cars are hitting the road, powered by artificial intelligence. Robots can climb stairs, open doors, win Jeopardy, analyze stocks, work in factories, find parking spaces, advise oncologists. In the past, automation was considered a threat to low-skilled labor. Now, many high-skilled functions, including interpreting medical images, doing legal research, and analyzing data, are within the skill sets of machines. How can higher education prepare students for their professional lives when professions themselves are disappearing? In Robot-Proof, Northeastern University president Joseph Aoun proposes a way to educate the next generation of college students to invent, to create, and to discover -- to fill needs in society that even the most sophisticated artificial intelligence agent cannot.A "robot-proof" education, Aoun argues, is not concerned solely with topping up students' minds with high-octane facts. Rather, it calibrates them with a creative mindset and the mental elasticity to invent, discover, or create something valuable to society -- a scientific proof, a hip-hop recording, a web comic, a cure for cancer. Aoun lays out the framework for a new discipline, humanics, which builds on our innate strengths and prepares students to compete in a labor market in which smart machines work alongside human professionals. The new literacies of Aoun's humanics are data literacy, technological literacy, and human literacy. Students will need data literacy to manage the flow of big data, and technological literacy to know how their machines work, but human literacy -- the humanities, communication, and design -- to function as a human being. Life-long learning opportunities will support their ability to adapt to change.The only certainty about the future is change. Higher education based on the new literacies of humanics can equip students for living and working through change.--Joseph E. Aoun (Author)  Relevant information about "The Future Market of Industrial Robots in China will Be Far Beyond Imagination"About the article "The Future Market of Industrial Robots in China will Be Far Beyond Imagination", If you have better ideas, don't hesitate to  write your thoughts in the following comment area. You also can find more articles about electronic semiconductor through Google search engine, or refer to the following related articles. Living Insect-Machine Hybrid Robot--Swarming Search and RescueMake Robots Walk NaturallyEngineers from MIT Developed A Tiny, Affordable Robotic Device That Can Detect Water LeakThree Fingers Robotic Hand with Specialized Sensors can Estimate Size and Shape of ObjectsA New, Electronic Skin Microsystem Enables People Tracks Their Heart Rate And Other Health Index

Warm hints: The word in this article is about 2800 words and  reading time is about 15 minutes.     Lithium-ion batteries can be said to be the most mature and widely used new energy sources in the world at present, such as portable electronic products like mobile phones and computers, electric vehicles, electric tools, and energy storage projects. Especially the current Chinese government and other countries are investing to support the development of new energy vehicles and power battery industries. Looking ahead, the lithium industry has a long way to go, such as the development of high energy density systems. The problems of further reduction of cost, the resources recovery, and the utilization are in front of us.   This article will mainly explain what is a lithium battery, then introduce the current situation and future development of lithium-ion battery materials.       Catalog I. What is A Lithium Battery? II. How Does the Lithium Battery Work? III. Distinction Between Lithium-ion Battery & Polymer Lithium Battery IV. Types and Characteristics of Material Used in Lithium Batteries V. Application of Lithium Battery VI. Future Development of Lithium Battery FAQ I. What is A Lithium Battery?   "Lithium battery" is a kind of battery that takes lithium metal or lithium alloy as negative electrode material and using a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. In 1912, lithium-metal batteries were first proposed and studied by Gilbert N. Lewis. In the 1970s, M.S. Whittingham proposed and began to study lithium-ion batteries.   Because of the active chemical characteristics of lithium metal, the environmental requirements of the processing, preservation, and use of lithium metal are very high. Therefore, lithium batteries have not been applied for a long time. With the development of science and technology, lithium batteries have become the mainstream now.   Lithium batteries can be roughly divided into two categories: lithium metal batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries do not contain metallic lithium and are rechargeable. The fifth generation of rechargeable lithium metal batteries was born in 1996. Its safety, specific capacity, self-discharge rate, and the ratio of performance to price are superior to those of lithium-ion batteries, which are now produced by a few companies in only a few countries due to their own high-tech constraints.   Li-ion batteries are secondary battery system in which two different kinds of lithium intercalated compounds that can be inserted and removed as positive and negative electrodes respectively. When charged, lithium-ions are removed from the lattice of cathode materials. After the electrolyte is inserted into the lattice of the anode material, the negative electrode is rich in lithium, and the positive electrode is poor in lithium.   When discharged, the lithium-ion is removed from the lattice of the anode material, and then inserted into the lattice of the positive electrode material after the electrolyte, so that the positive electrode material is extremely rich in lithium while the negative electrode is poor in lithium. In this way, the difference between the potential of the cathode material and the lithium-ion when inserted and removed from the lithium metal is the working voltage of the battery.   Li-ion battery is a new generation of green high-energy battery with excellent performance and has become one of the key points in the development of high-tech.   Li-ion battery has the following characteristics: high voltage, high capacity, low consumption, no memory effect, no pollution, small volume, small internal resistance, less self-discharge, and more cycle times.   Because of the above characteristics, the lithium-ion battery has been applied to many civil and military fields, such as mobile phones, notebooks computers, cameras, digital cameras, and so on.   II. How Does the Lithium Battery Work?   The charging and discharging process of lithium battery is realized by the removal and embedding of lithium-ion in the positive and negative electrode of the battery. The reaction equation of the lithium-ion battery with iron phosphate liquid as an example is as follows:   Charging: Discharging:   The electrode reaction of Li/PEO-LiClO4/Pan polymer lithium-ion battery is as follows:   Positive electrode reaction: Negative electrode reaction： The working schematic diagram of lithium battery: Schematic-of-the-lithium-ion-battery-working-principle   1. The positive electrode structure:  LiMn2O4( lithium manganate ) + Conductive agent (acetylene black) + adhesive(PVDF) + Collector negative ( aluminium foil )electrode   2. The negative electrode structure:  Graphite+ Conductive agent (acetylene black) + adhesive(PVDF) + Collector negative ( copper foil )electrode   3. Charging process: The battery is charged by the power supply, and the electron e on the positive electrode runs from the external circuit to the negative electrode. Positive lithium-ion Li+ "jumps" from the positive electrode to the electrolyte, "climb" through the winding hole in the diaphragm, then "swim" to the negative electrode and combine with the electron.    The reaction on the positive electrode is: LiMn2O4 ==Li1-xMn2O4+Xli++Xe (electron).  The reaction on the negative electrode is:  6C+XLi+Xe==LixC6   4. Discharging process When the battery discharges, the electron e on the negative electrode runs from the external circuit to the positive electrode. Positive lithium-ion Li+ "jumps" from the negative electrode to the electrolyte, "climb" through the winding hole in the diaphragm, then "swim" to the positive electrode and combine with the electron.    The reaction on the positive electrode is: Li1-xMn2O4+xli++xe (electron) ==LiMn2O4 The reaction on the negative electrode is: LixC6 == 6C+xLi+xe III. Distinction Between Lithium-ion Battery & Polymer Lithium Battery   As the following table: Electrolyte for Polymer Lithium Battery PolymerElectrolytePure solid polymer electrolyteGel polymer electrolytePAn, PPY, PA, PPPPEO, PPOPAN,PMMA,PVdF   As the following diagram: Different electrolytes are the main differences between lithium-ion batteries and polymer lithium batteries. Diagram IV. Types and Characteristics of Material Used in Lithium Batteries (This is a tutorial on the Lithium Battery Explorer provides an overview of Li-ion battery technology and the properties that are relevant to battery researchers.)   1.Lithium manganate (LMO) LMO, as a kind of lithium battery material with a long history, has high safety, especially strong resistance to overcharge, which is a prominent advantage.   Because of the good structural stability of lithium manganate, the amount of cathode material does not have to exceed the negative electrode in the design of the electric core.   In this way, the number of active lithium ions in the whole system is small, and after the negative electrode is filled, there will not be too many lithium ions in the positive electrode. Even if overcharge occurs, there will not be a large number of lithium ions deposited in the negative electrode to form crystallization. Therefore, the overcharge resistance of lithium manganate is the best in common materials.   In addition, its material price is low, and the production process requirements are relatively low. It is a relatively early widely used cathode material.   But it also has obvious defects. The elevated temperature property of spinel lithium manganese oxide is poor. The existence of oxygen defect makes the core prone to capacity decay at the high voltage stage, at the same time, the cycle use at high temperature would cause a similar capacity decay. The reason is that the trivalent manganese ion which causes the disproportionation effect. The main way to prevent high-temperature attenuation is to reduce the trivalent manganese.   Lithium manganese, limited by its high-temperature performance, is generally not used in high-power or high-temperature environments, such as high-speed passenger vehicles, plug-in cars, and so on. But for electric buses, local logistics vehicles, and so on, lithium manganese is completely competent.     2. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) The advantages of lithium iron phosphate are mainly reflected in its safety and cycle life. The main determinants are the olivine structure of lithium iron phosphate, which, on the one hand, leads to the lower ion diffusion capacity of lithium iron phosphate. On the other hand, it also has good high-temperature stability and good cycle performance.   The disadvantages of lithium iron phosphate are also obvious, such as low energy density, poor consistency, and poor low-temperature performance.     a) The low energy density is determined by the chemical properties of the material itself. A lithium iron phosphate macro-molecule can accommodate only one lithium-ion.   b)The consistency, especially poor batch stability, is related to not only the level of production management but also its own chemical properties. Lithium iron phosphate is one of the more difficult materials for the preparation of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.   The difficulty of consistency and uniformity in this chemical reaction raises another problem at the same time: The impurity of iron and iron in the lithium iron phosphate material always exists, which brings hidden trouble to the battery.   Lithium iron phosphate battery, because of its high safety, although The energy density part affects its range of use., but it is still the main power lithium battery variety of electric vehicle in our country at present, especially buses involving the safety of a large number of people, the national police enforce the use of lithium iron phosphate batteries.     3.Ternary lithium The ternary lithium cathode material synthesizes the advantages of LiCoO2、LiNiO2 and LiMnO2 and forms a synergistic effect within the same core. It combines three requirements of stability and activity of material structure and lower cost, which is one of the three main cathode materials with the highest energy density. The low-temperature performance is also obviously better than the lithium iron phosphate battery.    The higher the content of Ni in the three elements, the higher the energy density of the core and the lower the safety of the core will be. In practical application, the proportion relation of three kinds of materials in the electric core has been changing with the passage of time. The pursuit of energy density is higher and higher, so the proportion of Ni is higher and higher.   The most mentioned disadvantage of ternary material is safety. During the process of thermal runaway, the side reaction product contains a lot of gas, which greatly improves the risk of accident and the ability to spread.   Secondly, the cycle life of ternary materials is also a bottleneck, which has not reached the level of lithium iron phosphate. Last but not least, due to the special microstructure of ternary materials, it is not suitable for high-pressure compaction operation, thus the popular way to increase the energy density is not applicable to it.   The market share of ternary materials is gradually expanding, mainly driven by the pursuit of vehicle range. To catch up with or even surpass that of fuel vehicles, electric vehicles must have as much power as possible in a limited space.   This makes energy density particularly important. The improvement of the safety performance of the battery itself and the improvement of system monitoring and handling accident capability will also promote the expansion of the lithium ternary battery market.   V. Application of Lithium Battery   1. Lithium Iron Phosphate is the most suitable cathode material for Power Battery   After introducing the Types and characteristics of Lithium batteries above, now we will discuss about the most suitable cathode material for power supply.    Since 1996, when the Japanese NTT first exposed lithium iron phosphate cathode materials of olivine structure, John.B.Goodenough professor at Texas University also reported the characteristics of reversible intercalation and removal of lithium from LiFePO4 in 1997.   Since then, lithium iron phosphate has gradually become one of the low-cost, multi-element, and environmentally friendly cathode materials. Compared with traditional cathode materials, spinel LiMn2O4 of spinel structure and layered LiCoO2, the LiMPO4 of olivine structure is extremely stable.   The bond with oxygen is very strong, it will not explode because of the short circuit, the capacity is up to 170 mAh / g, the raw material is more extensive and the price is lower. Because of the similar structure of LiFePO4 and FePO4, the crystal structure of LiFePO4 has almost no rearrangement after the release/embedding of lithium-ion.   Therefore, LiFePO4 has better cycling performance, lithium-ion can enter and exit freely and can charge and discharge more than 1,000 times. It is also reported that lithium iron phosphate can be modified more than 10,000 times.   According to the following picture: Performance comparison of Lithium batteries with different cathode Materials.   Performance comparison Lithium iron phosphate is the most ideal cathode material at present. In comparison, the biggest problem of LiCoO is that it is easy to explode at a low temperature of 150C, and its cost is high (cobalt price is about 500,000 yuan/ton, and the price of LiCoO containing 60% cobalt will be over 400,000 yuan/ton). Also, it has a short cycle life.   The safety of lithium manganese oxide is much better than that of lithium cobaltate, but the cycle life in a high-temperature environment is even worse than that in a high-temperature environment(500 times).   With the advantages of high discharge power, low cost (about 18.3 million yuan/ton), rapid charging and long cycle life of more than 1000 times, the high stability of high temperature and high heat environment, and the good safety performance, lithium iron phosphate is the most ideal lithium cathode material for power vehicles.   At present, though the lithium iron phosphate battery is developing rapidly in China, there are several problems, including patent hidden trouble, low conductivity, and low capacitance, poor low-temperature performance, and low yield. VI. Future Development of Lithium Battery   Polymer Lithium Battery: one of the Future Development directions In addition to pure solid or gel polymer electrolytes, the principle and charge-discharge process of polymer lithium-ion batteries are consistent with those of liquid lithium-ion batteries.   Polymer lithium battery features include plastic flexible, more stable, safer, and less flammable, longer cycle life, higher energy density, high volume utilization(10-20% higher than lithium-ion batteries), no need to use traditional diaphragm materials, and easier for large scale production.   Polymer electrolyte is a kind of functional polymer material with ionic conductivity in solid-state which is formed by complexation of strong polar polymer and metal salt through acid-base reaction. Pure solid-state electrolyte dissolves lithium salts such as LiPF6, LiClO4, and LiBF4 in polymer bulk such as PEO and PPO as solid solvents. Gel electrolytes are electrolytes in a gel state by mixing more liquid solvents with polymer bulk.   Because there is no liquid flowing in the electrolyte, there is no leakage of the battery, so the problems such as burning and explosives are avoided. In order to reduce the thickness of the battery, a polymer lithium battery is usually packaged with aluminum plastic film with a thickness of only 0.1 mm, so it has a higher specific capacity than the ordinary lithium-ion battery.   FAQ   1. What is the difference between a lithium battery and a lithium ion battery? Lithium batteries feature primary cell construction. This means that they are single-use—or non-rechargeable. Ion batteries, on the other hand, feature secondary cell construction. This means that they can be recharged and used over and over again.   2. What are the disadvantages of lithium ion batteries? Despite its overall advantages, lithium-ion has its drawbacks. It is fragile and requires a protection circuit to maintain safe operation. Built into each pack, the protection circuit limits the peak voltage of each cell during charge and prevents the cell voltage from dropping too low on discharge.   3. Why is lithium ion the best battery? Li-ion batteries are able to be recharged hundreds of times and are more stable. They tend to have a higher energy density, voltage capacity and lower self-discharge rate than other rechargeable batteries. This makes for better power efficiency as a single cell has longer charge retention than other battery types.   4. What is the life of lithium ion battery? about two to three years. The typical estimated life of a Lithium-Ion battery is about two to three years or 300 to 500 charge cycles, whichever occurs first. One charge cycle is a period of use from fully charged, to fully discharged, and fully recharged again.   5. Is it good to fully discharge a lithium ion battery? Lithium-ion batteries should not be frequently fully discharged and recharged ("deep-cycled"). You may need to discharge it fully occasionally to recalibrate the capacitiy measuring electronics in the accumulator. Every 30 cycles or so should be enough.   6. How do I know if my lithium ion battery is bad? If the battery is dead or at the end of life, then it won't take charge anymore. If the battery is dead or at the end of life, the battery will swell a bit. The battery starts to heat up very quickly is also one of the indication that your battery is at the end of life.   7. Is there an alternative to lithium-ion batteries? Zinc-ion: A competitive alternative to lithium-ion for stationary energy storage. Lithium-ion batteries are the leading battery technology for both electric vehicles (EVs) and the renewable energy industry.   8. Do lithium ion batteries go bad if not used? Lithium Ion batteries "go bad" when they are stored in discharged state. It is all about battery voltage. If voltage is too low - undesireable chemical reactions will happen and battery will degrade. If battery is not empty and not used for long time - it will be fine.   9. What temperature is bad for lithium batteries? At temperatures above +60°C the Li-ion battery loses capacity constantly and thus performance capability.   10. At what voltage is a lithium ion battery dead? 3.4V. The voltage starts at 4.2 maximum and quickly drops down to about 3.7V for the majority of the battery life. Once you hit 3.4V the battery is dead and at 3.0V the cutoff circuitry disconnects the battery (more on that later. You may also run across 4.1V/3.6V batteries.     You May Also Like: How to Learn Analog Circuit Design Topological Materials are a Promising Material For Boosting Thermoelectric Generation Efficiency Use Polymer Films Material to Make Solar Cell Learn Some Basic Knowledge about Capacitor Voltage Transformer The First Full-Size IBC Bifacial Solar Module in the World

New Yorker Electronics has introduced a series ruggedised aluminium electrolytic capacitors with welded seals, the MLSG in both Flatpack and Slimpack. This series targets compact power supply applications in military and aerospace, as well as other critical systems.Design enhancements and an electrolyte push the MLSG to nearly double the operating life of its predecessor, the MLSH, at no added cost.Two principal package profiles are offered in this technology, the MLSG Flatpack which measures just 0.5" thick and 1.75" wide and the MLSG Slimpack measuring 0.5" thick by 1" wide, both offered in lengths of 1.5, 2, 2.5 or 3".MLSG Flatpack welded seals capacitors can be made to withstand up to 50g vibrations (10g standard) and altitudes greater than 80,000ft. With stainless steel cases and near hermetic welded seals, they are built for extended duty in very harsh conditions. Especially noteworthy is that a high level of performance is maintained over the full operating temperature range. Capacitance retention at -55°C is very strong, with excellent high temperature performance up to 125°C. The new electrolyte system is fully REACH compliant, allowing application of the components in a broad range of applications where space efficiency and extraordinarily long life are required.A wide range of standard capacitance values from 220 to 24,000µF are available, with voltage ratings up to 250VDC. The unique flat package design does more than save space. It is easily cooled, and can offer flexibility in ganging two or more devices in ways that conventional electrolytics can’t.Options include High Vibration (HVMLSG), for performance to 50g, and High Reliability (HRMLSG), with burn-in at rated voltage and 85°C. Where a true glass-to-metal hermetic seal is required, CDE offers the MLSH Slimpack, which is similarly constructed in a flat stainless steel package. It is available in nine values, from 120 to 3,200µF, with ratings up to 250VDC.With a profile of 1x0.5", the MLSG Slimpack welded seals capacitors fit into the tightest of spaces and meet a DC test of 5,000 hours at rated voltage, 125°C. MLSG Slimpack is a perfect fit for military and aerospace applications requiring a low profile, rugged design and long-life. The MSGL Slimpack is also available in an HRMLSG type for high reliability burn-in – and is rated to vibration levels of 80g.Features and benefits5,000 hours at rated voltage of 125°CStainless steel caseWithstands more than 80,000ft. altitudeType HR, high reliability burn-inType HV, high vibration levelsFlatpack to 50g; Slimpack to 80gApplicationsAerospaceMilitaryCritical systemsPower suppliesReference:F17724102900MKP1841410254BFC246816474 

IntroductionThe transition from Arduino to ESP32 has become a significant topic for enthusiasts and developers alike. If you're looking to enhance your projects with wireless capabilities and advanced features, ESP32 is the way to go. This blog post will serve as your comprehensive guide, walking you through the key differences, board selection, programming, and much more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, get ready to unlock the full potential of ESP32 and take your creations to new heights.Performance ComparisonLet's kick things off with a comparison of the Arduino Uno and the ESP32 DevKitC. In a prime number finding test that ran for 30 seconds, the results were staggering. The Arduino Uno, equipped with a 16MHz ATmega328P microcontroller, managed to find around 3,000 prime numbers. In contrast, the ESP32 DevKitC, housing a 240MHz chip, soared past with over 125,000 prime numbers. This isn't just a marginal difference; it showcases the ESP32's superior processing power, making it a far more capable choice for complex and computationally demanding tasks.Board Selection for BeginnersIf you're just starting your journey with ESP32, the ESP32 DevKitC is highly recommended. It's an entry-level development board that comes with a built-in antenna and a total of 38 pins. Out of these, 26 are GPIO pins, providing you with a wide range of connectivity options for your projects. The board also features a standard ESP32 chip, ensuring reliability and compatibility. You can easily find clones of this board in the market, like the one used in the video, which function almost identically. This availability makes it convenient and cost-effective for beginners to get started. When purchasing, make sure to check for any additional components or accessories you might need, such as micro USB cables for power and programming. With the ESP32 DevKitC, you'll have a solid foundation to build upon as you explore the world of ESP32.Programming Setup with Arduino IDEOne of the most convenient aspects of working with ESP32 is the ability to program it using the familiar Arduino IDE. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:Install the ESP32 Board Package: Open the Arduino IDE and navigate to the Board Manager. In the search bar, type "ESP32" and install the latest version of the board package. This step is crucial as it provides the IDE with the necessary files and configurations to recognize and work with the ESP32.Select Your ESP32 Board: Once the installation is complete, go to the "Tools" menu, select "Board," and then choose the specific ESP32 model you're using, such as the ESP32 DevKitC. This ensures that the IDE compiles and uploads the code correctly for your particular board.Code Compatibility: When writing your sketches, remember that most Arduino libraries have ESP32 equivalents. However, be cautious as some libraries may not be fully compatible. For instance, if you're using Arduino functions in your code, make sure to include "Arduino.h" at the top. Additionally, certain libraries like Servo and TimerOne might have issues. In such cases, look for ESP32-specific versions like ESP32Servo and ESP32TimerInterrupt, which offer similar functionality.By following these steps, you'll be able to harness the power of the Arduino IDE to program your ESP32 with ease, opening up a world of possibilities for your projects.Power Options and PrecautionsWhen it comes to powering your ESP32, you have several options, each with its own considerations. The most straightforward way is via a USB cable, which is not only convenient but also provides a stable power source, especially when you're programming or testing your device. This is often the go-to method for beginners and during the initial setup phase.Another option is to supply power through the 5V and GND pins. This can be useful when you have a 5V power supply readily available, such as from a wall adapter or a battery pack. However, it's crucial to note that the ESP32 has built-in voltage regulation for the 5V input, which means it can handle this voltage level without issues. But always make sure the power source is reliable and within the specified range to avoid any potential damage.For more power-sensitive applications or when you want to power the ESP32 directly from a 3.3V source, you can use the 3.3V and GND pins. This is the native operating voltage of the ESP32, and using a 3.3V supply can help optimize power consumption. But be extremely cautious not to over-volt this pin. Unlike the 5V pin, the 3.3V pin does not have extensive voltage regulation, and applying excessive voltage can quickly damage the board.In any case, always double-check your power connections and ensure that the voltages are stable. Using a multimeter to measure the voltages at the pins can be a good practice to confirm everything is in order before powering up your project. This attention to detail will save you from potential headaches and protect your valuable ESP32 board.Pinout and FunctionalityNow, let's delve into the pinout of the ESP32. With a total of 38 pins, it offers a wealth of connectivity options. Out of these, 6 pins are dedicated to power, and another 6 are reserved or have specific limitations, leaving us with 26 GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output) pins. These GPIO pins are where the real magic happens.Compared to the Arduino's GPIO pins, the ESP32's offer enhanced functionality. For instance, 22 of the ESP32's GPIO pins support 16-bit PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), allowing for much finer control of devices like LEDs or motors. This means you can simulate values from 0 to 65,535, as opposed to the 0 to 255 range on the Arduino. Additionally, 16 pins have 12-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) capabilities, enabling them to read analog signals with a resolution of 0 to 4,095. In contrast, the Arduino typically has a 10-bit ADC, limiting its analog reading range to 0 to 1,023. The ESP32 also features 2 DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) channels, which can generate analog signals, opening up possibilities for audio and other analog applications.To make the most of these pins, it's essential to refer to the official pinout diagrams, especially when connecting peripherals. Incorrect pin usage can lead to unexpected behavior or even damage to the board. For example, some pins have specific functions like being connected to internal components and should not be used for general I/O. By understanding the pinout and functionality, you can design more efficient and reliable circuits for your projects.Connecting PeripheralsConnecting peripherals to your ESP32 requires some careful consideration due to its 3.3V operating voltage. Many common peripherals, such as sensors and actuators, are designed to work with either 3.3V or 5V. If you're using a 3.3V peripheral, like a specific type of temperature sensor, you can usually connect it directly to the appropriate GPIO pins of the ESP32. However, when dealing with 5V peripherals, things get a bit more complicated.For instance, let's say you want to connect an ultrasonic sensor that operates at 5V to your ESP32. In this case, you can't simply wire it up directly, as the higher voltage could potentially damage the ESP32. This is where level shifters come into play. A level shifter acts as a translator between the two different voltage levels. It takes the 5V signal from the ultrasonic sensor and converts it down to 3.3V, making it safe for the ESP32 to receive. Similarly, if the ESP32 needs to send a signal back to a 5V peripheral, the level shifter can boost the 3.3V signal up to 5V.Here's a simple example of how to establish communication between an ESP32 and an Arduino using a level shifter. First, you'd define the pins on each board that will be used for communication. Let's say you choose GPIO 2 on the ESP32 and digital pin 9 on the Arduino. Then, you'd connect these pins to the appropriate channels on the level shifter. Once everything is wired up, you can use code to initialize the serial communication. On the ESP32 side, you might use the Serial.begin() function to set up the communication speed, and on the Arduino side, you'd do something similar. By sending and receiving data through these connected pins and the level shifter, you can achieve seamless interaction between the two devices, opening up a world of possibilities for combining the strengths of both the ESP32 and Arduino in your projects.Communication ProtocolsCommunication protocols play a crucial role in the seamless operation of microcontrollers. When it comes to the Arduino Uno and ESP32, there are significant differences in their support and utilization of protocols like UART, I2C, and SPI.The UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter) protocol is widely used for serial communication. The Arduino Uno typically has one UART port, which limits its ability to handle multiple simultaneous serial connections. In contrast, the ESP32 boasts three UART ports. This abundance of ports provides greater flexibility, allowing you to connect multiple devices that require UART communication, such as GPS modules, fingerprint sensors, or other serial peripherals. For instance, you could have a GPS module providing location data while simultaneously communicating with a serial display to show relevant information, all without the need for complex multiplexing.Moving on to the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) protocol, which is excellent for connecting multiple devices using just two wires (SDA and SCL). The Arduino Uno has a basic implementation with limited flexibility. On the other hand, the ESP32 takes I2C to the next level. It allows for more advanced configurations and the ability to connect a larger number of I2C devices. This is particularly useful when building projects that involve multiple sensors or actuators that communicate over I2C. You could effortlessly attach a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an accelerometer to the ESP32 using the I2C bus, retrieving data from all of them with ease.Finally, the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) protocol is known for its high-speed, synchronous data transfer. The Arduino Uno has a fixed set of pins dedicated to SPI, which can be restrictive when you want to use other peripherals that might conflict with these pins. The ESP32, however, offers more versatility. It provides multiple SPI interfaces, such as VSPI and HSPI, and allows you to reconfigure the pins used for SPI communication through software. This means you can optimize the pin usage based on your project's requirements, whether it's interfacing with high-speed SD card readers, displays, or other SPI-compatible devices.In conclusion, the ESP32's enhanced support for these communication protocols makes it a more adaptable and powerful choice, especially for projects that demand complex interactions between multiple peripherals. Understanding these differences will help you make the most of your microcontroller and design more efficient and feature-rich projects.Wi-Fi and Bluetooth CapabilitiesOne of the most remarkable features of the ESP32 is its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, which open up a world of possibilities for wireless connectivity.The Wi-Fi functionality of the ESP32 supports three modes: Station, Access Point, and Dual Mode. In Station mode, the ESP32 functions much like your smartphone or laptop when it connects to an existing Wi-Fi network. This allows it to access internet services, download data, and interact with web APIs. For instance, you could build a weather display project that fetches real-time weather data from an online service. Or, you could even integrate GPT functionality, enabling your device to have intelligent conversations or perform advanced text-based tasks.In Access Point mode, the ESP32 creates its own Wi-Fi network. Other devices can then connect to this network, and you can host a web server on the ESP32. This means that other devices can send information to it via a web browser. You could use this to control a set of smart home devices connected to the ESP32, adjusting settings like lighting brightness or temperature, all through a simple web interface accessible from your phone or computer.The Dual Mode is where the ESP32 truly shines. It can simultaneously connect to an existing Wi-Fi network and act as an access point. This unique feature allows it to maintain internet access while also providing a direct connection for other devices. For example, in a local network setup, you could have multiple sensors connected to the ESP32's access point, and the ESP32 could then forward the collected data to an internet server in Station mode. This enables seamless data transfer between local devices and the wider internet.In addition to Wi-Fi, the ESP32 also supports Bluetooth connectivity. This allows it to pair with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or even other microcontrollers. You can use apps like "Dabble" to send information from your phone to the ESP32. This is incredibly useful for applications where a direct, short-range connection is needed. For instance, you could create a wearable device that sends health data, like heart rate or step count, to your phone for further analysis. Or, you could build a wireless control system for a robotic project, where commands are sent from a Bluetooth-connected device to the ESP32 to control the robot's movements.Overall, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities of the ESP32 make it a versatile and powerful choice for a wide range of wireless applications, from home automation and IoT projects to wearable technology and robotics.ESP-NOW: A Unique Wireless ProtocolIn addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the ESP32 offers yet another powerful communication tool: the ESP-NOW protocol. Developed by Espressif, ESP-NOW is designed to enable direct, low-latency communication between multiple ESP32 devices without the need for a Wi-Fi router.Think of it as a dedicated, high-speed link that allows for quick data transfer. For example, in a home automation project, you could have multiple ESP32-based sensors scattered throughout your house. Instead of relying on Wi-Fi for every data transmission, which can introduce latency and consume more power, ESP-NOW can be used to send sensor readings from one node to another in real-time. This is especially useful for applications where immediate action is required, like a security system that needs to trigger an alarm as soon as a sensor detects an intrusion.Compared to Wi-Fi, ESP-NOW offers lower power consumption and faster response times for short-range, device-to-device communication. While Wi-Fi is great for connecting to the internet and handling large amounts of data over longer distances, ESP-NOW excels in scenarios where you need to quickly exchange small packets of information between nearby devices. In contrast to Bluetooth, ESP-NOW provides a more reliable and persistent connection. Bluetooth connections can sometimes be interrupted or have pairing issues, especially in environments with multiple devices. ESP-NOW's pairing process is more straightforward, and once paired, the connection remains stable, making it suitable for critical applications where data integrity and continuous communication are essential.To use ESP-NOW, you first need to pair the devices. This involves obtaining the MAC address of the receiving ESP32, which serves as its unique identifier. Once paired, you can send and receive data with minimal overhead. The protocol supports both encrypted and unencrypted communication, giving you the flexibility to choose the level of security based on your project's requirements. For instance, if you're transmitting sensitive data like personal health information from a wearable device to a central hub, you can opt for encryption to protect the data. On the other hand, for simple sensor readings in a less critical environment, unencrypted communication can save processing power.Overall, ESP-NOW expands the capabilities of the ESP32, making it an even more versatile choice for a wide range of projects, from industrial control systems to smart home networks and beyond. By leveraging this unique protocol, you can create more efficient, responsive, and reliable wireless applications.ConclusionIn conclusion, the ESP32 offers a remarkable upgrade over traditional Arduino boards, especially when it comes to wireless capabilities and processing power. Its ability to handle complex tasks, communicate seamlessly with other devices, and support a wide range of peripherals makes it a top choice for modern IoT and embedded projects. Whether you're a hobbyist looking to add some smart features to your home automation setup or a professional developer working on industrial-grade applications, the ESP32 has the potential to meet and exceed your expectations.Don't be afraid to dive in and start experimenting. The learning curve might seem a bit steep at first, but with the wealth of resources available, including online tutorials, forums, and official documentation, you'll be well-equipped to overcome any challenges. Remember, every great project starts with a single step, and the ESP32 could be that first step towards unlocking your creative potential in the world of microcontrollers. So, go ahead, grab your ESP32 board, and start building something amazing today!For further learning and exploration, here are some useful resources:Espressif Official Website: The home of ESP32, providing detailed technical specifications, product information, and the latest updates.Arduino IDE Download: To get started with programming your ESP32 using the familiar Arduino IDE.ESP32 Community Forum: A vibrant community where you can ask questions, share your projects, and learn from experienced developers.

 There are a number of hot new technologies on the forefront of online and offline retail including machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain, the information-sharing technology behind Bitcoin.We have written a bit lately about machine learning because it perhaps has the highest “world-changing” potential. But the IoT – especially when it comes to radio frequency identification (RFID) – also has huge potential to transform any retail operation.RFID has been around for many years and has been adopted by a range of retailers including Walmart, Macy’s and Amazon. The way it works is simply that each product is given a radio frequency ID tag and that tag has its own unique magnetic signature. That signature is picked up by a receiver or “RFID reader” that not only records the unique ID, but also the location of the tagged product. RFID is also the same technology that you see on new tap-and-go credit cards.  Because the tags are read magnetically, it is a more efficient system than a typical visual scanning system because the tag and the reader do not need to be line-of-site to communicate.  Therefore, the immediate benefit for an RFID-based system is that a typical retailer can reduce the time required to take a typical physical inventory by something like 90 percent.  In other words, if it took 3 days to take an inventory using barcode scanning, that same inventory would take 45 minutes using RFID. RFID also increases accuracy substantially. Usually manual-scanned physical inventory has a 4 percent inaccuracy rate.  And that number is compounded throughout the year, so cycle counts done throughout the fiscal year can reach more than 60 percent inaccuracy by the holiday selling season. Conversely, RFID typically has less than a 0.5 percent inaccuracy rate, meaning that inventory is much more accurate throughout the year.Here are some more innovative uses for RFID: Adhering To The Master Merchandising Plan Most chain retail stores have their own planogram, designating where each product should go in the store. However, the more stores that a retail chain operates, the harder it is to get each store to execute the central buyer’s merchandise plan precisely. With enough readers placed in strategic locations throughout the store, most merchandise can be tracked within a very small area. This means that the central buyer can get a report of all of the misplaced merchandise in each store. This means that if a cellphone accessory is mistakenly placed in the video game section, it will show up on a report and can be immediately remedied in the field.  In addition, oftentimes products remain in the stockroom when in fact they should be out on the floor. A solid RFID system will be able to detect whether or not items are still in the backroom, where they probably won’t sell well. Inventory Accuracy – Improving Click & CollectMost retailers have an omnichannel strategy – meaning that customers can buy online and then pick up their orders in the store. Of course, this kind of click-and-collect strategy is predicated upon the accuracy of the inventory count in each store.  In other words, if the system says that there are two units of a certain SKU in a particular store, but actually there is an inaccuracy and there are zero, they will deliver a terrible customer experience when the customer shows up at the store only to find out that the product is not there. The far better accuracy of RFID will allow retailers to have a much greater confidence level that the product is actually in the place that the system says it is.  Understanding the Store’s Hot SpotsAnother benefit of RFID is that there is a record of where products are displayed in a store. And that record can be overlaid with sales data so that we understand what specific displays and traffic areas within the store deliver the most sales. Of course, different spots within a particular store may work better with some products than they do with others.  RFID technology can also help determine the best possible scenario when considering the SKU type, store type and display area. Fast & Accurate CheckoutOne of the most customer-facing use cases for RFID is being able to pay for the products much more quickly than ever before. With RFID, the cashier does not even need to take the products out of the customer’s basket in order ring them up in the system. The ability to skip the manual scanning process entirely makes a radical difference in wait times, especially during peak periods. In addition, RFID capability at checkout greatly reduces the cash reconciliation error at the register.  Detecting Fake Goods: A product’s legitimate manufacturer can embed an RFID tag into the product in a hidden place, allowing a reseller to scan for the signal to prove that the product is authentic. The trickier issue is whether or not the actual RFID tag can be forged, but that is fodder for another discussion. There are more and more companies that can deliver a range of RFID-related products and services, from hardware to full-blown systems.Kynix is one of them.  Ref. KY78-A4650KY78-B82450A2364A  

The simplest semiconductor component, the diode, has an astonishing number of applications that are enabled by a number of practical and unique types of diodes that are vital in modern electronics.Now let's get start to learn about diodes.   Applications of Diodes While only two pin semiconductor devices, there are a number of applications of diodes that are vital in modern electronics. Diodes are known for only allowing current to move in one direction through the component.   This lets a diode acts as a one-way valve, keeping signals where they need to be or routing them around components. While diodes only let current move in one direction, each type of diode acts differently, making a number of useful applications for diodes.   Some of the typical applications of diodes include:   ·  Rectifying a voltage, such as turning AC into DC voltages ·  Isolating signals from a supply ·  Voltage Reference ·  Controlling the size of a signal ·  Mixing signals ·  Detection signals ·  Lighting ·Lasers diodes   Power Conversion One significant application of diodes is to convert AC power to DC power. A single diode or four diodes can be used to transform 110V household power to DC by forming a half-way (single diodes) or a full-wave (four diodes) rectifier. A diode does this by allowing only half of the AC waveform to travel through it. When this voltage pulse is used to charge a capacitor, the output voltage appears to be a steady DC voltage with a small voltage ripple.   Using a full wave rectifier makes this process even more efficient by routing the AC pulses so both the positive and negative halves of the input sine wave are seen as only positive pulses, effectively doubling the frequency of the input pulses to the capacitor which helps keep it charged and deliver a more stable voltage. Diodes and capacitors can also be used to create a number of types of voltage multipliers to take a small AC voltage and multiply it to create very high voltage outputs. Both AC and DC outputs are possible using the right configuration of capacitors and diodes.   Demodulation of Signals The most common use for diodes is to remove the negative component of an AC signal so it can be worked with easier with electronics. Since the negative portion of an AC waveform is usually identical to the positive half, very little information is effectively lost in this process. Signal demodulation is commonly used in radios as part of the filtering system to help extract the radio signal from the carrier wave.   Over-Voltage Protections Diodes also function well as protection devices for sensitive electronic components. When used as voltage protection devices, the diodes are non-conducting under normal operating conditions but immediately short any high voltage spike to ground where it cannot harm an integrated circuit. Specialized diodes called transient voltage suppressors are designed specifically for over-voltage protection and can handle very large power spikes for short time periods, typical characteristics of a voltage spike or electric shock, which would normally damage components and shorten the life of an electronic product.   Current Steering The basic application of diodes is to steer current and make sure it only flows in the proper direction. One area where the current steering capability of diodes is used to good effect is in switching from power from a power supply to running from a battery. When a device is plugged in and charging, for example, a cell phone or uninterruptible power supply, the device should be drawing power only from the external power supply and not the battery and while the device is plugged in the battery should be drawing power and recharging. As soon as the power source is removed, the battery should power the device so no interruption in noticed by the user.   Ref. MN3306 MURB1520 SBG1030L-T-F