Monday, August 29, 2011

Water Tank level display with Arduino


We present the candidature of Mr. Danilo Abbasciano that is proposed for the realization of the firmware for the TiDiGino project and that presents us an application with Arduino: Display the level of a tank.
The project reads and displays the height of water level in a well or a cistern.
We will use the open source Arduino hardware device, an ultrasonic Parallax sensor to measure the height of the water, a 16 x 2 LCD display with Hitachi HD44780 driver and a buzzer that is activated when the level exceeds the threshold.
The project, as we have already mentioned, is composed of several parts. A sonar sensor to be placed at the top of the well (at a safe distance from water level) that points downward so as to measure the distance between the point of placement (in our case the highest point of the well) and the surface water. Taking a simple difference between known quantities: the distance between the bottom and the measurement read from the sensor, we get the height of the water surface. Knowing the surface of the well also it is easy to calculate the volume of water present. At predetermined intervals Arduino reads the distances and displays the height and volume of water in the well.
There is a horizontal bar that shows the trend in relative water level inside the well for an easily and immediately read.

If the level exceeds a first threshold warning triggered the alarm buzzer to beep slowly if the level exceeds the second threshold, the ringing frequency increases until the level will drop back below the threshold or when you manually turn off the ringer through a button.
Arduino controls the operating logic, using the following sketches:

/* -*- mode: c -*- */
/**
 * pozzo.pde
 * version: 1.2
 */

#include <LiquidCrystal.h>

#define PING_PIN 13
#define BUZZER_PIN 8
#define SWITCH_INT 0 /* 0 => pin 2 */
#define PI 3.1415926535898
#define SUPERFICE_BASE (R_POZZO * R_POZZO * PI)
#define SIZE_BAR (16 * 5)
#define ALARM_ICON 0 /* code */
#define SOUND_ICON 6 /* code */
#define SOUND_ICON_ON 7 /* code */

#define R_POZZO 0.5 /* raggio pozzo (m) */
#define H_POZZO 146.0 /* cm */
#define SOGLIA_ALLARME_1 100 /* cm */
#define SOGLIA_ALLARME_2 120 /* cm */
#define DELAY_0 60000 /* ms; 1000 * 60 * 1 = 1 min */
#define DELAY_1 600 /* ms */
#define DELAY_2 200 /* ms */

/* initialize the library with the numbers of the interface pins */
LiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 6);

int mute = 0;

byte *getChar(int n, byte newChar[]) {
  int i;
  byte code[5] = {
    B10000,
    B11000,
    B11100,
    B11110,
    B11111};

  for (i = 0; i < 8; i++)
    newChar[i] = code[n - 1];

  return newChar;
}

void setup() {
  int i;
  float h;
  byte newChar[8];

  /* set up the LCD's number of rows and columns: */
  lcd.begin(16, 2);

  for (i = 1; i < 6; i++)
    lcd.createChar(i, getChar(i, newChar));

  newChar = {
    B00000,
    B00100,
    B01010,
    B01010,
    B11111,
    B00100,
    B00000,
  };

  lcd.createChar(ALARM_ICON, newChar);

  newChar = {
    B00011,
    B00101,
    B11001,
    B11001,
    B11001,
    B00101,
    B00011,
  };

  lcd.createChar(SOUND_ICON, newChar);

  newChar = {
    B00100,
    B10010,
    B01001,
    B01001,
    B01001,
    B10010,
    B00100,
  };

  lcd.createChar(SOUND_ICON_ON, newChar);  

  pinMode(BUZZER_PIN, OUTPUT);

  /**
   * LOW to trigger the interrupt whenever the pin is low,
   * CHANGE to trigger the interrupt whenever the pin changes value
   * RISING to trigger when the pin goes from low to high,
   * FALLING for when the pin goes from high to low.
   */
  attachInterrupt(SWITCH_INT, button, RISING);

  /* initialize serial communication */
  Serial.begin(9600);
}

void loop() {
  long hWatherCm;
  int litres;

  hWatherCm = read_height();
  if (check_alarm(hWatherCm) != 0) /* read again wather height */
    hWatherCm = read_height();

  lcd.clear();

  print_histogram(hWatherCm);

  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);

  lcd.print(hWatherCm);
  lcd.print(" cm - ");

  // litres = SUPERFICE_BASE * (hWather / 100.0) * 1000
  litres = floor(SUPERFICE_BASE * hWatherCm * 10);
  lcd.print(litres);
  lcd.print(" l ");

  lcd.setCursor(14, 1);
  lcd.write(SOUND_ICON);
  lcd.setCursor(15, 1);
  if (!mute)
    lcd.write(SOUND_ICON_ON);
  else
    lcd.write('X');

/*
  Serial.print("cm = ");
  Serial.println(hWatherCm);
*/

  switch (check_alarm(hWatherCm)) {
  case 1:
    lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
    lcd.write(ALARM_ICON);

    buzz(200);
    delay(DELAY_1);
    break;

  case 2:
    lcd.setCursor(0, 0);
    lcd.write(ALARM_ICON);

    buzz(200);
    delay(200);
    buzz(200);
    delay(DELAY_2);
    break;

  case 0: // no alarm
    delay(DELAY_0);
  }
}

void print_histogram(int hWatherCm) {
  int i;
  int bloks;
  float histogram;

  // hWatherCm : HPOZZO = histogram : SIZE_BAR
  histogram = (SIZE_BAR * hWatherCm) / H_POZZO;
  histogram = histogram + 0.5;

  bloks = (int)histogram / 5;

  for (i = 0; i < bloks; i++)
    lcd.write(5);

  if ((int)(histogram) % 5 > 0)
    lcd.write((int)(histogram) % 5);
}

long read_height() {
  /**
   * establish variables for duration of the ping,
   * and the distance result in centimeters:
   */
  long duration, hWatherCm;

  /**
   * The PING))) is triggered by a HIGH pulse of 2 or more microseconds.
   * Give a short LOW pulse beforehand to ensure a clean HIGH pulse:
   */
  pinMode(PING_PIN, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(PING_PIN, LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(PING_PIN, HIGH);
  delayMicroseconds(5);
  digitalWrite(PING_PIN, LOW);

  /**
   * The same pin is used to read the signal from the PING))): a HIGH
   * pulse whose duration is the time (in microseconds) from the sending
   * of the ping to the reception of its echo off of an object.
   */
  pinMode(PING_PIN, INPUT);
  duration = pulseIn(PING_PIN, HIGH);

  /* convert the time into a distance */
  hWatherCm = H_POZZO - microseconds_to_centimeters(duration);

  if (hWatherCm < 0)
    return 0;

  if (hWatherCm > H_POZZO)
    return H_POZZO;

  return hWatherCm;
}

void buzz(int msec) {
  if (!mute)
    digitalWrite(BUZZER_PIN, HIGH);
  delay(msec);
  digitalWrite(BUZZER_PIN, LOW);
}

int check_alarm(int hWatherCm) {
  if (hWatherCm > SOGLIA_ALLARME_1) {
     if (hWatherCm < SOGLIA_ALLARME_2)
       return 1;
     else
       return 2;
  }
  return 0;
}

long microseconds_to_centimeters(long microseconds) {
  /**
   * The speed of sound is 340.29 m/s or 29.4 microseconds per centimeter.
   * The ping travels out and back, so to find the distance of the
   * object we take half of the distance travelled.
   */
  return microseconds / 29.387 / 2;
}

void button() {
  //  Serial.println("Pulsante premuto");
  mute = !mute;

  lcd.setCursor(15, 1);
  if (!mute)
    lcd.write(SOUND_ICON_ON);
  else
    lcd.write('X');
}

Arduino typewriter


Patel Sohil Sanjaybhai wants to partecipate to our iniziative “TiDiGino Contest”, sent us his application with Arduino to demonstrate his skills in this field: an Arduino Typewriter.
This project shows how to recycle an old PS2 keyboard and a dot matrix printer (DB25) to make a typewriter.

How works:
The idea is connect the keyboard to the printer with a basic and cheap interface, we have used Arduino because is a fast development board for this kind of  projects. The board read the keyboard signals (use a data/clock system) and transform this info about the character to the printer.
Code:


#include <PS2Keyboard.h>
#include <string.h>
#include <stdio.h>

#define KBD_CLK_PIN 3
#define KBD_DATA_PIN 2
#define d0 4
#define d1 5
#define d2 6
#define d3 7
#define d4 8
#define d5 9
#define d6 10
#define d7 11
#define strobe 12
#define autofd 13

PS2Keyboard keyboard;

int caracter = 0;
byte key=0;
void setup()
{
  keyboard.begin(KBD_DATA_PIN);
  pinMode(d0, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(d1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(d2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(d3, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(d4, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(d5, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(d6, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(d7, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(strobe, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(autofd, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(autofd,HIGH);
  digitalWrite(strobe,HIGH);
  Serial.begin(9600);
  delay(1000);
}

void transmit(int x)
{
   if (x >= 128)
   {
    x = x - 128;
    digitalWrite(d7,HIGH);
  }
  else
  {
    digitalWrite(d7,LOW);
  }
  if (x >= 64)
  {
    x = x - 64;
    digitalWrite(d6,HIGH);
  }
  else
  {
    digitalWrite(d6,LOW);
  }
  if (x >= 32)
  {
    x = x - 32;
    digitalWrite(d5,HIGH);
  }
  else
  {
    digitalWrite(d5,LOW);
  }
  if (x >= 16)
  {
    x = x - 16;
    digitalWrite(d4,HIGH);
  }
  else
  {
    digitalWrite(d4,LOW);
  }
  if (x >=  8  )
  {
    x = x - 8;
    digitalWrite(d3,HIGH);
  }
  else
  {
    digitalWrite(d3,LOW);
  }
  if (x >= 4)
  {
    x = x - 4;
    digitalWrite(d2,HIGH);
  }
  else
  {
    digitalWrite(d2,LOW);
  }
  if (x >= 2)
  {
    x = x - 2;
    digitalWrite(d1,HIGH);
  }
  else
  {
    digitalWrite(d1,LOW);
  }
  if (x >= 1)
  {
    digitalWrite(d0,HIGH);
  }
  else
  {
    digitalWrite(d0,LOW);
  }
  digitalWrite(strobe,LOW);
  delayMicroseconds(2);
  digitalWrite(strobe,HIGH);
}

void loop()
{
  if(keyboard.available())
  {
    byte c = keyboard.read();
    Serial.println(c);
   // byte c=Serial.read();
    ascii(c);
   if(c == 13)
   {
     Serial.println(key);
     transmit(10);
   }
   else
   {
     Serial.println(key,HEX);
     transmit(key);
   }

   // Serial.println(c,HEX); 

    }

}

void ascii(byte x)
{
  switch(x)
  {
    case 0x1c:
    {
      key=0x41;
      break;
    }
    case 0x32:
    {
      key=0x42;
      break;
    }
    case 0x21:
    {
      key=0x43;
      break;
    }
    case 0x23:
    {
      key=0x44;
      break;
    }
    case 0x24:
    {
      key=0x45;
      break;
    }
    case 0x2B:
    {
      key=0x46;
      break;
    }
    case 0x34:
    {
      key=0x47;
      break;
    }
    case 0x33:
    {
      key=0x48;
      break;
    }
    case 0x43:
    {
      key=0x49;
      break;
    }
    case 0x3B:
    {
      key=0x4A;
      break;
    }
    case 0x42:
    {
      key=0x4B;
      break;
    }
    case 0x4B:
    {
      key=0x4C;
      break;
    }
    case 0x3A:
    {
      key=0x4D;
      break;
    }
    case 0x31:
    {
      key=0x4E;
      break;
    }
    case 0x44:
    {
      key=0x4F;
      break;
    }
    case 0x4D:
    {
      key=0x50;
      break;
    }
    case 0x15:
    {
      key=0x51;
      break;
    }
    case 0x2D:
    {
      key=0x52;
      break;
    }
    case 0x1B:
    {
      key=0x53;
      break;
    }
    case 0x2C:
    {
      key=0x54;
      break;
    }
    case 0x3C:
    {
      key=0x55;
      break;
    }
    case 0x2A:
    {
      key=0x56;
      break;
    }
    case 0x1D:
    {
      key=0x57;
      break;
    }
    case 0x22:
    {
      key=0x58;
      break;
    }
    case 0x35:
    {
      key=0x59;
      break;
    }
    case 0x1A:
    {
      key=0x5A;
      break;
    }
    case 0x0D:
    {
      key=0x09;
      break;
    }
    case 0x29:
    {
      key=0x20;
      break;
    }
    default:
    {
    }
  }
}

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Electronic Equipments



Electronic Parts
Fundamental & Applications




As beginners to electronic parts and the construction of electronics projects, sometimes one may just take all the information provided in the magazines and start to build the project.
The schematics and PCB provided may not be understood fully and if there is a mistake in the information, one may not be able to troubleshoot the printed circuit board. Therefore, it is important that one understands why each electronic parts or electronic component is used and its unique characteristics.




Batteries
The primary battery is intended for one time use only and is disposed after the charge has dropped to a level that cannot be used. The secondary battery can be recharged many times and is reusable.

Capacitor Types
An introduction to fundamental of capacitors. Electrolytic, ceramic, tantalum, metallized polyesther and safety types are introduced here.

Digital Light Sensor
In applications such as lighting controls, heating ventilation and air conditioning controls or temperature controls system, there are times when you will need to adjust the control parameters based on the intensity of the ambient light. You may want to consider using Intersil ISL29001 digital light sensor.

Digital Temperature Sensor
The recent decade has seen the use of integrated circuits devices in many temperature controlled related systems because they are much smaller, provide a more accurate measurement and simpler to be integrated to other digital control devices.

Diodes
Diode is a common device in most electronics devices. This page discussed their basic characteristics and applications in electronics project.


Electroluminescent Lighting and Drivers
Electroluminescent lighting is achieved by using an EL lamp which is a piece of plastic material coated with a phosphorous material. When a high voltage of 40V or greater is applied across this material and reverse, it will emit light. Fundamental of EL and driver are provided here.

Electronic Project Enclosures for housing assembled PCB
Electronic Project Enclosures are often needed to house assembled printed circuit board and other electronic parts. Some basics types are provided here.

Fuse
Terminology and functions of Fuse. Includes also some basic guidelines in the selection of fuse for certain application.

Heat Sink Characteristics
When a junction temperature of a semiconductor rises above its maximum allowable temperature, there is a need to dissipate this temperature or else the device will breakdown. One of the common method used to dissipate the heat is using a heat sink.

IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor)
The fundamental of IGBT and its characteristics are provided here. It has become a common device in motor controls in recent years.

Inductor or Coil
The fundamental of inductor, its characteristics and their applications in electronic devices are provided here.

LCD
An introduction to liquid crystal display which is now being widely used in most of the electronics project.

LEDs
Introduction to LEDs, its fundamentals and applications in various electronic circuits. It is fast replacing incandescent bulbs in many applications.

Microcontroller
The use of microcontroller as a major part of an electronic device has become indispensable these days.

Operational Amplifier
The Operational Amplifier is a differential amplifier having a large voltage gain, very high input impedance and low output impedance.

Relays
Mechanical relays are used in various types of applications. The DC coil voltage can range from 3V to 48V DC and AC coil can range from 6V to 240V AC. Its contact ratings can range from 0.01 Ampere to 30 Ampere.

Resistors
An introduction to carbon film resistors and their typical characteristics. It is one of the most common device that is used in almost every electronic device.

Seven Segment Displays
Fundamentals of Seven Segment Displays, its applications and drivers.

Thermistors
Thermistors' fundamentals and Applications.

Thyristors or SCR
Thyristors are switching devices based on PNPN structure. They are very reliable and have current ratings up to a few thousands amperes and voltage ratings up to 5000V.

Transformers
Fundamentals and construction of Tranformers.

Transistors
Introduction To Transistors. A brief history and typical characteristics of transistor and graphs are shown here.

Triac
A triac consists of two SCR connected in inverse parallel where the gates are connected together. The connections are labelled as MT1(Main Terminal 1), MT2(Main Terminal 2) and G(Gate).

Varistor as a protective electronic parts
Varistor is a voltage dependent device that clamp a voltage to a certain level and absorbed the energy to prevent damage to other parts of a circuitry.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Electronic Discovery...........

Electronic discovery or eDiscovery was a digital tool used in only the biggest document encompassing cases. Over the past 15 years eDiscovery has become a common trend in the majority of litigation processes conducted daily. The cutting-edge technology in electronic discovery simplifies the document review procedure in criminal and civil cases. Between 55% and 88% of all litigation costs originate from the document review phase. It’s a crucial and hefty expense for legal firms. Up to 70% of data can be reduced by using eDiscovery. Considering that generally the review phase in the litigation process is conducted manually this is an incredible improvement.
The main objective of a basic first level document review procedure is to decipher if a document is ‘receptive’ or ‘non-receptive’ as it relates to a certain case or issue.
This is the first step in the review phase designed to assist in dividing the documents in two categories. The process is started after attaining records following a legal “Request for Production of Documents.” Massive amounts of records in the millions often must be sifted through and examined by fellow volunteers and law firm associates. They must indicate four common principles during the review phase such as relevance to the case, confidentiality, legally protected information, and which documents are essential for the case.
Although, most individuals hired to aid in the examination of documents during the litigation are skilled like all manual tasks there will be inconsistencies. When different people are frantically searching boxes of information it’s bound to be error. These minor mistakes cost valuable time and money. eDiscovery provides legal professionals with an economic and efficient solution to their document review demands. Attorneys no longer need the assistance of large teams occupying entire floors painstakingly sorting through giant boxes stacked to the brim with paper documents in preparation for litigation. Now, legal professionals can utilize the eDiscovery technology to reduce costs, chaos, and inconsistency.
So, what is the legal professional’s alternative solution do? A litigation review program with eDiscovery simplifies your process creating an effective platform for you to win your case. It’s a computer program designed for the storage, sorting, reviewing, organizing, and accessing of files. This tool can effectively manage case files making the litigation process easier. A quality program eliminates the need to purchase software and permits users access from any computer with powerful data security enabled. Filter all of your records from a single database which allows collaboration and messaging. The ability to monitor reviewer activity quickens the pace of the process. The database should also be user-friendly. To completely ease the time consuming review phase compatibility with mainstream legal software such as IPRO and Summation is mandatory. This will increase productivity between tasks.
When investing in a litigation review program always remember to look for features that can ultimately speed up the discovery phase and create an efficient system to accomplish your objectives. A technical staff on call for around-the-clock assistance is an important feature to look for. Countless cases burn the midnight oil and having the assurance that if you do run into a problem at 2AM with the program help is available means the solution service has your best interest. Another must-have feature is a flexible interface which allows the resizing and rearranging of windows. Whenever you’re reviewing multiple documents the ability to switch windows with a click is essential. The best alternative solution for legal professionals is a litigation review program utilizing eDiscovery technology to save and simplify the process.
Electronic discovery or eDiscovery was a digital tool used in only the biggest document encompassing cases. Over the past 15 years eDiscovery has become a common trend in the majority of litigation processes conducted daily. The cutting-edge technology in electronic discovery simplifies the document review procedure in criminal and civil cases. Between 55% and 88% of all litigation costs originate from the document review phase. It’s a crucial and hefty expense for legal firms. Up to 70% of data can be reduced by using eDiscovery. Considering that generally the review phase in the litigation process is conducted manually this is an incredible improvement.
The main objective of a basic first level document review procedure is to decipher if a document is ‘receptive’ or ‘non-receptive’ as it relates to a certain case or issue. This is the first step in the review phase designed to assist in dividing the documents in two categories. The process is started after attaining records following a legal “Request for Production of Documents.” Massive amounts of records in the millions often must be sifted through and examined by fellow volunteers and law firm associates. They must indicate four common principles during the review phase such as relevance to the case, confidentiality, legally protected information, and which documents are essential for the case.
Although, most individuals hired to aid in the examination of documents during the litigation are skilled like all manual tasks there will be inconsistencies. When different people are frantically searching boxes of information it’s bound to be error. These minor mistakes cost valuable time and money. eDiscovery provides legal professionals with an economic and efficient solution to their document review demands. Attorneys no longer need the assistance of large teams occupying entire floors painstakingly sorting through giant boxes stacked to the brim with paper documents in preparation for litigation. Now, legal professionals can utilize the eDiscovery technology to reduce costs, chaos, and inconsistency.
So, what is the legal professional’s alternative solution do? A litigation review program with eDiscovery simplifies your process creating an effective platform for you to win your case. It’s a computer program designed for the storage, sorting, reviewing, organizing, and accessing of files. This tool can effectively manage case files making the litigation process easier. A quality program eliminates the need to purchase software and permits users access from any computer with powerful data security enabled. Filter all of your records from a single database which allows collaboration and messaging. The ability to monitor reviewer activity quickens the pace of the process. The database should also be user-friendly. To completely ease the time consuming review phase compatibility with mainstream legal software such as IPRO and Summation is mandatory. This will increase productivity between tasks.
When investing in a litigation review program always remember to look for features that can ultimately speed up the discovery phase and create an efficient system to accomplish your objectives. A technical staff on call for around-the-clock assistance is an important feature to look for. Countless cases burn the midnight oil and having the assurance that if you do run into a problem at 2AM with the program help is available means the solution service has your best interest. Another must-have feature is a flexible interface which allows the resizing and rearranging of windows. Whenever you’re reviewing multiple documents the ability to switch windows with a click is essential. The best alternative solution for legal professionals is a litigation review program utilizing eDiscovery technology to save and simplify the process.

Monday, August 15, 2011

semi conductor cunsumption in india

india semiconductor consumption is projected to total $8.2 billion (approximately Rs 36,080 crore) in 2011, a 15.5% increase from 2010 consumption of $7.1 billion (approximately Rs 31,240 crore) according to Gartner Inc. Based on this forecast, India is the fastest growing market in terms of semiconductor consumption for 2011.

"Changing demographics, increasing consumer affluence, economic growth and favorable government policy continues to drive the electronic equipment manufacturing industry in India," says Ganesh Ramamoorthy, research director, Gartner. “Numerous global electronic equipment manufacturing companies have set up production facilities in India, to take advantage of the growing domestic market and to cater to neighboring markets in the region. As a result, semiconductor consumption is also growing at a rapid pace.”

The communications electronics segment, which includes mobile phones, wireless local area networks (LAN), public switching and other communications infrastructure equipment will account for the largest chunk of nearly 52% of India’s semiconductor consumption in 2011. Data processing electronics segment comprising of desktop computers, laptops, monitors and storage equipment will follow with about 26% share of the total semiconductor consumption.

“Given the low penetration and the growing demand for key electronic equipment such as mobile phones, desktop and laptop computers and LCD TV’s, we believe the Indian market will be able to easily sustain high growth rates in the coming years. Therefore, we expect India’s semiconductor consumption to grow the fastest across the globe through 2015 at a compound annual growth rate of 15.9% to reach nearly $15 billion (approximately Rs 66,000 crore). Through 2015, nearly three-fourths of India’s semiconductor consumption will be accounted for by these three electronic equipment segments,” added Ramamoorthy.

indian electronics

India plans to boost manufacturing capacity in telecommunication networks, IT hardware to compete with China


NEW DELHI: India plans to undertake a five-pronged strategy to boost its manufacturing capabilities in telecom networks, IT hardware and electronics, and compete directly with China in this space. The telecom and IT departments share the view that major policy changes to kick-start large scale manufacturing in the country can create as many as 100 million jobs - directly and indirectly - by 2025.
As the first step, the Centre had invited expressions of interest from both technology companies and investors for setting up two semiconductor fabricators in the country, while also outlining a full package of incentives.
As per a confidential note circulated by the DoT, the Union Cabinet is also deliberating four other policy initiatives. These include incentives to companies to set up electronics clusters in towns, forcing all government departments to procure domestically manufactured products with regard to telecom, IT hardware and electronics, setting up an electronics development fund and a National Electronics Mission and also limiting telecom networks import to 20% of the industry's total requirement over an eight-year period.

semi conductor

The usage of semiconductors from power supply to displays is critical in medical equipment
The medical electronics segment is witnessing an increase in momentum fueled by an increasing need for quality- conscious, intelligent and time efficient health solutions which are affordable as well. Advancements in medical electronics has helped reduce the cost and size of equipment; especially for diagnostic solutions such as BP, ECG and blood sugar monitors and other assessment tools like CT, MRI, angiogram and ultrasound. Ganesh Guruswamy, Vice President and Country Manager, Freescale Semiconductor India reveals more about the dynamics of the medical electronics market in India, in conversation with M Neelam Kachhap
What is the size of medical electronics market in India and what are the main segments?
The Indian healthcare sector is one of the largest service sectors in the country. A December 2010 report on 'Current Status and Potential for Medical Electronics in India' by India Semiconductor Association(ISA) estimated the domestic market for medical equipment at $ 820 million. It is estimated to grow at 17 per cent CAGR over the next five years and reach $ 2.075 billion.
The medical electronics market can be divided into four segments:
  • Imaging equipment, which is used largely in secondary and tertiary healthcare, constitutes approximately 57 per cent of the market
  • Therapeutic products make up 26 per cent of market share.
  • Home-care and handheld equipment accounts for approximately eight per cent and is largely imported; this has high potential for domestic manufacturers
  • Patient monitoring systems, approximately nine per cent of the market.
What is the share of indigenous manufacturers vs MNC based in India in medical electronics?
The market for medical electronics is equally divided between indigenous manufacturers and MNCs. According to the ISA report the total market for the MNCs in India is 45 per cent and remaining market is occupied by smaller, niche players.
What are the trends in medical electronics market today? What are the drivers of this market in India?
Some key features that are the drivers for medical market in India is changing demographics and age profile which is prone to spend more on healthcare; rise of lifestyle diseases and the need for their diagnosis; an increasing awareness leading to the growth of preventive healthcare; increase in healthcare spending due to increase in healthcare insurance; growth in medical tourism to address international needs; and last but not the least the entry of corporates into the healthcare arena. Medical equipment today needs to offer accessibility, affordability and ease of usage
According to the ISA, the usage of semiconductors from power supply to displays is critical in medical equipment. This includes medical imaging, patient monitoring systems, digital hearing aids and infusion pumps, to name a few. Hence, growth in the medical equipment is expected to drive growth in semiconductor manufacturing. ISA proposes the need for high-level R&D to offer special medical equipment for India that offers accessibility, affordability and ease of usage; and closing the large gap in healthcare infrastructure and India's diverse landscape through private partnerships.
Why is India a preferred destination for most MNC for starting a manufacturing unit of medical devices? What is the effect of such reverse engineering on medical electronics market?
As mature markets like US, Europe and Japan reach their saturation point, medical device manufacturers are turning to emerging markets like India as engines of growth. This automatically implies that they will now need to develop and build products that are relevant to these markets, of which India is very promising for medical technology OEMs.
What are the challenges medical device manufacturers are facing currently?
The main challenges for medical device manufacturers in India are mainly accessibility, affordability and availability. Since a large proportion of the Indian population resides in rural areas with limited access to healthcare providers, medical devices need to go to the patients, and these must be provided at an affordable price. Thus, it is obvious that medical devices manufacturers have to address the increasing demand of the Indian market for portable and affordable and easy to use devices.
How will the medical device market change in future and how will medical electronics segment adapt to this changing environment?
The medical device market is an ever evolving market which sees new standards, regulations and technologies coming in all the time. However, today there are companies investing in developing IP in the areas of short-range communication such as Bluetooth, IEEE 11073, imaging algorithms, 802.11n etc. Medical device manufacturing companies are now able to reduce time to market and R&D costs using these new technologies.
Telemedicine is another fast growing area through which medical device manufacturers can expand the scope of usage of their devices from a patient’s home to make medical data available to a doctor or a nurse providing primary healthcare. With the availability of internet and broadband technology in almost all the developed and rapidly developing countries, technology today is available where a patient or a primary health centre located in remote or rural regions can have a video conference with the doctors and specialists in the larger hospitals.
Advanced diagnosis can be done for cardio care (through exchange of ECG), orthopaedics (through exchange of digital X-ray) etc, connecting the medical devices to the telemedicine unit along with the user application software.
The evolving market will see the segment adapt to the changing environment by accommodating all the changes in the industry and understanding the pressing needs of the demography and adapting accordingly.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

basics


Today, most electronic devices use semiconductor components to perform electron control. The study of semiconductor devices and related technology is considered a branch of solid state physics, whereas the design and construction of electronic circuits to solve practical problems come under electronics engineering. This article focuses on engineering aspects of electronics.

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[edit]Electronic devices and components

An electronic component is any physical entity in an electronic system used to affect the electrons or their associated fields in a desired manner consistent with the intended function of the electronic system. Components are generally intended to be connected together, usually by being soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB), to create an electronic circuit with a particular function (for example an amplifier, radio receiver, or oscillator). Components may be packaged singly or in more complex groups as integrated circuits. Some common electronic components are capacitors, inductors, resistors, diodes, transistors, etc. Components are often categorized as active (e.g. transistors andthyristors) or passive (e.g. resistors and capacitors).

[edit]Types of circuits

Circuits and components can be divided into two groups: analog and digital. A particular device may consist of circuitry that has one or the other or a mix of the two types.

[edit]Analog circuits

Hitachi J100 adjustable frequency drive chassis.
Most analog electronic appliances, such as radio receivers, are constructed from combinations of a few types of basic circuits. Analog circuits use a continuous range of voltage as opposed to discrete levels as in digital circuits.
The number of different analog circuits so far devised is huge, especially because a 'circuit' can be defined as anything from a single component, to systems containing thousands of components.
Analog circuits are sometimes called linear circuits although many non-linear effects are used in analog circuits such as mixers, modulators, etc. Good examples of analog circuits include vacuum tube and transistor amplifiers, operational amplifiers and oscillators.
One rarely finds modern circuits that are entirely analog. These days analog circuitry may use digital or even microprocessor techniques to improve performance. This type of circuit is usually called "mixed signal" rather than analog or digital.
Sometimes it may be difficult to differentiate between analog and digital circuits as they have elements of both linear and non-linear operation. An example is the comparator which takes in a continuous range of voltage but only outputs one of two levels as in a digital circuit. Similarly, an overdriven transistor amplifier can take on the characteristics of a controlledswitch having essentially two levels of output.

[edit]Digital circuits

Digital circuits are electric circuits based on a number of discrete voltage levels. Digital circuits are the most common physical representation of Boolean algebra and are the basis of all digital computers. To most engineers, the terms "digital circuit", "digital system" and "logic" are interchangeable in the context of digital circuits. Most digital circuits use a binary system with two voltage levels labeled "0" and "1". Often logic "0" will be a lower voltage and referred to as "Low" while logic "1" is referred to as "High". However, some systems use the reverse definition ("0" is "High") or are current based. Ternary (with three states) logic has been studied, and some prototype computers made.Computers, electronic clocks, and programmable logic controllers (used to control industrial processes) are constructed of digital circuits.Digital Signal Processors are another example.
Building-blocks:
Highly integrated devices:

[edit]Heat dissipation and thermal management

Heat generated by electronic circuitry must be dissipated to prevent immediate failure and improve long term reliability. Techniques for heat dissipation can include heat sinks and fans for air cooling, and other forms of computer cooling such as water cooling. These techniques useconvection, conduction, & radiation of heat energy.

[edit]Noise

Noise is associated with all electronic circuits. Noise is defined[1] as unwanted disturbances superposed on a useful signal that tend to obscure its information content. Noise is not the same as signal distortion caused by a circuit. Noise may be electromagnetically or thermally generated, which can be decreased by lowering the operating temperature of the circuit. Other types of noise, such as shot noisecannot be removed as they are due to limitations in physical properties.

[edit]Electronics theory

Mathematical methods are integral to the study of electronics. To become proficient in electronics it is also necessary to become proficient in the mathematics of circuit analysis.
Circuit analysis is the study of methods of solving generally linear systems for unknown variables such as the voltage at a certain node or the current through a certain branch of a network. A common analytical tool for this is the SPICE circuit simulator.
Also important to electronics is the study and understanding of electromagnetic field theory.

[edit]Electronics lab

Due to the empirical nature of electronics theory, laboratory experimentation is an important part of the study of electronics. These experiments are used to prove, verify, and reinforce laws and theorems such as Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, etc. Historically, electronics labs have consisted of electronics devices and equipment located in a physical space, although in more recent years the trend has been towardselectronics lab simulation software, such as CircuitLogix, Multisim, and PSpice.

[edit]Computer aided design (CAD)

Today's electronics engineers have the ability to design circuits using premanufactured building blocks such as power supplies,semiconductors (such as transistors), and integrated circuits. Electronic design automation software programs include schematic captureprograms and printed circuit board design programs. Popular names in the EDA software world are NI Multisim, Cadence (ORCAD), Eagle PCB and Schematic, Mentor (PADS PCB and LOGIC Schematic), Altium (Protel), LabCentre Electronics (Proteus), gEDA, KiCad and many others.

[edit]Construction methods

Many different methods of connecting components have been used over the years. For instance, early electronics often used point to point wiring with components attached to wooden breadboards to construct circuits. Cordwood construction and wire wraps were other methods used. Most modern day electronics now use printed circuit boards made of materials such as FR4, or the cheaper (and less hard-wearing) Synthetic Resin Bonded Paper (SRBP, also known as Paxoline/Paxolin (trade marks) and FR2) - characterised by its light yellow-to-brown colour. Health and environmental concerns associated with electronics assembly have gained increased attention in recent years, especially for products destined to the European Union, with its Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE), which went into force in July 2006.

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