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In the meantime, you might find some of our most-read content useful...
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- Power
Why Performance per Watt Is Becoming the Key Metric in Edge AI
Edge systems operate within defined limits. Power is often capped by Power over Ethernet (PoE) budgets or battery capacity. Thermal headroom is restricted by fanless designs or sealed enclosures. In many deployments, systems must run continuously for extended periods without intervention, making reliability a primary design concern alongside performance. Under these conditions, raw compute capability is only one part of the design equation. The more important question is how much useful work can be sustained within those fixed constraints.
The Hardware Needed to Power AI at the Edge
Though developed initially with cloud deployment in mind, agentic AI has many applications on edge and embedded systems. Hardware acceleration will be a major consideration in agentic AI at the edge. By coupling models that have lower resource requirements with AI acceleration technologies developed for the low-power, real-time environment, Avnet Silica can help design teams take advantage of the latest developments in machine learning to give their products much greater autonomy.
FPGA vs GPU vs CPU vs MCU – Hardware Options for AI Applications
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transitioned from a buzzword to a fundamental utility. Whether it is Generative AI creating content, computer vision inspecting factory lines, or autonomous vehicles navigating traffic, the software is only as capable as the hardware running it.
While AI relies on algorithms, hardware is the bottleneck. The challenge for engineers today is not just "can this chip run AI?" but "can it run it efficiently, with the right latency, and within the power budget?"
The three traditional contenders, FPGAs, GPUs, and CPUs, have evolved, and a fourth category, the NPU, has entered the mainstream. Here is how they stack up for modern applications.
Agentic AI Takes Autonomy to New Levels
By building on generative AI and other technologies, agentic AI represents a significant shift in the ability of many systems to act autonomously. Using advanced hardware coupled with software optimised for model throughput will continue to deliver increasingly powerful systems and, with them, greater efficiencies. It will be important to recognise the limitations of generative AI in the feedback loops of agentic AI, using additional tools to check and confirm their outputs. But careful development will ensure the beneficial deployment of this revolution in AI and autonomous systems.
8 Things to Know About AMD's Versal Adaptive SoCs and Their Role in Space 2.0
As satellite technology evolves and the demands of space exploration intensify, traditional processing architectures are no longer enough. The new era, often referred to as Space 2.0, calls for smarter, faster, and more resilient computing systems. At the heart of this transformation is AMD’s Versal Adaptive SoC platform. These reconfigurable devices are redefining what's possible in orbit, enabling real-time decision-making, advanced telemetry analysis, and scalable AI-driven applications. Whether you’re designing the next generation of Earth observation satellites or building autonomous deep-space systems, here are eight key things you need to know about how Versal is powering the future of space.
Putting Power First
From a technology perspective, we have come a long way since the first lunar missions. Space is being commercialised in ways the pioneers could have only imagined. There are now almost 10,000 satellites in orbit around Earth. Tourism may be the next frontier. The demand for more processing capability on the edge of space is pushing the limits of power design. Making power supplies radiation-tolerant and more efficient will help keep the satellite industry launching.
Versal - Revolutionising Onboard Processing and AI in Space 2.0 Applications
This era emphasises higher processing power, AI-driven analytics, and increased autonomy for space missions. Unlike traditional space missions, which relied on extensive ground station communication and analysis, Space 2.0 requires real-time data processing, adaptive computing architectures, and radiation-hardened electronics that can withstand the harsh conditions of space. AMD’s Versal adaptive SoCs — reconfigurable processing platforms designed for space-based AI, machine learning, and advanced onboard computing — are at the forefront of this evolution.
Advantages of a High-Precision ADC in Space Applications
In high-reliability electronics utilised in space applications, measurement precision and resilience are critical. From measuring system voltages and temperatures to precise motor control, it is imperative to have a fully accurate measurement. Many electronic devices require closely controlled supply voltages that need to be monitored and adjusted. In addition, knowledge of the system temperature is important so that temperature compensation can be applied where necessary. Renesas' Jonathan Harris takes a closer look at the advantages of a high precision ADC in space applications, specifically focusing on the ISL71148M.
The Rapid Evolution and Expansion of ADAS Technologies
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are technology groups that enhance driving safety. They can include early warning systems and automation. By alerting drivers to potential hazards and employing self-activating systems, they lower the risk of collision. Over 70% of new cars in the UK feature autonomous emergency braking systems (AEB); this figure is higher in the US. Automakers are united in their commitment to expanding the use of ADAS systems in the future, as there is no doubting its significance in reducing crashes and consequent injuries. In this article, we trace the origins of ADAS and overview the early technologies employed by the systems. We describe its evolution to the present day and anticipate future trends.
Driving the Future: The Transformative Journey of In-Vehicle Networks
An in-vehicle network (IVN) is an automotive data communications system used to interconnect electronic control units. The modern vehicle is a mobile digital communications platform. The vehicle’s IVN ensures reliable communication between the myriad electronic devices within it and the outside world. As vehicle designs have evolved to include infotainment systems, vehicle-to-everything communication (V2X), and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the volume of data that flows within the IVN has increased dramatically.
Automotive Memory & Storage
The automotive industry is entering a new era defined by electrification, autonomy, and connectivity. Electric vehicles (EV) are evolving into sophisticated computing platforms that generate, process, and store immense volumes of data. Memory and storage technologies are now central to this transformation, underpinning safety-critical control systems, infotainment and facilitating over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Funding for European Energy Storage Startups Reaches €2.14 Billion
Total equity funding for European startups involved in the manufacturing of energy storage hardware has topped €2.14 billion. 46.7% of the 2.14 billion was raised in the last three years, and 84.4% in the last five, reveals new research from Avnet Silica. As storage continues to grow in importance for renewable energy integration, grid resilience and energy security, Avnet Silica analysed Crunchbase data to take a deeper look at the different products European startups are bringing to market, how much funding they’ve raised, and which products are attracting the most investment.
European BESS startups expand value proposition as competition grows
European startups manufacturing Battery Energy Storage Systems have raised €331.8 million in equity funding to date, with 75% of the companies estimated to have reached a phase of commercial maturity, according to new research from Avnet Silica. The majority of the funding (€236 million) has gone into Lithium-based BESS, with Flow batteries attracting a further €76.1 million in funding. The remaining funds have been allocated between Sodium-based BESS (just over €880,000), Zinc-based BESS (€1.8 million), and Hybrid battery systems (€17 million).
The Future of Energy Storage: Exploring Europe’s Energy Storage Landscape - Insights from €2.14B in Startup Investment
As oil price volatility and geopolitical tensions continue to put energy security back under the spotlight, the energy transition has entered a more demanding phase. After decades of development across industry, government, and infrastructure operators, the question today is no longer whether renewable sources can generate meaningful energy, but how these systems can absorb volatility, manage demand, and keep critical loads operating as generation, consumption, and supply conditions shift simultaneously.
Memory is Breaking Product Plans
Over the past few quarters, memory has shifted from a routine sourcing step to a critical design and business constraint—often surfacing at the worst possible moment, just as products move from development to production. Engineering teams are discovering that memory, once viewed as stable and low risk, is now reshaping the bill of materials. Procurement teams are learning that established buying habits no longer match current lead times. Suppliers are asking for earlier visibility and firmer commitments, while common substitutions are increasingly unavailable when problems arise.
The New Reality of Memory Supply: Navigating the Memory Shortage
While the global semiconductor market is moving into a broader recovery phase and demand is picking up across multiple end markets, the global memory chip market is experiencing a structural supply crisis that is materially impacting production timelines, device pricing, and procurement strategies across industries. The shortage is distinct from the 2021 pandemic-era disruption and is the direct result of AI infrastructure demand consuming a growing share of global memory fabrication capacity, a dynamic that is not expected to normalise until new fab capacity comes online in 2027 or 2028 at the earliest.
Automotive Applications of GaN Power Semiconductors
The automotive industry is undergoing the biggest change in its history, as it shifts from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric power. While the electric powertrain is a well-proven technology by now, there’s continued pressure to achieve greater range and faster battery changing – raising the bar of what’s expected of power electronics components. Silicon is the incumbent semiconductor material for power applications, but in our cars, it’s being replaced by wide bandgap (WBG) materials that offer improved efficiency and greater power density.
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Power Semiconductors: An Overview
AI and supercomputers may grab the headlines, but power electronics is the driving force of today’s technological advancements. In fact, there’s a booming demand for efficient, robust power semiconductors that can handle the needs of data centres, electric vehicles (EVs), and countless other applications. Traditionally, silicon has been the material of choice — but power systems design is being transformed by the new kid on the block: silicon carbide (SiC). Silicon carbide is a wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor, which means it has a greater bandgap than silicon and higher energy electrons that cross this bandgap.
Five Ways SiC MOSFET Technology Differs from IGBTs
It may seem curious to compare 21st-century silicon carbide (SiC) wide band-gap semiconductor switch technology with silicon-based IGBTs – devices that have been around for over 40 years. However, IGBTs have evolved over time and are still viable and preferred in many applications. In fact, the market for IGBTs is still expanding, with a CAGR of around 10%. So, what are the differences that make one or the other technology suitable for a particular design? The Avnet Silica Power Specialists consider five aspects and how they affect your choice.
Accurate Loss Calculation for SiC Devices
The widespread adoption of Silicon Carbide (SiC) transistors across various industries, from automotive systems to industrial machinery, has revolutionised power electronics. These advanced devices offer significant advantages over traditional silicon (Si) counterparts, including superior switching characteristics, higher operating temperatures, and improved efficiency. However, unlocking the full potential of SiC devices hinges on one critical factor: accurate loss calculations. This article explores the importance of precise loss calculations for SiC devices and their profound impact on engineering decisions, particularly regarding component selection and overall design integrity.
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Does Matter matter to EV Charging?
As the world becomes increasingly connected, technology is evolving to make our lives more convenient, efficient, and sustainable. A key development in this interconnected ecosystem is the Matter protocol, developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) — formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance.
Empowering the Smart Home Revolution: The Matter Standard
In an era where connectivity and convenience dominate consumer expectations, the smart home concept has rapidly evolved from a futuristic fantasy to a tangible reality. Yet, amidst the plethora of smart devices flooding the market, a significant challenge persists: compatibility. Consumers often encounter frustrating barriers due to disparate standards and protocols as they seek to integrate various smart products into their homes. Recognising this hurdle, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) introduced Matter, an ambitious initiative poised to revolutionise the smart home experience.
Advancements in Solar Inverter and Energy Storage System Technologies
The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by an increasing focus on carbon neutrality and the development of green energy. Solar energy, particularly when combined with Energy Storage Systems (ESS), is at the forefront of this shift, offering a promising future for a more sustainable and clean energy infrastructure. This article examines the evolving trends, design considerations, and prominent topologies in residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.
Empowering the Future with Advanced Energy Storage
Energy storage systems (ESS) are revolutionising how we generate, store, and consume electricity, providing flexibility and reliability to both residential and commercial energy infrastructures. By capturing excess energy during periods of low demand and releasing it during peak times, ESS not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to a more resilient and sustainable power grid.
Robotics: Enabling Intelligent, Connected and Collaborative Systems
Robotic systems are already shaping modern industrial and service-sector environments. Across manufacturing and a growing range of service-sector applications such as logistics and healthcare, robots support higher levels of automation, consistency and operational efficiency.
Motor Control for Intelligent Machines: Why Precision Now Defines Performance
For decades, motor performance was defined in terms of torque, rotational speed, and efficiency. But as machines become more autonomous, connected, and intelligent, so too have the metrics changed. Now, the defining characteristic of high-performance motor systems is precision. This enables accurate, predictable, and repeatable responses under real-world conditions.
Semiconductor Market Pulse: Five Key Points for Q2 2026
Avnet Silica’s latest Trendliner Q2 2026 report offers a data-driven overview of the market, highlighting the areas design engineers and procurement teams should watch as they plan for the quarters ahead.
Supply chain automation and the return of human intelligence
When it comes to supply chain optimisation, people tend to focus on automation. For years we’ve focused on efficacy, MRPs, and cost efficiency. And all enterprises will have an ERP automating tasks and spitting out orders – that’s a given.
The people you need at the heart of your supply chain
For anyone managing a supply chain, the past few years have been hard, really hard. A global pandemic, lockdowns, freak weather incidents, ships wedged in strange places - there’s been a lot to contend with.
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