NotionLet Infrastructure be the only Pied PiperIn India the importance of infrastructure built-up have not been understood well ing of economic progress as the motor of economic development and is negated throughout the post inde- in the world has follows is more at this hour than ever before ow- pendent India. the infrastructure created ing to the pressing demand for economic In the recent past the growth of the Indian painstakingly. Japan, China, development. Infrastructure networks are economy has resulted into urban crises Taiwan, European countries among the most complex and significant that is marked by the lack of adequate and the US could understood design tasks required for development. infrastructure. Urban informality is often way back the importance of infra- The design of infrastructure actively influ- seen to be synonymous with poverty and structure. The roads, power, airports, ences the organization of the inhabited is true too. India’s transport, telecommunication, skilled landscape and lay platform for further plan- workforce, industrial zones, well devel- development. The infrastructure design oped coastline, financial infrastructure, must be characterised with the condi- political maneuverability and above all tions that influence large population, and planning for infrastructural develop- suggest a typology of design attributes ment have been very well realized as revealed in recent practice around in the developed countries. This the world. The combined creative could have been the case study potential of architecture, landscape for India too. architecture, and urban design is Industries riding on the top essential to putting into place an facilities, in the developed efficient, modern infrastructure, countries, the development the basis of development. process is on to the automat- Infrastructure is the basic physical ed mode, unlike India, where systems of a business or nation; the concept of development transportation, communication, itself is opposed by the rival sewage, water and electric systems political groups coupled with the inertia of the industry peo- ple. The country has seen theMaking India a manufacturing hub, to ensure employment to our melodrama during demonetizationyouth, cherish Make in India, to promote entrepreneurship by and indirect tax reform.making youth job creators than being job seekers – just assure Though the total investment in India inthe world class infrastructure and rest will follow. infrastructure in 2016–17 was estimated to be around 6-9 percent of GDP. But the investment in infrastructure require 9 per-are all examples of infrastructure. These ning re- cent of GDP annual. The ambitious 7.5systems tend to be high-cost invest- gime is itself an informalisedments; however, they are vital to a entity marked with the state of dereg- percent growth per year can be achieved only by overcoming infrastructure deficit.country’s economic development ulation, ambiguity, and exception. The Making India a manufacturing hub, toand prosperity. Infrastructure haphazard growth of cities has createdis the first and the foremost socio-economic and infrastructural chal- ensure employment to our youth, cherish Make in India, to promote entrepreneur-requisite for an economy lenges and poor human health too. ship by making youth job creators thanto develop. Unfortunately thecountry is devoid of the very Also that our nation’s critical infrastruc- being job seekers – just assure the world tures are highly interconnected and class infrastructure and rest will follow.infrastructural establish- ments. mutually dependent in complex ways,India’s slow economic growth both physically and through a host of in-is often attributed to coun- formation and communications technolo-try’s gradualist approach to gies. What happens to one infrastructure Enjoy Reading ELE Times can directly and indirectly affect otherreform, which has meant a infrastructures, impact large geographicfrustratingly slow pace of regions and send ripples throughout theimplemen- tation and also to national economy. Devendra Kumarfailure to im- plement the reforms To the best of my knowledge the build- Editoreffectively. [email protected] importance of such infrastructures ELE Times | 2024 | JAapnruial,r2y,0210818
NewsDiu first UT to run on 100 Shrinking Exports of India’sper cent Solar Energy Electronics IndustryCoal Minister Piyush Goyal transitioning into a new era Domestic electrical and He also said that risingsaid India should strive for of carbon-free energy for its electronics manufacturers demand in ASEAN markets50 per cent of its power citizens. are betting on exports for along with African and Latingeneration capacity from The minister also said the their growth prospects as the American countries is setrenewable sources by 2030 country is set to exceed the opportunities in the domestic to keep the export demandon the back of technological target of 175 GW in renewable sector have shrunk, an official buoyant.advancements in solar and energy and touch 200 GW said. At present the industrywind energy. by 2022 which “shows the “Domestic market has exports goods worth around“With technological seriousness India attaches shrunk. Whatever growth we $10 billion, set to increase toadvancements in solar to climate change and are seeing in the industry around $50 billion over thepower and large turbines environment protection.” is on account of global next 7-8 years, he said.in wind energy, the country “India, the seventh largest penetration. If the industry Compared with last year’sshould strive for 50 per cent economy in the world, is gets its international efforts budget capital expenditure ofgeneration capacity from poised for fast economic right, we expect that in 7-8 Rs 62,600 crore, in 2018-19renewable sources by 2030,” growth in the coming years years it could become a US$ the expenditure is pegged atGoyal said while addressing and will rank as the second 100 billion industry,” Indian Rs 54,270 crore.the 7th Indian Energy largest in not-so-distant Electrical and ElectronicsCongress. future,” he added. Manufacturers’ AssociationHe further said India is the first (IEEMA) Vice President Harishmajor country which is fast Agarwal said.STMicro shows Latest Reality Check: 30 Per centSolutions for Smart Driving and Electric Vehicles by 2030IoT at electronica China 2018 says Indian GovernmentSTMicroelectronics • Automotive Radar (long- The Government said that need is just action plans”showcased its latest range (77/81GHz) and it is looking at charging backing Nitin Gadkari’stechnologies and products short-range (24/26GHz)), infrastructure and policy comment of “there is no needfor Smart Driving and Internet V2X, power management framework to have 30% of for any policy now,” leavingof Things (IoT) at electronica for Electric Vehicles vehicles in India as electric automakers in a fix onceChina 2018. • Applications based on vehicles by 2030. again.The ST demonstrations ST’s latest ToF ranging This comes weeks after Niti EESL is responsible forat electronica China 2018 sensor, the VL53L1X Aayog and Nitin Gadkari procuring electric vehiclesinclude: • Solutions built around ST’s announced that India does not for the Government and says• An STM32 Open ST25D NFC dynamic tags for need an EV policy. Amitabh that this programme will beDevelopment Environment Wearable Mobile Payment and Kant, CEO, Niti Aayog was implemented by which weApplication-Tree Wall for data-logger applications quoted saying, “What we will aggregate demand by such as a temperature sensor. procuring electric vehicles • ST products and in bulk to get economies of development tools for scale. Currently, Government Smart Industry applications, has procured Tata Tigor and including motor drivers, Mahindra e-Verito electric IO-link, power management, cars in bulk and will replace microcontrollers, and wireless the existing fleet of petrol and connectivity. diesel vehicles. ELE Times | 08 | April, 2018
News Biggest Solar Plant in Uttar Pradesh, LaunchedPrime Minister Narendra Modi and wrapped it around their necks throughFrench president Emmanuel Macron the event.jointly inaugurated the largest solar Modi and Macron were escorted to thepower plant of the state at Dadar Kalan highest site of the solar power plantvillage of Chhanvey block in Mirzapur spread over 380 acres where theydistrict. unveiled the plaque on which projectThe French president and his wife details were inscribed in English, HindiBrigitte, along with PM Modi, Governor and French.Ram Naik and chief minister Yogi The PM and French president pressedAdityanatha reached Varanasi in a button to energise the solar panelsthe morning and then took a small and dedicated the 75 MW facility to thehelicopter ride to the plant. people.They were greeted by ministers and The heads of the two countriesdignitaries at the helipad and were then inspected the plant set up by Frenchescorted to the ‘green room’ besides company ENGIE. Over 1.18 lakh solarthe helipad. Here, both leaders were panels have been installed in the plantpresented a red ‘Chunari’ (cotton which will produce 15.6 crore units ofstole) from the Vindhaychal shrine electricity annually.as ‘prasad’ which Modi and MacronGovernment schemes helped Trainover 2.8 Lakh people in Electronicsand ITOver 2.8 lakh people have been trained manufacturing (EDSM) sector that have a cumulative target of skilling 4.18in various courses in operations, lakh at a outlay of Rs 525 crore over a period of till March 2019.repair and service as part of various “Under these schemes, 1,893 training partners are affiliated with three keygovernment initiatives for skill agencies, namely, Electronic Sector Skill Council (ESSC), Telecom Sectordevelopment in electronics and IT Skill Council (TSSC) and National Institute of Electronics and Informationsector, the Parliament was informed by Technology (NIEILIT),” he said. Besides this, the Electronic SectorRavi Shankar Prasad. Skill Council of India (ESSCI) has trained 3.01 lakh candidates in theHe said the government has two current financial year in 10 job roles relating to installation and maintenanceprogrammes for skill development and service/repair for electronics and IT hardware sector underin electronic various schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), skillsystem design and development programmes of central as well as state governments and through corporate support.ELE Times | 10 | April, 2018
NewsEESL to Install LEDs UP attracts Investmentsacross All Airports in India worth Rs 4.28 trillionEnergy Efficiency Services undertaken by EESL without Uttar Pradesh signed 1,045 Additionally, PM Modi, whoLimited (EESL), a joint venture any cost burden on AAI. The pacts worth Rs4.28 trillion was also present at theof PSUs under the Ministry of project will be completed on the first day of the UP summit announced a defencePower signed a Memorandum within 4 months from the date investors’ summit, CM Yogi industrial corridor in theof Understanding (MoU) with of signing a definitive Energy Adityanath said. Bundelkhand region to bringthe Airports Authority of India Performance Agreement “It is a matter of pride for development in one of the(AAI) for installing energy- (EPA). the state that fortune-500 most backward regions ofefficient LED lights at airports, Under the MoU, EESL will companies are participating in Uttar Pradesh.buildings, and facilities owned execute the energy efficiency this summit. I want to tell you “One of the two defenceby AAI across India. EESL programme on Energy Service all that till now we have signed industrial corridors mentionedwill make the entire upfront Companies (ESCO) model. 1,045 MoUs worth Rs4.28 in the budget, one isinvestment of Rs. 24.41 crore Speaking at the occasion, Shri lakh crore. I have recently proposed in the Bundelkhandon the project. Saurabh Kumar, MD, EESL presented budget of Rs4.28 region of the state whichThe MoU is signed under the said, “Replacement of existing lakh crore and the figure of will bring an investment ofBuildings Energy Efficiency conventional light fittings with MOUs signed is the same... Rs20,000 crore and generateProgramme (BEEP). The energy-efficient LEDs across We are heading towards new employment avenues for 2.5entire procurement of lighting airports and buildings of AAI UP,” Adityanath said while lakh people,” he said.equipment, installation will contribute significantly to addressing the summit inand maintenance will be India’s climate goals.” Lucknow.Terminus Circuits Awarded ‘Unmake in India’ for India’s TV CompaniesMost Innovative Productof the Year at IESAVision It’s being seen as the ‘Unmake Consumer Electronics and in India’ moment for the Indian Appliances ManufacturersSummit 2018 television industry. TV makers Association (CEAMA) has said say that jobs will be lost and in a petition to the government,Terminus Circuits was of the High-Performance local manufacturing will suffer seeking duty withdrawalawarded “Most Innovative Computing (HPC) systems” after the government imposed The move has impactedProduct of the Year 2017” by said Sankar Reddy, CEO of an import duty on panels and companies including LG,IESA in IESAVision Summit Terminus Circuits. its parts, even though there Samsung, Panasonic and– 2018 for its PCI Express PCI Express is the corner is no manufacturing of the Sony, as well as contractGen4.0 PHY IP. stone of the systems that technologically sophisticated makers such as Dixon and“PCI Express is globally are built to meet the ever- components in the country. Super Plastronics. Retailrecognized as general increasing demand for Some TV makers say they are prices are being increased bypurpose interface that unifies computing and massive data better off importing fully built almost all the companies, asthe component to component storage requirements. Efficient TVs instead of making them they weigh duty hike impactinterconnect across many and faster processors are here, which would attract an on costs. Sachin Rai of Sonyapplications that include being used for computing import duty of 15% on panels in India, agrees that marginsservers, desktop computers, in data centres but the need and a further 10% on allied in local manufacturing havestorage, enterprise routers, is for better interconnect parts (both were nil). shrunk. “We may have toindustrial & test equipment, between the I/O subsystems “This is a massive setback increase prices soon, anddefence & aerospace and the processor. to the ‘Make in India’ this could be in the range ofapplications for its high programme. Efforts for job 6-7%.”throughput and low latency creation in the electronicscapabilities. PCI Express 4.0 sector will be jeopardised,”also boosts the performance ELE Times | 12| April, 2018
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TechnologyHigh voltagepreoswisteorrssufoprpcliuesstom -Phil EbbertThere are a vast array of power supplies on the market, Figure 1 A simple Zener regulator circuit and the variety of resistor applications in those designs rated power dissipation. Resistors in a circuit like this are broaden the selection dramatically. So, for the purpose of pretty easy to specify, as long as they are rated for the this article, power supplies will be referred to as devices combined power of the Zener and load. that have fixed DC outputs up to several kV. Whatever the application, power supply designers must For power supplies that may have supply or load chang- be aware of specific regulations on safety or the environ- es, a series design can use a pass transistor, which will ment that apply to the area, as well as the actual electrical ensure a regulated load current and decrease the voltage performance. This article will look at the use of resistors output to the desired value. Figure 2 demonstrates this in regulating the supply output and protecting the supply type of circuit. Designs such as these normally use either from faults. an IC or a low drop-out (LDO) regulator to regulate the The nomenclature of power supplies is often taken from load supply. The voltage divider formed by R1 and R2 whether the input is AC or DC, and what type of regu- senses and sets the voltage output relative to a reference lation is used to provide the correct DC output – nor- voltage. If the circuit has a fixed output, the divider will mally switched mode or linear. Mains voltages usually be located internally; for other applications, either one or power AC-DC supplies, while a DC-DC supply could be both resistors may be placed externally. powered from a battery or any other DC power source. These DC-DC converters use switched mode technology The resistor values are chosen to give the required ratio, to change the input voltage to a higher (boost) or lower so the most important consideration is accuracy. If the (buck) output voltage. comparator circuit features high gain and high input Off-the-shelf power supplies are available for many impedance, the worst case value can be easily calculated markets and for general use, but in some cases a custom using the equation above, firstly with R1 at maximum design is needed. Resistor manufacturers and suppliers and R2 at minimum, and then with R2 at maximum and such as Riedon have many years of experience in helping R1 at minimum. These calculations show the maximum customers choose the correct component for every potential deviation from the desired output. application. Linear regulators Switched-mode power supplies To understand the role of the components in power supplies, it is necessary to understand the basics of how Linear power supplies can be inefficient due to energy power supplies operate. Many engineers will remember being expended in both the series pass device and the designing a circuit like that in Figure 1. The circuit uses load. The inefficiency increases the higher the voltage a Zener diode to provide a constant voltage to the load drop over the load. (R2). R1is used to provide the minimum current to keep the Zener in constant breakdown, as well as the load current. This type of system works well for circuits that are low power and have a fairly constant supply voltage and load. If the load current reduces or the supply voltage increases significantly, then the diode may exceed its ELE Times | 14 | April, 2018
Technology itors respectively. The capacitors maintain Another occasion where balancing is re- their charge after the supply is switched off quired is shown in Figure 4. In this scenario,Figure 2 Simplified diagram of a linear series and can be hazardous to users. There are reservoir capacitors are designed in seriesregulator two main points to balance when choosing to the DC supply output. The electrolyticTo drive up efficiency, another supply resistors for this task: they should be a high capacitors’ leakage currents act like atopology is often used. The switched-mode enough resistance to consume little power resistance in parallel with the capacitor, RL1power supply (SMPS) takes the unregulated when the circuit is operational, while being and RL2 in the diagram. These resistanceinput DC voltage, and switches it at a high low enough value to discharge the capaci- values can vary considerably, and since theyfrequency (10kHz to 1MHz). The duty cycle tors quickly.determines the DC output voltage after Inrush limiting resistors limit the amount Figure 4 Balancing resistors ensures equal voltag-rectification and smoothing. of current that can surge when AC-DC es across output capacitorsThe regulation of the SMPS output also uses supplies are initially switched on and the act as a voltage divider across the outputa potential divider, but this time to regulate storage capacitor is charging. These resis- it can cause a voltage disparity across thethe frequency of switching and the duty tors are usually of a very low value and are capacitor, potentially exceeding the capaci-cycle. The SMPS can achieve efficiencies of designed in series with the AC power line. tor’s rating. Matched resistors RB1 and RB2up to 95% by avoiding the losses from the For higher-power supplies, negative tem- counteract this effect.linear regulator’s voltage drop. The SMPS perature coefficient (NTC) resistors are often High voltage dividers are used to providecan also be more compact than a similarly used for this purpose. These resistors have the feedback to the regulation circuit. Theserated linear AC-DC supply, as the high a resistance that drops as they self-heat. resistors can often have a secondary pur-frequency transformer and filter/reservoir One downside to using this type of resistor pose, such as monitoring the high voltagecapacitors are much smaller. is that during operation the temperature supply in defibrillators, charging the storageThe main drawback for the SMPS is that must be kept regular to ensure the low resis- capacitor and switching off the supply at theit must have a minimum load. No-load tance is maintained. A third type of solution desired charge level.conditions can damage the supply. To avoid involves using pulse-resistant resistors, High current sensing is used for measur-this condition, designers often use a power which are normally energy-rated in Joules. ing the supply current. The measurementresistor as a dummy load. This resistor is in- This gives a better idea of their capabilities is made using shunt ammeter principles,tended to draw the minimum specified load than the normal continuous power ratingif the main load is detached. Naturally, the that wattage designates. where a low value resistor is placed indummy resistor will dissipate power, which Balancing resistors modulate a load current series and the voltage drop is measuredwill have an effect on the overall supply when using more than a single supply. Of- to calculate the current. A designer of thisefficiency and will need to be considered ten, using more than one DC-DC converter type of circuit must choose between a lowwhen specifying the resistor. Another in a parallel arrangement can be cheaper, value resistor to minimize heat generatedway to circumvent this problem is to use while also being more energy efficient and and the loss of power, and a high resis-a shunt resistor across the output if the compact than using a single high power tance for easier measurement.load goes open circuit. Other resistors supply. When designing this type of circuit, itare also used in SMPS designs for safety is not possible to just tie the outputs togeter; Summarypurposes. Low-ohm, high-power resistorsoften protect against over-voltage con- Figure 3 Balancing resistors share load between Almost every application for resistorsditions. Current limiting designs protect DC-DC converters in power supply design has differentagainst short-circuits. there must be a way to ensure the load is specification priorities and performanceThis type of switching technology is also shared equally. Figure 3 shows the RSHARE requirements. These include resistors thatused in DC-DC converter designs to resistors taking up the slack between the need to be able to handle high voltage,change one value of DC voltage to anoth- converter outputs. current and power, as well as ones thater. Buck converters are very similar in This method of load sharing is also used in require low tolerances. Often specializedoperation to the SMPS design described other types of power-supply designs, espe- attributes are needed, like surge capabili-previously. Boost converters output cially those using power transistors. Multiple ty or negative TCR.a higher voltage than the input using transistors in parallel supply the load, andcharge pump techniques. Both tech- load-sharing resistors are used in series.nologies use similar ways to regulate theoutput voltage and for circuit protection. ELE Times | 16 | April, 2018Other uses of resistors inpower-supply designsBleed resistors are mainly used to dischargecapacitors in the circuit. They are situated inparallel with the load and are used in AC-DCand DC-DC converters for discharging thesmoothing capacitors and reservoir capac-
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SELECTING THEAPPROPRIATE WIRELESSMESH NETWORKTECHNOLOGYMesh networks provide an ideal Impact of Mesh Networks on Appli- technology to implement and cations enhance a number of applications, such as building and home auto- The overall system performance and end-user ex- mation, lighting systems, and retail perience can gain remarkable improvements using beacon systems. Mesh networks mesh networks. With building and home automation, allow systems to reduce power consumption to devices can communicate directly with each other. increase battery life, extend communication range, An action on a light switch can be immediately sent and improve overall system reliability. to lights over the local mesh network without routing In a point-to-point or star network, the signal range communication via a gateway to the cloud. is a function of output power. To ensure devices can run on a battery for a sufficient period or to increase Each mesh protocol offers technical energy efficiency, the ideal scenarios is to reduce strengths, as well as maturity in power consumption and output power. However, de- the marketplace and established spite reduced power consumption, devices still need deployments to consider. It is possible to be able to communicate and interact with other that one protocol may not be able to devices. Each device in a mesh network transmits a meet the needs for all products or shorter distance to reduce its power consumption. markets or hubs As communication is relayed across devices on the mesh network, the total communication range of a This type of immediate response improves consum- system can be improved. er experience. In addition, for some use cases, such Mesh networks offer additional communications ben- as an HVAC system turning off air in the case of a efits, as well, such as their ability to perform dynamic fire alarm, local communication over a mesh network self-healing. For example, if one node in a mesh ensures correct system operation without a depen- network fails, communication can be re-routed to dency on cloud connectivity. improve reliability. Another important benefit of mesh For lighting systems, deployment and management networks is devices can communicate directly with can be simplified. The extended connectivity range each other. In many contexts, such as a light-bulb provided by a mesh network means connected lights responding to a switch, this provides the responsive- can be deployed at a greater distance from a hub vs ness consumers expect. a star network. A hub or gateway can be placed inELE Times | 18 | April, 2018
one location and connected lights deployed. as an example, where a number of devices TechnologyAs each light is deployed, the range of com- are likely using Zigbee or Thread to form amunication grows, allowing a single gateway mesh network. A gateway or a combination With Silicon Labs multiprotocol softwareto effectively cover a larger area. of a hub and gateway is most likely already and hardware, a single product supporting connecting these devices to the cloud for multiple wireless connectivity protocols canBeacons used for retail marketing or asset additional services. The phone is likely also be designed. This can be the same devicetracking can be more easily managed by not communicating to the cloud, and then back capable of connectivity to multiple protocolsrequiring each beacon to be within the range to devices. in the field, or a device with the ability to beof a phone. It is also possible to combine In order to support direct phone to device configured in the field or factory to one of afunctionality across these areas and types communication, or to support an ecosys- number of different wireless protocols. Byof devices. For example, connected lights tem, such as Apple HomeKit, Bluetooth using the same SoC supporting multiplecannot only be automated, but can also act connectivity is required. Bluetooth can be protocols, or pin compatible SoCs foras beacons. This approach can increase the combined with another mesh network or specific protocols, company users have thefunctionality and value of a light by adding used on its own as a mesh network if all flexibility to adjust their market strategy. Withcapabilities, such as location services and the devices support the protocol. Adding a secure update mechanism, such devicesadvertisements. support for multiple protocols in a device can be updated in the field to add additional may also provide benefits, such as using functionality or to react to any changes inA Case for Multiple Wireless a phone to setup or commission a device the market, such as a surge in popularityProtocols without a display onto a Zigbee or Thread network. Mesh networks provideAlready deployed systems that a product an ideal technology tomust interoperate with are an important fac- implement and enhancetor to consider. Consider a residential home a number of applications, such as building and home automation, lighting systems, and retail beacon systems. Mesh networks allow systems to reduce power consumption to increase battery life, extend communication range, and improve overall system reliability. ELE Times | 19 | April, 2018
Technologyof a specific ecosystem requiring a specific such as data aggregation. Bluetooth mesh clude an App layer, any IP-based applicationmesh technology. devices also supporting Bluetooth Low layers, such as dotdot or OCF can be used. Energy can provide connectivity to the cloud Bluetooth mesh includes a native applica-Determining the Appropriate via a smart phone or tablet. This, of course, tion layer called the Mesh model, which is aMesh Technology is a temporary connection, as the devices brand new application layer where support would not be able to connect to the cloud for different devices types is more limitedFor most existing home automation and to send or receive information if the phone than that for Zigbee or Thread. Bluetoothlighting systems, existing ecosystems and or tablet isn’t present, requiring a gateway mesh has good support for lighting modelsdeployments must be taken into account. and support for generic controls, like On/Off,For example, to be Apple HomeKit compli- Connectivity requirements sensors, sliders, power and battery statuses,ant, devices must support a Bluetooth con- should consider the entire but lacks dedicated models for many homenection for communication to support Apple ecosystem, from the end accessories such as door locks, HVAC,HomeKit, even if the device is connected device, to any gateways or or Window covering specific functionalityover a mesh network to other devices. hubs, to application layers and defined for interoperability.Many existing devices use Zigbee, and for service providers. Networking In addition to supporting multiple meshany new devices based on a technology technologies, such as Zigbee protocols, a mesh protocol such as Zigbeesuch as Bluetooth mesh, an interoperability and Bluetooth mesh, that do not can be combined with Bluetooth low energystrategy either through the end device or natively support IP must first be to simplify device setup via Bluetooth com-gateway supporting multiple protocols must adapted to IP at a gateway missioning, using smart phones for Zigbeebe considered. Similarly, different service devices or to provide the Bluetooth connec-providers have requirements for specific for an always connected experience. Zigbee tivity needed to support Apple Homekit.protocol or multiple protocol support that requires a gateway for cloud connectivity Combined with Bluetooth Low Energy,must be considered when selecting the while Thread, with its IP based connectivity, Bluetooth mesh does provide unique waysappropriate connectivity solution. doesn’t require a full gateway to bridge to incorporate beaconing into mesh systemsConnectivity requirements should consider between the mesh network. With Thread, and dedicated beacon management modelsthe entire ecosystem, from the end device, border routers are able to facilitate direct are already being built by the Bluetooth SIG.to any gateways or hubs, to application device-to-cloud communication over IP in a It is of course possible to extend and buildlayers and service providers. Networking lighter weight manner. custom implementations to support specifictechnologies, such as Zigbee and Bluetooth The theoretical network size based on the device types, but it’s important to be awaremesh, that do not natively support IP must addressing scheme used does not accu- of the effort involved to do so and futurefirst be adapted to IP at a gateway. This rately reflect the number of nodes a network implications for device interoperability beforeprocess involves the mapping of the local requires in real world implementation. The selecting a protocol and application layer.network addresses and repackaging of the practical limits are based on a number ofnetwork-level payload into an IP datagram. factors, including the network topology, data SummaryIn contrast, local networks natively support- packet size, and performance require-ing IP, such as Thread, can forward and ments, such as throughput and latency. Each mesh protocol offers technicalroute application payloads without interven- A Zigbee subnet of devices, for example, strengths, as well as maturity in the mar-tion. Packets encrypted in the local network has a practical limit in the 100’s of devices, ketplace and established deployments tocan remain secured end to end. though it is possible to deploy extremely consider. It is possible that one protocol large commercial systems, such as the one may not be able to meet the needs for all Mesh networks offer additional in the Aria Hotel in Las Vegas with more products or markets. communications benefits, as well, than 80,000 networked Zigbee devices with Many factors must be considered for such as their ability to perform dy- multiple sub-nets. The Thread 1.1 protocol wireless protocols, as well, especially namic self-healing. For example, if was optimized for performance around 250 already deployed systems, which require an one node in a mesh network fails, nodes per network, however as Thread is IP interoperability strategy either through the communication can be re-routed based, border routers enable the networks end device or gateway supporting multiple to improve reliability. to be easily extended and distributed. protocols. In general, connectivity require- With the managed flooding model in Blue- ments should always consider the entireComparing Mesh Networking tooth mesh, devices are able to broadcast ecosystem, from the end device, to anyStandards to many devices without managing routing gateways or hubs, to application layers and tables, which is simple and can be bene- service providers.Each mesh networking standard provides ficial for dynamic use cases where mesh A number of options exist today to addressstandards-based support for different nodes are mobile or change frequently. current market needs while also help plandevices types and applications. Zigbee has However, for large networks, managed for the future.a mature application layer support for home relaying requires network planning during If multiprotocol software and hardware isautomation, lighting, and metering, while the installation as not every node can be con- used during the design process, a sin-first Bluetooth mesh specification primarily figured as a relay, as that kills the network gle product supporting multiple wirelessfocuses on lighting with some home auto- performance. Technologies such as Zigbee connectivity and protocols can be designed,mation support. Thread is the only mesh and Thread have a routing and automatic giving end-users the freedom to adjust andtechnology out of the three based on IPv6. routing table management to provide more update device connections and use casesThis provides some unique benefits, such efficient network communication and to au- in the field based on real-time businessas end-to-end routing and addressability on tomatically form the network and node roles. demands.the same or across networks, without the The full capability of a protocol also de-need for additional translation layers to be pends on the corresponding applicationimplemented. layer. While the Thread protocol does not in-The majority of connected devices benefitfrom connecting to the cloud for use cases ELE Times | 20 | April, 2018
Humans vs AIWho’s Better at Building Relationships?n the way to becoming a transformational technology, AI is now building relationships with humans. It would be interesting to see what follows.OArtificial Intelligence has been around for quite some time now. However, it has only been realized lately as matter how much we may want to do that. And this happens dueto how important AI could be for humans. The ability of AI to mimic to several reasons, such as different time zones, language barriers,humans using algorithms, and learn from experiences over time, is dearth of staff, etc.opening avenues for this technology for building relationships withhuman beings. AI: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPSHUMANS: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AI has begun interacting with its users and, as a result, it is building its own relationships with them. AI is primarily being used to interact with customers or clients in spaces where human interaction can be easily substituted. An excellent example of AI building relationships with human beings are automated chat-bots that a lot of compa- nies are using to communicate with their customers for, let’s say, answering FAQs (frequently asked questions). Such systems useAs humans, we have the tendency of building relationships with AI technology and involve human experts only when it’s absolutelyonly a select few. We try and make sure that unwanted and irrele- required.vant people are out of our lives. While restricting our relationshipsto a few people, we make sure that we build quality relations withthose who really matter to us. However, the same approach in busi-ness parlance may not be ideal and can backfire.Despite knowing this, the fact still remains that we lack the ability tomaintain cordial relationships with our customers at all times – no ELE Times | 23 | April, 2018
ELE Times | 22 | January, 2018
Ideal for Standard Locators for exact Pick & Place Machines positioning in the printer circuit boardEasy inspection of soldered joints Controlled centre of gravity, 500N retention force per bracket Max. 0.1mm co planarityfor safe soldering processManoj Kumar is an Rather, automation, with its relentless the man who has been tasked to fill his SEO manager pace, will render a lot of current jobs shoes declares wars around the world on at ELE Times. obsolete. Twitter. So, we need to adjust our expec- SEO, for those Today, two tech luminaries are taking the tations. But more than that, we need to of you who don’t fight to automation and Artificial Intelli- understand the gravity of it all. And doing know, stands for gence, albeit from different camps. Tesla so, raises an important question on the Search Engine CEO Elon Musk sees AI as a huge threat future of human jobs with the future of AIOptimization. The basic work of a SEO to humanity. He said that “he keeps on and automation in hindsight.guy is to make sure that everything that ringing the alarm bell” on AI. And worse, The numbers suggest that Musk andgets posted on a website is readable by he said that people will not understand Obama are right about AI. A recent studyGoogle, so that when users search for a the threat of AI and robots until they see found out nearly 50 per cent of the jobs ingiven topic, a particular website comes one of them running about on the streets, the US will come under threat due to au-on top of other search results. The other killing people. Facebook’s Mark Zucker- tomation and AI. The number gets evenday, we were having a chat with Mr. berg though belongs to the other side of worrying, as the same study believes thatManoj about his experience in a job that the pool. Retorting to Musk, Zuckerberg elsewhere around the world, includingdidn’t exist when we were all kids. And called him a “naysayer” while highlighting India, automation might end around 85while our chat was mostly concentrated the fact that as a tech panjandrum, his per cent of total jobs. As humans, theseon how the internet has changed many opinions have been “pretty irresponsible.” numbers can be quite startling. Sittingthings, it held a greater symbolism in the AI’s role in human life and elevating it fur- at the top of the food chain, humangrand scheme of things. ther has been a topic that surely has di- beings have become so adept today dueTo understand this, we first need to go to vided opinions. But, what is intriguing that their adaptability. They’re programmedthe United States where outgoing Pres- it has created a wall between two of the to work. And when a machine, muchident Barack Obama shared his scepti- biggest tech personalities in the world. better than any human, comes along, itcism about how the internet, automation Why this baffles us lot is because public is natural for us to feel threatened. But,and AI loom as scavengers for jobs. controversy and open sneering has been technology is what it is today because itJust like all outgoing Presidents, Barack reserved to tabloid socialites and quarrel- has helped in painting a bright future forObama, in his final address to the United ling celebrities. But there are two things tomorrow. So, why then is this technologyStates made a rather startling remark in that we need to understand here. First, making the future seem so chilling andan otherwise hopeful speech. He said that it is 2018 and it has been sometime pessimistic? The fact is, it is not. And thethat the biggest threat to jobs in the US since Obama left office. And second, that people, including Musk who see it as amarket will not come from overseas. threat to mankind are telling only half the ELE Times | 25 | April, 2018
story. be more valuable. Referring back to today, when we gear up for IndustryLet’s go back in time to understand why the employment of human tellers 4.0, it won’t be wrong to think ofthat. Let’s go back to the 70s. There increased despite the ATMs; there a factory completely operated byis the classic case of the automa- was only so much that machines robots. Except, there is a catch here.tion of teller machines. ATMs were could do. While they were excellent And the word ‘operated’ has a sig-introduced in the 1970s and virtually at counting and dispensing money, nificant meaning. Robots will thrivereplaced human bank tellers. Howev- human tellers were in turn employed on the commands of specialiseder, in the last five decades since the as salespeople and brought more humans. This means that at the helminvention of ATMs, the number of hu- value to the banks. They could form of it all would be a human being. Likeman bank tellers working has nearly bonds with the customer and sell always.doubled. Ever since ATMs broke out them all sorts of banking services; For naysayers of AI, including Musk,on the scene, the number of bank all, tasks that are way beyond the the only respite comes from the factbranches that open each year has in- capabilities of any machine. that we are living in a world todaycreased by about 40% between 1988 The future of human jobs is safe. At that is in constant flux. Technologiesto 2004. This then, raises a rather best, machines can only take over are coming and going. In essence,intriguing question: what are all those the mundane and repetitive tasks, technology today has become liketellers doing, and why has automa- thus leaving humans more time to a dandelion seed. Moving with thetion not rendered their employment work on things that really require wind from place to place, never toextinct by now? their professional skill and expertise. stop. Human beings have survivedIf one were to look at the inventions If you are a mortgage loan officer, through times that were hostile. Andthat were made in the last two cen- then automation will help you save we need to remember that AI is not aturies, all of them were done so to time going through the never ending hostile technology. For all its might,reduce human labour. For instance, paperwork. And meanwhile, give you it can be turned off with the flick oftractors came into the fore as they the time to issue more mortgages. a switch. So, the call should be tosubstituted mechanical power with Similarly, doctors can benefit with adapt to the transitions.physical toil. The entire concept of partial automation as it will enable And, we need safety nets to helpassembly lines was designed to them in turning their attention to spe- people through these massive transi-eliminate the chances of human error cial cases as machines take care of tions, but instead of merely investingand to speed up processes on the not so severe grievances of patients. in social safety nets, we need toproduction line. The computer was This would eventually increase the address the root causes. Those ofinvented to make error-free calcula- number of patients treated overall. us in technology need to guide it totions. And inspite of all these inven- Why automation can never take away augment humans, not replace them.tions that changed the world and human jobs leads us to a journey And companies and society as asubstituted machines with humans, through past when Charles Babbage whole need to invest in education tothe number of people employed came up with the first working model ensure us and our children are readytoday in the labour market is higher of a mechanical computer. The for jobs we can’t even imagine yet.now than it was 200 years ago. machine could carry out error free If we do that, as our ancestors didTo understand this phenomenon, calculations, but still depended upon at the beginning of the 20th century,we have to first understand that the humans for the input of raw data. In a we can help ensure that AI will usherentire debate around automation way, this is essentially the reason that in an era of opportunity and wealthforgets the fact that most of it is the scope of Artificial Intelligence is for all.partial. Machines don’t have an quite limited. There are certain tasks We need to understand that theintellect and opinion of their own and that human beings only understand machine is man’s apprentice andat some point of time, need human tacitly and to make any kind of AI un- for it to be as efficient as the manassistance. In the US labour market, derstand that would be an uphill task. himself, it has to be like the kid inonly 5% of the jobs will be completely There is a huge distinction in what a school who learns from his teachereliminated due to automation. That human knows and what he can tell. but also from his surroundings andis a very small number indeed. This And this dictates why automation will not to forget, himself. Robots willgives us the idea that if something never take over jobs. While it may take away some jobs in the comingcan be completely automated, then eliminate some jobs, it will in turn years, but will also produce newerit will be. However, if the automa- produce new ones. ones; much like the job of a socialtion is partial, then it would end up Babbage famously said that what media manager that didn’t existin increasing employment in that makes a machine so astounding is a decade ago before the internetparticular job. its unerring certainty. In today’s back- came reckoning. It would be safeIn a way, completely automating a drop, that certainty can be linked to to say rather than eliminating jobs,job is like the toaster someone gave the addition of value. Assembly lines automation will redefine them. Likeyou as a wedding gift. It makes were an extremely efficient way of many other things, we might get thisfor a great water cooler story, but manufacturing commodities. And wrong but with a strong network ofits implications are largely limited. eventually, they radicalised indus- schools and colleges, we can enableAnother noteworthy aspect of partial tries around the world. Then, partial the people of tomorrow to reap theautomation is that the human side automation came reckoning and benefits of the technological crop;of a partially automated job tends to that added tremendous value to the another of the major highlights of already reliable assembly lines. And Obama’s last address as President. ELE Times | 226 | JAapnruial,r2y,0210818
FindingCommonGrounds AI is tipped to bring a tectonic shift in the world. People have debated over its usefulness in great lengths and detail. Today, the biggest fear is that AI will be a threat to jobs. And the alternative to that is to create a robust system of education. But, would it possible to use AI and train a breed of students that would be resistant to the ills of the technology? Is there a common ground? ELE Times | 31 | April, 2018
Future Technology Soumyarendra Barik, ELE TimesS o, by now, we know that Obama Machines are already capable of automat- A Helping Hand has always been sceptical of Ar- ing the grading process for multiple choice tificial Intelligence. And so has and fill-in-the-blank tests. Soon, they will be Let’s face it. Teachers and parents don’t al- been Elon Musk. However, both ways come handy for the inquisitive mind of them believe that the only way to not let AI ruin the future of man- kind is by putting in special efforts in the world’s education system. Mark Zuck- erberg tells us that AI is the most wonderful tech innovation to happen alongside the IoT. Opinions have been divided by what is truly a future disruptive technology.And, that got us thinking if there is after alla common link to all the aspects of AI pre-sented by people belonging to either side ofthe pond? What could be common betweenmaking AI a helpful technology, and at thesame time educate people on as to how totame the mammoth tech development. Andthe answer was right in front of us. See, if AIhas such a huge potential, then why not useit to strengthen the world’s education sys-tem? That way, people can make the bestuse of AI and at the same time also educatemillions of other people. AI could give you wings and enable you to prosper in your careerNow, the use of AI in education is not a very able to assist and eventually replace human of a child. Plus, it is hard to get assistancenew topic. AI in some form or the other has grading for written response work as well. from them all the time. Simply because theyalready made its way to modern classrooms. Admissions processes can also be stream- can’t be always available. And this is whereBut clearly, with the world still fighting over lined and improved, reducing the workload AI powered tutors could come in. Throughthe technology, that doesn’t seem to be for high volume admissions offices. Auto- AI, tutoring and study programs are will growenough. People are still sceptical. The need mating the process of paperwork and sup- more advanced, capable of teaching fun-of the hour then becomes to identify how AI port for students with common admissions damentals to students struggling with basiccan play a major role in strengthening the questions via chatbot and interactive web- concepts.education system of various countries. After site materials can improve the process for Already, there are intelligent tutoring systemsall, Artificial Intelligence is a classic example both administrators and future students. such as Carnegie Learning that use dataof how something new could be used tochange every aspect of our lives when we to provide feedback and work with stu-change the lens. And education is a field ALREADY, THERE ARE dents directly. These tools are designedof million opportunities. There is always a INTELLIGENT TUTORING to support teacher and tutor approach-scope to grow. And perhaps the correct es to student difficulties but soon will beuse of AI in the education system could more advanced and capable of providingmake the world a better place to live. SYSTEMS SUCH AS CARNEGIE specific details for students as well.Automating Administrative LEARNING THAT USE DATA TO In the future, visual and dynamic learn-Responsibilities ing channels outside the classroom will PROVIDE FEEDBACK AND WORK become not only more prevalent butThe change in the field of education has WITH STUDENTS DIRECTLY. capable of supporting a range of learn-to start from outside the classrooms. Only THESE TOOLS ARE DESIGNED ing styles, all while addressing commonthen will the impact of AI be holistic. One TO SUPPORT TEACHER AND questions and concerns students haveof the simplest but impactful things AI can TUTOR APPROACHES BUT SOON that cannot be readily addressed bydo for the educational space is to speed teachers, TAs, tutors or parents.up the administrative process both for Unending Source ofinstitutions and educators. The tedious Informationprocess of grading homework, evaluating WILL BE MORE ADVANCEDessays and measuring student responses AND CAPABLE OF PROVIDING There are already a lot of people on You-can require valuable time from lecturers Tube ready to give you classes on anyand teachers who would prefer to focus SPECIFIC DETAILS FOR given topic. There are millions of websiteson their lesson planning and one-on-one STUDENTS AS WELL. with good quality content for students’time with students. perusal. But, who really has the time to go through every single website and vid- ELE Times | 32 | April, 2018
Future Technology digital devices in the form of laptops and iPads, both in and out of the classroom. New software that customizes the tools and resources available on these devic- es will make it possible for teachers to provide a framework in which students actively engage with individualized re- source materials. Enhanced Attention in Classrooms Hands-on education is a challenge. It can be time-consuming and with a large group of students, prove difficult to manage. Homework, which requires students to take an active role in theirAI has the potential to bring forth a revolution in the world’s education systemthe internet? And this is where an AI algorithm could come in handy.Sometimes, students want much more than a few thousand searchresults. With an AI bot, they can get just that data that they need in-stantly.Moreover, the ratio of teachers to students in schools today is wid- education, works to some degree as experiential learning, but it isening exponentially. AI offers an opportunity to tap into the adaptive often considered boring. How do we overcome that challenge?learning processes already being featured in assessment software,learning games and digital textbooks to individualize learning. Toolsthat can highlight and emphasize key areas where students are suf-fering allow teachers to focus on facilitating the learning process andoffer the one-on-one support that students at all levels need.Any place is a SchoolOne of the primary challenges of integrating AI into the educational Technology offers exciting new opportunities in the form of immer-system is the natural impact it will have on the very nature of educa- sion that rely on new wearable devices like the Microsoft HoloLenstion. Where and how will we interact with students if we start relying or augmented reality now being integrated in smart devices. Being able to see and interact with the human body or a microscopic cellmore heavily on machines as educational resources than teachers? instead of just reading about it in a book -- with the supplement of anAlready, the number of online classrooms has exploded in recent AI providing tangible, individualized learning support -- will transformyears. In 2016, 28 percent of students surveyed by Online Learning how students engage with the material.Consortium reported taking at least one onlineclass. And the rate has increased consistently ALREADY, THE NUMBER The Futureyear over year, with many students attending OF ONLINE CLASSROOMScollege strictly online. Classrooms still serve HAS EXPLODED IN RECENT The trends above show us that AI can reallya vital purpose in introducing students to new YEARS. IN 2016, 28 PERCENT be a boon for the education sector. The callideas and developing critical problem-solving OF STUDENTS SURVEYED should be to integrate it well within the ecosys-skills that are hard to replicate in a machine tem. There are already a number of resourc-setting. But the one-size-fits-all nature of com- BY ONLINE LEARNING es helping shape up the future of education.pulsory education will almost certainly change CONSORTIUM REPORTED And as time goes on, there will be even more.as AI becomes more prevalent. The possibilities to revolutionise the educationStudents in MOOCs, online learning classes TAKING AT LEAST ONE sector seem endless today. And tomorrow,and blended class experiences will be able to ONLINE CLASS. AND THE when AI is presented to us in its most refinedbenefit from customized, individualized learn- iteration, it would really change the way weing paths in ways that until recently would not RATE HAS INCREASED look at schools and colleges. It would alsohave been possible. CONSISTENTLY YEAR make for better students, and in turn better OVER YEAR, WITH MANY professionals that can tackle the negative as-Paradigm Shifts in Curriculum STUDENTS ATTENDING pects of AI. There are startups in the educa- COLLEGE STRICTLY ONLINE. tion space like Clever that are taking on edu-Already there are AI tools that use the basic cation in this way already and countless moreoutline of a course and syllabus provided by trying to break in. With this vested interestthe teacher to produce customized textbooks by the startup community, it’s no doubt thatand curriculum for students. These systems change is happening and AI will become morewill only continue to advance as the technology integrated very soon. AI will be a major part ofrunning them becomes more sophisticated. that, as students, teachers and administrators all benefit from a smarter, more personalizedCurriculum materials heavily rely on access to approach to education. ELE Times | 33 | April, 2018
Future TechnologyMUSIC-BasedAlgorithm forOn-DemandHeart RateEstimation UsingSPhigontoaplsletohnysWmorigsrtaphic Foroohar Foroozan various amounts Analog Devices of photons,Imagine a world in the next few decades where your grandchil- causing different detections sensed by the photodetector. The pho- dren didn’t know about the word hospital and all your health todetector measures the variations in blood pulsations and outputs information was recorded and monitored remotely through a current that is then amplified and filtered for further analysis. Fig- sensors. Imagine your home equipped with different sensors to ure 2a shows a general PPG signal consisting of alternating current measure air quality, temperature, noise, light, and air pressure, (ac) and direct current (dc) components. The dc component of the and, based on your personal health information, systems adjust the PPG waveform detects the optical signal reflected from the tissue, relevant environmental parameters to optimize your well-being at home. Analog Devices holds a unique position to make this happen Figure 1. MUSIC-based on-demand HR estimation algorithm from PPG signals on wrist. by providing sensors, software, and algorithms that complement each other, which increases its share of the digital health market. bone, and muscle, and also the average blood volume of both Heart rate (HR) monitoring is a key feature in many existing arterial and venous blood. The ac component, on the other hand, wearable and clinical devices. These devices generally measure demonstrates changes in the blood volume that occurs between photoplethysmography (PPG) signals, which are obtained by illu- the systolic and diastolic phases of the cardiac cycle, where the minating human skin using LEDs and measuring intensity changes fundamental frequency of the ac component depends on the HR. due to blood flow in the reflected light by a photodiode. The PPG Figure 2b is the PPG signal from the ADPD107 watch, which was signal morphology is similar to the arterial blood pressure (ABP) introduced in previous Analog Dialogue articles. The goal of the ADI waveform, which makes this signal popular within the scientific multisensory watch is to measure multiple vital signs on the human community as a potential noninvasive HR monitoring tool. The wrist. The ADI watch has PPG, an electrocardiogram (ECG), elec- periodicity of the PPG signal corresponds to cardiac rhythm. There- trodermal activity (EDA), an accelerometer (ACC), and temperature fore, HR can be estimated from the PPG signals. However, the HR estimation performance can be degraded by poor blood perfusion, ambient light, and, most importantly, motion artifacts (MA).1 Many signal processing techniques have been proposed to remove the MA noise, including the ADI motion rejection and frequency tracking algorithm, by using a three-axis acceleration sensor placed close to the PPG sensor. When there is no motion, it is desirable to have an on-demand algorithm provide a fast and more accurate estimate of the HR to tracking algorithms. This article adapts the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) frequency estimation algorithm for high precision, on-demand HR estimation using the PPG signals from the wrist, using the ADI healthcare watch platform using the block diagram in Figure 1. The details of the figure will be explained in later sections. What Does a PPG Signal from ADI’s Healthcare Watch Look Like? As light is emitted by the LED, blood levels and tissues absorbELE Times | 36 | April, 2018
New Products remove both corresponding to the highest possible HR; high frequency having the local peaks in a descending or- component der with increasing lags; and a few others. (such as power Autocorrelation is only computed for lags sources) of the that correspond to meaningful heart rates PPG signals, within a margin of range, from 30 bpm to as well as low 220 bpm. frequency When enough data segments pass the components, quality checks consecutively, the second such as chang- stage of the algorithm extracts an accurate es in capillary HR using the MUSIC-based algorithm. density and venous blood MUSIC-Based Algorithm for volume, On-Demand HR Estimation temperature variations, and MUSIC is a subspace-based method usingFigure 2a. Typical PPG signal with ac and dc parts. so on. Figure a model of harmonic signals that can esti- mate frequency with high precision. Whensensors. 3a shows a PPG it comes to the PPG signals corruptedNow let’s have a close look into the similari- signal after filtering. A set of signal quality with noise, Fourier transform (FT) may notty of the PPG and ABP waveforms. The ABP metrics is used to find the first window of behave well, as we are seeking a highwaveform is created due to the ejection of PPG signal appropriate for the on-demand resolution HR estimation algorithm. Also,blood from the left ventricle. The main pres- algorithm. The first check involves the ACC FT distributes time-domain noise uniformlysure travels down the systemic vascular data and the PPG signal to determine throughout the frequency domain, limitingnetwork and reaches several sites, causing whether a segment of motion free data can the certainty of estimation. It is difficult toreflection due to significant changes in be detected—then, the other signal quality observe a small peak in the vicinity of aarterial resistance and compliance. The first metrics are measured. Estimates from such large peak using FT.4 Therefore, in thissite is the juncture between the thoracic a window of data are rejected by the on-de- study, we used the MUSIC-based algorithmand abdominal aorta, which causes the mand algorithm if there is motion above a for frequency estimation of the HR. The key certain threshold of the absolute value of idea behind MUSIC is that the noise sub- space is orthogonal to the signal subspace,Figure 2b. ADI healthcare watch PPG signal Figure 3a. Band-pass filtered PPG signal so zeroes of the noise subspace will indi-first reflection, commonly known as the late cate signal frequencies. The following stepssystolic wave. The second reflection site is Figure 3b. Autocorrelation of the signal plot show a summary of this algorithm used forthe juncture between the abdominal aorta the ACC data in three directions. The next the HR estimation:and common iliac arteries. The main wave signal quality check is based on certain 1.Remove the mean and linear trend fromis reflected back once again, which makes autocorrelation having features of the data the dataa small dip, called the dicrotic notch, which segment. One example of the autocorrela- 2. Compute the covariance matrix of thecan be observed between the first and sec- tion of the filtered PPG signal is shown in dataond reflections. There are other additional Figure 3b. Autocorrelation of acceptable 3. Apply the singular value decompositionminor reflections, which are smoothed in signal segments exhibits properties such (SVD) to the covariance matrixthe PPG signals.2 The focus of this article is as having at least one local peak and 4. Compute the signal subspace orderon the HR estimation, which only depends not more than a certain number of peaks 5. Form the pseudospectrum of the signalon the periodicity of the PPG signals andthe exact morphology of the PPG is not or noise subspacestaken into consideration for the purpose of 6. Find the peaks of the MUSIC pseudo-this algorithm. spectrum as the HR estimatePreprocessing of PPG Signals MUSIC has to apply a singular value decomposition and has to search spectralThe susceptibility of the PPG signal to poor peaks in the full range of frequencies. Let’sblood perfusion of the peripheral tissues look at some math in order to make theand motion artifact is well known.1 In order above steps more clear. Assume a windowto minimize the influence of these factors in of length m of the filtered PPG signal, whichthe subsequent phases of the PPG analysis is denoted as xm and m ≤ L (with L beingfor HR estimation, a preprocessing stage the total samples of the filtered PPG signalis required. A band-pass filter is required to in a given window). Then, the first step is to form the sample covariance matrix as ELE Times | 37 | April, 2018
Future Technology frequencies within the meaningful HR limits of Table 1 shows the performance of the al- are considered only. This reduces the com- gorithm when there is periodic motion (suchfollows: putations significantly and makes it feasible as walking, jogging, running) over a dataset for real-time implementation for embedded of 298 test cases (data2). The algorithm isThen, an SVD is applied to the sample algorithms. The search frequency vector is considered to be successful if either thecovariance matrix as given below: defined as data is rejected as unreliable by sensing thewhere U is the left eigenvectors, Λ is thediagonal matrix of the eigenvalues, and V Table 1. Performance Numbers for the MUSIC-Based On-Demand HR Algorithmis the right eigenvectors of the covariancematrix. The subscripts s and n stand forthe signal and noise subspaces. As we where k is the frequency bin within the motion or by accurately estimating the HRmentioned before, the MUSIC-based algo- frequency range of interest for HR, and L despite the motion. In terms of memory us-rithm is modified for HR estimation using is the window length for the data in xm (t). age, assuming a buffer size of 500 (that is,prior knowledge that the signal has passed Then, the following psesudospectrum takes 5 sec at 100 Hz), the total memory neededthe signal quality checking stage—so the the noise subspace eigenvectors to find the is around 3.4 kB with 2.83 cycle per call foronly frequency content in the signal after peaks of the MUSIC as follows. the frequency range of interest (30 bpm to 220 bpm). The word psesudospectrum is used here Final Discussion because it indicates the presence of The MUSIC-based on-demand algorithm is one of the many algorithms proposed in the sinusoidal components in the vital signs monitoring segment of the ADI studied signal, but it is not a healthcare business unit. The on-demand true power spectral density. algorithm used in our healthcare watch is a One sample result of the different algorithm than the MUSIC-based MUSIC-based algorithm on method discussed here, because it is less a 5 second window of data computationally expensive. ADI delivers is given in Figure 4, which software and algorithm capabilities at both shows a sharp peak at 1.96 sensor (embedded) and edge nodes that Hz, and which translates to distill data to extract valuable information 117.6 bmp HR. by sending only the most important data to the cloud and allowing local decision Results of the MU- making for our customers and partners. We SIC-Based On-Demand choose applications where outcomes really Algorithm for HR Estimation matter for our customers and where we have unique measurement expertise. This We have tested the per- article just provides a flavor of the algo- formance of this algorithm rithms we are working on at ADI. With our on a dataset comprising existing expertise in sensor design, and our of 1289 test cases (data1) efforts in biomedical algorithm development and at the beginning of the (both embedded and cloud), ADI will have data the test subjects are a unique position to provide state-of-the-Figure 4. One sample of MUSIC-based estimation from the PPG data. asked to stand at rest. Table art algorithms and software to the global 1 illustrates the result of the healthcare market.the preprocessing step is the HR frequen- MUSIC-bassed algorithm and indicatescy. Next, we form the signal and noise if the estimated HR is within 2 bpm and 5subspaces, assuming the model order only bpm of the reference (ECG), as well as thecontains one single tone, as follows: 50th percentile (median) and 75th percen-where p = 2 is the model number. The tile of the estimation times. The second row ELE Times | 38 | April, 2018
Stephen Hawking, one of the brightest minds stars that he so deeply loved. of modern physics, died at the age of 76 Yes, he was the world’s best-known scientist, the at his home in Cambridge, England. He galaxy’s most unlikely celebrity, a brilliant mind trapped was perhaps the best-known physicist in in a failing body, a global inspiration to disabled the world, despite having to communicate people, and so much more. via a computerized voice that recorded the But there was also a glint of steel in Stephen Hawking. minute motion of his cheek muscle. All the accounts that try to capture the spirit of “We are deeply saddened that our beloved father Hawking’s work tend to gloss over a grittier ingredient passed away today,” Lucy, Robert and Tim Hawking, that was harder to convey: a relentless drive and the children of the physicist, said in a statement unquenchable zest for life that has allowed him to announcing his death. “He was a great scientist and an achieve so much despite his huge physical challenges. extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on As his daughter Lucy would often say, he was for many years.” “enormously stubborn”. Hawking was a brilliant student of physics at the His public persona was a long way from the stereotype University of Cambridge when he was diagnosed with of an unworldy nerd in a white coat – he was ready to the degenerative nerve disease amyotrophic lateral express forceful political opinions, most recently on sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease,An Ode to the StarsRemembering the brilliance of Stephen HawkingELE Times Staff Reporterat the age of 21. ALS affects the neurons that help us the NHS. He showed a lifelong commitment to themove our muscles, so Hawking used a wheelchair disabled, for instance by promoting the viral ice bucketfor decades and communicated via a computerized challenge (even volunteering his children). But when“voice.” He nevertheless continued working and he talked about subjects where he had no particularsoon developed a series of groundbreaking theories expertise, such as the rise of artificial intelligence, hethat would remake the world of physics. In 1966, the was perhaps taken more seriously than he deserved.cosmologist published his doctoral thesis, which Hawking was not publicity-shy. He adored the limelight,argued that the entire universe began as a singularity. from appearances on Star Trek and The Big BangHe then went on to reshape our understanding of Theory to The Simpsons (“Your theory of a doughnut-black holes. Until Hawking’s work, scientists believed shaped universe is interesting, Homer. I may have toabsolutely nothing could escape a black hole, meaning steal it.”) Need someone to run over Brian Cox in athat a black hole would grow ever larger. But Hawking wheelchair for a Monty Python skit? Hawking was yourposited that quantum mechanics essentially allowed man.black holes to emit particles — a phenomenon now Modern science needs more Stephen and Stephanieknown as Hawking radiation. Hawkings. Today the spotlight is focused more onHawking was also a deeply witty popularizer of some of invisible realms, from the fringes of the cosmos to thethe most esoteric concepts in physics and cosmology, strangeness of the subatomic world. To understand thewith books such as “A Brief History of Time” (Bantam majesty of the cosmos, or the physics of elementaryBooks, 1988). In recent years, he weighed in on particles, you need mathematics. But in this maths-everything from the future of humanity, to the risks of shy society, the next best thing is to have a personartificial intelligence, to the chances of Earth turning who is determined enough make the quest to find theinto Venus, all while continuing to publish important mathematical underpinnings of the universe funny,theoretical work in physics. romantic and real. That person was Stephen Hawking.In this ode, we believe that the brilliant man joined the
F9 HIGH PRECISION POSITIONING TECHNOLOGYFOR INDUSTRIAL AND AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS High precision is the next frontier in positioning for mass mar- kets, with countless applications in need of a robust and scalable high precision positioning solution. ELE Times | 04 | March, 2018
Automotive Daniel Ammann Executive Director Positioning Product Development u-blox u-bloxa global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips, has announced the u blox F9technology platform, delivering high precision positioning solutions for mass market industrial andautomotive applications. The platform combines multi band Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS) technology with dead reckoning, high precision algorithms, and compatibility with a va-riety of GNSS correction data services to achieve precision down to the centimeter level. u bloxF9 paves the way for the next generation of high precision navigation, augmented reality, and un-manned vehicles.“High precision is the next frontier in positioning for mass markets, an open interface to legacy GNSS correction service providers,with countless applications in need of a robust and scalable high it supports the main GNSS correction services, taking RTK highprecision positioning solution. ublox F9 provides the hardware precision positioning to massand integrated software markets for the first time.components to address these Optimized for low powerneeds,” says Daniel Ammann, consumption, the u bloxExecutive Director Positioning F9 platform sets a highProduct Development, Product standard for securityCenter Positioning at u blox. with built in jammingThe u blox F9 platform will and spoofing detectionunderpin the next wave of u blox systems that protect againstpositioning modules targeting intentional and unintentionalmass market industrial and interference. Dead reckoningautomotive applications. It technology based on inertialuses GNSS signals in multiple sensors extends highfrequency bands (L1/L2/L5) precision performance toto correct positioning errors otherwise challenging urbancaused by the ionosphere environments.and deliver fast time to first Automotive applicationsfix (Fast TTFF). Its ability of the technology includeto receive signals from all lane level navigation forGNSS constellations (GPS, head up displays andGLONASS, Galileo, Beidou) vehicular infotainmentfurther improves performance systems as well as forby increasing the number of vehicle to everything (V2X)satellites that are visible at any communication, a prerequisitegiven time. Stand alone u blox for highly automated and fullyF9 solutions robustly achieve autonomous vehicles.meter level accuracy. In the industrial realm, u bloxTo achieve centimeter level accuracy, u blox F9 offers optional on F9 will enable mass adoptionchip Real Time Kinematic (RTK) technology. In addition to offering of commercial unmanned vehicle applications including drones and ground vehicles such as heavy trucks or robotic lawnmowers. ELE Times | 43 | April, 2018
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