The Next Avenue for Artificial Intelligence: Podcasting! Toronto Talks and Sophie the AI Co-Host

This week my very special guest is Ashraf Amin, co-host of the popular Toronto Talks podcast! And his co-host… Sophie the Sage! Who is AI… Ash and I discuss the motivation to create this podcast, the unique revelations have Ash has developed from his interactions with Sophie and how Ash sees AI playing a role in podcasting moving forward… Also this week, I check out why the tiny brains … Read More → "The Next Avenue for Artificial Intelligence: Podcasting! Toronto Talks and Sophie the AI Co-Host"

High-Precision Positioning in the World’s Deepest Mines and on the Moon

I’ve just been introduced to a new technological concept and capability I’d never even contemplated before, and now my poor old noggin is buzzing with ideas. Let me set the scene. Suppose you were to wake up in a huge cavern at the bottom of the world’s deepest mine (I hate it when that happens). Also, suppose there are multiple tunnels leading off in … Read More → "High-Precision Positioning in the World’s Deepest Mines and on the Moon"

Will New Ultra-High-Performance AI Inference Chips Make AI Data Centers Cost-Effective?

My head is currently spinning like a top. I foolishly wondered how much power AI-heavy data centers are currently consuming, and how much they are expected to consume in the coming years, and now I’m sorry I asked.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that global electricity demand from data centers will more than double to approximately 945 TWh by 2030, primarily driven by … Read More → "Will New Ultra-High-Performance AI Inference Chips Make AI Data Centers Cost-Effective?"

MOSA, VITA 100 and Mission Critical Processing Systems

In this week’s podcast I investigate VITA, MOSA, and mission critical distributed processing systems! My guest is Daniel Toohey from Mercury Systems. Daniel and I discuss the new VITA 100 standard, how MOSA aligns with VITA and the critical role that system management plays in distributed systems. I also check out new research that questions long-held assumptions about … Read More → "MOSA, VITA 100 and Mission Critical Processing Systems"

Exceptional Multi-Mode Antennas for Your Inimitable Connected Devices

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I’m a digital logic design engineer by trade. I bask in the certainty of the digital 0 and 1 domain, my mind lurches on its gimbals when faced with the wibbly-wobbly world of analog, and it cowers at the thought of radio frequency (RF) design, which—in my humble opinion—is best left to those who are … Read More → "Exceptional Multi-Mode Antennas for Your Inimitable Connected Devices"

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featured chalk talk

AMP Mini CT Low Profile Inverted Through Board Connectors
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Sarah Smith from TE Connectivity and Amelia Dalton investigate the benefits of the AMP Mini CT Low Profile Inverted Through Board Connectors from TE Connectivity. They also examine how these solutions can reduce shadowing in lighting applications and can facilitate a simpler assembly of solid-state LED lighting applications.
Aug 15, 2025
16,379 views

Libby's Lab

Scopes out Samtec Samtec AcceleRate HD Mezzanine Strips

Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Samtec

Join Libby and Demo in this episode of “Libby’s Lab” as they explore the Samtec AcceleRate HD Mezzanine Strips, available at Mouser.com! These robust connectors are perfect for industrial robotics and other demanding applications. Keep your circuits charged and your ideas sparking!

Click here for more information about Samtec AcceleRate® HD Ultra-Dense Mezzanine Strips

discussion
Posted on Aug 25 at 7:24am by Max Maxfield
I remember when FM radios in cars in the UK started to become more widely available in the mid-1960s. Even though they have many advantages over AM, I still have a nostalgic regard for AM transmissions...
Posted on Aug 22 at 6:52pm by traneusee
540 to 1710 kHz AM broadcast receivers (except in cars) use loop antennas. Loop antennas from 1941 used flat spirals of wire glued to flat cardboard or masonite panels. Modern loop antennas are coils wound on ferrite rods. Loop antennas have parallel tuning capacitors tuned to resonance at the specific frequency the receiver ...
Posted on Aug 22 at 6:30am by Max Maxfield
"...but they’d still move away from me on the bus…" Are you sure the only reason for this was your antenna?
Posted on Aug 21 at 1:48pm by JK
NOTES: “...best left to those who are already unhinged to start with.” I’m blushing! I wasn’t going to answer this article after my “Letters To The Writer” of yesterday, but when you practically name me, well... First, I should point out that analog actually IS digital, just in ...
Posted on Aug 20 at 5:59pm by traneusee
Small forklifts with hydraulic motors in their wheels have been driving sideways for years.
Posted on Aug 20 at 8:27am by Max Maxfield
Ever since your visit to Azerbaijan, I've been hearing great things about the plumbing over there :-)
Posted on Aug 19 at 2:35pm by JK
“...that’s why I’d take you along.” Oh no way. No sir. I’m not going through THAT again: (“Say, does this handkerchief smell like chloroform to you?”, and next thing you know you’re on a eight-month contract job in Azerbaijan).
Posted on Aug 19 at 2:21pm by Max Maxfield
I must admit that I'd been worrying about potential problems with the plumbing -- that's why I'd take you along. Re the Elves, I agree, they aren't always cuddly. Take the ones in Shadows Fall by Simon Green (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1932100458) -- these bad boys (and girls) come ...
Posted on Aug 19 at 12:56pm by JK
If you read Tolkien very carefully you’ll notice Elves don’t always have a great reputation – unless you’re another elf, a wizard, royalty, or have a Ring of Power, or such. In fact, normally I wouldn’t trust an Elf “Around a glass corner”, as the Russians say. ...
Posted on Aug 15 at 10:24am by Max Maxfield
I don't have many regrets in my life -- but one of them is that I didn't pay more attention when people were trying to teach me things. I'll try to do better if I get another spin at the wheel (I recently read Reincarnation Blues, which has given me ...
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featured blogs
Aug 29, 2025
I want to be the master of my own destiny when I'm online'”not a passive spectator to someone else's curated feed....
Advanced Solenoid and Valve Control
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Lars Jaskulski from Analog Devices and Amelia Dalton explore the what, where, and how of solenoid actuators. They also investigate the challenges associated with solenoids and solenoid valve control and how Analog Devices’ Quad Smart Serial-Controlled Solenoid and Motor Driver can help detect solenoid plunger movements, improve energy efficiency, lower heat generation and more. 
Aug 18, 2025
11,932 views
Driving innovation in 3D IC Design: Siemens Calibre MultiPhysics Work Flow
In this episode of Chalk Talk, John Ferguson from Siemens and Amelia Dalton explore how we can drive 3D IC innovation with Siemens Calibre MultiPhysics Work Flow. They also investigate the implications of thermal issues on 3D IC design, the benefits of multiphysics simulations from the concept stage throughout the design cycle, and the steps included in the Siemens fully automated MultiPhysics Work Flow.
Aug 18, 2025
12,736 views
OPTIGA™ Authenticate NBT
Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Infineon
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Neeraj Kumar from Infineon and Amelia Dalton explore the features and benefits of the OPTIGA™ Authenticate NBT. They investigate the security elements, key hardware aspects and data transfer rates of this solution and how it can enable ultra-fast, contactless NFC communication between IoT devices and contactless readers.
Aug 12, 2025
21,328 views
Simplifying Position Control with Advanced Stepper Motor Driver
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Jiri Keprda from STMicroelectronics and Amelia Dalton explore the benefits of the powerSTEP01 is a system-in-package from STMicroelectronics. They also examine how this solution can streamline overall position control architecture, the high level commands included in this solution and the variety of advanced diagnostics included in the powerSTEP01 system-in-package.
Jan 21, 2025
30,964 views
High Power Charging Inlets
All major truck and bus OEMs will be launching electric vehicle platforms within the next few years and in order to keep pace with on-highway and off-highway EV innovation, our charging inlets must also provide the voltage, current and charging requirements needed for these vehicles. In this episode of Chalk Talk, Amelia Dalton and Drew Reetz from TE Connectivity investigate charging inlet design considerations for the next generation of industrial and commercial transportation, the differences between AC only charging and fast charge and high power charging inlets, and the benefits that TE Connectivity’s ICT high power charging inlets bring to these kinds of designs.
Aug 30, 2024
36,238 views