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Roger Allan
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 Write for Electronic Design
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Roger Allan is a 39-year electronics journalism veteran, and served as
Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors,
components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and
measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military
electronics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics techologies. He is a frequent contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science.
Email address: rsallan@optonline.net
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794 results found for Roger Allan, displaying items 1 - 20
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August 19, 2008
[Web Exclusive]
DNA In Your Gadgets?
We all know how DNA technology has revolutionized forensics as the unique identifier for organic life. Now here comes DNA technology for automobiles, motorcycles, marine equipment, clothing, laptops, building materials, packaging, industrial goods, construction equipment, etc.
August 12, 2008
[ED Bookstore]
Lessons Learned From A Lean Consultant
Want some insights into “lean” manufacturing? Want to learn from the mistakes made when companies failed in their quest for more efficient manufacturing? Then this is the right book to read.
July 24, 2008
[Technology Report]
MEMS And 3D Packaging
As microelectromechanical-systems (MEMS) ICs satisfy more functions and proliferate, packaging them into high-density form factors like 3D becomes more of a challenge than conventional ICs. To suppress costs and make them more competitive in the market, they need high-density packaging. MEMS devices are essentially “machines” that involve motion, not transistors. This means they must be effectively protected from the environments they operate in, which often can be very...
July 24, 2008
[Technology Report]
Shrinking ICs Need High Density In A Package Deal
The push is on for IC packages in smaller form factors, not only length- and width-wise, but also height-wise. Hence, the term “3D ICs.” Smaller form factors require greater density, and that means stacking chips and boards on top of each other in a 3D form. As ICs downsize from quad flat packs (QFPs) to ball-grid arrays (BGAs) and further down the line, fewer stacks and external I/Os are needed (Fig....
July 15, 2008
[Web Exclusive]
Pen-Enabled Mac Modbook? What’s Not To Like?
Most of us know about the legendary intuitive user interface of Apple Mac computers. Now Axiotron, Inc. has taken this one step further with the one and only pen-enabled tablet Mac, the Modbook, which allows users to draw and write directly on the 13.3-in. diagonal LCD screen. Having tried it for a couple of weeks, this writer found the unit’s condensed form factor and integrated pen-based user experience a real joy in terms of flexibility and control. And it’s fast!
July 10, 2008
[Technology Report]
MEMS The Word... In Consumer Electronics
Demand for devices that can sense motion, orientation, and location is surging, and it runs the gamut from the hottest video games to critical medical technology. With accelerometers and gyroscopes based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) rapidly maturing, that demand is being met. Many of the latest consumer products include one or more MEMS IC functions that measure and control factors like movement, position, force, and even temperature. As a...
June 26, 2008
[Engineering Feature]
All A-Board!
Aerospace and military applications that are more sophisticated and complex are spawning a new breed of single-board computers (SBCs). Thatâ??s because the users in these areas have rather formidable demands, such as greater ruggedness, higher reliability, more power performance, less power dissipation, and a smaller form factor. As a result, board and systems integrators are scrambling to find ways to pack as much technology as possible on the...
June 19, 2008
[Sensors Expo]
Innovations Grab The Spotlight At The 2008 Sensors Expo & Conference
Held June 9-11 in Rosemont, Ill., this year’s Sensors Expo & Conference offered a rich technical program and a floor of fascinating exhibits. Nearly 200 exhibitors participated, introducing the latest wireless controllers, thermometers, glucose monitors, automotive subsystems, industrial automation systems, oil pressure gauges, smoke alarms, manufacturing materials, and other technologies.
June 19, 2008
[Sensors Expo]
MEMS Motion Sensors Lead The Way At Sensors Expo 2008
Some of the biggest advances revealed at Sensors Expo 2008, held June 9-11 in Rosemont, Ill., involved some of the smallest technology. A host of companies was on hand and eager to display their hottest developments in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) motion sensors.
June 19, 2008
[Sensors Expo]
Wireless Applications Dominate 2008 Sensors Expo
Wireless technology is spreading sensor applications to just about everywhere in the world, and the exhibitors at Sensors Expo & Conference 2008, held June 9-11 in Rosemont, Ill., are all ready to take advantage of these global opportunities.
June 19, 2008
[Technology Report]
Robots Finally Have That Personal Touch
Extending from the factory floor and into your living room, the personal robot’s time has arrived. These devices have pushed past uses as expensive and cute toys like Sony’s Aibo and into sophisticated and affordable products that perform a number of functions in and around the home. Allied Business Intelligence Research says that the personal robotics market, which includes robotic toys, educational robots, and task-based robots, will reach $15...
June 19, 2008
[Technology Report]
Robotics Give Doctors A Helping Hand
Advances in robotics technology are completely transforming today’s hospital operating rooms. With robot control and assistance, surgery for any kind of injury or ailment is faster, more accurate, and less invasive than ever before. Because robots help accelerate procedures, operations become safer. With conventional surgery, a surgeon performing an operation lasting several hours can become exhausted. As a result, the surgeon’s hand can be subject...
June 19, 2008
[Technology Report]
Biometrics Looks To Solve Identity Crisis
You see them in blockbuster movies and high-tech TV shows—biometric systems that rely on fingerprints, facial recognition, and other physical and behavioral data to provide identification. But these technologies have moved past the sci-fi genre, and even beyond the high-security arena. They’re hitting the mainstream now. In fact, you may even be using some of them already. Of course, companies in this segment are working hard to keep one step...
May 22, 2008
[Engineering Essentials]
Temperature Sensors Are Hot... In Circuit Design
As IC device dimensions shrink and heat management and dissipation become tougher-than-ever challenges, one simply cannot overestimate the importance of sensing IC temperature. In particular, temperature sensing has become ubiquitous, playing key roles in process-control, environmental, test-and-measurement, and communications applications. In addition, its use in electronic circuit design continues to expand throughout large-volume automotive, medical, and consumer...
May 22, 2008
[Engineering Essentials]
Typical Characteristics Of Contact Temperature Sensors
Empty...
May 8, 2008
[Leapfrog: First Look]
Embedded Algorithms Enable Low-Cost Cell-Phone Zooming
Digital cameras, by themselves and in cell phones, represent one of the hottest segments of the consumer market. To compete, designers need to lower their costs while improving performance. Tessera Israel achieves these goals as well as better reliability with software algorithms that eliminate the need for conventional mechanical zooming. The company’s OptiML Zoom uses optical distortion to zoom in on an image with up to 3X magnification. This solution...
May 8, 2008
[Technology Report]
Beyond Simple Photodiodes And Phototransistors
Historically, applications that must sense a light stimulus to execute a function have relied on a photodiode or a phototransistor. Neither of these technologies, however, can support the emerging needs for higher-performance, optical, sensor-based applications. With that in mind, Texas Advanced Optoelectronics Solutions (TAOS) was formed about a decade ago. Its optoelectronic devices combine precision mixed-signal functionality with photodetectors on the same IC to produce...
May 8, 2008
[Technology Report]
Optimal Opto: A Marriage of Optics And Semis
For many years, engineers successfully integrated optics and electronics by using a standard silicon CMOS process for small-bandwidth structures like photodetectors. Advances in performance and integration densities continue to energize this niche, such as with the venerable silicon photodiode in terms of functionality. Photodiode advances may fall under the radar a bit, but more visible progress can be seen with ICs like detectors, sensors, LEDs, ...
May 8, 2008
[Engineering Feature]
Choosing An Image Sensor: It's All About The Application
What kind of image sensor should you choose for your next machine-vision product—CMOS or CCD? Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the application. Some companies produce both types of sensor, giving designers the flexibility they need for a particular design. Image sensors can be area sensors or line-scan sensors. Area sensors include a two-dimensional array of pixels that capture an image of an entire region simultaneously. Line-scan sensors use a...
May 8, 2008
[Engineering Feature]
What's Coming In Machine Vision
Integrated camera vision sensors will continue to evolve, offering even greater image resolution and faster response times that are sure to push the boundaries of data-transfer speeds. Prices will continue to fall, too, making machine-vision cameras affordable for more applications. At some point, though, there will be a practical limit on much high-performance sensing is needed at the point of inspection. And, processing circuitry located away from the camera sensor and...
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