Then and Now

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Then and Now

Check out these technology articles that look back and forward in time.

Then and Now

A Timer to Remember

Oct. 20, 2023

Even in the age of MCUs, the NE555 remains useful decades after its inception.

alt.embedded

Electronic Design: Then and Now

Nov. 11, 2022

We take a look back at Electronic Design issues over the years as we wrap up our 70th anniversary.

Embedded

Then and Now: Graphics Processing

Sept. 6, 2022

Here’s a graphical look back and forward at display processing technology, from CRTs to ray tracing.

Test & Measurement

Do You Recognize These? Early Test & Measurement Tools

Aug. 17, 2022

There is no precision without feedback, and these early tools are among those that helped engineers optimize their creations.

Test & Measurement

The Electronic Clocks of Patek Philippe Once Ran the World

Aug. 9, 2022

We visit the largest collection of Patek Philippe electronic clocks ever assembled for public viewing, in New York City.

More content from Then and Now

Test & Measurement

Oscilloscopes Evolve from Humble Displays to Powerful Tools

July 13, 2022

From the early CRT-based tools to the latest multifunctional powerhouses, the venerable oscilloscope has long been a mainstay of electronic design.

Robotics

Robotics Then and Now with Katherine Scott

April 7, 2022

Open Robotics' Katherine Scott looks at robot development, from her entry into the industry to what's happening now in robotics.

Communications

A Quick Stroll Through 70 Years of Communications

March 22, 2022

A plethora of communication options have emerged over the last seven decades, from parallel buses to LPWANs.

alt.embedded

Processors Have Come a Long Way

Jan. 11, 2022

Then and now: From mainframes to MPUs, processor technology has progressed significantly since Electronic Design was first published.

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Embedded

Before C, What Did You Use?

May 18, 2017

Electronic Design’s Embedded Revolution survey reinforced the view of C and C++ dominance. Get some feedback from those involved in the development of popular embedded programming...

Software

What’s the Difference Between Firmware, Then and Now?

Oct. 21, 2016

Over the past decade, the UEFI Forum has modernized the booting process by standardizing an interface that simplifies and secures platform initialization.