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Articles by Anna Wood
Top 5 Test & Measurement products in July
Anna Wood, Editor at Electronic Specifier, picks her top 5 test & measurement products released in July 2026. Yokogawa Test & Measurement has launched the WT1500 precision power analyser, designed to meet the surging demand for high-voltage testing equipment in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors, as a new addition to its WT series.
Industry overview: climatetech
Climatetech, an important sector in the startup ecosystem that is working to help improve the climate crisis, has had a rocky couple of years, with investment down, and multiple climatetech startups closing or filing for bankruptcy. However, with sustainability targets and deadlines looming, such as environmental sustainability reporting, and The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, startups in the sector are now seeing an uptick in interest and investment.
Top 5 AI products in June
Anna Wood, Editor at Electronic Specifier, picks her top 5 AI products released in June 2026. Microchip Technology announces the availability of its new 3.3kV HV‑D3 mSiC Power Modules, designed to simplify and accelerate the adoption of solid-state transformers (SSTs) in AI hyperscale data centres and other high‑voltage power applications.
Top 5 power products in May
Anna Wood, Editor at Electronic Specifier, picks her top 5 power products released in May 2026. With the launch of its Gen3 SiC MOSFETs, Bosch is further advancing silicon carbide technology for high-voltage applications. Rutronik is supporting this innovation by preparing its portfolio to include the new generation of power semiconductors, addressing increasing demands for efficiency, power density, and system performance.
Top 5 cables/connecting products in April
Anna Wood, Editor at Electronic Specifier, picks her top 5 cables/connecting products released in April 2026. Samtec announced the release of the BE71A Bulls Eye Phase & Amplitude Stable Test Assembly. Optimised for use out to 71GHz in support of 224Gbps PAM4 SerDes testing, this new product combines the popular Bulls Eye assembly’s space-saving compression-mount design with Samtec’s distinctive orange NitrowaveTM high-performance microwave cables.
UL Solutions certifies EtherCAT’s Cyber Resilience
UL certificates confirm the EtherCAT Technology Group’s assessment and demonstrate that EtherCAT meets IEC 62443 / CRA requirements for Security Level 2 without modifications. The report and certificates from UL Solutions, following testing in accordance with IEC 62443, confirm the ETG’s statements: EtherCAT technology already meets the requirements for systems exposed to cyber attacks corresponding to Security Level 2 without any modifications.
WEG and SpinDrive partner on next-gen oil-free motor systems
WEG, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electric motors, and SpinDrive, supplier of advanced active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems, have announced a strategic partnership. Unveiled at Hannover Messe 2026, the collaboration will integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution designed for the demands of modern industrial processes.
Amaze, amaze, amaze: Project Hail Mary breaks Guinness World Record
Project Hail Mary is an out of this world adventure, literally – and the film isn’t the only thing that’s been out of this world. On the 20th March 2026, marking the film’s worldwide release, Project Hail Mary and Sent Into Space successfully set a new Guinness World Records title for the highest altitude launch and retrieval of a LEGO set, reaching a record-breaking altitude of 34,988 metres.
High energy costs push UK AI offshore
British firms are moving AI workloads out of the UK because of high energy costs, underscoring a widening gap between the UK’s AI sovereignty ambitions and the practical realities of infrastructure and energy. The research, conducted by AI infrastructure provider CUDO Compute and Censuswide, polled over 700 senior AI decision makers in enterprises across the UK, US, and Europe.
How to avoid the EMI problem in OLED touchscreens
In this article, Gordon Shen, Principal IC Architect, Synaptics Incorporated, explores the problem of EMI common in smartphones utilising OLED touchscreen and offers a solution to the challenge that has plagued OEMs since the early 2000s.
Researcher aims to reduce number of qubits in quantum computing
Dr. Dominic Williamson, a University of Sydney quantum physicist, has developed a new approach to quantum error correction that could significantly reduce the number of physical qubits required to build large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers. Dr. Williamson undertook the work during an industry placement with the Quantum Information Theory and Error Correction group at IBM in California.
Top 5 AI products in March
Anna Wood, Editor at Electronic Specifier, picks her top 5 AI products released in March 2026. The AKD1500 is a neuromorphic Edge AI accelerator co-processor chip designed to deliver exceptional performance with minimal power consumption, achieving 800 giga operations per second (GOPS) while operating under 300 milliwatts. The new AI co-processor is optimised for battery-powered wearables and smart remote sensors, providing essential efficiency for heat-constrained environments.
The 2026 everywoman in Technology Awards winners
At the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel, the Salesforce everywoman in Technology Awards returned for its 16th year, honouring the women who are redefining the technology industry. The awards aim to inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in tech by shining a spotlight on inspirational women at all stages of their careers, including those taking their first steps in apprenticeships through to C-suite executives and innovative leaders running their own businesses.
Electronic Specifier at embedded world 2026 with Dukosi
At embedded world 2026, Electronic Specifier’s Mick Elliott spoke with Joseph Notaro, Sales and Marketing Executive from Dukosi, which introduced two new products aimed at improving battery traceability, security, and system design. The first product emerged from a collaboration with STMicroelectronics, combining Dukosi’s chip-on-cell technology with secure microcontroller and authentication capabilities.
The UK bets big on quantum computing
A programme worth up to £2 billion of government investment has been announced by the Technology Secretary and the Chancellor, with the aim to ensure the UK stays at the forefront of Quantum computing innovation. The next step in the UK’s plans for quantum technology will aim to deliver personalised treatments, potential cures for diseases, safeguard national security and deliver high-paid jobs – all a part of the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
Electronic Specifier at embedded world 2026 with Smiths Interconnect
At embedded world 2026, Electronic Specifier Editor Mick Elliott speaks with Pierre Cardinal, Regional Sales Manager at Smiths Interconnect, to discuss the company’s latest developments in RF components and embedded fibre-optic technologies for high-reliability markets. Cardinal outlines how the company was showcasing resistive attenuators, thermopads, filters, circulators, and waveguide products, alongside transceivers designed for industrial, defence, and space environments.
Meet the world’s smallest programmable, autonomous robots
Researchers at Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, alongside collaborators from the University of Michigan, have created the world’s smallest fully programmable, autonomous robots: microscopic swimming machines that can independently sense and respond to surroundings, operate for months, and cost a penny each. Each robot measures approximately 200x300x50 micrometres, smaller than a grain of salt, and barely visible to the naked eye.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with Qorvo
At embedded world 2026, on the DigiKey booth, Paige Hookway speaks with Mike Engelhardt, Founder at QSPICE about an introduction to QSPICE and a look at recent updates. Engelhardt, who also created LT Spice nearly three decades ago, presented QSPICE as a high-performance evolution of his original work, designed for accurate and robust analog and mixed-mode circuit simulation. “QSPICE has outstanding Spice basics.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with Texas Instruments
At embedded world 2026, on the DigiKey booth, Lucy Barnard speaks with Vinay Agarwal, Vice President and General Manager of MSP Microcontrollers at Texas Instruments about TI’s approach to making Edge AI accessible across its entire MCU portfolio. Edge AI, Agarwal explained, is crucial because many embedded applications operate locally on sensors with limited power and memory. “A lot of those decisions are being made locally at the node,” he said.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with Trenz Electronic
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Paige Hookway speaks with Thomas Brünger, COO at Trenz Electronic to discuss the company’s capabilities, customer approach, and how emerging technologies such as Edge AI influenced its product roadmap. The company operates from a single location in northwestern Germany and employs around 100 people. According to Thomas, combining development expertise with in-house manufacturing gives the organisation significant flexibility when working with customers.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with Silanna Semiconductor
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Paige Hookway speaks with Patrick Moore, Vice President, Global Sales & Apps and Ken Southworth, Director of Applications at Silanna Semiconductor about its approach to expanding design flexibility in analogue data conversion and laser-driving technology, the company’s newly released Plural ADC platform, and its FirePower laser driver family.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with Würth Elektronik
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Lucy Barnard spoke with Ravindra Singh, Product Manager for Radio Modules and Ninad Mehta, Product Manager for MEMS Sensors at Würth Elektronik, to discuss the latest innovations from Würth Elektronik designed to help engineers build smaller, more connected, and energy-efficient devices.
Electronic Specifier at embedded world 2026 with Tria Technologies
At embedded world 2026 Electronic Specifier Editor Mick Ellliott spoke with Alex Wood, Marketing Director at Tria Technologies about Edge AI demos and real life applications for Edge computing. Wood explains how Tria has emerged as a standalone brand following the acquisition of MSE Technologies by Avnet. The company later operated as Avnet before launching the Tria brand to establish a distinct identity in the embedded computing sector.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with VersaLogic
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Lucy Barnard spoke with Chris Miller, President at VersaLogic about the Raptor, the company’s brand new product, and the innovation behind the compact device. Miller presented the Raptor as a solution designed for environments where size, weight, and power are critical, particularly in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with Altera
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Lucy Barnard spoke with Mike Fitton, Vice President and General Manager at Altera, about NPIs, overall business updates, industry trends, and more. Altera provides leadership programmable solutions that can be deployed in applications from the Cloud to the Edge. Its end-to-end portfolio of products includes FPGAs, CPLDs, Intellectual Property, development tools, System on Modules, SmartNICs, and IPUs to provide flexibility.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with MediaTek
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Lucy Barnard spoke with Sameer Sharma, Assistant Vice President of IoT at MediaTek, to discuss unleashing the full potential of artificial intelligence in IoT devices. “MediaTek, I say jokingly, is the most famous silicon company you haven’t heard of,” commented Sharma.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with BeagleBoard
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Paige Hookway spoke with Jason Kridner the founder of BeagleBoard and Robert Nelson, Applications Engineer at DigiKey, to explore what’s new in open‑source hardware, embedded systems, and the maker ecosystem. It has been a year since their last conversation, and in that time BeagleBoard’s momentum has only grown – especially around the PocketBeagle 2.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with Qorvo
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Paige Hookway spoke with Alexis Bizalion, Director of Product Marketing and Strategy, at Qorvo, to explore how ultra-wideband (UWB) is redefining real-time location systems (RTLS) in industrial and enterprise environments.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with Analog Devices
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Paige Hookway speaks with Rajan Sharma, Strategic Marketing for Robotics at Analog Devices about the company’s approach to robotics innovation after 60 years of engineering development. The conversation reflects on the company’s 60 years of engineering development and how its approach to innovation has evolved during that time.
DigiKey at embedded world 2026 with Qoitech
At embedded world 2026 on the DigiKey booth, Paige Hookway spoke with Vanja Samuelsson, CEO of Qoitech, to explore how the company is reshaping low‑power design and battery testing for modern developers. Qoitech is a Swedish company focused on providing solutions for developers around low‑power measurement, battery testing, and battery life estimation.
Using science fiction to explore the future of defence
Science fiction explores the what ifs, examining science and technology and its impact on the human race in years to come. Recently, innovations in the technology space have felt like science fiction; from quantum computing breakthroughs to the rollout of humanoid robots, from driverless cars to AI becoming accessible to all. These innovations were once something we could only dream of, but now this is the new reality.
Top 5 IoT products in February
Anna Wood, Editor at Electronic Specifier, picks her top 5 IoT products released in February 2026. Authorised distributor Mouser Electronics is now shipping the ST87M01 ultra-compact, low-power narrowband (NB-IoT) industrial modules from STMicroelectronics. This high-performance, fully programmable industrial module series covers worldwide cellular frequency bands and offers advanced security features.
Are virtual kissers the relationship tech of the future?
A couple of years ago, a Chinese startup invented a virtual kisser, a long-distance kissing machine that can transmit users’ kiss data to a long-distance lover. The data is collected through motion sensors hidden within the silicone lips, which move when replaying kisses. The virtual kissing device, MUA, aptly named after the sound people make when blowing a kiss, is able to capture and replay sounds and warm up slightly during kissing, claimed the Beijing-based startup Siweifushe.
Programmable hydrogel mimics octopus skin
Researchers from Penn State University have developed a new fabrication technique that can print multifunctional ‘smart synthetic skin.’ These adaptable materials can be programmed to perform a wide variety of tasks, including hiding or revealing information, enabling adaptive camouflage, and supporting soft robotic systems. The programmable smart skin is made from hydrogel, a soft, water-rich material.
First 3D-printed house in Italy
The walls of the first certified 3D-printed house have been completed in the Shamballa open-air laboratory in the hills of Northern Italy. Created by WASP, its mission is to develop Itaca, a 3D-printed, self-sufficient farm and living model based on a circular micro-economy.
What do resistors do in circuits?
Resistors are fundamental components in electronic circuits. Despite their simplicity, they play a central role in ensuring circuits operate reliably, safely, and predictably. From basic current limiting to precision signal conditioning, resistors influence nearly every aspect of electronic behaviour. At their core, resistors limit the amount of current passing through a circuit.
Scientists uncover molecular marvel behind spider silk’s superpowers
Scientists have identified the molecular interactions that give spider silk its exceptional strength and flexibility, opening the door to new bio-inspired materials for aircraft, protective clothing, and medical applications, and even advancing our understanding of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
£36M boost to expand DAWN supercomputer
The UK government has announced a £36 million investment to expand the DAWN supercomputer at the University of Cambridge, increasing its AI compute capacity sixfold by Spring 2026 and strengthening the UK’s national AI infrastructure. This investment is being injected into British researchers and startups to ensure they can develop the AI tools of the future.
Top books about quantum computing
Quantum computing is slowly entering the mainstream, as more people discuss the technology and its potential within the technology ecosystem. However, the specifics of quantum computing can be difficult to understand. So, to help you, I have compiled selection of books about quantum computing, examining the technology through a practical and technical lens. These recommended titles provide insight into the technology, so you can learn more about this topic, no matter your skill level.
What has AMD launched at CES 2026?
At CES 2026, Dr. Lisa Su, CEO and Chair, AMD, unveiled a whole host of new products across the client, graphics, embedded, and commercial segments. Here is a recap of AMD’s key announcements at the event. New Ryzen AI 400 and Ryzen AI PRO 400 Series processors for Copilot+ PCs to deliver AI experiences for both consumer and commercial users.
How to grieve during the holidays
Since June, I have been under a slow dripping tap of dread. With each day that passes, I am filled more and more with the agonizing realization that Christmas will be different this year. It will be the first Christmas I spend without Baba — my grandmother — and it’s hard to know what to do with grief on the holidays. I’ll cry when my plane lands in Toronto. I’ll wince when Frank Sinatra’s Christmas album plays over the speakers at the mall.
Shaping the future of defence and security: an interview with Vibishna Balagopal of Thales
At the Women Leaders in Electronics Awards, I met Vibishna Balagopal, a UK leader, with global technology giant Thales. Employing some 83,000 staff internationally, the company excels in technological solutions for aerospace, space, defence, cyber, and digital markets and is investing in AI, big data, connectivity, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. Nominated in several categories and securing a Highly Commended Award at this ceremony in 2025, I realised she was from Kerala in India.
Unlocking the potential of 6G FR3
6G aims to connect the physical, digital, and human worlds through emerging technology focusing on new spectrum utilisation, AI integration into networks and devices, digital twins, and new network architectures. These elements enhance network programmability and automation across various 6G use cases. While the commercial deployment of 6G seems quite far away, the research needs for 6G are already here, including growing efforts around the spectrum.
Filtronic completes multi-year GaN packaging project
Filtronic, a designer and manufacturer of advanced RF and microwave solutions, has successfully completed a multi-year project to develop novel plastic QFN packaging for Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices, marking a significant milestone for UK sovereign capability in advanced semiconductor technology. The project was part-funded through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), part of UK Defence Innovation, via its Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP).
Engineering sector urged to add to Home Affairs Committee skills shortage submission
The engineering sector is being urged to contribute to a Home Affairs Committee inquiry submission on the potential impact of planned new UK settlement law to existing and future skilled shortages. Immigration law firm, Migrate UK is calling on those working throughout the engineering sector – civil, mechanical, electrical and electronic engineers – to contribute to a specially created survey as part of its collective client submission to the Home Affairs Committee’s newly opened inquiry.
Silicon Motion launches SM8388 PCIe Gen5 8-channel enterprise SSD controller
Silicon Motion Technology Corporation has announced its SM8388, a power-efficient 8-channel PCIe Gen5 enterprise SSD controller, designed for high performance, low power, lower cost, and high-capacity QLC enterprise SSDs – enabling Nearline SSDs. It sets a new benchmark by combining ultra-high performance and QLC NAND support with enterprise-grade security features and exceptional energy efficiency, addressing the growing demand for scalable, high-capacity warm data storage in AI and Cloud...
ABB expands power tech partnership with Applied Digital
ABB has expanded its partnership with Applied Digital, a builder and operator of high-performance data centres, to supply power infrastructure for the company’s second AI factory campus in North Dakota, United States. The collaboration is delivering a new medium voltage electrical infrastructure for large-scale data centres, capable of handling the rapidly growing power needs of artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.
Alice & Bob integrates quantum processors with global HPC systems
Alice & Bob, a global leader in the race for fault-tolerant quantum computing, has announced the software integration of its future QPUs with high-performance computing (HPC) environments via SLURM, the world’s most widely used workload management system, present in 60% of the world’s top supercomputers.
Vexlum to develop yellow guide star laser for the European Space
Vexlum, a manufacturer of advanced semiconductor lasers for high-impact applications, has entered into a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at enabling broad access to more telescopes around the world to use high-bandwidth optical communication between the Earth and orbiting satellites through the eventual development of a VECSEL-based adaptive optics system.
Melexis launches 3-core LIN motor driver for EV AC flaps
Melexis introduces the MLX81350, its fourth-generation, automotive LIN motor driver delivering up to 5W (0.5A) per motor. Designed for air conditioning flaps and automated air vents in electric vehicles (EVs), the cost-effective MLX81350 combines quiet, efficient motor operation with simplified system integration and trusted reliability.
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