Volume 22 - Generative AI at the Edge, Advanced Power Simulation in Power Electronics Design and High Precision ADC in Space Applications
Hello, and welcome to volume twenty-two of The Innovator, the LinkedIn newsletter that brings you the latest updates from the world of IoT, AI, Smart Industry, Aerospace, Automotive, Supply Chain, Power and more.
Join us as we explore:
and much more.
PCIM 2025
Join Avnet Silica at PCIM next week as we bring together cutting-edge demos in wide bandgap, silicon and system-level innovation - showcasing solutions from leading suppliers and ecosystem partners.
Whether you're looking to optimise your design, accelerate time to market, or explore emerging technologies, you'll find the insight — and the people — to help you get there.
Expect real insights, real applications and a fresh take on the future of power!
Swipe left below for a taste of what you can find on stand 622 next week.
New articles, resources and solutions
Advantages of a High Precision ADC in Space Applications
In high-reliability electronics utilised in space applications, measurement precision and resilience are critical. From measuring system voltages and temperatures to precise motor control, it is imperative to have a fully accurate measurement. Renesas Electronics' Jonathan Harris explores the advantages of a high-precision ADC in space applications on the Avnet Silica website.
Advanced Power Simulation in Power Electronics Design
The transition from silicon to wide-bandgap semiconductors like GaN and SiC in power electronics has exposed the limitations of conventional SPICE simulation models. This article explores the need for advanced simulation techniques that can accurately represent the complex behaviours of these materials. It discusses the integration of physically based models into SPICE simulations and the promise of digital in power electronics. It also considers how these advanced tools can lead to more reliable and efficient power electronics design in an era of increasing technological complexity.
News
HWPMAX 2025 Success for Avnet Silica
In partnership with AMD, Renesas Electronics and Microsoft, Avnet Silica showcased Generative AI in Voice-Based Chatbots, Real-Time Video Rendering, AI Perception at the Edge and more at April's Hardware Pioneers Max event in London.
Event demo highlights:
Avnet Silica Launches Generative AI at the Edge Microsite
Generative AI at the edge is transforming the world around us by enabling low-latency, more secure and real-time AI on devices. Having AI 'on the edge' means personalised applications can run more efficiently without reliance on data centres.
Our Generative AI at the Edge microsite explores the advantages of 'Edge Gen AI', edge locations, Generative AI at the Edge in action and takes a closer look at specific applications such as:
Explore our new microsite today.
Nexperia Billionaires Club Award for Avnet Silica
Maryannick Dauba , Laura Mestanza , Thomas Foj , and Avnet Silica's President, Gilles Beltran , were joined by Nexperia's Arancha Diaz Valdivieso and Werner Wolfert as they accepted our 2024 Nexperia Billionaires Club award for distribution at the end of March.
We are truly grateful for Nexperia's trust and for this recognition of our team's dedication to delivering their critical semiconductor solutions worldwide. It's a privilege to contribute to their success and to the advancement of diverse industries.
We'll continue to strive for excellence in delivering Nexperia's cutting-edge semiconductor technologies, powering the next wave of innovation.
From our suppliers
Avnet Displays AMA-695A03-DU2511-G010
With SimplePlus, Avnet Displays handles the complexity of display design for you. These are specifically selected industrial TFT displays, equipped with excellent touch sensor technology and a standardised glass cover lens.
Key features
onsemi Hyperlux SG Image Sensors
The Hyperlux SG image sensor family represents a groundbreaking advancement in imaging technology, characterised by its industry-leading Global Shutter Efficiency. Operating at a cutting-edge speed of 120 frames per second, these sensors are meticulously designed to offer a compact form factor while employing a global shutter mechanism. This unique feature enables simultaneous capture of the entire image, ensuring that fast-moving objects remain crisply defined and artifact-free. Whether it's tracking fast-moving objects or monitoring dynamic industrial processes, the Hyperlux SG sensors consistently deliver high-quality images and offer a range of resolutions, making it scalable to various requirements.
Nexperia Residential Heat Pump Solutions
The increasing need for energy-efficient domestic heating and cooling has led to a surge in the adoption of residential heat pumps. These systems are an eco-friendly replacement for traditional gas boilers and air conditioning units, capable of providing both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. For modern buildings, especially those with a footprint smaller than 150m² aiming for net-zero carbon emissions, the heat output required is often less than 6kW. The efficiency of heat pumps, whether air-to-air or air-to-water, is further enhanced when integrated with PV systems.
The industry is moving towards more efficient PFC topologies, with the Vienna rectifier and totem pole topologies becoming increasingly popular. Nexperia supports heat pump designers in achieving these required efficiencies with its IGBTs and innovative wide bandgap technologies, such as GaN FETs and SiC diodes.
NXP NAFE33352
The NAFEx3352 is a Software Configurable Analog Input and Output Analog Front End Family (AIO-AFE). It features one Analog input/output channel and two universal input channels. The AIO-AFE family integrates a precision 14/16/18-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a 16/24-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a low-drift voltage reference, low-offset drift buffers and high-voltage, high-precision amplifiers with 65 V input-protection circuit for EMC and miswiring scenarios.
The device has built-in diagnostic and protection circuits for both the output and input channels, enabling anomaly detection, predictive maintenance, and functional safety. The AIO-AFE is ideal for programmable logic controllers (PLC), Process Control, I/O modules, and data loggers applications.
Events, webinars & podcasts
All upcoming in-person events:
Whether you're working on AI at the edge, optimising system performance, or evaluating compute architectures, these events deliver practical insights and tools to help you design faster, smarter, and with more confidence.
Why Attend?
Tackle key challenges:
With two focused tracks and a deep dive into AMD’s embedded portfolio - x86, FPGA, adaptive SoCs, and advanced tools - these events are built to support your next project.
All upcoming webinars:
The Latest From the We Talk IoT Podcast
Episode 65: NXP’s Mark Swinburn on IoT and AI Driving the Future of Energy Management
Join host Stefanie Ruth Heyduck as she sits down with Phil Bell and Josh Jackman from ART Health Solutions to explore the cutting-edge intersection of technology and workplace wellbeing. Discover how real-world data from wearables, smartphone apps, and environmental sensors can enhance productivity and employee experience.
Learn about the tangible impact of factors such as light, noise, office design, and even nutrition on your performance. Tune in to hear expert insights on the future of work, the benefits of flexible workspaces, and strategies for creating healthier, happier workplaces.
Thanks for reading volume twenty-two of The Innovator. We hope you found the content engaging and useful.
Looking for support with your next project? Whether you need technical or design support, or you're looking for sample products, we're always on hand to help. Contact us today.