Learn about the most important emerging technologies in circuit design for consumer electronics, such as flexible, neuromorphic, optical, bio-integrated, and 3D integrated circuits.

I think hybrid microcontrollers consisting of MCU and FPGA fabric are the next evolution. Some aspects are better handled by procedural logic and some, like handling communications are better handled by FPGAs.

What are the most important emerging technologies in circuit design for consumer electronics?

Circuit design is a crucial skill for consumer electronics, as it determines the performance, efficiency, and functionality of devices. However, circuit design is not a static field, as new technologies and challenges emerge constantly. In this article, you will learn about some of the most important emerging technologies in circuit design for consumer electronics, and how they can impact your career and projects.

1 Flexible circuits

Flexible circuits are circuits that can bend, twist, and fold without breaking or losing functionality. They are ideal for consumer electronics that require conformability, portability, or wearability, such as smartwatches, sensors, or displays. Flexible circuits can be made from various materials, such as polymers, metal foils, or nanomaterials, and can use different fabrication methods, such as printing, etching, or laser cutting. Flexible circuits offer advantages such as reduced weight, space, and cost, as well as improved reliability and durability.

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Matthew K.

U.S. Multidisciplinary Engineer, Physicist, & Programmer [Power Electronics System Design| Mechatronics| Lightning/Plasmas| Generators| MagLev| DC Microgrids| Insulators| Superconductors| Algorithms| Hardware/Software]
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Applications such as those where variable impedance, signal integrity, or transmission are designed to benefit from these properties are also realized using flexible PCBs. An example of those with sensors which facilitate flexion to adjust some response when mechanical stress or strain is applied are designed with flexible circuits.

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2 Neuromorphic circuits

Neuromorphic circuits are circuits that mimic the structure and function of biological neural networks, such as the brain. They are designed to perform complex tasks such as learning, recognition, and adaptation, with high efficiency and low power consumption. They are suitable for consumer electronics that require artificial intelligence, such as smart cameras, voice assistants, or robots. Neuromorphic circuits can be based on various technologies, such as memristors, spintronics, or quantum dots, and can use different architectures, such as spiking neural networks, reservoir computing, or brain-inspired computing. Neuromorphic circuits offer advantages such as scalability, robustness, and parallelism.

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Matthew K.

U.S. Multidisciplinary Engineer, Physicist, & Programmer [Power Electronics System Design| Mechatronics| Lightning/Plasmas| Generators| MagLev| DC Microgrids| Insulators| Superconductors| Algorithms| Hardware/Software]
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These types of circuits are often not used independently, but rather observe utility when used to develop electrical nodes when interconnected such to influence the macroscopic structure of the objective application.

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3 Optical circuits

Optical circuits are circuits that use light instead of electricity to transmit and process information. They are designed to overcome the limitations of conventional electronic circuits, such as heat generation, signal loss, and interference. They are applicable for consumer electronics that require high-speed, high-bandwidth, or low-latency communication, such as optical fiber networks, wireless devices, or data centers. Optical circuits can be made from various materials, such as silicon, glass, or polymers, and can use different components, such as lasers, modulators, or detectors. Optical circuits offer advantages such as lower power consumption, higher data rate, and wider frequency range.

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Matthew K.

U.S. Multidisciplinary Engineer, Physicist, & Programmer [Power Electronics System Design| Mechatronics| Lightning/Plasmas| Generators| MagLev| DC Microgrids| Insulators| Superconductors| Algorithms| Hardware/Software]
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Optical circuits also prove beneficial for systems which require electrical isolation for receiving or transmitting digital signals to or from an end application. An application would be to use them in control systems where particularly high levels of power are observed for an electrical system such as those used in the power grid which are subject to changing state parameters using digital logic (gate-controlled circuits in transformers, high power inverters, switch-gears, substation panels, etc.)

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4 Bio-integrated circuits

Bio-integrated circuits are circuits that interface with biological systems, such as cells, tissues, or organs. They are designed to monitor, stimulate, or control biological functions, such as sensing, signaling, or metabolism. They are relevant for consumer electronics that involve health, wellness, or biotechnology, such as biosensors, implants, or drug delivery systems. Bio-integrated circuits can be fabricated from various materials, such as metals, ceramics, or biodegradable polymers, and can use different techniques, such as microfluidics, nanotechnology, or genetic engineering. Bio-integrated circuits offer advantages such as biocompatibility, sensitivity, and specificity.

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5 3D integrated circuits

3D integrated circuits are circuits that stack multiple layers of devices vertically, rather than horizontally. They are designed to increase the density, performance, and functionality of circuits, while reducing the size, cost, and power consumption. They are useful for consumer electronics that demand high integration, such as memory, processors, or sensors. 3D integrated circuits can be realized by various methods, such as through-silicon vias, monolithic integration, or hybrid bonding, and can use different types of devices, such as transistors, diodes, or capacitors. 3D integrated circuits offer advantages such as shorter interconnects, lower parasitics, and higher heterogeneity.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Stephan Luik
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I think hybrid microcontrollers consisting of MCU and FPGA fabric are the next evolution. Some aspects are better handled by procedural logic and some, like handling communications are better handled by FPGAs.

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What are the most important emerging technologies in circuit design for consumer electronics?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Flexible circuits

2 Neuromorphic circuits

3 Optical circuits

4 Bio-integrated circuits

5 3D integrated circuits

6 Here’s what else to consider

Consumer Electronics

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What are the most important emerging technologies in circuit design for consumer electronics?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Flexible circuits

2 Neuromorphic circuits

3 Optical circuits

4 Bio-integrated circuits

5 3D integrated circuits

6 Here’s what else to consider

Consumer Electronics

Rate this article

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