Beyond the Microchip

Episode 015 - Cybersecurity and the Internet of Medical Things

The Internet of Things is nothing short of a modern miracle. The ability to connect devices across a network and control them remotely, gathering data, performing routine maintenance, and saving countless hours of preparation time and direct human interaction. It gave rise to the need for Smart, Connected, and Secure technology solutions. That’s great for the residential home or the industrial plant across town. Could that level of sophistication and convenience follow us to other places, like, say, the hospital?
We are, in fact, living the future today - where a world of medical devices are no longer standalone entities, but interconnected nodes in a vast network known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). This digital revolution promises to transform patient care, enabling real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans. But these utopian dreams of a better health system still have some caveats to be aware of. As we embrace this new frontier, we must also confront the looming threat of cyber insecurity.
 
In recent years, ransomware attacks have targeted healthcare institutions worldwide, from the WannaCry outbreak that crippled the UK's National Health Service in 2017 to the more recent Ryuk attacks on U.S. hospitals in 2020 like Locky in Los Angeles. According to the HIPAA Journal, “at least 141 hospitals were directly affected by ransomware attacks in 2023” alone where the number of attacks almost doubled since the previous year. These incidents expose the vulnerabilities in our medical device infrastructure, where outdated software and lack of encryption leave patient data and lives at risk. The American Hospital Association describes these not as white-collar crimes, but “threat-to-life crimes” and they can be a life-or-death matter.
 
Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope. As technology advances, so too do the solutions for securing IoMT. With the development of purpose-built embedded control technology solutions, we stand on the edge of a new era in connected care. Imagine a future where medical devices not only communicate seamlessly but also protect patient information from the most sophisticated attacks.
 
How can Microchip Technology strengthen and reinforce the Internet of Medical Things and potentially hold the key to unlocking a brighter, healthier future?
 
Links from the episode:
Smart Medical Solutions | Microchip Technology 
CryptoAuthentication™ Secure Key Storage | Microchip Technology 
 
Guests: 
Justin Wilson

Episode 014 - Microcontrollers, Power Semiconductors and Fostering Growth Through Renewable Energy

Picture if you will, a source of energy, so radiant, that it holds the key to our energy future. The sun, a source of limitless potential, emits almost 4 octillion watts of energy every second. That’s a 10 with 26 zeros behind it. If we could harness just a fraction of this power, it would be enough to meet the world's energy needs many times over.
 
In emerging markets like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Kenya, the race to capture the sun's energy is on. These nations recognize the transformative potential of solar power, not only for their economies but also for the health of our planet. Vietnam aims to generate 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, while Malaysia has set a target of 20% by 2025. In Kenya, the Garissa Solar Power Plant, the largest in East Africa, is already providing clean energy to thousands of homes.
 
But the path to a solar-powered future is not without its challenges. Efficiency in converting solar energy to electricity remains a hurdle, with current technology capturing only a portion of the sun's potential. However, advancements in materials science and energy storage hold the promise of a brighter tomorrow. As well as embedded control technologies including integrated circuits.
 
Imagine a world where smart energy grids, powered by the sun, provide clean, affordable electricity to every corner of the globe. A world where the very source of life on Earth also sustains our modern way of living.
 
How could Microchip Technology help us further embrace the boundless potential of solar power?
 
Links from the episode:
 
 
Guests: 
Jay Nagle

Episode 013 - Chips Making Chips

Machines that build machines. It’s a curious paradox. Whenever you consider something that builds itself, physically, it could conjure thoughts of an infinity loop or an M.C. Escher painting. The never-ending loop of technology.
The extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine, a marvel of modern engineering, etches patterns onto silicon wafers with unparalleled precision, giving birth to the microchips that power our world. A machine so advanced, so intricate, that it holds the power to create the very building blocks of our digital age. It gives birth to the state of the art in semiconductors. Indeed, the future pulled forward to today.
As we marvel at the bleeding edge of technology, we often overlook the humble components that make it all possible. Inside every EUV lithography machine, a symphony of legacy technologies plays out, from power management diodes to analog circuits. These unsung heroes, though less glamorous than their cutting-edge counterparts, are the backbone of innovation. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has witnessed the fragility of global semiconductor supply chains. Black swan events have exposed the dangers of over-reliance on a single source, leading to shortages that ripple across industries. It is a stark reminder that the latest and greatest cannot exist without the tried and true.
As we navigate this era of rapid technological advancement, let us not forget the importance of balance. The yin and yang of old and new, of leading and lagging-edge, are forever intertwined in the dance of progress. The lead guitar and vocals may provide the memorable moments in your favorite songs, but have you ever heard a song without the drums? Modern architecture can inspire and awe, but ever tried to build a house without a concrete foundation?  Trips to the zoo to visit the tigers provide moments of wonder; what would happen if the protective glass was removed?
Remember that next time you marvel at the latest gadget or gizmo. Take a moment to appreciate the unassuming components that make it all possible. For in the grand scheme of innovation, every piece of the puzzle matters, no matter how small, outdated, or seemingly invisible.
 
How does Microchip Technology provide the critical components for producing Microchip Technology?
 
Links from the episode:
 
 
Guests: 
Leon Gross

Episode 012 - Alternative PNT and Hollywood Spy Thrillers Come to Life - Part 2 of 2

“Words are the new weapons, satellites the new artillery.”
Jonathan Pryce’s villain Elliot Carver says to James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies right before he manipulates a GPS signal to make a British destroyer begin a confrontation with the Chinese military, may seem like the realm of pop culture; the idea of manipulating GPS signals and disrupting communications has long been a staple of spy thrillers like our favorite James Bond films. But while these scenarios make for thrilling entertainment, the reality is far more complex and consequential.
 
The invisible threads of satellite technology puppet our every move, from the ships traversing vast oceans to the cars navigating city streets. At the heart of this intricate web lies the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a constellation of satellites that provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information to countless devices across the globe.
 
Recent news stories have highlighted the vulnerabilities of GNSS, from the possibility of signal jamming and spoofing to the potential for widespread disruption in the event of a satellite failure. This isn’t just in movies, a recent book by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius about a Russian space scientist who finds evidence of a system kill switch, that can turn off the Global Positioning System, on which every aspect of U.S. communications, transportation, and our economic lifeline depends on.
 
These risks are not just the stuff of fiction; they have real-world implications for our increasingly interconnected society.
 
Fortunately, advancements in alternative positioning and timing systems offer a promising solution. By harnessing the power of ground-based infrastructure, these technologies provide a resilient and secure alternative to satellite-based navigation, ensuring that our critical systems remain operational even in the face of adversity.
 
How can Microchip Technology help in securing our critical infrastructure, and help world leaders chart a course towards a future where the doomsday scenarios remain firmly in the realm of fiction?
 
This is part 2 of a two-part episode.
 
Links from the episode:
https://www.microchip.com/clock 
 
Guests: 
Greg Wolff

Episode 012 - Alternative PNT and Hollywood Spy Thrillers Come to Life - Part 1 of 2

“Words are the new weapons, satellites the new artillery.”
Jonathan Pryce’s villain Elliot Carver says to James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies right before he manipulates a GPS signal to make a British destroyer begin a confrontation with the Chinese military, may seem like the realm of pop culture; the idea of manipulating GPS signals and disrupting communications has long been a staple of spy thrillers like our favorite James Bond films. But while these scenarios make for thrilling entertainment, the reality is far more complex and consequential.
 
The invisible threads of satellite technology puppet our every move, from the ships traversing vast oceans to the cars navigating city streets. At the heart of this intricate web lies the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a constellation of satellites that provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information to countless devices across the globe.
 
Recent news stories have highlighted the vulnerabilities of GNSS, from the possibility of signal jamming and spoofing to the potential for widespread disruption in the event of a satellite failure. This isn’t just in movies, a recent book by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius about a Russian space scientist who finds evidence of a system kill switch, that can turn off the Global Positioning System, on which every aspect of U.S. communications, transportation, and our economic lifeline depends on.
 
These risks are not just the stuff of fiction; they have real-world implications for our increasingly interconnected society.
 
Fortunately, advancements in alternative positioning and timing systems offer a promising solution. By harnessing the power of ground-based infrastructure, these technologies provide a resilient and secure alternative to satellite-based navigation, ensuring that our critical systems remain operational even in the face of adversity.
 
How can Microchip Technology help in securing our critical infrastructure, and help world leaders chart a course towards a future where the doomsday scenarios remain firmly in the realm of fiction?
 
This is part 1 of a two-part episode.
 
Links from the episode:
https://www.microchip.com/clock 
 
Guests: 
Greg Wolff

Episode 011 - Motors, Motors, Everywhere

It’s no secret the world turns. Its 24-hour rotation on its axis gives us the definition of a day. Our moon, recently eclipsed in North America, orbits around us. We, in turn, orbit around our sun along with the other planets, and our entire solar system orbits around the Milky Way galaxy. These cosmic revolutions make up the foundation of our existence.
But whether we realize it or not, there is another set of revolutions happening all around us every day. These are not some heavenly bodies that were here billions of years before our existence, but simple mechanical devices that we humans invented, Motors.
From the gentle purr of your air conditioner to the steady hum of your refrigerator, motors are the backbone of your household. Step outside, and their influence expands further. Cars, elevators, toll bridges, rail cars, and factories all rely on motors of varying sizes and strengths. They propel ships across oceans, power airplanes through the skies, and drive medical equipment that saves lives.
In this world of constant motion, we often take for granted the incredible impact that motors have on our lives. They are the tireless workhorses that keep our society moving forward. A simple innovation that never stops turning, and where the hum of progress is always in the air.
Unlike the celestial revolutions we can see from simply looking up, the average motor needs a little help staying true to its purpose and if not properly calibrated, could lead to annoyance at best, disaster at worst.
 
That’s where Embedded Control solutions come in. Digital signal processing can help control motors and enhance their performance to keep life moving along. A single dsPIC can keep motors spinning correctly and on command for better quality, reliability, and longevity.   
 
How could Microchip Technology keep these tiny marvels of engineering quietly working behind the scenes, making our existence more efficient, comfortable, and extraordinary?
 
 
Links from the episode:
https://microchip.com/motor 
 
Guests: 
Alexis Alcott

Episode 010 - Silicon Carbide and the Electrification of Everything

Picture a world where the hum of electricity permeates every aspect of our lives, from the devices we hold in our hands to the vehicles that transport us across vast distances. This is the world of the electrification of everything, a paradigm shift that promises to reshape our relationship with energy and power.
As once analog and unpowered items are augmented with electrical systems, we find ourselves at the precipice of a new era. But with this transformation comes a challenge: the need for power switching and integrated circuits that can keep pace with the extraordinary demands of our increasingly electrified world.
From electric cars to heat pumps and data centers, the appetite for power grows ever more insatiable. Novel technologies like silicon carbide and gallium nitride offer a glimpse into a future where energy density and power density reach new heights, enabling devices to operate at peak performance for longer periods.
Recent news stories highlight the global changes in power demand, as nations grapple with the infrastructure required to support this electrified future. Yet, even as we face these challenges, the pace of innovation offers hope. With each passing day, brilliant minds are developing solutions that will propel us forward, harnessing the power of electricity to create a more sustainable, efficient, and connected world.
 
How can Microchip Technology help manage the Electrification of Everything?
 
Links from the episode:
https://www.microchip.com/en-us/products/power-management/silicon-carbide-sic-devices-and-power-modules
https://www.microchip.com/en-us/products/power-management/silicon-carbide-sic-devices-and-power-modules/design-resources/hardwarehttps://www.microchip.com/en-us/products/power-management/silicon-carbide-sic-devices-and-power-modules/design-resources 
 
 
Guests: 
Clayton Pillion

Episode 009 - Sensors, Microcontrollers, and Community Gardens in Smart Agriculture

“Third place”. The term originated in a 1989 book written by sociologist Ray Oldenberg. It refers to a place separate from Work or Home where humans can facilitate social interaction. The need for Third Places has grown and was extremely exacerbated by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Like many other things, the pandemic accelerated increasing trends: loneliness and obesity.  
According to the World Health Organization: “High-quality social connections are essential to our mental and physical health and our well-being.” The United States Surgeon General has labeled loneliness an ‘epidemic’. The British Medical Journal published a report in late 2021 that concluded “problematic levels of loneliness are experienced by a substantial proportion of the population in many countries.”
 Also according to the WHO: worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975 and as late as 2016, 1.9 billion adults were overweight, of which 650 million were obese.
The good news? Both of these trends are preventable and reversible. Third Places are helping to provide people with the outlet they need to improve their situation and find happiness. There is a Third Place emerging in cities across the world that solves both problems and a lot more: Community Gardens. It could be a rooftop in a densely populated city, or a common area just down the road. Community Gardens provide the benefits of “public relaxation” while also teaching the valuable skill of eating healthy. They also provide a source of STEM education for kids.
 
How could Microchip Technology help accelerate the growth of Third Places like Community Gardens?
 
Links from the episode:
 
 
Guests: 
Ross Satchell 
Toby Sinkinson 

Episode 008 - Embedded Control in Medical Devices and the COVID-19 Global Pandemic

COVID-19 impacted the world. In December of 2019 news reports out of Wuhan, the capital of Central China's Hubei province, detailed the emergence of an atypical pneumonia-like illness that did not respond well to standard treatments. By January 2020 world health officials had identified the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. By February 2020 the World Health Organization had declared the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and by March 2020 the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. By April 2020, more than 1 million cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed worldwide. Fast forward to 2023, as of late October there have been over 770 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 - almost 10% of the global population.
 
But it could have been much, much worse.   
 
During the earliest days of the pandemic, hospital systems were flooded with patients and they simply didn't have the capacity to handle the burden of a global population fighting a mysterious new respiratory illness. Supplies were dwindling and they simply could not get enough of the critical devices they needed to treat their patients. While the world was on lockdown scooping up all the webcams and laptop computers it could find, medical device manufacturers were scrambling to keep people alive. 
 
How did Microchip Technology help hospitals fight the COVID-19 pandemic?
 
Links from the episode:
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices/covid-19-emergency-use-authorizations-medical-devices
 
Guests:
Justin Wilson 

Episode 007 - Sensors, Microcontrollers, and Water Conservation in Smart Agriculture

Water is the most precious substance on earth and a primary building block of life. Humans can’t live more than a few days without it. Yet in order to grow, cultivate, process, and transport our food, we waste a tremendous amount of it. So much so that we need to pull more of it out of the ground just to satisfy our agricultural needs, making matters worse. A report in the June 2023 issue of Geophysical Research Letters indicates that depletion of groundwater was a significant contributor to sea level and climate change. The majority of the southwestern United States, northern Australia, most of the South American continent, all of Northern Africa and the Middle East and parts of western Asia are in perennial drought. We need water to live, yet we also need water to make the food we rely on to live; and we never seem to have enough of it.
Why the tradeoff? Why so much waste?
Is there a way to reduce our consumption of water with integrated circuits and AI? 
How could Microchip Technology help conserve our most precious resource?
 
Links from the episode:
 
 
Guests: 
Ross Satchell 
Toby Sinkinson