Tips
4 scrappy tips I use to survive cellular deadzones when I travel
Summary Be sure to cache offline maps, bookings, and itineraries not just for the places you’re headed, but anywhere cell signal might be weak or absent. Download any music, videos, and podcasts you might want well in advance of any trip. Don’t overload your storage, but don’t give yourself too little content to stave off…
How often should you expect to replace your headset, keyboard, or mouse — buying tips for picking longer-lasting gear
A couple of weeks ago, my colleague Matt Safford showed up to our morning meeting wearing half a headset. “Guess what,” he announced. “My headset — the one that I only use for these meetings — just snapped in half. While I was wearing it.” I asked if he’d been putting it on, or fiddling…
What is a USB Flash Drive? Specs, Care & Tips
A reliable storage solution is essential for everyone because we live in a fast-paced digital era. A USB flash drive is one of the most popular and versatile modern devices. These handy devices help us organize files and data for personal, academic, and professional use. This guide will cover what is a USB flash drive? It’s…
Power Tips #144: Designing an efficient, cost-effective micro DC/DC converter with high output accuracy for automotive applications
The ongoing electrification of cars brings new trends and requirements with every new design cycle. One trend for battery electric vehicles is reducing the size of the low-voltage batteries, which power either 12-V or 48-V systems. Some auto manufacturers are even investigating whether it’s possible to eliminate low-voltage batteries completely. Regardless, you’ll need isolated high-…
Tips For Running Competitor Campaigns In Paid Search
Paid search professionals constantly debate the merits of running paid search campaigns bidding on competitor brand names. Questions such as the following may arise: Is bidding on your competitors ethical? Are the high costs-per-click (CPCs) worth spending the budget on? Are you actually reaching people with buying intent? In this article, I’ll talk through answers…
9 Best Hotel Rewards Programs for Elevating Your Next Stay
Joining a hotel’s rewards program can feel like being admitted to an exclusive club. By frequently staying at a particular brand’s hotels, you can accrue points that are redeemable for all kinds of perks, including free or low-cost room upgrades, a meal on the house, and even a free night’s stay. Choosing the best hotel…
Power Tips #143: Tips for keeping the power converter cool in automotive USB PD applications
Today’s car buyers, whether purchasing premium or economy models, expect to charge multiple devices simultaneously through in-vehicle USB ports. To meet this demand, automakers are replacing legacy USB Type-A ports with multiple USB Type-C ports that support the latest USB power delivery (PD) standards. These standards enable significantly higher power levels—up to 48 V and…
PCB design tips for EMI and thermal management in 800G systems
As the industry accelerates toward 800G Ethernet and optical interconnects, engineers face new challenges in managing electromagnetic interference (EMI) while ensuring signal integrity at unprecedented speeds. The transition to 112G pulse amplitude modulation 4-level (PAM4) SerDes introduces faster edge rates and dense spectral content, elevating the risk of radiated and conducted emissions. Simultaneously, compact module…
4 tips I use for the best Dolby Atmos surround sound
Summary When setting up a Dolby Atmos system, position your TV along the center of a wall, and don’t be afraid to mount one or more speakers if it helps with their placement. Spending more upfront may actually save you money in the long run, eliminating the need to upgrade or expand your home theater…
30 Seconds to Impress: 8 Expert Tips to Ensure Your Portfolio Gets Noticed
Let’s talk about something painful, yet incredibly important: Your portfolio. Yeah, that carefully curated collection of your best work. The one you’ve probably spent way too many late nights perfecting. But, here’s the kicker—most people won’t even look at it for longer than 30 seconds before deciding if you’re worth their time. Ouch, right? You…