Innovation and safety common thread D&E 2022

Innovation and safety were central during the Design Automation and Embedded Systems event on May 17 in Evoluon Eindhoven. D&E specialists from all over the country visited the City of Light to update their knowledge and network with colleagues. And it didn't stop at theory: visitors could enter the hall live view the latest gadgets in the D&E field and sometimes try them out in the exhibitors' stands.

Visitors responded enthusiastically to the varied lecture program and the progressive stands. Plenary speaker Peer Kalk, Chief Electronics at Hydromotion, kicked off the day with a presentation about the Hydromotion. This hydrogen-based flying boat is a Dutch invention that is attracting international attention. Kalk allowed his audience to take a look at the electronics under the hood of the innovative boat that has the potential to turn the maritime world upside down.

Innovation: from printed circuit boards to VHDL
Other speakers also did not shy away from complex technical topics. Würth Elektronik explained the importance of selecting the right antenna during the design process of an IoT device, while competitor TOP Electronics looked specifically at the antenna specifications and challenges. Sometimes there is no fixed power supply to an IoT device. In that case, a lithium battery offers a solution. Elincom electronics explained more about this and specifically discussed the selection of the right batteries.

The presentations by AQC and Eurocircuits zoomed in on the design of a printed circuit board. Eurocircuits explained the importance of a good layout and AQC talked about LMPA (low melting point alloys) that are used to attach components to the PCBs. Finally, two lectures on a much-discussed topic within the electronics industry: FPGA. CoreVision provided a clear overview of the added value of FPGAs in applications, while Alten explained how you can control VHDL programming language as effectively as possible.

Safety risks are often underestimated
Also the safety of embedded systems in software and hardware was an important theme during the event. Both the benefits and pitfalls of IoT applications were discussed during the lectures, each from a different perspective. Plenary speaker Ronald Heil from KPMG managed to wake up his audience during his presentation about the safety of operational technology. Recent examples of hacking attacks on the industry made this clear again cybersecurity should be a priority for any company dealing with embedded systems works.   

View replays
Were you not able to come by, but has your curiosity been aroused? Replays of all presentations are available through this link.

The D&E event 2022 was an inspiring day. We hope to meet you again next year

See you during D&E 2023!