By now the whole world knows about NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity’s recent touchdown on the red planet. As engineers, our own ‘curiosity’ makes us want to know more about the technology used in this amazing piece of kit.
While a bill of materials is not exactly forthcoming, Crane Aerospace & Electronics was eager to boast that its Interpoint DC-DC converter and EMI filter modules were onboard Curiosity when it landed on the Gale Crater.
Curiosity’s goal is not to find Martian life, but rather to seek out carbon-based organic compounds that are the building blocks of life, and then to determine whether the Gale Crater landing site was ever suitable for creatures. The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on 26 November 2011 via an Atlas V rocket, and landed more than eight months later on 6 August 2012.
Crane supports Curiosity with nine different Interpoint DC-DC converter and EMI filter families including the SMFLHP, SMRT, SMHF and SFME. The converters are designed for the demanding environments in space, defence, aerospace and industrial applications. The EMI filters complement the converters, simplifying system compliance to MIL-STD-461 and other demanding requirements.
SIGLENT launches new 8 GHz DSO Vepac Electronics
Test & Measurement
SIGLENT has unveiled the enhanced SDS7000A/AP models, building on the success of its SDS7000A high-resolution digital oscilloscope series.
Read more...From the Editor's desk: Growth through inclusivity Technews Publishing
News
As the engineering fields in South Africa continue to make progress toward gender equality, we are finally starting to see the presence and contribution of women in engineering and industrial roles.
Read more...KITE 2025 proves its value
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as KwaZulu-Natal’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Read more...DMASS experiences continued slowdown
News
The European electronic components distribution market continued its downward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by DMASS.
Read more...World-first zero second grid-to-backup power switch
News
JSE-listed cable manufacturer, South Ocean Electric Wire, has completed a solar installation it says marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...Cobots for opto production line
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...Mission-critical RF transceiver Vepac Electronics
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Iris SQN9506 from Sequans Communications is a wide-band RF transceiver that operates from 220 MHz to 7,125 GHz.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.