��ݮ��Ƶ Blog

What Are Embedded Systems?

bdaniel@trentonsystems.com (Brett Daniel) — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 21:01:41 GMT

Photo: Discover whether an embedded system is right for your program or application.

As the demand for faster and more efficient high-performance computers increases, the dimensions of the form factors that contain them continue to decrease.

For years now, computer engineers have been assigned the challenging task of incorporating increasingly powerful computers into and onto increasingly smaller chassis and printed circuit boards (PCBs), mainly to satisfy a growing demand for more reliable, affordable, size-conscious, energy-efficient, and cost-effective computer systems.

It's why we continue to see boundary-pushing size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) developments within the world of embedded systems.

In this blog post, we're diving into that very world.

What is a LAN Port (Local Area Network)?

bdaniel@trentonsystems.com (Brett Daniel) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 21:54:37 GMT

Consumer: What in the world is going on with this phone jack on the back of my PC? I've been trying to connect the phone cable to it but with no luck. I've got to get connected today!

Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Encryption: What's the Difference?

bdaniel@trentonsystems.com (Brett Daniel) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:33:33 GMT

Graphic: In this blog post, we discuss the differences between symmetric encryption, a single-key encryption technique, and asymmetric encryption, also known as public-key cryptography, which uses private- and public-key pairs of encryption keys.

To transmit a key or not to transmit a key. That is the question.

There are two main forms of data encryption in use today: symmetric encryption and asymmetric encryption. Every day, when you're using your web browser, responding to emails, submitting website forms, and other activities, symmetric and asymmetric encryption processes are happening, sometimes unbeknownst to you. You may also be familiar with symmetric and asymmetric encryption because you have experience with OpenSSL, key management services, or maybe you've sent an encrypted email or encrypted a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF file with a password before.

It's important to understand the differences between symmetric and asymmetric encryption and how these security technologies work in the everyday secure transfer of communications. You'll know what these terms mean when you see them, and you'll also be knowledgeable of how they work, their various iterations, aware of their capabilities, and know which is more advisable to implement with regard to securing and authenticating the origin of sensitive information.

In this blog post, we'll discuss the differences between symmetric and asymmetric encryption. At the end, we'll summarize these differences and discuss related encryption options for securing your sensitive data.

What is BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)?

Christopher Trick — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:29:49 GMT

Right after a computer is turned on, it is important to make sure that there are no issues with hardware that could potentially compromise the computer's functionality.

In this blog, you'll learn more about what BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is and why it is an integral part of the booting process to ensure effective, secure operation.

RAID Levels 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10 & RAID Types (Software vs. Hardware)

bdaniel@trentonsystems.com (Brett Daniel) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:56:12 GMT

Photo: There are a bunch of RAID levels, so many, in fact, that it can be a challenge to distinguish between the differences and benefits of each. In this blog post, we'll discuss a few common RAID levels, highlighting both their differences and benefits.

Update 05/05/2020: Check out our blog post on JBOD vs. RAID to learn more about RAID and how it relates to JBOD enclosures.

When choosing a RAID level for your storage array, it’s important to consider what you value most: speed, fault tolerance or both.

What is a Heat Sink, and How Does it Work?

Christopher Trick — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:50:03 GMT

A computer's CPU (central processing unit) is often prone to overheating because some of its components overheat, posing risks to the entire computer's functionality.

In this blog, you'll learn how heat sinks help protect your computer's CPU from overheating, ensuring maximum efficiency and the protection of critical parts and components.

What is an SFP (Small Form Factor Pluggable) Port?

bdaniel@trentonsystems.com (Brett Daniel) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:46:25 GMT

Photo: In this blog post, we'll discuss what SFP ports are, as well as answer frequently asked questions about them.

UPDATE 5/8/2020: Can't get enough ports? Check out: What is a LAN port?

If you've ever had to connect devices using copper or fiber optic cables, you've probably encountered an SFP port.

What is PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)?

Christopher Trick — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:44:23 GMT

In addition to standard motherboard components, computers often need to be equipped with other parts and components to achieve the desired functionality.

In this blog, you'll learn more about what PCIe is, the different components, and how it helps enhance a computer's capabilities to maximize efficiency at the edge.

PCIe Gen 4 vs. Gen 3 Slots, Speeds

bdaniel@trentonsystems.com (Brett Daniel) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:36:33 GMT

Photo: In this blog post, we'll go over the differences between PCIe Gen 4 and PCIe Gen 3. We'll also discuss whether it's time for an upgrade.

Table of Contents

What is PCI Express?
How fast is PCIe 4.0 vs. PCIe 3.0?
Are PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0 backward and forward compatible?
How does PCIe 4.0 influence SSD and GPU selection?
Is upgrading to PCIe 4.0 worth it?

Make no mistake, PCIe 4.0 is twice as fast as PCIe 3.0.

But whether it’s time to upgrade your hardware to support PCIe Gen 4 is a different matter altogether.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the speed differences between both generations and address backward and forward compatibility.

Then, we’ll touch on whether upgrading is right for you.

You can read more about PCI Express, how it works and its previous generations below, or you can skip right to the speed differences between PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 3.0.

What is an IP67 Rating?

Christopher Trick — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:10:37 GMT

Many devices have an IP rating to show that they are protected against dust and water, which can often impede operational abilities and lead to system failures.

In this blog, you'll learn more about the importance of obtaining an IP67 rating to ensure optimal performance and maximize customer satisfaction.