Topic: Circuit and Device Engineering

The most expensive items on Amazon

We went through each of Amazon's departments looking for the most expensive item. Here's what we found. 

Why Robert Noyce should have won two Nobel Prizes, but didn't

Robert Noyce, the co-inventor of the microchip, could have won a Nobel Prize on two different occasions, but didn't. For Robert Noyce, it was a case of bad timing and bad advice.

Cracker-size satellites to launch with Space Shuttle Endeavour

Cracker-size satellites are to launch with the Space Shuttle Endeavour, advancing efforts to populate the Earth's orbit with tiny 'space-chips.'

E-fabric spools bring bullet-proof watches, paper-thin batteries

E-fabric, etched and layered with microscopic electronics, could bring bullet-proof watches on every soldier's wrist and a light in every African hut.

Five new technologies that will change the world

Five forms of new technology that can change the world: From the computer that beats humans on "Jeopardy!" to cellphone apps for African pick-and-hoe farmers, to satellites that spy on human rights abusers.

Small is big: a cellphone chip that allows monthly battery charge

When small is big: Tinier chips demand less energy and could produce a cellphone that needs a battery charge only once a month.

South Korean tech companies pick up slack left by Japan

The global high-tech industry is suffering significant production losses as Japan's dominant semiconductor manufacturers struggle to resume operations. South Korean firms are moving to fill the void.

Don't chase analog chip stocks!

After the merger of Texas Instruments and National Semiconductor, it may be tempting to invest in analog chips, but it's not likely to pay off

Are 'quantum dots' the future of TV screens?

New 'quantum dots' displays show full-color picture from a bendable material.

American Innovation: 13 Born-in-the-USA inventions

There is a long history of innovation in America's relatively short existence; from lone inventors experimenting in garages to collaborating and competing with international scientists. Many of the following 13 inventions have become fixtures in daily life.

Top 5 'rare earth' minerals: What are they?

The so-called 'rare earths' are neither rare nor does China have a lock on them. The following five rare earth elements are used in daily life.

Renewable energy pioneer wins prestigious technology prize

Swiss scientist Michael Graetzel won the 2010 Millennium Technology Prize for his work on inexpensive solar cells for renewable energy projects.

Google joins up with Sony, Intel & Logitech for interactive TV plan

Google plans to combine web surfing with channel surfing on televisions, along with Sony, Intel and Logitech International, this fall.

Inventing American jobs: How small steps become big industries

Innovation is necessary to build new jobs to replace those lost in the recession. So how do you innovate? Consider the integrated circuit. It was just a matter of taking the next logical step.

On the road to better solar panels

Christianity in a Chinese workplace? For some.

A strategic semiconductor firm gets leeway on promoting faith in its halls.

What comes after silicon?

As computer chips get faster, normal materials may not keep up – physics won’t allow it.

Smaller Computers

Ultracapacitors: the future of electric cars or the 'cold fusion' of autovation?

ZENN Motors says its electric car will cruise for 250 miles on a single five-minute charge. Skeptics cry shenanigans.

Ultracapacitors: the future of electric cars or the 'cold fusion' of autovation?

ZENN Motors says its electric car will cruise for 250 miles on a single five-minute charge. Skeptics cry shenanigans.

On the horizon: News from the frontiers of science

Hydrogen fuel balls for cars; disappearing tropical frogs; a new generation of smaller, faster computers.