“Every mammal on this planet, instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment. But you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply- and multiply until every natural resource is consumed. The only way you can survive is to spread to another area.” – The Matrix Hugo Weaving’s Mr. Smith lectures Lawrence Fishburne’s Morpheus in The Matrix on humanity’s fatal flaw. While history may paint a negative picture of our efforts, the future looks bright. That future is sustainability, a paradigm shift that promises to reshape our relationship with the environment and the resources we consume. This vision of sustainability is not just about preserving nature; it's about creating a healthier, more resilient world for future generations. The components of sustainability in the tech world include energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable product design, and employee engagement. Energy efficiency: companies can optimize manufacturing processes to reduce energy consumption and developing products that are more energy-efficient to cut down operational costs and reduce the impact on the environmental impact. Waste reduction: comprehensive recycling programs, reducing material usage, and improving manufacturing processes, companies can minimize the environmental footprint of their operations and products. Water conservation: Implementing measures to recycle and reuse water to a point where every drop could be recaptured and reused. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: This is where the bulk of the efforts can yield real benefits to lower carbon footprints, and reduce/reuse/recycle with ambitious goals of net-zero by 2040. Sustainable product design: there is a fine balance between creating energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products that meet regulatory standards and customer expectations, while also generating a reasonable rate of return for stakeholders. Employee engagement: Encouraging employees to participate in sustainability programs and providing training and resources to support those practices keep the environment front of mind while also pursuing the business of business. One company that exemplifies these principles is Microchip Technology. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their comprehensive approach, known as Microchip 360° Sustainability. This includes energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their products, such as the PD77728 and PD-70228 ICs, are designed with the lowest power consumption in mind, and their packaging is 100% recyclable, PVC-free, halogen-free, and compliant with ROHS and REACH standards. The GS series of midspans takes this even further with improvements in key areas. Microchip’s dedication to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. Forbes recently named them a Net Zero Leader, ranking them #6 on the list. This recognition highlights their leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Companies like Microchip are taking real, tangible actions to protect the environment, conserve resources, and minimize waste.   How can Microchip Technology show real leadership in driving sustainability for future generations?   Links from the episode: Microchip's Commitment to Sustainability: Operational Excellence and Innovative Customer Solutions | Microchip Technology microchip.com/poe   Guest: Alan Zwiren

“Every mammal on this planet, instinctively develops a natural equilibrium with the surrounding environment. But you humans do not. You move to an area and you multiply- and multiply until every natural resource is consumed. The only way you can survive is to spread to another area.” – The Matrix Hugo Weaving’s Mr. Smith lectures Lawrence Fishburne’s Morpheus in The Matrix on humanity’s fatal flaw. While history may paint a negative picture of our efforts, the future looks bright. That future is sustainability, a paradigm shift that promises to reshape our relationship with the environment and the resources we consume. This vision of sustainability is not just about preserving nature; it's about creating a healthier, more resilient world for future generations. The components of sustainability in the tech world include energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable product design, and employee engagement. Energy efficiency: companies can optimize manufacturing processes to reduce energy consumption and developing products that are more energy-efficient to cut down operational costs and reduce the impact on the environmental impact. Waste reduction: comprehensive recycling programs, reducing material usage, and improving manufacturing processes, companies can minimize the environmental footprint of their operations and products. Water conservation: Implementing measures to recycle and reuse water to a point where every drop could be recaptured and reused. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: This is where the bulk of the efforts can yield real benefits to lower carbon footprints, and reduce/reuse/recycle with ambitious goals of net-zero by 2040. Sustainable product design: there is a fine balance between creating energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products that meet regulatory standards and customer expectations, while also generating a reasonable rate of return for stakeholders. Employee engagement: Encouraging employees to participate in sustainability programs and providing training and resources to support those practices keep the environment front of mind while also pursuing the business of business. One company that exemplifies these principles is Microchip Technology. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their comprehensive approach, known as Microchip 360° Sustainability. This includes energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their products, such as the PD77728 and PD-70228 ICs, are designed with the lowest power consumption in mind, and their packaging is 100% recyclable, PVC-free, halogen-free, and compliant with ROHS and REACH standards. The GS series of midspans takes this even further with improvements in key areas. Microchip’s dedication to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. Forbes recently named them a Net Zero Leader, ranking them #6 on the list. This recognition highlights their leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Companies like Microchip are taking real, tangible actions to protect the environment, conserve resources, and minimize waste.   How can Microchip Technology show real leadership in driving sustainability for future generations?   Links from the episode: Microchip's Commitment to Sustainability: Operational Excellence and Innovative Customer Solutions | Microchip Technology microchip.com/poe   Guest: Alan Zwiren

Arduino. Founded in Italy twenty years ago by a group of visionary educators and engineers, Arduino was born out of a desire to democratize electronics and make it accessible to everyone. Named after a bar in Ivrea, the platform started with hand-assembled circuit boards for students at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea (IDII). The founders—Massimo Banzi, David Cuartielles, David Mellis, Tom Igoe, and Gianluca Martino—made key decisions to keep the hardware and software open-source, ensuring that anyone could learn, create, and innovate.   The result is… a world where anyone, regardless of their technical background, can create electronic projects that once seemed out of reach. This is the world that Arduino has made possible.   The significance of Arduino extends far beyond its technical specifications. It has lowered barriers of entry, making electronics affordable and accessible. Its massive open-source community fosters sharing and innovation, sparking the Maker movement and encouraging creation over consumption. Arduino has become a platform, bridging disciplines like art, design, engineering, and computer science, and enabling rapid prototyping. Its impact is felt in education, product development, and the philosophy of technology accessibility.   Arduino has inspired a global movement, empowering hobbyists, students, artists, and professionals to bring their ideas to life. It has influenced modern IoT and smart devices, proving that with the right tools, anyone can be an innovator. Arduino's choice of the AVR ATmega168 and later the ATmega328P microcontrollers was pivotal. These microcontrollers offered a balance of performance, cost, and ease of use, featuring 8-bit architecture, flash memory, SRAM, EEPROM, and built-in peripherals like timers, ADC, PWM, UART, SPI, and I2C. This made them ideal for a wide range of applications, from simple projects to complex prototypes.   What happens next is anybody’s guess, but the frontiers spawned by the Shockley’s and Moore’s of the world, with their advanced educations and access to vast amounts of capital, are giving way to the kid in their bedroom, tinkering with a board and a laptop, intent on building a thing – turning their imagination into reality through simple advancements in integrated circuits, sensors, and open-source software.   How can Microchip Technology fuel the ethos of the Do-It-Yourself Maker movement?

Arduino. Founded in Italy twenty years ago by a group of visionary educators and engineers, Arduino was born out of a desire to democratize electronics and make it accessible to everyone. Named after a bar in Ivrea, the platform started with hand-assembled circuit boards for students at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea (IDII). The founders—Massimo Banzi, David Cuartielles, David Mellis, Tom Igoe, and Gianluca Martino—made key decisions to keep the hardware and software open-source, ensuring that anyone could learn, create, and innovate.   The result is… a world where anyone, regardless of their technical background, can create electronic projects that once seemed out of reach. This is the world that Arduino has made possible.   The significance of Arduino extends far beyond its technical specifications. It has lowered barriers of entry, making electronics affordable and accessible. Its massive open-source community fosters sharing and innovation, sparking the Maker movement and encouraging creation over consumption. Arduino has become a platform, bridging disciplines like art, design, engineering, and computer science, and enabling rapid prototyping. Its impact is felt in education, product development, and the philosophy of technology accessibility.   Arduino has inspired a global movement, empowering hobbyists, students, artists, and professionals to bring their ideas to life. It has influenced modern IoT and smart devices, proving that with the right tools, anyone can be an innovator. Arduino's choice of the AVR ATmega168 and later the ATmega328P microcontrollers was pivotal. These microcontrollers offered a balance of performance, cost, and ease of use, featuring 8-bit architecture, flash memory, SRAM, EEPROM, and built-in peripherals like timers, ADC, PWM, UART, SPI, and I2C. This made them ideal for a wide range of applications, from simple projects to complex prototypes.   What happens next is anybody’s guess, but the frontiers spawned by the Shockley’s and Moore’s of the world, with their advanced educations and access to vast amounts of capital, are giving way to the kid in their bedroom, tinkering with a board and a laptop, intent on building a thing – turning their imagination into reality through simple advancements in integrated circuits, sensors, and open-source software.   How can Microchip Technology fuel the ethos of the Do-It-Yourself Maker movement?

The relationship between generations often shapes the trajectory of careers, with parents serving as role models, mentors, and sources of inspiration for their sons and daughters. Whether through direct guidance, inherited talent, or the values instilled during upbringing, the influence of one generation on the next can lead to extraordinary achievements. Across sports, entertainment, and politics, certain parent-child duos have exemplified how legacies are built and carried forward. Whether the Griffeys and Earnhardts in sports, the Douglases and Sheens in entertainment, or the Bushes and Adamses in politics, the bonds forged between generations can create lasting impact for the world. But that dynamic is not exclusive to blood, often shared interests in fields like robotics can forge relationships that last a lifetime.   FIRST, F-I-R-S-T (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Kamen envisioned a program that would make STEM as exciting as sports, fostering innovation, teamwork, and leadership. The inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) was held in 1992 with 28 teams, challenging high school students to design, build, and program robots for competition. Over the years, FIRST expanded its programs to include groups of all ages. Today, FIRST serves hundreds of thousands of students annually across more than 100 countries, offering hands-on robotics challenges that emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Through partnerships with corporations, schools, and governments, FIRST has become a global movement, inspiring students to pursue STEM careers and shifting cultural perceptions to celebrate science and technology… alongside sports and entertainment. Here in Arizona, we have AZ FIRST, which is a chapter founded by Microchip CEO Steve Sanghi. Steve's journey of extending Kamen's vision started in 2002 as a regional organization supporting and promoting FIRST Robotics programs in Arizona. It serves as a hub for organizing events, securing resources, and encouraging collaboration among teams across the state. AZ FIRST hosts annual competitions, including the Arizona Regional for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), and works to expand access to STEM education through outreach and mentorship. One key part of Microchip’s involvement in AZ FIRST is the participation of its employees as mentors and advisors. In some cases, multiple generations of mentorship, like the story you’re about to hear today. As we reflect on the profound impact of generational influence—whether through family legacies or initiatives like FIRST—it becomes clear that the future is shaped by the connections we make today. They remind us that success is not just about individual achievement; it’s about creating opportunities for those who come after. Looking ahead, the call to action is simple yet powerful: find a way to engage with the next generation. Mentor, inspire, and invest in their potential. Whether through STEM programs, community outreach, or simply leading by example; by empowering young minds to dream big and equipping them with the tools to succeed, we ensure that innovation, leadership, and progress continue to thrive. The future is bright, and it belongs to those who dare to build it.   How can Microchip Technology promote and strengthen these generational legacies?

The relationship between generations often shapes the trajectory of careers, with parents serving as role models, mentors, and sources of inspiration for their sons and daughters. Whether through direct guidance, inherited talent, or the values instilled during upbringing, the influence of one generation on the next can lead to extraordinary achievements. Across sports, entertainment, and politics, certain parent-child duos have exemplified how legacies are built and carried forward. Whether the Griffeys and Earnhardts in sports, the Douglases and Sheens in entertainment, or the Bushes and Adamses in politics, the bonds forged between generations can create lasting impact for the world. But that dynamic is not exclusive to blood, often shared interests in fields like robotics can forge relationships that last a lifetime.   FIRST, F-I-R-S-T (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by inventor Dean Kamen to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Kamen envisioned a program that would make STEM as exciting as sports, fostering innovation, teamwork, and leadership. The inaugural FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) was held in 1992 with 28 teams, challenging high school students to design, build, and program robots for competition. Over the years, FIRST expanded its programs to include groups of all ages. Today, FIRST serves hundreds of thousands of students annually across more than 100 countries, offering hands-on robotics challenges that emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Through partnerships with corporations, schools, and governments, FIRST has become a global movement, inspiring students to pursue STEM careers and shifting cultural perceptions to celebrate science and technology… alongside sports and entertainment. Here in Arizona, we have AZ FIRST, which is a chapter founded by Microchip CEO Steve Sanghi. Steve's journey of extending Kamen's vision started in 2002 as a regional organization supporting and promoting FIRST Robotics programs in Arizona. It serves as a hub for organizing events, securing resources, and encouraging collaboration among teams across the state. AZ FIRST hosts annual competitions, including the Arizona Regional for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), and works to expand access to STEM education through outreach and mentorship. One key part of Microchip’s involvement in AZ FIRST is the participation of its employees as mentors and advisors. In some cases, multiple generations of mentorship, like the story you’re about to hear today. As we reflect on the profound impact of generational influence—whether through family legacies or initiatives like FIRST—it becomes clear that the future is shaped by the connections we make today. They remind us that success is not just about individual achievement; it’s about creating opportunities for those who come after. Looking ahead, the call to action is simple yet powerful: find a way to engage with the next generation. Mentor, inspire, and invest in their potential. Whether through STEM programs, community outreach, or simply leading by example; by empowering young minds to dream big and equipping them with the tools to succeed, we ensure that innovation, leadership, and progress continue to thrive. The future is bright, and it belongs to those who dare to build it.   How can Microchip Technology promote and strengthen these generational legacies?  

You’ve probably seen the photo.   "Earthrise" is one of the most significant photographs in the history of human civilization, and certainly the most iconic in space exploration. Taken by astronaut William Anders during the Apollo 8 mission, the first crewed mission to orbit the Moon, on December 24, 1968, this photograph captured the imagination of the world.   The image itself is remarkably simple, yet its impact was immediate and profound. It shows the Earth rising above the lunar horizon, with our planet's blue and white colors standing out against the stark, barren surface of the Moon, all surrounded by the black vacuum of space. Our little blue dot, floating in the vastness of the cosmos.   Fast forward to today, and we have thousands of satellites in orbit, looking back at us. These satellites perform a variety of critical tasks, from positioning, navigation, and timing to telecommunications. But above all else, they continue the legacy of "Earthrise" by keeping an eye on our planet.   Satellites today are active participants in managing and understanding our planet, monitoring weather, ocean currents, and topographical changes. They track the health of coral reefs, They play crucial roles in agriculture by predicting crop yields, in urban development by aiding city planners, and in disaster response by providing real-time data on natural catastrophes. Additionally, satellites are instrumental in climate science, measuring greenhouse gas concentrations, monitoring polar ice caps, and tracking health of coral reefs. They also contribute to conservation efforts by tracking animal migrations and monitoring endangered species.    —essentially, they take selfies of Earth.   Next time you open up Google Earth or a similar maps application, you’re seeing the result of this advanced photographic technology. But unlike the modified Hasselblad camera used by Anders, today's satellites are far more sophisticated, and their power requirements are much more complex. The first lunar module was famously less powerful than the smartphones we carry in our pockets. When our phones run out of battery, we simply plug them into the wall and wait for recharge.   Satellites, however, face a different challenge entirely.   Space power design is a daunting task. Here on Earth, we can dispatch a service technician to fix issues as they arise. Up there, satellites are on their own. This is where advanced power management and delivery systems come into play, and the need for radiation-tolerant components qualified for space applications becomes critical. These systems must capture energy from solar panels and distribute it efficiently to each function within the spacecraft, often at ever-increasing voltages. There’s no room for error; the components need to be installed and designed right the first time.   In sum, satellites have evolved from simple observational tools to complex systems that provide critical data for a wide range of applications, all aimed at making our lives better and our planet more sustainable. As we continue to push the boundaries of what these incredible machines can do, the importance of reliable and efficient power management systems cannot be overstated.   How can Microchip Technology power and drive the evolution of satellite technology?   Links from the episode: Rad-Hard MOSFET landing page - Radiation-Hardened Power MOSFETs | Microchip Technology Space brochure - Space Solutions Brochure   Guest: Oscar Mansilla

The term "greenwashing" was coined back in 1983 by environmentalist Jay Westerfeld while surfing in Fiji. He later published an essay in 1986 titled "It All Comes Out in the Greenwash," highlighting how companies were making misleading claims about their environmental practices. Fast forward to today, greenwashing has become a sophisticated art form and big business, with some of the world's largest corporations caught in the act.   Whether through misleading marketing in examples like Volkswagen, BP, Nestle, and Fiji Water, or in financial manipulation used by hedge funds and inconsistency among ratings agencies, it’s clear the line between genuine sustainability and greenwashing can often be blurred.   One bright spot in the haze is the emergence of modern building efficiency standards that are re-imagining actual sustainability goals. Standards like LEED, BREEAM, Net Zero Energy Building, and the Living Building Challenge set rigorous criteria for energy efficiency, water conservation, and overall environmental impact. These standards all contribute to a major challenge for sustainability: last-mile power.   "Last mile power" refers to the final stage of the electricity delivery process from the power distribution network to the end user, such as homes, businesses, and other facilities. This term is borrowed from telecommunications, where "last mile" describes the final leg of the network that delivers services to customers. In the context of power delivery, it involves the infrastructure and technologies that ensure electricity reaches its final destination efficiently and reliably.   Greenfield construction projects benefit from these new standards where everything can be designed from scratch, but what about brownfield solutions for the last mile?   That’s where modern technology solutions like power-over-ethernet, or PoE, can make a real impact on efficiency and reliability without resorting to manipulation to achieve sustainability targets. Where simple modifications using existing infrastructure can make a big impact.    How can Microchip Technology prevent greenwashing through real, tangible sustainability solutions?   Links from the episode: www.microchip/com/poe https://www.thesinclairhotel.com/technology    Guests:  Alan Jay Zwiren

  Imagine living in complete comfort - a home that's perfectly warm in winter and delightfully cool in summer, all while your energy bills shrink and your carbon footprint fades. This isn't just a dream; it's what every homeowner and business owner wants: A solution that aligns personal comfort with planetary wellbeing, while keeping more money in their pockets. But here's the challenge we face: traditional heating and cooling systems, which most homes still rely on, are like hungry giants, devouring energy and money with remarkable inefficiency. Gas furnaces burn through fossil fuels, while conventional air conditioners strain electrical grids during peak seasons, especially here in the Phoenix desert. As utility costs soar and climate concerns mount, homeowners find themselves caught between comfort and conscience, between their monthly bills and their environmental impact. The status quo isn't just expensive - it's unsustainable. Enter the heat pump - nature's answer to this modern dilemma. Unlike traditional systems that generate heat through energy-intensive processes, heat pumps perform an elegant dance with natural temperature gradients. They simply move heat from where it isn't wanted to where it is, like a skilled conductor directing an orchestra of comfort. In summer, they guide warm air out of your home; in winter, they extract heat from the outdoor air (yes, even in cold climates) and channel it inside. This natural approach yields remarkable results. For every unit of electricity consumed, heat pumps generate four to five units of heating or cooling energy - an efficiency rate that makes traditional systems look like gas-guzzling relics. They come in various forms: air-source pumps offer an accessible entry point, while geothermal systems tap into the earth's constant temperatures for unmatched efficiency. Water-source variants provide another alternative for homes near suitable water bodies. The transformation is already underway. In the United States, heat pump installations have surpassed traditional gas furnaces in new construction, signaling a shift in how we think about home comfort. As more homeowners discover that they can save money while saving the planet, the momentum only grows. And here's where the story gets even better: the latest generation of heat pumps, powered by silicon carbide technology, pushes these efficiency boundaries even further. In a world grappling with climate change and rising energy costs, heat pumps offer more than just a solution - they provide a path forward. They remind us that sometimes the most powerful answers are the ones that work in harmony with nature, proving that comfort, conscience, and cost savings can coexist beautifully under one roof.   How can Microchip Technology accelerate the benefits of Heat Pump technology to help humans achieve complete comfort?   Links from the episode: www.microchip.com/sic    Guests:  Nitesh Satheesh

“We hold patents on a few gadgets we confiscated from visitors. Velcro, microwave ovens, liposuction.” - Tommy Lee Jones as "K", describing how the Men in Black fund their exploits Very amusing concept for science fiction, but the boundary between space exploration and everyday life blurs in reality, where innovations born in the cold vacuum of space find their way into our homes, transforming how we live and work. This is the story of how necessity in the cosmos became the mother of invention on Earth. Picture working in an environment where temperatures swing from a scorching +250°F in direct sunlight to a bone-chilling -250°F in the shade, where traditional lubricants freeze or evaporate, and where the absence of air means no natural cooling. The solutions developed for these extreme conditions would eventually trickle down to our garages and workshops, spawning not just the cordless drill but an entire family of battery-powered tools that have liberated us from the tyranny of power cords. But the story doesn't end there. These cosmic hand-me-downs represent more than just clever adaptations - they're testament to human ingenuity under the most extreme conditions imaginable. When engineers had to solve problems where failure wasn't an option, up there, they created solutions so robust and versatile that they transformed life, down here, on Earth. Today, as we peer into our garages or kitchen cabinets, we might not immediately see the connection to space exploration. But with each press of the microwave button or squeeze of a drill trigger, we're benefiting from a legacy of innovation that began with humanity's greatest adventure. These everyday tools carry within them the DNA of space exploration, reminding us that sometimes the most practical solutions come from the most extraordinary challenges.   How does Microchip Technology empower innovation up there, so we can enjoy it down here?   This is part 2 of a two-part episode.   Links from the episode: https://www.microchip.com/space   Guests:  Eli Kawam Bill Dillard

“We hold patents on a few gadgets we confiscated from visitors. Velcro, microwave ovens, liposuction.” - Tommy Lee Jones as "K", describing how the Men in Black fund their exploits Very amusing concept for science fiction, but the boundary between space exploration and everyday life blurs in reality, where innovations born in the cold vacuum of space find their way into our homes, transforming how we live and work. This is the story of how necessity in the cosmos became the mother of invention on Earth. Picture working in an environment where temperatures swing from a scorching +250°F in direct sunlight to a bone-chilling -250°F in the shade, where traditional lubricants freeze or evaporate, and where the absence of air means no natural cooling. The solutions developed for these extreme conditions would eventually trickle down to our garages and workshops, spawning not just the cordless drill but an entire family of battery-powered tools that have liberated us from the tyranny of power cords. But the story doesn't end there. These cosmic hand-me-downs represent more than just clever adaptations - they're testament to human ingenuity under the most extreme conditions imaginable. When engineers had to solve problems where failure wasn't an option, up there, they created solutions so robust and versatile that they transformed life, down here, on Earth. Today, as we peer into our garages or kitchen cabinets, we might not immediately see the connection to space exploration. But with each press of the microwave button or squeeze of a drill trigger, we're benefiting from a legacy of innovation that began with humanity's greatest adventure. These everyday tools carry within them the DNA of space exploration, reminding us that sometimes the most practical solutions come from the most extraordinary challenges.   How does Microchip Technology empower innovation up there, so we can enjoy it down here?   This is part 1 of a two-part episode.   Links from the episode: https://www.microchip.com/space   Guests:  Eli Kawam Bill Dillard

Our insatiable appetite for information has gone digital. Once upon a time, knowledge seekers ventured into libraries, thumbing through card catalogs and dusty volumes. Today, we simply speak our questions in the form of a prompt, and artificial minds spring to life with answers. But this convenience comes with a hidden cost - one measured in terawatts. In the sprawling datacenters that power our AI revolution, rows upon rows of servers hum with activity, each query demanding its share of electricity. These digital brains, built on advanced processing chips from companies with trillion-dollar valuations on the stock market, consume power at rates that would make earlier computers blush. Tech giants like the “Magnificent 7” aren't waiting for solutions - they're creating them. Their "Bring Your Own Energy" approach, investing in nuclear power after years of renewable energy projects, signals a recognition that our digital future requires more than just solar panels and wind turbines. The mathematics of our energy future is both simple and staggering. Current datacenter power supplies, even those meeting the stringent 80 Plus Titanium standard with 90% efficiency, still waste enough energy to power small cities. Every percentage point of efficiency gained or lost has massive implications for our planet and our pockets. Enter silicon carbide, a material that promises to revolutionize how we handle power. Like a master conductor leading an orchestra, silicon carbide manages electricity with unprecedented precision and efficiency. Whether it's guiding power from a nuclear plant through an omnidirectional grid or converting it for use in a datacenter server rack, this remarkable semiconductor reduces waste at every step. Think of the power grid as a vast river system. Traditional materials are like leaky canals, losing precious energy along the way. Silicon carbide creates superhighways for electricity, ensuring more power reaches its destination. In the world of datacenters, where every watt counts, this efficiency isn't just an improvement - it's a necessity. As we stand at this crossroads of digital transformation and energy demand, the path forward becomes clear. The answer isn't just about generating more power - it's about using it more intelligently. Silicon carbide technology offers us a way to quench our growing thirst for energy without draining our resources dry. The future we're building, with its artificial intelligence at the helm, demands power on an unprecedented scale. But with innovations like silicon carbide leading the charge, we're not just facing this challenge - we're transforming it into an opportunity for a more efficient, sustainable world.   How can Microchip Technology help prepare us for the future energy demands data centers and AI will require?   Links from the episode: www.microchip.com/sic    Guest: Nitesh Satheesh

On the banks of the Susquehanna River in Columbia County, in the northeast corner of the state of Pennsylvania, just outside the town of Berwick; population 10,355; lies a nuclear power plant. As you drive down route 11, you can see the steam pouring out of its mammoth towers over the tops of the trees. This is the single source of power in the area for a 20-mile radius. That means the 2500 megawatts of power it generates must cover an area of 1300 square miles and convert for every possible need within that geography. Columbia County has a little over 64,000 people. Of all the energy we harvest and generate, we lose more than 2/3rds of it due to transmission, conversion, distribution, and what experts call “rejected”. This may not seem like a big deal in the Pennsylvania countryside but try a metropolis like Manhattan or the entire energy needs of a country like the United States and you’re talking about a hemorrhaging of money and efficiency. One of the pillars of modern society, the power grid, teeters on the brink of obsolescence. In this realm, vast amounts of energy are generated, only to be squandered through inefficiencies, unidirectional flow, passive transformers, and countless conversion points. It is a system that is in danger of outliving its usefulness, struggling to meet the demands of an increasingly electrified world. Recent news stories have highlighted the challenges faced by our aging power infrastructure, as it groans under the weight of the terawatt hours required to power our cities, our transportation, our ever-growing array of personal electronics and smart homes. Don’t forget a little thing called AI. But amidst this landscape of inefficiency and waste, a glimmer of hope emerges. Distributed energy resources, solid-state transformers, and innovative storage solutions, powered by the likes of silicon carbide, offer a path forward. By harnessing these technologies, we can preserve the power we generate, ensuring that as many watts as possible are used to their fullest potential. It’s a world that’s not too far away, but we have a choice: to cling to the vestiges of a bygone era or to embrace the promise of a more efficient, sustainable future. With each passing day, the imperative grows clearer – we must adapt, we must innovate, and we must evolve, for the sake of our planet and the generations to come. As we enter the third wave of silicon carbide, some BIG ideas are propelling what could be a very prosperous future.   How can Microchip Technology help fix the inefficiencies of modern power grids?   Links from the episode:     Guests:  Dr. Kevin Speer

The service station is a staple of America’s love affair with the automobile. Now it’s going away as the rise of electric vehicles and e-mobility takes over for internal combustion engines. How will this transition affect car culture and what’s involved with onboard charging? How can we invert a process that’s over 100 years old?   One little linchpin of the entire process is the gate driver, which helps to make residential charging possible in the fast-growing sector of electric vehicles. Imagine a world where the ritual of visiting the gas station on the corner to refuel your vehicle becomes a distant memory, replaced by the convenience and comfort of charging your electric car in the sanctuary of your own home. This is the world of residential electric vehicle charging, a revolution that promises to transform not only the way we power our vehicles but also the very nature of our relationship with transportation. At the heart of this transformation lies the onboard charger, a marvel of modern engineering that allows your vehicle to accept the 110 or 220 volts of electricity that flow through your home. But the true unsung hero of this story is the Gate Driver, a device capable of operating in astonishing high-voltage environments, like 400-800 volts, converting power through wide band gap technologies like silicon carbide to maximize the efficiency of residential electricity for your vehicle. Recent news stories have highlighted the growing trend of onboard charging and the profound impact it is having on our daily lives. No longer bound by the need to visit a service station, we find ourselves free to reimagine the way we use transportation, from the daily commute to long-distance travel. As we embrace this new era of electric mobility, we face challenges in adapting our infrastructure to meet the growing demand for power. But with each passing day, the pace of innovation accelerates, bringing us closer to a future where the efficiency and convenience of residential charging become the norm, thanks to the unsung heroes like the Gate Driver that make it all possible.   How can Microchip Technology help maintain our love affair with the automobile as we transition to an electric future?   Links from the episode:     Guests:  Geoff Garcia

The Internet of Things is nothing short of a modern miracle. The ability to connect devices across a network and control them remotely, gathering data, performing routine maintenance, and saving countless hours of preparation time and direct human interaction. It gave rise to the need for Smart, Connected, and Secure technology solutions. That’s great for the residential home or the industrial plant across town. Could that level of sophistication and convenience follow us to other places, like, say, the hospital? We are, in fact, living the future today - where a world of medical devices are no longer standalone entities, but interconnected nodes in a vast network known as the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). This digital revolution promises to transform patient care, enabling real-time monitoring, remote diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans. But these utopian dreams of a better health system still have some caveats to be aware of. As we embrace this new frontier, we must also confront the looming threat of cyber insecurity.   In recent years, ransomware attacks have targeted healthcare institutions worldwide, from the WannaCry outbreak that crippled the UK's National Health Service in 2017 to the more recent Ryuk attacks on U.S. hospitals in 2020 like Locky in Los Angeles. According to the HIPAA Journal, “at least 141 hospitals were directly affected by ransomware attacks in 2023” alone where the number of attacks almost doubled since the previous year. These incidents expose the vulnerabilities in our medical device infrastructure, where outdated software and lack of encryption leave patient data and lives at risk. The American Hospital Association describes these not as white-collar crimes, but “threat-to-life crimes” and they can be a life-or-death matter.   Yet, amidst these challenges, there is hope. As technology advances, so too do the solutions for securing IoMT. With the development of purpose-built embedded control technology solutions, we stand on the edge of a new era in connected care. Imagine a future where medical devices not only communicate seamlessly but also protect patient information from the most sophisticated attacks.   How can Microchip Technology strengthen and reinforce the Internet of Medical Things and potentially hold the key to unlocking a brighter, healthier future?   Links from the episode: Smart Medical Solutions | Microchip Technology  CryptoAuthentication™ Secure Key Storage | Microchip Technology    Guests:  Justin Wilson

Picture if you will, a source of energy, so radiant, that it holds the key to our energy future. The sun, a source of limitless potential, emits almost 4 octillion watts of energy every second. That’s a 10 with 26 zeros behind it. If we could harness just a fraction of this power, it would be enough to meet the world's energy needs many times over.   In emerging markets like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Kenya, the race to capture the sun's energy is on. These nations recognize the transformative potential of solar power, not only for their economies but also for the health of our planet. Vietnam aims to generate 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, while Malaysia has set a target of 20% by 2025. In Kenya, the Garissa Solar Power Plant, the largest in East Africa, is already providing clean energy to thousands of homes.   But the path to a solar-powered future is not without its challenges. Efficiency in converting solar energy to electricity remains a hurdle, with current technology capturing only a portion of the sun's potential. However, advancements in materials science and energy storage hold the promise of a brighter tomorrow. As well as embedded control technologies including integrated circuits.   Imagine a world where smart energy grids, powered by the sun, provide clean, affordable electricity to every corner of the globe. A world where the very source of life on Earth also sustains our modern way of living.   How could Microchip Technology help us further embrace the boundless potential of solar power?   Links from the episode:     Guests:  Jay Nagle

Machines that build machines. It’s a curious paradox. Whenever you consider something that builds itself, physically, it could conjure thoughts of an infinity loop or an M.C. Escher painting. The never-ending loop of technology. The extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine, a marvel of modern engineering, etches patterns onto silicon wafers with unparalleled precision, giving birth to the microchips that power our world. A machine so advanced, so intricate, that it holds the power to create the very building blocks of our digital age. It gives birth to the state of the art in semiconductors. Indeed, the future pulled forward to today. As we marvel at the bleeding edge of technology, we often overlook the humble components that make it all possible. Inside every EUV lithography machine, a symphony of legacy technologies plays out, from power management diodes to analog circuits. These unsung heroes, though less glamorous than their cutting-edge counterparts, are the backbone of innovation. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has witnessed the fragility of global semiconductor supply chains. Black swan events have exposed the dangers of over-reliance on a single source, leading to shortages that ripple across industries. It is a stark reminder that the latest and greatest cannot exist without the tried and true. As we navigate this era of rapid technological advancement, let us not forget the importance of balance. The yin and yang of old and new, of leading and lagging-edge, are forever intertwined in the dance of progress. The lead guitar and vocals may provide the memorable moments in your favorite songs, but have you ever heard a song without the drums? Modern architecture can inspire and awe, but ever tried to build a house without a concrete foundation?  Trips to the zoo to visit the tigers provide moments of wonder; what would happen if the protective glass was removed? Remember that next time you marvel at the latest gadget or gizmo. Take a moment to appreciate the unassuming components that make it all possible. For in the grand scheme of innovation, every piece of the puzzle matters, no matter how small, outdated, or seemingly invisible.   How does Microchip Technology provide the critical components for producing Microchip Technology?   Links from the episode:     Guests:  Leon Gross

“Words are the new weapons, satellites the new artillery.” Jonathan Pryce’s villain Elliot Carver says to James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies right before he manipulates a GPS signal to make a British destroyer begin a confrontation with the Chinese military, may seem like the realm of pop culture; the idea of manipulating GPS signals and disrupting communications has long been a staple of spy thrillers like our favorite James Bond films. But while these scenarios make for thrilling entertainment, the reality is far more complex and consequential.   The invisible threads of satellite technology puppet our every move, from the ships traversing vast oceans to the cars navigating city streets. At the heart of this intricate web lies the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a constellation of satellites that provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information to countless devices across the globe.   Recent news stories have highlighted the vulnerabilities of GNSS, from the possibility of signal jamming and spoofing to the potential for widespread disruption in the event of a satellite failure. This isn’t just in movies, a recent book by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius about a Russian space scientist who finds evidence of a system kill switch, that can turn off the Global Positioning System, on which every aspect of U.S. communications, transportation, and our economic lifeline depends on.   These risks are not just the stuff of fiction; they have real-world implications for our increasingly interconnected society.   Fortunately, advancements in alternative positioning and timing systems offer a promising solution. By harnessing the power of ground-based infrastructure, these technologies provide a resilient and secure alternative to satellite-based navigation, ensuring that our critical systems remain operational even in the face of adversity.   How can Microchip Technology help in securing our critical infrastructure, and help world leaders chart a course towards a future where the doomsday scenarios remain firmly in the realm of fiction?   This is part 2 of a two-part episode.   Links from the episode: https://www.microchip.com/clock    Guests:  Greg Wolff

“Words are the new weapons, satellites the new artillery.” Jonathan Pryce’s villain Elliot Carver says to James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies right before he manipulates a GPS signal to make a British destroyer begin a confrontation with the Chinese military, may seem like the realm of pop culture; the idea of manipulating GPS signals and disrupting communications has long been a staple of spy thrillers like our favorite James Bond films. But while these scenarios make for thrilling entertainment, the reality is far more complex and consequential.   The invisible threads of satellite technology puppet our every move, from the ships traversing vast oceans to the cars navigating city streets. At the heart of this intricate web lies the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a constellation of satellites that provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information to countless devices across the globe.   Recent news stories have highlighted the vulnerabilities of GNSS, from the possibility of signal jamming and spoofing to the potential for widespread disruption in the event of a satellite failure. This isn’t just in movies, a recent book by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius about a Russian space scientist who finds evidence of a system kill switch, that can turn off the Global Positioning System, on which every aspect of U.S. communications, transportation, and our economic lifeline depends on.   These risks are not just the stuff of fiction; they have real-world implications for our increasingly interconnected society.   Fortunately, advancements in alternative positioning and timing systems offer a promising solution. By harnessing the power of ground-based infrastructure, these technologies provide a resilient and secure alternative to satellite-based navigation, ensuring that our critical systems remain operational even in the face of adversity.   How can Microchip Technology help in securing our critical infrastructure, and help world leaders chart a course towards a future where the doomsday scenarios remain firmly in the realm of fiction?   This is part 1 of a two-part episode.   Links from the episode: https://www.microchip.com/clock    Guests:  Greg Wolff