Smart Meters and Super Smart Babies
Vipin Bothra, Director of Market Development at STMicroelectronics, explains the technical evolution of smart meters, focusing on the shift toward higher accuracy (0.2%) and power quality measurement (harmonics, power factor) driven by regulatory and grid efficiency demands. He details how semiconductor trends, such as integrated sigma-delta converters with isolation barriers and high-voltage power management devices (up to 1700V), enable these capabilities while managing noise and cost. The episode also features musician Dani Rabin of the band Marvin, who discusses his philosophy on improvisation, emphasizing the importance of physical practice and live testing over purely analytical study to develop a unique musical voice.