Convert signals to proper logic levels - Sustainablity Analysis 

EDN, Abel Raynus, Armatron International Inc, Malden, MA:

http://www.edn.com/contents/images/6632370.pdf

 Energy is the most essential resource for life to exist.  Every living thing uses energy in order to maintain subsistence. 

The United States remains one of the richest resource nations in the World.  With an increase of resources at the beginning of the 20^th century, the United States dramatically increased its energy consumption [1].  This design idea utilizes several different approaches for converting signals to appropriate logic levels.  Each method requires a different amount of energy consumption. 

The first and second methods use an op amp or a comparator to achieve the conversion.  Some examples commonly used are the LM741 and the LM339.  Their power consumption, according to their datasheets, have typical values of 50mW and 1050mW, respectively.  These numbers are sufficiently small, but when you look at how many electronic devices use op amps and the number of other components that consume power, the power consumption increases exponentially.           

The energy that we dissipate must go somewhere.  The environment pays the biggest price for our electronic lives of luxury.  According to E-World Recyclers, “About 57 million computers and televisions are sold in the U.S. annually.” Each one of those devices contains op amps and most contain microcontrollers.  This design idea directly impacts the amount of electronics sold each year.  The need to “keep up’’ or “upgrade” our electronics means that we constantly replace the old and bring in the new.  Electronic devices, such as a VCR or television, turn into E-Waste when they no longer work.  E-Waste contains Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and many other harmful toxins.  When electronic devices are not properly disposed of, these toxins are released into the air, our water supply, and even our food.  Individually, this design idea doesn’t have a huge impact on the amount of E-waste.  But, as a bigger picture, this design idea directly impacts the electronics that are made into E-waste. 

Knowing the huge negative impact that E-waste produces, one must question the social equity involved in designing new electronics.  What justice are we doing to ourselves and to our other Earth inhabitants by creating more waste?  Well, the economy goes hand and hand with social equity.  The amount money involved with electronics is tremendous.  We pay hundreds of dollars for a new laptop while the corporations gain billions.  Why should they stop or even change their views on electronics when the industry has boomed so well?  There is no “real” negative effect in this country besides being broke.   This design idea leads into a greater discussion of the future of this world, and it all starts with 50 to 1050mW of power.  That power then leads to Energy.

Energy is the most essential resource for life to exist.  Every living thing uses energy in order to maintain subsistence.   

[1] History of Energy in the United States: 1635-2000 :

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/aer/eh/frame.html

[2] E-World Recyclers, What is E-Waste :

http://www.eworldrecyclers.com/index.php?page=toxicmaterials&menu=whatisewaste

[3] Shippensburg University: What is Social Equity :

http://www.ship.edu/admin/social_equity/whatis.html