Seron Electronics is pleased to announce a new distribution partnership with MilliporeSigma to expand access to Seron Electronics consumables worldwide. Seron Electronics Expands Global Reach Through Partnership with MilliporeSigma MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada life science division of Merck KGaA , is recognized as a prominent player in science and technology. Through this collaboration, MilliporeSigma has added Seron Electronics Consumables  to its extensive catalog, making them readily available to researchers and laboratories across the life sciences community. The partnership introduces the following Seron Electronics products to the MilliporeSigma store: Flat Electrodes (SE.3X Series)  – gold-coated, screen-printed electrodes designed for energy and biosensor research. Thin Film Flexible Electrodes (SE.4X Series)  – biocompatible electrodes for flexible device development and advanced materials testing. Probe Kits (SE.2X Series)  – precision four-line probe measurement tools for conductivity and resistivity characterization. Advancing accessibility and reproducibility in research Expanding through MilliporeSigma represents an important step in Seron Electronics’ mission. By partnering with MilliporeSigma, Seron is extending its reach to provide researchers worldwide with precision tools that accelerate innovation in materials science, biosensing, and energy development. “Our collaboration with MilliporeSigma reinforces Seron Electronics’ commitment to making precision tools more accessible to laboratories across disciplines,”  said a Seron Electronics spokesperson. “This partnership helps bridge the gap between advanced technology and everyday research, enabling faster, more reliable scientific progress.” This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Seron Electronics’ continued growth. Explore Seron Electronics consumables now available on the MilliporeSigma store

In a groundbreaking development, researchers from Seron Electronics and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have unveiled an important advancement in the field of robotics, as detailed in a recent article in Advanced Materials Technologies . This collaboration has led to the enhancement of control systems for thermal artificial muscles, known for their outstanding power and energy density. Central to this innovation is the integration of a robust machine-learning controller, that permits precise position control of these muscles without relying on external sensors. The machine learning model, particularly an ensemble encoder-style neural network, excels in translating desired displacement trajectories into the necessary power inputs. This development effectively equips the artificial muscles with a form of 'muscle memory,' a feature that is set to revolutionize their application in robotics and beyond. A crucial component in this advancement is the Seron Electronics' SE Power Platform. This programmable power platform has been instrumental in providing constant power to the actuator and in seamlessly exciting the actuator with the power profile generated by the machine learning model. The integration of the SE Power Platform has been pivotal in achieving the remarkable precision and efficiency of these enhanced thermal artificial muscles. This leap in technology heralds a new era in robotics, opening doors to enhanced functionality and broader integration of artificial muscles in various applications. The collaborative efforts of Seron Electronics and MIT researchers have paved the way for more sophisticated, efficient, and adaptable robotic systems. Link to the research work: https://doi.org/10.1002/admt.202301769 Link to the SE power platform: Seron Electronics: Programmable Power Platform

Quality assurance testing is essential to ensuring consistency and reliability in electronic components. Yet, many labs still rely on manual, time-consuming processes that are prone to error and difficult to reproduce. At Seron Electronics, we’re redefining what precision and efficiency mean in QA workflows. Our latest case study demonstrates how the SE Power Platform enables a semi-automated LED testing setup—one that delivers faster, more reliable, and highly accurate results. A New Standard for LED Testing In this demonstration, our engineering team designed a compact, data-driven setup to test ten white LEDs under controlled conditions. Using the SE Power Platform in constant voltage mode , the system automatically adjusted voltage levels through a feedback loop connected to a photovoltaic sensor , ensuring consistent brightness across all samples. By pairing programmable power control with real-time measurement, we could precisely evaluate each LED’s current draw and performance stability. The outcome: Every LED was tested and evaluated as pass or fail within seconds. Pass/Fail Thresholds could be altered with just one entry The entire process was faster, safer, and more consistent than manual testing methods. Precision, Speed, and Flexibility in One Platform The methods demonstrated in this case study apply not just to LEDs, but to any application where consistent electrical control and measurement matter —from component validation to prototype verification and reliability testing. By combining precise control , built-in measurement , and programmable testing logic , the SE Power Platform enables engineers to: Streamline repetitive test processes Eliminate human error in measurements Improve reliability and traceability of results Accelerate product validation cycles See the Results for Yourself The full case study and video walks through the complete setup and results, showing how semi-automated LED QA testing was achieved using the SE Power Platform. 👉 Download the full case study and watch the video   to explore how precision power control can simplify and strengthen your quality assurance workflows. For questions, collaboration, or consulting inquiries, contact us at info@seronelectronics.com  or visit www.seronelectronics.com .

Hands-on learning has become a cornerstone of modern education. From STEM classrooms to advanced research labs, the ability for students to move beyond theory and engage directly with experiments builds deeper understanding, stronger skills, and greater confidence. But while the value of hands-on learning is widely recognized, the processes and tools that make it effective are often overlooked.  The right approach and equipment can make the difference between a lab activity that feels like a checkbox exercise—and one that sparks curiosity, improves retention, and builds skills students will carry into their careers. This blog explores the key benefits of hands-on learning in labs and offers best practices for designing effective, impactful experiences. Advantages Of Hands-On Learning In Labs Enhanced Knowledge Retention When students physically manipulate materials, conduct experiments, and observe results, they actively apply theoretical knowledge in real time. This strengthens memory consolidation and understanding. The very act of connecting what they see with the concepts they’ve learned is what makes hands-on learning so powerful. These lessons extend beyond the lab. By practicing analysis, observation, and evaluation, students develop critical thinking skills they can use in any academic or professional setting. Development of Problem-Solving Skills Experiments rarely go perfectly the first time. That’s part of the value. Students learn to troubleshoot, adapt, and experiment with different approaches—gaining resilience and creativity in the process. These problem-solving skills are invaluable in research and industry, where unknowns and challenges are the norm. Active Engagement and Collaboration Unlike lectures or textbook study, labs require participation. Students exchange ideas, test assumptions, and collaborate toward shared outcomes. Along the way, they practice teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution—skills often undervalued in academia but essential in professional research and development. Best Practices of Hands-on Learning in Education 1. Establish Clear Objectives and Learning Outcomes Every experiment should be tied to well-defined learning outcomes. When students know what they’re aiming to achieve, they can better connect the hands-on activity with the theory behind it. 2. Invest in the Right Equipment Equipment should enhance—not hinder—the learning experience. Tools that are intuitive, reliable, and versatile allow students to focus on the concepts at hand instead of wrestling with technical barriers. Durable, high-quality lab equipment also supports a wider range of experiments and ensures consistency over time. 3. Emphasize Hands-On Experimentation Give students space to interact with materials, collect data, and draw conclusions. Curiosity-driven exploration fosters deeper engagement and builds confidence in their ability to apply theoretical knowledge. 4. Provide Guided Inquiry Structure is still essential. Guided inquiry—such as using open-ended questions—helps students focus their efforts and uncover key principles while still promoting independent discovery. 5. Foster Collaboration and Communication Labs are social environments. Encouraging teamwork and discussion allows students to learn from each other and strengthens their ability to present findings effectively. 6. Implement Reflection and Analysis Learning doesn’t stop when the experiment ends. Prompting students to reflect on results, analyze data, and connect findings back to theory promotes metacognitive growth and helps them understand both the subject matter and their own learning process. Conclusion Hands-on learning isn’t just about doing—it’s about doing with purpose. With clear objectives, thoughtful design, and the right equipment, laboratory experiences can elevate student learning, foster critical skills, and prepare the next generation of researchers and innovators. At Seron Electronics , we’re committed to supporting educators and students by making precision lab equipment more accessible. Our power platform  is designed with ease of use, high accuracy, and seamless integration in mind—empowering students to focus on discovery, not device setup. We also provide consulting services to help institutions design hands-on lab curriculums. 👉 Ready to enhance your lab’s hands-on learning experience? Contact us today to learn more about our solutions.

Introduction Planning a new lab is an exciting venture, but the process can quickly become overwhelming. Constraints with budgets, space, and time demand effective lab planning that is backed by thorough market research. Skipping steps in planning and research can trigger a domino effect of costly errors, leading to overspending and disrupting the lab's workflow. How can you avoid this slippery slope? The answer lies in 'Smart' planning. Smart planning involves setting clear goals, optimizing available resources, and knowing where to find the answers. In this blog post, we'll explore these principles of Smart planning and provide resources to help you navigate this exciting journey without feeling overwhelmed. Smart Planning Starts with SMART Goals It may feel like you're often juggling multiple tasks that all demand your attention simultaneously and with limited time it becomes challenging to stay on track with everything. By defining your goals using the SMART template, you can break down tasks into more doable action items and pinpoint key priorities. As a reminder, a SMART goal follows a simple template: Launching a lab means juggling countless tasks at once. Without structure, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. By applying the SMART goals framework  (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), you can break down large, complex projects into clear, actionable steps. For example: Equipment purchasing.  Buying lab equipment without precise requirements often leads to inefficiency and wasted money. Instead, set a SMART goal like this: “Purchase 10 bench power supplies that 1) source up to 20V and 5A, 2) include a Windows-compatible programming interface capable of generating custom waveforms, and 3) safely operate within a 40 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm space, all within one month and under a $15,000 budget.” With this approach, you avoid ambiguity, make targeted evaluations, and purchase with confidence. SMART goals turn vague plans into focused decisions—ensuring every dollar and minute is well spent. Play your Hand Every lab has its unique “hand of cards”: budget, space, and time constraints. The key is to optimize what you already have  while making smart investments. Reassess existing equipment  — repurposing tools can free up budget for essential purchases. Design modular setups  — flexibility helps maximize limited space and adapt as your lab grows. Leverage supplier relationships  — existing networks can reduce costs and speed up procurement. Constraints don’t have to be roadblocks. With creativity and strategic thinking, they can become the foundation for smart, sustainable growth. The Answers are Already Out There Starting a lab may be new to you, but countless others have navigated the same journey. Instead of reinventing the wheel, tap into existing expertise: Engage with professionals who specialize in lab setup and planning. Attend conferences to stay updated on market trends and technology. Network on platforms like LinkedIn to learn from others’ experiences. Explore online resources and support programs designed for research labs. By leveraging these resources, you can avoid costly mistakes, save valuable time, and set your lab up for long-term success. Resources for You At Seron Electronics, we support new labs with flexible tools, consulting services, and special opportunities designed to accelerate your journey. Our SE Power Platform is a multi-functional, high-precision solution that consolidates multiple instruments into one compact device. Its broad operating range and user-friendly interface make it an ideal choice for new labs across disciplines looking to get a versatile and precise equipment—whether you’re running early experiments or scaling up research. Check out our paper on 'What is a Power Platform'  to understand the vast capabilities of the SE.1X Power Platform. Additionally, we offer consulting packages to support new labs with planning, purchasing, and research support. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@seronelectronics.com  or visit https://www.seronelectronics.com/contactus

Driving Innovation Through Precision Advancements in technology are inseparable from high-quality research. To push science forward, researchers and engineers need powerful, reliable, and precise testing equipment . At Seron Electronics , our mission is to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving demands of modern research and development — today and tomorrow. The Growing Demand for Precision Power The global power supply market  reflects this critical need. Valued at nearly USD 30 billion in 2019 , it is projected to grow to USD 43 billion by 2027 . This growth underscores the rising importance of precision power delivery systems  across industries — from advanced materials research to next-generation electronics and energy storage. Seron Electronics: Building for the Future At Seron Electronics, we are focused on addressing these challenges head-on. Our platforms are designed to offer precision, flexibility, and reliability , empowering researchers to achieve reproducible results and accelerate innovation. By closing the gap between conventional tools and real-world research needs, we aim to contribute meaningfully to global technological progress. Learn more about our solutions  and how they can shape your research journey by visiting www.seronelectronics.com .

Highlights from Electronica 2024 in Munich We had an incredible experience at Electronica 2024  in Munich, Germany. The event brought together industry professionals, researchers, and engineers from around the globe. It was a privilege to connect with so many of you and learn about the exciting projects shaping the future of electronics. A Recurring Theme: A Gap for Innovation A recurring theme in our conversations was the challenge many researchers face when relying on power tools that don’t fully meet the demanding requirements of modern experiments or prototypes. These discussions highlighted the growing need for precise, flexible, and reliable power delivery  — a challenge we’ve made it our mission to solve. Our Commitment to Innovation At Seron Electronics, we design solutions that close these gaps. Our Power Platform  and the soon to come SE Nano  were created to empower research and innovation by providing unmatched precision, versatility, and reproducibility. Whether in academic labs, industrial R&D, or startup environments, our platforms are built to adapt to the evolving demands of today’s technology landscape. Looking Ahead Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at Electronica 2024. Your insights and feedback inspire us to continue advancing the future of precision power solutions. If you’d like to learn more about how our products can support your research or development projects, connect with us or explore our website .

When it comes to managing temperature in modern systems—whether in cars, medical devices, or consumer electronics—thermistors are often the unsung heroes. These tiny components act as precise thermal sensors and protectors, ensuring devices perform safely and reliably. Among the most common types are NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) and PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistors. While they may look similar, their behaviors under heat make them uniquely suited for different applications. Guide: Applications: Automotive systems Medical devices Consumer electronics Industrial equipment Renewable energy Battery management Electric vehicles NTC and PTC Thermistor Differences At their core, the distinction lies in how resistance changes with temperature: NTC thermistors  decrease in resistance as temperature rises. This makes them ideal for measuring temperature changes with high sensitivity. PTC thermistors , on the other hand, increase in resistance with temperature. They’re often a safeguard against overheating. This simple but powerful difference defines their roles across industries. While NTCs excel at tracking small temperature variations with precision, PTCs step in to prevent damage when systems run too hot. Why It Matters for Industry From electric vehicles to wearable health monitors, thermal management has become a key factor in both performance and safety. Choosing between NTC and PTC thermistors isn’t just about sensing—it’s about designing systems that stay accurate, efficient, and protected under real-world conditions. The Next Layer: Power Delivery While the inherent properties of NTC and PTC thermistors are well understood, what’s often overlooked is how power delivery impacts their behavior . Supplying power in traditional constant voltage or constant current modes can introduce variability that affects thermal stability. In contrast, approaches like constant power control  can unlock more reliable performance, ensuring thermistors behave predictably and deliver more accurate results. Looking Ahead The differences between NTC and PTC thermistors are foundational for anyone working with thermal systems. But the real opportunity lies in pairing the right thermistor with the right method of power delivery. At Seron Electronics, we explore how innovations like constant power sourcing open new possibilities for precision, safety, and control. Want to dive deeper into how power delivery transforms thermistor performance? Download our full paper to explore the differences in detail and the benefit of constant power delivery.

The research and development industry has access to specialized instruments for electrical testing. Their niche features equip them to excel in specific contexts. Delving into these advanced instruments, we have published a knowledge paper that explains each instrument's features, use case, and drawbacks. Summating all this information into a cohesive paper, we conclude with why the flexibility, precision, and novelty of the SE.1X Power Platform makes it a singular instrument for endless applications. Read our paper and discover the meaning behind a Power 'Platform'

Learn what the SE.1Xs constant power capability is and how it compares to the most modern power supply technologies for flexible power delivery. Using current voltage profiles and power-resistance profiles, we illustrate side-by-side what single-range, dual-range, and auto ranging PSUs offer and how the SE.1X Power Platform levels up to another level of flexibility. For any of your tests that work with loads with different resistances or dynamic loads, this paper and video are an excellent resource to understand how you can benefit from the SE.1X Power Platform. Watch our video and read our knowledge paper on this  page .

The SE Power Platforms have an intelligent hybrid architecture that combines the benefits of both linear and switching power supplies. It is more efficient and compact than a purely linear power supply, but still maintains the high level of regulation and low level of noise that is characteristic of linear power supplies. The SE Power Platform is fully programmable, allowing the user to source and measure electrical quantities such as voltage, current, power, and charge via the SE Companion desktop application. In this application note, we discuss the three major modes of operation. Guide Power Platform Key Facts Constant Voltage Constant Current Constant Power 0-36V, 0-16A, 0-576W < 2 mV Vpp and < 2 μ V rms 4-wire measurement modality Constant Voltage Mode: Constant Voltage (CV) is the most common mode of operation in power supplies. In this mode, the power supply outputs a fixed voltage across its entire load range. Constant voltage can be achieved by directly controlling the output voltage or modulating the current to achieve a constant voltage across the load. The SE platform directly controls the voltage across the load, giving very small noise levels (< 2 mV Vpp and < 2 μ V rms). Equipped with a novel range-independent source and measurement resolution of 1 mV, the SE Power Platform can source voltages from 0 V to 36.000 V. Featured with a four-wire measurement modality and digital control system, the device compensates for any voltage drop across the wires connected to the load to ensure stable and precise voltage delivery to the load with load regulation of less than 0.2 mV. This combination of features makes the SE platform ideal for applications requiring accurate and stable voltage delivery. Applications:  Constant voltage mode of operation, also known as potentiostatic mode in electrochemistry, has numerous applications ranging from microelectronics to biomedicine. Constant voltage mode can be used for charging batteries. However, due to the large current draw at the starting interval, there can be significant heat dissipation which can degrade the battery life and even cause catastrophic failure. For resistive and capacitive systems, the voltage (i.e., V2) controls the power consumption and energy stored in the system, respectively. Constant Current Mode: In the Constant Current (CC) operating mode the power supply maintains a constant output current over changing load conditions. This mode can be achieved by directly controlling the current or modulating the voltage to achieve a constant current across the load. The SE Power Platform directly controls the current across the load, giving very small noise levels and good current regulation. The SE Power Platform can source currents from 0 A to 16 A. Featured with a digital control system, the device can provide load regulation of less than 0.2 mA. The four-wire measurement modality allows the user to measure the resistance of a wide range of loads precisely. Applications:   Constant current mode of operation, also known as galvanostatic mode in electrochemistry, has numerous applications ranging from semiconductor devices to certain actuators. The constant current mode can be used for charging batteries. However, there can be a risk of overcharging the battery in the last stages of charging. For resistive and inductive systems, the current (i.e., I2) controls the power consumption and energy stored in the system, respectively. Constant Power Mode: In the Constant Power (CP) operating mode, the power supply maintains a constant output power over changing load conditions. This mode can be achieved by directly controlling the voltage (or modulating the current) or current (or modulating the voltage) to achieve a constant power across the load. Power control can be performed in the analog or digital domain. The SE Power Platform uses a novel hybrid approach (with no PWM) that allows a conversion time of less than 10 ms. The SE Power Platform can source power from 0 W to 576 W with 1 mW source resolution and 1 µW measure resolution. Featured with a digital control system, the device can provide load regulation of less than 0.2 mW. The four-wire measurement modality compensates for any voltage drop across the wires, ensuring stable and precise power delivery to the load. Applications:   Constant power mode of operation has numerous applications ranging from precision resistive heating to ion and electron thermionic emission devices. Moreover, this mode allows for safe battery charging by limiting the charging power without the need for complex control mechanisms.

You will learn what linear power supplies and switching power supplies are in our latest paper, "Linear Power Supplies vs. Switching Power Supplies: A Hybrid Approach." We dive into their benefits and trade-offs to give you a better sense of traditional power supply designs and their applications. Laying out the two types of power supplies, you'll discover one of the many design aspects that makes the SE.1X platform stand out, combining the benefits of both designs to introduce a novel solution for all your needs. Read our paper and discover how this hybrid approach can address your needs.