Abstract: Winches with axially aligned, mechanically actuated brakes, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch includes a cable drum rotatable in a winding direction and an unwinding direction, a drive motor, a drive shaft coupled to the drive motor and rotatable about a shaft axis, a gear train coupled to the drive shaft and the cable drum, and a mechanically actuated brake. The brake can include a first element coupled to the drive shaft and rotatable about the shaft axis, a second element coupled to the cable drum and rotatable about the shaft axis, and a friction element positioned between the first and second elements and rotatable about the shaft axis. At least one of the first and second elements can be movable toward and away from the other between an engaged position with the friction element clamped between the first and second elements, and a disengaged position with the friction element unclamped.

Abstract: A semiconductor package. The semiconductor package includes a first side, a second side, a molded substrate, a die, and a lead frame. The second side of the semiconductor package is opposite the first side of the semiconductor package. The die and lead frame are embedded into the molded substrate. The lead frame is also positioned between the first side and the second side of the semiconductor package to provide a first electrical connection between the first side and the second side of the semiconductor package.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lead frame-based chip carriers for use with MEMS transducers. One embodiment provides a method for manufacturing a MEMS microphone package. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes flip chip bonding a first plurality of I/O pads on an application specific integrated circuit to a plurality of traces on a lead frame. The method further includes removing at least one of the plurality of traces such that at least one of the first plurality of I/O pads is electrically isolated from the lead frame. The method further includes bonding the lead frame to a lid and electrically connecting, via at least one wire bond, a MEMS microphone mounted to the lid to the application specific integrated circuit using a second plurality of I/O pads of the application specific integrated circuit. The method further includes bonding a substrate to the lead frame to form an air tight volume within the lid.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone package and a method of manufacturing a MEMS microphone package having a lid and a substrate cap. The lid includes a wire bonding shelf that provides a surface internal to the MEMS microphone for connection points for internal wire bonds. One or more conductive traces deposited on the bonding shelf are provided to connect internal electronic components via the wire bonds to a substrate cap. The substrate cap is configured to connect to external devices or components. The internal electronic components include a MEMS microphone die and an application specific integrated circuit. The internal electronic components are configured to transmit signals to external electronics indicative of acoustic energy received by the MEMS microphone die by the configurations described herein.

Abstract: Winches with dual mode remote controls, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch can include a frame, a cable drum rotatably supported by the frame, a drive motor operatively connected to the cable drum, and a winch control module. The winch control module can include an enable/disable circuit having a normally open ground path connection and a controller having wireless capability connected to the enable/disable circuit. The controller can include instructions to disable the wireless capability of the controller when the normally open ground path connection is completed.

Abstract: A winch controller with automatic shut-off, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch can include a frame, a cable drum carried by the frame, a drive motor connected to the cable drum, and a winch control module. The control module can include an enable/disable circuit having a normally open ground path connection and a controller having wireless capability. The controller can include instructions to start a shut-off timer when the ground path connection is completed for a non-zero period of time less than a threshold time period and instructions to reset the shut-off timer when the controller receives a control signal from a wireless remote control prior to the shut-off timer expiring. The controller can also include instructions to turn off the controller when the shut-off timer expires prior to receiving a control signal from the remote control or when the ground path is subsequently completed.

Abstract: Accessory mounting systems, and methods therefor are disclosed. A representative accessory mounting system can include a winch and one or more accessories coupled to the winch. The winch can include a frame mountable to a vehicle, a cable drum rotatably supported by the frame, a drive motor operatively connected to the cable drum, and one or more mounting elements carried by the frame. The accessories can be removably coupled to the one or more mounting elements.

Abstract: Winches with integrated lighting, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative winch with integrated lighting can include a frame, a cable drum rotatably supported by the frame, a drive motor operatively connected to the cable drum, and an electrical module. The electrical module can include a housing with first and second end caps coupled to the housing. An elongate light guide can be mounted to the housing between the housing and the cable drum with one or more drum light sources connected to the elongate light guide.

Abstract: Motor control modules with multiple potted sub-modules, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative electric motor control module can include a potted contactor module, a potted controller module at least partially nested inside the contactor module and mechanically connected to the contactor module, and one or more connectors positioned between and electrically connecting the contactor module and the controller module.