ROCHESTER, USA: Eastman Kodak Co. has completed the previously announced sale of its OLED (organic light-emitting diode) business to an entity set up by a group of LG companies.
This move will tighten Kodak’s investment focus and strengthen its financial position. Financial details were not disclosed.
“As we said earlier this year, OLED is one of the businesses we wanted to reposition to maximize Kodak’s competitive advantage at the intersection of materials and imaging science,” said Laura G. Quatela, Kodak’s Chief Intellectual Property Officer and manager of the company’s OLED business.
“This action is consistent with that strategy. Our OLED intellectual property portfolio is fundamental; however, realizing the full value of this business would have required significant investment.”
Nomura Securities International, Inc. served as financial advisor to Kodak.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
3rd China & Global Lithium Battery Industry Summit 2010
SHANGHAI, CHINA: China is the second biggest lithium battery producing country in the world following Japan, and it has vast potential market.
Many Chinese companies are spending more resources on this industry, e.g., replacing labor-intensive operation with automatic or semi-automatic equipment, developing proprietary technologies, enhancing quality certification, upgrading product quality and productivity, and moving into high-end market. These are the trends of China’s lithium battery industry.
In September 2009, CBI organized in Shenzhen the 2009 International Lithium Battery & Raw Material Market & Technology Forum. This event was attended by over 150 delegates from lithium battery producing companies and material suppliers.
The speakers touched on the market and technology issues related to lithium batteries, e.g. the stability of the material quality, the concentration of Chinese battery producers in 2nd- and 3rd-tier markets, etc. The neutrality and objectivity of the discussions were highly appreciated by all participants.
Based on the success in 2009, CBI will present Lithium Battery Conference Series in 2010 to boost international exchange on lithium batteries. On April 27 and 28, the first stop of the 2010 Conference Series will make its debut in Shenzhen.
The first day will focus on key materials and technologies for lithium battery, so as to facilitate the exchange between lithium industries of China and the rest of the world. The second day will theme downstream market prospects, aiming at clarifying for the market players the downstream applications and their outlooks, i. e. electric automobiles, scooters, tools, and power storage.
Many Chinese companies are spending more resources on this industry, e.g., replacing labor-intensive operation with automatic or semi-automatic equipment, developing proprietary technologies, enhancing quality certification, upgrading product quality and productivity, and moving into high-end market. These are the trends of China’s lithium battery industry.
In September 2009, CBI organized in Shenzhen the 2009 International Lithium Battery & Raw Material Market & Technology Forum. This event was attended by over 150 delegates from lithium battery producing companies and material suppliers.
The speakers touched on the market and technology issues related to lithium batteries, e.g. the stability of the material quality, the concentration of Chinese battery producers in 2nd- and 3rd-tier markets, etc. The neutrality and objectivity of the discussions were highly appreciated by all participants.
Based on the success in 2009, CBI will present Lithium Battery Conference Series in 2010 to boost international exchange on lithium batteries. On April 27 and 28, the first stop of the 2010 Conference Series will make its debut in Shenzhen.
The first day will focus on key materials and technologies for lithium battery, so as to facilitate the exchange between lithium industries of China and the rest of the world. The second day will theme downstream market prospects, aiming at clarifying for the market players the downstream applications and their outlooks, i. e. electric automobiles, scooters, tools, and power storage.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Silicon magnetic sensor market offers attractive growth
EL SEGUNDO, USA: The silicon magnetic sensor market is set to commence a period of strong growth in 2010 as demand surges from the automotive, industrial and consumer markets, according to iSuppli Corp.
Global silicon magnetic sensor revenue will reach $1.4 billion in 2013, up from $821 million in 2009, as presented in the attached figure. This equates to slightly more than 5 billion magnetic sensor ICs and switches, up from about 2.8 billion units in 2009.
Global magnetic silicon sensor forecast (millions of units and millions of US$)
Source: iSuppli, Dec. 2009
“Magnetic sensors represent one of the most pervasive types of sensors sold today,” said Richard Dixon, senior analyst, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and sensors, for iSuppli.
“These devices are used in areas ranging from high-cost applications like industrial motors that require accurate knowledge of rotor position to control loads; to mid-priced automotive sensor ICs that measure rotation speed angle, and position; to low-cost consumer products. Because of this wide variety of uses and products, pricing for such sensor ranges from less than 10 cents for simple switches to several dollars for sophisticated programmable sensor ICs.”
Automotive applications drive sensor sales
Many sensors are needed in today’s cars, and many more will be required in the future. The body and powertrain segments show the greatest potential for new magnetic sensor penetration and will be important target markets for silicon sensors in the future. In the automotive body segment alone, the number of magnetic sensors and switches will grow from 6.7 on average in 2008 to 9.4 in 2013.
Inexpensive switches are needed to indicate when a washing machine or refrigerator door is shut, or a folding display in a phone, notebook PC or digital camera is open, or to adjust motors that help a deliver sharp, blur-free pictures. Linear sensors and switches are used to provide fluid levels in everything from drug delivery systems to automatic coffee dispensers found in the home.
Electronic compass is a market hit in 2009
A major new product category—the electronic compass for GPS-equipped mobile phones—emerged in 2009 and will accelerate the market opportunity for 3-axis silicon magnetometers measuring small magnetic fields out to 2013. This application, in addition to other sensors and switches in mobile phones, will help drive this category from just 10 percent of the magnetic sensor market in 2008 to 33 percent in 2013.
Asahi: A rising sun in sensors
Asahi Kasei Microsystems in 2009 stole the top spot in magnetic sensor revenue from Allegro Microsystems thanks to its leadership in the fast-growing electronic compass market. Other major magnetic sensor players include Micronas, Infineon and NXP, as well as emerging companies like Sensitec and austriamicrosystems.
“The vast majority of unit shipments of magnetic sensors are for low-cost switches used in consumer electronics and appliances, PCs and notebooks—areas dominated by companies like AKM and Allegro,” Dixon said.
However, there are growing opportunities for higher-priced products, such as electronic compasses or rotation sensors in the engines of cars. Sensitec is an example of a company that is leveraging legacy Asymmetric Magneto-Resistance (AMR) technology—partly from an older IBM read-write head manufacturing plant—which is experiencing fast growth in these higher-value sensor applications.”
Many flavors of magnetic sensors
Magnetic sensors come in many flavors. Five or more different magnetic technologies compete for applications such as the precise measurement of the steering wheel angle as a part of a vehicle dynamics automotive safety system.
Silicon solutions -- whether Hall effect or magneto-resistive -- increasingly are taking market share from incumbent solutions, which can no longer compete as the demands on performance grow, (e.g., to reduce the emissions in cars or to make smaller, highly integrated sensors for the densely packaged PCBs of mobile phones).
“Silicon sensors are outgunning competition from potentiometers, Reed switches and micro-switches by eliminating issues with wear, by incorporating electronics on-chip for more intelligence per area, on robustness, and on cost and size,” Dixon added. “Hall effect sensors ICs and switches largely dominate the silicon magnetic sensor IC market, but increasingly, AMR and also Giant Magneto-Resistance (GMR) sensors are used for high-performance applications.“
Source: iSuppli, USA
Global silicon magnetic sensor revenue will reach $1.4 billion in 2013, up from $821 million in 2009, as presented in the attached figure. This equates to slightly more than 5 billion magnetic sensor ICs and switches, up from about 2.8 billion units in 2009.
Global magnetic silicon sensor forecast (millions of units and millions of US$)
Source: iSuppli, Dec. 2009“Magnetic sensors represent one of the most pervasive types of sensors sold today,” said Richard Dixon, senior analyst, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and sensors, for iSuppli.
“These devices are used in areas ranging from high-cost applications like industrial motors that require accurate knowledge of rotor position to control loads; to mid-priced automotive sensor ICs that measure rotation speed angle, and position; to low-cost consumer products. Because of this wide variety of uses and products, pricing for such sensor ranges from less than 10 cents for simple switches to several dollars for sophisticated programmable sensor ICs.”
Automotive applications drive sensor sales
Many sensors are needed in today’s cars, and many more will be required in the future. The body and powertrain segments show the greatest potential for new magnetic sensor penetration and will be important target markets for silicon sensors in the future. In the automotive body segment alone, the number of magnetic sensors and switches will grow from 6.7 on average in 2008 to 9.4 in 2013.
Inexpensive switches are needed to indicate when a washing machine or refrigerator door is shut, or a folding display in a phone, notebook PC or digital camera is open, or to adjust motors that help a deliver sharp, blur-free pictures. Linear sensors and switches are used to provide fluid levels in everything from drug delivery systems to automatic coffee dispensers found in the home.
Electronic compass is a market hit in 2009
A major new product category—the electronic compass for GPS-equipped mobile phones—emerged in 2009 and will accelerate the market opportunity for 3-axis silicon magnetometers measuring small magnetic fields out to 2013. This application, in addition to other sensors and switches in mobile phones, will help drive this category from just 10 percent of the magnetic sensor market in 2008 to 33 percent in 2013.
Asahi: A rising sun in sensors
Asahi Kasei Microsystems in 2009 stole the top spot in magnetic sensor revenue from Allegro Microsystems thanks to its leadership in the fast-growing electronic compass market. Other major magnetic sensor players include Micronas, Infineon and NXP, as well as emerging companies like Sensitec and austriamicrosystems.
“The vast majority of unit shipments of magnetic sensors are for low-cost switches used in consumer electronics and appliances, PCs and notebooks—areas dominated by companies like AKM and Allegro,” Dixon said.
However, there are growing opportunities for higher-priced products, such as electronic compasses or rotation sensors in the engines of cars. Sensitec is an example of a company that is leveraging legacy Asymmetric Magneto-Resistance (AMR) technology—partly from an older IBM read-write head manufacturing plant—which is experiencing fast growth in these higher-value sensor applications.”
Many flavors of magnetic sensors
Magnetic sensors come in many flavors. Five or more different magnetic technologies compete for applications such as the precise measurement of the steering wheel angle as a part of a vehicle dynamics automotive safety system.
Silicon solutions -- whether Hall effect or magneto-resistive -- increasingly are taking market share from incumbent solutions, which can no longer compete as the demands on performance grow, (e.g., to reduce the emissions in cars or to make smaller, highly integrated sensors for the densely packaged PCBs of mobile phones).
“Silicon sensors are outgunning competition from potentiometers, Reed switches and micro-switches by eliminating issues with wear, by incorporating electronics on-chip for more intelligence per area, on robustness, and on cost and size,” Dixon added. “Hall effect sensors ICs and switches largely dominate the silicon magnetic sensor IC market, but increasingly, AMR and also Giant Magneto-Resistance (GMR) sensors are used for high-performance applications.“
Source: iSuppli, USA
enLux LED track lighting units announced
TEMPE, USA: enLux Lighting’s low-energy using, cool, R30 Series LED PAR lamp is now available with a gimbal ring, mini-swivel or gooseneck track lighting fixture.
Either option can be readily used indoor or outdoor to illuminate areas requiring long-term lighting without the excessive heat and high energy cost of other lighting products. Fast and easy to install, the R30 track lighting units do not require an additional transformer unit or power supply.
The R30 PAR LED light can save more than 85 percent in energy use compared to incandescent lighting. It exceeds industry lighting performance standards while using just 14 watts of power, and has a 50,000 hour life.
“We introduced the new concept of integrating the enLux R30 with the off-the-shelf track fixture to provide the lighting designer with a premium product that frees-up creativity,” stated DJ Chou, director of engineering for enLux Lighting. “The units are sleek and stylish, plus the R30 LED lamp is available to provide a 40, 80 or 160 degree beam spread, and color temperatures in a warm 2700°K, neutral 3500°K or a cool 4500°K, and with either a black or white fin.”
Custom color temperature (CCT) and fin colors are available. The enLux R30 Series lamp is compatible with any dimmer on the market today.
enLux R30 LED PAR lamp was the world’s first LED drop-in replacement for incandescent and halogen flood lights in 2004 and was Popular Science magazine’s ‘Best Of What’s New’ Grand Award winner in the Home Tech Category for that year. The R30 Series is UL listed, CE certified and Energy Star compliant.
enLux LED products are environmentally friendly and ‘green’, 100 percent recyclable and do not contain any toxic gases or hazardous materials, meeting compliance with California Title 22 Hazardous Waste Requirements, unlike incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs.
Either option can be readily used indoor or outdoor to illuminate areas requiring long-term lighting without the excessive heat and high energy cost of other lighting products. Fast and easy to install, the R30 track lighting units do not require an additional transformer unit or power supply.
The R30 PAR LED light can save more than 85 percent in energy use compared to incandescent lighting. It exceeds industry lighting performance standards while using just 14 watts of power, and has a 50,000 hour life.
“We introduced the new concept of integrating the enLux R30 with the off-the-shelf track fixture to provide the lighting designer with a premium product that frees-up creativity,” stated DJ Chou, director of engineering for enLux Lighting. “The units are sleek and stylish, plus the R30 LED lamp is available to provide a 40, 80 or 160 degree beam spread, and color temperatures in a warm 2700°K, neutral 3500°K or a cool 4500°K, and with either a black or white fin.”
Custom color temperature (CCT) and fin colors are available. The enLux R30 Series lamp is compatible with any dimmer on the market today.
enLux R30 LED PAR lamp was the world’s first LED drop-in replacement for incandescent and halogen flood lights in 2004 and was Popular Science magazine’s ‘Best Of What’s New’ Grand Award winner in the Home Tech Category for that year. The R30 Series is UL listed, CE certified and Energy Star compliant.
enLux LED products are environmentally friendly and ‘green’, 100 percent recyclable and do not contain any toxic gases or hazardous materials, meeting compliance with California Title 22 Hazardous Waste Requirements, unlike incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
LED and OLED technologies open up new growth markets
MUNICH, GERMANY: Market researchers forecast a threefold increase up to almost 13 billion Euros by 2012 for lightemitting diodes (LEDs) and organic LEDs (OLEDs). These technologies offer a particularly small size, a long lifetime and top levels of energy-efficiency, thus opening up new applications and new markets.
As Osram CEO Martin Goetzeler proclaimed: "We are shaping the lighting market of the future and are a leading manufacturer in all stages of the LED value chain. We already achieve 15 percent of our sales with these new technologies. In connection with classic technologies our LED portfolio of products, systems and solutions will raise energy savings for lighting up to the 60 percent. This represents a major contribution to climate protection" Solutions such as the "Star of the South", which has been lighting up the sky on the outskirts of Munich since the first Sunday in Advent, show the design opportunities these new technologies have to offer."
LEDs are already well established in some market segments, such as backlighting for cell phones and television sets or in the automotive sector. In other areas, such as outdoor lighting (tunnels/streets) and the private domain, LEDs are on the verge of a breakthrough. Osram expects that LED retrofits as replacements for incandescent lamps will take hold on the market and trigger rising demand.
Growth will be driven by falling prices, further technical developments, and global political efforts to ban inefficient bulbs. New and established technologies such as halogen and energy-saving light bulbs will continue to exist side-by-side on the market for many years to come.
Martin Goetzeler went on to explain: "The combination of technical know-how and market access will be decisive for manufacturers if they are to secure long-term success. We are already investing around 50 percent of our research and development expenditure in new technologies."
He added that Osram is consolidating its prominent position in all stages of the LED value chain and that the company is at the same time extending its lead in classic lighting business, especially with respect to energy-saving products.
Osram sees the next development step in the lighting market in the field of organic LEDs. "In November we launched "Orbeos", thus becoming the first company to offer an OLED for installation in designer luminaires. This has given us a head start in this young and promising market" commented Dr. Rüdiger Müller, head of Osram’s LED operations.
He added: "We expect the greatest impact in those areas where OLED technology’s unique selling points really come into their own, namely as extremely slim, efficient and transparent surface-emitting panels with a very good light quality" OLEDs are therefore not only a light source but also provide modern design opportunities even when they are switched off.
At the same time, these new technologies are also extremely energy-efficient. A recent study conducted by Osram confirms that light-emitting diodes today are just as environmentally-friendly as energy-saving lamps, and streets ahead of conventional bulbs in terms of their ecological impact.
The latest generation of Osram LED lamps achieves a lifetime of 25,000 hours with a power input of 8 watts. 25 conventional 40-watt light bulbs would be needed to achieve the same burning life, each with an average lifetime of 1,000 hours. Over 66 percent of Osram sales come from energy-efficient products, this will increase up to 80 percent within the next years.
As Osram CEO Martin Goetzeler proclaimed: "We are shaping the lighting market of the future and are a leading manufacturer in all stages of the LED value chain. We already achieve 15 percent of our sales with these new technologies. In connection with classic technologies our LED portfolio of products, systems and solutions will raise energy savings for lighting up to the 60 percent. This represents a major contribution to climate protection" Solutions such as the "Star of the South", which has been lighting up the sky on the outskirts of Munich since the first Sunday in Advent, show the design opportunities these new technologies have to offer."
LEDs are already well established in some market segments, such as backlighting for cell phones and television sets or in the automotive sector. In other areas, such as outdoor lighting (tunnels/streets) and the private domain, LEDs are on the verge of a breakthrough. Osram expects that LED retrofits as replacements for incandescent lamps will take hold on the market and trigger rising demand.
Growth will be driven by falling prices, further technical developments, and global political efforts to ban inefficient bulbs. New and established technologies such as halogen and energy-saving light bulbs will continue to exist side-by-side on the market for many years to come.
Martin Goetzeler went on to explain: "The combination of technical know-how and market access will be decisive for manufacturers if they are to secure long-term success. We are already investing around 50 percent of our research and development expenditure in new technologies."
He added that Osram is consolidating its prominent position in all stages of the LED value chain and that the company is at the same time extending its lead in classic lighting business, especially with respect to energy-saving products.
Osram sees the next development step in the lighting market in the field of organic LEDs. "In November we launched "Orbeos", thus becoming the first company to offer an OLED for installation in designer luminaires. This has given us a head start in this young and promising market" commented Dr. Rüdiger Müller, head of Osram’s LED operations.
He added: "We expect the greatest impact in those areas where OLED technology’s unique selling points really come into their own, namely as extremely slim, efficient and transparent surface-emitting panels with a very good light quality" OLEDs are therefore not only a light source but also provide modern design opportunities even when they are switched off.
At the same time, these new technologies are also extremely energy-efficient. A recent study conducted by Osram confirms that light-emitting diodes today are just as environmentally-friendly as energy-saving lamps, and streets ahead of conventional bulbs in terms of their ecological impact.
The latest generation of Osram LED lamps achieves a lifetime of 25,000 hours with a power input of 8 watts. 25 conventional 40-watt light bulbs would be needed to achieve the same burning life, each with an average lifetime of 1,000 hours. Over 66 percent of Osram sales come from energy-efficient products, this will increase up to 80 percent within the next years.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Havells announces global launch of LED lightings
NEW DELHI, INDIA: Havells India Ltd, a leading player in the lighting and fixture segment, electrical and power equipment sector in India is entering the light-emitting-diodes (LED) market.
Havells Sylvania (Global Operations) has set a target of € 50 million turnover from LED segment in next two years, while Havells India would target a revenue of Rs.100 crores by 2012 from the domestic market. The Company has set-up a lighting R&D centre at its existing plant at Neemrana, Rajasthan for the purpose. The LED product range of company called Endura would include spotlights, downlights, commercial lights and street lights
Anil Gupta, joint managing director, Havells India Ltd., said: " This LED thrust is an endeavor towards expanding our range of energy savings products both in India and globally. While the LED lighting segment is at a very nascent stage in India, we see ourselves leading the growth of this highly potential segment of the lighting industry." He further added that the government's focus on the complete electrification of the households by 2012 would be a big trigger for the lighting industry in India.
LED lightings consume 80 percent less energy than traditional sources and is four times more energy efficient than regular incandescent lamps. The longer lifetime and environment friendliness (as it does not contain Mercury) makes LED a better choice over the traditional lamps. LEDs are ideal for use in applications that are subject to frequent on-off cycling. The solid package of LED can be designed to focus its light while incandescent and Fluorescent sources require external reflector for the same.
The company is committed to developing energy savings devices, which at present include CFLs, lighting, fans, motors, capacitors, cables and digital lighting control systems. Havells intends to have 80 percent of its turnover from the energy savings products by 2012
In continuation of its drive towards developing energy efficient products, Havells has put a Lighting Design Centre & Energy Management Cell at Noida. The centre would advise as to how a unit can reduce its energy bill without cutting down on light required.
Havells Sylvania (Global Operations) has set a target of € 50 million turnover from LED segment in next two years, while Havells India would target a revenue of Rs.100 crores by 2012 from the domestic market. The Company has set-up a lighting R&D centre at its existing plant at Neemrana, Rajasthan for the purpose. The LED product range of company called Endura would include spotlights, downlights, commercial lights and street lights
Anil Gupta, joint managing director, Havells India Ltd., said: " This LED thrust is an endeavor towards expanding our range of energy savings products both in India and globally. While the LED lighting segment is at a very nascent stage in India, we see ourselves leading the growth of this highly potential segment of the lighting industry." He further added that the government's focus on the complete electrification of the households by 2012 would be a big trigger for the lighting industry in India.
LED lightings consume 80 percent less energy than traditional sources and is four times more energy efficient than regular incandescent lamps. The longer lifetime and environment friendliness (as it does not contain Mercury) makes LED a better choice over the traditional lamps. LEDs are ideal for use in applications that are subject to frequent on-off cycling. The solid package of LED can be designed to focus its light while incandescent and Fluorescent sources require external reflector for the same.
The company is committed to developing energy savings devices, which at present include CFLs, lighting, fans, motors, capacitors, cables and digital lighting control systems. Havells intends to have 80 percent of its turnover from the energy savings products by 2012
In continuation of its drive towards developing energy efficient products, Havells has put a Lighting Design Centre & Energy Management Cell at Noida. The centre would advise as to how a unit can reduce its energy bill without cutting down on light required.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Demand for low-voltage electronic transformers increasing
BEIJING, CHINA: Himfr.com, one of China's leading B2B search platforms with more than 30 B2B industry websites to its name, reports the demand for low-voltage electronic transformers is increasing.
As the home appliances and electronic equipment industry continues to develop, market demand for low-voltage electronic transformers is increasing. Himfr predicts that high-frequency, low loss, small size, low price power transformer will be in high demand; high-voltage power transformers have good market prospects.
Electronic transformer technology is ideally lightweight, high efficiency, and high-density. With the increasingly fierce market competition, foreign manufacturers are trying to speed up their expansion in the Chinese market, and China's domestic transformer manufacturers are facing pressure in terms of industrial upgrading and enhancing research and development, and manufacturing.
Traditional electronic transformers are generally used in ordinary ferrite cores and winding copper wire structures, so the size of transformers is relatively large and transfer efficiency is not high.
However, with ultra-large-scale circuits and systems integration and miniaturization of components and PCB surface mount high-density trends, market demand for miniaturization of electronic transformers is heating up. In this respect,
China's domestic manufacturers have made some progress. With the continuous influx of new materials and new technology, Chinese transformer manufacturers are also continuing to perform research and development on various structural forms of transformers to meet different market applications.
As the home appliances and electronic equipment industry continues to develop, market demand for low-voltage electronic transformers is increasing. Himfr predicts that high-frequency, low loss, small size, low price power transformer will be in high demand; high-voltage power transformers have good market prospects.
Electronic transformer technology is ideally lightweight, high efficiency, and high-density. With the increasingly fierce market competition, foreign manufacturers are trying to speed up their expansion in the Chinese market, and China's domestic transformer manufacturers are facing pressure in terms of industrial upgrading and enhancing research and development, and manufacturing.
Traditional electronic transformers are generally used in ordinary ferrite cores and winding copper wire structures, so the size of transformers is relatively large and transfer efficiency is not high.
However, with ultra-large-scale circuits and systems integration and miniaturization of components and PCB surface mount high-density trends, market demand for miniaturization of electronic transformers is heating up. In this respect,
China's domestic manufacturers have made some progress. With the continuous influx of new materials and new technology, Chinese transformer manufacturers are also continuing to perform research and development on various structural forms of transformers to meet different market applications.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Amara Raja Batteries plugs into IBM
INDIA: Amara Raja Batteries, one of the leading manufacturers of lead acid storage batteries for industrial and automotive applications in India, has selected IBM to implement a robust hardware platform to support their SAP implementation.
Amara Raja Batteries, after careful evaluation, chose IBM System Power6 570 servers with virtualization, DS 4700 Storage and Tivoli middleware for their server and storage requirements.
Amara Raja Batteries required a cost effective yet highly available solution at both the server and storage levels and has selected IBM’s hardware platform to run their SAP application. Apart from superior performance per core and the legendary reliability of the POWER based solution, it is the flexibility attribute that compelled Amara Raja Batteries to select IBM.
Amara Raja Batteries has chosen to deploy the SAP environment in a consolidated footprint wherein the company will use virtualization to define flexible server environments for different modules including Test and Development.
The ability to move about resources based on business needs dynamically, would give them the benefits of greater Return on Investment and utilization. All these result in tangible cost benefits to the business. In addition, adopting the platform will improve our operational excellence and IBM hardware and software would help enhance efficiency by incorporating automation elements for better manageability.
Jayakumar C., IT Head, Amara Raja Batteries, said: "Amara Raja Batteries is committed towards latest generation technologies by developing and manufacturing globally competitive, customer focused products of world class quality and introducing these products into relevant markets.
"We are committed to give our customers the benefits of newer technologies, without losing focus on our core business. We wanted to partner with the best technology advisor in the industry in order to leverage their expertise to lay the way for our future growth, while streamlining our operational costs."
Rahul Bindal, VP-Power Systems, Systems and Technology Group, IBM India/South Asia, added: "Amara Raja Batteries recognized and realized that they needed to build a robust infrastructure to address their current and future expansion plans.
"IBM POWER6 processor-based servers are designed to help clients implement a dynamic infrastructure. We will be able to provide Amara Raja Batteries with a combination of leadership performance, energy efficiency and flexible virtualization features that are designed to reduce cost, improve service and reduce risk – especially for mission critical applications and highly virtualized, consolidated operating environments."
The combination of more performance per core and more I/O and memory capacity and bandwidth per core of P570 servers helps clients to reduce the number of servers or the number of cores per server. Also, Power 570 servers are twice as efficient as competitive offerings. This has a major impact on reducing cost of server acquisition and total cost of ownership for the clients IT environment.
Amara Raja Batteries, after careful evaluation, chose IBM System Power6 570 servers with virtualization, DS 4700 Storage and Tivoli middleware for their server and storage requirements.
Amara Raja Batteries required a cost effective yet highly available solution at both the server and storage levels and has selected IBM’s hardware platform to run their SAP application. Apart from superior performance per core and the legendary reliability of the POWER based solution, it is the flexibility attribute that compelled Amara Raja Batteries to select IBM.
Amara Raja Batteries has chosen to deploy the SAP environment in a consolidated footprint wherein the company will use virtualization to define flexible server environments for different modules including Test and Development.
The ability to move about resources based on business needs dynamically, would give them the benefits of greater Return on Investment and utilization. All these result in tangible cost benefits to the business. In addition, adopting the platform will improve our operational excellence and IBM hardware and software would help enhance efficiency by incorporating automation elements for better manageability.
Jayakumar C., IT Head, Amara Raja Batteries, said: "Amara Raja Batteries is committed towards latest generation technologies by developing and manufacturing globally competitive, customer focused products of world class quality and introducing these products into relevant markets.
"We are committed to give our customers the benefits of newer technologies, without losing focus on our core business. We wanted to partner with the best technology advisor in the industry in order to leverage their expertise to lay the way for our future growth, while streamlining our operational costs."
Rahul Bindal, VP-Power Systems, Systems and Technology Group, IBM India/South Asia, added: "Amara Raja Batteries recognized and realized that they needed to build a robust infrastructure to address their current and future expansion plans.
"IBM POWER6 processor-based servers are designed to help clients implement a dynamic infrastructure. We will be able to provide Amara Raja Batteries with a combination of leadership performance, energy efficiency and flexible virtualization features that are designed to reduce cost, improve service and reduce risk – especially for mission critical applications and highly virtualized, consolidated operating environments."
The combination of more performance per core and more I/O and memory capacity and bandwidth per core of P570 servers helps clients to reduce the number of servers or the number of cores per server. Also, Power 570 servers are twice as efficient as competitive offerings. This has a major impact on reducing cost of server acquisition and total cost of ownership for the clients IT environment.
RAB Lighting intros new LED wallpack
NORTHVALE, USA: RAB Lighting is proud to introduce the LPACK; an innovative, affordable and functional LED Wallpack.
Available in both warm and cool light, the LPACK has a high-output, 10 watt LED light engine that delivers 70 percent of its initial lumens at 50,000 hours and produces a light output comparable to 35 watt high-pressure sodium wallpacks. The LPACK reduces energy costs by as much as 30 percent when compared to equivalent high-pressure sodium, metal halide or incandescent fixtures.
A small carbon footprint is achieved with the unique design specifically engineered for LED, which uses over 50 percent less aluminum and glass than a standard full-cutoff wallpack. The LED Light Engine life is maximized with a thick, die-cast housing and a heat-sink mounting pad that dissipates heat away from the critical LED components.
The LPACK is available in bronze or white and is suitable for both commercial and residential applications to light entrances, pathways and facades. The LPACK can be mounted in four different ways: Surface mount over existing recessed boxes, a junction box with five conduit entry points, on a 42" bollard or a 10' pole. The 42" bollard can hold one or two LPACK fixtures and the 10' pole can hold up to four LPACKs.
All RAB LED products are UL approved for Wet Locations and comply with the Department of Energy's Lighting Facts Program. Additionally, the anodized reflector pushes usable light downward and makes the LPACK compliant with IESNA full-cutoff, fully shielded standards.
Available in both warm and cool light, the LPACK has a high-output, 10 watt LED light engine that delivers 70 percent of its initial lumens at 50,000 hours and produces a light output comparable to 35 watt high-pressure sodium wallpacks. The LPACK reduces energy costs by as much as 30 percent when compared to equivalent high-pressure sodium, metal halide or incandescent fixtures.
A small carbon footprint is achieved with the unique design specifically engineered for LED, which uses over 50 percent less aluminum and glass than a standard full-cutoff wallpack. The LED Light Engine life is maximized with a thick, die-cast housing and a heat-sink mounting pad that dissipates heat away from the critical LED components.
The LPACK is available in bronze or white and is suitable for both commercial and residential applications to light entrances, pathways and facades. The LPACK can be mounted in four different ways: Surface mount over existing recessed boxes, a junction box with five conduit entry points, on a 42" bollard or a 10' pole. The 42" bollard can hold one or two LPACK fixtures and the 10' pole can hold up to four LPACKs.
All RAB LED products are UL approved for Wet Locations and comply with the Department of Energy's Lighting Facts Program. Additionally, the anodized reflector pushes usable light downward and makes the LPACK compliant with IESNA full-cutoff, fully shielded standards.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Microsemi launches new power modules line in SOT227 packages
IRVINE, USA: Microsemi Corp., a leading manufacturer of high performance analog mixed signal integrated circuits and high reliability semiconductors, has expanded its line of diode modules with 35 new full bridge devices in the popular SOT227 package.
These diode full bridge products range from 6A to 100A and from 45V to 1700V:
* SiC diode modules, from 6A to 40A, both in 600V and 1200V.
* Schottky diode modules, from 30A to 60A, from 45V to 200V.
* Two standard mains rectifier diode full bridge modules, 40A and 90A, 1600V.
* FRED diode modules, from 30A to 100A, from 200V to 1700V. These products offer both ultrafast FRED diodes (DF) and low voltage FREDs (DL).
"The introduction of our high performance low profile SOT227diode power modules will allow our customers new options to build power systems from the input mains rectifier to the low voltage high current rectifier output," said Philippe Dupin, Director of Power Module Products, Microsemi Power Products Group, located in Bordeaux, France.
"These products are complementary extensions to our existing range of SP1, SP3 and SP6-P modules featuring the same 12mm height that enables our customers to design equipment with a single board, while significantly reducing weight and volume," he added.
These diode full bridge products range from 6A to 100A and from 45V to 1700V:
* SiC diode modules, from 6A to 40A, both in 600V and 1200V.
* Schottky diode modules, from 30A to 60A, from 45V to 200V.
* Two standard mains rectifier diode full bridge modules, 40A and 90A, 1600V.
* FRED diode modules, from 30A to 100A, from 200V to 1700V. These products offer both ultrafast FRED diodes (DF) and low voltage FREDs (DL).
"The introduction of our high performance low profile SOT227diode power modules will allow our customers new options to build power systems from the input mains rectifier to the low voltage high current rectifier output," said Philippe Dupin, Director of Power Module Products, Microsemi Power Products Group, located in Bordeaux, France.
"These products are complementary extensions to our existing range of SP1, SP3 and SP6-P modules featuring the same 12mm height that enables our customers to design equipment with a single board, while significantly reducing weight and volume," he added.
OLED shipments explode in Q3’09, bringing in over $250 million in revenues
AUSTIN, USA: In its latest Quarterly OLED Shipment and Forecast Report, DisplaySearch reported that worldwide OLED revenues shattered its previous record, reaching $252 million in revenue for Q3’09, up 31 percent Q/Q. In addition, Q3’09 OLED shipments were 21.7 million, up 19 percent Q/Q (as shown in Fig. 1).
Fig. 1: Quarterly OLED Display Revenues
Source: DisplaySearch Q4’09 Quarterly OLED Shipment and Forecast Report
Despite the state of the economy, increased demand in high-end mobile and smart phones has driven growth, partially due to Samsung Telecom’s continued heavy promotion efforts of AMOLED smart phone high-performance benefits.
Samsung Mobile Displays (SMD) maintained its strong lead in OLED shipments and also captured a 73 percent market share in AMOLED revenues, while RiTdisplay ranked second with a 12 percent share. LG Display has also announced plans to start production of 15” AMOLED TV displays in Q3’09.
“While the mobile phone industry continues to suffer as a result of the economy, Samsung’s marketing initiatives have propelled high-end AMOLED mobile phone demand to new heights,” noted Hiroshi Hayase, DisplaySearch Director of Small/Medium Displays. “The company is forecast to maintain its lead in mobile displays in 2010.”
Fig 2: Q3’09 OLED Market Revenue Share
Source: DisplaySearch Q4’09 Quarterly OLED Shipment and Forecast Report
While the AMOLED market has increased in both shipments and revenues, PMOLED did not grow from 2008 to 2009, as a result of the shift from clam-shell style phones that use PMOLED to high-end mobile smart phones. Despite this, PMOLED demand is increasing in automotive applications adopted by Mercedes Benz and Lexus. As a result, PMOLED shipments for automotive applications have increased to 427K in Q3’09, up 19 percent Q/Q and 22 percent Y/Y.
The OLED market has also witnessed market consolidation this past quarter, with Eastman Kodak Co. selling its OLED display business to LG Electronics, as well as InnoLux acquiring CMO and TPO, including their OLED production.
Fig. 1: Quarterly OLED Display Revenues
Source: DisplaySearch Q4’09 Quarterly OLED Shipment and Forecast ReportDespite the state of the economy, increased demand in high-end mobile and smart phones has driven growth, partially due to Samsung Telecom’s continued heavy promotion efforts of AMOLED smart phone high-performance benefits.
Samsung Mobile Displays (SMD) maintained its strong lead in OLED shipments and also captured a 73 percent market share in AMOLED revenues, while RiTdisplay ranked second with a 12 percent share. LG Display has also announced plans to start production of 15” AMOLED TV displays in Q3’09.
“While the mobile phone industry continues to suffer as a result of the economy, Samsung’s marketing initiatives have propelled high-end AMOLED mobile phone demand to new heights,” noted Hiroshi Hayase, DisplaySearch Director of Small/Medium Displays. “The company is forecast to maintain its lead in mobile displays in 2010.”
Fig 2: Q3’09 OLED Market Revenue Share
Source: DisplaySearch Q4’09 Quarterly OLED Shipment and Forecast ReportWhile the AMOLED market has increased in both shipments and revenues, PMOLED did not grow from 2008 to 2009, as a result of the shift from clam-shell style phones that use PMOLED to high-end mobile smart phones. Despite this, PMOLED demand is increasing in automotive applications adopted by Mercedes Benz and Lexus. As a result, PMOLED shipments for automotive applications have increased to 427K in Q3’09, up 19 percent Q/Q and 22 percent Y/Y.
The OLED market has also witnessed market consolidation this past quarter, with Eastman Kodak Co. selling its OLED display business to LG Electronics, as well as InnoLux acquiring CMO and TPO, including their OLED production.
Mitsubishi Electric to ship InGaP HBT power amplifier for WiMAX terminals
TOKYO, JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. announced the sale of a new InGaP HBT1 power amplifier, the MGFS38E2527, for use in WiMAX2 subscriber terminal equipment. The module, which measures just 4x4mm, produces high output power of 28.5 dBm3 with low distortion. Sample shipments will commence on January 25, 2010.
WiMAX is growing increasingly popular for high-speed wireless communications use due to its extra wide area coverage compared to that of existing high-speed wireless services.
To extend the communication range between WiMAX base stations and terminals, there is a growing need for compact power amplifiers for installation in WiMAX terminals such as PC cards and customer premises equipment. Such amplifiers are required to deliver high output with low distortion, while maintaining high radio signal quality.
In the past, Mitsubishi Electric has released a series of InGaP HBT power amplifiers — the small-size MGFS36Exxxx for WiMAX terminals used in mobile and fixed-line communications, and the MGFS39Exxxx, which features industry-leading output power combined with low distortion.
The company now adds the new MGFS38E2527 power amplifier to this lineup. Compared to existing models, this newest amplifier provides more power and less distortion in a smaller package.
Mitsubishi Electric plans to develop 2.3GHz- and 3.5GHz-band amplifiers offering an output of 28.5 dBm by the end of March 2010.
WiMAX is growing increasingly popular for high-speed wireless communications use due to its extra wide area coverage compared to that of existing high-speed wireless services.
To extend the communication range between WiMAX base stations and terminals, there is a growing need for compact power amplifiers for installation in WiMAX terminals such as PC cards and customer premises equipment. Such amplifiers are required to deliver high output with low distortion, while maintaining high radio signal quality.
In the past, Mitsubishi Electric has released a series of InGaP HBT power amplifiers — the small-size MGFS36Exxxx for WiMAX terminals used in mobile and fixed-line communications, and the MGFS39Exxxx, which features industry-leading output power combined with low distortion.
The company now adds the new MGFS38E2527 power amplifier to this lineup. Compared to existing models, this newest amplifier provides more power and less distortion in a smaller package.
Mitsubishi Electric plans to develop 2.3GHz- and 3.5GHz-band amplifiers offering an output of 28.5 dBm by the end of March 2010.
ZAGG intros ZAGGsparq versatile mobile battery for consumer devices
SALT LAKE CITY, USA: ZAGG Inc., a leading producer of mobile electronics accessories including the popular invisibleSHIELD and ZAGGaudio brands, introduces the ZAGGsparq, a portable Li-polymer battery system that can provide multiple charges for any personal electronic device powered by a USB plug. The ZAGGsparq is available for shipment from ZAGG.com at the retail price of $129.99.
The ZAGGsparq can provide a portable battery charge for any USB-charged device including cell phones, handheld gaming systems, and digital cameras. The ZAGGsparq plugs into a standard wall outlet and provides two USB ports for charging mobile devices.
Then, unplug the lithium polymer ZAGGsparq and it carries multiple charges for any personal electronic device that can be powered by a USB plug – up to four complete recharges for a power-hungry Apple iPhone.
“The constant risk of low batteries is a significant concern for gadget users, in particular when traveling,” said Brian Packer, Vice President of Marketing of ZAGG. “The ZAGGsparq carries multiple charges for any personal electronic device with you and fits easily in a pocket or bag, so it is perfect for everyone from travelers to businesspeople.”
The 6000ma Li-polymer cell of the ZAGGsparq can be charged more than 2,000 times before significant drop-off in battery life, making it the world’s most powerful portable battery for its size.
“This forward thinking technology allows the ZAGGsparq to carry much larger and more potent charges than competing products,” said Robert G. Pedersen II, President and CEO of ZAGG. “The ZAGGsparq really complements our line of existing products, and with thousands already sold in the first two weeks, we believe it will continue to be very popular with our innovative customer base.”
The ZAGGsparq can provide a portable battery charge for any USB-charged device including cell phones, handheld gaming systems, and digital cameras. The ZAGGsparq plugs into a standard wall outlet and provides two USB ports for charging mobile devices.
Then, unplug the lithium polymer ZAGGsparq and it carries multiple charges for any personal electronic device that can be powered by a USB plug – up to four complete recharges for a power-hungry Apple iPhone.
“The constant risk of low batteries is a significant concern for gadget users, in particular when traveling,” said Brian Packer, Vice President of Marketing of ZAGG. “The ZAGGsparq carries multiple charges for any personal electronic device with you and fits easily in a pocket or bag, so it is perfect for everyone from travelers to businesspeople.”
The 6000ma Li-polymer cell of the ZAGGsparq can be charged more than 2,000 times before significant drop-off in battery life, making it the world’s most powerful portable battery for its size.
“This forward thinking technology allows the ZAGGsparq to carry much larger and more potent charges than competing products,” said Robert G. Pedersen II, President and CEO of ZAGG. “The ZAGGsparq really complements our line of existing products, and with thousands already sold in the first two weeks, we believe it will continue to be very popular with our innovative customer base.”
New findings mean cell phone radiation debate will rage on
USA: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on October 26, 2009 that its 10 year study has shown a proven link between long term cell phone usage and increased risks in brain cancer and tumors. The ten year study headed by Dr. Elisabeth Cardis shows an 18 percent increase in brain tumor development with long term cell phone usage.
In the United States, which did not participate in the Interphone study, there are 270 million cell phones in use. Senator Tom Harkin, now head of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has promised to probe more deeply into the question of a link between cell phones and brain cancer.
Safe Cell Phone, LLC will be the sole marketer and distributor of the SAR Shield, which attaches to any cell phone and can reduce potentially harmful radiation waves by upward of 89 percent.
The SAR Shield retails for $15, and the company will also donate a percentage of profits from the sales to brain cancer awareness and further studies on cell phone radiation.
The SAR Shield is a culmination of work from a Canadian scientist and the world renowned PAM Technologies. They have combined technology from the material used to shield Stealth Bombers from radar detection and telecommunications fields to create a pliable, flexible sticker no larger than the size of a nickel that absorbs the electromagnetic waves (radiation) emitted while your phone is in use.
The SAR Shield then deflects the waves away from the user’s ear and skull, reducing the specific absorption rate (SAR) upward of 89 percent. It’s the only tested, FCC-approved device proven to lessen SAR by that much, and it’s now being made available in all 50 states. Plans are already in the works for Central and South America.
"This is the first generation that has put relatively high-powered transmitters against the head, day after day," says Dr. Ross Adey, who has been studying microwave radiation for decades, and is one of the most respected scientists in the field.
Tests conducted by the ABC show 20/20 have found that some of the country's most popular cell phones can exceed the radiation limit. 20/20 reported that government-testing guidelines are so vague that a phone can pass the Federal Communications Commission's requirements when tested in one position and exceed those maximum levels when held in another position.
Experts say it is particularly hard to predict the long-term impact of cell phone radiation, especially since most of the 300 million Americans who now have cell phones began using them in the past five to 10 years.
In the United States, which did not participate in the Interphone study, there are 270 million cell phones in use. Senator Tom Harkin, now head of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has promised to probe more deeply into the question of a link between cell phones and brain cancer.
Safe Cell Phone, LLC will be the sole marketer and distributor of the SAR Shield, which attaches to any cell phone and can reduce potentially harmful radiation waves by upward of 89 percent.
The SAR Shield retails for $15, and the company will also donate a percentage of profits from the sales to brain cancer awareness and further studies on cell phone radiation.
The SAR Shield is a culmination of work from a Canadian scientist and the world renowned PAM Technologies. They have combined technology from the material used to shield Stealth Bombers from radar detection and telecommunications fields to create a pliable, flexible sticker no larger than the size of a nickel that absorbs the electromagnetic waves (radiation) emitted while your phone is in use.
The SAR Shield then deflects the waves away from the user’s ear and skull, reducing the specific absorption rate (SAR) upward of 89 percent. It’s the only tested, FCC-approved device proven to lessen SAR by that much, and it’s now being made available in all 50 states. Plans are already in the works for Central and South America.
"This is the first generation that has put relatively high-powered transmitters against the head, day after day," says Dr. Ross Adey, who has been studying microwave radiation for decades, and is one of the most respected scientists in the field.
Tests conducted by the ABC show 20/20 have found that some of the country's most popular cell phones can exceed the radiation limit. 20/20 reported that government-testing guidelines are so vague that a phone can pass the Federal Communications Commission's requirements when tested in one position and exceed those maximum levels when held in another position.
Experts say it is particularly hard to predict the long-term impact of cell phone radiation, especially since most of the 300 million Americans who now have cell phones began using them in the past five to 10 years.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
California Micro Devices announces industry's smallest ESD protection device for mobile handsets
MILPITAS, USA: California Micro Devices announced the CM1242-33CP, first in a family of extremely small outline ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection devices.
Establishing new industry benchmarks for ESD performance and small solution form factor, the CM1242 is an ideal solution for space constrained applications in multimedia smart phones, netbooks and MIDs (mobile internet devices), e-book readers and personal media players. The device provides a single channel of bi-directional +/- 30kV contact ESD protection in a very compact outline (0.6mm x 0.3mm).
Robust ESD protection
With multiple ESD ingress points, such as side function keys and individual keys in a keypad array, designers of smart phones need to pay particular attention to ESD design criteria.
The robustness of the ESD protection, physical size and price are all important design considerations. Varistors, popular for their small size and low cost, also have high clamping voltages, slower response times than semiconductor based diode solutions and ESD performance which significantly degrades after each ESD event; as a result, they are not very effective.
When compared to other semiconductor based solutions, the CM1242-33CP offers performance and form factor advantages. With an extremely low dynamic resistance specification of 0.4 Ohm, the CM1242 features a lower clamping voltage and more robust ESD protection than competing solutions.
An ESD protection device is only effective if it can shunt the majority of an ESD strike's energy to ground. This ability is a function of the protection device's dynamic resistance, which should be as low as possible. If the ESD protection device has a high dynamic resistance, energy that normally would be channeled through the ESD protection device will instead be allowed to reach the device under protection (DUP), resulting in a higher probability of damage.
Establishing new industry benchmarks for ESD performance and small solution form factor, the CM1242 is an ideal solution for space constrained applications in multimedia smart phones, netbooks and MIDs (mobile internet devices), e-book readers and personal media players. The device provides a single channel of bi-directional +/- 30kV contact ESD protection in a very compact outline (0.6mm x 0.3mm).
Robust ESD protection
With multiple ESD ingress points, such as side function keys and individual keys in a keypad array, designers of smart phones need to pay particular attention to ESD design criteria.
The robustness of the ESD protection, physical size and price are all important design considerations. Varistors, popular for their small size and low cost, also have high clamping voltages, slower response times than semiconductor based diode solutions and ESD performance which significantly degrades after each ESD event; as a result, they are not very effective.
When compared to other semiconductor based solutions, the CM1242-33CP offers performance and form factor advantages. With an extremely low dynamic resistance specification of 0.4 Ohm, the CM1242 features a lower clamping voltage and more robust ESD protection than competing solutions.
An ESD protection device is only effective if it can shunt the majority of an ESD strike's energy to ground. This ability is a function of the protection device's dynamic resistance, which should be as low as possible. If the ESD protection device has a high dynamic resistance, energy that normally would be channeled through the ESD protection device will instead be allowed to reach the device under protection (DUP), resulting in a higher probability of damage.
austriamicrosystems' high voltage automotive CMOS LIN 2.1 transceiver ICs
UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, AUSTRIA: austriamicrosystems, a leading global designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs for communications, industrial, medical and automotive applications, announced two new in-vehicle-network ICs, the AS8520 and AS8530.
The AS8520 is dedicated to LIN slaves which can be found in car doors, car roof modules, seat modules or similar applications providing the transceiver, a voltage regulator, four-wire micro controller interface for window watchdog, diagnosis and backup register access, as well as two relay drivers and a resistive attenuator.
The AS8530 is a general purpose companion IC for LIN slaves providing the transceiver, a LDO and a shared pin microcontroller interface with window watchdog inside an 8-pin package.
austriamicrosystems’ AS8520 provides a LIN 2.1 transceiver with more than 6kV ESD IEC61000-4-2 capability on bus pin, a low drop out linear voltage regulator, for up to 60mA load, from nominal 6V-18V supply voltage with over voltage capability up to 42V.
The AS8520 also features two low side relay drivers and a resistive attenuator with disable switch for power saving. A four-wire microcontroller serial interface for device configuration, window watchdog trigger, diagnosis read out and read/write of eight continuously supplied backup registers, complete the features of AS8520.
The AS8530 is a stripped down version of AS8520 without the application specific relay driver and attenuator, providing two wire shared pin micro controller interfaces to provide the same digital features as AS8520 in an 8-pin package. Both circuits are designed for very low quiescent current of typically 36uA in standby mode.
“The AS8520 and AS8530 enable a new generation of LIN nodes. This is due to the fastest start-up procedure available on the market, which is achieved by the integration of low power back-up registers”, says Bernhard Czar, marketing director automotive at austriamicrosystems. “Additionally, all current and future EMC requirements are addressed by the unique integrated automatic slew-rate control.”
These LIN Companion ICs provide outstanding diagnosis capability through its microcontroller interfaces. Continuously powered 64-bit backup memory and highly secure non latching ESD clamp structure on the bus pin are additional highlights.
Both devices are available with 5V or 3,3V regulated output voltage. The AS8520 is in a 24-pin 6x6mm QFN package and the AS8530 in an 8-pin epSOIC package. Both ICs are suitable for operating environments from -40°C to +125°C.
The AS8520 is dedicated to LIN slaves which can be found in car doors, car roof modules, seat modules or similar applications providing the transceiver, a voltage regulator, four-wire micro controller interface for window watchdog, diagnosis and backup register access, as well as two relay drivers and a resistive attenuator.
The AS8530 is a general purpose companion IC for LIN slaves providing the transceiver, a LDO and a shared pin microcontroller interface with window watchdog inside an 8-pin package.
austriamicrosystems’ AS8520 provides a LIN 2.1 transceiver with more than 6kV ESD IEC61000-4-2 capability on bus pin, a low drop out linear voltage regulator, for up to 60mA load, from nominal 6V-18V supply voltage with over voltage capability up to 42V.
The AS8520 also features two low side relay drivers and a resistive attenuator with disable switch for power saving. A four-wire microcontroller serial interface for device configuration, window watchdog trigger, diagnosis read out and read/write of eight continuously supplied backup registers, complete the features of AS8520.
The AS8530 is a stripped down version of AS8520 without the application specific relay driver and attenuator, providing two wire shared pin micro controller interfaces to provide the same digital features as AS8520 in an 8-pin package. Both circuits are designed for very low quiescent current of typically 36uA in standby mode.
“The AS8520 and AS8530 enable a new generation of LIN nodes. This is due to the fastest start-up procedure available on the market, which is achieved by the integration of low power back-up registers”, says Bernhard Czar, marketing director automotive at austriamicrosystems. “Additionally, all current and future EMC requirements are addressed by the unique integrated automatic slew-rate control.”
These LIN Companion ICs provide outstanding diagnosis capability through its microcontroller interfaces. Continuously powered 64-bit backup memory and highly secure non latching ESD clamp structure on the bus pin are additional highlights.
Both devices are available with 5V or 3,3V regulated output voltage. The AS8520 is in a 24-pin 6x6mm QFN package and the AS8530 in an 8-pin epSOIC package. Both ICs are suitable for operating environments from -40°C to +125°C.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Arrow Electronics raises outlook for Q4
MELVILLE, USA: Arrow Electronics Inc. announced it now expects revenue to be $3.8 to $4.2 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2009. The company now expects earnings per share, on a diluted basis, to be between $.57 and $.63 per share.
The company’s previous guidance was for revenue of $3.65 to $4.25 billion and earnings per share, on a diluted basis, of $.44 to $.56.
The Company noted that the improved outlook was a result of stronger than expected growth in the components business. The company did not change its outlook on the global enterprise computing solutions business since sales in the last few weeks of December, which typically account for a significant portion of the quarter’s revenue, would be a determining factor in the actual revenue and earnings achieved.
Arrow Electronics is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions.
Headquartered in Melville, New York, Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for approximately 700 suppliers and approximately 140,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of more than 300 locations in 50 countries and territories.
The company’s previous guidance was for revenue of $3.65 to $4.25 billion and earnings per share, on a diluted basis, of $.44 to $.56.
The Company noted that the improved outlook was a result of stronger than expected growth in the components business. The company did not change its outlook on the global enterprise computing solutions business since sales in the last few weeks of December, which typically account for a significant portion of the quarter’s revenue, would be a determining factor in the actual revenue and earnings achieved.
Arrow Electronics is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions.
Headquartered in Melville, New York, Arrow serves as a supply channel partner for approximately 700 suppliers and approximately 140,000 original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers and commercial customers through a global network of more than 300 locations in 50 countries and territories.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Giga-tronics receives three orders worth $5.1 million for high performance YIG tuned filter products
SAN RAMON, USA: Giga-tronics Inc. has received three orders valued at $5.1 million for microwave components from a major aircraft manufacturer. The award for high performance specialty filters based upon the Company's fast switching YIG technology, will be fulfilled by Giga-tronics' Microsource component subsidiary located in Santa Rosa, California.
John Regazzi, CEO of Giga-tronics stated: "These orders are particularly significant not only because they represent continued confidence in us as a valued supplier on their current program, they also mark the beginning of our support on a second major aircraft platform with potential for large ongoing future business." One order valued at $1.8 million will be delivered by the end of our fiscal year, in March 2010.
Founded in 1980, Giga-tronics is a leading engineering and design manufacturer of best-in-class RF and microwave signal generators, power amplifiers, power meters, and USB power sensors and broadband switching matrices.
John Regazzi, CEO of Giga-tronics stated: "These orders are particularly significant not only because they represent continued confidence in us as a valued supplier on their current program, they also mark the beginning of our support on a second major aircraft platform with potential for large ongoing future business." One order valued at $1.8 million will be delivered by the end of our fiscal year, in March 2010.
Founded in 1980, Giga-tronics is a leading engineering and design manufacturer of best-in-class RF and microwave signal generators, power amplifiers, power meters, and USB power sensors and broadband switching matrices.
Luminus Devices partners with Jetronic to expand market share in China and Asia
BILLERICA, USA: Luminus Devices Inc., developer and manufacturer of high light output, ‘Big Chip’ PhlatLight LEDs, announced its expansion in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan through a commercial partnership with Jetronic Technology Limited.
Luminus also appointed Robin Hung regional sales manager in Asia. He will be based in Taiwan, and is responsible for the identification and development of strategic accounts in this region.
The Luminus/Jetronic agreement calls for Jetronic to distribute PhlatLight LEDs to electronic companies selling projection and display systems in the home and commercial market.
“Demand in Greater China has been steadily increasing and Jetronic will help Luminus expand our products in one of the fastest growing regions of the world,” said Keith T.S. Ward, president and CEO, Luminus Devices. “Asia’s rapid growth presents us with a great opportunity and Robin will give us a major presence in the region.”
PhlatLight LEDs are the solid-state light source in numerous HB projection systems from companies, including: Acer, BenQ, Chi Lin, Delta Electronics, LG, Samsung and Toshiba. PhlatLight LEDs are also used in a variety of lighting applications that require high brightness and efficiency, wide white color palette, high color rendering and very long life.
“Projection systems and the display industry in general are migrating at a very fast pace towards solid-state light sources, which will ultimately displace conventional light sources in mainstream products. We look forward to working with our distribution channel to expand the reach of PhlatLight LEDs in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan,” said Thomas Wong, president, Jetronic Technology Limited.
Prior to joining Luminus, Hung was sales director for LedEngin, and general manager for Telegent Technology. He also has experience with Conexant Systems, Future Electronics, Hewlett Packard and Siemens.
Luminus also appointed Robin Hung regional sales manager in Asia. He will be based in Taiwan, and is responsible for the identification and development of strategic accounts in this region.
The Luminus/Jetronic agreement calls for Jetronic to distribute PhlatLight LEDs to electronic companies selling projection and display systems in the home and commercial market.
“Demand in Greater China has been steadily increasing and Jetronic will help Luminus expand our products in one of the fastest growing regions of the world,” said Keith T.S. Ward, president and CEO, Luminus Devices. “Asia’s rapid growth presents us with a great opportunity and Robin will give us a major presence in the region.”
PhlatLight LEDs are the solid-state light source in numerous HB projection systems from companies, including: Acer, BenQ, Chi Lin, Delta Electronics, LG, Samsung and Toshiba. PhlatLight LEDs are also used in a variety of lighting applications that require high brightness and efficiency, wide white color palette, high color rendering and very long life.
“Projection systems and the display industry in general are migrating at a very fast pace towards solid-state light sources, which will ultimately displace conventional light sources in mainstream products. We look forward to working with our distribution channel to expand the reach of PhlatLight LEDs in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan,” said Thomas Wong, president, Jetronic Technology Limited.
Prior to joining Luminus, Hung was sales director for LedEngin, and general manager for Telegent Technology. He also has experience with Conexant Systems, Future Electronics, Hewlett Packard and Siemens.
Friday, December 18, 2009
IEEE launches revision to standard for rechargeable cellular batteries
PISCATAWAY, USA: The IEEE has approved work to begin on a revision to IEEE Std 1725, "Standard for Rechargeable Batteries for Cellular Telephones." The standard addresses the quality and reliability of rechargeable lithium ion and lithium ion polymer batteries for cellular telephone applications.
"The cellular industry has grown tremendously since IEEE Std 1725 was first approved in 2006, as have the patterns of people using cellular phones," said Jason Howard, chair of the Cell Phone Battery Working Group, which will be in charge of updating the standard.
"With today's consumers demanding more processing strength and better power management from their phones, it is time for us to review and revise the standard to make sure that it covers the latest developments in battery technology and industry knowledge."
In addition to setting criteria for design analysis for qualification, quality, and reliability of rechargeable lithium ion and lithium ion polymer batteries, the standard also addresses battery pack electrical and mechanical construction, packaging technologies, and pack and cell level charge and discharge controls and overall system considerations.
The revision effort, IEEE P1725, is being developed within the IEEE Standards Association Corporate Program in which each participating member entity (such as corporations or other institutions) has one vote.
This industry-oriented program often allows for standards creation in one to two years, depending on participant commitment and the use of IEEE support services. The program also provides a route to international acceptance for a standard based on the IEEE's broad ties to the international standards community.
The standard is sponsored by the Stationary Batteries Committee of the IEEE Power & Energy Society.
The Cell Phone Battery Working Group will hold its first meeting on 16-18 February 2010 in Washington, DC. The meeting will serve to review and refine the group's processes and procedures and to nominate and elect the group's officers. The existing standard will also be reviewed at this first meeting, and other dates and locations for future meetings will be established.
"The cellular industry has grown tremendously since IEEE Std 1725 was first approved in 2006, as have the patterns of people using cellular phones," said Jason Howard, chair of the Cell Phone Battery Working Group, which will be in charge of updating the standard.
"With today's consumers demanding more processing strength and better power management from their phones, it is time for us to review and revise the standard to make sure that it covers the latest developments in battery technology and industry knowledge."
In addition to setting criteria for design analysis for qualification, quality, and reliability of rechargeable lithium ion and lithium ion polymer batteries, the standard also addresses battery pack electrical and mechanical construction, packaging technologies, and pack and cell level charge and discharge controls and overall system considerations.
The revision effort, IEEE P1725, is being developed within the IEEE Standards Association Corporate Program in which each participating member entity (such as corporations or other institutions) has one vote.
This industry-oriented program often allows for standards creation in one to two years, depending on participant commitment and the use of IEEE support services. The program also provides a route to international acceptance for a standard based on the IEEE's broad ties to the international standards community.
The standard is sponsored by the Stationary Batteries Committee of the IEEE Power & Energy Society.
The Cell Phone Battery Working Group will hold its first meeting on 16-18 February 2010 in Washington, DC. The meeting will serve to review and refine the group's processes and procedures and to nominate and elect the group's officers. The existing standard will also be reviewed at this first meeting, and other dates and locations for future meetings will be established.
Showa Denko K.K., Universal Display announce OLED technology license agreement
TOKYO, JAPAN & EWING, USA: Showa Denko K.K., one of Japan’s leading producers of chemicals and industrial materials with individualized products for the sound growth of international society, and Universal Display Corp., an innovator behind today’s and tomorrow’s displays and lighting through its UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent OLED technology, today announced that the companies have signed an OLED Technology License Agreement.
Under the agreement, Showa Denko will be able to integrate Universal Display’s proprietary UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent and other OLED technologies into Showa Denko’s white OLED lighting products fabricated by solution-processing methods.
Showa Denko has been developing polymer-based white OLEDs for use with coating-type manufacturing equipment that may enable the cost-effective production of large-area lighting panels. Through their development of a new device structure and the use of phosphorescent OLED technology and materials, the company recently demonstrated a white OLED lighting device with 30 lumens per Watt.
Universal Display is the recognized leader in phosphorescent OLED technology and materials. With a comprehensive patent and know how portfolio that covers these and other OLED technologies broadly on a worldwide basis, Universal Display has developed a series of proprietary, phosphorescent emitter products for use in vacuum-based and solution-processible OLED devices that offer state-of-the-art performance for displays and lighting products.
Demonstrated to provide up to a four times improvement in energy efficiency, UniversalPHOLED technology and materials have become a key element in OLED displays and lighting products in the market and under development.
“Universal Display has built a strong and fundamental patent portfolio in high-efficiency phosphorescent OLEDs. We are very pleased to enter into this OLED Technology License Agreement to enable us to use Universal Display’s technology in Showa Denko’s white OLEDs made by solution-processing methods,” stated Kenji Tsukamoto, Director, Chief Technology Officer of Showa Denko.
“Showa Denko has identified OLEDs as a key growth driver under its Passion Extension initiative. We believe that through the integration of UniversalPHOLED technology into our coated, white OLEDs, we will further enhance our potential to develop energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective white OLEDs for the lighting industry.”
“As a leading Japanese chemical company with products such as ultra-bright LEDs and hard-disk media, Showa Denko is showing vision and leadership in moving into energy-efficient white OLEDs as a key environmental protection and energy conservation technology for the future,” said Steven V. Abramson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Display.
“We are very excited to work with Showa Denko as they move forward into manufacturing using our proprietary UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent OLED technology. This license agreement, under which we will receive license fees and running royalties, is an important milestone for Universal Display, Showa Denko and the entire OLED industry.”
Under the agreement, Showa Denko will be able to integrate Universal Display’s proprietary UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent and other OLED technologies into Showa Denko’s white OLED lighting products fabricated by solution-processing methods.
Showa Denko has been developing polymer-based white OLEDs for use with coating-type manufacturing equipment that may enable the cost-effective production of large-area lighting panels. Through their development of a new device structure and the use of phosphorescent OLED technology and materials, the company recently demonstrated a white OLED lighting device with 30 lumens per Watt.
Universal Display is the recognized leader in phosphorescent OLED technology and materials. With a comprehensive patent and know how portfolio that covers these and other OLED technologies broadly on a worldwide basis, Universal Display has developed a series of proprietary, phosphorescent emitter products for use in vacuum-based and solution-processible OLED devices that offer state-of-the-art performance for displays and lighting products.
Demonstrated to provide up to a four times improvement in energy efficiency, UniversalPHOLED technology and materials have become a key element in OLED displays and lighting products in the market and under development.
“Universal Display has built a strong and fundamental patent portfolio in high-efficiency phosphorescent OLEDs. We are very pleased to enter into this OLED Technology License Agreement to enable us to use Universal Display’s technology in Showa Denko’s white OLEDs made by solution-processing methods,” stated Kenji Tsukamoto, Director, Chief Technology Officer of Showa Denko.
“Showa Denko has identified OLEDs as a key growth driver under its Passion Extension initiative. We believe that through the integration of UniversalPHOLED technology into our coated, white OLEDs, we will further enhance our potential to develop energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective white OLEDs for the lighting industry.”
“As a leading Japanese chemical company with products such as ultra-bright LEDs and hard-disk media, Showa Denko is showing vision and leadership in moving into energy-efficient white OLEDs as a key environmental protection and energy conservation technology for the future,” said Steven V. Abramson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Display.
“We are very excited to work with Showa Denko as they move forward into manufacturing using our proprietary UniversalPHOLED phosphorescent OLED technology. This license agreement, under which we will receive license fees and running royalties, is an important milestone for Universal Display, Showa Denko and the entire OLED industry.”
AC/DC switching power supplies - global market trends
NEW YORK, USA: Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalog: AC/DC Switching Power Supplies - Global Market Trends.
Worldwide, AC/DC switching power supplies (SPS) market is driven by various end-use applications such as computers, communications, military/aerospace, industrial controls and instrumentation. Application of equipment based on microprocessors in the medical industry is one the major factors fueling SPS market.
Demand is on a rise from areas such as signage and LED displays, gaming consoles, LCD/plasma televisions, and consumer electronic appliances. Switching Power Supplies are facing an increasing risk from Linear Power Supplies, owing to its expensive nature compared to the latter.
With an advent of being fitted on high-power applications, LPS is gaining ground over SPS systems. However, recent advancements in designs, backed by superior topologies and power electronics, are enabling SPS designs to outperform linear designs.
These and other market data and trends are presented in "AC/DC Switching Power Supply (SPS): Global Market Trends" by BizAcumen Inc.
Worldwide, AC/DC switching power supplies (SPS) market is driven by various end-use applications such as computers, communications, military/aerospace, industrial controls and instrumentation. Application of equipment based on microprocessors in the medical industry is one the major factors fueling SPS market.
Demand is on a rise from areas such as signage and LED displays, gaming consoles, LCD/plasma televisions, and consumer electronic appliances. Switching Power Supplies are facing an increasing risk from Linear Power Supplies, owing to its expensive nature compared to the latter.
With an advent of being fitted on high-power applications, LPS is gaining ground over SPS systems. However, recent advancements in designs, backed by superior topologies and power electronics, are enabling SPS designs to outperform linear designs.
These and other market data and trends are presented in "AC/DC Switching Power Supply (SPS): Global Market Trends" by BizAcumen Inc.
Energetiq expands laser-driven light source product offering
WOBURN, USA: Energetiq Technology Inc., a developer and manufacturer of specialized short-wavelength light products for use in advanced technology applications, will introduce three more light sources in its Laser-Driven Light Source (LDLS) product family at SPIE Photonics West and BiOS, January 23-28, 2010 in San Francisco.
Like their predecessor LDLS EQ-1000, the LDLS EQ-1500, EQ-1510, and EQ-99 provide extreme high brightness across a complete spectrum, from 170nm through visible and beyond, thereby eliminating the need for multiple lamps. These newest light source innovations are ideal for use in advanced microscopy and analytical spectroscopy applications, or any application requiring ultra-long lamp life. All LDLS light sources feature excellent spatial stability enabling highly accurate and repeatable measurements.
"We're excited to unveil the latest developments to our laser-driven light source technology at Photonics West and BiOS next month," said Paul Blackborow, CEO of Energetiq.
"With the release last year of the LDLS EQ-1000 we addressed a significant need in the scientific research community for an extremely stable, reliable high brightness light source that would offer an economical alternative to expensive lasers and arc lamps. Now, with the addition of the general purpose EQ-1500 and 1510 and the lower-cost EQ-99 we are able to meet the needs of a wider field of research applications."
Like their predecessor LDLS EQ-1000, the LDLS EQ-1500, EQ-1510, and EQ-99 provide extreme high brightness across a complete spectrum, from 170nm through visible and beyond, thereby eliminating the need for multiple lamps. These newest light source innovations are ideal for use in advanced microscopy and analytical spectroscopy applications, or any application requiring ultra-long lamp life. All LDLS light sources feature excellent spatial stability enabling highly accurate and repeatable measurements.
"We're excited to unveil the latest developments to our laser-driven light source technology at Photonics West and BiOS next month," said Paul Blackborow, CEO of Energetiq.
"With the release last year of the LDLS EQ-1000 we addressed a significant need in the scientific research community for an extremely stable, reliable high brightness light source that would offer an economical alternative to expensive lasers and arc lamps. Now, with the addition of the general purpose EQ-1500 and 1510 and the lower-cost EQ-99 we are able to meet the needs of a wider field of research applications."
Diguang featuring LED products at CES 2010
SHENZHEN, CHINA: Diguang International Development Co. Ltd announced that the company will participate in the upcoming 2010 International CES Exhibition from January 7-10, 2010 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Diguang will showcase the Company's full range of LED backlights, LED Lighting products and LED integrated products, including 19", 22" and 24" LED ultra-thin monitors, 19" all-in-one computers and 19", 22", 24", 32", 42" and 46" LED TVs, at booth No. 36801, South Hall 3 during the Exhibition.
"We are excited to participate in the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow in Las Vegas. With continual recovery in the world economy, we expect global demand for LED displays and LED lighting products to grow rapidly in 2010," commented Song Yi, President of Diguang.
"Diguang is well positioned to take advantage of this market rebound with our independently developed LED products, which are known for innovative design, energy-efficiency and environmentally friendly features. We are confident that our LED products will bring fresh user experience and strongly cater to consumer preferences."
Diguang will showcase the Company's full range of LED backlights, LED Lighting products and LED integrated products, including 19", 22" and 24" LED ultra-thin monitors, 19" all-in-one computers and 19", 22", 24", 32", 42" and 46" LED TVs, at booth No. 36801, South Hall 3 during the Exhibition.
"We are excited to participate in the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow in Las Vegas. With continual recovery in the world economy, we expect global demand for LED displays and LED lighting products to grow rapidly in 2010," commented Song Yi, President of Diguang.
"Diguang is well positioned to take advantage of this market rebound with our independently developed LED products, which are known for innovative design, energy-efficiency and environmentally friendly features. We are confident that our LED products will bring fresh user experience and strongly cater to consumer preferences."
Amulet Technologies intros fully integrated TFT display module for embedded apps
CAMPBELL, USA: Amulet Technologies, a recognized leader in graphic user interface (GUI) solutions, announced its new 4.3” GEMmodule, a fully integrated production display module targeting a variety of applications in the embedded market space.
The module features Amulet’s popular GEM Graphical OS Chip for color displays which supports GIF, JPEG and PNG graphic formats in 24-bit color, plus alpha-blending found in high-end consumer electronic products. The 4.3” GEMmodule is perfect for embedded system product designers looking for an all-in-one drop-in graphic user interface solution.
The GEMmodule is a 480x272 TFT LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio, white LED backlight, integrated resistive touch panel, and features the GEM Graphical OS Chip. The GEM chip includes the LCD controller, touch panel decoder, ARM7 processor, built-in font converter, Unicode support and a royalty-FREE Graphical Operating System, which manages the entire user interface.
The module includes a 32megabit serial flash for storing GUI pages. In addition, the backlight can be controlled via the touch panel. The GUI is easy to program with either an HTML editor or GEMstudioTM, Amulet’s new GUI design tool via USB.
“We designed the GEMmodule to meet our customer demands for a production module. The 4.3” TFT is one of the most popular size displays on the market today for embedded product designs,” stated Jim Todd, Amulet’s Sales Director. “For customers looking for a drop-in GUI solution it’s the best as all the hardware and software required to design and run the GUI are included.”
The 4.3” GEMmodule targets small to medium size OEMs integrating GUIs to any embedded product. The GEMmodule is available now starting at $219 through Amulet franchised distributors.
The module features Amulet’s popular GEM Graphical OS Chip for color displays which supports GIF, JPEG and PNG graphic formats in 24-bit color, plus alpha-blending found in high-end consumer electronic products. The 4.3” GEMmodule is perfect for embedded system product designers looking for an all-in-one drop-in graphic user interface solution.
The GEMmodule is a 480x272 TFT LCD with a 16:9 aspect ratio, white LED backlight, integrated resistive touch panel, and features the GEM Graphical OS Chip. The GEM chip includes the LCD controller, touch panel decoder, ARM7 processor, built-in font converter, Unicode support and a royalty-FREE Graphical Operating System, which manages the entire user interface.
The module includes a 32megabit serial flash for storing GUI pages. In addition, the backlight can be controlled via the touch panel. The GUI is easy to program with either an HTML editor or GEMstudioTM, Amulet’s new GUI design tool via USB.
“We designed the GEMmodule to meet our customer demands for a production module. The 4.3” TFT is one of the most popular size displays on the market today for embedded product designs,” stated Jim Todd, Amulet’s Sales Director. “For customers looking for a drop-in GUI solution it’s the best as all the hardware and software required to design and run the GUI are included.”
The 4.3” GEMmodule targets small to medium size OEMs integrating GUIs to any embedded product. The GEMmodule is available now starting at $219 through Amulet franchised distributors.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
New pulse RF transformers and diplex filters support CATV DOCSIS 3.0 apps
SAN DIEGO, USA: Pulse, a Technitrol company, a worldwide leader in electronic component and subassembly design and manufacturing, announced a new family of cable television (CATV) RF transformers and RF diplex filters that meet Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) 3.0 design requirements for applications such as set-top boxes, cable modems, and gateways.
These components support frequency bands 5-65/85-1002MHz, 5-42/54-1002MHz, and 5-85/108-1002MHz, and are tuned and tested by Pulse to exacting specifications.
Pulse's initial offerings for this new family are two RF balun transformers, a transmission line transformer, part CX2240NL, and a flux coupled transformer, part CX2244NL. Also included is a new, small-package, surface mount RF diplex filter, part C6164NL.
All parts have been designed for new CATV technology products to exacting electrical specifications and come in industry-standard mechanical packages. The diplex filters provide electrical RF signal management with very low RF emissions and are fully enclosed in a metal shield or enclosure.
DOCSIS 3.0 is a CATV industry standard, developed to enable service providers to deliver more services by adding bandwidth to CATV’s existing hybrid fiber-coaxial infrastructure.
"Pulse RF DOCSIS 3.0 products are tuned and tested to exacting specifications in the factory. Pulse provides competitive market pricing and high-volume production capability. These products are immediately available, or Pulse can provide custom designs on request,” said Fred Roden, senior product manager, Pulse Network Division.
Both the transformers and diplexers are RoHS compliant and meet open cable, cable labs, and data-over-cable service interface specifications. Pricing for the family of RF transformers ranges from $0.10 to $0.30 and parts are available in tubes or tape-and-reel. The RF diplex filter costs $1.50 and is available in trays. Prices may vary according to destination and order configuration.
These components support frequency bands 5-65/85-1002MHz, 5-42/54-1002MHz, and 5-85/108-1002MHz, and are tuned and tested by Pulse to exacting specifications.
Pulse's initial offerings for this new family are two RF balun transformers, a transmission line transformer, part CX2240NL, and a flux coupled transformer, part CX2244NL. Also included is a new, small-package, surface mount RF diplex filter, part C6164NL.
All parts have been designed for new CATV technology products to exacting electrical specifications and come in industry-standard mechanical packages. The diplex filters provide electrical RF signal management with very low RF emissions and are fully enclosed in a metal shield or enclosure.
DOCSIS 3.0 is a CATV industry standard, developed to enable service providers to deliver more services by adding bandwidth to CATV’s existing hybrid fiber-coaxial infrastructure.
"Pulse RF DOCSIS 3.0 products are tuned and tested to exacting specifications in the factory. Pulse provides competitive market pricing and high-volume production capability. These products are immediately available, or Pulse can provide custom designs on request,” said Fred Roden, senior product manager, Pulse Network Division.
Both the transformers and diplexers are RoHS compliant and meet open cable, cable labs, and data-over-cable service interface specifications. Pricing for the family of RF transformers ranges from $0.10 to $0.30 and parts are available in tubes or tape-and-reel. The RF diplex filter costs $1.50 and is available in trays. Prices may vary according to destination and order configuration.
Fairchild Semiconductor’s new energy-efficient LED driver lights the way at OSRAM
SAN JOSE, USA: Fairchild Semiconductor, a leading global supplier of high performance products that enable energy-efficiency, has been selected by one of the world’s largest lighting manufacturers, OSRAM, to supply LED driver solutions.
The FSEZ1016A was developed by Fairchild to meet and exceed the stringent performance benchmarks set by OSRAM.
“We worked closely with OSRAM’s engineers, based at the company’s LED R&D facilities in China, and frequently discussed the technical details with OSRAM in our efforts to ensure that the FSEZ1016A was the industry’s leading LED driver solution,” said Benjamin Tan, Fairchild’s regional vice president of Sales and Marketing, China and South East Asia.
“The FSEZ1016A is an excellent example of the value of Fairchild’s Global Power ResourceSM (GPR),” continued Tan. “We use regional centers staffed by power engineers and FAEs, who are tasked with providing on-the-spot design assistance. Our GPRs are widely recognized as the industry standard for customer design support.”
Fairchild’s FSEZ1016A fits OSRAM’s 1W-4W LED products. OSRAM is also considering deploying Fairchild’s FAN6300 LED driver for its 12W to 60W products. The new FSEZ1016A and FAN6300 are designed for lighting manufacturers seeking energy-efficient LED driver solutions.
Lighting applications consume nearly 22 percent of electrical energy generated worldwide. Reducing wasted energy in these applications can have a significant impact on energy conservation.
As the industry moves from standard incandescent light bulbs to CFL, LFL and LED lighting, a 75 percent energy saving can be realized. Fairchild provides solutions for all lighting applications including linear fluorescent ballast, compact fluorescent ballast, LED and HID. The company’s extensive product portfolio ranges from discrete to integrated solutions that contain PFC controllers, ballast control ICs, high voltage gate drivers and MOSFETs.
“We look forward to continuing our strategic partnership with OSRAM and to assisting them with developing and supplying further innovative devices that benefit consumers as well as the environment,” commented Tan. “Fairchild is committed to developing products that further enable energy-efficiency gains and maximize performance while reducing board space, design complexity and system costs for our customers.”
The FSEZ1016A was developed by Fairchild to meet and exceed the stringent performance benchmarks set by OSRAM.
“We worked closely with OSRAM’s engineers, based at the company’s LED R&D facilities in China, and frequently discussed the technical details with OSRAM in our efforts to ensure that the FSEZ1016A was the industry’s leading LED driver solution,” said Benjamin Tan, Fairchild’s regional vice president of Sales and Marketing, China and South East Asia.
“The FSEZ1016A is an excellent example of the value of Fairchild’s Global Power ResourceSM (GPR),” continued Tan. “We use regional centers staffed by power engineers and FAEs, who are tasked with providing on-the-spot design assistance. Our GPRs are widely recognized as the industry standard for customer design support.”
Fairchild’s FSEZ1016A fits OSRAM’s 1W-4W LED products. OSRAM is also considering deploying Fairchild’s FAN6300 LED driver for its 12W to 60W products. The new FSEZ1016A and FAN6300 are designed for lighting manufacturers seeking energy-efficient LED driver solutions.
Lighting applications consume nearly 22 percent of electrical energy generated worldwide. Reducing wasted energy in these applications can have a significant impact on energy conservation.
As the industry moves from standard incandescent light bulbs to CFL, LFL and LED lighting, a 75 percent energy saving can be realized. Fairchild provides solutions for all lighting applications including linear fluorescent ballast, compact fluorescent ballast, LED and HID. The company’s extensive product portfolio ranges from discrete to integrated solutions that contain PFC controllers, ballast control ICs, high voltage gate drivers and MOSFETs.
“We look forward to continuing our strategic partnership with OSRAM and to assisting them with developing and supplying further innovative devices that benefit consumers as well as the environment,” commented Tan. “Fairchild is committed to developing products that further enable energy-efficiency gains and maximize performance while reducing board space, design complexity and system costs for our customers.”
Energy-saving LED showcases shed new light on Denmark’s Crown Jewels
MONTREAL, CANADA: New solid-state showcase fixtures utilizing LUXEON® Rebel LEDs are changing the way that Denmark’s Rosenborg Castle lights its popular collection of crown jewels and decorative objects, enabling an 80 percent energy savings as well as a dramatic reduction in incandescent-generated heat that threatened to damage the royal relics.
The new PinolLED light strips were created by Danish LED lighting engineering firm I-NO in collaboration with Future Lighting Solutions, Danish lighting distributor Lumodan, and DTU Fotonik, the department of Photonics Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark.
The PinolLED light bars utilize a proprietary DTU Fotonik color mixing strategy to achieve the 2200K color temperature considered optimal for lighting gold by combining warm white and red LUXEON Rebel LEDs and then adding a carefully selected optical filter to reduce unwanted colors. Color bins and filters are selected with the assistance of proprietary I-NO color mix calibration software, eliminating the need to make multiple prototypes from different LED bins to produce the desired color values.
Future Lighting Solutions played a critical role in facilitating the new light strips, including providing advanced color binning, inventory management, and spectral power distribution data on all warm white LED color bins.
I-NO’s software uses this color data to generate a color mixing formula based on the characteristics of the individual color bin, making it possible to create the required color effects with almost any warm white LUXEON Rebel color bin simply by changing the optic filter and drive current.
This approach has enabled Rosenborg Castle to enhance its crown jewel display by deepening the royal blue of the showcase backdrops. Previously the backgrounds washed out to gray, lessening the regal impression as well as the eye appeal.
I-NO is an integration member of the Future Lighting Solutions Network, a global group of companies that are trained and certified to enable LUXEON-based solid-state lighting solutions.
The new PinolLED light strips were created by Danish LED lighting engineering firm I-NO in collaboration with Future Lighting Solutions, Danish lighting distributor Lumodan, and DTU Fotonik, the department of Photonics Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark.
The PinolLED light bars utilize a proprietary DTU Fotonik color mixing strategy to achieve the 2200K color temperature considered optimal for lighting gold by combining warm white and red LUXEON Rebel LEDs and then adding a carefully selected optical filter to reduce unwanted colors. Color bins and filters are selected with the assistance of proprietary I-NO color mix calibration software, eliminating the need to make multiple prototypes from different LED bins to produce the desired color values.
Future Lighting Solutions played a critical role in facilitating the new light strips, including providing advanced color binning, inventory management, and spectral power distribution data on all warm white LED color bins.
I-NO’s software uses this color data to generate a color mixing formula based on the characteristics of the individual color bin, making it possible to create the required color effects with almost any warm white LUXEON Rebel color bin simply by changing the optic filter and drive current.
This approach has enabled Rosenborg Castle to enhance its crown jewel display by deepening the royal blue of the showcase backdrops. Previously the backgrounds washed out to gray, lessening the regal impression as well as the eye appeal.
I-NO is an integration member of the Future Lighting Solutions Network, a global group of companies that are trained and certified to enable LUXEON-based solid-state lighting solutions.
Lineage Power intros tunable loop 30A MegaTLynx POL DC power converter
PLANO, USA: Lineage Power Corp., a Gores Group company and the first name in power, today introduced its MegaTLynx DC/DC 30 amp (A) power converter for distributed power architectures and intermediate bus voltage applications used in telecom, datacom, server, storage and networking equipment.
The new power module is a high-efficiency, non-isolated, DC point-of-load (POL) converter ideal for leading-edge, high-current microchip designs. Part of Lineage Power’s Total Efficiency architecture to help organizations achieve their energy sustainability objectives, this product boasts a peak efficiency of 96 percent and features Lineage Power’s Tunable Loop technology.
The MegaTLynx POL delivers exceptional thermal performance with full load capability at an ambient temperature of 85 degrees Celsius (°C) with only 200 linear feet per minute (LFM) airflow—15 percent better performance than competitive alternatives.
The MegaTLynx Tunable Loop feature delivers leading density at the lowest cost implementation, leveraging standards-based Distributed-Power Open Standards Alliance (DOSA) footprints. Tunable Loop functionality allows design engineers to optimize the dynamic response of a DC POL power solution to match load requirements—reducing the quantity, type, and size of the capacitors required for any given application. The result for the 30A MegaTLynx is more than 80 percent capacitor reduction in less than half the space footprint with nearly 25 percent lower system cost.
This DC power module operates over a wide range of input voltage from 6 volt (V) to 14V and provides a precisely regulated output voltage from 0.8V to 2.75V, programmable via an external resistor.
Features include tight 10 millivolt load voltage regulation, remote On/Off, adjustable output voltage, over-current and over-temperature protection, output voltage sequencing and paralleling with active current sharing.
The MegaTLynx POL converter is packaged in a modular and nestable layout with the industry standard DOSA footprint allowing the user to easily drop in the MegaTLynx module, optimize and customize designs without sacrificing development schedules. Lineage Power is the POL market leader with more than 30 million units shipped and proven field reliability with a mean time between failure (MTBF) of up to 3 billion hours.
“The MegaTLynx POL converter is designed to be part of a DOSA footprint palette that makes it very easy for global OEM design engineers to leverage this solution across many different platforms and applications,” said Niklas Fallgren, vice president and general manager of Lineage Power’s Embedded OEM division.
“This POL solution delivers a small, fast and powerful DC solution that lowers cost, reduces risk and accelerates availability when designing next-generation telecom, computing and storage products.”
Available immediately worldwide, the Lineage Power MegaTLynx 30A POL is also available for multi-sourcing through licensees of the Tunable Loop technology. A ruggedized version for industrial and military applications will also be available.
The new power module is a high-efficiency, non-isolated, DC point-of-load (POL) converter ideal for leading-edge, high-current microchip designs. Part of Lineage Power’s Total Efficiency architecture to help organizations achieve their energy sustainability objectives, this product boasts a peak efficiency of 96 percent and features Lineage Power’s Tunable Loop technology.
The MegaTLynx POL delivers exceptional thermal performance with full load capability at an ambient temperature of 85 degrees Celsius (°C) with only 200 linear feet per minute (LFM) airflow—15 percent better performance than competitive alternatives.
The MegaTLynx Tunable Loop feature delivers leading density at the lowest cost implementation, leveraging standards-based Distributed-Power Open Standards Alliance (DOSA) footprints. Tunable Loop functionality allows design engineers to optimize the dynamic response of a DC POL power solution to match load requirements—reducing the quantity, type, and size of the capacitors required for any given application. The result for the 30A MegaTLynx is more than 80 percent capacitor reduction in less than half the space footprint with nearly 25 percent lower system cost.
This DC power module operates over a wide range of input voltage from 6 volt (V) to 14V and provides a precisely regulated output voltage from 0.8V to 2.75V, programmable via an external resistor.
Features include tight 10 millivolt load voltage regulation, remote On/Off, adjustable output voltage, over-current and over-temperature protection, output voltage sequencing and paralleling with active current sharing.
The MegaTLynx POL converter is packaged in a modular and nestable layout with the industry standard DOSA footprint allowing the user to easily drop in the MegaTLynx module, optimize and customize designs without sacrificing development schedules. Lineage Power is the POL market leader with more than 30 million units shipped and proven field reliability with a mean time between failure (MTBF) of up to 3 billion hours.
“The MegaTLynx POL converter is designed to be part of a DOSA footprint palette that makes it very easy for global OEM design engineers to leverage this solution across many different platforms and applications,” said Niklas Fallgren, vice president and general manager of Lineage Power’s Embedded OEM division.
“This POL solution delivers a small, fast and powerful DC solution that lowers cost, reduces risk and accelerates availability when designing next-generation telecom, computing and storage products.”
Available immediately worldwide, the Lineage Power MegaTLynx 30A POL is also available for multi-sourcing through licensees of the Tunable Loop technology. A ruggedized version for industrial and military applications will also be available.
QD Vision raises $10mn to deliver energy-efficient, cost-effective lighting and display technologies
WATERTOWN, USA: QD Vision, developer of Quantum Light nanotechnology-based products for solid state lighting and displays, today announced it raised $10 million in financing from North Bridge Venture Partners, Highland Capital Partners and In-Q-Tel.
This new round of funding will support the expansion of the first QD Vision Quantum Light products into the global solid-state lighting market, and continued advancements on a new generation of quantum dot-based LEDs and materials for high-resolution displays. Founded in 2004 by a research team from MIT, the financing brings to $30 million the total venture investment in QD Vision.
“QD Vision’s Quantum LightTM products unleash the power of quantum dots to deliver high quality light and color, and unlike other technologies, they concurrently reduce power consumption, and enable more cost-effective solutions for today’s LED-based lighting and display manufacturers,” said Dr. Daniel Button, CEO of QD Vision.
“The vote of confidence and support from North Bridge, Highland and In-Q-Tel provides QD Vision the resources to meet the huge and growing demand for green-tech lighting and display solutions, which represent a multi-billion dollar global market opportunity.”
Since announcing its first product earlier this year—a Quantum Light optic for a new LED lamp developed by Nexxus Lighting Inc. that combines the warmth and color of incandescent bulbs with the efficiency of LED technology—QD Vision has seen a significant increase in interest from the lighting and display industry in its quantum dot technology. The Nexxus lamp featuring the Quantum LightTM optic is scheduled to ship in Q1 of 2010.
In November 2009, the New England Clean Energy Council named QD Vision the Emerging Company of the Year. On President Obama’s recent visit to MIT to give a major address on research and technology innovation, QD Vision’s technology was featured as a leading example of clean-tech R&D. In September 2009, the Wall Street Journal recognized QD Vision with a Technology innovation Award.
This new round of funding will support the expansion of the first QD Vision Quantum Light products into the global solid-state lighting market, and continued advancements on a new generation of quantum dot-based LEDs and materials for high-resolution displays. Founded in 2004 by a research team from MIT, the financing brings to $30 million the total venture investment in QD Vision.
“QD Vision’s Quantum LightTM products unleash the power of quantum dots to deliver high quality light and color, and unlike other technologies, they concurrently reduce power consumption, and enable more cost-effective solutions for today’s LED-based lighting and display manufacturers,” said Dr. Daniel Button, CEO of QD Vision.
“The vote of confidence and support from North Bridge, Highland and In-Q-Tel provides QD Vision the resources to meet the huge and growing demand for green-tech lighting and display solutions, which represent a multi-billion dollar global market opportunity.”
Since announcing its first product earlier this year—a Quantum Light optic for a new LED lamp developed by Nexxus Lighting Inc. that combines the warmth and color of incandescent bulbs with the efficiency of LED technology—QD Vision has seen a significant increase in interest from the lighting and display industry in its quantum dot technology. The Nexxus lamp featuring the Quantum LightTM optic is scheduled to ship in Q1 of 2010.
In November 2009, the New England Clean Energy Council named QD Vision the Emerging Company of the Year. On President Obama’s recent visit to MIT to give a major address on research and technology innovation, QD Vision’s technology was featured as a leading example of clean-tech R&D. In September 2009, the Wall Street Journal recognized QD Vision with a Technology innovation Award.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
LED industry entering down cycle, recovering after Chinese New Year 2010
TAIWAN: Based on statistics from LED industry research institute LEDinside, Taiwan’s listed LED manufacturers recorded total revenue of NT$6.852 billion in November 2009, down by 1.7 percent from NT$6.974 billion in October (+65 percent YoY).
LED chipmakers’ total revenue amounted to NT$3.2 billion, up by 1.6 percent MoM, and LED packagers posted NT$3.652 billion in revenue, a 4.5 percent MoM decline.
According to LEDinside’s observation of recent market conditions, ASP declined by 5~10 percent as the industry enters the down cycle. In particular, as demand for handset and notebook backlight applications gradually decreases, sales revenue in December is estimated to fall sequentially by around 10 percent.
Despite the recent increase in orders as vendors gear up for the Chinese New Year in 2010, which buffered the decline in November sales revenue, industry players believe that end market demand will only recover in March 2010, after the Chinese New Year.
Taiwan’s LED chipmakers recorded total sales revenue of NT$ 32 billion in November (+1.6 percent MoM, +102 percent YoY). Affected by the short supply of upstream LED chips, the capacity utilization rate of AlInGaP declined substantially, while that of InGaN continued to be fully-loaded. With the installation of new MOCVD equipment, several LED chipmakers such as Epistar, FOREPI, and Tekcore, all posted historic high revenues in November.
As for downstream LED packagers, the total revenue for November is NT$3.652 billion (-4.5 percent MoM; +42 percent YoY). Total packaging output exceeded that of the same period last year. A majority of LED packagers recorded declines in their revenues; in particular, demand for handset applications decreased more substantially.
In NB applications, despite the inventory replenishment from some panel makers, the overall demand for NB applications remains stagnant due to the slow season. At present, only the demand for TV, as well as for lighting applications, is still considered strong.
LED chipmakers’ total revenue amounted to NT$3.2 billion, up by 1.6 percent MoM, and LED packagers posted NT$3.652 billion in revenue, a 4.5 percent MoM decline.
According to LEDinside’s observation of recent market conditions, ASP declined by 5~10 percent as the industry enters the down cycle. In particular, as demand for handset and notebook backlight applications gradually decreases, sales revenue in December is estimated to fall sequentially by around 10 percent.Despite the recent increase in orders as vendors gear up for the Chinese New Year in 2010, which buffered the decline in November sales revenue, industry players believe that end market demand will only recover in March 2010, after the Chinese New Year.
Taiwan’s LED chipmakers recorded total sales revenue of NT$ 32 billion in November (+1.6 percent MoM, +102 percent YoY). Affected by the short supply of upstream LED chips, the capacity utilization rate of AlInGaP declined substantially, while that of InGaN continued to be fully-loaded. With the installation of new MOCVD equipment, several LED chipmakers such as Epistar, FOREPI, and Tekcore, all posted historic high revenues in November.
As for downstream LED packagers, the total revenue for November is NT$3.652 billion (-4.5 percent MoM; +42 percent YoY). Total packaging output exceeded that of the same period last year. A majority of LED packagers recorded declines in their revenues; in particular, demand for handset applications decreased more substantially. In NB applications, despite the inventory replenishment from some panel makers, the overall demand for NB applications remains stagnant due to the slow season. At present, only the demand for TV, as well as for lighting applications, is still considered strong.
Proliferation of HB LEDs fueling niche markets for equipment suppliers
NEW TRIPOLI, USA: The High Brightness Light Emitting Diode (HB LED) market is expected to explode as unit shipments more than double between 2009 and 2012 according to the report “The Solid State Lighting Revolution: Market Analysis And Insight On Reducing Manufacturing Costs,” recently published by The Information Network.
“The rapid increase in the market for HB LEDs used in various applications such as notebook backlights and automobile headlights is also spurring heavy capital investments by LED makers, noted Dr. Robert Castellano, president of The Information Network. “LEDs are creating a niche market for conventional suppliers of semiconductor processing tools and a lucrative market for MOCVD suppliers.”
Veeco, a leading supplier of MOCVD tools, notes in an investor presentation that a consensus of forecasts from six sell-side analysts forecasts a doubling in MOCVD demand, from 208 tools in 2009 to 415 tools in 2011.
Our analysis indicates that in 2009, each MOCVD tool was capable of processing about 30 million LEDs. In 2011, based on the same throughput, there will be a cumulative supply deficit of 15.5 million LED units, unless MOCVD equipment suppliers increase throughput and yields to reduce CoO.
The US DOE’s Solid State Lighting Manufacturing Roadmap targets a factor of two improvement in cost-of-ownership for manufacturing equipment every five years. If suppliers are successful, enhancements in processing time, uniformity, repeatability, temperature control, and flow geometries will mitigate the supply deficit.
“Clearly it is not within the best interests of MOCVD tool suppliers to improve CoO as it will reduce sales,” added Dr. Castellano. “But competition is the key enabler, which will force suppliers to enhance their tool capabilities.”
The HB LEDs are currently a $5 billion niche market compared to the $250 million semiconductor market. The consensus forecast of 415 MOCVD tools represents a market of greater than $1 billion based on an average selling price of $2.5 million for each MOCVD tool. MOCVD represents 8% of the typical cost breakdown for a packaged LED.
Other front-end tools represent more than 3% of the cost and equates to an additional $500 million market for lithography and metrology tools. The biggest sector, 65 percent, represents back-end processes such as substrate removal, chip separation, and packaging.
The backlight sectors will exhibit the fastest growth in the HB LED market with an overall CAGR of more than 40 percent, led by the LCD TV sector exhibiting a CAGR of 300.3 percent between 2007 and 2012.
“The rapid increase in the market for HB LEDs used in various applications such as notebook backlights and automobile headlights is also spurring heavy capital investments by LED makers, noted Dr. Robert Castellano, president of The Information Network. “LEDs are creating a niche market for conventional suppliers of semiconductor processing tools and a lucrative market for MOCVD suppliers.”
Veeco, a leading supplier of MOCVD tools, notes in an investor presentation that a consensus of forecasts from six sell-side analysts forecasts a doubling in MOCVD demand, from 208 tools in 2009 to 415 tools in 2011.
Our analysis indicates that in 2009, each MOCVD tool was capable of processing about 30 million LEDs. In 2011, based on the same throughput, there will be a cumulative supply deficit of 15.5 million LED units, unless MOCVD equipment suppliers increase throughput and yields to reduce CoO.
The US DOE’s Solid State Lighting Manufacturing Roadmap targets a factor of two improvement in cost-of-ownership for manufacturing equipment every five years. If suppliers are successful, enhancements in processing time, uniformity, repeatability, temperature control, and flow geometries will mitigate the supply deficit.
“Clearly it is not within the best interests of MOCVD tool suppliers to improve CoO as it will reduce sales,” added Dr. Castellano. “But competition is the key enabler, which will force suppliers to enhance their tool capabilities.”
The HB LEDs are currently a $5 billion niche market compared to the $250 million semiconductor market. The consensus forecast of 415 MOCVD tools represents a market of greater than $1 billion based on an average selling price of $2.5 million for each MOCVD tool. MOCVD represents 8% of the typical cost breakdown for a packaged LED.
Other front-end tools represent more than 3% of the cost and equates to an additional $500 million market for lithography and metrology tools. The biggest sector, 65 percent, represents back-end processes such as substrate removal, chip separation, and packaging.
The backlight sectors will exhibit the fastest growth in the HB LED market with an overall CAGR of more than 40 percent, led by the LCD TV sector exhibiting a CAGR of 300.3 percent between 2007 and 2012.
LED lighting lights up the 2009 holiday season
EL SEGUNDO, USA: The 2009 holiday season has turned into the coming-out party for the use of LEDs for general illumination, paving the way for double-digit sales growth in 2009 and a near doubling in market revenue by 2013, according to iSuppli Corp.
Multiple retailers around the world are actively promoting LED lights for indoor and outdoor decorative illumination applications. Meanwhile, LED lights with the Edison sockets used for replacing conventional light bulbs are starting to appear on the shelves of many of these same stores, making them a viable choice for general illumination applications.
“The LED industry is on the threshold of a new expansion phase—a phase that will be characterized by growth rates in the high double digits during the next three years,” said Dr. Jagdish Rebello, director and principal analyst at iSuppli.
“This growth will be driven by the increased adoption of High Brightness (HB) and high flux—also referred to as high power or Ultra High brightness (UHB)—LEDs into a new range of next-generation lighting applications.”
Global LED revenue will expand by 10.9 percent in 2009 to reach $7.4 billion, up from $6.7 billion in 2008. This comes in stark contrast to the overall semiconductor market, which is expected to contract by 12.4 percent in 2009 because of the slowdown in the global economy.
By 2013, the global LED market will reach $14.3 billion, nearly double from 2009.
LED lighting
Beyond general illumination, this growth is being driven by the rising penetration of LEDs as the lighting source of choice for a myriad of existing lighting applications, including automotive, traffic and street lighting, the backlighting of small LCD displays and keypads in mobile handsets, personal navigation devices, digital picture frames and cameras.
The market also is being aided by the emergence of new applications, such as backlighting of large-sized LCDs in televisions, notebooks and computer monitors and personal illumination.
Solid-state general illumination is here
As predicted by iSuppli in 2007, LEDs now have started to penetrate the general illumination market for residential dwellings and enterprise offices. And while the retail prices for LED light bulbs are still about an order of magnitude higher than those traditional incandescent lamps, customers increasingly are becoming aware of the power savings and long life benefits of solid-state LED lights.
As expected, the solid-state lighting market for HB and high-flux devices will outpace overall LED market growth through the year 2013. Through 2013, revenue generated by the traditional market for standard-brightness LEDs will decline by about 2.5 percent, while the market for HB LEDs will grow by 6.7 percent to approximately $5.4 billion. The market for high-flux LEDs grew by almost 53 percent to reach $7.8 billion.
The figure presents iSuppli’s forecast for the worldwide market for standard-brightness, HB and high-power through-hole, Surface-Mount Device (SMD) and display LED lamps.
Source: iSuppli, USA
LEDs: the future of general illumination
The development of high-flux LED light bulbs with luminous efficacy exceeding 100 lumens per watt, and innovative designs that allow LEDs to run on AC current without the need for an inverter, are pushing LEDs closer to being adopted in the mainstream general illumination market.
LEDs already are being used in various indoor and outdoor decorative illumination applications and are just starting to target the market for general lighting in homes and enterprises. In addition to the performance advantages offered by solid-state lighting, legislation around the world increasingly seeking to ban the use of incandescent light in favor of more energy-efficient light sources will push LEDs rapidly into the mainstream of general illumination.
Even in the near term, the advantages of solid-state lighting are beginning to outweigh the cost differential between LEDs and Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs). And as progress is made in LED performance, the cost differential will continue to narrow.
“iSuppli projects that LED light bulbs will address the residential and enterprise general illumination market in earnest in 2010,” Rebello said. “Without a doubt, the long-term future of general illumination is LEDs. The market is expanding and investments in innovative designs and creative solutions are worthwhile.”
Source: iSuppli
Multiple retailers around the world are actively promoting LED lights for indoor and outdoor decorative illumination applications. Meanwhile, LED lights with the Edison sockets used for replacing conventional light bulbs are starting to appear on the shelves of many of these same stores, making them a viable choice for general illumination applications.
“The LED industry is on the threshold of a new expansion phase—a phase that will be characterized by growth rates in the high double digits during the next three years,” said Dr. Jagdish Rebello, director and principal analyst at iSuppli.
“This growth will be driven by the increased adoption of High Brightness (HB) and high flux—also referred to as high power or Ultra High brightness (UHB)—LEDs into a new range of next-generation lighting applications.”
Global LED revenue will expand by 10.9 percent in 2009 to reach $7.4 billion, up from $6.7 billion in 2008. This comes in stark contrast to the overall semiconductor market, which is expected to contract by 12.4 percent in 2009 because of the slowdown in the global economy.
By 2013, the global LED market will reach $14.3 billion, nearly double from 2009.
LED lighting
Beyond general illumination, this growth is being driven by the rising penetration of LEDs as the lighting source of choice for a myriad of existing lighting applications, including automotive, traffic and street lighting, the backlighting of small LCD displays and keypads in mobile handsets, personal navigation devices, digital picture frames and cameras.
The market also is being aided by the emergence of new applications, such as backlighting of large-sized LCDs in televisions, notebooks and computer monitors and personal illumination.
Solid-state general illumination is here
As predicted by iSuppli in 2007, LEDs now have started to penetrate the general illumination market for residential dwellings and enterprise offices. And while the retail prices for LED light bulbs are still about an order of magnitude higher than those traditional incandescent lamps, customers increasingly are becoming aware of the power savings and long life benefits of solid-state LED lights.
As expected, the solid-state lighting market for HB and high-flux devices will outpace overall LED market growth through the year 2013. Through 2013, revenue generated by the traditional market for standard-brightness LEDs will decline by about 2.5 percent, while the market for HB LEDs will grow by 6.7 percent to approximately $5.4 billion. The market for high-flux LEDs grew by almost 53 percent to reach $7.8 billion.
The figure presents iSuppli’s forecast for the worldwide market for standard-brightness, HB and high-power through-hole, Surface-Mount Device (SMD) and display LED lamps.
Source: iSuppli, USALEDs: the future of general illumination
The development of high-flux LED light bulbs with luminous efficacy exceeding 100 lumens per watt, and innovative designs that allow LEDs to run on AC current without the need for an inverter, are pushing LEDs closer to being adopted in the mainstream general illumination market.
LEDs already are being used in various indoor and outdoor decorative illumination applications and are just starting to target the market for general lighting in homes and enterprises. In addition to the performance advantages offered by solid-state lighting, legislation around the world increasingly seeking to ban the use of incandescent light in favor of more energy-efficient light sources will push LEDs rapidly into the mainstream of general illumination.
Even in the near term, the advantages of solid-state lighting are beginning to outweigh the cost differential between LEDs and Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs). And as progress is made in LED performance, the cost differential will continue to narrow.
“iSuppli projects that LED light bulbs will address the residential and enterprise general illumination market in earnest in 2010,” Rebello said. “Without a doubt, the long-term future of general illumination is LEDs. The market is expanding and investments in innovative designs and creative solutions are worthwhile.”
Source: iSuppli
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Antenova develops nine-band SMD antenna for LTE mobile device applications
CAMBRIDGE, UK: Antenova Ltd, the integrated antenna and RF solutions company, announced the addition of its patent pending nine-band SMD antenna targeting global Long Term Evolution (LTE) mobile device applications.
Antenova’s Agilis A10346 is a small switchable Magnetic Dipole Antenna (MDA) providing global dual-mode GSM/LTE capability plus Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and WiMAX in a single structure.
“With mobile operators starting to roll out LTE networks, there has been an increasing demand from device manufacturers for small embedded LTE antennas for mobile devices such as smart phones, portable navigation devices (PNDs) and portable media players (PMPs),” stated Greg McCray, CEO of Antenova.
“Agilis is a high performing nine-band antenna capable of dual-mode GSM and LTE, which is an ideal solution for device manufacturers as networks migrate from 3G to 4G. Antenova’s MDA technology enables Agilis to be resistant to de-tuning and offers predictable performance for a superior mobile broadband user experience.”
Dr. Devis Iellici, R&D Director of Antenova, commented: “Agilis A10346 is a small 40x10x3mm3 switchable magnetic dipole antenna offering design flexibility for global mobile device manufacturers. A10346 is a single capacitive feed antenna which is implemented with a 3 pin diode switch that enables operation in three sets of frequency bands; 1) 700-750 MHz (LTE Low), DCS, PCS, UMTS, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE at 2.7 GHz, 2) 750-800 MHz (LTE High), DCS, PCS, UMTS, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE at 2.7 GHz, and 3) GSM850, GSM900, DCS, PCS, UMTS, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE at 2.7 GHz. A dual-feed version is currently under development and will be available soon.”
Agilis is ideally suited for an extensive range of embedded cellular and mobile broadband applications such as mobile handsets, PNDs, PMPs, laptops, netbooks and femto base stations. Agilis A10346 is intended for surface mounting, requires minimal ground plane and supplied in tape on reel. It is provided with the switch specifications and design guidelines for easy implementation and will be available for volume purchase through Antenova’s global network of leading distributors and agents.
Antenova’s Agilis A10346 is a small switchable Magnetic Dipole Antenna (MDA) providing global dual-mode GSM/LTE capability plus Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and WiMAX in a single structure.
“With mobile operators starting to roll out LTE networks, there has been an increasing demand from device manufacturers for small embedded LTE antennas for mobile devices such as smart phones, portable navigation devices (PNDs) and portable media players (PMPs),” stated Greg McCray, CEO of Antenova.
“Agilis is a high performing nine-band antenna capable of dual-mode GSM and LTE, which is an ideal solution for device manufacturers as networks migrate from 3G to 4G. Antenova’s MDA technology enables Agilis to be resistant to de-tuning and offers predictable performance for a superior mobile broadband user experience.”
Dr. Devis Iellici, R&D Director of Antenova, commented: “Agilis A10346 is a small 40x10x3mm3 switchable magnetic dipole antenna offering design flexibility for global mobile device manufacturers. A10346 is a single capacitive feed antenna which is implemented with a 3 pin diode switch that enables operation in three sets of frequency bands; 1) 700-750 MHz (LTE Low), DCS, PCS, UMTS, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE at 2.7 GHz, 2) 750-800 MHz (LTE High), DCS, PCS, UMTS, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE at 2.7 GHz, and 3) GSM850, GSM900, DCS, PCS, UMTS, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and LTE at 2.7 GHz. A dual-feed version is currently under development and will be available soon.”
Agilis is ideally suited for an extensive range of embedded cellular and mobile broadband applications such as mobile handsets, PNDs, PMPs, laptops, netbooks and femto base stations. Agilis A10346 is intended for surface mounting, requires minimal ground plane and supplied in tape on reel. It is provided with the switch specifications and design guidelines for easy implementation and will be available for volume purchase through Antenova’s global network of leading distributors and agents.
LUXEON power LEDs shine brightly!
SAN JOSE, USA: The promised energy efficiency and savings as a result of LED based lighting solutions is proving a reality at Morrisons’ Illingworth gasoline station and convenience market in the United Kingdom.
The solution, created by Philips Lighting, demonstrates the benefits and appropriateness of LUXEON Rebel based luminaires for both internal and external applications. Most importantly, the LUXEON based solutions from Philips have enabled Morrisons to make substantial energy efficient gains without compromising performance.
The entire site at Illingworth from the canopy and the carwash to the signage and refrigeration cabinets utilizes high power, high efficacy LUXEON Rebel LEDs and Morrisons now enjoys impressive energy savings of approximately 45% across the installation.
Philips Mini 300 luminaires with LUXEON Rebel have replaced the old style 250 W metal halide fittings and by incorporating motion detection, the solution efficacy is further increased. Efficacy gains are not made at the expense of quality illumination.
As Ian Jagger, Group Electrical Services & Environmental Engineering Manager, for Morrisons explains: “We wanted to ensure that within the fuel bay, the petrol pumps are clearly illuminated. Everything is visible, pumps, people, columns and cars. We were extremely impressed with the new LED lighting scheme which has illumination levels almost identical to those achieved using conventional light sources.”
Indeed, a critical factor for good under canopy lighting is balancing high vertical light levels and natural color rendering to allow visitors to see information with the need not blind drivers with unwanted glare.
The signage requirements on site were realized using the revolutionary new Philips Poster Box Module 300 Series (patent pending) in all of the site’s illuminated signs. Aluminium profiles wash light across the sign and make optimal use of the light by re-cycling it in the box.
LUXEON Rebel LEDs are used here as well and the result is a uniform light without the stripes usually associated with fluorescent tubes. Not only is energy consumption reduced by over 75 percent, the long service life of the product contributes to significantly reduced ongoing maintenance costs.
As well as having good levels of illumination across the site, it was also important to create a unified look across both the gas station and the shop itself. Reflecting consistent brand values in retail applications is particularly important, making customers feel at ease and putting them in a buying mood. After all, good lighting is key to a shop’s success, large or small.
LUXEON power LED technology now enables good visual impact and significantly reduced operating costs. This is a major benefit for gas stations since they have extended hours for customer convenience placing even more demands on lighting. Travelers want to feel safe when making a late-night fuel stop. Station operators in the meantime strive to create an inviting environment that will encourage patrons to browse the station’s market before driving on.
At Illingworth, accent lighting for selected merchandise such as driving accessories and seasonal goods was achieved utilizing adjustable 10 W Spot LEDs. The long useful life of the LUXEON LED light sources means that maintenance costs are significantly reduced and no re-lamping should be required throughout the life of the store.
“We are delighted that LUXEON Rebel LEDs are enabling luminaires that deliver energy and maintenance savings without compromising the lighting solution, effectiveness or customers’ experience,” said Rick Hamburger, Director of Segment Marketing at Philips Lumileds.
The solution, created by Philips Lighting, demonstrates the benefits and appropriateness of LUXEON Rebel based luminaires for both internal and external applications. Most importantly, the LUXEON based solutions from Philips have enabled Morrisons to make substantial energy efficient gains without compromising performance.
The entire site at Illingworth from the canopy and the carwash to the signage and refrigeration cabinets utilizes high power, high efficacy LUXEON Rebel LEDs and Morrisons now enjoys impressive energy savings of approximately 45% across the installation.
Philips Mini 300 luminaires with LUXEON Rebel have replaced the old style 250 W metal halide fittings and by incorporating motion detection, the solution efficacy is further increased. Efficacy gains are not made at the expense of quality illumination.
As Ian Jagger, Group Electrical Services & Environmental Engineering Manager, for Morrisons explains: “We wanted to ensure that within the fuel bay, the petrol pumps are clearly illuminated. Everything is visible, pumps, people, columns and cars. We were extremely impressed with the new LED lighting scheme which has illumination levels almost identical to those achieved using conventional light sources.”
Indeed, a critical factor for good under canopy lighting is balancing high vertical light levels and natural color rendering to allow visitors to see information with the need not blind drivers with unwanted glare.
The signage requirements on site were realized using the revolutionary new Philips Poster Box Module 300 Series (patent pending) in all of the site’s illuminated signs. Aluminium profiles wash light across the sign and make optimal use of the light by re-cycling it in the box.
LUXEON Rebel LEDs are used here as well and the result is a uniform light without the stripes usually associated with fluorescent tubes. Not only is energy consumption reduced by over 75 percent, the long service life of the product contributes to significantly reduced ongoing maintenance costs.
As well as having good levels of illumination across the site, it was also important to create a unified look across both the gas station and the shop itself. Reflecting consistent brand values in retail applications is particularly important, making customers feel at ease and putting them in a buying mood. After all, good lighting is key to a shop’s success, large or small.
LUXEON power LED technology now enables good visual impact and significantly reduced operating costs. This is a major benefit for gas stations since they have extended hours for customer convenience placing even more demands on lighting. Travelers want to feel safe when making a late-night fuel stop. Station operators in the meantime strive to create an inviting environment that will encourage patrons to browse the station’s market before driving on.
At Illingworth, accent lighting for selected merchandise such as driving accessories and seasonal goods was achieved utilizing adjustable 10 W Spot LEDs. The long useful life of the LUXEON LED light sources means that maintenance costs are significantly reduced and no re-lamping should be required throughout the life of the store.
“We are delighted that LUXEON Rebel LEDs are enabling luminaires that deliver energy and maintenance savings without compromising the lighting solution, effectiveness or customers’ experience,” said Rick Hamburger, Director of Segment Marketing at Philips Lumileds.
LedEngin brings colored lighting to next level
SANTA CLARA, USA: LedEngin, Inc, an innovator of solid-state lighting specializing in high brightness LEDs, continues to lead the market with ultra-bright, ultra-compact, ultra-reliable LED emitters with its newest RGB, RGBA and RGBW emitters in a compact 40W package.
This 9mm x 9mm LED provides a brilliance of colors across the entire color spectrum with outstanding color mixing and uncompromising performance. The ability to configure multiple red, green and blue high-brightness die within a very small area creates a superior, flexible, dynamic colored lighting source for architectural, decorative and entertainment lighting applications.
The addition of amber enriches the quality of the color further expanding the color gamut and maximizes color rendering while RGBW LEDs provide tunable white and softer pastels.
Taking this color performance further, LedEngin has designed 15°, 24° and 35° highly efficient color mixing lenses that, when combined with the 40W LED, produce perfect color uniformity across the beam without sacrificing the light intensity.
“LedEngin has solved one of the major lighting challenges of architects and lighting designers by providing beautiful colors across the full color gamut with perfect color mixing,” says Leonard Livschitz, VP of Marketing and Business Development. “We are able to do this with superior color uniformity across the beam and without compromising on the brilliance of the light. The addition of white enables the softer color tones desired by architectural lighting designers.”
In addition, LedEngin expands its 10W multi-color offering with the new RGBW LED and introduces a family of lenses to enable excellent color mixing with the existing line of 10W RGB and RGBA LEDs. LedEngin’s entire family of single and multi-color LEDs and lenses are available today.
This 9mm x 9mm LED provides a brilliance of colors across the entire color spectrum with outstanding color mixing and uncompromising performance. The ability to configure multiple red, green and blue high-brightness die within a very small area creates a superior, flexible, dynamic colored lighting source for architectural, decorative and entertainment lighting applications.
The addition of amber enriches the quality of the color further expanding the color gamut and maximizes color rendering while RGBW LEDs provide tunable white and softer pastels.
Taking this color performance further, LedEngin has designed 15°, 24° and 35° highly efficient color mixing lenses that, when combined with the 40W LED, produce perfect color uniformity across the beam without sacrificing the light intensity.
“LedEngin has solved one of the major lighting challenges of architects and lighting designers by providing beautiful colors across the full color gamut with perfect color mixing,” says Leonard Livschitz, VP of Marketing and Business Development. “We are able to do this with superior color uniformity across the beam and without compromising on the brilliance of the light. The addition of white enables the softer color tones desired by architectural lighting designers.”
In addition, LedEngin expands its 10W multi-color offering with the new RGBW LED and introduces a family of lenses to enable excellent color mixing with the existing line of 10W RGB and RGBA LEDs. LedEngin’s entire family of single and multi-color LEDs and lenses are available today.
Rambus acquires patented innovations and technology from Global Lighting Technologies
LOS ALTOS, USA: Rambus Inc., one of the world’s premier technology licensing companies, has acquired technology and a portfolio of advanced lighting and optoelectronics patents from Global Lighting Technologies Inc. (GLT).
These patented innovations, which include MicroLens light distribution technology, broaden Rambus’ solutions for computing and consumer electronics. As part of this agreement, Rambus will pay GLT $26 million.
In addition, it is expected that twelve people will join Rambus from GLT including Jeff Parker, GLT’s co-founder, former chief executive officer and principal inventor. Most of those joining from GLT will form a new Lighting Technology Division led by Mr. Parker. He and his engineering team will continue the development of Rambus’ newly acquired innovations and provide complete lighting solutions for customers based on this breakthrough technology.
Also joining Rambus is Chris Pickett, formerly GLT’s president of the Licensing Division and general counsel, who will serve as a senior licensing executive for the new Lighting Technology Division.
A key application area for the acquired innovations is light emitting diode (LED) backlighting of liquid crystal displays (LCD). LED backlighting solutions are increasingly pervasive in LCD displays for computers, mobile phones, gaming systems and HDTVs, offering advantages in image quality, power efficiency and reliability.
These newly acquired innovations enable cost-effective and ultra-thin form factor LCD displays. They are also important for new applications such as advanced LED-based general lighting solutions.
“Adding these breakthrough innovations to our portfolio advances our mission of enriching the consumer experience of electronic systems,” said Harold Hughes, president and chief executive officer of Rambus. “Through the work of Jeff Parker and his team, we will continue to enhance the display of games, movies and images on computers and consumer electronic products.”
“Rambus’ long history of creating and licensing leadership solutions makes it the ideal home for this advanced lighting and optoelectronics technology,” said Jeff Parker, senior vice president Lighting Technology Division of Rambus. “There are tremendous business and technical synergies created by this acquisition. Rambus’ extensive system and integration expertise greatly complements our new LED-based solutions for bright, thin and vibrant displays.”
As a premier technology licensing company, Rambus can accelerate the market adoption of LED backlighting solutions across a broad range of applications. Through this agreement, Rambus has acquired 84 issued patents encompassing numerous innovations in advanced lighting and optoelectronics.
GLT will continue its operations as a leading developer and manufacturer of display backlighting products and now becomes a Rambus licensee for the newly acquired patents and technology.
These patented innovations, which include MicroLens light distribution technology, broaden Rambus’ solutions for computing and consumer electronics. As part of this agreement, Rambus will pay GLT $26 million.
In addition, it is expected that twelve people will join Rambus from GLT including Jeff Parker, GLT’s co-founder, former chief executive officer and principal inventor. Most of those joining from GLT will form a new Lighting Technology Division led by Mr. Parker. He and his engineering team will continue the development of Rambus’ newly acquired innovations and provide complete lighting solutions for customers based on this breakthrough technology.
Also joining Rambus is Chris Pickett, formerly GLT’s president of the Licensing Division and general counsel, who will serve as a senior licensing executive for the new Lighting Technology Division.
A key application area for the acquired innovations is light emitting diode (LED) backlighting of liquid crystal displays (LCD). LED backlighting solutions are increasingly pervasive in LCD displays for computers, mobile phones, gaming systems and HDTVs, offering advantages in image quality, power efficiency and reliability.
These newly acquired innovations enable cost-effective and ultra-thin form factor LCD displays. They are also important for new applications such as advanced LED-based general lighting solutions.
“Adding these breakthrough innovations to our portfolio advances our mission of enriching the consumer experience of electronic systems,” said Harold Hughes, president and chief executive officer of Rambus. “Through the work of Jeff Parker and his team, we will continue to enhance the display of games, movies and images on computers and consumer electronic products.”
“Rambus’ long history of creating and licensing leadership solutions makes it the ideal home for this advanced lighting and optoelectronics technology,” said Jeff Parker, senior vice president Lighting Technology Division of Rambus. “There are tremendous business and technical synergies created by this acquisition. Rambus’ extensive system and integration expertise greatly complements our new LED-based solutions for bright, thin and vibrant displays.”
As a premier technology licensing company, Rambus can accelerate the market adoption of LED backlighting solutions across a broad range of applications. Through this agreement, Rambus has acquired 84 issued patents encompassing numerous innovations in advanced lighting and optoelectronics.
GLT will continue its operations as a leading developer and manufacturer of display backlighting products and now becomes a Rambus licensee for the newly acquired patents and technology.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Global spotlight on green power energizing Asia Pacific fuel cells markets
SINGAPORE: Many countries in Asia Pacific (APAC) aim to have 8 percent to 20 percent of renewable energy in their energy mix by 2020 to 2025, as green energy has, of late, become a talking point among governments all over the world.
These ambitious renewable energy targets, along with government's support and favorable topography, have made the region an attractive option for the implementation of renewable power generation sources and thereby, the development of fuel cells.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Asia Pacific Fuel Cells Markets, finds that the stationary fuel cells segment earned revenues of $142 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach $1.9 billion in 2015. At the same time, the portable fuel cells segment earned revenues of $1 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach $12 million in 2015.
The push for green energy technologies has intensified considerably over the last couple of years. Kyoto targets, government's emissions reduction targets, as well as the support for green technologies R&D has been some of the key drivers for new, cleaner technologies development and adoption across the APAC region. Fuel cells are just one such example.
"As with any other new product, the initial costs of technology, low end-user awareness, and the lack of a proven track record of continuous and reliable operations restrict the degree of adoption of fuel cells," says Frost & Sullivan Program Manager Irina Sidneva. "However, given the technical qualities of the product, the application potential for fuel cells is enormous."
The fuel cells market is currently holding on to its market position mainly on the strength of government subsidies, incentives, and favorable policies. The eventual adoption of fuel cell as the power source of choice will depend on how aggressively and effectively local governments market it.
In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is running a millennium project on automotive and residential fuel cell markets. In 2009, the emphasis of the third phase of the project is on the commercialization of fuel cells -- on creating positive market conditions to motivate mass adoption.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE) in South Korea is supporting extended trials and diffusion of the product to stimulate wider uptake. While ANZ and several SEA countries are still in the planning phase of fuel cell technology rollouts, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are actively developing fuel cells R&D capabilities. In SEA, the pride of place goes to Singapore, with its government striving to position the country as a regional hub for fuel cell technology R&D and application.
However, the demand is still limited from most other countries due to inadequate assistance from the regional governments and the high initial costs of the technology. Moreover, fuel cells have an added disadvantage of competing with mature products such as diesel and gas engines, generator sets, and batteries. Therefore, along with technological advancements, fuel cell companies also have to aggressively educate customers about the benefits of fuel cell technology.
"At the moment, other renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines are seen to have higher potential in the immediate future, while fuel cell technology has to be monitored until it is ready to be introduced to the mass market," notes Sidneva. "Fuel cells' costs need to come down tenfold and the number of years of operation needs to double to be competitive in the mass market."
Given the recent trends in fuel cells technology development, mass market adoption in the Asia Pacific is forecast to take off by 2015 for stationary fuel cells, and by 2020 for portable fuel cells.
These ambitious renewable energy targets, along with government's support and favorable topography, have made the region an attractive option for the implementation of renewable power generation sources and thereby, the development of fuel cells.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Asia Pacific Fuel Cells Markets, finds that the stationary fuel cells segment earned revenues of $142 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach $1.9 billion in 2015. At the same time, the portable fuel cells segment earned revenues of $1 million in 2008 and estimates this to reach $12 million in 2015.
The push for green energy technologies has intensified considerably over the last couple of years. Kyoto targets, government's emissions reduction targets, as well as the support for green technologies R&D has been some of the key drivers for new, cleaner technologies development and adoption across the APAC region. Fuel cells are just one such example.
"As with any other new product, the initial costs of technology, low end-user awareness, and the lack of a proven track record of continuous and reliable operations restrict the degree of adoption of fuel cells," says Frost & Sullivan Program Manager Irina Sidneva. "However, given the technical qualities of the product, the application potential for fuel cells is enormous."
The fuel cells market is currently holding on to its market position mainly on the strength of government subsidies, incentives, and favorable policies. The eventual adoption of fuel cell as the power source of choice will depend on how aggressively and effectively local governments market it.
In Japan, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is running a millennium project on automotive and residential fuel cell markets. In 2009, the emphasis of the third phase of the project is on the commercialization of fuel cells -- on creating positive market conditions to motivate mass adoption.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy (MKE) in South Korea is supporting extended trials and diffusion of the product to stimulate wider uptake. While ANZ and several SEA countries are still in the planning phase of fuel cell technology rollouts, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand are actively developing fuel cells R&D capabilities. In SEA, the pride of place goes to Singapore, with its government striving to position the country as a regional hub for fuel cell technology R&D and application.
However, the demand is still limited from most other countries due to inadequate assistance from the regional governments and the high initial costs of the technology. Moreover, fuel cells have an added disadvantage of competing with mature products such as diesel and gas engines, generator sets, and batteries. Therefore, along with technological advancements, fuel cell companies also have to aggressively educate customers about the benefits of fuel cell technology.
"At the moment, other renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines are seen to have higher potential in the immediate future, while fuel cell technology has to be monitored until it is ready to be introduced to the mass market," notes Sidneva. "Fuel cells' costs need to come down tenfold and the number of years of operation needs to double to be competitive in the mass market."
Given the recent trends in fuel cells technology development, mass market adoption in the Asia Pacific is forecast to take off by 2015 for stationary fuel cells, and by 2020 for portable fuel cells.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Mouser releases breakthrough virtual catalog
MANSFIELD, USA: Mouser Electronics Inc., known for the rapid introduction of the newest technologies, today announced the introduction of a new virtual catalog. This
advanced catalog will eclipse all other electronic component e-catalogs in features, capabilities, timeliness and speed.
“We are proud to launch this new e-catalog and believe customers will find its options for on-line catalog browsing and ordering like none they have seen before,” said Hayne Shumate, Mouser’s VP of Internet Business.
For the first time, customers can browse, search, and buy products without ever leaving the ecatalog. Mouser’s e-catalog customers can see product availability, extended prices, detailed specifications, and alternative images -- all while in the e-catalog application. The new catalog is available from the top right corner of the Mouser homepage and can also be accessed at www.mouser.com/enhanced_catalog.
“Feedback from the first release has been very positive,” said Shumate. “One of our goals was to reproduce, online, the ease of product browsing that has made our paper catalog so popular over the decades. Customers have been excited about their ability to explore and find products with this tool. Viewing extended product attributes, spec sheets, and inventory within the pages has also been popular.”
One of the core design elements of Mouser’s e-catalog is the ability to swap easily between the ecatalog and the traditional Web site. Other features include:
• View product availability and specifications without leaving the e-catalog
• Order products directly from the e-catalog
• Search catalog by keyword or part number
• Browse product taxonomy in 11 languages
• Browse suppliers by name
• Page view history recalls last 20 catalog pages viewed
• Customer assigned bookmarks for up to 100 pages
The web site development team at Mouser spent months perfecting this integrated tool, to help customers easily navigate Mouser’s massive product catalog. Mouser’s e-catalog is the first to employ Microsoft Silverlight to fully integrate a paper catalog experience with rich internet content.
Shumate said Mouser chose Silverlight because of its flexibility, scalability, and its cross-browser support running on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows machines.
“The platform’s ability to seamlessly integrate high-performance web services allows us to add products as they are ready and bring realtime product information to the page. Mouser’s e-catalog can be accessed by anyone who downloads the free Silverlight plug-in for IE6, IE7, IE8, Firefox, Safari, Opera, or Chrome,” said Shumate.
advanced catalog will eclipse all other electronic component e-catalogs in features, capabilities, timeliness and speed.
“We are proud to launch this new e-catalog and believe customers will find its options for on-line catalog browsing and ordering like none they have seen before,” said Hayne Shumate, Mouser’s VP of Internet Business.
For the first time, customers can browse, search, and buy products without ever leaving the ecatalog. Mouser’s e-catalog customers can see product availability, extended prices, detailed specifications, and alternative images -- all while in the e-catalog application. The new catalog is available from the top right corner of the Mouser homepage and can also be accessed at www.mouser.com/enhanced_catalog.
“Feedback from the first release has been very positive,” said Shumate. “One of our goals was to reproduce, online, the ease of product browsing that has made our paper catalog so popular over the decades. Customers have been excited about their ability to explore and find products with this tool. Viewing extended product attributes, spec sheets, and inventory within the pages has also been popular.”
One of the core design elements of Mouser’s e-catalog is the ability to swap easily between the ecatalog and the traditional Web site. Other features include:
• View product availability and specifications without leaving the e-catalog
• Order products directly from the e-catalog
• Search catalog by keyword or part number
• Browse product taxonomy in 11 languages
• Browse suppliers by name
• Page view history recalls last 20 catalog pages viewed
• Customer assigned bookmarks for up to 100 pages
The web site development team at Mouser spent months perfecting this integrated tool, to help customers easily navigate Mouser’s massive product catalog. Mouser’s e-catalog is the first to employ Microsoft Silverlight to fully integrate a paper catalog experience with rich internet content.
Shumate said Mouser chose Silverlight because of its flexibility, scalability, and its cross-browser support running on Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows machines.
“The platform’s ability to seamlessly integrate high-performance web services allows us to add products as they are ready and bring realtime product information to the page. Mouser’s e-catalog can be accessed by anyone who downloads the free Silverlight plug-in for IE6, IE7, IE8, Firefox, Safari, Opera, or Chrome,” said Shumate.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Sustained development efforts to spur 10-fold growth of OLEDs lighting and displays market by 2014
LEATHERHEAD, UK: Sustained development efforts in Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology will drive a CAGR of 44% over the next five years in the market for OLED lighting and displays. The market is poised to grow from $615 million in 2008 to more than $6,700 million in 2014 according to a new study by IntertechPira.
Based on primary research and expert analysis, The Future of OLEDs for Lighting and Displays offers an insight into the key drivers and trends affecting the OLEDs industry and breaks down the market by product, display type, lighting segment and applications, with five-year forecasts to 2014.
Importantly, the study also examines the industry supply chain, market segments and competitive landscape. It also provides a glimpse into the exciting world of new and emerging OLED trends, markets and applications.
"The OLED industry structure is relatively new and subject to considerable evolution as OLED technology is developed, tested in the market and matures to a stable commercialised state." explains Publisher Adam Page.
According to the study, at all levels of the OLED supply chain, innovation and intellectual property (IP) development are proceeding rapidly. In the overall OLED display and lighting industry, some of the larger material, component, process, fabrication equipment and end product suppliers are seeking to acquire intellectual property and innovative small companies, as well as to extend their current product offerings to the emerging OLED industry.
Over the period 2009-14, IntertechPira predicts continuing evolution of the OLED supply chain stemming from partnering, strategic investments, joint ventures and acquisitions. Because of the synergy in OLED materials and technology development, IntertechPira forecasts that some OLED display manufacturers may extend their product development to include OLED lighting.
From 2009 to 2014, IntertechPira expects OLED display revenue to grow with a CAGR of 35 percent. This will be led by active matrix OLED display revenue for small portable products early in the period and further driven by revenue from active matrix OLED televisions later in the forecast period. Revenue from OLED lighting is predicted to increase from a small base in 2010 and grow with a CAGR of 112 percent to reach $1,985 million in 2014.
The markets for OLED lighting and displays are developing differently in different global regions. OLED displays have been shipping in various forms since the late 1990s. During this period the OLED display market has been served principally by Asia-based manufacturers in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.
According to the study, this situation will continue through to 2014 with China taking on an increasing role. In contract, European end-product firms have made the decision to concentrate on lighting applications of OLEDs.
The study looks in detail at OLED market revenue by display type and lighting segment. From 2009 to 2014, it predicts active matrix OLED display revenue will grow with a CAGR of 42 percent, while passive matrix display revenue will fall with a CAGR of -3 percent.
Each of the OLED lighting segments is forecast to grow during the period 2009-14 with CAGRs ranging from ~90 percent to 110% percent. Market growth for automotive OLED lighting is expected to occur later in the forecast period, but automotive lighting applications of OLEDs will grow strongly from 2011 to 2014 with a CAGR of >100 percent.
As OLED technology, manufacturing and markets mature, there will be a search for broader applications of OLED technology building on the established industrial base.
IntertechPira explores a range of new and emerging OLED markets and applications in the study. Tips for the future include illuminated wall coverings, illuminated controls and displays plus therapeutic medical applications such as OLED plasters to treat skin related diseases.
The fact that OLEDs are bright and efficient eye-catching light emitters, are very thin, and can be fabricated on flexible substrates using potentially low-cost printing methods, suggests that they may also find many applications in product packaging, signage, point of-purchase displays, illuminated safety signage, clothing, greeting cards, etc.
Based on primary research and expert analysis, The Future of OLEDs for Lighting and Displays offers an insight into the key drivers and trends affecting the OLEDs industry and breaks down the market by product, display type, lighting segment and applications, with five-year forecasts to 2014.
Importantly, the study also examines the industry supply chain, market segments and competitive landscape. It also provides a glimpse into the exciting world of new and emerging OLED trends, markets and applications.
"The OLED industry structure is relatively new and subject to considerable evolution as OLED technology is developed, tested in the market and matures to a stable commercialised state." explains Publisher Adam Page.
According to the study, at all levels of the OLED supply chain, innovation and intellectual property (IP) development are proceeding rapidly. In the overall OLED display and lighting industry, some of the larger material, component, process, fabrication equipment and end product suppliers are seeking to acquire intellectual property and innovative small companies, as well as to extend their current product offerings to the emerging OLED industry.
Over the period 2009-14, IntertechPira predicts continuing evolution of the OLED supply chain stemming from partnering, strategic investments, joint ventures and acquisitions. Because of the synergy in OLED materials and technology development, IntertechPira forecasts that some OLED display manufacturers may extend their product development to include OLED lighting.
From 2009 to 2014, IntertechPira expects OLED display revenue to grow with a CAGR of 35 percent. This will be led by active matrix OLED display revenue for small portable products early in the period and further driven by revenue from active matrix OLED televisions later in the forecast period. Revenue from OLED lighting is predicted to increase from a small base in 2010 and grow with a CAGR of 112 percent to reach $1,985 million in 2014.
The markets for OLED lighting and displays are developing differently in different global regions. OLED displays have been shipping in various forms since the late 1990s. During this period the OLED display market has been served principally by Asia-based manufacturers in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. According to the study, this situation will continue through to 2014 with China taking on an increasing role. In contract, European end-product firms have made the decision to concentrate on lighting applications of OLEDs.
The study looks in detail at OLED market revenue by display type and lighting segment. From 2009 to 2014, it predicts active matrix OLED display revenue will grow with a CAGR of 42 percent, while passive matrix display revenue will fall with a CAGR of -3 percent.
Each of the OLED lighting segments is forecast to grow during the period 2009-14 with CAGRs ranging from ~90 percent to 110% percent. Market growth for automotive OLED lighting is expected to occur later in the forecast period, but automotive lighting applications of OLEDs will grow strongly from 2011 to 2014 with a CAGR of >100 percent.
As OLED technology, manufacturing and markets mature, there will be a search for broader applications of OLED technology building on the established industrial base.
IntertechPira explores a range of new and emerging OLED markets and applications in the study. Tips for the future include illuminated wall coverings, illuminated controls and displays plus therapeutic medical applications such as OLED plasters to treat skin related diseases.
The fact that OLEDs are bright and efficient eye-catching light emitters, are very thin, and can be fabricated on flexible substrates using potentially low-cost printing methods, suggests that they may also find many applications in product packaging, signage, point of-purchase displays, illuminated safety signage, clothing, greeting cards, etc.
Patented cathode materials for Li-ion batteries help Taiwan makers tap into international market
TAIWAN: The automotive battery, which has put international makers into a production race, is the key to electric vehicle industry. DRAMeXchange observes that Taiwan’s battery industry doesn’t goes well because it has neither as much capital as Japanese or Korean makers nor low cost as Chinese manufacturers.
However, in regard to battery cathode materials, Taiwan has risen against the wind: companies like Aleees and Changs Ascending have announced patents on cathode materials for lithium ion batteries, establishing their positions in the international market.
Upstream materials include cathode and anode materials, separators, electrolytes. DRAMeXchange discovers that regarding the development of battery materials, most of the separator and electrolyte are imported from Japan but Taiwan makers are already able to mass-produce lithium ion cathode materials.
Due to the difficult mass production, the end market is hard to open for long. Now the novel achievements in essential materials will assist Taiwan to make its way into the automotive battery market.
According to DRAMeXchange research, Changs Ascending Enterprise Co. Ltd started researches on cathode materials such as lithium cobalt, lithium manganese, etc., soon after its establishment.
In 2005, it developed lithium ion patent and transformed itself into a lithium ion material manufacturer. Now, it is one of the world’s few makers capable of independent R&D and formal mass production of lithium ion oxide cathode materials.
Last year, it joined hands with Formosa Group to found Formosa Energy & Material Technology and Material Co. Ltd. In the future, Formosa Energy & Material Technology will be responsible for mass production, while Changs Ascending Enterprise still takes care of R&D and end product applications.
In Feburary, Changs Ascending obtained American USPTO patent (7494744), which covers from material structure to process and will further apply for patents in Europe, Japan, Korea, India, China and Taiwan.
According to DRAMeXchange, in Changs Ascending Enterprise, the monthly output of Li-ion cell cathode materials is 40 tons at present and expected to expand into 120 tons by the end of this year, likely 400 tons next year. Till then, in terms of lithium ion cathode materials production capability, the total yearly output of both Formosa Energy & Material Technology and Changs Ascending Enterprise can hit 5280 tons, jumping to the top of the world.
Hirose Tech Co. Ltd, a company re-invested by Acer, mainly supplying FPD inspection and measurement equipment also enters the field. It once provided related OEM products for a project team from Material and Chemical Research Laboratories of Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan (ITRI).
The crossover move into LFP batteries was started as their products were found to have better performance than lab data description. So the company made a technology transition in the end of last year, formally stepping into the industry to produce key cathode materials for LFP batteries. Its present monthly output is 20 tons.
Tatung Fine Chemical Co. Ltd, an affiliate of Tatung Group, combined technologies from Tatung University and ITRI to develop LiFePO4 cathode materials in 2007 and put it into formal mass production. By the end of this year, the capacity is expected to reach 60 tons. Tatung owns patents on solution process technology in Japan, US and Taiwan, which maintains good powder uniformity and high power charge/discharge.
Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry Co. Ltd (Aleees), a lithium ion material supplier, published its LFP-NCOTEC cathode material patent in 2007 and is capable of Li-ion cathode material mass production. This year the company will continue to expand capacity to follow Changs Ascending closely.
In view of market segmentation, as the price of Aleees materials is 30 percent cheaper than offerings from European makers, all top Chinese battery manufacturers are its clients. Now its lithium iron cathode material has won around 40 percent market share.
However, in regard to battery cathode materials, Taiwan has risen against the wind: companies like Aleees and Changs Ascending have announced patents on cathode materials for lithium ion batteries, establishing their positions in the international market.
Upstream materials include cathode and anode materials, separators, electrolytes. DRAMeXchange discovers that regarding the development of battery materials, most of the separator and electrolyte are imported from Japan but Taiwan makers are already able to mass-produce lithium ion cathode materials.
Due to the difficult mass production, the end market is hard to open for long. Now the novel achievements in essential materials will assist Taiwan to make its way into the automotive battery market.
According to DRAMeXchange research, Changs Ascending Enterprise Co. Ltd started researches on cathode materials such as lithium cobalt, lithium manganese, etc., soon after its establishment.
In 2005, it developed lithium ion patent and transformed itself into a lithium ion material manufacturer. Now, it is one of the world’s few makers capable of independent R&D and formal mass production of lithium ion oxide cathode materials.
Last year, it joined hands with Formosa Group to found Formosa Energy & Material Technology and Material Co. Ltd. In the future, Formosa Energy & Material Technology will be responsible for mass production, while Changs Ascending Enterprise still takes care of R&D and end product applications.
In Feburary, Changs Ascending obtained American USPTO patent (7494744), which covers from material structure to process and will further apply for patents in Europe, Japan, Korea, India, China and Taiwan.
According to DRAMeXchange, in Changs Ascending Enterprise, the monthly output of Li-ion cell cathode materials is 40 tons at present and expected to expand into 120 tons by the end of this year, likely 400 tons next year. Till then, in terms of lithium ion cathode materials production capability, the total yearly output of both Formosa Energy & Material Technology and Changs Ascending Enterprise can hit 5280 tons, jumping to the top of the world.
Hirose Tech Co. Ltd, a company re-invested by Acer, mainly supplying FPD inspection and measurement equipment also enters the field. It once provided related OEM products for a project team from Material and Chemical Research Laboratories of Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan (ITRI).
The crossover move into LFP batteries was started as their products were found to have better performance than lab data description. So the company made a technology transition in the end of last year, formally stepping into the industry to produce key cathode materials for LFP batteries. Its present monthly output is 20 tons.
Tatung Fine Chemical Co. Ltd, an affiliate of Tatung Group, combined technologies from Tatung University and ITRI to develop LiFePO4 cathode materials in 2007 and put it into formal mass production. By the end of this year, the capacity is expected to reach 60 tons. Tatung owns patents on solution process technology in Japan, US and Taiwan, which maintains good powder uniformity and high power charge/discharge.
Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry Co. Ltd (Aleees), a lithium ion material supplier, published its LFP-NCOTEC cathode material patent in 2007 and is capable of Li-ion cathode material mass production. This year the company will continue to expand capacity to follow Changs Ascending closely.
In view of market segmentation, as the price of Aleees materials is 30 percent cheaper than offerings from European makers, all top Chinese battery manufacturers are its clients. Now its lithium iron cathode material has won around 40 percent market share.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
