RoHS recast short delay

Gary Nevison, Premier Farnell.

ENGLAND: At the Environmental Council meeting on 20 December the Council did not approve the RoHS recast text voted through by the European Parliament on 24 November due to translation problems.

The Council will therefore officially adopt the text early in 2011 at one of the first meetings under the new EU presidency.

Hungary and Poland, who joined the EU in 2004, will assume the presidency during 2011 with Hungary taking the first half of the year.

So, it is unlikely that the recast will be published in the Official Journal (OJ) of the EU in March / April as originally expected, and it is difficult to say whether Hungary will push as hard as the previous Belgium presidency on the recast, but the delay should not be too long.

The recast will enter into force some 18 months after publication in the OJ.

MOCVD subsidy policy implemented by Yangzhou Municipal government to end in July 2011

TAIWAN & CHINA: Since MOCVD subsidy policy was primarily implemented by the Yangzhou Municipal Government, several other local Chinese governments followed suit and a rush of investing LED Epi wafer plants occurred in China.

However, when will the rush of MOCVD fiscal subsidy policy fade away? LEDinside was honored to have an opportunity to visit the Director of Yangzhou Merchants Bureau, Sun, Xiao-Jun. Sun indicated that it is impossible to offer this fiscal subsidy indefinitely, and subsidy policy of Yangzhou will end in July 2011. Furthermore, most local governments in China are considering whether they will follow suit.

Yangzhou Economic Development Zone was established in 1992 and has been aggressively developing the green energy industry, which focused primarily in solar energy, smart grid, and SSL industries in recent years.Source: LEDinside.

Further, it successfully attracted leading firms in every industry, including GCL and Suntech Power Holding (STP) which are key players in the solar power industry. Also, as for the smart grid area, the Smart Grid Demonstration Park is run in this development zone.

In addition, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) regarded Yangzhou as one of the development bases for SSL industry in 2007. Currently, various LED enterprises have invested in Yangzhou, including FOREPI, Neo-Neon, Edison Opto, Unity Opto, Wooree, SFT Lighting, amongst others.

Furthermore, it has become a complete supply chain from sapphire substrate, Epi wafer, packaging, to monitor backlight and lighting application.Source: LEDinside.

In addition, Yangzhou Municipal Government initially provided the subsidy of RMB 10 million per set of MOCVD equipment. In particular, the difference between Yangzhou Municipal Government and other local governments is the subsidy is granted in cash, while other local governments offer a tax reduction as the subsidy.

For example, 50 percent of subsidy is offered after MOCVD equipment installation, 30 percent of subsidy is given during the trial period, and a final 20 percent of subsidy is provided at the testing phase of mass production.

Therefore, the subsidy successfully attracted many LED Epi wafer manufacturers to invest in Yangzhou, including FOREPI, Rainbow Optoelectronics Material, Neo-Neon, Long-Yao Opto.Source: LEDinside.

However, under the circumstances that various local governments followed suit to attract business investment, excess equipment investment intensified the concern of oversupply in the LED industry.

Not only has the Chinese Central government been aware of this phenomenon, the financial resource of local governments will deplete gradually. Therefore, Yangzhou has announced that MOCVD fiscal subsidy policy will end in July in 2011, indicating that in order to receive equipment subsidy, manufacturers are required to complete the installation of MOCVD equipment before July 2011. Moreover, other local governments are considering following the same policy.

Perspectives from LEDinside:
Generally speaking, the process of MOCVD equipment installation in China in 2010 was slower than expected. Apart from the delay of plants establishment, the oversupply in the latter half of this year also made most LED manufacturers adopt a wait-and-see attitude.

Therefore, to stimulate investment among LED enterprises, several local governments had to specify an end-date in their fiscal subsidies. Therefore, LEDinside expects LED enterprises to install MOCVD equipment before the subsidy deadline, which may lead to another wave of aggressive MOCVD equipment purchase in the first half of 2011.

GigOptix, CIVCOM receive BIRD Foundation grant to develop highly integrated 40Gb/s optical telecom transponder

PALO ALTO, USA: GigOptix Inc., a leading supplier of high performance electronic and electro-optic components that enable next generation 40G and 100G optical networks, and CIVCOM Devices and Systems LTD (CIVCOM), were awarded a US-Israel Bi-national Industrial Research & Development (BIRD) Foundation grant to develop low power, highly integrated components and modules for next generation 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s communication systems.

The grant will initially help fund the development of a Small Form Factor (SFF) 40Gb/s RZ-DQPSK transponder. GigOptix will develop an integrated 40Gb/s RZ-DQPSK optical modulator and the corresponding broadband amplifiers to drive the modulator while CIVCOM will develop and manufacture the 40Gb/s RZ-DQPSK SFF transponder.

“The BIRD Foundation acts to encourage collaboration between Israeli and American companies in various fields of technology,” said Eitan Yudilevich, executive director of the BIRD Foundation.

“Consumers’ use of Smartphones and the advent of cloud computing are requiring network operators to upgrade to faster 40Gb/s infrastructure to keep pace with increasing bandwidth demand. GigOptix and CIVCOM are combining outstanding US and Israeli human resources and technologies to develop an industry leading telecom solution to address these demanding network operator requirements.”

Under the grant, GigOptix will leverage its Thin Film Polymer on Silicon (TFPS™) technology to implement an integrated 40Gb/s RZ-DQPSK optical modulator in a single package. Currently, 40Gb/s RZ-DQPSK optical modulation is implemented using two separate Lithium Niobate modulators, the first implements RZ modulation and the second DQPSK modulation.

The integrated GigOptix solution will be significantly smaller to the discrete approach with the integrated GigOptix solution being smaller than one of the competing Lithium Niobate modulators.

Further, GigOptix broadband RF driver and optical modulator teams will optimize the interoperability between the modulator and the driver to enable further reduction in power consumption and overall footprint of the electro-optic transmission system. This size and power reduction will enable CIVCOM to shrink the size of its 40G RZ-DQPSK transponder to the size of current 10G transponders.

Gabby Shpirer, CEO of CIVCOM, stated: “CIVCOM is excited to work with GigOptix to develop this highly integrated 40Gb/s RZ-DQPSK optical telecommunications transponder. We are honored that the BIRD Foundation understands the benefits that our solution coupled with GigOptix’s TFPS technology will provide the market.”

“The BIRD Foundation has helped many technological collaborations come to fruition between US and Israeli companies and we are looking forward to collaborating with CIVCOM under this generous BIRD Foundation grant,” stated Dr. Avi Katz, GigOptix’s chairman of the Board, CEO and president.

“We anticipate that close cooperation with CIVCOM, an optical transponder pioneer, on this innovative 40Gb/s transponder will significantly help in improving our TFPS technology and accelerate the time to market of our innovative solutions.”

Demand for tablet PCs to improve LED specification; LED shipment in 2011 to show aggressive growth

TAIWAN: Since iPad, Apple’s best selling product, led a trend of Tablet PCs, other manufacturers have accelerated the development and launch of Tablet PCs.

LEDinside, a research division under TrendForce, indicated that LED application requirement for Tablet PC has improved, and average brightness specification has increased by over 20 percent compared to before. Additionally, LED shipment grew, too. It is estimated that LED shipment will rise to 1.3 billion in 2011 from 380 million in 2010, around 3.5 times in growth rate.Source: LEDinside.

Exceptional growth momentum in tablet PCs
Since iPad led a trend of Tablet PCs, various PC manufacturers and mobile phone vendors accelerated Tablet PCs development and launch in the latter half of 2010. In order to compete with iPad, Tablet PCs designed by other vendors are much more focused on more powerful CPU, larger disk storage space, more compatible hardware and software supports, such as USB port, Flash display support and so on.

Additionally, a variety of vendors successfully collaborated with Google Android operating system to create their own “Blue Ocean Strategy”

In addition, Samsung integrated its group resource to launch “Galaxy Tab.” Moreover, due to a good relationship with telecom channels, Samsung had an outstanding performance among the existing Android series.

Further, Canadian manufacturer RIM, known for its BlackBerry, also released its latest Tablet PC, “Playbook”, whose target market is the same as Blackberry, in the commercial area, and it is forecasted to launch in the second quarter of 2011. Moreover, PC vendor, Acer has displayed their Tablet PC with Android operating system in New York in November 2010, and will launch in March or April 2011.

Based on the analysis of TrendForce, during 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), there is a wide range of Tablet PCs with Android operating system and smart phones released in market, creating new changes and demand of portable device in 2011. TrendForce indicated that worldwide Tablet PCs shipment in 2010 was around 15 million units.

In terms of worldwide Tablet PCs shipment in 2011, it is expected that as Android becomes much developed and its market acceptance increases, worldwide Tablet PCs shipment will increase to around 50 million units and bring 3 times of growth momentum.

Further, touch panel is mostly used in most Tablet PCs, which has lower transmissivity. However, overall requirement for backlight brightness increases, hence, brightness specification of LEDs has to increase in order to meet the market demand.

In terms of LED specification requirement, according to LEDinside, LED luminous intensity should be over 2,400 mcd to be adopted in Tablet PCs, which means average brightness specification should be 20 percent higher than before.

In terms of LED shipment, around 20-28 LED units are used in a Tablet PC (Tablet PCs with Android and iPad). LEDinside indicated that LED shipment (applied in Tablet PCs) in 2010 was around 380 million. As this market continues to grow, LEDinside estimated that LED shipment will rise to 1300 million in 2011, and growth rate will reach 3.5 times. This will certainly benefit the upstream and downstream of the LED industry in Taiwan, Japan, and Korea.

Although LED specification improves, there is a close relation between the LED backlight supply chain for the Tablet PCs and the NB industries. It would not be difficult for Taiwanese plants to enter into this field of business.

AVX multilayer ceramic capacitor arrays improve system performance while reducing circuit size and cost

GREENVILLE, USA: AVX Corp., a leading manufacturer of passive components and interconnect solutions, has developed advanced capacitor arrays designed to shrink the circuit foot print, enhance EMI performance and improve overall manufacturing speed.

AVX’s wide range of multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) arrays include two-element arrays in 0405 and 0508 packages and four-element arrays in 0508 and 0612 packages with capacitance values ranging from 1pf to 2.2uf and voltages of 6.3V to 100V.

“AVX offers the widest selection of MLCC capacitors in the industry. AVX’s capacitor arrays are increasingly being chosen by designers to reduce circuit size and cost, while improving system level performance,” said Tim Piver, product manager at AVX.

“For example, when crystals are cut their frequency is specified by the manufacturer with a certain load capacitance. End users must add, or load that capacitance to their circuit to insure similar frequency characteristics. AVX’s miniature 0405 capacitor arrays are ideal for loading crystals. The circuit’s size and assembly time is minimized. The dual capacitors within the same package experience similar aging, noise, temperature effects and voltage coefficients.”

AVX’s MLCC arrays have also recently been used in switched capacitor voltage doubling inverter designs to reduce the footprint and provide significant performance enhancements, including improved EMI emissions and manufacturing speed, versus inductor based circuits. The CMOS based circuits have an added advantage of very low operating current (~150uA) and an operating efficiency greater than 90% with most loads.

The switched capacitor voltage doubling inverters are available in SO8 and miniature SO8 packages and a completed circuit would require the IC and three periphery capacitors. AVX capacitor arrays dramatically reduce the size of the periphery capacitors in a voltage doubler. The most common applications of this circuit are LCD contrast biasing, GaAs power amplifiers, interface power supplies, PDA / notebooks and hand held electronics.

Pricing for the multilayer ceramic capacitor arrays are set at competitive market levels with a lead time of stock to 14 weeks.

CSR delivers next-generation Bluetooth to PCs with BlueSlim2

CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND: CSR plc has released its latest PC Bluetooth Module BlueSlim2. BlueSlim2 is a qualified Bluetooth module reference design for notebooks, netbooks and tablets, providing a fast, simple and cost-effective route for OEMs to integrate the latest Bluetooth functionality into PC module designs.

BlueSlim2 is fully compatible with the Bluetooth v3.0 + High Speed and Bluetooth v4.0 standards, offering high-speed data transfer and Bluetooth low energy for PC products. Through products based on BlueSlim2, consumers can take full advantage of the Bluetooth low energy ecosphere, connecting peripherals such as mice and keyboards and benefiting from Bluetooth low energy’s enormous power efficiency.

“As the number and variety of peripheral and sensor devices featuring Bluetooth low energy continues to grow, consumers will want all of their devices to be able to interact with each other,” commented Eric Neilson, senior Product Marketing Manager for PCs in CSR’s Audio and Consumer Business Unit.

“With larger screens and more flexible interfaces, PCs offer an ideal opportunity to interact with Bluetooth low energy devices in exciting and unforeseen ways; perhaps enabling the true ‘smart home’, or acting as intelligent multi remote-controls. PC module OEMs need a quick and easy way to tap into this and CSR is helping its OEM customers to be at the profitable centre of this emerging market.”

BlueSlim2 is fully tested, qualified and ready to be built by manufacturers. The device comes complete with tested interoperability with leading PC Bluetooth stacks such as CSR Harmony, Motorola, and Toshiba as well as CSR Synergy stack. BlueSlim2 is designed to meet the regulatory approval requirements in over 200 countries, which greatly benefits OEMs by removing the need to pay regulatory fees and avoiding a lengthy qualification process.

BlueSlim2 utilises USB, the dominant standard interface for most PC platforms, so it can be easily connected to a vast range of PC devices. Thanks to its tiny 6.5mm x 30mm x 1.95mm footprint, the module is ideal for today’s small form factor notebooks, netbooks and tablet PCs.

CSR has reduced the overall BOM for OEMs with a minimal external component count. BlueSlim2 also offers +10dBm Tx output power and -93dBm Rx sensitivity, as well as Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 support without the need for external power amplifier or TX/RX switch.

BlueSlim2 utilises CSR’s new CSR8510 for PCs, based on the recently launched CSR8000 connectivity platform.

BlueSlim2 is sampling now and is expected to be in volume production in the first quarter of 2011.

Polarized development in lithium battery in 2011: Joys for polymer, concerns for cylindrical

TAIWAN: According to EnergyTrend, a research division under TrendForce, in terms of outlook for 2011, worldwide development of consumer products will continue to show a contrast between the old and the new. As for the battery industry, polarized development and market revolution will likely occur.

Continued growth in demand for polymer cell, adopted by tablet PCs
For the NB series, the rise of Tablet PC has been a trend in 2010, and it is estimated that more Tablet PC series will be introduced into market in 2011. Therefore, polymer cell (lithium battery) used in Tablet PC will be one of the few in the battery industry that can constantly grow under limited supply.

Currently, based on our survey, ATL and SONY have been able to supply, while Korean SDI is at the start-up stage. Additionally, brand vendors, such as HP, Dell, Acer, and Asus, have started to launch iPad-like products and use polymer lithium cell.

At this stage, most production capacity can only sufficiently supply to Apple, and it is highly probable that tight supply of polymer lithium battery will occur in the future. This tight supply has been the focus of EnergyTrend’s survey, and more research reports under this topic will be provided in the near future.
 
Prismatic cell adopted by mobile phone likely to increase high power products in 2011
Furthermore, prismatic cell has been mainly adopted by mobile phone. However, slim and light features have been a basic requirement for smart phones. Hence, polymer cell, which are slim and thin, is gradually being adopted in mobile phone application.

Yet, considering cost management and stable source of battery supply, mobile manufacturers start to seek prismatic cell with high power capacity as an alternative. For instance, SONY has offered a high power capacity product, and it is estimated to launch in 2011. At that time, it will bring about positive changes to the issues on power consumption and battery life of smart phone.

Price of cylindrical cell for NB market may be difficult to recover in short term
On the other hand, cylindrical cell is the mainstream battery for notebook. Due to the weak NB market demand and increasing battery capacity, the price of cylindrical cell decreased sequentially and reached a new low in 2010.

As for outlook of NB lithium market in 2011, EnergyTrend forecasts that there may be an oversupply exceeding 20 percent, and prices may be difficult to recover in the short term. Furthermore, one after another, vendors such as SONY and Panasonic are no longer exclusively in the business of battery supply, and currently, only three suppliers, SDI, LGC and Sanyo, are still in business.

Furthermore, there is a constant decline in margin rate at the same time. Under the influence of cost pressure, whether these major global suppliers will be transferring orders to Taiwanese assembly plants remains a key focus in the industry. If so, Taiwanese manufacturer will benefit from such order transfer.

GigOptix demos highly linear optical modulator supporting next-gen telecom systems

PALO ALTO, USA: GigOptix Inc. has announced that its LX8401 40Gb/s Thin Film Polymer on Silicon (TFPS) MZ modulator has shown exceptional Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) and Third Order Inter-modulation (IM3) performance of up to 108dB SFDR as measured by Linear Photonics, LLC.

A new whitepaper, now available on the GigOptix website, details performance results that are superior to those of commercially available Lithium Niobate modulators.

“We are very pleased with the excellent results of our GigOptix proprietary TFPS modulator that demonstrate industry leading linearity figures as measured by Linear Photonics, an acknowledged leader in the field,” commented Dr. Raluca Dinu, GigOptix’s VP and GM of GigOptix-Bothell.

“Coupled with the TFPS technology’s low drive voltages and broad bandwidths, we believe that GigOptix’s TFPS modulators now offer the industry a clear path to next generation optical communication systems, such as Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) based modulation schemes.”

Linearity is a key enabler of next generation high performance optical transmission systems such as 400Gb/s and 1Tb/s optical telecommunication systems. These systems will likely be based on QAM schemes as optical communication systems mimic RF communications’ evolutionary path in increasing data rates through the use of multi-bit symbol encoding schemes.

These advanced modulation techniques require excellent linear performance from the modulator to enable high fidelity replication of multi-level electrical signals into the optical domain with minimum distortion and desensitizing effects.

“The GigOptix LX8401 optical modulator performed exceedingly well in our linearity measurements,” said John MacDonald, Linear Photonics’ VP and GM.

“Linear Photonics has a long history in developing and manufacturing high frequency analog fiber optic equipment, and we have stringent requirements on device linearity performance. We are very excited about using GigOptix’s devices in our next generation high performance solutions.”

MIC turns 25, launches new products and production facilities

HYDERABAD, INDIA: MIC Electronics Ltd, Hyderabad based pioneers of LED Display and lighting products, completes 25 years of its operations in December 2010. These years have been very fulfilling to the company during which several technologies have been pioneered, several products developed and several applications realized.

Design and Development capabilities nurtured at MIC have blossomed and given a shape to some truly world class products. The company's achievements have been acknowledged nationally and internationally.

The government of India has also recognized MIC's R&D efforts in electronics with a prestigious award. Forbes placed MIC in its list of 'Best under a Billion' category of companies in the Asia Pacific region. MIC's LED TVs have found a place in the India Innovators Forum - Hall of fame.

On the occasion of its 25th anniversary MIC plans to add production capacity for its LED lighting products at its Hyderabad-Cherlapally facilities. The new production center measuring 60,000 square feet was inaugurated by Kazuto Miyazaki, MD of NICHIA Corp., Japan.

The company's silver jubilee celebrations were launched with the unveiling of a special logo by Kazuto Miyazaki. Makoto Takenaka, MD, South Asia & Oceania, Nichia Chemicals Pte Ltd joined Miyazaki in launching two new products on the occasion.

MIC released its 102 inch 3mm and 4mm 'True' LED TVs which will be compared to Plasma TVs of the same size with far greater brightness and viewing pleasure from longer distances. The comparison will be basically on the price component.

The unique feature of day light visibility of LEDs makes these products ideal for OOH applications like auditoriums, airports, railway stations, clubs, Drive in Restaurants and other public places. MIC's proprietary Scan plus technology and the sophisticated 16 bit processing capability enable generation of trillions of color shades and picture clarity, providing a truly fabulous viewing experience.

The "True-LED TV" will have all the features that a normal TV would have in addition to the possibility of more broad based connectivity thus enhancing its usage applicability.

MIC's commitment to develop products relevant to the rural population of the country has made the company to lay special emphasis on solar powered lighting products, needed by the people living in rural parts and mountainous terrains of the country deprived of the access to grid based power. MIC's solar powered portable lights, fixed home lights and street lights will be ideal for providing distributed and decentralized lighting solutions for the developing parts of the nation.

The company has also released an 'All in one Solar powered Street Light' for usage in the rural areas. This product, with its built in power pack and integral solar panel will be very easy to install and use. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission of the government of India envisages deploying 2 crore rural lighting systems by the year 2022. MIC's Solar Powered products, especially the All-in-One Solar Street Lighting System will be very relevant for this Mission.

"The encouragement being provided by the Government of India for promoting LED lighting products has given confidence to the company to go in for large scale expansion of its lighting products," said Dr. M V Ramana Rao, chairman and managing director, MIC Electronics.

A separate lighting division is being planned very near to the Shamshabad airport with an outlay of about Rs. 180 cr. This new facility, for which land allocation has already been made, will help the company to substantially enhance its production capacity for grid based, off grid based and solar powered lighting products to position itself as a leading player in the field in the country.

"We are confident that with the strong product portfolio MIC has built up, in both the LED Display and Lighting segments, the company is poised to benefit from the very large business opportunities foreseen in these two fields, in the near future, estimated to aggregate around $5 billion," he added.

Samsung LCD and LG Display battling over LED consumption leadership, oversupply accelerating on significant reduction in LEDs per panel

AUSTIN, USA: IMS Research’s latest Quarterly GaN LED Supply and Demand Report features a brand new LED supply and demand model built by a new global team of authors with an important outcome – LED supply growth is significantly outpacing demand growth creating a widening surplus and increased pricing pressure.

IMS Research's SVP, Ross Young, said: "LED supply is rapidly expanding on China’s MOCVD stimulus program, ramping of recently installed tools and improving yields on existing tools. On the other hand, a significant 2H’10 reduction in LEDs per panel is causing demand to grow slower than expected, leading to reduced fab utilization and increased pricing pressure.

"Because of China’s MOCVD subsidies, MOCVD shipments and supply growth are not slowing down resulting in an accelerating supply imbalance that is expected to widen through 2012 if MOCVD shipments remain on schedule."

The latest report, which reveals each panel suppliers’ quarterly panel shipments, LED panel shipments, number of LEDs per panel and LED consumption at every size, resolution and refresh rate, shows that the weighted average number of edge-lit LEDs per panel fell by around 30 percent in both TVs and monitors from Q2’10 to Q3’10 as panel and backlight suppliers further optimize their designs to reduce costs.

Improvements in lightguide and LED efficiencies and optimization of optical films caused the reduction which is contributing to a growing LED over-supply.

The most recent issue also tracks LED consumption by panel supplier in the notebook, monitor and TV markets where LG Display consumed the most LEDs in notebooks in Q3’10 and is expected to lead in Q4’10.

In monitors, LG also led in Q3’10, but Samsung is expected to lead in Q4’10. In TVs, Samsung led in Q3’10 and is expected to lead in Q4’10. Samsung led in total LED consumption in Q3’10 and is expected to lead in Q4’10 at over 2B LEDs while LG Display is expected to lead for all of 2010 at nearly 6B LEDs consumed.

Avnet Express announces immediate availability of ITT’s EVC Series SAE J1772 electric vehicle charging connectors

PHOENIX, USA: Avnet Express, part of the Avnet Electronics Marketing operating group of Avnet Inc., announced the immediate, in-stock availability of ITT Interconnect Solutions’ entire line of electric vehicle charging connectors (EVC).

This entire EVC Series is in-stock and available for same-day shipping when ordered on avnetexpress.com by 8:00 p.m. CST.

Based on head-end power (HEP) spring contact technology, ITT’s EVC Series is the electric vehicle industry’s first Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL)-rated, SAE J1772 Level II charging station connector: boasting 75-amps and a charging time of four hours or less.

Designed specifically for electric vehicle charging applications, the advanced EVC Series SAE J1772 connector solution is capable of performing Level I and II charging from a low-end range of 15A/120V to a high-end range of 75A/240V.

Charging options include 75A/240V, 30A/240V, 15A/240V and 15A/120V. The new UL-approved J1772 Level I and II electric vehicle charging robust coupler and inlet connectors are suitable for electric passenger vehicles, home charging units, public infrastructure charging units, roadside assistance trucks, electric fleet vehicles, and electric motorcycles.

The inlet connector includes fingertip protection on the power and ground pin contacts and also features an enhanced cable management system using ITT’s VEAM CIR Series backshells. By using a cable with a greater degree of flexibility, ease-of-use is assured on retractable design charging units.

Avnet currently stocks five versions of the connector solution, including:

* EVC-C-15A-300S-20: 15 amp, 120 volt rated SAE J1772 Level 1 coupler assembly with 20 feet of cable.
* EVC-C-15A-600S-20: 15 amp, 240 volt rated SAE J1772 Level 2 coupler assembly with 20 feet of cable.
* EVC-C-30A-600S-20: 30 amp, 240 volt rated SAE J1772 Level 2 coupler assembly with 20 feet of cable.
* EVC-C-75A-600S-20: 75 amp, 240 volt rated SAE J1772 Level 2 coupler assembly with 20 feet of cable.
* EVC-I-75A-600P-5: 75 amp, 240 volt rated SAE J1772 Level 2 inlet assembly with 5 feet of cable.

Diodes Inc.'s self-protected MOSFETs raise protection levels for inductive loads

DALLAS, USA: Diodes Inc. has announced further additions to its IntelliFET range of self-protected MOSFETs.

The 60V, 75mΩ (typical) rated single N-channel ZXMS6006DG/SG and dual N-channel ZXMS6006DT8 provide thermal shutdown, short circuit, over voltage, over current and input ESD protection facilities enabling circuit designers to dramatically increase circuit reliability.

Well suited for automotive and industrial applications, these self protected MOSFETs are ideal for switching inductive loads, such as motors, relays and lamps at low frequencies.

The dual channel ZXMS6006DT8 integrates over-temperature, over-current, over-voltage and input ESD protection on each of their two independent and isolated switching channels. Packaged in the thermally efficient SM8, the ZXMS6006DT8 delivers a thermal efficiency 30% better than comparable competing SO8 devices, ensuring cooler running, more reliable end applications.

The single channel ZXMS6006DG (drain connected to tab) and ZXMS6006SG (drain connected to source) are offered in the compact high power dissipation SOT223 package and provide a cost effective alternative to competing solutions. Both the ZXMS6006DG and ZXMS6006SG have nominal load current ratings of 2.8A, at an input voltage of 5V, and have an avalanche clamping rating of 490mJ.

Viasystems awarded patent for thermal management technology in PCBs

ST. LOUIS, USA: Viasystems Corp. a subsidiary of Viasystems Group Inc., has been awarded a patent for an innovative thermal management solution for printed circuit boards (PCBs).

The United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Viasystems Patent #7,741,566 B2 for “Microelectronic Substrates with Thermally Conductive Pathways and Methods of Making Same.” In the patented process, Viasystems incorporates a copper heatsink as an integral part of the board rather than as an attachment.

“As electronic products become smaller and denser, and as higher speed devices populate our printed circuit boards, our customers’ heat dissipation requirements become increasingly challenging. Viasystems has invested in thermal management technology over a period of several years and now offers a spectrum of thermal management solutions (TMS) that range from basic to leading edge,” said Craig Davidson, Ph.D., Viasystems’ VP of Engineering and Technology.

Earlier methods for dissipating heat through a PCB involved “via farms,” or arrays of vias (copper-lined holes), that allowed heat to pass out of the boards. As electronic miniaturization increased and PCBs became more densely populated, via farms were no longer effective. Coin-attached heatsinks made of copper have been an important technical solution which Viasystems supplies at high-volume from its low-cost plants in China for several end-use markets.

“With this new generation of embedded heatsinks, we believe Viasystems has the industry’s most comprehensive set of PCB thermal management solutions,” Davidson continued. “Viasystems has successfully deployed embedded heatsink technology at production volumes for customers in the telecommunications industry, and we continue to work on innovative TMS in high-volume with the intent to scale up in our low-cost manufacturing facilities,” he concluded.

LED manufacturers could face significant headwinds in 2011

NEW YORK, USA: As a whole, the semiconductor equipment and materials industry has posted significant gains in 2010. Revenues have surged thanks in part to mobile devices, tablet computers and even the emerging solar market.

Emerging markets are expected to play a critical role going forward as established markets are becoming saturated. Competition is fierce in emerging markets, however, making it challenging for investors to differentiate industry leaders from laggards.

The Bedford Report examines the outlook for companies in the semiconductor equipment and materials industry and provides research reports on Cree Inc. and Veeco Instruments Inc.

Several companies in the industry who specialize in LED products have suffered significant selloffs already this fall. When Citigroup downgraded Veeco earlier this month, it sent the LED sector into a whole new tailspin. Citigroup analyst, Timothy M. Arcuri's concern was that policy changes in China could lead to a significant falloff in orders next year.

Cree, meanwhile, has recovered nicely following a huge share price plunge in October. The selloff happened after the company issued poor guidance for the fourth quarter. Cree said it expects adjusted second-quarter earnings of 56 cents to 60 cents a share on revenue of $270 million to $280 million.

Next-gen Molex CMX sealed, hybrid, high-density and modular connector family for transportation apps

LISLE, USA: Building on the success of its CMC connection system, Molex Incorporated introduces its second generation sealed, hybrid, high-density and modular connector system.

The CMX family uses a new CTX terminal system with a fully protected seal to deliver the ultimate in sealing performance. The CMX connector system is ideal for transportation powertrain applications, such as those found in engine control units, automatic gear boxes, suspension controllers and electrical parking brakes.

“Based on our 10 years of experience with the CMC product line, the next-generation CMX connection system offers significant improvements in product performance while remaining cost competitive,” says Selvan Wilhelm, global product manager, Molex.

“The unique feature for all new CMX connectors is the sophisticated design of the interfacial seal protection, which ensures the connector remains protected before mating, and during mating and unmating operations.”

The first two circuit sizes of the CMX family, which meet the demands of the transportation market, is a compact 5-row 55-circuit CMX connector and a 5-row 65-circuit CMX connector. Further circuit sizes to extend the family are in development.

Both CMX connectors support low and medium current using .635mm (.025") and 1.50mm (.059") CTX terminals. The new matte seal is designed for the ultimate high performing sealing function of the CTX terminals and can be used with ISO and JASO wires. The CTX terminal system features a clean-body type design that performs well in harsh environments, while serving low, medium and high current applications. The use of high conductivity copper alloy allows excellent stress relaxation and current carrying properties.

The rear seal cover, which can be molded with breakable dummy plugs for the CTX terminal cavities, helps to reduce cycle time and applied costs for harness manufacturers. It also allows customers more flexibility for unused cavities.

Diodes Inc.'s programmable battery charger keeps portable products safe

DALLAS, USA: Diodes Inc. has introduced the APM860x lithium battery charger ICs. Provided in the U-DFN3030 14-pin package, the APM8600 and APM8601 provide a range of safety features designed to protect small form factor portable products during the charging process.

To ensure safe charging of products including mobile phones, media players and headsets, the single channel APM8600 and dual channel APM8601 continuously monitor lithium ion and lithium polymer cells for overvoltage, charge time and temperature. Providing up to 28V overvoltage protection, the APM8601 automatically selects between USB or DC inputs, and the APM8600 is a DC input only device.

The ICs’ charging algorithm covers all lithium cell charging phases, comprising pre-charging for deeply depleted cells, constant current / constant voltage fast charging and top-off charging to hold the cell at its full charge level. Maximum fast charging current is 1A, with charge current from the USB input set to either 100mA or 500mA depending on the logic level applied to the USEL input.

Fully programmable via external component selection, the APM860x’s charging current, pre-charging and end-of-charge are determined by resistor value and the charge time by capacitor value. Cell temperature measurement is achieved via a standard thermistor located in close proximity to the cell. Charge indicator pins are provided for charging status display.

Cree's high-efficiency XLamp LED reduces initial fixture cost for lighting makers

DURHAM, USA: Cree Inc. has announced the commercial availability of XLamp XP-E High Efficiency White (HEW) LEDs.

The new high-efficiency components extend the light output and efficacy of the award-winning XLamp XP-E LED family, enabling fixture designs that can use up to 50 percent fewer LEDs, which can help drive down costs for fixture and bulb manufacturers while delivering the same system performance.

XP-E HEW LEDs are optimized to lower initial costs for diffuse lighting applications, such as LED replacement lamps and downlights. For example, an A-19 lamp that uses XP-E LEDs could be re-designed to use half as many XP-E HEW LEDs while maintaining the same efficacy.

“One of the major barriers to LED lighting adoption and design remains upfront cost,” said Paul Thieken, Cree director of marketing, LED components. “By enabling designers to use brighter, precisely-optimized LEDs for each particular application, Cree is helping lower costs and further simplifying and shortening the LED fixture design cycle.”

XLamp XP-E High Efficiency White LEDs are the first high-power LEDs featuring Cree’s new Direct Attach LED technology. Direct Attach technology is Cree’s unique, next-generation LED chip technology that delivers higher flux, lower forward voltage, and lower thermal resistance.

“With 500 percent more die-attach area and an order-of-magnitude less die under-fill, Direct Attach technology is far more robust than any other LED flip chip technology in the market today,” said John Edmond, Cree director of advanced optoelectronics. “For our customers, these attributes, combined with the performance advantages of Direct Attach technology, can translate to brighter, more reliable lamps and fixtures, developed at a lower cost.”

XLamp XP-E High Efficiency White LEDs deliver up to 148 lumens in cool white (6500K) and 114 lumens in warm white (3000K) at 350 mA. In addition to light output and efficacy improvements, XP-E HEW LEDs feature a reduced thermal resistance of 6 °C/W. XP-E HEW LEDs are available in the same white variations as XP-E LEDs, including Standard White, Outdoor White and 80-CRI White.

XLamp XP-E High Efficiency White LEDs are available now in sample and production quantities with standard lead times. IES LM-80 data for measuring lumen maintenance of LED light sources, for XP-E HEW LEDs, is targeted for availability in February 2011.

Arrow Electronics announces completion of acquisition of Intechra

MELVILLE, USA: Arrow Electronics Inc. announced the successful completion of the acquisition of Intechra, a leading information technology asset disposition (ITAD) company.

Intechra is headquartered in Jackson, MS, and has approximately 300 employees. Total sales were approximately $75 million for the most recent fiscal year. The transaction is expected to be $.03-$.05 per share accretive to earnings in the first full year of operations.

Arrow Electronics (www.arrow.com) is a global provider of products, services and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions.

Power Integrations intros reference design for 5W LED lamps with PFC and flicker-free TRIAC dimming

SAN JOSE, USA: Power Integrations, a leader in high-voltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient solid-state lighting, hsa announced a new reference design (RDK-251) for a 5-watt offline LED driver that includes flicker-free TRIAC dimming and single-stage power factor correction (PFC).

The reference design is based on Power Integrations’ LNK457DG, a member of the innovative LinkSwitch-PL family of LED driver ICs optimized for compact, non-isolated installations.

The new reference design provides a single constant-current output of 350 mA at a nominal LED string voltage of 15 V. The output current can be reduced using a standard AC mains TRIAC dimmer down to 1 percent (3 mA) without instability or flickering of the LED array.

The supply is compatible with both low-cost, leading-edge dimmers and more sophisticated trailing-edge dimmers. It operates over the universal AC input range (85 VAC to 265 VAC, 47 Hz to 63 Hz) and can withstand an input range of 0 VAC to 300 VAC, improving field reliability and lifetime during line sags and swells.

Power factor is high (>0.9) and input current total harmonic distortion (THD) is low (<10 percent at 115 VAC and <15% at 230 VAC), meeting international requirements and enabling a single universal input design to be used worldwide.

The new reference design is suitable for compact form factors due to its low component count of 38 passives and discretes (29 for non-dimming applications), in addition to the LinkSwitch-PL device. Manufacturability and longevity are also enhanced by the elimination of passive components required in older LED driver designs, including bulky and unreliable high-voltage electrolytic capacitors.

LinkSwitch-PL, like its isolated counterpart LinkSwitch-PH, incorporates the controller and high-voltage power MOSFET into a single silicon die, simplifying PCB layout by further minimizing component count and eliminating parasitics between the controller and high-voltage power MOSFET.

The board fits inside a pear-shaped A19 LED replacement lamp with an E26/27 base. RDK-251 contains full power supply specifications, schematic, bill of materials, transformer documentation, printed circuit board layout, and performance data.

Bill Weiss, lighting business development manager at Power Integrations, said: "This design enables SSL lamps with high-quality dimming, high power factor, low THD, small form factors, and high reliability. All regulatory requirements for energy efficiency are met or exceeded, and solid-state lighting manufacturers can create one platform design that operates in both low-line and high-line installations. For system designers, this compact, high-performance design speeds up their time-to-market."

LinkSwitch-PL devices are available now in SO-8, eSOP and eDIP packages and are priced as low as $0.86 each for 10,000-piece quantities. RDK-251 and RDR-251 are available now on the Power Integrations website.

GO Lighting releases state-of-the-art LED troffer lighting

TORONTO, CANADA: GO Lighting Technologies has officially released its GO LED Troffer, an unprecedented energy effective LED lighting solution that is set to become the new standard in beautifully designed and efficient lighting for commercial, industrial and institutional settings.

The difference between GO's LED Troffer and the fluorescent types it replaces is immediately apparent. It produces exceptional light quality in wide, even distribution. The basic 24" square model generates 4000lm at unparalleled efficiency - 65 lumens per watt. With +85% consistent luminance, no light or dark areas exist at task level or on the fixture -- not to mention it is easy on your eyes.

"The LED Troffer lighting has been in high demand since before it was released," says Ron Content, president of GO Lighting. "It delivers exceptional light quality in the most energy efficient packaging, while offering beautiful design, simple installation and lower ongoing maintenance."

RoHS recast – development kit

Gary Nevison, Premier Farnell

UK: The RoHS recast looks to have brought to an end, and provide clarity on, the hotly debated subject of semiconductor development kits and evaluation boards and their RoHS status.

Article 2 excludes: “equipment specifically designed solely for the purposes of
research and development only made available on a business to business basis”.

The RoHS recast will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union around March / April 2011 and will be transposed into national law 18 months later.

So, by the end of 2012 these simple, but very popular development boards that are used extensively by the electronics design engineer, will not fall within the scope of the RoHS directive.

However, until then it is illegal to place non-compliant, currently in scope, evaluation boards and development kits on the EU market. However, due to the future change in scope it is not certain that enforcement authorities would take legal action although they would be in their rights to do so.

In terms of WEEE, which started all this debate in Germany, RoHS and WEEE are no longer linked together as before. Negotiations on the WEEE recast will continue but could well end up in a place quite different from RoHS in respect of scope. The WEEE recast will not be voted on until well into 2011.

Diodes Inc.'s linear constant current driver provides versatile control for LED apps

DALLAS, USA: Diodes Inc. has introduced the AL8400 linear LED driver controller. The AL8400 is designed to tightly regulate LED current via an external transistor across wide variations of high brightness LEDs.

Suiting a broad range of LED chains in illumination, indication or signage systems, the controller can directly operate from 2.2V to 18V and will drive either N-channel MOSFET or NPN Bipolar transistors.

The AL8400 has a very low 200mV current sense voltage which reduces operating voltage overhead and increases efficiency compared with traditional solutions. Its open collector output drives the external pass transistor allowing it to regulate LED current from tens of mA to above an amp.

Using an external pass transistor allows power dissipation and maximum drive capability to be optimized. Longer LED chains needing significantly more than 18V can be driven with minimal additional external components.

The LED driver’s low temperature drift and 3% reference voltage at 25ºC outperforms most existing linear solutions while keeping system costs down at the same time. The AL8400 linear controller in its small footprint, low profile SOT353 package, delivers power density that is superior to many common package alternatives and provides a low EMI solution.

Cree’s 650V silicon carbide schottky diodes improve advanced high-efficiency data center power supply designs

DURHAM, USA: Targeting the latest data center power supply requirements, Cree Inc. has announced its new line of Z-Rec 650V Junction Barrier Schottky (JBS) diodes.

The new JBS diodes provide blocking voltage to 650V to accommodate recent changes in data center power architecture that industry consultants estimate will result in energy efficiency gains of up to 5 percent. Because data centers account for nearly 10 percent of the world’s annual consumption of electrical power, any efficiency gain represents a significant opportunity to reduce overall power consumption.

Conventional switch-mode power supplies typically have an input voltage range of 90V – 264V, supporting various AC input sources worldwide. In existing data center power architectures, 3-phase/480V power is supplied from the local utility.

This 3-phase/480V power is converted to 3 phase/208V by means of a power transformer and then further conditioned to provide input power to the server power supply. This conversion step reduces overall efficiency due to transformer losses.

Recent trends in data center power architecture call for the elimination of the 480V to 208V conversion to boost overall data center efficiency. Instead of providing 120V AC from the 3-phase/208V line to neutral, server power supplies will now be expected to accept a broader universal line voltage range of 90V – 305V (277V plus a 10 percent guard band) directly from the 3 phase/480V line to neutral. This architecture eliminates the need for the step-down power transformer, along with the related energy losses and expense.

Optimal operation of server power supplies with a higher input voltage range of 90V – 305V requires power components such as Schottky diodes that have an extended maximum blocking voltage of 650V.

Cree’s new 650V-rated devices provide an ideal solution for designers of state of the art power supplies for data center servers and communications equipment. Cree’s new Z-Rec silicon carbide diodes not only feature the 650V blocking voltage needed for these advanced power supplies, but they also further reduce energy losses, as compared to silicon devices, by eliminating reverse recovery losses.

“Silicon carbide technology is critical to developing the next generation of advanced, energy-efficient data center power system designs because it virtually eliminates diode switching losses,” explained Cengiz Balkas, Cree VP and GM, Power and RF.

“Conventional silicon devices’ switching losses are known to be big contributors to energy inefficiency, so replacing them with SiC devices can boost the efficiency of the power factor correction stage of the power supply by up to 2 percent, resulting in even greater overall efficiency improvement than with architectural changes alone.”

The initial products in the 650V Z-Rec Schottky diode family, the C3DXX065A Series, include 4, 6, 8, and 10 amp versions in TO-220-2 packages. All devices are rated for operation from -55°C to +175°C.

The C3DXX065A Series devices are fully qualified and released for production use. For samples and more information about Cree’s 650V Z-Rec devices or any of Cree’s other 600V, 1200V and 1700V diodes.

Avago extends power amplifier gain block family with frequency range optimized for cellular infrastructure

SAN JOSE, USA & SINGAPORE: Avago Technologies, a a leading supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, today announced two new gain block solutions that expand its high-performance power amplifier family targeting cellular infrastructure applications.

The new MGA-31589 and MGA-31689 0.5-watt gain blocks feature high linearity, high gain, superior gain flatness and low power dissipation. The MGA-31589 gain block addresses cellular and WiMAX wireless base station and other wireless systems operating between 450 to 1500 MHz, while the MGA-31689 device addresses these applications operating between 1500 to 3000 MHz.

The MGA-31x89 power amplifier family is optimized for frequency in order to deliver improved performance across all the major cellular bands — GSM, CDMA, and UMTS — plus next-generation LTE bands. The new gain blocks join with the 0.25-watt MGA-31189 and MGA-31289 devices and the 0.10-watt MGA-31389 and MGA-31489 devices to serve applications from 50 to 3000 MHz.

MGA-31x89 devices are all available in the compact, industry-standard SOT-89 package. Sharing a common footprint and PCB layout allows a single design to support multiple frequencies and geographic markets with a choice of output power. The gain blocks can also replace existing market solutions as a pin-to-pin, drop-in replacement offering better linearity and power performance.

The devices’ high gain can reduce the total number of RF stages needed. The performance gains of the MGA-31x89 family are made possible by Avago’s proprietary, 0.25 µm GaAs Enhancement-mode pHEMT semiconductor process.

Digi-Key supports industry efforts in prevention of counterfeit product

THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corp. recently participated in the Counterfeit Electronic Parts and Electronic Supply Chain Symposium at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD.

Dave Doherty, Digi-Key’s vice president of semiconductor product, represented Digi-Key during the symposium and participated in the Electronic Distribution Panel Discussion with Melanie Pizzey, TTI; Ed Smith, Avnet; and Robin B. Gray, Jr., executive vice president of the National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA).

The panelists led a discussion on the value of the authorized distribution channel in light of the global counterfeit product challenge. They discussed how authorized distribution has evolved and developed best practices and standards to keep up with the growing demands of global production and sourcing, Internet sales transactions, and managing obsolescence.

“The purpose of this symposium is to educate customers and manufacturers on how counterfeit product is introduced and how it can be prevented,” Doherty said. “Digi-Key’s position is that customers and manufacturers should verify the source from which they receive electronic parts. Digi-Key is an authorized, franchised distributor for more than 440 suppliers; our suppliers validate that fact on their websites.”

The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) and the Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE)/University of Maryland sponsored the three-day symposium, which provided a forum to discuss how an organization performs part selection and management through the whole life cycle of the parts and changes in the electronic parts supply chain.

“We were honored to have been selected to present our value proposition to the symposium,” said Gray. “The prevalence of electronics is skyrocketing, and with that, the threat of counterfeit products escalates. Gatherings of this nature, with a wide range of government, academia and customer representatives, are critical for the understanding of the value of authorized distribution and the risks of buying from unauthorized sources.”

Senior management, supply chain managers, component engineers, brand protection specialists, inspectors, marketing and procurement policy makers, contracts and legal management, security specialists and government agencies tasked with addressing the issue of counterfeit electronic parts, attended the symposium. The Defense and Aerospace industries were also represented.

“Digi-Key steadfastly promotes distribution of only authorized, valid product from its suppliers and sources 100% of any product we sell directly from the end manufacturers for which we are authorized to represent,” Doherty said. “This allows Digi-Key to guarantee that any product shipped from our warehouse is ‘the real thing.’”

Diodes Inc.'s single gate logic now in small DFN package

DALLAS, USA: Diodes Inc., a leading global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality application specific standard products within the broad discrete, logic and analog semiconductor markets, announced the release of new versions of its 74LVC1GXX and 74LVCE1GXX CMOS logic families in DFN1410 packages measuring 1.4x1x0.4mm high.

These tiny single gate devices complement the existing SOT25 and SOT353 versions and have been developed primarily for cell phones, smart phones and tablet computers. Compared to wafer chip scale packages, the DFN1410 provides the advantages of lower cost and reduced manufacturing complexity.

The new logic parts are direct replacements for industry standard components and include AND, NAND, OR, NOR, XOR, inversion and buffering functions. In many applications, these low power logic devices draw less than 1µA of supply current, making them ideal for use in battery-powered products.

Providing a direct interface with TTL levels, the 74LVC1GXX family operates from 1.6V to 5.5V and the 74LVCE1GXX from 1.4.V to 5.5V. The wide input ranges allow both families of devices to be used for voltage level shifting. The output drive is ±24mA at 3.3V. When they are powered down, the logic devices’ IOFF output circuitry ensures that outputs are disabled to prevent reverse current flow and to provide signal isolation.

Demand for single gate logic functions at the point of application is growing as the need for 4-gate logic solutions wanes. Such single gate solutions require minimal routing and provide for better board utilization with improved signal performance.

Oclaro laser line filters reduce background noise and offer compatibility with Oclaro laser diodes

SAN JOSE, USA: Oclaro Inc., a tier-one provider of innovative optical communications and laser solutions, has announced a new line of Clarity laser line filters specifically designed to suppress amplified spontaneous emissions (ASE) that occur in Diode Pumped Solid State (DPSS) laser systems and improve the signal to noise performance of laser systems.

These new filters are ideal for the growing life sciences and analytical markets, and when combined with Oclaro laser diodes, provide customers with significant cost and time-to-market advantages by eliminating the need to work with multiple suppliers on critical components.

The new Oclaro filters can reduce the background noise on the laser and provide superior signal to noise performance for the laser manufacturers' customers. As a leading supplier of both laser diodes and filter products, Oclaro can speed customers' time-to-market, reduce development cost and simplify a customer's business by reducing the number of suppliers they have to manage in their design cycle.

Furthermore, customers benefit from Oclaro's world-class manufacturing excellence and innovation that was perfected in the telecommunications industry and is now being leveraged across a diverse set of markets, such as the solid state laser market.

"With the introduction of the new Clarity line filters, Oclaro once again brings its expertise developed in the telecom world to industrial applications," said Yves Le Maitre, Executive Vice President and Division Manager at Oclaro.

"Customers not only benefit from having a single source supplier for all their filter and diode needs, but also from Oclaro's world-renowned manufacturing excellence, ability to quickly scale to high-volumes and achieve attractive price points."

Mitsubishi Electric announces sale of InGaP-HBT for amplifiers in satellite digital radios

TOKYO, JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. will launch two new models of indium gallium phosphide (InGaP) - heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT) for reception systems in satellite digital radios.

These products have a 4-pin full-mold package, and are best used in the second or third stages of low noise amplifiers for L to C band (0.5~6GHz) applications. Shipments will begin on February 7, 2011.

Satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS), common in North America since 2001, does not require tuning to adapt to regional broadcasting like analog radio services. Car audio systems therefore use SDARS to access traffic information, entertainment programs and other information services.

Low noise amplifiers used in the reception systems of these satellite digital radios are composed of two or three stages. The first stage requires efficient low noise and high gain characteristics, and the second and third stages require high gain and high power characteristics.

Mitsubishi Electric will begin shipment of a new series of InGaP-HBTs including the MGF3021AM, which features high gain characteristics, and the MGF3022AM, which has high power characteristics. These amplifiers best operate in combination with the MGF4921AM, Mitsubishi Electric's low noise gallium arsenide (GaAs) high electron mobility transistor already available for the first stage of amplifying.

SemiLEDs announces pricing of IPO

HSINCHU, TAIWAN: SemiLEDs Corp. , a developer and manufacturer of LED chips and LED components, announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 5,250,000 shares of its common stock, at $17.00 per share.

All shares are being sold by the Company. SemiLEDs has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 787,500 shares at the initial public offering price to cover overallotments, if any. The common stock is expected to begin trading on December 9, 2010 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “LEDS.”

The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of its common stock are approximately US$79.0 million. If the overallotment option is exercised in full, the total net proceeds to the Company would be approximately US$91.4 million.

The Company intends to use these net proceeds for expanding production capacity in Taiwan, research and development expenses related to LED chip production based on 6” wafers, and general corporate purposes, including working capital and capital expenditures. The Company may also use a portion of the net proceeds to acquire or invest in complementary technologies, solutions or businesses or to obtain rights to such complementary technologies, solutions or businesses.

BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital and Jefferies are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Canaccord Genuity and Caris & Company are acting as co-managers for the offering.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with, and declared effective by, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Diodes Inc. releases first product in thermally enhanced PowerDI5060 package

DALLAS, USA: Diodes Inc. has released of the company’s first device in its unique PowerDI5060 package, the DMP3010LPS 30V rated p-channel enhancement mode MOSFET, offering designers of notebooks, netbooks and other consumer electronics improvements in reliability and reductions in pcb space requirements.

With a junction to case thermal resistance (Rthj-c) of 2.1°C/W, the PowerDI5060’s thermal resistance is 10 times lower than an SO8 alternative, improving on power dissipation performance, resulting in cooler running and more reliable product design. Its off-board height of 1.1mm is also 54 percent less than that of SO8, making it well suited for low profile applications.

With a large drain pad significantly reducing package inductance and resistance parameters, the PowerDI5060 package helps to significantly boost p-channel MOSFET performance. With the DMP3010LPS’s low typical on-resistance of 7.8mΩ at 10V VGS on-state losses are effectively minimized in load switching and battery charging duties.

Xodtec LED releases intelligent LED street lighting management system

TAIPEI, TAIWAN: Xodtec LED Inc. has announced its development of Administer, an automatic LED street lighting management system that is designed to monitor thousands of LED street lights which are connected to a central management system and embedded with Xodtec intelligent surveillance and management functions.

Xodtec also provides fundamental energy management systems to city governments, road departments and public facilities companies. It believes that one third of the lighting energy costs, which can be as much as 30-40 percent of the city council's lighting budget, can be saved.

Xodtec is installing the intelligent LED street lighting management system in Yangzhou, China, and will finish the function test in December 2010.

Features:
* Individual or groups of lights are able to be turned on/off or dimmed for power saving.
* Dimming via embedded timetable or external commands.
* Self-check and automatic real-time reporting.
* Automatic system failure reporting for troubleshooting.
* Lights can be displayed on Google Map and remote information access via WEB.

Nu Horizons Electronics stockholders approve acquisition by Arrow Electronics

MELVILLE, USA: Nu Horizons Electronics Corp., a leading distributor of active and passive electronic components, announced that its stockholders voted to approve the merger agreement among Nu Horizons, Arrow Electronics Inc. and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arrow, pursuant to which Nu Horizons will be acquired by Arrow.

Upon consummation of the merger, which remains subject to certain remaining customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, Nu Horizons’ stockholders will receive $7.00 for each share of Nu Horizons common stock they own. The companies expect the transaction to close in early 2011.

Diodes Inc.'s LDO regulator offers reductions in energy consumption

DALLAS, USA: Diodes Inc. announced the AP7361 ultra-low dropout linear voltage regulator.

With a quiescent current rating of only 70µA, the AP7361 will help bring energy savings to a range of consumer electronic devices, including LCD TVs, STBs and PCs. Providing a source of adjustable and fixed output voltages at an accuracy of +-1.0%, the regulator has a dropout voltage of just 150mV at 300mA and can deliver an output current up to 1A with 500mV dropout.

The AP7361’s input voltage range is 2.2V to 6.0V; its output voltage is fully adjustable between 1.0V and 5.0V; and its fixed output voltage options of 1.0V, 1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 2.8V and 3.3V are also available.

The regulator’s high ripple rejection of 65dB ensures supply current ripple is minimized in the event of input voltage transients or dramatic changes in load, while its fast transient response characteristics enable improvements in overall system response times to be achieved.

To help increase system reliability, the AP7361 integrates a comprehensive range of self-protection features, including over-current protection to guard against short-circuit, a current limiter to handle in-rush, and a thermal shutdown circuit to protect against excessive heat build-up. This cost-effective regulator comes in the industrial standard DFN3030E-8 package.

element14 strengthens partnership with International Rectifier to provide latest IR products across Apac

SINGAPORE: element14, formerly Premier Farnell, has strengthened its global distribution agreement with International Rectifier, a pioneer and world leader in advanced power management technology, from digital, analog and mixed-signal ICs to advanced circuit devices, power systems and components.

element14 is deeply committed to providing design engineers and maintenance and repair engineers across the region with a wider selection of the most innovative and state-of-the-art products and solutions from International Rectifier.

The availability of International Rectifier solutions has steadily increased in the APAC region over the last year with element14 also expanding the inventory of International Rectifier products in its range to include, the best-selling devices from other markets as well as the latest in silicon technology, including the Performance Power QFN.

The Performance PQFN is one of the newest additions to the International Rectifier’s HEXFETÒ power MOSEFETs series to address 40V - 250V applications in high performance packaging with industry standard 5x6mm QFN footprint.

International Rectifier’s cutting-edge silicon technology delivers a solution for low 0.9mm profile high current rating, low RDS (on), which enables higher efficiency, power density and reliability, making the power MOSFETs well suited for switching applications with limited board space.

The advent-grade technology that International Rectifier employs allows added flexibility for Electronic Design Engineers as they can now select from various levels of on-state resistance and gate charges to balance between performance optimization and cost for a given application, allowing them to customize their purchases to meet specific requirements.

The Asia Pacific region is well positioned to take advantage of this enhanced strategic partnership, benefitting from International Rectifier’s power management technology solutions which will now be available easily to element14’s extensive customer network in the region.

Philips Lumileds re-certified for ISO9001 and TS16949 quality standards

SAN JOSE, USA: Philips Lumileds announced that each one of its three design, development and manufacturing sites have been recertified for ISO9001:2008 (General Quality System Standard) and TS16949:2009, (Automotive Quality System Standard) following a comprehensive audit by TUV NORD.

Continuing certification and refinement of the company’s manufacturing processes is one element of the company’s commitment to quality production and delivery that enable the growth and adoption of solid-state lighting solutions. All three sites, San Jose, Singapore and Penang were certified with, zero non-conformities, representing an approach and commitment to quality that is consistent throughout the company.

ISO9001 is an international standard for quality management systems. Adhering to these standards, companies demonstrate an ability to consistently meet statutory and regulatory requirements and improve customer satisfaction through continuous process improvements to deliver quality and confidence.

TS16949 is an international standard for automotive industry suppliers and it defines quality management system requirements. As one of the world’s leading suppliers of LEDs for exterior vehicle applications, Philips Lumileds is dedicated to achieving the highest standards and establishing a framework for continued improvements.

Antenova launches M10372 GPS RADIONOVA with CSR's SiRFstarIV architecture

CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND: Antenova Ltd, the integrated antenna and RF solutions company, announced M10372 GPS RADIONOVA – a planar mount GPS Radio Antenna Module incorporating CSR’s market leading SiRFstarIV GPS chipset with Antenova’s high performing patented antenna technology in a compact low profile package.

Antenova further announced the M10372 is ideally suited for a multitude of embedded GPS, machine-to-machine (M2M) and mobile device applications such as personal navigation devices (PNDs), automatic vehicle locators (AVLs), trackers and portable media players (PMPs).

Greg McCray, CEO of Antenova said: "CSR is a recognized leader in the GPS semiconductor market, and the new SiRFstarIV architecture provides many new features and benefits for Antenova’s GPS RADIONOVA customers. Some of the new features include adaptive micro-power controller to maintain hot-start conditions with minimal power consumption and active jammer remover which helps maximize performance in potentially noisy environments.

"The improved tracking, navigation and acquisition sensitivity of the new SiRFstarIV chip combined with Antenova’s high performing omni-directional antenna makes the M10372 an ideal GPS system solution for next generation embedded device and M2M applications. And the M10372 has been designed to provide existing GPS RADIONOVA customers an easy migration path for their next generation products."

The M10372 is a highly integrated GPS RF antenna module suitable for L1-band GPS and A-GPS systems. The device combines CSR’s SiRFstarIV GSD4e GPS receiver IC with Antenova’s high efficiency antenna technology.

All front-end components are contained in a small 29 x 13 x 4.7mm single package laminate base module providing a complete GPS receiver for optimum performance. M10372 operates on a single 1.8V positive bias supply with ultra low power consumption and available low power modes for further power savings.

M10372 is supported by SiRF stand alone software and is compatible with UART, SPI and I2C host processor interfaces. Custom versions of the module can also incorporate an antenna switch for optional active antenna connection.

Supertex's dimmable, high voltage EL driver for backlighting laptop keyboards

SUNNYVALE, USA: Supertex Inc. has introduced the HV816, a dimmable, low noise, electroluminescent (EL) lamp driver designed to drive large area EL lamps used in backlighting keyboards of notebooks, netbooks, and electronic organizers, as well as advertising display signs.

HV816 can operate from an input voltage of 2.7V to 5.5V, which is ideally suitable for 3.3V and 5V systems, as well as systems using a single cell lithium battery. It can deliver output voltages to 360V peak-to-peak for high brightness, and adjustable output regulation for brightness control and power saving.

The IC offers flexibility by providing independent lamp and converter frequency settings and adjustable output rise and fall time. It uses a minimum number of external components to minimize the PC board area.

"By using an EL lamp and the HV816, manufacturers can develop thin, dimmable backlit keyboards for notebook and netbook computers that consume less power and offer more uniform brightness without hot spots when compared to other backlighting solutions," states Hernan DeGuzman, VP of Marketing for Supertex.

"This IC has split supply capability for improved efficiency and prolonged battery life and works with input voltages as low as 2.7 volts."

HV816 is available in QFN-16 (HV816K6-G) and SOW-16 (HV816SG-G) packages. HV816SG-G has a heat slug for high power applications. Both packages are RoHS compliant.

Samples for HV816K6-G are available from stock. Samples for HV816SG-G will be available in 3-4 weeks. Lead-time for production quantities is 4-6 weeks ARO. Pricing is $2.07 each for HV816K6-G and $2.63 each for HV816SG-G in 1K quantities.

Vishay Intertechnology releases metal-core-based, cold white LED power modules

MALVERN, USA: Vishay Intertechnology Inc. announced two metal-core-based, cold white LED power modules, each assembled with 12, 24, or 36 high-brightness LEDs.

The new VLSL40xxA is designed for flexible use by utilizing optional special reflectors to adjust the modules' emission characteristics. The VLSL50xxA features a clear silicone lens for a butterfly-shaped radiation characteristic.

Optimized for illumination in streetlights, internal building lighting, tunnel lights, and general lighting applications, the VLSL40xxA and VLSL50xxA offer a color temperature range of 5000 K to 7000 K.

Both devices feature a shiny white surface and a metal-core, single-side PCB with a Cu thickness of less than 0.75 microns. Each module includes a conductive top layer with a minimum Cu of 18 microns and a 63 micron prepreg 1080 FR4 type isolation layer.

The VLSL40xxA is available with the VLSL-REFL01 reflector, which is composed of an Al-alloy material with a non-high-polished surface. By using different reflector combinations, the emission in one direction can be adjusted in a typical range of 120 to 55 degrees. The clear silicone lens of the VLSL50xxA allows for a 35 degree vertical and 60 degree horizontal angle of half intensity.

The VLSL40xxA and VLSL50xxA are based on InGaN technology and provide a maximum current of 700 mA. The LED modules feature standard solder mask material, and they offer luminous flux and color binning. The devices provide ESD withstand voltage up to 2 kV in accordance with JESD22-A114-B and comply with ROHS 2002/95/EC.

Samples and production quantities of the LED power modules are available now, with lead times of eight to 25 weeks for larger orders.

MOSFETs in patented SMD0.2 package drastically reduce system size and weight in HiRel space apps

EL SEGUNDO, USA: International Rectifier (IR) has introduced a family of hermetic radiation hardened (RAD-Hard) 100 V MOSFETs in a new compact, surface mount SMD0.2 package for space applications such as satellite bus power systems and payload power supplies.

IR’s new patented, hermetic, compact SMD0.2 package utilizing Aluminum Nitride (AlN) ceramic for enhanced thermal conductivity, is designed specifically for RAD-Hard MOSFETs and addresses the needs of power designers requiring reduced weight and system size. With a 0.3” x 0.2” x 0.1” (8mm x 5mm x 3mm) footprint weighing only 0.25 g, the SMD0.2 surface mount package is 50 percent smaller and 75 percent lighter compared to existing SMD0.5 packages while dissipating the same amount of power at around 23 W.

“This new family of devices combines IR’s heritage in RAD-Hard MOSFET technology with innovative patented packaging technology to help engineers meet the challenges of designing space applications that demand increasingly smaller, lighter, highly reliable system solutions," said Odile Ronat, discrete marketing manager, IR’s HiRel Business Unit.

The new MOSFETs utilize IR’s proven RAD-Hard MOSFET technology. Both 100 krad(Si) and 300 krad(Si) total dose rating are available, with SEE rating of 85MeV/(mg/cm2). Standard and logic level N-channel and P-channel devices are also available. Voltages other than 100 V are also available on request. The SMD0.2 package is available with either metal lid or ceramic lid.

SAFC Hitech facility expansion in Taiwan enhances global capacity for HB LED manufacturing

ST. LOUIS, USA: Following the March 2010 production expansion of trimethylgallium (TMG) at its Bromborough, UK manufacturing site, SAFC Hitech, a member of the Sigma-Aldrich Group, reinforced its commitment to the Asia-Pacific electronics markets by announcing plans to build a new, dedicated facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan for transfilling, technical service and production of LED and silicon semiconductor precursors.

The new facility, expected to be operational by late 2011, will extend the Company's ability to serve the Asian market, leveraging the knowledge and capabilities developed at its existing Kaohsiung facility.

The new investment will transition current operations into a new environment that is expected to expand the Company's transfilling and technical service base, as well as add significant capacity for the dedicated manufacturing of high-quality precursors to support the burgeoning High Brightness LED (HBLED) market and ALD and CVD precursors for the silicon semiconductor market.

Increased focus on improving efficiency and reducing energy costs through technology and design advances is driving the electronics sector to roll out more 'energy-conscious' products and systems. Due to the resulting exponential rise in demand for LEDs, and in particular HBLEDs that are used in applications such as backlighting in flat panel television sets and energy efficient lighting, SAFC Hitech continues to strengthen its leading position as a legacy supplier of reliable precursors for the HBLED market.

"As mass manufacturing continues its rise, we are experiencing significant increases in customer and partnership activities in the Asia-Pacific region, which aligns nicely with our core commitment to driving global expansion in the production of precursors for the rapidly expanding HBLED market," said Philip Rose, SAFC Hitech president.

"The expansion of our Kaohsiung presence is a logical next step that will help us to support these markets. By increasing our investment in local technical service capabilities and by leveraging our proprietary technologies and capabilities, we are able to increase our transfilling, production and technical services in these key markets."

The existing SAFC Hitech Kaohsiung capabilities handle and characterize highly-specialized laboratory-scale chemicals and features a dedicated customer support center. This existing site is ISO 9001 certified for quality and ISO 14001 certified for safety and environmental protocols.

The facility was originally built to service the semiconductor industry demands for ultra-high quality precursors using proprietary technologies. The site also provides integrated inert atmosphere transfilling stations, state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation for the detection of ultra-low metallic and oxygen containing contaminants and dedicated cylinder preparation and packaging areas. An extensive departmental infrastructure (Health & Safety, quality, shipping, sales) provides for adherence to the highest standards of performance.

Vishay Intertechnology announces new $450 million credit facility

MALVERN, USA: Vishay Intertechnology Inc. announced that it has entered into a new five-year $450 million credit facility. The senior secured facility, which matures on December 1, 2015, replaces the Company’s prior $250 million revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to mature on April 20, 2012.

Borrowings under the new facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin. The applicable interest margin is based on Vishay’s then current leverage ratio.

Based on Vishay’s current leverage ratio, borrowings bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.65 percent; Vishay is also required to pay a facility fee of 0.35 percent per annum on the entire commitment amount for a total borrowing cost, based on current leverage, of LIBOR plus 2 percent for the outstanding amount under the new credit facility.

The interest rate under the prior facility was at LIBOR plus 1.875 percent, plus a facility commitment fee of 0.35 percent per annum on the entire commitment amount for a total of LIBOR plus 2.225 percent for the outstanding amount.

The new facility also permits Vishay, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, to settle the principal amount of its 2.25 percent convertible senior notes in cash upon conversion, and settle any additional amounts in shares. The 2.25 percent convertible senior notes were issued on November 9, 2010.

Dr. Lior Yahalomi, Vishay’s CFO, said: “We are excited to capitalize on favorable credit market conditions and Vishay’s new level of business performance to obtain this five-year, $450 million credit facility at lower interest rates than we are currently paying. Combined with our strong operational performance and continued free cash generation, this facility will provide Vishay with financial flexibility to pursue our business strategy.”

JPMorgan Chase Bank. N.A. acted as administrative agent. J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as lead arranger and joint bookrunner. Comerica Bank and Bank Leumi USA served as joint bookrunners and co-syndication agents. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. functioned as co-documentation agents.

Wavien announces joint development with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors of recycling RGB LEDs for projection apps

VALENCIA, USA: Wavien Inc. has announced a collaboration with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH to develop RGB LEDs for projection applications.

The joint effort will combine OSRAM's LED technology with Wavien's proprietary LED recycling (RLT) to provide low cost, high output LED solutions for pocket projectors and pico-projectors small enough to be integrated into cell phones.

Wavien's RLT technology recaptures light lost in standard optical systems and recycles it back to the system output, transforming it back into useable light. An output improvement, as high as 100%, can be achieved.

Besides providing greatly enhanced screen brightness, the unique recycling technology extends battery life for portable systems, and reduces the heat load for ease of cooling. This performance improvement is provided by either adding a simple reflector with an aperture to standard LED packages or by adding a unique imaging light pipe with an aperture.

The dimensions of the apertures, which determine the amount of recycling, and the total size of the reflector or light pipe can be scaled to meet the user's needs.

"Wavien's LED light recycling technology offers outstanding brightness by recovering and recycling high angle light from the LED that is normally wasted with traditional LED coupling systems," stated Dr. Kenneth Li, president and CEO of Wavien, who is also the inventor of the recycling technology.

Dr. Li added: "This unique design enables LED-based projectors to have increased total brightness by up to 100 percent. Clearly, with such improvements in cost and performance, projectors will be used in locations that were previously not feasible."

Carmanah solar LED lights illuminate three miles of environmentally-sensitive pathway for Lummi Nation

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA: Carmanah Technologies Corp.is providing 70 EverGEN 1710 solar LED lighting systems to illuminate Haxton Way Trail for the Lummi Nation Indian Reservation, Lummi Nation, Washington.

The EverGEN solar lighting systems are being deployed to improve the safety of pedestrians that use the popular three-mile long pathway, which stretches across environmentally-sensitive wetlands.

Working with Carmanah and local Seattle lighting agent, Illuminating Resource LLC., the Lummi Nation based the decision to use the EverGEN solar lighting systems on the need to increase trail security and usefulness after dark, while preserving the integrity of the natural environment.

The Haxton Way Trail follows a network of protected wetlands and wetland complexes, which account for almost half of the Lummi Reservation’s total upland area.

“The Lummi Nation is committed to preserving the natural wetlands and interconnected systems. Carmanah solar lighting allowed us to succeed in providing light where it was needed while protecting the delicate environment surrounding the trail,” comments Robert H. Pell, Project Manager, Lummi Nation Planning Division.

Operating free from the grid, the EverGEN solar lighting systems are installed without the need to dig or trench power to each system. Establishing underground wiring in a traditional lighting scenario would have posed a potential threat to the delicate wetlands.

Besides acknowledging these ground sensitivities, the new EverGEN systems will operate in accordance with International Dark Sky Association (IDA) Guidelines, which recommend limiting light trespass or ‘sky glow’ to help protect nocturnal ecosystems and nocturnal wildlife.

In concert with increased security and environmental protection, the EverGEN systems are also incorporating Advanced Occupancy Sensing technology. Advanced Occupancy Sensing will activate the lights on Haxton Way Trail in a synchronized manner to provide illumination where needed when any one light senses motion.

This functionality significantly increases energy efficiency and utility cost savings while preserving the natural dark sky when the trail is not in use.

Following luminaire installation, the results of the EverGEN systems lighting project will be reported to the National Indian Council and the two Government bodies responsible for project funding, the Federal Lands Highway Department and the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board.

The report will be used to evaluate the feasibility of launching similar projects with like technology for more Tribes throughout the country – in a sense, providing the basis for wider acceptance of sustainable technologies.

“Of most importance is the increase in safety that this project provides the community,” says Pell. “Hopefully, this project will become a model for other Tribes and communities, showing that community-driven initiatives like this can happen.”

“We are very happy that Carmanah technology was a part of this community-initiated project,” said Ted Lattimore, Carmanah CEO. “It speaks to the viability of solar LED lighting, not just in terms of improving safety while preserving sensitive ecosystems, but also in the way it can help communities exhibit environmental leadership and provide a model for other communities to follow.”

Linde LienHwa to launch China’s first ultra high-purity ammonia plant for LED manufacturing

XIAMEN, CHINA: Linde LienHwa (LLH) has announced a further strengthening of its commitment to the needs of LED manufacturing with the establishment of an ultra high-purity Ammonia plant in Xiamen City, south-eastern China.

This is the first operating plant in China to produce ultra high-purity Ammonia and will supply customers using world leading technology in purification, packaging and analytical metrology. Linde LienHwa (LLH) is a joint venture between The Linde Group and LienHwa MiTAC Group of Taiwan.

The plant, which has a capacity of 500 tonnes per year, produces high-purity Ammonia at 7N (99.99999 percent) level, helping to increase the supply reliability to customer sites and reduce customers’ manufacturing costs. It is also capable of filling various package sizes, including ISO containers.

Based on the plant’s patented technology, Linde is able to further benefit its clients by establishing an on-site purification system if an extra high volume of ultra high-purity Ammonia is required, as is often the case in the LED industry.

The Chinese LED industry is growing rapidly, with the level of investment during 2009 and the first half of 2010 exceeding that of the past several decades. In 2010 to date, China’s new investments in LED chip-related projects total over RMB 70 billion (EUR 7.5 billion).

During 2010, Linde has been awarded gas supply contracts with six major LED manufacturers in China, including three Taiwan invested LED fabs in Jining, Suzhou and Changzhi respectively, as well as Neo-Neon in Yangzhou, Focus Lighting Technology in Suzhou and Walsin United Technology in Xi’an.

“In 2010 to date, Linde’s investment in support of electronics in China totals more than EUR 50 million,” commented Andrew Lau, president and GM of Linde LienHwa. “Linde LienHwa has achieved some significant customer wins in LED thanks to our proven material supply capability. The new Ammonia plant in Xiamen City further highlights our commitment to serving customers in emerging markets.”

Linde has a long history in the distillation and purification of electronic special gases and has utilised its highly specialised experience to build numerous purification plants.

With its most advanced technology - the patented Y-column distillation and purification system - Linde has built, installed and operated such plants at seven different locations around the world supplying a variety of gases, the latest being the Xiamen plant in FuJian Province, China, which started production in November 2010.

Digi-Key and Phihong USA sign global distribution agreement

THIEF RIVER FALLS & FREMONT, USA: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corp., and Phihong USA, one of the most trusted names in power electronics, have entered into an agreement in which Digi-Key will distribute Phihong products to customers worldwide.

Products from Phihong USA products stocked by Digi-key comprise its standard IEEE802.3af and .at PoE products, including midspans, injectors, and splitters, standard wall-mount, desktop, and interchangeable-clip adapters, and power supplies. These products are now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

“We are very pleased to announce this new distribution agreement with Phihong USA,” said Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key vice president of interconnect, passive, and electromechanical products. “Adding Phihong’s quality power solution line to Digi-Key’s offering exemplifies our commitment to provide our customers with the industry’s broadest range of electronic components.”

“Digi-Key will help us reach our global customer base and meet their demanding design and delivery schedules,” said Keith Hopwood, vice president of marketing for Phihong USA. “We are pleased to have a distribution partner that is as committed to customer service and support as we are.”

ZPower announces initial operation of automated assembly line for rechargeable, silver-zinc microbatteries

CAMARILLO, USA: ZPower Inc., a leading global provider of silver-zinc battery technology, announced the qualification of its automated assembly line for rechargeable microbatteries.

The line’s annual production capacity of one million batteries will meet the initial demand from manufacturers of miniature electronic devices, like hearing aids, cochlear implants and computer watches, as they leverage rechargeable, silver-zinc in their new product designs.

“Several years ago hearing aid manufacturers requested we develop a high energy rechargeable battery for their next generation products to replace zinc-air and nickel metal-hydride technologies,” said Dr. Ross Dueber, president and CEO of ZPower.

“Zinc-air batteries are non-rechargeable and require frequent replacement, while rechargeable nickel metal-hydride batteries can’t supply sufficient energy for a full day of operation in advanced, digital hearing aids. ZPower’s silver-zinc hearing aid batteries easily deliver a full day of use with convenient charging at night while users sleep. They also generate significantly less waste compared to disposable batteries, are fully recyclable, and are inherently safe.”

“Our high energy, silver-zinc technology is the key enabler for manufacturers to evolve their new product designs from disposable to rechargeable batteries,” states Troy Renken, ZPower’s VP of Product Planning and Electronics. “We are working with several semiconductor companies on charging solutions, and feel our product has potential application in many other premium electronic devices that could benefit from a non-lithium rechargeable microbattery.”

The company has completed development of the two most popular batteries used in hearing aids, sizes 13 and 312, with completion of the 10 and 675 sizes slated for 2011. These sizes are equivalent to the SR41 (312), SR48 (13) and SR44 (675) in primary silver-oxide batteries. Beyond these standard sizes, other button and coin cell sizes will be made available based upon customer and application needs.

Mitsubishi Electric acquires Vincotech Holdings

TOKYO, JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has announced that Mitsubishi Electric and The Gores Group have entered into a Share Purchase Agreement on the acquisition of Vincotech group, a manufacturer of electronic components based in Germany.

Having its main business activities in Europe, Vincotech specializes in the development, manufacturing (assembly testing process) and distribution of low power devices that are used as inverters for general industrial applications and power conditioners for solar power system applications.

By acquiring Vincotech, Mitsubishi Electric seeks to further strengthen its power device business and to complement Mitsubishi Electric's medium and high power device technology with Vincotech's low power device technology.

Avnet to distribute Micross Components' QML-certified memory products

PHOENIX, USA: Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas, a business region of Avnet Inc., has signed a distribution agreement with high-reliability, memory producer Micross Components (formerly, Austin Semiconductor).

The agreement will enable both companies to bring Micross Components’ entire line of QML-certified (qualified manufacturers list) and ISO 9001/AS9100 registered semiconductor products to the military, aerospace, transportation, industrial, embedded and medical markets. The agreement encompasses all of North America.

Micross Components offers one of the broadest lines of high-reliability memory products in the industry, offering both standard and specialty memory products, including SRAM, SDRAM, DDR and EEPROM. Micross Components’ current product offering also includes I/C components, multi-chip modules and integrated product solutions.

Along with their expansive line of high-reliability integrated plastic encapsulated microcircuits (iPEM), Micross also offers commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) up-screened products, as well as Solid State Disk on Chip (SSDoC) solutions.

“The addition of Micross Components allows Avnet customers unprecedented access to a significant array of memory products that are Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC) registered, SMD (Standard Military Drawing) compliant and QML-certified,” said David Moore, director of defense/aerospace business development for Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas.

“Not only will our customers be better served by their products, but Micross’ custom packaging will augment our existing semiconductor aftermarket capabilities and allow us to provide our customers long-term production for a wider range of end-of-life or obsolete components.”

“Micross Components is excited to bring our 22 years of experience in the military and aerospace marketplace to Avnet’s line card,” said Larry Wallace, general manager of Micross Components’ semiconductor operations. “We look forward to providing our competitive offerings and personalized service to the multitude of customers who depend on Avnet’s best in class distribution.”