Wireless charging market set to expand by factor of nearly 70 by 2014

EL SEGUNDO, USA: Tired of dealing with tangled cables and heavy power bricks when recharging your smart phone, notebook PC or digital camera?

Then help is on the way, with a flood of electronic products with wireless charging capability arriving on the market in the coming years, causing global shipments of such solutions to soar to 234.9 million units in 2014, up by a factor of 65 from 3.6 million in 2010, according to iSuppli Corp.

The figure presents iSuppli’s forecast of worldwide shipments of product-specific wireless charging solutions. Product-specific wireless charging systems consist of a charger as well as a so-called “skin” or receiver sold for specific devices. These product-specific devices contrast with aftermarket solutions, which comprise universal chargers and various skins that can be utilized with multiple consumer electronics.Source: iSuppli, USA.

“While a number of serious challenges continue to present barriers to immediate wide adoption, wireless chargers will start shipping in meaningful volume this year and then quickly ramp up as the devices achieve greater market acceptance,” said Tina Teng, senior analyst for wireless research at iSuppli.

“Over the next five years, wireless charging devices will find their way into an increasing number of applications, including mobile phones, portable media players, digital still cameras and mobile PCs. Among these, mobile phones will contribute the largest share of revenue to wireless charging—not only because of the large volume of mobile devices expected to benefit from the technology, but also because of participation by name brands in manufacturing the device, providing much needed market recognition in the process.”

Growth is also projected for aftermarket wireless charging, with revenue rising at a massive five-year Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 133.4 percent.

Barriers remain to wide adoption
Although wireless charging is poised for growth in 2010 and the years to come, it will take several years for manufacturers to fully implement wireless charging in their devices, iSuppli believes. In particular, manufacturers will need to consider how to integrate wireless charging into the design of printed circuit boards, and significant adoption of wireless charging technology will be needed to drive down costs.

One way to spur adoption by the market is for the wireless charging industry to adopt a common standard that would ensure interoperability among the solutions being developed. At present, all commercial solutions are based on proprietary technology, and the skin made by one company, for example, will not work with the charger pad of another.

“Until the industry finds a standard to follow, the wireless charging industry will be fragmented, and consumers will hesitate to adopt any solution that could be compromised by the rival companies,” Teng said. “However, an open, standardized system will create a healthier competitive environment and prompt manufacturers to join forces—which will enhance consumer awareness and lead to adoption in the markets.”

Participants, technologies, and applications scramble for power
Of the four current wireless charging technologies in place today, magnetic inductive is the most widely adopted by nodes in the value chain.

Based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, in which current generated from the induced magnetic field in the receiver coil is used to charge devices, the technology enjoys wide support from semiconductor vendors, device manufacturers, accessories makers as well as retailers. The most successful proponent of magnetic induction is Powermat, a Michigan-based company founded in 2009 that also owned 62 percent share of the wireless charging market in 2009—the largest slice in the industry.

Other wireless charging technologies include conductive, developed by the company WildCharge and currently licensed to Procter and Gamble’s Duracell; near-field magnetic resistance, championed by wireless telecom giant Qualcomm as well as Intel Corp.; and far-field magnetic resonance, a technology that has raised safety as well as health concerns and for which no commercial products are available for the time being.

While most companies are thought not to be ready with any commercial products until sometime this year, several high-profile manufacturers are examining the feasibility of producing wireless charging solutions. The companies include Texas Instruments and ST-Ericsson from the semiconductor side; Nokia Corp. and Research In Motion Ltd. from the device manufacturer side; and Logitech International S.A. and Case-Mate from the accessory manufacturer side.

Source: iSuppli, USA.

Newark doubles Maxim inventory, showcases newest medical and industrial technologies

CHICAGO, USA: Leading multi-channel electronics distributor Newark, part of global Premier Farnell, announces that it is supporting Maxim’s commitment to delivering innovation by doubling the number of products it stocks for same-day shipping at www.newark.com/maxim.

Uniquely, a Maxim applications engineer is available to answer product questions and provide technical support for these products at element14, Premier Farnell’s popular global engineering resource and community. This is in addition to the technical support Newark offers 24 hours a day, Monday-Friday, at www.newark.com

Among the new Maxim products is the MAX16065, a 12-channel flash-configurable sequencer/monitor that simplifies power management and helps conserve power. The device eliminates the need for external current-sense amplifiers, saving both space and cost, and simplifies design for Computed Tomography (CT imaging).

The MAX9617, a zero-drift, rail-to-rail precision operational amplifier, is designed for diagnostics, medical imaging and portable medical devices. This device is also recommended for sensor interface in low frequency application industrial solutions, featuring ultra-low input-offset voltage, input-bias current and input voltage noise, very high CMRR and a minimal 1/f noise. The device is packaged in a 2mmx2mm SC70 to save space in portable devices.

The MAX11044/MAX11045/MAX11046 provide solutions in medical imaging and motor control applications. 93Db SNR and -105dB THD offers industry-leading dynamic range for early detection of error signals and improves image quality. Simultaneous sampling eliminates phase-adjust firmware requirements and multiple integrated ADCs eliminate external mux plus saves cost and space.

“Newark and Maxim are strategically aligned, each targeting the medical and industrial markets,” comments Jim Seifert, Vice President, Supplier Management, Newark. “During the past six months we have increased our orders of all Maxim products by over 300 percent, and we’ve almost doubled the stock of new products we’ve introduced from them.”

Toshiba LEDs to light up the Louvre Museum

TOKYO, JAPAN: Toshiba Corp. announced that it has concluded that it will help to light up one of the world's most popular museums under a partnership agreement with the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, in its lighting renovation project.

Under the agreement, Toshiba will support lighting renovations in some of the museums most visited public spaces with provision of its state-of-the art LED lighting and renovation costs.

As one of the world's most popular museums, the Louvre is aware of the need to replace energy consuming xenon lighting with an environmentally friendly solution.

Toshiba is able to deliver this with its energy saving low-CO2 LED lighting, and will use its industry-leading products to illuminate some of the Louvre's most familiar spaces: Under its partnership agreement, Toshiba will provide the LED lighting for the Pyramids that greets visitors as they approach the museum, the Napoléon Court, and the Cour carrée, the main entrance to the museum. Renovation and installation of the Napoléon Court and the Pyramid will be completed within 2011, and the Cour carrée is expected to be renovated within 2012.

Alongside environmental concerns, the Louvre must assure lighting that conveys the intrinsic beauty of the museum and its spirit as the home to some of the world's greatest art. Toshiba also understands this, and has the technology for the task. The company recognizes that lighting is much more than a means to brighten public spaces, and that LED lighting can do much more than contribute to saving energy.

Light has an emotional power that creates atmosphere and enriches life. Toshiba celebrates this quality as akari, a Japanese concept that conveys the ability of lighting to appeal deeply to our senses and emotions. It will seek to convey this understanding at the Louvre.

Toshiba is taking its new lighting system business to a global level, with initial promotions in such regions as France, Germany, and the UK. Toshiba LED lamps have been available at retailers in France since this January. By further promoting its business, Toshiba aims 350 billion sales in FY2015.

As one of the world's foremost eco-companies, Toshiba Group takes a proactive approach to creating value and promoting lifestyles in harmony with the Earth. In line with this principle, the company ceased production of general incandescent bulbs this March. Toshiba will further promote environmentally conscious management by working to mitigate global warming and make efficient use of resources.

Konica Minolta Sensing Americas announces CL-200A Chroma Meter for LED and OLED measurement apps

RAMSEY, USA: Konica Minolta Sensing Americas, Inc. (KMSA), the worldwide leader in the industrial measurement of color, light and shape, announces the US launch of its new CL-200A Chroma Meter.

The CL-200A is the successor to the current CL-200 Chroma Meter. "Our customers need a versatile unit to measure a variety of light sources accurately and with ease. This new model unit takes into account the changing landscape of the lighting industry offering improved measurement and functionality for next generation LED & OLED lighting applications," said Joseph Esteves, Radiometric West Coast Regional Sales Manager for Konica Minolta Sensing.

The main improvements to the new CL-200A include:

1. Increased operability for white LED and OLED measurements
Many white LEDs are comprised of a blue LED which is coated with yellow phosphor. The resulting white light in this case is actually a mixture of the yellow light emitted by the yellow phosphor coating and the blue light emitted by the blue LED.

As the wavelength distribution of the blue LED emission spectrum differs from LED to LED, the white light generated also varies. Because of this, it is very important to control not just brightness but also color when white LEDs are measured. The CL-200A is a revolutionary tool to obtain all necessary indexes for controlling white LED light in a single operation.

2. Remote measurement functionality
Removal of the receptor head from the CL-200A main body and reconnecting using optional remote adapters allows for measurements to be taken with the receptor placed far away or in an isolated darkroom environment.

3. LED ranking function
Measurement data can be transmitted from the CL-200A to the included software program. Using this software it is possible to display measurements on the chromaticity chart and classify each measurement by rank. With the CL-200A it is easy to rank each LED measurement numerically.

LED's and OLED's are next generation lighting technologies because they consume less energy, unlike fluorescent lamps, they use no mercury, and they give off very little heat. In addition to lighting applications, LED's and OLED's are also used in flat panel TV displays where KMSA also offers additional measurement instrumentation like the CS-2000 spectroradiometer.

KMSA will begin shipment of the CL-200A by the end of July 2010. Advanced orders are already being accepted.

Diodes Inc. announces dual self-protected MOSFETs

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, has introduced dual self-protected low side MOSFETs optimized for use in the harshest electrical environments.

These devices provide automotive and industrial applications with enhanced levels of circuit protection and improvements in overall circuit reliability. With an Rthj-a rating of 95OC/W, the SM8 packaged devices offer a thermal efficiency that is 30 percent better than that of alternative SO8 packaged devices, ensuring cooler running.

The latest additions to the IntelliFET product line, the space saving 60V rated N-channel ZXMS6004DT8 and ZXMS6005DT8 integrate over-temperature, over-current, over-voltage and input ESD protection on each of their two independent and isolated switching channels. The MOSFETs handle nominal load currents of 1.2A and 1.8A, respectively, and present on-resistances of only 500mΩ and 200mΩ. Both devices have an inductive clamping energy rating of 210mJ.

Two additional single channel devices have also been announced by Diodes, the ZXMS6005DG and ZXMS6005SG, offering the same level of protection as the duals and providing a cost effective alternative to competing single channel self protected MOSFET solutions.

IXYS intros new LED driver family with 40 V integrated synchronous rectifier to drive up to 42 LEDs

MILPITAS, USA & BIEL, SWITZERLAND: IXYS Corp. has announced the LDS8710/11, LDS8720/24/26, an innovative inductor-based, high efficiency LED driver family that eliminates the external Schottky diode normally used in the rectification loop.

The LDS8711 uses a patent pending SmartOne Wire Interface to set maximum LED current in the range from 0.5 to 32 mA in 0.25 mA steps and PWM dimming control and is able to drive a string of 10 WLEDs. The LDS8710 drives a string of 10 LEDs with factory-preset maximum LED current values of 20, 25 and 30 mA with 1% accuracy, and uses PWM dimming to adjust LED brightness.

LDS8720/24 and LDS8726 use PWM dimming to adjust the LED brightness and are able to drive 40 LEDs and, respectively, 42 WLEDs at 25 mA current each. Drivers provide full output power from a single-cell Lithium-Ion battery or supply voltage in the range of 2.7 to 5.5 V.

LDS8710/11/20/24/26 family
The LDS8710/11 are ideal for (up to 7 inches) LCD display backlight applications such as Smart Phones, Portable Multimedia Devices, E-Books, Personal Navigation Systems, personal medical displays and Digital Photo Frames where battery life, display size, resolution, and brightness are critical.

The LDS8720/24/26 are ideal for (up to 15 inches) LCD display backlight applications such as automotive displays, GPS, NetBooks, laptop PCs, Tablet computers and industrial and medical displays.

Both device families are suitable to drive WLEDs for lighting applications, such as battery powered high intensity flash lights, security lights, automotive lights and home lights.

Coupled with the Zilog micro-controllers and the Zilog motion sensing technology, with these drivers, IXYS provides the whole system solution for automated high effieciency lighting control based on occupancy and as needed.

Each device in the family is a fixed frequency current-mode boost converter with cycle-by-cycle current limit and features a patent pending integrated synchronous rectifier, which eliminates the external Schottky diode and the need for complicated and costly isolation FET. This reduces the bill of material, footprint of the display subsystem, and also simplifies the design-in process and time to market of the end product.

The LDS8710/11/20 are fixed 0.7MHz frequency drivers, while the LDS8724/26 operate at 1 MHz. The devices offer a wide PWM dimming frequency range (100Hz to 10 KHz) and a robust protection system (over-voltage, over-temperature, under-voltage, and over-current), while the shut down current is below 1 microA.

The LDS8710/11 do not need an external current-sense resistor that further simplifies the system while the LDS8720/24/26 require an external current-sense resistor to set LED current. Since these LED driver families operate at a high switching frequency, small, low profile passive components (10 - 33 microH inductors and 1 microF 50V ceramic capacitor) can be used, which further reduces the system’s bill of material cost and allows a thin profile of the backlight unit. The use of integrated synchronous rectifier makes the efficiency dependent upon only one external component parameter - the inductor DCR. The system achieves efficiency higher then 86 percent.

All devices are available in a tiny 2 x 3 x 0.8 mm 8-pin TDFN package.

RFMD intros RF3482 single-chip integrated front end module

GREENSBORO, USA: RF Micro Devices Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance RF components and compound semiconductor technologies, announced the availability of the RF3482 front end module (FEM). RFMD's highly integrated RF3482 single-chip FEM integrates a WiFi power amplifier with a single-pole, three-throw (SP3T) switch for 2.4 GHz to 2.5 Ghz ISM band applications.

By integrating the complete switch functionality, the RF3482 is able to route WiFi and Bluetooth receive/transmit signals to two system-on-chip (SOC) transceivers, a typical design architecture implemented in a wide range of high-performance consumer electronics and handset/handheld WiFi applications. Additionally, the SP3T switch can act as a splitter to transmit or receive Bluetooth and WLAN signals simultaneously.

The highly integrated RF3482 satisfies the need for aggressive size reductions for 802.11b/g front-end designs by realizing up to a 50% size reduction versus current discrete designs, while at the same time greatly reducing the number of components outside the core chipset.

The RF3482 integrates a 2.5 GHz b/g power amplifier with 16dBm of linear output power for higher efficiency and lower EVM for 11n applications. The RF3482 also integrates 2170MHz filtering and harmonic attenuation, reducing the need for a high loss/attenuation filter at the FEM output and increasing the output power at the antenna.

An integrated Rx balun eliminates the requirement for tuning components between the FEM and the SoC while the direct-to-battery connection eliminates the need for additional DC circuitry. The RF3482 is fully tested and is packaged in a small form factor 3x3mm QFN package.

Digi-Key announces stock on SP1005/SP1007 silicon protection array (SPA) TVS diodes from Littelfuse

THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corp. announced that it has stock on Littelfuse SP1005 and SP1007 bidirectional 0201 size Silicon Protection Array (SPA) devices for ESD protection.

These new products are now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs within the TVS Diodes section.

The SPA SP1005 and SP1007 Series are bidirectional 0201 size TVS diodes for ESD protection. Both products are capable of protecting chipsets up to ±8kV (SP1007) or ±30kV (SP1005) with very low dynamic resistances of 1.9Ω and 0.7Ω, respectively. Both devices offer best-in-class clamping performance and meet or exceed the maximum level specified in the IEC61000-4-2 international standard (Level 4, ±8kV contact discharge).

Both the SP1005 and SP1007 series are offered in the 0201 package, one of the industry’s smallest footprints. Back-to-back Zener diodes fabricated in a proprietary silicon avalanche technology provide protection for electronic equipment that may experience destructive electrostatic discharges (ESD).

These robust diodes can safely absorb repetitive ESD strikes above the maximum level specified in the IEC61000-4-2 international standard (Level 4, ±8kV contact discharge) without performance degradation. The back-to-back configuration provides symmetrical ESD protection for data lines when AC signals are present.

Features of the SP1005 series include ESD IEC610000-4-2, ±30kV contact, ±30kV air; EFT IEC610000-4-4, 40A (5/50ns); Lightning IEC610000-4-5, 10A (tp=8/20μs); Low capacitance of 30pF (@ VR=0V); Low leakage current of 0.1μA at 5V; and the industry’s smallest footprint available (0201).

Features of the SP1007 series include ESD IEC610000-4-2, ±8kV contact, ±15kV air; EFT IEC610000-4-4, 40A (5/50ns); Lightning IEC610000-4-5, 2A (tp=8/20μs); Low capacitance of 3.5pF (@ VR=2.5V); Low leakage current of 0.1μA at 5V; and the industry’s smallest footprint available (0201).

Applications for both the SP1005 and SP1007 series include mobile phones, smart phone, camcorders, PDA, digital cameras, MP3/PMP, portable navigation devices, portable medical devices, and point of sale terminals.

High-brightness LEDs market review and forecast 2010

USA: In 2009, while the global semiconductor market posted negative growth due to the worldwide recession, the HB LED market grew by 6.2 percent. Much of the growth came from an increase in LED display backlight penetration and growth in the illumination sector.

The longer-term outlook for the total HB LED market is highly positive. The forecast projects market growth averaging 29.5 percent per year, reaching over $19 billion by 2014. The application with the highest forecast growth rate is signs/displays, with a CAGR of 60.6 percent. Illumination has the next-highest growth rate, with a projected CAGR of 45.4 percent.

Now in its eleventh edition, High-Brightness LED: Market Review and Forecast – 2010 is the most comprehensive market research report currently available on the demand side of the high-brightness LED industry.

It represents the culmination of over 15 years of market research activity by Strategies Unlimited; the world’s acknowledged authority on HB-LED market.

JTAG Technologies intros 'SCIP' for in-system programming

EINDHOVEN, THE NETHERLANDS: JTAG Technologies, a leading worldwide provider of board test and device programming tools based chiefly on IEEE Std 1149.x, has broadened its portfolio by offering device programming solutions for an array of serial bus types, including SMBus, SPI, I2C and MicroWire.

Classified by their Serial Controlled IC Programmer (SCIP) grouping, JTAG Technologies is pleased to announce an unrivalled range of support for the in-system programming of devices from the world's leading silicon vendors. SCIP has solved several difficulties.

Whilst many highly integrated microprocessors, DSPs and CPLDs use the JTAG (IEEE Std. 1149 or 1532) Test Access Port as the interface to program internal flash memory, some devices use non-standard instructions and protocols for the communication. What's more, other, generally smaller footprint, devices may use a different physical interface entirely; one that often uses fewer pins than the standard boundary-scan four or five pin TAP.

To enable manufacturers of PCBs using multi-vendor, multi-protocol processors JTAG Technologies leveraged existing knowledge of serial programming via regular JTAG to support busses such as SMBus, SPI, I2C and MicroWire.

So that users can modify existing hardware to cope with the various different programming interfaces JTAG Technologies have added further modules to their existing 'SCIL' (Scan Configurable Interface Logic) range. The new range of SCIL modules are supplied as 'swappable' interfaces that can convert JTAG DataBlaster hardware (eg JT 37x7 or JT 3710) into a protocol-specific device programmer or tester.

One early user, of SCIP and SCIL components works in the manufacture and test of advanced automotive engine management systems (ECUs) in the UK, said: "Using JTAG Technologies' products has allowed us to refine our ISP tools and greatly simplify test fixtures. Integrating the SCIL module onto our Agilent Pin Card was straightforward and allowed us to control programming steps via a 3070 TestPlan. We anticipate cost reductions that our customers greatly appreciate."

TerraLUX re-locates to new, expanded Longmont site

LONGMONT, USA: In order to continue their strong growth in the solid state lighting sector, TerraLUX Inc. announced that they have re-located the company to a new, expanded headquarters site in Longmont, Colorado.

TerraLUX continues to be one of the fastest growing Cleantech companies in Colorado and have occupied their new facility to house increased personnel as well as expanded laboratory, pilot production and warehouse space.

TerraLUX started 2009 with 7 full-time employees and now numbers 27 full-time and FTE employees with plans to expand to 35 by year’s end. Headcount growth has occurred in sales and operations with ongoing additions in the engineering and quality teams.

This growth is fueled by the success in the solid-state lighting market for portable as well as general lighting and application-specific lighting products in vertical markets such as healthcare, military etc. along with a recent venture capital investment by Emerald Technology Ventures and Access Venture Partners.

As a Boulder County company it was important to TerraLUX that they stay in the area that is so rich in excellent human talent and where the roots of the company are.

“We really felt strongly that we needed to stay close to home,” said Jim Miller, president and CEO. “Boulder County is the home to many great, innovative, entrepreneurial companies and we will continue to foster that mentality within the expanded TerraLUX team. The Longmont site was perfect because it had everything we need in a pretty unique profile for lab space, pilot production, warehouse and office space. Time-to-occupancy and cost were also key factors for us and this location was ideally suited.”

“We are pleased to welcome TerraLUX to Longmont. Their focus on design and R&D, like many of our primary employers, will be an important addition within the growing alternative energy field. We are proud to have them join the corporate community here in Longmont,” commented John Cody, president/CEO of the Longmont Area Economic Council.

Mayor Bryan Baum added: “TerraLUX is the type of company that Longmont is looking for. We're proud and excited to be adding a company that fits the mold for Longmont's future as a leader in clean technology. We would like to welcome the employees into our community. We are confident they will be happy and proud to call Longmont their home.”

The company said it has continued plans to add additional engineering staff to the Longmont site as well. The new location is in The Campus at Longmont, a technology hub for the area and was formerly home to other great companies such as Seagate and Overland Storage. TerraLUX’s new address is: 1830 LeftHand Circle, Suite B, Longmont, CO 80501, USA.

Strong demand for LED backlight in market; upstream chips still in short supply

TAIWAN: Based on the industry research LEDinside’s analysis and statistics, in May this year, listed LED manufacturers in Taiwan have total revenue of 9.65 billion NTD, a 6.8 percent growth compared with revenue of 9.033 billion NTD in April, and 85.5 percent in annual growth rate.

The revenue for LED chip manufacturers in May amounted to 4.273 billion NTD, which increased 6 percent compared to that of April. The revenue for LED package manufacturers in May totaled 5.379 billion NTD, which increased 7.5 percent compared to that of April.

Compiled by LEDinside, LED index (LEDX) observes the industry through the performance of the LED industry market value. Currently, LED epitaxy index (Chip LEDX) has dropped to 3949 points, while the LED package index (Package LEDX) also came to 5050 points.

Although the production value of Taiwan's LED manufacturers continue to set new high records, the LED index drops to nearly 20 percent in its high point, compared to that of early this year. Evident from the index, the investors are still concerned about the substantial expansion of LED industry and competition with South Korean manufacturers.

Taiwan's overall revenue of chip manufacturers observed in May summed up 4.272 billion NTD, which rose 6 percent from April, and an annual rate of 94.4 percent. Demand for large-size backlight is still strong, and because some manufacturers set up MOCVD equipment in Q1, they began mass production in Q2. As a result, their revenues continued to set new records.

For downstream LED package manufacturers, the overall revenue for May is 5.378 billion NTD, with a monthly growth rate of 7.5 percent and annual growth rate of 79 percent. The current overall demand for LED is still optimistic with the large-size backlight orders remaining strong.

However, as the upstream chip shortage problem remains unsolved, some chip makers cannot get enough support from chips, which affected partial shipment. Even for some small-size package manufacturers, the price of low- to mid-power LED chip rose by 10 percent to 20 percent in Q2. Yet, the standards of high-power LED keep upgrading, so on the contrary, price per lumen continues to decrease, creating disparity in the market prices.

Diodes Inc. announces rugged MOSFETs

DALLAS, USA: Diodes Inc. has extended its MOSFET product line with the introduction of 60V N-channel devices tailored for use in VoIP communication equipment.

Designed to handle the high pulse current needed to generate tip and ring linefeeds and to withstand the avalanche energy induced during switching, the DMN60xx series meets the stringent requirements of the primary switch position in transformer based Subscriber Line Interface Circuits (SLIC) DC/DC converters.

Diodes has introduced four products, offering a choice of four different industry standard package options: DMN6068SE in SOT223, DMN6068LK3 in TO252 and in SO8, the single MOSFET DMN6066SSS and the dual MOSFET DMN6066SSD; the latter replacing two separate devices to help reduce component count and PCB footprint.

The MOSFETs’ low gate charge and input capacitance mean that they can be driven with minimal or no buffering at low logic level voltages, so simplifying SLIC circuit design and further reducing component count and cost. Device gate charge and on-resistance performance have been balanced to deliver the requisite figure of merit for VoIP applications, including cable and DSL modems, analog terminal adaptors and private branch exchanges.

IR expands mid-voltage power MOSFETs portfolio in PQFN package

EL SEGUNDO, USA: International Rectifier (IR) has expandedits portfolio of HEXFET power MOSFETs to offer a complete family of mid-voltage devices available in a 5x6 mm PQFN package with optimized copper clip and solder die.

The new power MOSFETs, featuring IR’s latest silicon technology to deliver benchmark performance are designed for switching applications including DC to DC converters for network and telecom equipment, AC-DC Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPS), and motor drive switches. Available in a wide range of voltages from 40 V to 250 V, the devices provide various levels of on-state resistance (RDS(on)) and gate charge (Qg) to offer customers optimized performance and cost for a given application.

“With a low 0.9 mm profile and industry standard pin out, the devices’ high current rating and low RDS(on) enable higher efficiency, power density and reliability compared to alternative solutions requiring multiple parallel parts, making them well suited to switching applications where board space is limited,” said Hemal Shah, marketing manager for IR’s Power Management Devices Business Unit.

All of the devices feature low thermal resistance (<0.5 °C/W), are MSL1 industrial-qualified and RoHS compliant containing no lead, bromide or halogen.

RoHS could become a CE mark directive!

This is a contribution by Gary Nevison, Premier Farnell

UK: The European Parliament’s environment committee met in Brussels on 2 June and agreed to put three substances that were facing an immediate RoHS restriction on a list of priority chemicals that will be reviewed later, with a ban a possibility.

Brominated and chlorinated flame retardants and PVC will be looked at later along with arsenic compounds and all chemicals, currently 38 of them, featuring on the REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern for authorisation.

Green Groups have been lobbying for the three substances to be banned with support from some consumer electronics manufacturers whereas most manufacturers are opposed to any such restrictions.

MEPs called for a ban on nanosilver and carbon nanotubes, and suggested that other electrical and electronic material containing nanomaterials should be labelled, and that manufacturers should be obliged to provide appropriate safety data.

Nanomaterials are simply materials with very small particles and are widely used in many products including sunscreen, cosmetics, paints etc. Nanosilver is a biocide and has been used in washing machines, air con and vacuum cleaners.

Carbon nanotubes show huge potential for novel technologies but so far there are very few applications. Super capacitors and some types of electric motors seem to be the only uses.

At the same meeting the environment committee agreed that RoHS should become open scope to cover all electrical and electronic equipment, with some exemptions such as renewable energy generation, certain large-scale installations, industrial tools, material for military purposes and vehicles. Exclusions would be subject to review in 2014 and the committee suggested the European Commission propose further exclusions within 18 months of the directive going into effect.

Additional substance restrictions would be introduced by the EC. This will use a procedure based on the one used for REACH substance restrictions but taking account of waste disposal issues, especially in developing countries. The exact procedure is not yet decided but will be based on proven risk, not only hazards, and on impact assessments that consider all potential alternatives.

Category 11 will be introduced and capture all electrical and electronic equipment not covered by categories 1 to 10 unless specifically excluded.

While not included in the 2 June vote it is now virtually certain that RoHS will become a CE mark directive.

This will create a resource sapping burden for manufacturers, importers and distributors and will establish the need for even more data, information and record keeping throughout the supply chain.

The full European Parliament will vote on the amended RoHS directive in the next few weeks and it could well be adopted by the end of the year. The crystal ball suggests that implementation will be late 2013 or 2014.

ADC India hosts channel partner seminars

BANGALORE, INDIA: ADC India Communications Ltd has conducted three successful channel events in Pune, Ahmedabad, and Nagpur during June for its channel partners to explore the expanding market potential of India’s network industry.

Focused on Local Area Network (LAN) and data centre solutions, the sessions enhanced ADC India’s relationships with its channel partners by working more closely together to deliver reliable and cost-effective solutions to potential and end customers.

During the events, ADC’s cost-effective deployment and maintenance of network infrastructure was presented as well as information about best practices for installing effective cabling by system integrators and value-added resellers.

“Channel partners have always played a significant role in addressing the various customer requirements and installations,” says Navin Jacob Mathew, sales director for ADC India. “They play a critical role in building system integration reliability and delivering added value for our LAN and data centre customers.

“In order to deliver the best results to the end customer, we have to understand their requirements and provide the best integrated solutions to meet their needs as it becomes increasingly important for them to get deployment right from the beginning,” explains Mathew. “However, for ADC the work does not stop there. We also provide training for our channel partners to ensure that products used in the solutions help to reduce OPEX, enhance efficiency and deliver optimal performance.”

Leading companies and businesses in the region attended the event where they exchanged information about the implementation of effective cabling for LANs and Data Centres, discussed the latest technologies and trends in structured cabling, and offered field-tested solutions that ensure successful deployments.

Orion Energy Systems launches LED High-Bay series

MANITOWOC, USA: Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (NYSE Amex:OESX) today announced the launch of its LED lighting platform designed to reduce energy consumption and costs in freezer applications.

After two years of research and development with collaboration from LED component providers, Orion has introduced an LED platform that addresses the thermal and optical considerations that have challenged the widespread adoption of LED light sources. Orion's I-Frame configuration, reflector design, and adjustable optical lens have proven to provide superior performance in field tests at two national account facilities.

In freezer facilities in Syracuse, N.Y., and Rochelle, Ill., Orion's modular LED technology significantly outperformed a "best-of-breed" industry peer and the facilities' existing high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting. Orion's LED lighting delivered more light while using less energy than the competitor's LED and the HID lighting, ultimately operating at a higher rate of efficiency. The result for end-users is better lighting and significant light-related energy savings.

In a freezer application, the life of an LED fixture will exceed 80,000 hours.

Despite LED's superior performance in freezer applications, Orion continues to advocate for the deployment of its high-intensity fluorescent (HIF), Compact Modular technology in above freezing applications due to the Compact Modular's consistent performance and energy savings in temperatures above 32 degrees F.

"The marketplace continues to be fascinated by LED technology," said Orion CEO Neal Verfuerth. "We've responded by developing an LED application that outperforms lighting developed by one of the leading LED manufacturers. The result of the field verification test validates Orion's mastery in thermal and optical optimization."

Verfuerth said that dollars invested per foot candle delivered by LED technology is still a long way from meeting customer payback hurdles. However, Verfuerth said, "When used in conjunction with our recently launched intelligent occupancy sensors, which complement the LED performance characteristics, the payback period can be shortened."

Launched in summer 2009, Orion's InteLite dynamic sensor and control technology is designed to easily integrate with a lighting system to maximize energy savings for the customer.

The LED platform is the newest addition to Orion's suite of technology that delivers energy savings without compromise and now includes its Compact Modular high-intensity fluorescent lighting, InteLite intelligent wireless control systems, direct renewable Apollo solar light pipes and Solyndra photovoltaic panels, all designed to save customers money, increase light levels, reduce load on the grid and decrease harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Orion has deployed its energy management systems in 5,612 facilities across North America, including 120 of the Fortune 500 companies. Since 2001, Orion technology has displaced more than 527 megawatts, saving customers more than $856 million and reducing indirect carbon dioxide emissions by 7.3 million tons.

Sanyo Denki America expands product offering at Newark to include servo and stepper systems

CHICAGO, USA: Committed to providing engineers with the broadest selection, leading multi-channel electronics distributor Newark, part of the global Premier Farnell Group, announced today that it is now stocking motion control products from Sanyo Denki America for same-day shipping at http://www.newark.com/sanyo-denki-sanmotion.

Newark will focus on marketing the F Series single shaft and double shaft, 2-phase, bipolar and unipolar stepping motors and drivers. The product sizes offered include 28mm (NEMA 11), 42mm (NEMA 17), 56mm (NEMA 23) and 86mm (NEMA 34) in full step 1.8° and half step 0.9° that support DC24V / DC36V.

Uniquely, Sanyo Denki stands behind the quality of its products by offering a 2-year warranty.

“We are very pleased to extend our partnership with Newark to include our motion control products. This relationship will complement our current sales network and expand our capabilities to service many markets and to make our products more readily available,” said Stan Kato, president and CEO, SDA. “We expect the demand for our highly reliable and superior performance line of Stepping Motors and Drivers to significantly increase via Newark’s powerful channel.”

Long experience separates Sunstone from average PCB prototype provider

MULINO, USA: In any business, it’s the intangibles and the benefits of your chosen provider that truly defines your loyalty as a consumer. Brand identity is all a business has when separating themselves from the competition.

Many businesses find themselves reaching to maintain an identity. Be it that they consolidate or simply restructure, projecting an identity has become seemingly harder than it once was in years past. As brands become more diluted, do they lose their ability to stand-out and separate themselves from the competition? What happens to the product? Most importantly, how does this affect the customer? Far too often when companies are forced to reconstruct their brand, the identity of the product itself seems to fall through the cracks.

As a consumer, you have to ask yourself: Why do I buy from this company? Is the product the same now, as it was before? It would appear so, but when you take a closer look…is it? The real question is, what made this product so great? Why did I continue to come back and purchase it? There are many ways one could answer these questions…but the reality is that there are multiple factors that make consumers become repeat customers.

Product quality, customer service, purchasing efficiency, knowledge and trust are just a few of the things that come to mind when trying to determine whether or not a brand deserves your loyalty.

Sunstone Circuits strives to embody all of the qualities that consumers seek, when shopping for their desired products. Making the customer the top-priority is not just protocol for Sunstone Circuits, it’s their culture. It has innovated and delivered the support, products and services that their customers have asked for.

It pioneered the online ordering of printed circuit boards and have been the leading PCB solutions provider in delivering quality engineering software along with quick and on-time PCBs for the electronic design industry for more than 35 years.

Nancy Viter, manufacturing manager at Sunstone, has been with the company for over 19 years. She said: “Our team of seasoned professionals is part of what separates us from the rest. Many of our 150 employees have been here for an average of nine years or more. We’re like a family here; we work together as a team, to ensure that each and every board we produce is delivered to our customers, exactly how they ask for it, no exceptions!”

Sunstone holds a customer retention rate in excess of 90%, and they continue to do so by consistently delivering quality products into the hands of design engineers. Consistency is the key and that’s what Sunstone Circuits provides: quick and on-time reliable products that are built on-site, so their customers know that they can depend on them, for the best possible results.

austriamicrosystems intros industry’s highest efficiency series of dual DC-DC converters

UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, AUSTRIA: austriamicrosystems, a leading global designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, has introduced the industry’s highest efficiency high current, dual step-down DC-DC converters in a compact 3x3 mm TDFN package.

For space-limited applications with low power consumption requirements, the new AS134x series provides small size and high efficiency -- up to 95 percent -- for maximum time between battery charges. The AS134x series is targeted for portable devices such as laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices and solid state drives (SSDs).

The AS1346/47/48/49 DC-DC series is a family of high-efficiency, constant-frequency dual buck converters available with fixed-voltage versions in 100 mV increments from 1.2 V to 3.6 V. Each version provides two independent DC-DC regulators with output currents between 0.5 A and 1.2 A.

The two channels operate 180 degrees out-of-phase to reduce input voltage ripple and minimize input capacitor requirements. The devices operate over a broad input voltage range (2.7 V to 5.5 V), feature an automatic power-save mode, and, with internal MOSFETs, few external components are required. These features and others make the AS134x series well suited for SSDs and many other battery-powered products.

In shutdown mode, typical supply current decreases to a maximum1 uA. In addition, a highly efficient duty cycle provides low dropout operation, prolonging battery life in portable systems, while an internal synchronous switching scheme increases efficiency and eliminates the need for an external Schottky diode. The internally fixed switching frequency (2.0 MHz) allows the use of small surface mount inductors.

Peter Kammerlander, austriamicrosystems’ Senior Product Manager, stated: “Today’s battery powered devices offer more features and higher performance, placing increasing demands on power management and efficiency. The AS134x series not only meets the demands of consumer electronics, but also for other applications such as ultra-low-power systems, solid state drives, medical instruments, as well as telemetry and remote systems.”

Dow Electronic Materials to expand TMG capacity to serve LED market

PHILADELPHIA, USA & SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: Dow Electronic Materials, a business unit of Dow Advanced Materials, today announced a multi-phase plan to expand their TrimethylGallium (TMG) production capacity to meet the surging global demand for the material in the electronics market.

The expansion plan includes adding significant TMG capacity in the United States at existing facilities to address short-term demand as quickly as possible. In addition, Dow Electronic Materials will build a new metalorganic precursor manufacturing plant in Korea, which is expected to begin operating in early 2011, to create capacity for long-term demand. Total additional TMG capacity resulting from the multi-phase plan is expected to be 60 metric tons per year.

“We are excited that we can greatly expand the supply of our high-purity, electronic-grade precursor materials to our customers with this additional manufacturing capacity,” said Joe Reiser, global business director, Metalorganic Technologies, for Dow Electronic Materials.

“We are committed to delivering a reliable supply of high-quality materials to our customers and providing them with the service and technical expertise that they expect from a market leader. We will continue to work closely with our customers to meet both near- and long-term needs.”

TMG is a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) precursor material that is critical to the manufacture of LEDs and other compound semiconductor devices. Exceptionally high-quality materials and precise delivery of metalorganic precursors are essential to building reliable LEDs.

“Demand for TMG today is being driven by explosive growth in LED backlighting of LCD TVs with the potential of future growth of LEDs in the general lighting market,” said Dr. James Fahey, global general manager, Growth Technologies for Dow Electronic Materials.

“The LED market is growing rapidly, particularly in Korea, Taiwan and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region where there is a large display manufacturing base and semiconductor manufacturers are building and converting capacity to manufacture LEDs.”

The new metalorganic precursor plant in Korea will be located in Cheonan, approximately 85 kilometers south of Seoul. Dow Electronic Materials expects to expand the site in the future to manufacture other metalorganic materials in addition to TMG. Dow Electronic Materials currently manufactures TMG and other metalorganic precursors in North Andover, MA, while packaging is done in both North Andover, MA, and Taoyuan, Taiwan.

Dow Electronic Materials is the leading supplier of precursors to the LED market and has patented precursor manufacturing processes and delivery technology.

Digi-Key announces stock on series 690 USB 3.0 connectors from EDAC

THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corp. announced that it has stock on Series 690 USB 3.0 Types A and B Right Angle Receptacles from EDAC.

* 690-009-521-013 (Digi-Key #151-1128-2-ND) USB Type A R/A Connector Receptacle, Gold, Tape & Reel Packaging.
* 690-009-521-013 (Digi-Key #151-1128-1-ND) USB Type A R/A Connector Receptacle, Gold, Cut Tape Packaging.
* 690-009-521-900 (Digi-Key #151-1127-2-ND) USB Type B R/A Connector Receptacle, Gold, Tape & Reel Packaging.
* 690-009-521-900 (Digi-Key #151-1127-1-ND) USB Type B R/A Connector Receptacle, Gold, Cut Tape Packaging.

These products are now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

The Series 690 USB connectors from EDAC, Inc. are fully compliant with the USB 2.0 and 3.0 specifications, providing a significant leap forward in transfer speeds (5 Gbps signaling rate) and a 10x performance increase over hi-speed USB capabilities while maintaining backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 devices.

The USB 3.0 specification will accommodate next generation peripherals that require more power and improved interaction between devices and the host computer by providing more power when needed and less power when not needed.

Features of the Series 690 USB connectors include metal shielding for EMI, RFI, and ESD protection; super speed interface up to 5Gbps data rate; backward compatibility with USB 2.0; 230ºC for 30 sec., 260ºC for 10 sec. for SMT process; friction lock grounding fingers; UL 94V-0 rated; high temperature material; and through-hole standard type.

Digi-Key announces stock on Cirrus Logic CS42L73 low power mobile stereo codec

THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corp. announced that it has stock on the CS42L73 low-power mobile stereo codec from Cirrus Logic.

This new product is now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

The CS42L73 is a highly integrated, low power, mobile audio distribution network that incorporates two stereo DACs and a stereo ADC with ground centered headphone, line, and speaker amplifiers for smartphone and portable applications.

Three synchronous bidirectional serial ports with integrated asynchronous sample rate converters (ASRCs) that accept a wide range of incoming audio sample rates can be used to feed the integrated digital mix engine, which is the heart of the CS42L73. The engine can simultaneously overlay and distribute digital audio from up to three external sources to any of its integrated audio nodes, giving complete routeability to the mobile system designer.

Applications for the CS42L73 include mobile phones and smartphones, mobile Internet devices, Bluetooth wireless headsets, portable audio/media players, digital voice recorders, portable navigation devices, automotive rear-seat entertainment, digital satellite radio, and portable game consoles.

Digi-Key focuses on providing customers with superior service, which includes product selection and availability, on-time delivery, and responsiveness. Using leading-edge processes and state-of-the-art technologies, Digi-Key serves a global customer base from its 600,000 square foot facility in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA.

Molex debuts Aero-Motive compact AB balancers

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. has released the Aero-Motive compact AB balancer designed to allow workers to move suspended tools or objects with minimal effort.

Aero-Motive Compact AB Balancers retain the same superior spring performance for optimal tool balance, while accommodating tighter work spaces and reducing work area clutter and risk of accidental tool droppage or start-up during handling. Rated for a tool weight range of 1 to 11 lbs (0.5 to 5.0kg), these AB Balancers are suitable for a range of manufacturing industries and assembly applications.

“Molex’s Aero-Motive Balancers eliminate pick-up and lay-down wear and prevent tool damage, without requiring electrical or mechanical power. Operator effort can be directed at controlling, rather than supporting, the tool,” states Servando Cedillo, global product manager, Molex Incorporated. “The compact AB design is half the size of other balancers. We’ve added new features while retaining the intuitive Aero-Motive design, rugged construction, and precision balance.”

The Aero-Motive Compact AB series includes three standard and three enhanced models with an on/off ratchet lock to hold the tool in the desired position. A lower locking hook and the 360 degree rotating upper locking hook provide a full range of motion, and the high-impact ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) composite housing offers extra durability and resistance to harsh environments.

A spiral-groove on a tapered drum increases the winding radius to match the torque buildup of the spring when a load is applied. This action neutralizes the force to achieve a true-balance condition.

The ergonomic Aero-Motive design reduces repetitive motion and provides suspension capability for heavy tools to reduce operator fatigue. The heavy-duty adjustable spring ensures variable tension, lasting performance and balancer longevity.

A durable PVC-coated galvanized cable protects expensive equipment and extends the life of the spiral-grooved tapered drum and cable. The Aero-Motive Compact AB Balancer features a safety chain with snap hook and locking screw supplied as a standard feature. The secure latching system simplifies attachment and removal, while helping safeguard expensive tools.

Cedillo adds, “Good things can come in small packages—the Aero-Motive Compact AB Balancer offers the best of both worlds to Molex customers who want proven quality and reliable performance in a smaller footprint.”

Molex’s Aero-Motive AB Balancers have been an industry leader for high quality, durable, and ergonomic tool support. The balancers are compatible with the Molex Workstation Assemblies and other Woodhead products from Molex which help operators optimize use of space and tools.

Smaller electronic devices create growing ESD problems for manufacturers and end users

WATERTOWN, USA: Smaller electronic components are creating greater risks for electronics manufacturers and mission-critical operations, according to a new study from NanoMarkets regarding the growing threat of ESD (electrostatic discharge).

As electronic parts become more powerful, circuits become smaller, reports NanoMarkets, leading analysts in the electronics industry. This reduces the room available for on-chip static protection, putting billions of dollars at risk if factories and end users of electronic equipment don’t protect their environments with products such as static-control flooring.

The increased vulnerability of electronics has increased the demand for better ESD products in the semiconductor industry, with ESD product sales expected to exceed $8 billion by 2015.

The ESD Association says this trend has implications for flooring applications that need to be fault-tolerant in electronic manufacturing plants, call centers, data centers, labs, hospitals, government, and other industries.

“This perfect ESD storm can have devastating consequences to the semi-conductor industry and mission-critical environments,” says Dave Long, president & CEO of Staticworx, the nation’s largest supplier of ESD flooring. “Electronic devices, once capable of withstanding several hundred volts of static electricity discharge, can no longer handle 50 volts.

“Without correct anti-static flooring, organizations risk significant damage and lost revenue due to equipment failure, downtime, missed communication signals, data corruption, and warranty claims.”

Long cites “the inevitable continuation of Moore’s Law,” which maintains that the number of transistors in integrated circuits has doubled every year for the last 40 years.

Static-control floors installed without consideration of charging properties is a major problem, says Ted Dangelmayer, CEO, Dangelmayer Associates, an ESD analyst.

“There’s a growing need for fault-tolerant products providing Class-0 ESD protection,” he says. “Class-0 ESD devices are driving the need for ESD flooring that is conductive and low-charging.”

Staticworx’s EC Rubber, as recognized by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and ESD Journal, is the only resilient flooring material that provides Class-0, fault-tolerant protection by inhibiting static generation on people wearing any type of footwear. This is critical to compensate for employees failing to wear static-protected footwear.

“Another concern is a disconnect among manufacturers, distributors, architects, subcontractors, and customers,” says Long. “Miscommunication leads to misdiagnosis, which leads to costly problems discovered after it’s too late.”

Diodes Inc. launches miniature SOT963 packaged devices for ultra portable electronics

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, has introduced bipolar transistor, MOSFET, and TVS devices in the ultra small SOT963 package, achieving the same or better performance of much larger packaged parts.

Suiting low power applications, the SOT963 with its 0.7mm2 footprint is 30 percent smaller than SOT723 alternatives and 60% smaller than that of SOT563 packages. The footprint savings combine with the SOT963’s 0.5mm off-board height to address a wide range of ultra portable electronic product requirements.

The initial SOT963 package portfolio comprises six general-purpose dual bipolar transistor combinations, three small signal dual MOSFET combinations, and a quad transient voltage suppressor array – the DUP412VP5. The devices’ leaded package enables hand soldering and visual inspection, removing the need for x-ray inspection.

The dual transistors are offered with VCEO ratings of 40V and 45V and include dual NPN, dual PNP and complementary NPN and PNP pairings. The dual N, dual P and complementary MOSFETs are rated at BVDSS of 20V and have RDS(ON) ratings specified at 1.5V.

Avago LED lamps support European vertical message sign regulation EN 12966-1

SAN JOSE, USA & SINGAPORE: Avago Technologies, a leading supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, today announced its support of European Standard EN 12966-1 for variable message traffic signs with new 5mm extra high brightness LED lamps.

Avago’s new LED products to support the variable message traffic sign requirements for 15° and 30° viewing angles are the HLMP-Ex1A/1B-xxxDV (15°) and HLMP-Ex3A/3B-xxxDV (30°). These 5 mm extra bright LEDs have minimum luminous intensity ratings of 12,000 mcd (15° LEDs) and 5,500 mcd (30° LEDs) and are available in red and amber colors.

The visual requirements of signs set the viewing angle of the LEDs. Signs installed on highways, for example, require bright LEDs with a narrow beam width, but in cities with a requirement for short distance legibility a wide beam width LED is usually required.

Outdoor message signs must typically operate for over ten years in a harsh, corrosive, and exposed working environment. Avago’s new 15 and 30 degree viewing angle lamps are manufactured for outdoor signal and sign applications. The maximum LED junction temperature limit of +130° C enables high temperature operation in bright sunlight conditions. The lamp epoxy uses UV inhibitors to reduce the effects of long term exposure to direct sunlight.

Applications for LED lamps in road equipment and signage include:

• Traffic management
-- Traffic signals
-- Pedestrian signals
-- Work zone warning lights
-- Variable message signs
• Solar powered signs
• Commercial outdoor advertising
-- Signs
-- Marquees

The new 15° and 30 ° viewing angle LED lamps, which are available now for production orders, are lead-free and RoHS-6 compliant.

BWI Group debuts at AUTO Components Shanghai 2010

SHANGHAI, CHINA: Organized by CCPIT Shanghai and the Society of Automotive Engineers of China, co-organized by Shanghai International Exhibition Co., Ltd. and IMAG - International Messe-und Ausstellungsdienst GmbH, AUTO Components Shanghai 2010 will be held at the Shanghai International Exhibition Center on June 21st-23rd, 2010.

Top Chinese automotive chassis components and system supplier BWI Group debuted here with a message to the industry: we have beaten the odds, strengthened our operations, and we are making headway in growing suspension and brakes sales as a world-class Chinese company.

In November 2009, BWI Group paid over 90 million US dollars for the suspension and brakes business line assets of Delphi Corp., which represented the largest overseas acquisition by any Chinese company in automotive parts business.

However, at the time, management of this global business and further expansion of its value was widely regarded as a big challenge, because many Chinese acquisitions overseas had failed miserably due to cultural and management conflicts, among other things.

"We have retained our management team and key technical talents. We have not lost any customer and, instead, we are bringing in new customers. We have been sorting out a big list of patents obtained through this purchase with an intent to better utilize them for product development, and we are ahead of schedule in meeting our 1st year performance targets," said Jianyi Fang, chairman and CEO of BWI Group.

BWI Group is headquartered in southwestern Beijing, with over a dozen product development centers and manufacturing plants throughout Europe, North America and Asia.

Addressing a news conference here at the Shanghai International Exhibition Center for the 4th Component Shanghai Expo, held June 21-23, Fang referred to BWI's inheritance of Delphi's technology in suspension and brake products as one key factor contributing to BWI's current performance.

He vowed to further develop the applications for the 1,000-plus patents, patent applications, trade secrets and records of invention obtained through the acquisition. That intellectual property, he added, has given BWI Group a leading position in the global automotive suspension and brake markets.

China is rapidly becoming the world's largest automotive market and the number one automotive manufacturing country in the world as well. However, industry insiders agree that Chinese OEMs still rely too much on imported parts and components, at least for quality parts and modules used in higher-end products.

Through the Delphi suspension and brake business purchase, BWI Group is now able to offer complete lines of controlled suspension systems, passive dampers and damper modules, foundation brake components such as disc brakes, drum brakes, vacuum boosters, master cylinders, brake corner modules, and controlled braking systems such as ABS and ESC, etc. BWI also makes ABS for motorcycles. One of the products which has been particularly well received is BWI's patented MagneRide (MR) controlled suspension system technology. BWI also produces controlled powertrain mounts which use MR technology.

In fact, the performance of the MR controlled suspension system is so amazingly good that one European journalist recently wrote about a BWI MR damper equipped Ferrari 458 Italia this way: "Everything is exceptional: vivacity, precision of suspension, balance of the chassis, ... Its magnetic suspension performs wonders... BWI is the Chinese company which has just bought the whole Delphi chassis division, who has developed all magnetic damping systems."

BWI's patented MR suspension products are now installed in Audi, Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac, GMC, Holden special vehicles, Acura MDX and ZDX, and BWI patented MR powertrain mounts are used in Porsche. The list of customers for this premier technology keeps expanding, according to Charles Horne, BWI's Dayton, Ohio based planning manager.

While BWI is leveraging its knowledge in the controlled magnetic damping for more applications, the company also is beefing up its product development all around after years of limitations while the suspension and brakes business were under Delphi, which had bankruptcy related financial constraints.

Digi-Key announces stock on Abracon's ABPSM-ULN-A power supply module

THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corp., announced that it has stock on the ABPSM-ULN-A ultra low noise power supply module from Abracon Corp.

ABPSM-ULN-A (Digi-Key #535-10307-ND) Power Supply Module, 4-channel, Low Noise
This new product is now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

The ABPSM-ULN-A module provides an ultra low noise, power supply source (25nV/√Hz maximum @ 1kHz) with four regulated DC outputs. Offering 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V and 5.0V DC bias ports, this module is uniquely positioned to replace multiple, low noise, linear power supplies, which are typically needed to bias noise sensitive circuitry.

The ABPSM-ULN-A is designed to utilize a universal low noise AC adapter, enabling worldwide functionality, accepting 100VAC to 240VAC and 50Hz and 60Hz cycles. Coupled with state-of-the-art low noise regulation, this power supply module (PSM) provides an optimal setup to conduct noise sensitive measurements of system critical circuitry, such as phase noise, jitter, spectral purity, and signal to noise ratio.

Features of the ABPSM-ULN-A include 100VAC to 240VAC AC adapter input voltage; 50Hz and 60Hz cycles; four DC output ports – 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V and 5.0V; current sourcing capability per port 200mA max. (each port); and ultra low noise characteristics to include ≤ 0.30µVrms over 0.1Hz to 1kHz bandwidth and a typical Noise Density @ 1kHz offset per the following profile:

4nV√Hz for 1.80V DC Output; 5nV√Hz for 2.50V DC Output; 7nV√Hz for 3.30V & 15nV√Hz for 5.00V DC Output

Cirrus Logic’s low power audio codec and class D speaker amplifier available at Newark

CHICAGO, USA: Newark, a leading multi-channel, high-service electronics distributor in the Americas and part of the global Premier Farnell Group, announced that it now stocks Cirrus Logic’s expanded portfolio to improve the audio experience in smart phones and deliver top performance in idle current consumption in mobile consumer electronics applications.

Cirrus Logic’s CS42L73 is a high-quality, ultra low-power audio codec which allows power-hungry smart phones to conserve energy and extend its battery life. This is accomplished by offloading audio-related tasks, such as signal routing and processing, that is typically reserved for the applications processor. The CS42L73 is already built into the XMM Gold 6260 reference design from Infineon Technologies AG.

The CS35L0X is an analog-input, hybrid Class D speaker amplifier that delivers high-quality audio in a mobile handset application, while keeping noise and power consumption low. It uses an advanced closed-loop Delta Sigma architecture and patent-pending hybrid Class D technology to achieve Class D efficiency, output power with low idle current consumption and minimal EMI.

Whitepapers, videos, datasheets and applications notes for the new products are posted on the Cirrus Logic page on element14, Premier Farnell’s popular engineering resource and collaborative community.

“The addition of these technologies underscores our commitment to provide design engineers with the broadest selection of technology options,” comments Jeff Uden, Vice President, Product Management, Newark. “It is also a testament to our longstanding relationship with Cirrus Logic that we are one of the first distributors to stock them.”

Universal Display awarded US DoE SBIR phase I contract to increase white phosphorescent OLED lighting efficacy

EWING, USA: Universal Display Corp., enabling energy-efficient displays and lighting with its UniversalPHOLED technology and materials, announced that the Company has been awarded a $99,927 SBIR Phase I contract from the US Department of Energy (DOE).

Under this program, Universal Display intends to demonstrate a white phosphorescent OLED lighting panel that meets Energy Star criteria using an optical enhancement technique which improves outcoupling efficiency while preserving the thin, elegant form factor of the white OLED lighting panel.

“Through ongoing support of the US Department of Energy, we will focus on demonstrating the Energy Star performance criteria in a commercially-desirable product format. Designing a panel that offers excellent energy efficiency in a thin, attractive form factor is essential for broad market appeal.”

During the program, titled “Novel Optical Enhancement for Thin Phosphorescent OLED Lighting Panels,” Universal Display will employ a novel outcoupling technique that performs as well as thicker treatments, such as macro-extractors or outcoupling blocks, but is significantly thinner. Outcoupling enhancements are commonly used to increase the amount of light that is emitted as useful light.

In addition to maintaining its thin and light weight form factor, the resulting white PHOLED lighting panel, which UDC intends to deliver to the DOE, may improve the company’s previously reported lighting panel efficacy results by over 25 percent and demonstrate a desirable path to meet the Energy Star Category B criteria for solid state lighting.

“As energy efficiency and eco-friendliness continue to influence consumer purchasing patterns, white OLED lighting panels are moving toward commercial reality as a leading potential solution for power-efficient and environmentally-benign solid state lighting,” said Steven V. Abramson, President and CEO of Universal Display.

“Through ongoing support of the US Department of Energy, we will focus on demonstrating the Energy Star performance criteria in a commercially-desirable product format. Designing a panel that offers excellent energy efficiency in a thin, attractive form factor is essential for broad market appeal.”

FDK intros low input voltage mini POL converters

SAN JOSE, USA & TOKYO, JAPAN: FDK Corp., a global electronic component and battery manufacturer, extended its DK Series with three new non-isolated, point-of-load (POL) dc-dc converters that operate from a 3.0Vdc to 5.5Vdc input bus.

These very small, low profile surface mount devices deliver up to 3, 4, and 6 Amperes (A) of output current with efficiencies up to 94 percent. They provide a tightly regulated programmable output voltage in the range of 0.8Vdc to 3.465Vdc and deliver the full rated output current with no derating in ambient temperatures up to 85 degrees Celsius under natural convection.

FDK's 3A model FPDK05SR8003PSV, 4A model FPDK05SR8004PSV, and 6A model FPDK05SR8006PSV are offered in a 0.657” x 0.402” (16.7 x 10.2mm) SMD package. Occupying a footprint of less than 0.3 in2 (2cm2), they provide significant space savings over discrete on-board solutions at a competitive price.

Their low height of 0.134” (3.4mm), for the 3A and 4A converters, and 0.173” (4.4mm), for the 6A converter, makes them particularly suitable for high density racks, blade systems, and low profile consumer applications with limited board-to-board and board-to-case clearances.

The DK Series converters provide complete power conversion solutions without the need for external input and output capacitors. They are true single input converters in that they do not require an external Vcc (bias) supply for operation.

They feature programmable output voltage, remote ON/OFF, over-current and over-temperature protection, a power good signal, and start up into a pre-biased output. They fit a wide range of telecommunications, data communications, computing, industrial, and consumer applications where board space, cost, profile, efficiency, and reliable operation in elevated temperature environments are critical.

“These new POL converters bring the leading-edge electrical and thermal performance of the DK Series to 3.3V and 5V distribution rails, expanding the options available for cost-effective single component power solutions,” said Dr. Apurba Roy, executive advisor, FDK Corporation. “FDK will continue to add to this exciting segment of its DC-DC converter product line.”

All DK Series products are RoHS compliant. They are manufactured using FDK’s state-of-the-art in-house manufacturing processes and systems in Japan. In quantities of 1,000 pieces, the FPDK05SR8003PSV is priced at $5.00, the FPDK05SR8004PSV at $5.50, and the FPDK05SR8006PSV is priced at $6.00. Lead time is 8 weeks. Samples are available now.

Diodes Inc. announces tiny transistors that aid product miniaturization

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, has introduced 20V NPN and PNP bipolar transistors in the ultra-small DFN1411-3 surface mount package that deliver a dramatic increase in the power density and efficiency of power management circuits. These transistors have been designed on Diodes’ Generation 5 matrix emitter Bipolar process.

With a footprint measuring just 1.1mm x 1.4mm and an off-board height of 0.5mm, the complementary ZXTN26020DMF and ZXTP26020DMF devices enable portable product miniaturization while offering improvements in both electrical and thermal performance.

Suiting MOSFET and IGBT gate driving, DC-DC conversion and general switching duties, the miniature transistors are a space-saving alternative to much larger SOT23 packaged parts and provide excellent thermal performance, having a minimum FR-4 PCB power dissipation rating of 0.38W for its footprint.

High gain, low saturation and fast switching devices, the bipolars are also characterized by a very high continuous current handling capability. The maximum collector current ratings of 1.5A for the NPN and –1.25A for the PNP are not available from any smaller package device.

Multi-band trends in tactical military radios increasing component demand

BOSTON, USA: The next generation of military tactical radios will serve as nodes and hubs in mobile ad hoc networks. These networks will connect ground, naval, airborne and satellite assets into an interactive mesh of battlefield information and decision-making.

The Strategy Analytics Advanced Defense Systems (ADS) service report, “Electronic Component Demand Scenarios for Land Based Military Tactical Radios,” forecasts the annual military radio market will grow from under $3 billion in 2009 to almost $5 billion in 2020.

Strategy Analytics predicts the electronic content from the current generation of single-band and multi-band radio radios will decline, as their capability no longer meets the emerging network-centric requirements.

The next generation of military tactical radios, including those from the JTRS program in which companies like Harris and Thales are involved, will be capable of performance in several frequency ranges and enhanced data throughputs. These multi-mode radios will significantly upgrade capabilities and serve as the critical components needed to provide “network-centric” battlespace resources.

“The development of multi-mode, multi-band radios will provide significantly upgraded capabilities with frequencies extending to 2.7 GHz,” observed Asif Anwar at Strategy Analytics. “Multi-mode, multi-band will mean multiple transceivers, fueling an increase in the number of RF components. Together with digital and other passive components, the resulting radio electronics market will grow to over $1 billion.”

Anwar concluded: “The increasing sophistication of baseband processing and encryption requirements coupled with traditionally low frequency military radio operating ranges will mean that silicon semiconductors will remain seated as the dominant technology. However, increasing operating frequencies and bandwidths will open the doors for compound semiconductor technologies such as gallium arsenide and gallium nitride.”

Cirrus Logic's 'industry first' digital power factor correction ICs now available at Newark

CHICAGO, USA: Newark, a leading multi-channel, high-service electronics distributor in the Americas and part of the global Premier Farnell Group, announced that it is among the first to stock the industry’s first digital power factor correction (PFC) controller ICs that surpass analog PFCs on performance and price.

Just introduced by Cirrus Logic, the CS1500 and CS1600 offer power supply and lighting ballast system designers improved performance and simplified designs, as compared to legacy analog PFC products.

Featuring the new EXL Core architecture, the CS1500 and CS1600 have the advantage over analog products of being able to intelligently solve increasingly complex power management challenges. They enable reduced-sized EMI filters, which cut the need for additional high-priced components and circuitry, and improve energy efficiency across all load conditions, with a distinct performance advantage in light load conditions. System design is also simplified by reducing external component count by more than 30 percent.

Whitepapers, videos, datasheets and applications notes for the new products are posted on the Cirrus Logic page on element14, Premier Farnell’s popular engineering resource and collaborative community.

“We are pleased to be among the first to offer design engineers this innovative technology,” comments Jeff Uden, Vice President, Product Management, Newark. “It is an excellent fit for many applications within the industrial market, which is one of our largest customer segments.”

The EXL Core is a trademark of Cirrus Logic.

Universal Display awarded US DOE SBIR phase I grant to advance phosphorescent OLED lighting

EWING, USA: Universal Display Corp., enabling energy-efficient displays and lighting with its UniversalPHOLED technology and materials, announced that the company has been awarded a new Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I $99,900 program from the US Department of Energy (DoE).

During this program, the Company will study the potential to enhance the performance of white PHOLED lighting devices in order to meet DOE requirements for general illumination applications.

Under a program titled “Thermal Management of High-Efficacy White Phosphorescent Organic Light Emitting Devices,” Universal Display will design and build white PHOLED lighting panels to evaluate the impact of operating temperature on performance. The adoption of the Company’s UniversalPHOLED technology and materials dramatically reduces the amount of heat generated during panel operation, as compared to the use of conventional fluorescence.

Operating at high brightness levels and over large areas may, however, still lead to small increases in the operating temperature of a panel. By effectively managing the relatively small amount of heat that is generated, the Company believes that it may further enhance OLED lighting performance, especially operating lifetime at the high luminance levels and with the large-area sizes required for general illumination.

The Company will use 6” x 6” panels as the first step toward understanding these issues. The outcome of this study may lead to subsequent opportunities to introduce novel thermal management technologies for enhanced performance of OLEDs for general illumination.

“White OLED lighting technology has the potential to replace existing inefficient lighting technologies and may lead to significant global energy and environmental benefits,” said Steven V. Abramson, president and CEO of Universal Display.

“Our highly energy-efficient phosphorescent OLED technology and materials, along with the efforts of our innovative team and the support of the US Department of Energy, have been responsible for the critical advances in OLED lighting technology that we have demonstrated over the last several years. We appreciate the DOE’s continued support of our work to drive the continuing development of white phosphorescent OLED lighting for general illumination.”

The DOE has made a long-term commitment to advance the development and introduction of energy-efficient white lighting sources for general illumination. According to industry estimates, electric bills for lighting alone are over $200 billion per year globally. It has been estimated that by 2016, white OLEDs could generate well over $20 billion in worldwide savings of electricity costs and could save over nine million metric tons of carbon emissions from the US alone.

RFMD intros RF3858 front end module for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and other 900MHz ISM band apps

GREENSBORO, USA: RF Micro Devices Inc., a leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance radio frequency components and compound semiconductor technologies, has announced the availability of the RF3858 front end module (FEM). The RF3858 FEM supports multiple Tx/Rx applications in the 900 MHz ISM band, including Smart Energy/Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).

The highly integrated, single-chip RF3858 addresses the increasing requirements for aggressive size reductions in the RF front end designs for portable equipment. The RF3858 combines a 1-watt 915 MHz power amplifier capable of 31.5 dBm of output power, with a double-pole double-throw (DPDT) Tx/Rx transfer switch with low insertion loss and high isolation, a low noise amplifier (LNA) with bypass mode, and a Tx harmonic filter.

The RF3858 reduces the number of external components by approximately 80% versus discrete designs, greatly minimizing product footprint, accelerating design-in time and reducing overall assembly costs. The RF3858 is packaged in a small 8.0 mm x 8.0 mm x 1.2 mm over-molded laminate package with backside ground, minimizing next level board space and allowing for simplified integration.

The RF3858 is priced at $2.28 in quantities of 10,000 and is available immediately.

Hypertronics announces high density modular PCB connectors

HUDSON, USA: Hypertronics Corp., a Smiths Interconnect business and world-leading provider of high performance interconnect solutions for the most demanding applications, has released its' KMR Connector Series, a 0.075 in (1.91mm) fine pitch, high density PCB connector utilizing 0.50mm diameter Hypertac Hyperboloid sockets.

KMR is available in a 200 signal contact position and is the ideal interconnect solution for use in commercial and military aircraft, as well as unmanned systems. The contact terminations include right angle through board solder, straight through board solder and SMT.

The Hypertronics KA series, available in 0.100 in pitch has been successfully used by aircraft manufacturers for decades to ensure signal reliability. The KMR connector complements the KA series by offering a finer pitch of 0.75, producing a higher signal count in a more compact space. The fine pitch design was created to meet the industry needs of increased circuit density with more contact pads and traces on the circuit board.

“We designed the KMR using the high performance Hypertac technology, to be smaller in size and weight with the capacity for high pin count to accommodate tightly spaced board designs” stated Vadim Radunsky, president.

KMR connectors, like all Hypertronics connectors, are engineered to allow for top performance under all dynamic environmental conditions. KMR connectors provide immunity to shock and vibration fretting, numerous linear paths of contact, and a self-wipe action that consistently results in better signal integrity. KMR connectors are suited for system configurations in aerospace and defense, commercial avionics, test and measurement.

Full production to resume this week at Viasystems' Zhongshan factory

ST. LOUIS, USA: Viasystems Group Inc. has announced plans to resume full-capacity production at its Zhongshan PRC printed circuit board (PCB) factory by the end of the week.

Installation of an interim source of electrical power has been completed, pending local authorities’ tests of the interim circuits. Permanent repairs are expected to be installed during the coming months with no further interruption to production activities. Some of the plant’s production processes were unaffected and others were temporarily halted because of an incident reported by the company on June 7.

The company has used available production capacities at its other printed circuit board factories to minimize any delays to customers. The incident’s effect on the company’s consolidated revenues for the quarter ending June 30, 2010 and thereafter is expected to be minor, and the company has worked with the factory’s customers to prioritize product orders after full production resumes.

Viasystems Group Inc. is a technology leader and a provider of complex multi-layer, PCBs and electro-mechanical solutions (E-M Solutions).

Its PCBs serve as the “electronic backbone” of electronic equipment, and its E-M Solutions products and services integrate PCBs and other components into electronic equipment, including metal enclosures, cabinets, racks and sub-racks, backplanes, cable assemblies and busbars.

GigOptix receives approximately $2 million in orders for next gen 100G DWDM modulator drivers

PALO ALTO, USA: GigOptix Inc., a leading supplier of electronic and electro-optic components for fiber-optic systems, has received approximately $2 million in orders for delivery in 2010 of its 100G quad-driver for use in next generation 100G DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) networking systems.

The GX62450 100G DP-QPSK (Dual Polarization Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) driver is implemented using GigOptix’ innovative semiconductor and RF design technology that couples low power dissipation with very high performance operation in a small form factor. It is designed to be plug-in compatible with industry available 100G Multiplexer and Mach-Zehnder Modulators.

The GX62450 is the industry's only available 4 channel fully integrated into one package driver and exhibits excellent RF performance due to its high performance semiconductor design that includes a retiming circuit to reduce jitter and its GPPO connectorized form factor that not only ensures optimal RF coupling to the 100G optical modulator inputs but also occupies less board-level real estate than comparable surface mounted device solutions.

Padraig O’Mathuna, VP of Marketing, said: "We are delighted to be at the forefront of 100G DWDM deployments and be chosen as the supplier of this important component within our customer’s platform due to our differentiated product offering. The demand for 100G solutions has accelerated much faster than the industry originally predicted with major product releases being announced and discussed, such as in the press recently.

"We aligned our 100G driver development with our customer’s roadmap requirements, and we are pleased to see the culmination of this strategic relationship reach volume shipment orders so rapidly. We believe that we are well positioned as a leader in the 100G segment to take advantage of this upswing and consider the 100G DWDM market as being one of the major growth engines for our company going forward."

In a most recent report on 100G components, Ovum forecasted that the 100G DWDM lineside market would launch in 2010 and grow to over 16,000 units by 2015 with a CAGR of 140 percent.

RFM announces next generation of ultra low-power, battery-powered Wi-Fi modules

DALLAS, USA: RF Monolithics Inc. continues to innovate and improve its M2M portfolio of wireless communications products with the release of the 11Mb/s version of the company’s popular battery-powered Wi-Fi module – the WSN802G.

The WSN802G is a 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.11g radio transceiver module that enables OEMs to build low-power wireless local area networking (WLAN) and sensor monitoring solutions for the global market.

Featuring GainSpan’s GS1011 System on Chip (SoC), the new WSN802G Revision F delivers even more features for leveraging existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, that include: upgraded enterprise-level security, new Ad Hoc network support, and Master/Slave SPI ports delivered in a low-power 802.11b/g RF module transceiver than can run for years on batteries.

“The 11Mb/s version of the WSN802G module offers more than just more speed. Medical applications, among others, will benefit from the enterprise security, while Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) applications can make use of the SPI port functionality to directly interface the module to sensors or low-cost microprocessors,” said Tim Cutler, Director of M2M products for RFM. “The Ad Hoc mode simplifies commissioning for residential and commercial deployments as well as providing a secure point-to-point capability.”

The higher 11Mb/s data rate provides the ability to send even more sensor or application data than the former version WSN802G while still maintaining years of battery life. Equally important is the Enterprise level security that comes along with the higher data rate.

The upgraded WSN802G module now offers 802.1x with RADIUS support and WPA2-Enterprise security, and it complies with the security protocol created by the Wi-Fi Alliance and the IEEE 802.11i standard to secure wireless computer networks. As a result, the WSN802G offers users the same high level of enterprise security that they get with their computer network.

The Ad Hoc mode provides point-to-point operation as well as another means to securely configure devices. The SPI port allows a wide array of sensors to be connected to the module without a co-processor and also allows lower cost processors to be used when one is needed.

Sanyo Denki America expands product offering at Newark to include power products

CHICAGO, USA: Committed to providing engineers with the broadest selection, leading multi-channel electronics distributor Newark, part of the global Premier Farnell Group, announced that it is now stocking uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) from Sanyo Denki America (SDA) for same-day shipping.

This move will increase Sanyo Denki’s Power Systems presence, creating a powerful channel for its highly reliable and superior performance line of Single Phase Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS). Uniquely, Sanyo Denki stands behind the quality of its products by offering a three year warranty that is rarely seen in the industry.

Newark’s new offering focuses on Sanyo Denki’s A11H series, which is a true on-line double conversion, 1kVA to 3kVA UPS in tower and rack mount configurations. The A11H series is the most technically advanced UPS in the marketplace today, offering a wide input voltage from 55VAC to 150VAC. This significantly reduces the use of batteries, and results in longer battery life and enhanced reliability. It is also available in the widest frequency window (40Hz to 120Hz) and features a hot swappable battery for easy replacement.

“Expanding the scope of Sanyo Denki products offered through Newark continues our initiative to make our products available to as many customers/engineers as possible,” said Stan Kato, President and CEO, SDA. “We are eager to have Newark promoting our UPS products and believe with their strong market and web presence we will be able to significantly expand our reach. From all aspects they will positively add value to all the Sanyo Denki products including our newest A11H Series high performing UPS.”

Xodtec's LED MR16 lamp passes new CE standard

TAIPEI, TAIWAN: Xodtec LED Inc., a leading Taiwan-based LED lighting solutions and products provider, announced that its LED MR16 lamp has passed the new CE standards, in compliance with amended EMC Directive published in OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union).

Mike Chou, chief operation officer of Xodtec LED, said: "We believe that it is a major achievement for us to meet this test because the standard requires the electronic design to be confined inside the small housing. We hope that this certification will provide us with an advantage in marketing our LED MR16 into overseas markets where it must meet strict safety standards."

Molex Taiwan prevails in Taiwin Electronics patent infringement lawsuit

LISLE, FRANCE: Molex Inc., the leading global supplier of connectors and interconnect components, has announced that the Intellectual Property Court (IP Court) of Taiwan recently ruled in favor of subsidiary Molex Taiwan Ltd. in a patent infringement lawsuit brought by Taiwin Electronics Co. Ltd.

The September 2009 suit alleged that Molex combo connector sockets for USB and e-SATA dual plugs sold or offered for sale by Molex Taiwan infringed on the Taiwan Utility Model Patent No. M293552, which is owned by Taiwin Electronics. Molex Taiwan countered the patent infringement claims by asserting that the ‘552 patent was invalid.

The IP Court formally rendered its decision on May 10, 2010. Its review of the factual and legal issues resulted in a dismissal of all Taiwin Electronics’ claims against Molex Taiwan.

Aldo Lopez, vice president for sales and marketing, Asia/Pacific South, Molex, said: “We appreciate the court’s due diligence and support their decision, which marks the successful resolution of this litigation. Molex Taiwan stands firmly behind our company’s intellectual property and the integrity of our innovative connector technology.”

Molex's Combo External Serial ATA/USB connectors combine the features and advantages of USB and eSATA technologies into a single-port connector to extend external storage and peripheral connectivity for notebook, desktop and other applications.

Penetration rate of LED light bulb production value will reach above 30 percent by 2014

TAIWAN: According to LEDinside’s survey, the global lighting market value in 2009 is about $73 billion, and the LED lighting market value only takes about $2.4 billion with only 3.3 percent penetration rate in LED lighting.

While LED lighting has high efficiency, long life, and other advantages, the retail prices of the current stage LED lighting, compared with the traditional lighting, still exist a four-six times price gap, which is quite difficult for most consumers to accept it. Therefore, LED lighting still has a long way to go to become more common.

The key to popularize LED lighting are as follows -- subsidy policies, industry standards, LED lighting cost reduction, supply chain integration and other factors. Currently, Asian countries are the most supportive and positive for LED lighting subsidy policies and also relatively fast in standard-setting. Under the vigorous expansion of LED lighting manufacturers, LED lighting costs continue to decline.

The conditions of LED lighting industry present different situations as the electricity fee and subsidy policies differ in each individual country. Currently, the electricity fee in Japan, Germany and other countries are relatively higher than other regions, so the usage of high-efficient LED lighting applications is in a much more rapid progress compared to other countries.

In LED lighting applications, the incandescent light bulbs will be banned in 2012, which gives LED lighting market an enormous business opportunity. LED light bulbs, of all lighting applications, will be the fastest growing application. LEDinside estimated the penetration rate of LED light bulb production value in traditional light bulb market will reach above 30 percent by 2014.

LEDforum China 2010: Analyzing future challenges in LED industry

TAIWAN: 'LEDforum China 2010', held by research institution LEDinside, debuted today. World-class speakers are invited to share professional points of view, analyze trends and challenges of the LED industry, and introduce the latest lighting technology. Over 1000 participants from the industry, government, and academia circles have all gathered at the forum.

Roger Chu, LEDinside’s Research Director, indicated that traditional light sources have competitive advantages in both luminous efficacy and cost. Therefore, government subsidies are crucial for LED lighting to be adopted as general lighting, and vendors who are capable of achieving high quality at low costs will be profitable.

Looking at the global LED market, Chu noted that in special application market, new demand in lighting market may be developed through enhancing the LED characteristics. LED-based companies are currently expanding their business with vertical integration, while the traditional lighting companies and new enterprises have also joined the competition. Leading global lighting manufacturers, such Philips, OSRAM, Panasonic, have a complete vertical integration, from chip to light source system, in order to flourish in the market.

Bernd Kammerer, Everlight’s General Manager, Sales and Marketing Business Group, gave a brief statement in the development of outdoor lighting market, noting that compared to traditional lighting, LED lights are more energy efficient, and they are the future trend of the lighting market.

In 2009, the total installation of LED streetlights is 610,000 lamps globally and the figure is estimated to grow by 42 percent in 2010, reaching 870,000 units. He said LED will gradually become more environmental-friendly and energy-efficient in the future. At the same time, to replace traditional lighting, the price of LED streetlights will decline further, the luminous efficacy will enhance, and the product design will be more diversified.

Jun Ruan, Vice Secretary-General of China Solid State Lighting Alliance said that China's semiconductor industry lacks core technologies. Also, the cooperation with the central and local governments needs to improve. The government needs to give an impetus to the solid state lighting industry through the national policies such as accelerating the subsidies and increasing government procurement to support the industry development. The goal is to manufacture over 70 percent of the chips locally by 2015, with total output value at RMB 500 billion.

Justin K. Yang, Veeco Instruments’ General Manager for Greater China, said the new generation of MOCVD will accelerate the mass production of LED. It improves its yield rate and productivity to achieve cost reduction. Demand for MOCVD is estimated to reach 700 to 800 units. Moreover, as LED TV market penetration rate is estimated to reach 85 percent in 2012, LED manufacturers have purchased equipment to expand their production capacity.

George Craford, Phillips Lumileds’ CTO, said LED industry outlook is bright, with more improvement and development in the future. Current challenges in the industry include brightness, efficacy, and stability.

James, Mu-Tao Chu, Director of Opto-Electronics Device and System Applications Division at Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), explains that, if all lighting fixtures in Taiwan were replaced by LEDs, it would save about NTD 30 billion (~$ 923 million at $1 = NT 32.48) in energy spending, which equals a considerable reduction of about 3 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, or the annual capacity of a nuclear power plant.

Yet, LED is operated by direct current (DC), but most of the power systems use alternating current (AC). Therefore, a solution which can be compatible for both traditional light sources and LED lighting is needed.

He says that among Taiwan companies, Epistar launched 1W standard chip, and the target efficacy in 2010 is >80 lm/W; some products have already been used by Philips. Tyntek provides AC LED Chips, its 0.3W/0.5W / 1W products with efficacy of 30lm-60lm can provide the needs of different application development.

Forward Electronics has shipped 5W and 10W AC LED module, completed certification for AC LED components UL / CE / TUV; its products include E26/E27 light bulbs, tube light, projection light, and officially produced AC LED 10W/1200 Lux lamps. Lite-on launches the AC LED 1W 60lm and 4W 200lm modules, and its application target is to replace the low brightness tungsten light bulbs and down lights with AC LEDs.

Dr. Carson Hsieh, Epistar’s Vice President of R & D, introduced the trend of LED chip development. He pointed out that indoor LED lamps with the high power efficiency, high brightness, and high degree of thermal dissipation should have low cost, low maintenance cost, and low power consumption, and should be compatible with existing power supply facilities.

He also presented HVLED (high-voltage-LED), which is expected narrow the gap between cold white-light and warm white-light technology. The target luminous efficacy is 130lm/W in 2010 and 150lm/W by 2015.

Looking at the US market, Mark McClear, Applications Engineering and New Business Development Director of Cree LED Components, said the United States policies are highly favorable for the development of the LED industry. The technology in the future is expected to enhance the LED luminous efficacy, lower costs, while promoting the standardization of products, and enabling the design of more diverse products.

Donald Leo, Director of sales China/Hong Kong at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, gave a speech focusing on the present and future developments of solid-state lighting. He said high brightness LED has been used in medical equipment; not only does it improve the safety of the operation process, it also helps the patients’ rehabilitation process.

Gradually, LEDs are becoming more widely used in the designs of large architectural constructions. In addition, Leo is very optimistic about the shift of OLED products from high-end market towards mass application.