America II to distribute AMIC memory

ST. PETERSBURG, USA: America II Electronics, Inc., one of the world’s largest independent distributors of semiconductors and passive components, has finalized an authorized distribution agreement with AMIC Technology Corp., a world-class manufacturer of memory ICs.

“One of our goals is to continue building a robust line card,” said Jim Magee, President at America II Electronics. “As such, we will continue partnering with the right suppliers. The addition of AMIC strengthens our product portfolio while providing customers with additional choices when addressing their memory needs. We’re pleased to be offering their products to our worldwide customers.”

Under the agreement, America II will distribute AMIC’s full line of memory ICs, which includes parallel and serial NOR Flash, SRAM, SDRAM and DDR products, as well as non-memory devices such as LED lamps.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with America II, who will be able to accelerate our growth in the market,” said AMIC North American President Wei Chen. “We selected America II because of the efficiency and effectiveness of their business. It’s the perfect opportunity to help us extend the AMIC brand into new markets while presenting our products to their customers.”

With over three billion parts in stock and available to sell at their St. Petersburg facility, America II Electronics has one of the largest inventories in the industry. Specializing in hard-to-find and allocated products, as well as stocking long lead-time semiconductors from the top manufacturers, America II Electronics will now provide even more options for their customers.

Digi-Key and Lattice Semiconductor announce global distribution agreement

THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corp. and Lattice Semiconductor have announced the signing of a global distribution agreement.

“Digi-Key is pleased to partner with Lattice in the global distribution of their full product line-up of low power design solutions,” said Mark Zack, Digi-Key’s VP of semiconductor product. “Lattice will enable us to provide our world-wide customer base with a full range of FPGA and PLD solutions.”

“We are excited to work closely with Digi-Key as Lattice continues to expand its global presence,” said Stacy Fender, Lattice’s corporate VP of worldwide sales. “Digi-Key’s ability to quickly get Lattice’s products into the hands of our customers and design engineers around the world supports our commitment to meet the design needs of a very diverse customer base and provides us with an extremely easy to use and flexible channel to do so.”

Under the terms of this global distribution agreement, Digi-Key is authorized to sell Lattice’s complete portfolio of innovative, low-power, low-cost FPGA, PLD, and programmable power management design products.

Lattice’s design solutions are available for purchase now on Digi-Key’s global websites.

ST Foundation appoints new chairman

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: ST Foundation, an independent charitable organization created by STMicroelectronics announced the appointment of Pietro Fox as its new chairman. Set up in 2001, the ST Foundation aims to develop, coordinate and sponsor projects employing the use of science and technology in the promotion of human progress and the sustainable development of less privileged communities around the world.

Pietro Fox has dedicated most of his professional life to STMicroelectronics, latterly as corporate VP for ST's Europe Region until his retirement in 2000. Since then, Fox has spent the past ten years supporting charitable activities, culminating in his selection by ST's executive management as the ideal person to embrace the Foundation's vision and further build upon the achievements of the prime instigator and former chairman of the Foundation, Carlo Ottaviani, who passed away in January this year.

The key focus for the ST Foundation in 2011 is to maximize the impact and efficiency of its most important program, called 'Digital Unify,' which has the goal to help bridge the digital divide: the gap between those who have access, and those who have not, to modern digital technologies. Fundamentally, the program aims to provide technology and basic training, free of charge, to those who have no knowledge of how to use a personal computer or access the internet.

"We set up the ST Foundation ten years ago, spearheaded by its first chairman Carlo Ottaviani, as a key plank in ST's goal to deliver excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility," said Carlo Bozotti, president and CEO of STMicroelectronics. "As an ST veteran with an additional track record in aiding human progress in less privileged communities, Pietro Fox has our full confidence and support to drive the Foundation on to even greater heights."

Renesas Electronics announces new MCUs that provide ultimate LED lighting function

TOKYO, JAPAN: Renesas Electronics Corp., a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, announced the availability of five 16-bit microcontrollers (MCUs), the RL78/I1A family, that implement in a single chip the LED control, power supply control, and communication functions required in LED lighting fixtures.

The new MCUs adopt the Renesas Electronics RL78 CPU, which achieves both high computational performance and ultra low power consumption, and include from 32 to 64 kilobytes (KB) of flash memory in 20 to 38-pin package versions. These devices achieve 20 percent reduced power consumption during normal operation over the Renesas Electronics’ existing 78K0/Ix2 products.

LED lighting, which features low power consumption and long lifetimes, is the focus of attention as an effort to reduce CO2 emissions on a global scale. LED illumination is becoming increasingly widely used in industrial and commercial facilities, in streetlights, and in home lighting.

The global market for LED lighting equipment is expected to grow rapidly from the roughly 20 million units sold in 2009 to over 400 million units in 2014.

Given this background, Renesas Electronics has added the high-performance, ultra-low power 16-bit RL78/I1A family of MCUs to its existing 8-bit MCU lineups for use in lighting ballasts. The RL78/I1A family addresses the need of a variety of lifestyles for lower cost, high-color dimming and color temperature control. The RL78I1A supports lighting communication standards for centralized control in buildings and offices.

Philips does further investment in OLED production facility in Aachen, Germany

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS: Royal Philips Electronics is investing EUR 40 million to increase its production capacity for OLED-based lighting at its facility in Aachen, Germany. The investment will support the rapid growth of Philips’ OLED business, with increased availability of Philips OLED modules for high-end design lighting applications for decorative and ambience creation purposes. The additional capacity at Philips’ OLED facility in Aachen, which was originally established as a pilot production line, is expected to be available in 2012.

A new solid state lighting technology, OLEDs emit a soft and diffused light offering a new type of design freedom that is also energy-efficient. OLED lighting applications are thus particularly attractive to high-end retail, hospitality and residential construction markets for decorative and ambience creation purposes, and also hold appeal for the design-conscious consumer.

“The thin, flat nature of OLEDs makes it possible to use and easily integrate light in furniture, walls, ceilings or floors in ways that are impossible with other light sources,” said Rene van Schooten, General Manager of the Lamps business at Philips Lighting. “This additional investment in the OLED production facility at Aachen will strengthen Philips’ leadership in bringing lighting innovation to the market, enhancing our ability to offer customized and innovative OLED lighting applications.”

Philips also recently opened its Lumiblade Creative Lab in Aachen, inviting lighting designers, luminaire manufacturers and creative minds to get a hands-on experience of OLED light as a material. Furthermore, Philips has established an OLED product development cooperation with the local CERTI Institute in Florianópolis, Brazil and operates a product development center in Shanghai, China, to be able to develop and customize OLED applications with lighting designers around the world.

Examples of Philips’ OLED innovations that are already available include -

* Philips’ “Lumiblade” OLED module that includes all the necessary electronics and a mechanical interface for easy integration into luminaires, furniture and interior designs.

* An interactive OLED lighting installation for hotels and private customers.
“O’Leaf” by Philips Modular and “Edge” by Established & Sons– the first affordable OLED design luminaires for consumers

Philips’ investment in the OLED production facility at Aachen follows the execution of research projects funded in part by the EU, BMBF (German Federal Ministry of Education and Research) and the government of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Avnet Electronics Marketing announces immediate availability of TE standard antennae and accompanying antenna selector and design guide

PHOENIX, USA: Avnet Express, part of the Avnet Electronics Marketing operating group of Avnet Inc., announced the immediate availability of standard antennas from TE Connectivity (TE), along with a quick reference selector guide. The recently released family of TE antennas includes surface mount, tab mount, surface mount over ground and chassis mount cabled antennas.

TE’s broad family of standard antennas can be integrated into many of today’s common applications from mobile and smart phones to gaming devices, wireless alarm and security systems to smart grid applications. These advanced TE antennas can be directly embedded into a device. This, coupled with their small size and lightweight design, provides a low-cost alternative to the conventional whip antenna.

In addition, these standard antennas are also intended to accommodate numerous sets of frequency bands for operation on any regional or global network. For more in-depth information about TE’s antennas, view the latest eeTech brief from Avnet’s technical team.

“Choosing the right antenna can be a daunting task, but with assistance from Avnet’s technical team accompanied by reference materials like the antenna selector and design guide, basic antenna specification and common applications can be easily identified,” said Beth Ely, senior vice president of Avnet Express. “Avnet is the first distributor to stock this family of products. As we continue to expand our in-stock offering, design engineers and purchasing professionals can rely on Avnet to have the products and technical support they need, when they need it.”

Digi-Key named No. 1 Internet distributor of electronic components

THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corp. was named the No. 1 Internet distributor by design engineers across North America according to the Hearst Electronic Group’s 2011 Design Engineer and Supplier Interface study.

Digi-Key retained its number one ranking from the same 2010 study for Best Website Navigation and Best Website Offering Valuable Design Support Content. For six consecutive years, Digi-Key has been ranked number one for Best Website Navigation. Additionally, Digi-Key retained its number one ranking from the 2010 study across all five industry categories – Power Sources, Semiconductors, Interconnects, Passives and Electromechanical components.

In the 2011 study, Digi-Key ranked No. 1 in Best-of-Class Performance in eight categories including Product Selection, Parts in Stock/Ready for Immediate Shipping, Data/Product Selection Support, Consistent On-Time Delivery, Competitive Pricing, Website Easy to Navigate, Website Offers Valuable Content for Design Support, and Online Seminars, Technology Education and Training.

In the category of Design and Engineering Support, Digi-Key tied for the number one ranking with Avnet and Arrow. Digi-Key also tied with Avnet for the number one ranking in the category of Knowledgeable Sales Representatives.

The research study gathered unaided information from engineers regarding their need for product information and related electronics services, as well as how and when they interface with suppliers and how they rate the quality and value of that interface.

“Our leadership standing is driven by a total commitment to design engineers to be the distributor of choice for electronic components year after year after year,” said Mark Larson, president and COO, Digi-Key. “We have built our business on a solid foundation using state-of-the-art technology and providing streamlined sales for our suppliers worldwide.”

Absen opens the Zero Down Payment age in LED industry

SHENZHEN, CHINA: The original "Zero Down Payment" means no deposit but with a budget plan. In fact, the NEW policy of Zero Down Payment of Absen represents spot supply; clients are not required to pay a penny before they inspect the products. However, as an integrated supplier and service provider of LED optoelectronics, Absen has created a path-breaking revolution in LED marketing.

Why is Absen carrying out their Zero Down Payment policy? A down payment brings a risk to buyers, especially when they know little of the manufacturers. Paying a down payment in advance for products which have not yet been produced is a big challenge for clients. So checking products prior to payment will set buyers' minds at rest. In addition, Absen's 7-day quick shipping shortens the purchase period and saves clients' time, while Absen's 25 processes ensure high quality products.

Spot supply, so Zero Down Payment can come true
How can Absen offer Zero Down Payment? It is well-know that LEDs are the central component of LED signs. Absen produces LEDs on a large scale by itself. That effectively guarantees LED signs quality and a 3000 sqm regular production spot supply which ensures the "Zero Down Payment" policy. The main products include A1088, A1688 and AI06. They have superb cost effectiveness, visual effect comparable to theaters; dynamic contrast technology and excellent all-round monitoring and controlling of production process and 24-step quality control.

Spot supply can create the greatest value for clients in the shortest time. It satisfies most clients, but, if needed, Absen will not turn down "personalized customization". At present, Absen's integrated production lines and solid R&D ability, and a comprehensive range of high quality products, are the base for customized solutions.

Absen's Zero Down Payment is built on Absen's core values: "Honesty, Gratitude, Responsibility". It is bound to open a new age for the LED signs industry, and create more values for clients.

Innovative new i-PWER low profile modular power supply family launched for industrial and communication markets

CAMARILLO, USA: Power-One Inc., a leading global manufacturer of renewable energy and energy-efficient power conversion and management solutions, announced the availability of its new i-PWER Low Profile Modular (LPM) AC-DC power supply family.

This robust and flexible series offers up to 1500W of power in the form of a six-slot chassis (LPM615 model) or up to 900W of power in a four-slot chassis (LPM409 model). Additional features include: a universal 85-264VAC input range with Power Factor Correction (PFC), one to six fully-isolated outputs depending on model, a low 1U height (1.6"/40mm) and zero-load operation.

The four available output modules can easily be fitted into the four or six-slot chassis, providing customers with their exact voltage and current requirements, thus ensuring a custom solution without the development costs and a rapid, reduced time to market.

The i-PWER LPM Series also features the highest power density on the market today – at 17.6W/in3, its typical power density is 20% higher than other modular AC-DC power supplies. This class-leading power density, with its low 1U height, means the LPM offers more power in less space, so a customer's product can be smaller, lighter and have less environmental impact.

"The LPM Series is the first of Power-One's new lineup of industrial-focused power supplies, highlighting our ongoing commitment to providing innovative, market-leading technologies for the process control, military, medical, test and measurement markets," Ed Carter, GM of Power-One's Industrial and Transportation group noted recently. "With a highly-flexible, rugged design and utilizing first-class materials, the LPM delivers the class-leading power density, increased cost savings and reduced time to market that equivalent modular power supplies cannot match."

Each LPM output module is widely adjustable, offering continuous output coverage in ranges from 2V to 51V (2-5V, 5-15V, 15-32V and 15-51V respectively) – providing end-users with immense flexibility, while allowing distributors to stock fewer parts in greater depth. Modules may be connected in series or parallel for higher voltages or higher currents, while the screw thread and terminal design of the LPM Series ensures the fit-and forget nature of this reliable product.

With its excellent flexibility and many features, coupled with high reliability, the i-PWER LPM Series is ideal for applications in Industrial and Scientific machines.

Luminus and T-Opto intro high output LED module

BILLERICA, USA: Luminus Devices Inc., and T-Opto, a Division of Toyota Tsusho America, announced the introduction of the SoloLux high output LED module, a high efficacy sub-system for high lumen general lighting applications that typically utilize a 175W metal halide source.

SoloLux is designed for indoor and outdoor installations requiring many thousands of lumens such as parking area, roadway, canopy, high bay and high ceiling down lights. The patent-pending module produces up to 6,500 lumens from a single source, which reduces fixture cost and complexity when compared against alternate solutions that use arrays of low power LEDs.

“SoloLux sets a new standard for LED modules by providing the lighting community with a single source, field upgradeable solution with real optical punch,” said Jim Hunter, VP and GM for Global Commercial Markets at Luminus Devices. “The module is based on Luminus Big Chip LED technology, which provides our lighting customers with the opportunity to develop creative and differentiated high performance fixtures. We are seeing real innovation in the marketplace with the technology, such as indirect lighting fixtures that are low glare and eliminate multi-source shadowing.”

Michael Handerhan, GM of T-Opto, adds: “Field upgradeability is a real key to the strategy behind the SoloLux. As LED performance continues to improve, fixture performance can be upgraded by replacing the chip-on-board LED with a standard screw driver. The benefits to our customers in accelerating time to market are obvious, as the SoloLux comes with integrated heat sinking and an electrical interface to standard ballasts. In addition, we have created reference designs for our customers, including custom optics, for targeted applications such as outdoor area lighting and high bay.”

SoloLux is available in color temperatures ranging from warm to cool, and is in process of attaining LM-79, UL1598 and ULIP66 accreditations. SoloLux will be available for sampling this summer with volume availability shortly thereafter.

Luminus intros high brightness LED for general lighting

BILLERICA, USA: Luminus Devices Inc. announced the introduction of the SSM-80 LED, a high efficacy and high brightness warm white LED for general lighting. The product is designed for indoor directional and spot lighting applications and will have an initial release in warm white color points of 2700K, 3000K, 3500K and 4000K. At these warm white color points the SSM-80 can achieve up to 100 LPW at 350mA, and more than 1,600 lumens at its top end rated drive condition.

“In a direct response to the demands of our general lighting customers and a rapidly growing market, the SSM-80 combines high lumens and high efficacy in a small emitting area, which enables tight beam control and provides new degrees of creativity and innovation for spot lighting applications,” said Chuck DeMilo, Global Director of Product Marketing for the Lighting Business Group at Luminus Devices. “It enables lighting fixture designers to achieve light intensity levels for applications such as retail track that approach the levels of ceramic metal halide.”

The SSM-80 is tested and binned at a nominal input drive condition of 1A and 12V, which makes it electrically compatible with a wide array of commercially available off-the-shelf drivers and ballasts. Other features include a thermal resistance less than 1.0°C/W and an L70 lifetime greater than 60,000 hours.

The SSM-80 is ideally suited for a variety of applications including spot lighting, narrow beam down lights and focused general lighting applications where high performance and high efficacy in a standard surface mount package are needed. The SSM-80 is available for sampling now with volume shipments starting in late summer.

Market opps for OLED lightning worth $1.5 billion in Europe

GLEN ALLEN, USA: Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets has released its latest report titled, “OLED Lighting Markets Europe-2011,” that says the market opportunities in Europe for OLED lighting will generate $1.5 billion in OLED lighting panel sales by 2016. The report is the latest in NanoMarkets’ continuing coverage of the global OLED lighting marketplace.

NanoMarkets has also recently released reports on the market for OLED lighting in Asia and an update of the firm's global market forecast for OLED lighting. In addition, the firm has issued a report on the business case for OLED lighting and will soon issue a new report on the OLED materials market. An analysis and forecast of OLED lighting manufacturing capacity worldwide will be published by NanoMarkets in September of 2011.

Key findings
German markets and firms will be the largest factor in the European OLED lighting scene for the foreseeable future. According to NanoMarkets’ projections, Germany will account for one fourth of all OLED lighting sales during the 2011 to 2018 period. In addition, the OLED lighting manufacturing in Europe is concentrated in Germany which is home to major facilities operated by BASF, Fraunhofer IPMS, Philips, Heraeus, Osram, Ledon, Merck and Novaled. German OLED lighting panel sales will reach almost $360 million in OLED panel sales by 2016.

After Germany, the UK will generate the greatest revenues from OLED panel sales during the forecasting period covered by the report, with almost $210 million in revenues by 2016. The UK’s prominence in the OLED lighting field is driven by the relatively large size of the country and the fact that it started phasing out incandescent bulbs earlier than any other European nation. The UK is also home to some highly innovative OLED firms such as CDT, E2M, Lomox and PolyPhotonix.

European firms, including Blackbody, Osram and Philips, already dominate the worldwide market for OLED luminaires and will continue to do so. There are already as many as 20 luminaires produced by European firms; albeit in limited quantities. Reflecting Europe’s long-established strength in industrial design, many of these luminaires have been created by leading lighting and furniture designers such as Ingo Maurer and Tom Dixon.

Oclaro announces two high-power laser diodes designed for materials processing market

SAN JOSE, USA: Oclaro Inc., a tier-one provider of optical communications and laser solutions, has further strengthened two of its leading high-power laser diode product families by delivering next generation parts that feature improved performance, reliability and industry-leading cost competitiveness.

The new parts are ideal for DPSS pumping and direct diode applications and include 60W at 880nm as well as 120W at 910 to 1070nm, both on a passive cooler, and will be showcased at LASER World of PHOTONICS in Munich this week in the Oclaro booth #469, Hall C1 in the New Munich Trade Fair Centre.

"Oclaro has the technology, packaging and manufacturing expertise to continually drive innovations in power and efficiency for our existing product families," said Bernd Meyer, Leader, High Power Laser Business for Oclaro. "We are now expanding the capabilities of our OPC family by delivering higher performance across a wider wavelength range and brightness – and we've also developed a new family member for the BPM/BLM mini-cooler series that represents the smallest footprint and highest CW power level of any competitive solution."

About the BLM9xx/10xx
The new BLM family member represents the industry's smallest footprint and highest power conductively cooled product. This laser diode delivers up to 120W at the 910 to 1070nm wavelength range and replaces micro-channel coolers in horizontal configurations for DPSS pumping and direct diode applications. To ensure easy integration, the new BLM9xx/10xx replaces soldering or wire bonding with mechanical electrical connection and mounting.

About the OPC880
The new OPC family member is a 60W CW low filling factor bar at the 875nm to 890nm wavelength range and will be used in Oclaro's own Prosario collimated modules, fiber coupled packages and will also be available as a passively cooled bar to Oclaro customers. By expanding the wavelength range of the existing OPC family, the new OPC880 enables Oclaro to enter the new and growing 880nm neodymium-YAG and neodymium-vanadate pumping market.

Cameca launches new field emission electron probe microanalyzer

GENNEVILLIERS, FRANCE: CAMECA--a world leader in scientific instrumentation and metrology solutions--has unveiled the SXFiveFE, a field emission electron probe microanalyzer (FE-EPMA) that is the latest addition to the CAMECA line of high-end microanalytical instruments.

“We are very proud to introduce the SXFiveFE microanalyzer, because we believe it represents a major advancement in microanalysis technology,” comments Georges Antier, CAMECA VP and Business Unit Manager. “Developed for a wide range of micro and nanoanalytical applications, the SXFiveFE EPMA is CAMECA’s fifth generation electron probe microanalyzer and the culmination of our more than 50 years experience in EPMA technology.

“This highly sophisticated instrument combines proven technology from our SIMS and other EPMA products with the latest developments in general purpose EPMA, including the addition of a field emission source,” he adds.

“The SXFiveFE brings together all of the best features of CAMECA’s earlier electron probe microanalyzers and incorporates a number of other features, including the unique combination of a field emission electron column and CAMECA's industry-leading high-sensitivity and resolution spectrometers, that we consider a major breakthrough in microanalysis,” notes Antier.

“These features along with reliability improvements from our automated EPMA for the semiconductor industry, a novel field emission source and a re-designed electron column result in a highly versatile microanalyzer with unique capabilities for quantitative microanalysis and X-Ray imaging at the highest possible spatial resolution,” he adds.

The instrument is suitable for a diverse range of applications from geochronology, mineralogy and nuclear forensics to materials, thin films and semiconductor research.

Since introducing its first commercial EPMA to the market in 1958, CAMECA has brought continuous improvements to the technology. Hundreds of CAMECA EPMA instruments are installed at major corporations as well as in renowned universities and public research institutes across the world.

The newly delivered EPMA platform is available in two configurations: SXFive with W and LaB6 sources and SXFiveFE with FE source. CAMECA has optimized performance of both instruments for challenging microanalytical applications at sub-micron spatial resolution, extending EPMA capabilities to smaller analyzed volumes.

Equipped with high-precision spectrometers for greatest reproducibility, the instrument delivers highest quality minor and trace element analysis. In addition, it offers full automation for long-term unattended analysis.

MTE releases the Matrix PureSine active harmonic filter

MENOMONEE FALLS, USA: MTE Corp., a Menomonee Falls based subsidiary of SL Industries Inc., has released the Matrix PureSine Active Harmonic Filter.

The PureSine is a powerful filtering solution for coordinated variable load power factor correction (PFC), phase imbalance, and harmonic mitigation. Features include:
* Modular design, easy to extend;
* Up to 51st harmonic;
* Up to 12 harmonic orders selected individually;
* Programmable leading or lagging power factor correction;
* Programmable Load balance function;
* Full-time DSP Control system;
* Easy selection;
* Shunt connection, easy for maintenance;
* Flexible Up-grading/Redundancy;
* Parallel operated for greater capacity;
* User-friendly LCD control panel.

The PureSine comes standard in a wall mount configuration and supports 480V. The LCD provides both English and Spanish text. The fully modular system allows the user to "right" size a system for current need, while still having the option to increase capacity as current load increases. PureSine can supply a maximum of 960A correcting current. All PureSine modules are UL/cUL.

"MTE is very excited about the Matrix PureSine. We are constantly looking for ways to better serve our customers by providing a greater range of solutions, while solidifying our position as the harmonic mitigation market leader. We believe the Matrix PureSine is a critical link in meeting that goal," said Don Klein, president of MTE.

The MTE Matrix PureSine helps to keep your equipment running longer by reducing the voltage drop and the temperature rise on transformers and cables that result from harmonics. The PureSine is a potent filtering solution.

Cree’s Z-FET silicon carbide MOSFET delivers superior energy efficiency to an expanding list of power apps

NUREMBURG, GERMANY: Providing power electronics design engineers with a way to increase the efficiency of high-volume power inverters for alternative energy and other power electronic applications, Cree Inc. has extended the product range of its industry-first Z-FET family with a lower amperage 1200V SiC MOSFET.

The new MOSFET device complements Cree’s existing 1200V SiC MOSFET and features a smaller current rating that enables the device to be included in a wider range of applications at a lower price point or used in parallel to optimize system cost and performance.

The new device is designed to replace the silicon transistors (IGBTs) that are currently used in power inverter designs between 3 and 10kW. Applications include high-voltage power supplies and auxiliary power electronics circuits, especially those designed for conversion of 3-phase input power, solar power inverters, industrial motor drives, high-power DC data center power architectures, and PFC (power factor correction) circuits.

“The addition of this new switching device to our Z-FET SiC power MOSFET family gives our customers a greater range of flexibility in matching the price/performance requirements to their applications,” said Dr. John Palmour, Cree co-founder and chief technology officer, Cree Power & RF.

“The smaller die size provides a lower price point, yet still delivers all the benefits of silicon carbide switching performance at 1200V. It’s further evidence that we’re committed to establishing a comprehensive range of SiC MOSFET products that we believe will eventually replace silicon devices in many high volume power electronics applications, especially those with 1200V and higher breakdown voltage requirements.”

“By using the new Z-FET SiC MOSFETs in conjunction with Cree’s silicon carbide Schottky diodes to implement ‘all-SiC’ versions of critical high power switching circuits and power systems, power electronics design engineers can achieve levels of energy efficiency, size and weight reduction that are not possible with any commercially available silicon power devices of comparable ratings,” Palmour explained.

Cree’s new SiC MOSFET is rated for 12A at its operating temperature of 100°C and delivers blocking voltages up to 1200V with a typical on-state resistance (RDS(ON)) of just 160mΩ at 25°C. Unlike comparably-rated silicon switching devices, Cree’s new SiC MOSFET exhibits an RDS(ON) value that remains below 200mΩ across its entire operating temperature range. This reduces switching losses in many applications by up to 50 percent, increasing overall system efficiencies up to 2 percent while operating at two to three times the switching frequencies when compared to the best silicon IGBTs.

As a result of this improved efficiency, SiC devices have lower operating temperatures and fewer thermal management requirements, which combine with their ultra-low leakage current (<1µA) to reduce system size and weight and increase reliability.

Belden PPO UL AWM hook-up wire environmentally friendly, meeting ROHS and WEEE requirements

ST. LOUIS, USA: Belden Inc., a leader in signal transmission solutions for mission-critical applications, has introduced its PPO UL AWM Hook-up Wire as an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional PVC-insulated and XLPE-insulated hook-up wire. PPO Wire meets or exceeds the electrical and thermal characteristics of traditional products, while being smaller in diameter, lighter in weight, stronger and more durable.

Hook-up wire is used by a broad range of OEM manufacturers and markets, including: electrical panel builders; building construction and maintenance operations; manufacturers of electrical and electronic products; computer manufacturers; and the production and assembly of appliances, furniture, automobiles, and automotive components and systems.

Belden PPO UL AWM Hook-up Wire fully meets RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) requirements because it is constructed of stranded tinned copper conductors and a Zero Halogen Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO) insulation that contains no halogens, phthalates or heavy metals.

The absence of toxic materials means the product can be burned or disposed of safely without harm to people, animals or the environment. Unlike another zero halogen insulation, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), PPO is a fully recyclable compound.

Integral Systems intros ultra-compact and efficient 200 W Ku-band solid state power amplifier

CHANTILLY & COLUMBIA, USA: Integral Systems Inc. announced the availability of its ultra-compact and efficient 200 Watt Ku-band Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA).

The new 200 Watt SSPA, offered through Integral Systems' SATCOM Solutions division, continues the company's leadership in the SSPA market. Earlier this year, Integral Systems announced its 100W SSPA, which represented a major leap forward in terms of SSPA size, weight, power efficiency and cost.

Like the 100W SSPA, the 200W SSPA offers unprecedented high-power efficiency and large power output from a very small package – 960 Watt consumption at 230 Watt Radio Frequency (RF) output, while producing minimal heat. At just 12.5" (W) x 13" (L) x 3.65" (H) and 22.5 pounds in component configuration, Integral Systems' 200 Watt SSPA is the smallest, lightest and most efficient power amplifier on the market.

The compact size, low weight, high efficiency and low cost of Integral Systems' ultra-compact and efficient 200 Watt SSPA makes it the ideal choice for customers requiring a highly-efficient amplifier solution for Size, Weight and Power (SWAP) sensitive applications or those looking to replace or retrofit Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTA).

Conversion to SSPA from TWTA is made simple by Integral Systems' "Drop-in Replacement Program" with the added benefits of improved reliability, increased efficiency, ultra-compact size, lower weight and reduced heat when compared to a typical TWTA. Integral Systems' 200 Watt SSPA reduces initial capital costs – up to 40 percent depending on system requirements – as well as ongoing operating costs by eliminating expensive tube replacements.

"Our new 200 Watt SSPA represents a major leap forward in terms of size and efficiency in the high powered SSPA market," said Steve Gizinski, GM of Integral Systems' SATCOM Solutions division. "Its small size and very high power output produces minimal heat, thereby solving a wide array of our customers' problems, including heat build-up, excessive weight and eliminating bulky SSPAs that cannot be easily integrated into major systems."

Digi-Key and Nuventix sign global distribution agreement

THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA: Digi-Key Corp. and Nuventix, Inc., maker of SynJet thermal management technology, have signed a global distribution agreement.

“Digi-Key is proud to welcome Nuventix as a new supplier partner. Nuventix is an example of a company dedicated to providing exceptional products and services to its customers, and now, to Digi-Key's global customer base as well,” said Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key's vice president of global interconnect, passive, and electromechanical product. “We believe Nuventix’s line of active thermal management solutions for electronics and LED cooling, will provide design engineers and purchasing professionals with the products essential to new designs.”

“Nuventix is excited to partner with Digi-Key and bring its phenomenal customer service, global reach and express delivery to our customers,” said Thomas Dalton, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nuventix. “Product designers are under constant pressure to solve increasingly tougher thermal problems, quickly. Digi-Key’s rapid fulfillment and global logistics will allow us to get our SynJet solutions to these designers overnight to help accelerate their product introductions.”

Nuventix’s product line is available for purchase now on Digi-Key’s global websites.

Diodes Inc.'s dual gate logic aids product miniaturization

PLANO, 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 announced its first series of dual gate logic devices, designed to help reduce component footprints in small handheld products, including tablet computers, smart phones and e-readers.

The 74LVC2G two-gate parts are provided in the miniature and robust DFN1010 package, measuring only 1mm square and with a maximum off-board height of 0.4mm.

Six dual gate logic devices have been initially introduced, comprising inverters and buffers each in a choice of simple, Schmitt trigger input and open drain types. The devices complement Diodes’ 74LVC1G family of 18 different single gate logic functions announced earlier in the year. It is planned that the dual gate logic parts will also be offered in SOT26, SOT353 and DFN1410 package alternatives.

The logic devices’ wide operating voltage range, of 1.65V through to 5.5V, means that they will readily support both portable battery operated as well as legacy 5V product design. By typically drawing less than 1µA the 74LVC2G logic will also be of benefit to the more energy sensitive applications.

When powered down, the dual gate logic’s output circuitry is disabled to prevent damaging backflow current and to ensure effective signal isolation. 5.5V tolerant inputs enable the parts to be employed as voltage translators.

Avago expands industry-leading optocoupler portfolio with new family for robust IGBT gate drive

SAN JOSE, USA & SINGAPORE: Avago Technologies, a leading supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, announced a new generation of gate drive optocouplers that deliver industry-leading performance from a small-footprint package.

The new ACPL-P34x and ACPL-W34x optocoupler family is based on process technology that enables higher output current drive with rail-to-rail capability, providing high-voltage insulation and robust protection for industrial drive, inverter and power supply applications. The optocouplers are available in a stretched SO6 package that is 40 to 50 percent smaller than industry-standard Dual-inline (DIP) package. With output current up to 4A – the market’s highest in this package – the family provides reliable, fast and efficient system performance.

Traditionally, Avago gate drive optocouplers have used bipolar transistors for the output stage to deliver high output current. With process technology improvements, the output stage can now be replaced with bipolar CMOS/DMOS technology, which combines the high component density and low power consumption of CMOS with the high current drive and speed of bipolar process. The switching speed is also now twice as fast as the previous generation, reducing the dead time when both the high-side and low-side transistors are off from 700 ns to 200 ns for improved system efficiency.

“Avago continues to bring value to customers by setting new standards for optocoupler performance, as exemplified by our new gate drive family,” said Kheng-Jam Lee, marketing director for optocoupler products at Avago. “This innovative family expands our optocoupler portfolio, which is already the industry’s broadest, to better address a wider range of applications. This is especially important for motor drive and emerging renewable energy inverter applications, which are seeing tremendous growth in the use of IGBT.”

The ACPL-P343/W343, ACPL-P341/W341 and ACPL-P340/W340 optocouplers come in 4A, 3A and 1A maximum peak output current, respectively. The wide range of output current allows the family to address systems with different power ratings, including Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and MOSFET gate drive, industrial inverters, renewable energy inverters, AC and brushless DC motor drives, switching power supplies, induction cookers and inverters for home appliances.

The high common mode rejection (CMR) of the optocouplers, at 35 kV/µs prevents erroneous driving of an IGBT and ensures reliable operation in noisy environments. The family’s stretched SO6 packages are compliant to many industrial safety standards, including IEC/EN/DIN EN 60747-5-2, UL 1577 and CSA.

Molex solderless LED array holder provides single-piece mounting solution

LIGHTFAIR International 2011, LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. announced the availability of its solderless LED Array Holder for Bridgelux ES Arrays. The product’s unique compression contacts power the arrays while eliminating the need for hand soldering or expensive Surface Mount Technology (SMT) equipment.

Ideal for light fixture original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Molex’s LED Array Holders reduce installation time and increase connectivity options while lowering costs. The solderless screw-down connection allows for a standardized manufacturing process, adding to the design simplicity delivered by the Bridgelux ES Arrays. In addition, Molex will release an RS holder with the same features and benefits in Q3 of 2011.

“Molex’s LED Array Holders are the perfect complement to Bridgelux’s ES Arrays. They allow us to deliver the same high performance and cost-effective solid-state lighting solution that our customers expect, while enhancing the plug-and-play nature of our arrays,” said Tony Marshall, director of array product marketing at Bridgelux. “Because there is no secondary processing in terms of wire soldering, Molex’s holders help facilitate quick design cycles and ease system-level integration challenges for OEMs.”

Molex’s LED Array Holders are ideal for all general illumination applications including downlighting, architectural lighting and area lighting. With a double-ended wire trap terminal, the holders simplify array assembly by allowing flexibility in wire orientation to achieve optimal wire routing. A releasable wire trap enables field replacements and facilitates upgrades to current applications. In addition, Molex offers a clear LED protective cover that includes a snap-lock feature. The thermoplastic housing supports high heat-generating environments.

“As LED technology becomes more prevalent, the challenge is developing products that simplify the installation process without compromising reliability or energy efficiency,” said Jeremy Zidek, associate product manager, solid-state lighting, Molex. “By using Molex’s unmatched interconnect knowledge, our holders provide Bridgelux ES Array customers with a single piece, solderless connection that is not only easy to install, but dramatically improves upon conventional LED mounting options.”

GigOptix signs distributor agreement with WPG Americas for ASIC product line

PALO ALTO, USA: GigOptix Inc., a leading supplier of high performance electronic and electro-optic components that enable next generation 40G and 100G optical networks, has signed WPG Americas, Inc., (WPGA) one of the top three IC component distributors worldwide, as its sole distributor for ASIC sales in the Americas.

Under the terms of the agreement, WPGA will distribute GigOptix’s Standard Cell, Hybrid and Structured ASICs throughout the Americas. These ASIC products are particularly well suited for Mil/Aero, Industrial, Medical & Communication markets and align very well with WPGA’s current line card offerings.

“Our partnership with WPG Americas will further support our growing penetration into North, Central and South America ASIC market,” stated Jay de la Barre, VP of Sales for GigOptix. “The breadth of experience and customer relationships of WPG Americas will be a great asset to GigOptix, and we look forward to a profitable and growing relationship.”

“WPG Americas is excited to add an ASIC solution for our customers, GigOptix has a strong portfolio for the Mil/Aero, Industrial, Medical & Communication markets,” said Greg Provenzano, North America VP of Sales and Engineering Solutions. “GigOptix products also align very well with WPGA’s current line card offerings, and we look forward to expanding the market with them.”

Novaled develops world's most power-efficient fluorescent white pin LEDs

DRESDEN, GERMANY: Novaled, a technology and materials provider specializing in high-efficiency, long-lifetime organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), today announced it has developed the world’s most power-efficient fluorescent white OLED structures – achieving 36 lumen per Watt (36lm/W).

Using its proprietary organic materials and a new flat light outcoupling method of extraction, Novaled increased OLED device light emission by more than 80-percent, with good color rendering, and also improved the angular dependence of the light emitted. Novaled’s new power-efficient fluorescent white PIN OLEDs result in lower manufacturing costs and meet the standards for commercial lighting applications, making them ideal for OLED lamps and luminaires for general and design lighting.

Thus, Novaled’s efficiency enhancements move OLED technology a step closer to becoming practical for widespread use in lighting applications for the mass market. Novaled will showcase its new technology in Booth #927-4 of the German Pavilion at the Society for Information Display’s (SID) annual International Symposium, Seminar & Exhibition, “Display Week 2011,” May 17-19, 2011, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles; it also will present two papers there on May 20, 2011, on its enhanced outcoupling methods and materials, and on materials for hybrid OLEDs in display applications.

Novaled CEO, Gildas Sorin, saud: "Until now, typical outcoupling methods have been somewhat ineffective or have resulted in rising manufacturing costs. Novaled has overcome both challenges – pioneering a novel way to significantly improve light outcoupling results and boost external quantum efficiency by more than 80 percent, without the costly and time-consuming setup traditionally required for complex manufacturing. Novaled is a well recognized materials provider for OLED and other organic electronic applications.

"We will continue to use our expertise to develop leading-edge solutions that help advance OLED technology toward widespread use for mass-manufactured lighting applications."

Effective outcoupling, better light quality
Novaled’s novel methods boost outcoupling effectiveness, substantially increasing the 25-35 percent fraction of generated light that typically leaves the OLED device for lighting applications. They also increase power efficiency and quantum efficiency in both bottom- and top-emission OLEDs. In bottom-emission OLEDs Novaled incorporates the material NET61 directly inside the electron transport layers.

The combination of NET61 internal outcoupling and an external micro lens array (MLA) film boosts power efficiency by more than 70-percent and quantum efficiency by more than 80-percent. In top-emission OLEDs, Novaled uses scattering material NLE17 on top of the semi-transparent top electrode to help extract light and improve the quality of light emitted from top-emission white OLED devices.

Novaled’s new outcoupling techniques use standard processes to produce the white PIN OLED device structures, thus reducing manufacturing costs for both bottom-emission and top-emission OLEDs. Unlike other outcoupling enhancement approaches in bottom-emission OLEDs – such as depositing complicated structured layers between substrate glass and the indium tin oxide (ITO) anode – Novaled uses simple internal outcoupling methods with vacuum evaporation processed organic materials to induce scattering of the light emitted by the OLED. In both bottom- and top-emission OLEDs, the scattering does not negatively impact electrical properties.

In addition, Novaled’s new method improves the Color Rendering Index (CRI) value for top-emission OLEDs on metal substrates. Although top-emission samples on metal substrates with a white light emission typically have stronger cavity effects than bottom-emission devices and show strong variations with the viewing angle, Novaled increases light extraction from top-emission white OLEDs and strongly reduces angular color dependence by using a scattering evaporation processed organic layer on top of the semi-transparent top electrode. Novaled’s demonstrated CRI of 75 for top-emission OLEDs is ample for many commercial lighting applications.

TCP expands residential LED lamp product line

AURORA, USA: TCP is expanding their residential LED lamp series with products that feature a powerful combination of category-leading performance, functionality, and value. These exciting new products further enhance TCP's already comprehensive line-up of energy efficient lighting and help lead the way to a smooth transition away from inefficient incandescent light bulbs, with the advent of the new 2012 E.I.S.A. regulations.

By combining TCP's cutting-edge ballast design technology, optical design and manufacturing capability - plus the world's leading LED chip components, TCP's newest LED lamps provide the industry's best directional light output performance, making them excellent alternatives to traditional PAR halogens.

All of TCP's new LED lamps dim uniformly down to 0 percent, with no color-shifting effects, hum or annoying "flicker". TCP LED lamps also use the highest-quality lamp optics, which are computer designed and precision manufactured for perfect directional light beam control, with no annoying "hot spots" or beam washout effects.

"Our strategy is to introduce high performance LED lamps that will meet or exceed the US EPA's ENERGY STAR® specifications at a value price. As the leader in energy efficient lighting, TCP is committed to providing a robust, high quality LED lighting product offering," said Jim Connolly, TCP's senior VP of Retail Sales.

TCP's new LED lamps include directional lighting applications, including PAR20, PAR30, PAR38 lamps, all available in either narrow flood (25 degree) and flood (40 degree) beam spreads. These lamps exceed the latest ENERGY STAR LED lamp lumen requirements, and outperform comparable halogen directional lamps. These lamps are perfect for a wide variety of general lighting applications including track and recessed lighting.

TCP has also added several specialty LED MR16 spot and flood lamps, which feature excellent lumen output, long life and cooler operating performance. Available in 4.4 watt rating with 15-degree and 30-degree beam options, these products are perfect for small fixtures, pendant lights and display lighting applications.

TCP is also expanding its previously released line of LEDs including torpedo (clear and crystal cut), flame, globes, and A-lamps, now available in both clear and frosted versions. These fully-dimmable lamps feature a 360-degree filament-style light output, which gives the lamp brilliant light output.

These lamps are perfect energy efficient replacements for halogen and incandescent lamps in many specialty installations, such as accent and decorative lighting, chandeliers, ceiling fans, and indoor and outdoor fixtures.

Samsung injects digital expertise into US LED lighting market

International Light Fair Show 2011, PHILADELPHIA, USA: Long recognized in the United States as a high-tech powerhouse, Samsung has set its sights on becoming a new leader in the US lighting market as the industry shifts into the digital age. The company announced today it is making its first LED lamps available in the US as the company couples its technological prowess in LED with its deep marketing knowledge in consumer electronics to launch LED lighting solutions into the mainstream professional and consumer market.

Samsung LED Co. Ltd was established globally in April 2009, channeling the company’s proven expertise in the electronics and electro-mechanics fields into the production of cutting-edge LED lighting. As a leader in LED technology from chips to TV displays, Samsung already possesses some of the largest LED production facilities in the world, helping ensure quality and reliability across the entire line of products. An American center of operations has been established in Atlanta, Ga., to support the company’s expansion into the US market.

“The lighting industry has finally caught up with the digital revolution, with microchip technology powering lamps enabling longer lifetimes, more environmentally-friendly designs and less energy consumption,” says Philip Warner, VP of Samsung LED America. “The Samsung brand is practically synonymous with consumer electronics. As more and more people recognize the future of home and commercial lighting lies in this amazing digital technology, we are confident Samsung will take a leading position in the market.”

Samsung’s initial line-up ranges from omni-directional incandescent replacements to fluorescent and PAR replacement lamps for homes and businesses. Samsung’s vertically integrated supply chain allows the company to produce all aspects of LED lights, including chips, PKGs, modules, light engines and lamps. The company is also a technology leader in areas of thermal management, optics, power supplies and lighting controls.

Philip Warner, VP, added that Samsung will put its full research and design might into developing the next generation of LED lamps. “We will not dilute our offerings with high-efficiency incandescent or even CFLs, as these are yesterday’s technologies. Our focus is 100-percent on LED,” he said.

LED lamps create light by running an electrical current through a microchip. They are increasingly replacing light bulbs in both indoor and outdoor settings due to their higher energy efficiency and longer lifespans compared to traditional incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs, while providing warm, pleasing light.

The Flexible Display Center and Universal Display produce flexible, full-color AMOLED prototype displays

TEMPE & EWING, USA: The Flexible Display Center (FDC) at Arizona State University and Universal Display Corp. announced that they have successfully fabricated the first full-color, flexible active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display prototypes using the Center’s bond/de-bond manufacturing process, in combination with Universal Display’s full-color, top-emission phosphorescent OLED technology and materials.

The displays use Universal Display’s patented, proprietary single-layer encapsulation technology to seal the OLEDs made on DuPont Teijin Films Teonex polyester film. Successful fabrication of the displays involved incorporating materials and technologies concurrently developed by several additional members of the FDC’s 30-member industrial consortium.

Funded by the US Army, the FDC is developing the full-color, flexible OLED displays for use in thin, lightweight, bendable and unbreakable devices capable of displaying full-color full-motion video. The lower power consumption of Universal Display’s phosphorescent OLEDs compared to other full-color video display technologies is an important advantage for ultralight soldier-portable devices, and a range of OLED display products based on this technology are already in the marketplace.

A key enabler of the flexible displays announced is Universal Display’s recently introduced single-layer encapsulation technology that was designed for plastic substrate systems and thin-film devices, including flexible OLED displays. The encapsulation layer provides an effective barrier to protect thin film devices from environmental conditions, such as moisture and oxygen, which is critical for the long-term performance of OLED displays.

Using environmentally benign and non-toxic materials in a potentially low-cost process, the barrier film technology has demonstrated its suitability for high-performance, flexible plastic substrate systems in these new AMOLED displays.

“Demonstrating the first flexible color phosphorescent AMOLED display that integrates Universal Display’s encapsulation technology with the FDC’s bond/de-bond manufacturing process represents a tremendous step forward in the advancement of flexible OLED displays,” said Dr. Mike Hack, GM OLED Lighting and Custom Displays, VP of Universal Display and a member of the FDC Board of Governors. “In addition to working toward the targets set by the US Department of Defense, flexible OLEDs have the potential to open up a vast array of product opportunities in the commercial and consumer sectors in the foreseeable future.”

The displays are in a 3.8-inch diagonal QVGA format (320x240 pixels) and use Universal Display’s phosphorescent red, green and blue OLED materials, which have already been proven to significantly reduce power consumption in numerous glass-based AMOLED products.

The displays use an active matrix array of thin film transistors fabricated on DuPont Teijin Films Teonex film using substrate handling and processing technologies developed at the FDC. Versions using transistors made with both low-temperature amorphous silicon and higher performance indium-gallium-zinc-oxide have been produced.

“The combined effort with Universal Display and our other industry partners to successfully produce flexible, full-color AMOLED displays validates our bond/de-bond manufacturing technology,” said Nick Colaneri, director of the FDC.

“The display industry is actively evaluating a variety of approaches to handling flexible plastic substrates in conventional manufacturing equipment, which is a critical step towards enabling the mass production of flexible displays. The FDC’s bond/de-bond process with re-usable carriers adds minimal incremental cost, allows the use of a variety of high-performance plastic substrate materials, and has been proven up to Gen II scale at the FDC’s pilot line, making it a leading candidate production technique as flexible electronics continue to evolve.”

Full-color Quantum dot LED (QLED) displays move closer to reality

SID Display Week 2011, WATERTOWN, USA: QD Vision Inc., developer of nanotechnology-based products for displays and solid state lighting, announced major advances in the efficiency and performance of its quantum dot LED (QLED) technology. The company will present these technology achievements, which move low-cost, full-color QLED displays closer to reality, at SID 2011 on Tuesday, May 17, session 12.

QLEDs offer all of the functional benefits of emissive display technologies, with the added advantage of simplified manufacturing processes and the potential to consume half of the power of the most efficient OLEDs. QD Vision’s red, green and blue QLEDs now meet or exceed the 1953 NSTC color standard without using color filters or secondary effects. The exceptional color performance of QLEDs translates into a fundamental 30-40% luminous efficiency advantage over the best known OLED technology.

“The unique combination of extraordinary color, high efficiency, demonstrated stability and low-cost patterning makes QLEDs the next breakthrough in electroluminescent technology for displays and solid-state lighting applications,” said Dr. Seth Coe-Sullivan, QD Vision CTO.

QD Vision’s deep red QLEDs now offer greater efficacy at equivalent color than the best reported phosphorescent OLEDs, and its green and blue QLEDs match the performance of fluorescent OLEDs, but with far superior color performance.

For example, red QLEDs fabricated by QD Vision consistently achieve peak external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of more than 18 percent and efficacies of more than 22 lm/W and 18 Cd/A, at 1931 CIE color coordinates of (0.68, 0.32).

element14 intros intelligent sensors from Freescale’s Xtrinsic sensing solutions

SINGAPORE: element14 (formerly Farnell), the industry’s first fusion of commerce and community supporting design engineers and electronic component purchasing professionals worldwide today expanded its 130,000 products inventory with the introduction of cutting edge Xtrinsic Sensing Solutions from Freescale, one of the world’s leading innovators of sensor technology.

Sensory technology is currently one of the fastest growing semiconductor sectors. Research firm, Gartner has predicted that the sales of non-optical sensors will grow to $6.2 billion by 2014 globally. For engineers in the Asia Pacific region, this soaring demand also translates into a rising need for advanced sensing solutions that can provide leading performance across multiple applications.

“Sensors have become the key drivers for technological progression across many electronic categories, including smart phones and medical equipment. element14 understands that engineers are constantly being challenged to find smarter sensor components to support the cutting edge devices and applications designs that we have today,” said Marc Grange, Head of Product Management, element14, Asia Pacific.

“In order to meet this challenge, we strengthened our partnership with Freescale, and introduced the Xtrinsic Sensing Solutions series. This series seamlessly integrates intelligent sensing capability and precision to enable engineers in the region to develop multifunctional, intuitive, and ultimately, more intelligent devices for the markets.”

Professionals in the electronics industry can purchase Freescale’s Xtrinsic Sensing Solutions with ease and flexibility for purchase via multiple channels with no minimum quantity or value, and next day delivery in most cities in Asia Pacific. In addition, customers can also visit and engage with the element14 online community to research, consult industry experts, and collaborate with design engineers and electronics enthusiasts around the globe.

Sunovia Energy and EPIR Technologies settle lawsuit

SARASOTA & BOLINGBROOK, USA: Sunovia Energy Technologies Inc. and EPIR Technologies Inc. and affiliates have settled the litigation between them that arose in August of 2010. The terms of the settlement provide that Sunovia and EPIR will share equally in the revenues from the jointly developed solar patent 12/261,827 published in 2010.

In addition, each company will return to the other certain shares issued in the course of their venture, and the contracts between them relating to the joint development of CdTe solar technology are terminated without further obligation on the part of either company.

“It is important to Sunovia to resolve this dispute and move ahead with its LED outdoor lighting business,” said Art Buckland, Sunovia’s CEO. “If the solar technology can be developed and commercialized, our shareholders will share equally in those gains. Meanwhile, both Sunovia and EPIR can move forward with their respective businesses without the ongoing cost and risk of this litigation.”

“We are eager to move ahead with other projects,” said Dr. Siva Sivananthan, CEO of EPIR, “and to eliminate the distraction from our primary business and the expense the lawsuit creates for our company and shareholders. Both companies have worked very hard to come to a resolution that is fair for all.”

Digi-Key signs global distribution agreement with Carclo Technical Plastics

THIEF RIVER FALLS, USA & BERKSHIRE, UK: Digi-Key Corp. announced that a global distribution agreement has been signed with Carclo Technical Plastics PLC.

“We believe the engineering community will be excited with the lighting solutions that Carclo offers, especially in optic technology,” said Mark Zack, vice president of semiconductor product, Digi-Key. “Adding Carclo is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce our customers' time to market by offering the best in lighting innovations.”

“Carclo is excited by this new business venture with Digi-Key,” said David Sumner, division manager, Carclo LED Optics. “Using Carclo’s unparalleled quality products alongside Digi-Key’s existing product range opens up opportunities for many high quality lighting solutions in the solid-state lighting sector. Digi-Key in recent years has placed a clear emphasis on lighting and has built up considerable expertise in lighting solutions of all kinds. Their reputation for supplying high quality products makes Digi-Key an important strategic partner for Carclo.”

Carclo lighting solutions, including LED compatible optics and wide-range optics, are available for purchase now on Digi-Key’s global websites.

Diodes Inc.'s regulators raise efficiency of low power system

PLANO, USA: Diodes Inc. announced the release of the ZXRE250 and ZXRE252 programmable shunt regulators. These devices feature a very low minimum cathode current for regulation of only 40µA, enabling improved efficiency in a range of applications including power supplies for consumer electronics such as computers, set top boxes and LCD TVs.

With the same electrical specifications as the industry standard TL431 but with a 10x lower cathode current, the three terminal regulators offer excellent temperature stability and output current handling up to 100mA. The devices’ regulated output can be set to any voltage between 2.5V and 36V using a pair of external divider resistors.

The ZXRE250 is provided in a choice of SOT23 and SOT25 packages, while the ZXRE252 offers an alternative pinout in SOT23. The parts offer standard reference voltage tolerance options of 1% and 0.5%, with a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 125°C. The regulators can also be used as direct replacements for Zener diodes in applications requiring an improvement in Zener performance.

Avago expands family of world’s smallest RF amplifiers

SAN JOSE, USA & SINGAPORE: Avago Technologies announced additions to its family of the market’s smallest RF amplifiers. The new VMMK-3xxx amplifiers leverage Avago WaferCap chip scale packaging (CSP) technology to offer an ultra-small footprint of 1.0 by 0.5 by 0.25 mm. The amplifiers bring a host of new functionality to the existing Avago VMMK-1xxx and VMMK-2xxx families, including a positive gain slope low-noise amplifier (LNA), a wideband LNA, a variable gain amplifier (VGA), and four directional detectors.

With miniature 0402 package dimensions and no wirebonds, the VMMK-3xxx amplifiers experience almost no signal loss and minimal parasitics. The devices take up 5 percent of the volume and uses only 10 percent of the board area of solutions using a standard SOT-343 package. In some cases, the miniature amplifiers can effectively reduce PCB area by more than 50 percent.

The ultra-small package size and fully-matched surface mount design are optimized for 500 MHz to 12 GHz frequencies, making the high-performance devices ideal for a variety of radio architectures and space-constrained applications. The VMMK-3xxx LNAs and VGA can be used in UWB, WLAN, WiMAX, generic IF amp and gain block applications, while the new detectors can be used in base stations, point-to-point radios and generic power control loop detectors, as well as for monitoring power amplifier output.

The VMMK-3xxx family supports full surface mount capability, requiring no special tooling for assembly. The amplifiers have all I/Os routed to the backside of the device wafer through via-holes, resulting in RF transitions suffering almost no signal loss and minimal parasitics. This is a significant improvement over conventional plastic packages where bond-wires exhibit substantial parasitics that limit the operating frequency.

The miniature amplifier family provides high gain, a high third-order intercept point (IP3) for good linearity, low noise figure (NF) and integrated 50-ohm input and output matching networks to simplify system design.

New high-output Cree LED module delivers high-quality light and efficiency

Lightfair International, DURHAM, USA: Cree Inc., a leader in LED lighting, announced the new 1000 lumen LMR4 LED module, delivering 66 lumens per watt efficiency in a fully-integrated solution for downlight applications where high-quality light is essential such as commercial, retail and residential.

Featuring Cree TrueWhite Technology, the LMR4-1000 module provides higher quality light and efficiency, using 42 percent less input power, than 26 watt compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. The LMR4-1000 is also the only commercially available 2700 K LED module to deliver 1000 lumen output at more than 90 CRI, which can replace 100 watt incandescent bulbs in downlight applications.

“The LMR4-1000 has the proven technology to enable our customers to quickly and easily incorporate beautiful, energy-efficient LED lighting into the marketplace,” said Scott Schwab, product line manager, Cree LED modules. “Building on the success of Cree’s LED module family, the LMR4-1000 provides high-quality light that meets the design requirements for applications such as restaurants, hotels and homes, continuing Cree’s innovation in drop-in ready, integrated solutions for the LED lighting market.”

The Cree LED Module LMR4-1000 integrates driver electronics, optics and primary thermal management, making the compact Cree module drop-in-ready. Designed to last 35,000 hours and dimmable to 5 percent, the LMR4-1000 module is available in color temperatures of 2700 K, 3000 K, 3500 K and 4000 K with more than 90 CRI.

The Cree LED Module LMR4 is available now with standard lead times. Sample evaluation kits are available now directly from Cree’s website.

Avago intros white HB LED in durable surface mount package for streamlined assembly

SAN JOSE, USA & SINGAPORE: Avago Technologies, a leading supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, announced a white high-brightness LED in a robust surface-mount (SMT) package that simplifies manufacturing.

The new ASMT-UWB1 LEDs are available in a Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier (PLCC)-2 package encapsulated in a heat-resistant silicone resin, enabling them to operate in a wide range of environmental conditions with high reliability and long operating life.

The superior light output of the ASMT-UWB1 LEDs enables reduced component count to cut overall system costs. This high-brightness performance, along with a wide 120-degree viewing angle, makes the LEDs well-suited for illuminated advertising, backlighting of vending and gaming machines, as well as for office automation, electrical appliances and industrial equipment.

Designers are choosing surface-mount LEDs because of their ease of assembly, compact footprint, and manufacturing flexibility, which combine to reduce overall system development costs. The ASMT-UWB1 surface-mount LEDs are packed in EIA-compliant tape and reels for simplified pick and place assembly. Each reel is shipped from a single intensity and tight color bins following the ANSI C78.377-2008 color binning structure to provide better uniformity.

The LEDs also feature a low forward voltage value, with a maximum of 3.6V. This results in low power consumption for end-applications.

IDEX enters into definitive agreement to acquire CVI

LAKE FOREST, USA: IDEX Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CVI Melles Griot (CVI), from Norwest Equity Partners, a leading middle market equity investment firm.

CVI is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision photonic solutions used in the Life Sciences, Research, Semiconductor, Security and Defense markets. CVI’s innovative products include specialty lasers and light sources, electro-optical components, opto-mechanical assemblies, including aspheric lenses, laser mirrors, interference filters and polarizers. CVI produces critical enabling products for demanding applications such as spectroscopy, cytometry, remote sensing, target designation and interferometry.

Headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with manufacturing sites located on three continents, CVI has annual revenues of approximately $185 million. CVI will operate within IDEX’s Health and Science Technologies segment as a key addition to the optics and photonics platform. With cash consideration of approximately $400 million, CVI is expected to be accretive to IDEX’s earnings within the first full year after acquisition.

Commenting on the acquisition, IDEX Chairman and CEO, Larry Kingsley stated: "We are thrilled with the opportunity to add CVI to IDEX as the cornerstone to our rapidly expanding optics and photonics platform. CVI is a true leader in the field of high precision optical devices, combining leading edge products, top notch design and manufacturing capabilities with a robust management team and distribution channels that are the envy of the industry.

"CVI’s catalogue and website are industry standards utilized by photonics engineers and scientists around the globe when seeking solutions to their most demanding photonics challenges. CVI will now join ATFilms, acquired earlier this year, and Semrock, acquired in 2008 as part of our optics and photonics platform. We look forward to significant collaboration in key areas of product design and production capabilities as we realize strategic selling and operating synergies.

"We believe the CVI Melles Griot group, Semrock and ATFilms have precisely the type of enabling technology which binds them to their customer and aligns well with IDEX’s growth plans and operating model."

Speaking on behalf of CVI and Norwest, CVI’s CEO, Stuart Schoenmann, said: "We are truly excited to see CVI become a part of the IDEX family. IDEX has demonstrated a strong commitment to its Life Sciences business segment and a sustained focus on growing the optics and photonics platform. We are proud to become an integral part of this expansion, and we are very pleased with the opportunity to collaborate with market leaders such as Semrock and ATFilms."

Home performance program makes CFLs available to West Penn power customers

GREENSBURG, USA: West Penn Power, a FirstEnergy company, will begin providing energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and educational materials to its residential customers as part of the company's Home Performance Program.

West Penn Power customers can call (888) 793-6742 or visit www.mycflkit.com to order the package, which contains six CFLs. Customers will need their West Penn Power account number to place their order. The cost of these CFLs, along with the costs of all energy efficiency programs, are recovered through residential rates in accordance with Pennsylvania Act 129 of 2008. No additional costs or handling fees will be charged to customers who order the CFLs.

"We are happy to offer this program to customers of West Penn Power," said David McDonald, Regional President of West Penn Power. "Using CFLs is one of the easiest ways customers can save both energy and money."

CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and can last up to ten times longer, which saves customers up to $40 over the life of the bulb, according to the US government's Energy Star program.

Global solid state lighting systems market likely to reach $53,469.5 million in 2015

USA: ELECTRONICS.CA PUBLICATIONS, the electronics industry market research and knowledge network, announced the availability of a report entitled "Solid State and Other Energy Efficient Lighting Systems Application Market Trends".

The increasing demand for energy-saving and environment-friendly lighting technology is driving the growth of the global solid state and other energy efficient lighting Systems market. The global solid state and other energy efficient lighting systems market is expected to grow from $28,248.7 million in 2010 to $53,469.5 million in 2015, at an estimated CAGR of 9.7 percent from 2010 to 2015.

Amongst all the market segments, compact fluorescent lamps command the largest share in terms of revenues, while Light emitting diode is the second largest market due to the globally increasing demand for energy efficient lightings, which, in turn has arisen due to the shift of the governments’ focus worldwide towards environmental concern to protect the planet from global warming.

While light emitting diode (LED) had contributed 31.2 percent to the global solid state and other energy efficient lighting systems market revenues in 2010, organic light emitting diode market is expected to have the highest CAGR of 44 percent from 2010 to 2015.

Diodes Inc.'s ultra-miniature MOSFETs deliver cooler running than larger packaged devices

PLANO, USA: Diodes Inc. announced a portfolio of high performance MOSFETs packaged in the ultra-miniature DFN1006-3 package. Occupying just 0.6mm2 of PCB area, the package takes less than half the board space of equivalent SOT723 packaged parts and, with a junction to ambient thermal resistance (Rthj-a) of 256 ºC/W, supports a power dissipation of up to 1.3W under continuous conditions, double that of comparable alternatives.

The resulting cooler running and space saving advantages of the MOSFETs coupled with an off-board height of only 0.4mm make them particularly well suited to thin profile portable consumer electronics, including tablet PCs and smart phones. Initially Diodes is offering both n-channel and p-channel devices with breakdown voltage ratings of 20V, 30V and 60V for use in a variety of high reliability load switching, signal switching and boost conversion applications.

The 20V rated DMN2300UFB4 n-channel MOSFET for example displays an Rdson performance of just 150mΩ, more than 50% lower than competing solutions, helping to dramatically reduce conduction losses and power dissipation. Its p-channel companion, the 20V rated DMP21D0UFB4 offers a similar class-leading performance. Electrostatic discharge ratings of these MOSFETs are also high, at 2kV and 3kV, respectively.

Molex delivers range of innovative LED products and solutions

LIGHTFAIR International 2011, LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. continues its commitment to developing groundbreaking lighting solutions for global industry needs. The company’s interconnect expertise is deeply rooted in the data communications, telecom, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive and medical industries.

Innovations in these markets have given Molex the unique opportunity to develop proven lighting solutions for a wide range of applications that address unmet market needs. The company’s Solid-State Lighting LED solutions will be showcased at LIGHTFAIR International, Molex Booth 2155, May 17 to 19, Philadelphia, PA.

“LED technology not only reduces the amount of energy consumed, but it’s rapidly becoming a more reliable, efficient and user-friendly way for meeting lighting needs in a variety of industries and applications,” said Mike Picini, VP, Molex.

“Molex has been able to draw on its unique electrical, lighting, connector, thermal and optical expertise to develop solutions that meet these diverse requirements. From light fixture manufacturers and lighting designers to maintenance and repair operators, we are dedicated to developing the highest quality and safest LED lighting solutions on the market today.”

Several Molex experts will be available at LIGHTFAIR to discuss the following LED solutions:

LED Array Holders
Molex LED array holders are designed to allow light fixture manufacturers to easily create an electrical connection between an LED array and a power source. The unique dual wire trap compression contact powers the arrays while eliminating the need for hand soldering or expensive surface mount technology equipment. This product simplifies the installation process and provides field serviceable benefits when designing and maintaining LED lighting applications.

Versatile Light Module (VLM)
Molex Versatile Light Modules (VLMs) also provide a solderless connection to the LED array and are a completely new approach to linear lighting. The magnetic mounting allows lighting designers to replace, upgrade, remove or rearrange the light source by simply separating the magnetic interface between the puck module and the rail, providing users with flexibility pre- or post-installation.

Helieon Line Voltage Sustainable Light-Module (SLM) Assembly
The Helieon Line Voltage module provides a complete LED lighting solution to fixture manufactures, lighting designers, architects and building owners using AC line voltage power. By eliminating the need for expensive drivers and power supplies in the fixture, the product reduces the amount of components needed, dramatically reducing costs. Additionally, the separate socket and module allows for easy replacements and upgrades.

LED Printed Circuit Assemblies
The LED design, assembly and manufacturing expertise offered by Molex continues to directly address customer requirements for energy efficiency, productivity and ease of use. By combining the company’s LED and Printed Circuit Assembly design and manufacturing expertise, Molex LED Printed Circuit Assemblies are dependable and efficient custom-lighting solutions that work seamlessly for LED subassemblies and computing devices across all industries.

Woodhead Industrial Lighting Products
Molex Woodhead industrial lighting products and solutions offer portable, safe, code-compliant lighting for a variety of customer needs in dry, wet and hazardous locations. In addition to the durable and energy-efficient LED handlamp, the company will be introducing several new LED options in its portable lighting product line including:

Wide Area Lighting: Woodhead offers an extensive range of wide-area lighting products for rugged and harsh applications such as natural gas service utility locations, refineries, shipyards, fuel oil loading docks and petrochemical plants. Molex plans to offer LED versions of both the Wide Area Fluorescent and Wide Area Flood Light.

Hazardous Duty Hand Lamps: Tough and compact, these lamps feature non-sparking aluminum guards, shock-resistant tempered-glass globes and anti-slip metal handles. Molex offers both incandescent and fluorescent lamps and will be introducing an LED version.

LEDinside and EnergyTrend join 5/11 Green Lighting Shanghai to shed light on future development and trend of green buildings with PV and LED apps

TAIWAN: The 2011 Green Lighting Shanghai Expo and Forum, an annual event organized by the China Solid State Lighting Alliance (CSA) and Reed Exhibitions China, will commence on May 11th in Galaxy Hotel Shanghai.

Thematic Session A, sponsored by Delta Electronics, Inc. and co-organized by EnergyTrend and LEDinside, will feature the theme of “Develop a Smart City by Using Energy Storing, Saving and Novel Energy Technologies.” The session, including research analysts of EnergyTrend and LEDinside and world-renowned industry professionals, will shed light on the future industry development and trend of green energy, green building and green technologies.

EnergyTrend: Innovative concepts of solar technology breakthrough
After the opening speech of Dr. C. L. Liu, Arthur Hsu, Solar Industry Research Manager of EnergyTrend, will address innovative concepts of solar technology breakthrough and share his insights. As technologies and the market develop over time, Arthur Hsu sees a subtle change in the global solar industry.

In addition, the development of thin film and other emerging technologies, such as Dye-sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) and High-Concentration Photovoltaic (HCPV), are about to boom. As for the future, the existing industry and market remain the main source of momentum to contribute to the growth of the global solar market. However, an expected growth of the consumer-based market will in turn expand the scale of thin film and DSSC industry. As a result, other solar technologies start to share the spotlight of the global solar market, which used to solely focus on the silicon sector.

J.J. Pan and Partners, Architects and Planners: Prospects of green building apps
In regard to the future residential space, green building will become the trend. At the session, Mitchell Huang, Architects and Planners of J.J. Pan and Partners, will remark on the trend of green building through a series of examples and diagrams. He will also introduce his company’s office in Shanghai, which reserves the imprints left by different time periods.

The office, arranged as a small city to create an interactive space like that between streets and squares, is an embodiment of the trace of time: it adopts materials such as glass, steel, iron and cement to signify the vivid comparison between contemporary and ancient architectural characteristics.

Hanwha SolarOne:　Opportunities for solar system integration in green building apps
So, what are the challenges and prospects brought to the solar industry by the surge in the green building department? Mohan Narayanan, VP of Technology of Hanwha SolarOne, will talk about “Opportunities for Solar System Integration in Green Building Applications.” As the leader of Hanwha Solarone’s production line of innovative technologies, Dr. Narayanan believes that PV system will play a critical role in the development of green building. With the great market prospects and wide distribution channel, a huge success can be attained by a further integration of PV, building and other relevant industries.

Miniwiz: Application of built-in energy storage system in green buildings
Furthermore, what are the market prospects brought by the integration of PV system and green building? Arthur Huang, founder and MD of Miniwiz, will share his thoughts in response to the question. Miniwiz, specializing in designing and developing green energy products and marketing low-carbon products and appealing solutions with a pursuit of convenience, fashion, delicacy and practicality, has launched products such as HYmini Wind Powered Charger and miniSOLAR panel and appurtenances which can be attached to bicycles and arms.

Arthur Huang, focusing on rechargeable products and building solutions, has participated in a number of foreign and domestic green building projects and won many product design awards. One of his works is the FE EcoARK Fashion Hall of the Taipei International Flora Exposition. He boldly incorporated the modern technology into the building design and used 1.5 million plastic bottles as materials. The Hall not only is earthquake-proof, typhoon-proof and eco-friendly but also fully demonstrates the innovation of green building. The professional engineers and architects of Miniwiz are planning to cooperate with the students of Harvard Design School and Harvard Business School in the next three years.

China Architecture Design & Research Group: The Chinese BIPV market and subsidy policy
Afternoon sessions will start with Xiaodong Huang, director of Solar PV & EMC Division of China Architecture Design & Research Group. He will present his analysis of the Chinese PV subsidy policy. He states that in light of the fact that its raw material supply, market and production equipment are mostly located outside China, the Chinese PV industry still depends largely on the foreign demand.

Although BIPV technology in China is still at the development and demonstration phase, considerable growth in applications is in sight. Moreover, he will interpret the significance of a series of acts and plans of the Chinese government, such as “Medium to Long Term Development Plan for Renewable Energy,” “The Development Plan for BIPV Applications and the Golden Sun project” etc.. In addition, he will offer his insights and analysis of China’s BIPV subsidy policies, including 2009, 2010, 2011 BIPV Application Subsidy Policy and 2009, 2010 Golden Sun Project Subsidy Policy, and provide a series of relevant information.

EnergyTrend: New energy storage system in green buildings
Topics regarding energy conservation and green buildings have received an increasing interest from China and as well as all around the world; the high popularity of the Copenhagen Climate Summit at the end of every year is a testament to it. Duff Lu, Battery Industry Research Manager of EnergyTrend, will talk about “New Energy Storage System in Green Buildings”. He believes that in 2011, countries around the world will put more effort into creating new job opportunities related to the green energy industry in hope of decreasing unemployment rate.

Currently, the industrial CO2 emission accounts for 60 percent of the total CO2 emission. Therefore, increasing the energy efficiency of industrial usage will be the first priority. In regard to battery’s significance to green buildings, he indicates that battery holds great relevance as far as the optimization of energy storage, energy efficiency and power system quality and the balance of energy supply and demand are concerned.

LEDinside: Development trend of emerging lighting industry in the new era
Given that lighting is a critical factor in terms of energy conservation, the development trend of lighting plays a crucial role. Roger Chu, Green Energy Division Research Director of LEDinside, has his own unique insights in this regard. He believes, according to the observation of LEDinside, the demand surges in residential lighting and commercial lighting markets contribute to development opportunities for the LED industry.

As for residential lighting market, LED light bulb is still one of the most popular products in Japan, Europe and America. After the publication of Energy Star LED light bulb criteria, the R&D of LED industry has shifted its focus to light quality, and manufacturers have been placing more and more emphasis on the beam angle of LED light bulb. In addition, a lot of enterprises in Asia have increased commercial lighting demand, especially those in Japan, China and Taiwan, where manufacturers prefer directly adopting LED tubes when designing lighting for their new plants. In 2010, Japan Electric Lamp Manufacturers Association published its JEL801:2010 LED tube standards for Japanese enterprises to follow when adopting LED lighting.

Philips Lumileds: Solving the global LED lighting puzzle: Technology and performance for app success
Moreover, the prospects of LED lighting market have been drawing much attention among relevant industries. The expansion of LED lighting market brings manufacturers not only opportunities but also challenges. Sean Zhou, Regional Marketing Director of Philips Lumileds Asia, will talk about “Solving the Global LED Lighting Puzzle: Technology and Performance for Application Success.” He states that LED lighting has been changing the outlook of the fast growing lighting market.

Though more and more manufacturers invest in LED lighting market, they are also facing three major issues in regard to LED lighting applications: light quality, function cost and reliability. He will also give details about LUXEON 's reliability and its solid foundation of link system fits into this bigger industry picture. The shipment of LUXEON Rebel reached one billion units in 2Q10.

Everlight Electronics: The rise of LED lighting market for green buildings
Finally, Allen Lee, director of Everlight Lighting Sales Department, will give in-depth analysis regarding the Rise of LED lighting market for green buildings with diagrams. He believes the gross output value of global lighting market will increase from $61.4 billion in 2008 to $82.5 billion by 2014. Furthermore, countries around the world have enacted policies to restrain the usage of incandescent lamp, which will result in a further expansion of the LED lighting market.

Lee predicts the dynamics of the traditional lighting market and the LED lighting market of the next few years. He predicts that there will be a rapid growth in the LED lighting market in 2014; the incandescent lamp market will plummet remarkably from 2012 to 2014 ; the market of energy saving lamp will expand considerably from 2011 to 2014; and LED light bulb will make its way into households between 2014 and 2015.

Optoelectronics industry heads to higher data rate products

Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition, National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (NFOEC), BOSTON, USA: To coincide with the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition (OFC) and the National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (NFOEC), one of the largest optoelectronics trade shows, component manufacturers released and demonstrated a host of new products in March.

According to Strategy Analytics, this activity underscores the dramatic shift to higher data consumption. The recently published Strategy Analytics GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service (GaAs) viewpoint, “Compound Semiconductor Industry Review March 2011: Optoelectronics, Materials and Equipment,” captures March 2011 product, technology, contract and financial announcements for optoelectronic companies such as AIXTRON, Kopin, Cree, Philips Lumileds, Fujitsu, Spire Corporation and XSunX.

“Consumer and business adoption of data-intensive applications is driving changes in the entire electronics industry,” noted Eric Higham, director of Strategy Analytics' GaAs and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Service. “The optical transport layer is the backbone of this increased demand. The industry is responding with higher data rate capacity.”

Asif Anwar, a director in the Strategy Analytics Strategic Technologies Practice, added, “We are seeing the majority of new optical networking products and components with data capability of at least 40Gbps per second, many at 100Gbps, providing faster processing.”

Cree 231 lumen per watt LED shatters efficacy records

DURHAM, USA: Cree Inc. reported another industry-best efficacy record of 231 lumens per watt for a white power LED. This result is a significant advance beyond Cree’s previous industry record and further demonstrates how Cree’s relentless innovation continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with LED lighting.

Cree reports that the LED efficacy was measured at 231 lumens per watt using a single-die component at a correlated color temperature of 4500 K. Standard room temperature 350 mA testing was used to achieve the results.

“It wasn’t long ago when 200 lumens per watt was considered the theoretical maximum efficiency for a lighting-class LED. We broke that barrier in 2010, and have now achieved 231 lumens per watt,” said John Edmond, Cree co-founder and director of advanced optoelectronics. “The innovation from our labs is the foundation for our industry-leading XLamp LED family and an invention that continues our leadership of the LED lighting revolution.”

This R&D result features advanced aspects of the same technology used in Cree XLamp white LEDs. Cree believes higher-performance LEDs can enable new LED-based applications and drive down the solution cost of current LED-based designs.

While this level of performance is not yet available in Cree’s production LEDs, Cree continues to lead the industry with the broadest family of high-performance LEDs.

CamSemi moves into LED lighting with new driver ICs

UK: CamSemi has announced the launch of the C3120 family of LED driver ICs and its intention to become a major player in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the lighting market.

The new family has been specifically designed to drive an advanced boost/flyback topology to deliver the three essential performance requirements for volume LED applications: ‘best in class’ current regulation, high efficiency and power factor correction.

The three new driver ICs target 4, 8 and 12 W designs making them ideal for a wide range of emerging solid-state lighting products: from replacements for halogen spotlights used in retail displays and incandescent lamps for domestic/residential use to fluorescent tubes for commercial and industrial applications.

The C3120 family has been designed to help LED lighting manufacturers fully exploit the cost advantages of bipolar transistors when developing high efficiency, simpler and more costeffective solutions. The boost/flyback topology coupled with quasi-resonant switching and innovative power-saving techniques help to deliver efficiencies greater than 80 percent and offer power factors greater than 0.9 to easily meet emerging regulatory requirements.

The new devices also make use of CamSemi’s novel primary side sensing (PSS) technology - already widely used in today’s top specification mobile phone chargers - to eliminate optocouplers and other components. This approach saves BOM costs while also providing an isolated solution for new mains-powered lighting products.

“CamSemi is already a global leader in the development and supply of power management ICs for more energy-efficient, low cost power supplies and plans to mirror that success in the solid-state lighting sector. The new C3120 controllers offer tight tolerance constant current operation for excellent LED control plus a high degree of configurability allowing lighting designers for the first time to target a wide range of applications at minimum cost,” said David Baillie, CEO of CamSemi.

The C3120 family also helps maximise end product safety with advanced features such as protection against over-temperature and output overvoltage to guard against a LED failure. Output short-circuit protection has also been incorporated to further simplify designs and reduce system costs.

C3121, C3122 and C3123 are rated at 4, 8 and 12 W respectively, packaged in SOT23-6 and samples are available now.

CDIL announces LED product range for Indian market

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Continental Device India Ltd (CDIL), pioneers of manufacturing silicon semiconductor devices in India since 1964, launched its LED Product Division to extend the Indian lighting market.

CDIL LED Products demonstrate its commitment to promote advancement in next-generation lighting, and to lead the way in establishing LEDs as energy-efficient, cost-saving lighting that address the needs of energy management solutions.

"Many countries have stopped usage of incandescent lamps due to low power factor. Very soon there may be a regulation on CFL usage due to disposal hazards. With shortage of power availability in India, there should be State initiatives to drive the Street lights and all other commercial lighting into LED Lighting - even if it involves subsidizing the manufacturers for initial few years. This subsidy would still be less than the money required to generate additional power." explains Pankaj Gulati, executive VP and COO, CDIL.

CDIL product line in India features an extensive LED Tube Light line, a high-efficiency LED Street Light line along with LED Bulbs and Solar Home Lighting Products. The LED Tube Light line includes the usage of SMD as well as DIP technology, which uses G13 sockets and fits into the existing FTL fitting. The usage of choke and starter shall be eliminated completely.

The LED tube light consumes almost 50 percent less energy as compared to normal fluorescent tube light with 3-5 times more life. The large industrial companies, where tube lights are continuously running are moving towards LED tube lights resulting in a direct energy cost reduction. The hesitancy to change immediately is on account of higher cost of LED tube lights, which is expected to come down as the volume increases.

Design and Development capabilities nurtured at CDIL have resulted in truly world class products. Development of various LED Display board has also led to increase in the sales of CDIL LED Division. "LED Lighting has its share of challenges as it is more expensive compared to standard lamps and CFLs. How deep it penetrates is largely dependent on how affordable we make the LED product. This involves reorientation of standard processes and design to enable integrate optics, driver electronics and thermal dissipation all to be integrated into an affordable LED lighting products," adds Gulati.

CDIL LED lighting products offer a number of advantages over traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting, including a longer product life. CDIL LED light operates for no less than 50,000 hours, which reduces power consumption and CO2 emissions. Additionally, CDIL products contain no toxic mercury substances such as those found in compact fluorescent bulbs.

CDIL products offer the following features:

* high-energy efficiencies,
* long life and high reliability,
* high-color rendering,
* mercury free,
* low UV/IR radiation, and
* conforms to CE standards.

CDIL further plans to offer various solar based street lights and designer concept lights in the coming quarter to the Indian lighting Market.

"The segment of industrial lights is also new to the LED industry with its contribution being 1/10th of the LED market. However, the growth witnessed by this segment is about 20 per cent," informs Ravinder Gulati, deputy GM, LED division, Continental Device India Ltd (CDIL).