Ethertronics’ double shot molding technology shrinks smartphone and tablet antenna volumes by 15 percent

SAN DIEGO, USA: Ethertronics, a leading technology company enabling innovative antenna and RF solutions to deliver the best connected experience, today announced Ethertronics Double Shot Molding technology. This advanced manufacturing technique enables device OEMs to leverage the trend toward ultra-thin smartphones and tablets by minimizing the amount of space required for antennas.

Conventional double-shot manufacturing techniques produce antennas that are 1 mm thick. Ethertronics’ Double Shot Molding technology reduces the antenna’s thickness to 0.8 mm, freeing up space for more components in the mechanical stack-up – all with no performance tradeoffs and at a cost comparable to conventional manufacturing techniques. This equates to a volume reduction of 15 percent in a conventional form factor for the antenna’s space.

Ethertronics’ Double Shot Molding solution also allows complex 3D antenna designs, including radius curvatures, to maximize the limited amount of space available inside today’s increasingly slender smartphones and tablets. This flexibility enables OEMs to create innovative form factors that stand out in the marketplace without compromising performance.

“Our advanced Double Shot Molding technology gives device OEMs a convenient, cost-effective way to meet operator and customer demands for compact, high-performance tablets and smartphones,” said Sung Ki Jung, VP of advanced mobile technology and GM of Korea at Ethertronics. “No other commercial manufacturing technique provides Double Shot Molding’s combination of cost, performance, and design flexibility. This technology is the latest example of how Ethertronics gives OEMs the solutions they need to stay competitive.”

Ethertronics’ double shot molding technology is more than just a manufacturing breakthrough. This technique is the next step in Ethertronics’ evolution to an active antenna and RF system company by enabling the integration of more components within the volume of the antenna – offering greater flexibility in terms of vertical integration.

Antennas utilizing Ethertronics’ Double Shot Molding technique are immediately available to OEMs, with commercial wireless devices expected to hit the market in the first half of 2012.

Cree intros industry’s most comprehensive LED luminaire test

DURHAM, USA: LED lighting leader Cree Inc. announced the addition of TEMPO 24 to its comprehensive suite of Cree Services for LED luminaires. The new TEMPO (Thermal Electrical Mechanical Photometric Optical) 24 service combines IES LM-79-08 photometric testing with an extensive set of LED performance tests that surpasses all industry testing parameters and can help ensure total system design and quality.

The Cree Durham Technology Center has been accredited by The National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) and furthers Cree’s commitment to helping LED manufacturers overcome design challenges and bring quality products to market faster.

“LM-79 is a necessary test and has become a requirement for doing business in the Solid State Lighting market,” said Mark McClear, director of global applications engineering, Cree. “TEMPO 24 includes a fully accredited LM-79 test, but goes well beyond this or any currently existing standards. Cree has identified through our years of SSL experience nearly a dozen other potential problem sources of LED luminaire design. Our goal is the same as our customers – and their customers as well – quality SSL products that save energy. TEMPO 24 helps ensure this and gives customers the information they need to design and specify an SSL product with confidence.”

“In my experience, if I had to select a single document that’s had the greatest impact in selling LED light sources to customers, it would be the Cree TEMPO report,” said Pierre van Helden, CEO, LED Lighting SA. “The service provided an independent and thorough review for our products and the results give us the confidence to sell our products with passion—giving our customers the assurance that our products are being designed and produced to the highest international standards.”

TEMPO 24 provides LED luminaire tests that are not offered by any other third-party testing facility. In addition to LM-79 testing which is an approved method for taking electrical and photometric measurements, TEMPO 24 testing includes binning and color point evaluation, chemical compatibility and TM-21 lifetime projection. TEMPO 24 examines all aspects of an LED design and provides customers a true assessment of luminaire performance that can be used to promote and distinguish their product. Every TEMPO service delivers an accurate, easy-to-understand TEMPO report that includes all testing results and relevant performance data.

Cree’s Durham Technology Center NVLAP accreditation (NVLAP lab code 500070-0) ensures that TEMPO measurements are performed according to the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) approved method for the electrical and photometric measurements of LED lighting – delivering lighting manufacturers consistent, accurate and repeatable measurements for luminaires. NVLAP accreditation signifies that a laboratory has demonstrated it operates in accordance with NVLAP management and technical requirements pertaining to quality systems, personnel, accommodation and environment, test and calibration methods, equipment, measurement tractability, sampling, handling of tests and calibration items, and test and calibration reports.

Cree laboratories also work to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requirements.

Molex's SolarSpec panel-mount DC connectors and terminals fully certified

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc.'s SolarSpec panel-mount DC connectors are now fully certified to applicable IEC standards and endorsed by the TUV and UL approval agencies. The SolarSpec panel-mount DC connectors, with an internal locking and touch-proof design for superior safety, feature a retention nut mechanism for simple assembly to the panel and provide a secure and reliable cable connection for internal inverter wiring. Production volumes of the panel mount connector are now available from Molex and its distribution channels.

“The panel-mount DC Connector for solar inverters complements the SolarSpec portfolio, which now includes a junction box for silicon photovoltaic panels, crimp terminal DC connectors for direct attachment to solar junction boxes, field installations and photovoltaic grid wiring and DC cable assemblies,” says Peter Commane, product manager, Molex. “In-house design and manufacture of SolarSpec components ensure high quality levels and reliability—at a competitive price. Customers also benefit from exclusive value-added design features.”

The IEC, NEC 2008 (690.33) and NFPA 70 US code-compliant SolarSpec solution offers an innovative interlocking mechanism that protects against accidental and unauthorized decoupling of the connector during field application and provides for reliable connection and safe handling. Offering exceptional efficiency, the contact resistance of the SolarSpec panel-mount DC Connector remains below 0.5 milliohms.

The connector can handle as much as 30.0A and accommodates 2.50mm2 and 4.00 to 6.00mm2 (14 AWG and 12 to 10 AWG) cable to meet a wide range of customer requirements. Polarized panel cut-outs help prevent rotation of the connectors and ensure no cross-assembly of male and female connectors when applied to the bulkhead panel.

Rugged SolarSpec panel-mount DC Connectors are IP67-sealed to protect against the ingress of dust and water. The housing body is resistant to UV and ozone damage. The touch-proof safety design protects installers and maintenance engineers from electrical current even during mating and decoupling operations. The connectors feature exclusive molded surface ribs to allow secure gripping, especially while wearing work gloves.

For ease of assembly, a simple nut mechanism on the SolarSpec panel-mount DC Connector is tightened using a standard wrench to secure it onto the bulkhead of the inverter panel. For additional security, a Molex field service tool is required to disengage the latch when unplugging. Another attractive feature is that the same Molex application tooling is suitable for both the panel mount and standard DC crimp terminals. This includes the hand crimp tool and the Mini-Mac bench applicator.

UV LED market 2012 survey

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "UV LED Market 2012" report to its offering.

Curing application fuels the UV LED market with an increasing number of chip suppliers in Asia and the emergence of Chinese players. UV LEDs should represent -28 percent of the total UV lamp market by 2016.

Thanks to its compactness, lower cost of ownership and environmental friendly composition, UV LEDs continue replacing traditional UV lamps in incumbent applications, but will also create new applications, especially portable ones.

Hence, UV LED business is expected to grow from $32.5 million in 2011 to more than $150 million in 2016: within this period, UV LED market will grow by a factor x5 whereas the traditional UV lamps market will only grow by a factor x1.5.

UVA (400-315nm) business is currently the main UV LED market and will remain so for at least the next five years:
- -90 percent of the market (M$) in 2010.
- -85 percent of the market (M$) in 2016.

The report details market metrics of traditional UV lamps and UV LEDs market within the period 2011-2016, presenting: the split by application for each technology (volume and market size), the penetration rate of UV LEDs.

The booming UV LED market has attracted several new players from different backgrounds over the past years: traditional mercury lamp supplier, traditional UV curing systems suppliers, pure UV LED curing system suppliers, visible LED suppliers, substrate suppliers Each player addressing different strategy to capture the maximum of value created by this disruptive technology.

At the device level, Asian companies, especially Japanese and Taiwanese ones, have taken the lead on the UV LED market but recently, some Chinese companies have also entered the playground: this should increase competition, reduce prices and enable mass applications at middle/long term.

Beyond that, as for visible LEDs few years ago, the value chain is consolidating with the arrival of pure players at the packaging and system level mainly, allowing:
- To increase performance of UV LEDs with specific package developments.
- To easier technological transition with traditional UV system manufacturers.

The report shows the UV LED industry: the main players and associated strategies/ business models, the industrial value and supply chains in 2011 for UVA/B and UVC, the revenues and market shares of key players.

Key applications for UVA are UV curing, counterfeit detection and photocatalyst air purifier. Among those, the most dynamic and important market is clearly the UV curing business where UV LEDs definitely compete with traditional mercury lamps and offer significant advantages in terms of cost of ownership, system miniaturization:

- Two professional associations dedicated to UV LED curing have been formed in 2012, showing the robustness and the credibility of the UV LED technology.
- Recent improvements have greatly increased the power output available at window surface of UV LEDs to 16W/cm in 2011.

The report details all UVA applications (with a deep analysis of UV curing), presenting: UV working principle, market structure, UV LEDs market drivers/challenges and characteristics required, Total Accessible Market (TAM) for UV LEDs.

Water and air purification are the potential next high volume applications for UVC LEDs. And, in 2011, the UVC LED industry achieved a new milestone of structuration:
- Crystal IS has been acquired by Asahi Kasei (large Japanese group).
- Dot Metrics, the first pure UV LED water purification company, announced they (in partnership with Aquionics) will launch a first commercial product in 2012.
- SETi announced the increase of its production capacity by a factor x6 with $20 million investment.

The report details all UVC applications (with a deep analysis of purification), presenting: UV working principle, market structure, UV LEDs market drivers/challenges and characteristics required, time to market & Total Accessible Market (TAM) for UV LEDs

Several players are also targeting to commercialize two bulk AlN wafers by the end 2012. Therefore, the time to market for UVC applications based on bulk AlN would probably be in 2013-2015. However, as no research have clearly demonstrated the effect of bulk AlN substrate on UV LEDs performance, future commercial success of such substrate for UVC purification applications is still under debate.

The report details UV LED roadmap, presenting: performance and price roadmap, main specifications to enable UVC applications Substrate industry is also analyzed: competition AlN template vs. bulk AlN, key companies.

SEFE provides overview of electrostatic motor

BOULDER, USA: SEFE Inc., a technology- and solutions-driven sustainability company, has provided an outline of its electrostatic motor and how this component fits into the design of the company’s flagship Harmony III product.

In layman’s terms, the motor is designed to operate as a generator when supplied with a high voltage-low current power source. SEFE’s lead engineer, Mike Hurowitz, said, “Our team’s ongoing task is threefold: continued research into the science behind our technology; the development and testing of the various components of Harmony; as well as the protection of these developments as they relate to the product that we are building and the space as a whole.”

As to the motor’s role in the overall system, he continued: “This motor will be a key piece of the electrical generation hardware for SEFE's Harmony III system. It will work in tandem with our patented dynamic electrical converter to produce usable AC power directly for immediate consumption, or grid integration. The system can also be buffered with a storage medium.”

Simple battery management could save commercial vehicle businesses thousands every year

LONDON, UK: For commercial vehicle operators, breakdowns aren’t just an inconvenience because of the repair costs, they also have a knock on effect that can to lead to missed delivery slots and even greater expenses. However, many breakdowns could be avoided with simple battery management, according to CTEK, a leading global brand in vehicle battery protection and maintenance.

24V batteries work in two 12V pairs so careful management is particularly important in the CV arena and, if one battery has a different charge level to the other, it can easy, and quickly result in the entire unit needing to be prematurely replaced. By adopting a simple battery management routine using battery testing and a CTEK smart battery charger, these costs, and risks, can be significantly reduced.

Testing has often reveals that batteries require varying degrees of attention but mainly recharging. A fully charged 24V battery will have a voltage of 25.4V but, if this level drops below 24.8V, a process called sulphation will begin to occur, resulting in a drop of the battery’s performance.

The unique CTEK system, however, quickly and safely deals with the problems that reduce battery life and cause failure – sulphation and stratification - safely and at the touch of a button. CTEK’s dedicated charging programme (or algorithm) goes to work automatically, detecting battery issues and dealing with them systematically to restore power, condition and, at the same time, avoid fluid loss – a major problems with sealed batteries.

Jan-ulf Soderberg, head of Brand and Marketing at CTEK, commented: “The process of effective battery management has been made even more important following the introduction of stringent emissions regulations. Now, CV’s perform more starts per 1000 miles and ‘engine off’ electrical system power consumption has also increased – both placing additional strain on the battery.”

With the technology available from CTEK, battery maintenance can become a regular service routine without causing disruption to other maintenance activities, and the benefits in vehicle reliability and cost saving mean that investing in the right equipment will give a return on investment within weeks. However, in the CV sphere a 12V battery charger very often would not be powerful enough the complete the job effectively so, ensure that a 24V charger is used.

Agilent to acquire Centellax’s test and measurement business

SANTA CLARA & SANTA ROSA, USA: Agilent Technologies Inc. and Centellax announced they have signed a definitive agreement for Agilent to acquire the assets of Centellax’s test and measurement business. Centellax, a privately held company, designs and manufactures key technology and products such as bit-error ratio testers and signal generators used for testing high-speed digital communication systems and components.

The acquisition, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed in about two weeks. Financial details were not disclosed. Centellax has established itself as a recognized supplier of test products for high-speed communications. Agilent is the market leader in the characterization of high-speed digital interfaces.

The acquisition will help Centellax’s and Agilent’s customers to obtain comprehensive insight into their high-speed devices with a full spectrum of test solutions. Centellax’s test and measurement business augments Agilent’s current position and ongoing investments to cover all requirements in digital I/O and optical transceiver test from deep characterization in R&D to cost-effective test in manufacturing up to 32G and beyond.

“We are very excited about combining the strengths of both companies in the BERT application space,” said Juergen Beck, Agilent GM, Digital and Photonic Test Division. “Adding Centellax’s products and technology enables us to address the complete life cycle needs of our customers and underlines our commitment to this industry.”

“We are very pleased by the opportunity this transaction represents for Centellax T&M’s customers and employees,” said Julio Perdomo, Centellax CEO. “We are proud of the team and the product line we have designed, built and brought to market. Looking into the future, I am confident that under Agilent’s leadership this business unit will thrive.”

Centellax’s test portfolio includes bit-error ratio testers, pattern generators, clock synthesizers, signal-integrity studio software, and test accessories. Centellax’s component business is not part of this transaction.

Philips Lumileds' LUXEON R lowers outdoor lighting system costs, improves efficacy

SAN JOSE, USA: Philips Lumileds has launched LUXEON R, designed for outdoor and industrial lighting applications such as streetlights, high-bay lights, wall packs and bollards.

LUXEON R is an Illumination Grade LED, and therefore is Hot Tested and Specified so that its performance at operating conditions is well understood. In addition, the LUXEON R offers Freedom From Binning to ensure uniformity from solution to solution. LUXEON R is footprint compatible with LUXEON Rebel and LUXEON Rebel ES, while delivering more light output, higher efficacy and better quality of light.

With a minimum color rendering index (CRI) of 70, LUXEON R meets the most stringent standards required by municipalities, utilities, and property owners today.

“LUXEON R represents the continued evolution of our industry-leading chip, phosphor, and packaging technologies”, said Rahul Bammi, VP of Marketing at Philips Lumileds. “For our customers and ultimate end-users, our innovations are lowering the cost of providing ever improving lighting in parking lots and roadways.”

LUXEON R has already been implemented in Lumec’s SoleCity, a uniquely modern family of outdoor lighting solutions that blends uniformity in design and optimum style with the performance and energy efficiency of LED technology.

EB intros scalable radio channel emulator with highest emulation capacity

OULU, FINLAND: EB (Elektrobit Corporation NASDAQ-OMX: EBC1V,) introduced the EB Propsim F32 radio channel emulator for testing the performance of wireless networks, base stations, terminals and chipsets utilizing multi-antenna and multi-radio technologies.

EB Propsim F32 – with 32 RF channels and 128 fading channels – is an easy solution for testing complex technologies such as 3G/4G, LTE, LTE-Advanced and beyond. It is a scalable test solution with up to eight times the traditional emulator testing capacity in a single box – hence being the first radio channel emulator that can truly test the performance of an entire 4G LTE network in a laboratory. The EB Propsim F32 expands EB's patented radio channel emulator product portfolio that is used globally by all major wireless players.

The consumer demand for better, smarter, and faster devices has necessitated the use of new technologies in order to increase the throughput for user applications. In order to ensure the reliable functionality of 4G LTE products, it is essential to accurately capture its veritable performance during R&D phase.

EB Propsim radio channel emulators are designed to replicate wireless environments such as fading, noise and spatial channel conditions. The radio channel emulator isolates the performance issues of a developed product in all phases of R&D and therefore shortens the product development cycle, which provides cost savings down the wireless ecosystem.

"4G LTE creates design and test challenges with adoption of new technologies such as MIMO and beam forming. With this in mind, we have designed EB Propsim F32 to support our customers to conduct cost-effective LTE testing," said Janne Kolu, VP, test tools at EB. "There is a remarkable gap between lab testing and field testing. Often the test results in the lab are good but the actual product performs badly in real field conditions. Our mission is to bridge this gap by bringing the most technically advanced test methods available to everyone working with LTE. EB Propsim F32 helps our customers to design better products and cuts the time-to-market significantly."

Features of the EB Propsim F32
* The most powerful testing product with the highest emulation capacity in the market.
* Scalable number of RF channels from eight to 32.
* Provides a cost effective, low cost-per-channel.
* New setup-wizard and 24/7 automated testing provides ease of use.
* State of the art channel models and minimized test cabling provides the most accurate testing on the market.

ZMDI launches world’s smallest intelligent battery sensor ic for automotive, industrial and medical markets

DRESDEN, GERMANY: ZMD AG has announced the ZSSC1856. As a global supplier of analog and mixed-signal solutions for automotive, industrial, medical, information technology and consumer applications, ZMDI introduced the first member of a new battery power management product line.

The ZSSC1856 features two high-precision 18-bit Sigma/Delta ADCs with an on-chip voltage reference. Designed for ultra-low power consumption, the ZSSC1856 uses less than 100μA in Sleep Mode and comes in a PQFN32 5mm x 5mm package only 0.85mm high.

“ZMDI’s goal is to enable our customers to deliver systems that address the demand for energy,” says Frank Schulze, ZMDI. “The ZSSC1856 intelligent battery sensor effectively offers automotive, industrial and medical customers a smaller, high-resolution and low-current alternative to present battery power management offerings.”

Originally designed for automotive applications such as start/stop systems, the ZSSC1856 lends itself perfectly to industrial and medical systems that require precise battery state-of-health (SOH), state-of-charge (SOC) or state-of-function (SOF) monitoring, such as emergency lighting, uninterruptable power supplies, hospital equipment and alarm systems.

The ZSSC1856 is a dual-channel ADC with an embedded microcontroller. One of the two input channels measures the battery current IBAT via the voltage drop at the external shunt resistor. The second channel measures the battery voltage VBAT and the temperature. An integrated flash memory is provided for customer-specific software. The device communication interface supports LIN 1.3, 2.0 and 2.1 specifications. The ZSSC1856 is AEC-Q100 qualified and specified for temperatures from -40°C to +125°C.

This product is priced at 4,06 EUR (5.48 USD) for 1k pieces and evaluation kits, application notes and samples are available.

* Smallest footprint in the industry: PQFN32 5mm x 5mm package.
* Lowest power consumption without sacrificing performance: During Sleep Mode (e.g., engine off), the system makes periodic measurements to monitor the discharge of the battery. Measurement cycles are software-controlled and include various wake-up conditions. The ZSSC1856 is optimized for ultra-low power consumption and draws only 100μA or less in this mode.
* 18-bit resolution for higher accuracy.

GigOptix ramps production of 40G and 100G bundled solutions

SAN JOSE, USA: GigOptix Inc., a leading fabless supplier of semiconductor and optical components that enable high-speed information streaming, announced the availability of its 40G and 100G bundled solutions to simplify product evaluation and enable faster time to market for customers.

GigOptix’s Bundled Solutions feature a next generation Thin Film Polymer on Silicon (TFPSTM) Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM), the corresponding MZM drivers, Transimpedance Amplifiers (TIA) and their respective bias boards for a number of popular 40G and 100G modulation formats.

GigOptix offers the:
* GLX4220, a 40G DQPSK solution comprised of: one LX8220 TFPS MZM, one GX62255 MZM driver, and one GX3222B TIA.
* GLX4320, a 40G RZ-DQPSK solution comprised of: one LX8230 TFPS MZM, one GX62255 MZM driver, one GX6255 clock driver and one GX3222B TIA.
* GLX1420, a 100G DP-QPSK solution comprised of: one LX8240 TFPS MZM, two GX62255 MZM drivers, and two GX3222B TIA.

GigOptix’s Bundled Solutions come fully tested for component interoperability and with reference designs to ensure quick turn on and ease of use and address the 40G and emerging 100G components market while providing the building blocks for future 400G communication systems.

“GigOptix is uniquely positioned amongst optical subcomponent vendors in that we provide the majority of the high speed optical-electronic interface devices such as drivers, TIAs and modulators,” stated Andrea Betti-Berutto, CTO at GigOptix.

“This not only provides us with an in-depth appreciation of our customers’ system level challenges but also enables us to optimize the design and features of our TIAs, drivers and modulators to improve performance and power efficiency as well as reduce customers’ R&D costs and development cycles by providing complete validated bundles for customers to utilize in their designs.

“The existing optical subcomponent ecosystem requires customers to source their MZM, driver and TIAs from three different vendors before beginning work on making the devices interoperate in a design. The GLX bundled solutions are an innovative approach to fast tracking this design effort and positions GigOptix well to lead in the increasing integration of optical-electronic functionality in optical telecommunications.”

Concord Keystone offers bejeweled iPhone cases for Mother's Day

SUNRISE, USA: Concord Keystone, a leading retailer of iPhone cases, battery charging units and smart phone accessories, has added a new line of Lustro Swarovski crystal iPhone 4S/4 cases to its fashionable iPhone accessories line.

The crystal embellished iPhone cases appeal to women who seek style and luxury in their iPhone cases. The cases have been selling briskly for Mother's Day, and the recent trend of purchasing affordable luxuries is expected to continue.

Urs Stampfli, CEO of Concord Keystone, said: "As a retailer of iPhone accessories, we constantly seek products that appeal to our female customers. So often, iPhone cases are designed to be strictly utilitarian. The certified Swarovski crystal iPhone cases offer the same tough protection as our other cases, but with a touch of glamour, and our customers have reacted positively to this small luxury at an affordable price."

The new collection includes three designs, LOVING HEARTS, a sweet interlocking heart design with touches of pink crystals; PASSION, featuring diagonal lines of pink and clear crystal with a centered floral bouquet; and ZIGZAG, a bold graphic in multi-colors of bright crystal. Each pattern is available with either a black or white background.

Mitsubishi Electric develops 14GHz power amplifier with world’s highest output power for satellite communications

TOKYO, JAPAN: Mitsubishi Electric Corp. has developed a prototype gallium nitride high-electron mobility transistor (GaN HEMT) amplifier with a world-leading (as of April 25, 2012) 100W output power for Ku-band (14GHz) satellite communications. The amplifier is expected to contribute to smaller and lighter transmitters for terrestrial stations used in satellite communications.

Mitsubishi Electric’s high-output GaN HEMT amplifier features a downsized configuration and a low-loss circuit. Output power is double that of the company’s existing GaN HEMT amplifier and quadruple that of Mitsubishi Electric’s GaAs amplifier. The new amplifier’s ability to perform the tasks of four conventional units represents an important contribution to downsize transmitters to one sixth the size of a GaAs amplifier.

Vital satellite communications require robust systems that must work under adverse conditions, such as during natural disasters. High-power output is required for radio transmission from terrestrial stations to satellites in geostationary orbit 36,000 km above sea level. Also, terrestrial stations must be small enough to be transported by vehicles and installed.

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) amplifiers have been used commonly for satellite communication transmitters, but gallium nitride (GaN) amplifiers have become increasingly popular recently because GaN transistors can handle very high voltage.

Mitsubishi Electric began to ship samples of C-band 100W GaN HEMT power amplifiers for satellite communications in 2011.

Carnegie Mellon researchers examine economic feasibility of using DC circuits to power lights in commercial buildings

PITTSBURGH, USA: For more than a century, electric power has been produced and distributed using alternating current (AC) technology championed by George Westinghouse and Nikola Tesla.

Carnegie Mellon University researchers report that a competing direct current (DC) electrical power system, pioneered by Thomas A. Edison in the 1880s, may be the most economic way to power lights in commercial buildings, especially in buildings using solar photovoltaics (PV).

In a paper published in Energy Policy, CMU's Brinda Thomas, Ines L. Azevedo and M. Granger Morgan examined the economic feasibility of using dedicated DC circuits to operate lighting in commercial buildings. They considered several lighting technologies and scenarios where the electricity used to power lighting devices in a 48,000-square-foot building came from either a central DC power supply or traditional AC grid electricity.

"We found that if you used DC instead of AC and your building has fluorescent light, the cost is basically the same or slightly higher with DC," said Azevedo, executive director of CMU's Climate and Energy-Decision Making Center and an assistant professor in the Engineering and Public Policy Department (EPP).

But if light emitting diodes (LEDs) were installed instead of fluorescent lamps, CMU researchers found a savings of $24,000 per year using DC instead of AC. If the LEDs were powered with solar PV power augmented with grid electricity, even bigger savings of $5,000 per year could be gained by using DC instead of AC.

And as the cost of LEDs decreases, the savings from transitioning to DC coupled with light emitting diodes will increase, according to CMU researchers. By 2015, projections from the Department of Energy show use of LEDs in a 48,000-square-foot commercial building could see cost savings of $10,000 per year compared to fluorescent lamps. The researchers found that decreasing the capital and operating costs of using LEDs, especially when used with solar PV, are key factors to make a dedicated DC strategy worth considering.

"However, our research shows that current DC wiring still has higher installation charges because it is a relatively new technology," said Thomas, a Ph.D. student in CMU's Engineering and Public Policy Department from Pittsburgh, Pa.

Morgan, CMU University professor and head of EPP, also pointed out that further work is needed to better understand potential safety risks with DC distribution and to remove design, installation, permitting and regulatory barriers.

Intercon 1 intros MIL-DTL-38999 circular connector option for Intercon 1 Camera Link cable assemblies

WAYZATA, USA: The Intercon 1 division of Nortech Systems Inc., a global leader in the supply and manufacturing of machine vision digital and analog video cable and cable assemblies based in the United States, introduces its MIL-DTL-38999 circular connector option for Intercon’s Camera Link cable assembly product line.

Intercon 1’s new MIL-DTL-38999 connector option provides a rugged bulkhead connection for severe environmental applications. The integration of a 38999 connector into a Camera Link cable assembly allows for the isolation of the camera from the computer, providing protection from harmful elements such as vibration, moisture, salt spray, sand or extreme temperatures.

The MIL-DTL-38999 connector has long been a reliable connector solution for the U.S. military. The integration of the 38999 connector into an Intercon 1 Camera Link cable assembly provides unsurpassed quality and dependability in the most severe environmental applications. 38999-fitted Intercon 1 Camera Link cable assemblies can be found in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), environmental isolation chambers, and where a hermetic seal is required to prevent moisture or gases from wicking through the cable assembly. Multi-position connectors allow for several camera cables to pass through the same bulkhead connection.

OEM Group delivers multi-tool order to leading global LED supplier

PHOENIX, USA: Global semiconductor capital equipment manufacturer OEM Group shipped the first systems of a multi-tool order to a major LED manufacturing innovator earlier this month.

The order included surface preparation tools ― Spray Ozone Tool (SOT) and Spray Acid Tool (SAT) ― from OEM Group's Cintillio product line, acquired from Applied Materials-Semitool in May 2011. Available initially only in Europe, the versatile wet-chemical processing tool set has now been introduced throughout Asia and the Americas by OEM Group.

"Cintillio's innovative and proprietary Enhanced Spray Technology — featuring up to six rows of nozzles — ensures high throughput and reliable wafer surface wetting with chemical mixtures," said OEM Group CTO, Christian Forgey. "Cintillio breaks technological ground in 25/50-wafer batch process by offering a common platform for solvent, acid and ozone applications. And with the smallest cabinet footprint (1.78m2) among similar equipment, SAT/SOT saves fab-floor real estate while its convenient side access makes routine maintenance checks both safe and user friendly."

SOT's HydroOzone post-ash clean was recognized with the Sustainable Technologies Award at SEMICON West 2009 for its ability to:
* Eliminate thousands of gallons of sulphuric acid and hydrogen peroxide.
* Reduce deionized water consumption by 84 percent.
* Reduce cycle time.
* Reduce defects.
* Increase yield.

OEM Group's customer ― a leader and international supplier of light-emitting diodes for display, backlighting, automotive and general lighting applications ― said they selected Cintillio SAT and SOT "because of the systems' flexibility to handle both resist strip as well as organic cleaning after etching," Forgey added. The systems will support the LED manufacturer's 150mm production efforts.

OEM Group CEO, Wayne Jeveli, said: "Like so many chip makers we've talked with since we acquired the Cintillio portfolio last May, our LED customer was particularly impressed by the cost-effective high throughout potential of SAT and SOT. Because of Cintillio's semi-automated batch-system capabilities, numerous wafer lots may be processed simultaneously. And that saves fabs time and money."

The Cintillio line also includes the single- and dual-chamber Spray Solvent Tool (SST) with one, two or three chemical system configurations that accommodate most solvent-based process applications.

Cintillio is the 11th product line addition to OEM Group's LEGENDS portfolio, which was launched at SEMICON West in 2008.

"Since our debut, LEGENDS systems have steadily expanded their reputation as field-proven and game-changing for both established semiconductor markets and emerging-technology innovators," Jeveli said. "The spray system manufacturing expertise we gained through last year's (Applied Materials/Semitool) acquisition bolstered LEGENDS' value proposition by adding cutting-edge and proven dry-in/dry-out wet chemical process technology that optimizes our customers' processing times and return on investment."

LeCroy announces world's fastest real-time oscilloscope with 65 GHz bandwidth

CHESTNUT RIDGE, USA: LeCroy Corp. announced the extension of the LabMaster 10 Zi product line to 65 GHz from a previously announced 60 GHz, and unveils a roadmap to provide 100 GHz of real-time bandwidth in the LabMaster 10 Zi platform. The improvement to 65 GHz is made possible by outstanding results achieved with 8HP SiGe chipsets, which are performing beyond expectations.

The world's first 100 GHz real-time oscilloscope using LeCroy's patented Digital Bandwidth Interleave (DBI) technology will be available in calendar year 2013. This technology is used in LeCroy's current product lines to achieve 45 GHz real-time bandwidth, and has been supplied to customers since 2010.

LeCroy's silicon bandwidth advantage is due to years of accumulated experience with widely adopted, mainstream, commercial SiGe processes. LeCroy uses 8HP SiGe, the most recently available process, to obtain 36 GHz on four channels. LeCroy's 65 GHz model and 100 GHz plans are implemented with LeCroy's patented and proven technology path, DBI.

Furthermore, LeCroy's proprietary ChannelSync architecture in the LabMaster 10 Zi oscilloscopes permits precise synchronization of up to eighty silicon-based 36 GHz / 80 GS/s channels and up to forty 65 GHz / 160 GS/s DBI channels -- capability not offered by any other manufacturer -- with a future 100 GHz upgrade path.

Intersil unveils industry’s smallest and lowest cost LED-based LCoS pico projector system solution

MILPITAS, USA: Intersil Corp., a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors, has introduced the Pico-qHD, the world’s lowest cost pico projector system, and the industry’s smallest production-ready LED-based LCoS Pico Projector solution.

Developed for low power and cost-sensitive embedded or accessory pico projector applications, Intersil’s Pico-qHD provides a fully integrated reference design that includes a high volume production optical engine, hardware, firmware and customizable design files. The low cost system solution utilizes Micron’s E330 compact 5.5 cubic centimeter qHD optical engine, allowing for easy integration into a wide range of applications, including Micron’s recently announced portable PoP Video™ pico projector mobile device accessory.

Built on an inexpensive 1.7 inch by 2 inch PCB, the Pico-qHD is designed to meet the low manufacturing cost requirements of consumer applications such as digital cameras, smartphones, tablets, video players and other handheld products. Driven by such applications, Pacific Media Associates forecasts pico projector sales of 58 million units per year by 2015.

The platform is based on Intersil’s new ISL97901, a fully-integrated buck/boost RGGB LED driver customized for pico projector display applications. The ISL97901 provides industry-leading overall power efficiency, the smallest solution footprint and the ability to drive RGB or RGGB LEDs. The ISL97901 maintains the highest image quality with precise LED current control. A 2.0mA resolution provides consistent white balance setting, yielding uniformity over production units and throughout the life of projectors. Its electronics system can drive up to 1.5A LED current, making it compatible with a variety of high power LEDs, and enabling pico projector engines with brightness levels exceeding 20 lumens.

The LED LCoS Pico Projector reference design integrates a broad range of Intersil products in addition to the ISL97901 buck-boost LED driver, including the TW8835 LCD video processor, ISL9307 power management IC, ISL9110 buck-boost converter, ISL9230 battery charger and, as an option, the ISL58333 OEIC sensor for automatic, real-time white balance control to maintain image quality and reduce optical calibration cost.

The Pico-qHD reference system is currently available with prices starting at $13,995 and includes system technical support and a full hardware kit with design files and firmware.

LEDforum Guangzhou 2012 to paint big picture for LED lighting

TAIWAN: The climbing energy-saving awareness over the recent years has been greatly spurring the LED lighting demand. In addition to major brand vendors’ releases of new LED lighting products, mature markets such as Europe and Japan have implemented policies to phase out incandescent light bubs, which further propels the LED market to grow.

On the other hand, encouraged by government policies, China’s LED market continued to soar. According to LEDinside, the LED research division of TrendForce, Chinese LED market’s value amounted to $1.297 billion by 2011 and will further increase to $2.259 billion by 2012, representing a 174 percent YoY increase. Chinese LED market’s CAGR from 2011 to 2015 is estimated to be 56 percent.

China’s LED industry has been on an upswing – Guangdong province’s LED market value accounted for 50 percent of the Chinese LED market value, and Guangdong’s LED package value made up 70 percent of China’s value and 50 percent of the global value. In light of LED lighting’s booming prospects, LEDforum 2012, organized by TrendForce and Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition, will be held on June 11, 2012. From the prospects of application and technology, the forum will provide in-depth analysis on the trends of the global LED market.

Application innovation and distribution channels crucial to LED lighting
Despite experiencing oversupply since 2011, LED markets in China, Japan and South Korea have been generating a great deal of buzz, as the LED industry embarks on a whole new chapter with new LED applications gradually being developed. With 25 years of experience in the industry, Louis Lam, president and CEO of OSRAM Opto Semiconductors Asia Ltd, will dissect the driving force of future solid state lighting.

Moreover, according to TrendForce, in spite of the prosperous outlook for LED lighting market, the key to LED lighting’s wide adoption is marketing strategies and distribution channels. In other words, LED products’ market acceptance hinges upon marketing campaigns and channel strategies. With respects to this issue, Sean Zhou, regional marketing director of Philips Lumileds will provide his insights into Chinese LED channels. In addition, Taiwan has been actively developing its LED industry over the past few years, and Dr. David Su, chairman and president of Taiwan-based company Lextar, will share his analysis on vertical integration strategy in LED lighting.

Manufacturing process and equipment key to LED technology advancements
Aside from the focus on downstream applications and distribution channels, global big names also actively put effort into enhancing technology and manufacturing process in order to make LED lighting products’ quality and prices meet the market expectations.

The advancements in MOCVD technology and manufacturing process are particularly crucial. Dr. Christian Geng, VP, Greater China of Aixtron, and Francis Jen, technical director of KLA-Tencor, will address HBLED manufacturing and yield management from the perspective of LED manufacturing process.

Besides the aforementioned sessions by the global major companies, Seoul Semiconductor, Henkel (China), Veeco Instruments and Laytec will also share their experiences in LED lighting. Roger Chu, Green Energy Division research director of TrendForce, will provide the latest research and thorough analysis on the LED market development in the next five years.

LEDforum 2012 will commence at the Chinese Export Commodities Fair Pazhou Complex, Area B, Room #8 on June 11, 2012. LEDforum 2012 Guangzhou is free to attend this year, but attendance is approval/invitation-based.

LED Engin successfully closes series E funding round

SAN JOSE, USA: LED Engin Inc., a California-based solid-state lighting company specializing in high lumen density LED lighting components and optics, announced the successful completion of its Series E financing. GVT Fund, a leading technology fund led the round and was joined by co-investor MSIVC, existing investors WK Technology Fund, Partech International, NGP Energy Technology Partners, and independent investor and Chairman, Dr. Keh-Shew Lu.

The Series E funding allows LED Engin to expand operations in response to increasing market demand for its products. The financing will be used to broaden the LED Engin product portfolio, increase manufacturing capacity and to expand its worldwide sales and marketing network. Leveraging its unique and innovative packaging and optical technology, LED Engin is poised to take advantage of robust growth in the LED market.

“The latest round of funding provides LED Engin with the financial resources it needs to accelerate growth” said David Tahmassebi, president and CEO of LED Engin. “The addition of GVT Fund to our existing funding partners brings increased and well- respected energy-focused funds with deep connections and experience in Asia markets. We are excited to have GVT Fund on board.”

“We believe that the LED industry is set to grow and we see that LED Engin possesses pioneer technologies with potential to drive the industry,” said Herb Lin, managing partner of GVT Fund. “We are excited to participate in the company’s growth path.”

“The cleantech area has been one of our main focuses,” said Masayuki Saito, director of MSIVC, “And we are excited about the opportunity to work and co-invest with GVT in LED Engin. We believe the company’s products will serve the Japan market well.”

AEG Power Solutions announces Protect BLUE -- high power data center UPS

HANNOVER MESSE 2012, WARSTEIN-BELECKE & HANNOVER, GERMANY: AEG Power Solutions (AEG PS), global provider of premium power electronics, presents the best in class UPS to secure data and IT facilities. Following the successful launch of the Protect 2.33 three phase output, AEG Power Solutions is further expanding its UPS range to cover higher power requirements.

Protect Blue is AEG Power Solutions brand new flagship UPS model. Designed specifically for market leading performance in large data centers, the full rectifier and inverter three level technology provides an unrivalled 96 percent double conversion efficiency and will improve overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption.

Industry leading efficiency in the data center
Everyone has to be aware of the rising cost of energy and the need to meet important carbon reduction objectives such as the European Union’s 20-20-20 target. The UPS industry has tried to respond by achieving higher efficiencies.

The EU code of conduct for data centers recognizes the need to minimize energy loss, it recommends that UPS systems are only operated in their most efficient mode. Despite double conversion mode being recognized as the most reliable currently available, AEG PS have increased efficiency to 96 percent.

Data center managers are now expected to go beyond the performance management of IT equipment and begin to manage the entire data center infrastructure. AEG PS is known for high quality manufacturing, high availability and remarkable reliability (99.999 percent for its Protect 4 existing high power solution).

Protect Blue has been designed for an expected 15 year operational lifetime. The modular design further enables effective power infrastructure growth as the amount of IT equipment increases.

Very best of applied German innovation
The complete UPS lineup reduces overall TCO for customers by raising UPS efficiency levels across the range. For Protect Blue systems, overall double conversion operating efficiency levels has increased to 96 percent (and 99 percent in Eco mode), while maintaining Tier IV data center requirements.

The updated portfolio is the culmination of many years of intense R&D work to establish the new industry performance standard for a range of best-in-class products and solutions that meet the end-customer’s need for efficient, reliable and high capacity UPS systems.

Using a modular building block approach, the Protect Blue 250kVA single unit can be combined to achieve up to 8MVA. This modularity enables our customers to grow as the demands of their businesses grow.

Protect Blue is AEG PS’s flagship UPS with full rectifier and inverter three level technology ensures reduced switching losses. As a consequence, each power conversion module (rectifier and inverter) is able to achieve an efficiency of 98 percent. This is unrivaled; a standard two level IGBT double conversion technology limits the overall operating efficiency to 93.5-94 percent.

Protect Blue includes a bi-directional rectifier which is unmatched in the UPS market. This removes the need to purchase expensive load banks to perform battery discharge tests. Battery discharge tests are initiated through the rectifier bridge with excess current injected into the mains network. Power protection OPEX will be reduced with these built-in innovations.

Protect Blue will include as standard the IEC61850 communication protocol which makes this solution the first SMART GRID ready UPS. Other protocols such as SNMP, JBus, Modbus, Ethernet, amongst others, are available upon request.

Vulcan Flex Circuit receives MIL-P-50884 recertification

LONDONDERRY, USA: Vulcan Flex Circuit Corp. (VFCC), a division of Vulcan Electric Co., has recertified to fabricate flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) in accordance with the requirements of MIL-P-50884.

This particular certification addresses double-sided FPC - also known as Type 2 - and is the second in a series of recertifications to this specification that VFCC has recently obtained. In September of 2011 VFCC received Type 1 certification for single-sided FPC. Next month VFCC anticipates completion of its Type 4 recertification, covering multilayers and rigid-flex.

Al Wasserzug, director of Corporate Development, said: "An important part of our business strategy is to synchronize our processes and systems with the needs of the marketplace. These recertifications are an important part of maintaining that balance. Selecting fabrication specifications consistent with our customer's current and future needs ensures that we are well positioned to continue to support them effectively and efficiently. With each of these recertifications we are shoring up our commitment to our customers to provide the highest quality products and services to the applicable and pertinent requirements."

Vulcan Electric's flexible circuit division engineers and manufactures flexible circuits, rigid-flex circuits and circuit assemblies to various demanding industries, such as military/defense, aerospace, medical and complex industrial markets.

Molex LED array holder provides solder-free connector for Citizen Electronics’ chip on board (COB) arrays

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. announced that its new LED array holder will support Citizen Electronics’ recently introduced Chip on Board (COB) series of arrays: CLL010, CLL020, CLL030, CLL040 and CLL050.

Molex currently offers LED array holders for the Citizen CLL-330 and CLL340 LED array products which provide unique compression contacts to 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), the 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 flexibility of the Citizen COB series of LEDs.

Molex LED array holders are ideal for all general illumination applications including downlighting, architectural lighting and area lighting. The thermoplastic housing supports high heat-generating environments and the holders comply with UL 496 specifications.

Molex LED array holders are available through Molex franchised distributors.

European lighting market value to soar by 40 percent in 2012, growth driven by high electricity prices and lighting aesthetics preferences

TAIWAN: The energy shortage raises energy-saving awareness around the world, and with the effort of the major companies, LED lighting once again takes over the spotlight in 2012.

According to LEDinside, the LED research division of TrendForce, Europe has become one of the most fast-growing LED markets in the world besides Japan. Benefiting from the ban imposed by certain countries against selling incandescent light bulb of high wattage in 2012, the value of European LED lighting market will soar to $3.01 billion in 2012, a 44 percent YoY growth; the value is expected to reach $10 billion by 2015, representing a CAGR of almost 49 percent from 2011 to 2015.

High market value attributed to cultural emphasis on lighting
According to LEDinside’s “2011-2015 European LED Lighting Market Report,” the population of Europe is estimated to be 830 million, 13-14 percent of the earth population. In addition, due to the high prices in the European lighting market, the demand in Europe took up over 20 percent of the global lighting demand.

Moreover, Europe’s cultural emphasis on lighting aesthetics results in LED lighting’s wide adoption in there. For example, Lyon, a city of France, turns the lighting into the trademark of the city. The French government invests fund every year in public lighting infrastructure and the annual Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in Lyon. Also, the city of Lyon founded Lighting Urban Community International Association (LUCI) which comprises around 63 cities, boosting tourism and economy.

European lighting fairs shed light on end-market trend
With the high market value and unique lighting culture, Europe has two world’s leading lighting companies Philips and Osram. Furthermore, since its commencement in Italy in 1977, the biannual Milan International Lighting Exhibition, has been one of the most representative lighting fairs in the world on account of its large amount of transactions and participating companies.

Additionally, Light+Building, recently held in Frankfurt, Germany, has quickly developed into one of the most influential international exhibitions since it first took place in 1999. TrendForce states that as opposed to the Japanese lighting fairs’ focus on technologies and other Asian lighting exhibitions’ emphasis on components, European lighting fairs focus strongly on the assembly design and applicability of high-profit LED light products, which dominates the trend in the LED end market.Source: LEDinside, Taiwan.

High electricity prices stimulate LED penetration rate
TrendForce further indicates that the rapid development of LED in Europe attributes to not only the environmental awareness of Europeans but also the high electricity prices. The high prices are the critical momentum to propel the development of LED lighting. For example, if a 7W LED light bulb (a replacement for 40W incandescent light bulb) is used for eight hours a day for a month (31 days), it can save 8 kWh compared to using an 40W incandescent light bulb.

With the electricity prices of EU-27, $2 can be saved every month by adopting a LED light bulb instead of incandescent one; more money can be saved in the outdoor and commercial lighting sectors due to their high electricity consumptions. TrendForce believes high electricity price drives Europeans to switch to energy-saving light bulbs, which will greatly affect the LED penetration rate.

MEMSCAP announces Telcordia qualification of MEMS electrostatic variable optical attenuator packaged product

GRENOBLE, FRANCE & DURHAM, USA: MEMSCAP, the leading provider of innovative solutions based on MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technology, including optical components, announced the qualification of its High Voltage Electrostatic MEMS Variable Optical Attenuator in accordance with Telcordia standards. The device has met all environmental, mechanical and operational stress tests set forth in GR-1209 and GR-1221 standards for passive optical components.

MEMS based Variable Optical Attenuators are integrated within complex optical modules operating up to 100 GBits. They are continuously gaining market share over competing traditional technologies in optical networks applications ranging from Optical Module Protection to the growing segment of Power Management.

MEMSCAP’s commitment to high quality over the years has resulted in numerous breakthrough products exhibiting superior performance and reliability and “the completion of the Telcordia qualification demonstrates MEMSCAP’s commitment to highly-reliable processes, designs, packaging and, ultimately, packaged products.” states Steve Wilcenski, General Manager of the MEMSCAP Customer Products Business Unit.

MEMSCAP’s packaged Electrostatic Variable Optical Attenuator exhibits superior optical power attenuation stability in closed loop operation and is designed to fit most optical printed circuit boards available on the market.

MEMSCAP High Voltage Variable Optical Attenuators are available today for sampling and production shipments.

Avnet Embedded adds IEI Technology USA to digital signage suite of products

PHOENIX, USA: Avnet Embedded, a division of Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas, a business region of Avnet Inc., announced the addition of IEI Technology USA Corp. (IEI), a leading industrial computer service provider, to its Brilliant Digital Signage program product offering. Avnet Embedded will be IEI’s sole distributor in the Americas and will carry IEI’s broad single-board computer (SBC) and industrial panel products. To find out more, visit the Avnet Electronics Marketing website.

IEI currently offers design engineers a wide variety of technology for end applications in medical, telecom, mobile computing, digital signage, and in-vehicle info-tainment (IVI). IEI’s SBCs include ETX, COM Express and Qseven CPU modules. Each IEI SBC is powered by industry leading processors including the Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3/5/7, Celeron and ARM family of products. IEI’s industrial panel offering includes touch screens, and workstation and rack-console solutions.

"Embedded devices are one of the most important bridges to help people connect with each other," said James Yang, VP, IEI Technology. "Adding Avnet to our distribution channel helps our mutual customers make the right choices when implementing embedded technology into their designs. From SBC, embedded solutions, panel applications, mobile, kiosks and digital signage, Avnet's worldwide services will provide our customers a convenient way to utilize our technology.”

“Embedded engineers are searching for options when designing for digital signage,” said Chuck Kostalnick, senior VP, Avnet Embedded. “Adding IEI to our Americas offering enables our customers to choose from a wide variety of both hardware and software solutions. IEI’s breadth of products complements Avnet’s unique digital signage suite of services – all created to help our customers bring their technology to market faster.”

OEMSensors.com launches with brandable wireless sensors

KAYSVILLE, USA: OEMSensors.com is launched by Monnit Corp. with a new line of OEM-ready wireless sensors, gateways and back-end monitoring software targeting broad lines of commercial, industrial and M2M applications. The launch addresses the large demand for an easily integrated line of wireless sensors into new or existing OEM offerings.

Brad Walters, founder and CEO of Monnit, said: "With our many years of experience in RF technology, we have seen the extensive reach that a robust OEM offering can attain. Upon starting Monnit, we soon saw the void that existed for an integrated wireless sensor system. Our team has spent years bringing our RF, system architecture and web portal expertise to bear in creating a truly unique, robust and diverse wireless sensors system for OEMs in any industry. Any OEM interested in wireless sensors now has a flexible, fast time-to-market, quick return-on-investment option.”

When partnering with OEMSensors.com, an OEM not only gets a comprehensive development solution for wireless sensor networks, but also:

* Full sensors data extraction to OEM applications through APIs.
* One-on-one application review support from Monnit's application engineering team.
* High performance FCC certified wireless radio technology.
* ISO 9001 certified manufacturing.
* An experienced production, fulfillment and supply chain management team.
* World-class customer support from an experienced support and sales team.

LeCroy announces world's fastest real-time oscilloscope with 65 GHz bandwidth

CHESTNUT RIDGE, USA: LeCroy Corp. announced the addition of a 65 GHz oscilloscope module to the LabMaster 10 Zi modular oscilloscope platform and unveiled its roadmap to provide 100 GHz of real-time bandwidth in the LabMaster 10 Zi platform.

The top-bandwidth increase to 65 GHz is made possible by outstanding results achieved with LeCroy's 8HP Silicon Germanium (SiGe) chipsets, which are performing in the laboratory beyond expectations. LeCroy's 100 GHz real-time oscilloscopes will utilize this advanced chipset and the Company's patented Digital Bandwidth Interleave (DBI) technology, and will be available in calendar year 2013.

LeCroy is currently shipping the world's fastest real-time oscilloscopes with 45 GHz bandwidth, which are also based on the Company's patented DBI technology.

"We are very proud of our technical team for their groundbreaking achievements in high-bandwidth oscilloscope technology," said LeCroy president and CEO, Tom Reslewic. "LeCroy has made significant research and development investments to continue to provide deep industry leadership at the very high end of the oscilloscope market.

"Our customers are using these products to develop next-generation optical communications systems that are vital to improving our ability to handle the ever-increasing data traffic created by the rapid deployment of advanced mobile devices and cloud computing applications. We look forward to helping our customers break the one Terabit/second barrier with our LabMaster 10 Zi."

LeCroy's LabMaster 10 Zi platform includes more than 10 unique modules. The highest performance modules feature the world's fastest 4-channel performance with 36 GHz real-time bandwidth on four simultaneous channels and two-channel real-time bandwidth of 65 GHz and will be priced at $450,000.

LeCroy's proprietary ChannelSync architecture permits precise synchronization of up 20 separate LabMaster modules for unprecedented bandwidth density. LeCroy expects to begin customer shipments of LabMaster 10 Zi modules in summer 2012.

Eco-friendly, energy-saving LED lamp markets poised for rapid growth through 2016

FARMINGTON, USA: Global Information Inc. is pleased to announce two significant new reports on the LED lighting industry that highlight a market poised for rapid growth through 2016.

The consumption of general lighting LED lamps in the United States reached $592 million in 2011, an increase of 22 percent over 2010and the market is forecast reach $2.4 billion in the year 2016, according to a new LED lamp market forecast and research report from ElectroniCast.

This report covers three major LED lamp application categories: government, commercial/industrial and residential.The 584-page market report highlights the Parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lamp market, forecast for double-digit growth partially offset by the price declines, and the Multifaceted Reflector (MR) compatible lamps market forecast for impressive growth as the technology evolves to provide equivalent brightness to halogen MR lamps and competitive pricing;

The report also reveals that the market for LED-based decorative lamps will increase at well-over 40 percent per year, And that LED-based linear (tube) lamps - an emerging competitor to the fluorescent tube-- are forecast to increase in quantity at a very impressive annual growth of over 90 percent, well beyond the pace of the rest of the market.

UV LED market 2012
UV LEDs will continue to replace traditional UV lamps in incumbent applications and will also create new applications, especially portable ones, due to their compactness, lower cost of ownership and environmental friendly composition. As a result, the UV LED market is expected to grow roughly 500 percent, from $32.5 million in 2011 to more than $150 million in 2016, according to a new UV LED market forecast from Yole Developpement.

Yole predicts that within this period, UV LED market will grow by more than 500 percent, while the traditional UV lamps market will only grow by a factor of around 150 percent.

In 2011, LEDs continued being sold mostly in the UVA/B spectrum (especially in upper wavelengths, between 365 and 400 nm). More than 90 percent of the UV LED market outside of R&D was still covered by UV curing, counterfeit detection and medical and instrumentation applications requiring UVA/B sources.

UVC LEDs were still mainly sold for R&D and scientific instrumentation purpose, but 2012 will see the commercialization of the first UV LED-based purification system.
This report details all UVC applications (with a deep analysis of purification), presenting the UV working principle, the UV market structure, UV LEDs market drivers, challenges, and characteristics required, time to market and Total Accessible Market (TAM) for UV LEDs.

Introducing 8-pole Brad Micro-Change M12 circular hybrid technology (CHT) connectors

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. expanded its innovative Brad Micro-Change M12 Circular Hybrid Technology (CHT) Connector System with the addition of a new 8-pole (4+4) connector featuring two Cat5e twisted-pair data lines and four power lines capable of carrying up to 6.0 Amps. Combining power and data lines into one connector, the Brad Micro-Change CHT Connector System reduces cabling requirements and lowers installation time and associated costs.

“The overmolded IP67-sealed Micro-Change M12 interface provides reliable connectivity in harsh industrial environments and is ideally suited for industrial process and automation control applications, HVAC control systems, telecoms infrastructure and base stations as well as other rugged applications that require power and data in one device,” explains Ted Szarkowski, product manager, Molex.

The wrap-around metal shielding allows power and Cat5e signal to be combined in one connector without losing optimum signal integrity and performance. The two overlapping tubes channel the signal through the connector without affecting crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The new 8-pole (4+4) Micro-Change CHT connector is currently available in the M12 threaded form factor.

“The unique Molex shielding concept of the Micro-Change Circular Hybrid Technology Connector is not limited to the M12 format,” adds Szarkowski,“We are well-equipped to adapt the technology to meet specific customer needs and requirements.”

Mouser and OSRAM Opto Semiconductors expand distribution into Asia

TAIWAN: Mouser Electronics, Inc., a top design engineering resource and global distributor for semiconductors and electronic components, announced the Asian expansion of its agreement with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors.

The extended distribution partnership further strengthens Mouser’s Asian line card by providing customers with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors’ extensive portfolio of high-performance LEDs for diverse applications. The expansion, announced at the recent Electronica China Show in Shanghai, fits Mouser’s strategic emphasis on supplying innovative solutions to design engineers and small production buyers.

“We are pleased to now offer design engineers across Asia the highly innovative lighting solutions from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors,” says Mark Burr-Lonnon, Mouser VP of APAC Business. “OSRAM Opto Semiconductors is known as a world leader in the production of LED and IRED products. They pride themselves in having trend-setting technologies that are shaping the future of lighting. Both our existing and new customers will benefit greatly from this expanded agreement.”

“Asia is a dynamic and fast growing region full of business opportunities. We look forward to tapping these opportunities by expanding our engagement with Mouser in the region. The extension of our distribution agreement with Mouser to Asia will be beneficial to our customers, especially for solid state lighting customers who are geographically scattering across the whole region, and is also a natural expansion of our business,” said Louis Lam, VP of Worldwide Sales in OSRAM Opto Semiconductors.

element14 stocks new Freescale processors for engineers in Asia Pacific

SINGAPORE: element14 (formerly Farnell), the first information portal, collaborative
community and electronics store for design engineers and electronics enthusiasts, now stocks the advanced i.MX Multimedia Applications processors from Freescale Semiconductor.

“The flexibility and ease-of-use of Freescale’s i.MX products will appeal to engineers who require high performance to help ensure their designs keep pace with advancements in portable electronics and infotainment systems. With a dedicated page to Freescale, the element14 Community is a good channel for us to collaborate on our latest news and offerings to engineers,” says Paul Smith, Freescale’s worldwide manager for distribution channel and ecosystems.

The i.MX53 family of processors provides advanced multimedia technology and power-efficient implementations of the ARM Cortex-A8 core, with processing speeds of up to 1.2 GHz. It is optimized for both performance and power to meet the demands in the consumer, automotive, medical and industrial markets, delivering
ultra-fast processing for applications including tablets, smartphones, automotive infotainment systems, patient monitoring equipment and industrial devices with human-machine interfaces.

“Freescale’s dedication to innovation complements our unique service propositions to ensure our customers enjoy improved productivity and time-to-market. element14 will continue to collaborate with Freescale to bring the most comprehensive and advanced solutions to meet the demands of engineers in Asia Pacific,” says William Chong, regional director of Supplier Marketing, element14 Asia Pacific.

Other key Freescale products available from element14 include the Freescale Semiconductor Tower System, a modular development platform for 8-, 16- and 32-bit microcontrollers and microprocessors that enables advanced development through rapid prototyping. In addition, its highly-popular co-branded dev kit exclusive to element14, the XL_STAR; a multifunction system that allows development, download and debug of up to 64Kbytes of code using CodeWarrior, a professional IDE, contributed to element14 selling the most dev kits and tools in Asia Pacific for which Freescale received the ‘Leadership in Innovation for Dev Kits’ award recently.

Diodes Inc. reduces MOSFET off-board height by 50 percent

PLANO, USA: Diodes Inc. has launched a line of high-efficiency N- and P-channel MOSFETs in low-profile DFN2020-6 packages. With an off-board height of only 0.4mm and a footprint of 4mm2, the DFN2020H4 packaged DMP2039UFDE4, a -25V rated P-channel device, is 50 percent thinner than competing devices. The other MOSFETs in the series are provided in the 0.5mm high DFN2020E package, which is 20 percent thinner than the common 0.6mm high alternatives.

Targeted at load-switching applications, the DMP2039UFDE4 also provides circuit designers with 3kV protection against human-borne electrostatic discharge. The new MOSFETs’ low typical RDS(on), for example just 13mΩ at a VGS of 4.5V for the -12V P-channel DMP1022UFDE, means conduction losses can also be minimized in battery-charging applications.

The 20V N-channel DMN2013UFDE makes an ideal load switch or high-speed switch in DC/DC buck and boost converters and again offers a high 2kV ESD protection rating. Operating at a VDS of 60V, the DMN6040UFDE is one of the first high-voltage MOSFETs to be introduced in the DFN2020 package and suits small form-factor industrial and HVAC controls.

Particularly well-suited to ultra-slim portable product designs, such as smart phones, tablets and digital cameras, the initial series of nine MOSFETs is comprised of -12V, -20V, -25V and -40V P-channel and 12V, 20V and 60V N-channel parts.

OLED lighting market forecast - Q2 2012

DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "OLED Lighting Market Forecast - Q2 2012" report to its offering.

In the past year OLED lighting markets and production infrastructure have evolved. For example, office lighting has become a key market target for OLED lighting, while other applications no longer command the interest they once did. At the same time, while some likely future mass producers of OLED lighting seem to be committing more resources, others seem to be failing in their efforts.

With all this in mind, this report provides NanoMarkets' latest market forecasts for OLED lighting. Our company has been actively tracking the OLED lighting market for more than five years and this report represents a more detailed forecast than any we have ever produced before.

In this report, we consider the revenue potential for the OLED lighting applications that currently interest the OLED market the most. We think these have changed since last year and now comprise luxury consumer lighting, decorative lighting for large buildings and showrooms, office lighting, residential lighting and automotive lighting.

Another change in this year's report is that we have provided a much more detailed analysis of pricing trends in OLED lighting than ever before In particular, in addition to looking at pricing expectations of leading manufacturers, we have also examined the likely roadmaps for pricing by unit, luminance and square meter and how these three measures are likely to correspond.

GaGe announces high-speed PCI Express arbitrary waveform generator

LOCKPORT, USA: GaGe, a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance PCI Express/PCI digitizer and oscilloscope cards, announced the release of its new CompuGen CG4800 PCI Express arbitrary waveform generator.

The CG4800 is an exceptionally high-speed, 14-bit, four-channel digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) board that may be used as an arbitrary waveform generator, a stimulus device, or for generating multiple communication frequency bands. Each DAC can generate four simultaneous waveforms at a maximum clocking rate of 1200 MS/s, which allows for up to 600 MHz of bandwidth for each output signal. Output waveforms may be “single shot” or “continuously looped” from the 512 MS of on-board memory.

“With the addition of the CG4800, GaGe’s family of CompuGen arbitrary waveform generators enables users to generate a limitless number of analog and digital signals,” said Patrick Cassady, executive VP of DynamicSignals LLC. “The high-speed and very high on-board memory of the CG4800 make it ideal for the generation of extremely long waveforms in applications such as radar, video, communications, ultrasound and automated testing.”

The CG4800 also integrates with GaGe’s CompuScope digitizer cards to create a CompuGen/CompuScope system that can be configured into a stimulus/response instrument. In addition, for applications that require the generation of multiple high-speed signals up to four CG4800 boards can be interconnected to provide up to 16 synchronized channels in a system.

Free software for creating, editing, and generating waveforms as well as software development kits for C/C++, MATLAB, and LabVIEW is included.

2012 Chinese and European LED lighting markets propsects

TAIWAN: In order to meet the market expectations for lm/$ and to increase market share, LED lighting companies have been striving to make their way into the lighting market. China launched a new subsidy policy for the solid-state lighting products in 2012, arranging public biddings for interior and outdoor lighting products, which took place on March 20.

LEDinside, the LED research division of TrendForce, released the “2012 Chinese LED Lighting Market Report,” indicating that unlike previous policies which focused on upstream LED chip companies, the latest policy mainly subsidizes end-market products, such as LED street/tunnel light, LED down light and Self-ballasted LED-reflectors (MR series and PAR series).

The Chinese government’s favoritism towards local companies contributed to the fact that the bidding winners are mostly China-based lighting companies. The government will offer 30 percent subsidies for the winners for the aforementioned products. TrendForce believes the policy will greatly stimulate the outdoor lighting market in China. The outdoor LED lights are estimated to reach 1 million units by 2012, and the orders generated by it are expected to go to the major companies.

European LED market remains promising
On the other hand, Europe has become one of the biggest LED markets in the world. Although large LED subsidy policies cannot be seen in Europe, its high electricity price and its cultural emphasis on lighting still makes LED lighting a promising option in the commercial lighting and outdoor lighting areas.

According to LEDinside’s “2012 European LED Lighting Market Report,” besides halogen light and fluorescent lighting, the traditional lighting companies in Europe also actively develop LED lighting products and acquire the lighting projects in Europe in cooperation with local architects, designers and global distributors. TrendForce estimates the value of the European LED market to grow to $3.01 billion by 2012.

14-bit magnetic encoder from austriamicrosystems makes accurate angle measurement easy for MCU users

UNTERPREMSTAETTEN, AUSTRIA: austriamicrosystems has released the AS5048, a 14-bit magnetic encoder IC offering new features which make it easier than ever to achieve accurate, reliable angle measurements in microcontroller-based applications.

The AS5048, which provides a PWM output and either an SPI or I2C interface, supplies absolute angle measurements to a host microcontroller. The application’s mechanical design does not need to allow for precise initial alignment of the sensor IC and the two-pole magnet it is paired with: instead, the zero position is programmed into the AS5048 magnetic encoder one time only on assembly, via a simple SPI or I2C command, with no requirement for a special programming device.

The AS5048 is also highly tolerant of misalignment between the sensor IC and its paired magnet and of variations in the air gap, as well as of variations in temperature from -40°C to +150°C.

The new AS5048 magnetic rotary encoder offers more precise measurement than previous members of austriamicrosystems’ family of magnetic rotary encoders. Its 14-bit measurement engine provides for resolution down to 0.0219°. With linearization and averaging implemented in the host microcontroller, it can deliver angle measurements accurate to 0.05°.

The new AS5048 also takes advantage of proprietary manufacturing processes developed at austriamicrosystems’ wafer fab in Graz, Austria which enable the production of extremely sensitive analog circuits. The IC’s high sensitivity means that it can be paired with low-cost magnet types such as ferrites, operating reliably in magnetic fields as weak as 30mT.

Like austriamicrosystems’ existing magnetic encoders, this new device reliably rejects interference from stray magnetic fields, thanks to the unique design of the IC’s integrated Hall sensors and signal processing circuitry. This makes the AS5048 ideal for use in electrically and magnetically noisy industrial and medical environments.

An internal voltage regulator enables the AS5048 to operate from either a 3.3V or 5V supply. It is available in a 14-pin TSSOP package. Multiple devices can be daisy-chained to produce a serial data read-out.

Alfred Binder, marketing manager at austriamicrosystems, said: "austriamicrosystems is a long-standing supplier of magnetic encoders to thousands of customers, and feedback from these customers on our existing devices has helped us to make the new AS5048 a very attractive product. It is accurate and robust like all of austriamicrosystems’ magnetic encoders, easy to assemble in an end product, and now even easier to implement in microcontroller-based designs."

Cirrus Logic's new LED driver ICs now available at Newark element14

CHICAGO, USA: Newark element14, the leading distributor of electronic components and engineering solutions in the Americas and a business of Premier Farnell, announced it is now stocking Cirrus Logic's new CS161X LED driver ICs that features digital TruDim technology, which enables near 100 percent compatibility with a wide array of dimmers manufactured around the world.

LED retrofit bulbs are considered superior to incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps, due to their superior energy efficiency and long life. However, key barriers to wide adoption have included their poor dimmer compatibility, which can cause flickering or flashing light and hinder the inability to turn the light on or off.

The CS161X's digital intelligence allows the controller to identify the type of dimmer in use and adapt its dimmer compatibility algorithm. This is not possible with today's analog controllers.

Molex LED array holder provides single piece, solder-free connector for Sharp high-powered LED lighting solutions

LISLE, USA: Molex Inc. announced that its solderless LED Array Holder is now compatible with Sharp Zenigata LED lighting products, including the 15W, 25W and 50W Mega Zenigata and the 4W-15W Mini Zenigata. The Molex LED Array Holders provide unique compression contacts to 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), the 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 flexibility. In addition, Sharp has specifically developed a new contact pad structure for use with solderless LED Array Holders.

“The Molex LED Array Holders allow Sharp to provide the same high performance, superb light quality and energy-saving products our customers expect, while simplifying the installation and integration process,” said Rob Winlow, Engineering Manager, Sharp Laboratories of Europe. “This is critical as LED lighting becomes more widespread in retail, hospitality, commercial, and government applications and customers look for flexible and cost-efficient solutions to bring the next generation of lighting to these markets.”

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.

The thermoplastic housing supports high heat-generating environments and the holders comply with UL 496 specifications. In addition, for the Mega Zenigata Molex offers an optional LED protective cover that aligns with Zhaga specifications.

Littelfuse intros EL731 AC/DC sensitive earth-leakage relay

CHICAGO, USA: Littelfuse Inc., a leading expert in electrical safety, power distribution and power control products, announced its new EL731 AC/DC Sensitive Earth-Leakage Relay, which can detect ground currents—even in resistance-grounded electrical systems—all the way down to 0 Hz. This makes it ideal for protecting variable-frequency drives (VFDs) that may operate at low speeds, during which AC current approaches DC.

The EL731 relay provides complete range of ground-fault protection in VFDs from 0 to 15000 Hz in one device, saving cost and panel space compared to other relays.

Unlike any relay previously available, the EL731 uses a patented approach that enables the relay to detect the location of ground faults and makes it equally useful for AC, mixed AC/DC, and DC systems, including low-voltage 6-pulse VFDs commonly used on motors up to 250 hp. It can reliably protect a variety of applications including conveyor belts, cranes, compressors, pumps and mixers found in demanding environments such as mining, oil sands operations, chemical plants, food processing, and other industrial facilities.

“This is the first relay to adequately address the common challenge of detecting ground faults in VFDs operating at low speed,” said Tony Locker, P.E., Littelfuse product manager.

The new relay is ideal for protecting VFDs operating in resistance-grounded electrical systems, which are growing in popularity because of their ability to reduce arc-flash hazards. The on-board ground-fault protection that comes with VFDs is generally not sensitive enough to detect a ground fault in resistance-grounded systems.

The EL731 can be installed in place of an existing ground fault relay without replacing the current transformer. Two CTs are required for the entire frequency range, or one CT can be used for only low- or high-frequency detection. The relay has a temperature input, metering capabilities, password protected alarm and trip settings. Ethernet communications port is optional.

Eltek receives $0.8 million frame order from a US medical device manufacturer

PETACH-TIKVA, ISRAEL: Eltek Ltd, the leading Israeli manufacturer of advanced flex-rigid circuitry solutions announced that it has received a $838,000 frame order from a US medical device manufacturer for high-end flex-rigid PCBs (printed circuit boards) for use in advanced medical devices. The order is expected to be delivered between May and October 2012. Total sales to this customer in 2011 were $1.4 million and reached $600,000 in the first quarter of 2012.

Arieh Reichart, president and CEO of Eltek, said: "I am proud that Eltek was selected once again to be a supplier of PCBs for use in advanced medical devices. The new frame order is in addition to the $2.1 million frame order we received from another US medical customer that was announced earlier this month. These orders represent continuing market recognition of the high quality and reliability of our products. We are focused on the medical and defense global markets as part of our long-term business plan."

SkyNet digital LED mesh drapes Times Square Tower

TEMECULA, USA: ADTI Media’s latest 2,000 square foot SkyNet digital mesh display draws big advertising dollars for Boston Properties with its prime spot behind the famed New Year’s eve ball in Times Square.

Hanging 34 floors up, this new SkyNet display is 20% larger than the previous and incorporates the latest of ADTI Media’s proprietary digital technology. It plays full motion video with super bright LEDs (over 8,000 nits). The advertisers received maximum exposure as SkyNet adapts the brightness of the LED to the time of day for ultimate performance in full sunlight as well as dark of night.

Pepsi and nine other advertisers took advantage of this opportunity to invest in promoting their brand in an iconic location.

Working with ADTI Media, property owners can reap the benefits of both increased ad revenues and display quality without major capital investments. Digitizing a display can generate up to eight times the ad revenue of static outdoor media. However, depending on the size, a traditional LED display can cost up to seven figures, and require a very complex installation. ADTI Media offers a unique revenue-share option that enables clients to install a relatively non-invasive SkyNet display on their building with little to no capital investment.

“It’s really a win-win situation for everyone involved,” said Jim Martindale, CEO of ADTI Media. “In today’s economy, many businesses are looking at options to increase their bottom line with minimal cash outlay. ADTI is able to offer creative solutions to help meet these needs.”

Boston Properties turned to ADTI Media for a solution to optimize its prime advertising real estate at Seven Times Square. The larger display was installed in December of 2011, just in time to ring in the New Year.

“ADTI Media impressed me with their innovative solutions to overcome the physical installation obstacles,” said senior VP and regional manager, Robert E. Selsam, Boston Properties. “We were impressed, in the short time it was up, with how many different companies were able to display their brand on New Year’s Eve right behind the ball.”

SkyNet’s patented lightweight, pliable mesh design combined with its scalable composition, make it an easy product to customize (both size and shape). With a weight no more than 14.7 kg/sqm and modular panels that are 0.8 square meters wide, you can easily create a SkyNet to fit the size and shape of any unique building façade or entertainment venue.

Arrow Electronics opens custom computer system integration facilities in India, Brazil

ENGLEWOOD, USA: Increasing its support for original equipment manufacturers, Arrow Electronics Inc. is expanding its network of custom computer system integration and fulfillment facilities to seven around the world. Arrow recently added locations in San Paulo, Brazil, and Bangalore, India.

“Arrow is pleased to expand our network of integration centers to include facilities in India and Brazil,” said Brian Armstrong, VP of Arrow’s OEM Computing Solutions business. “These locations were selected based on the needs of our customers to deploy solutions in those regions.”

Arrow’s integration facilities provide design and manufacturing services for OEM solutions ranging from system integration and hardware solution design to custom packaging and diagnostic and functional testing. The facilities bring an instant, scalable infrastructure for high-quality custom integration and assist OEMs with managing their supply chain with speed, accuracy and efficiency. Arrow provides full-scale support from pre-design to market delivery, including process analyses, material planning and sourcing, order automation, land-cost optimization, global pricing and compliance consulting and transportation services.

In addition to the locations in Brazil and India, Arrow also operates integration facilities in Phoenix, Ariz.; Budapest, Hungary; Shenzhen, China; Petach Tikva, Israel; and Nogales, Mexico.

All of Arrow’s integration facilities follow “CopyXact” methodology to ensure that processes and procedures in production and fulfillment activities remain consistent across all locations. The facilities are universally equipped, and detailed documentation of build procedures following the production of the “first article” and the establishment of a stable production state guide the consistent production of systems, regardless of the facilities involved.

MDT releases TMR magnetic angle sensors for rotary encoders

SAN JOSE, USA & ZHANGJIAGANG, CHINA: MultiDimension Technology Co. Ltd (MDT) announced two tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) magnetic angle sensors for use in a wide spectrum of industrial sensor applications, including rotary encoders, speed sensors, contactless potentiometers, and rotary position controllers for brushless DC motors (BLDC).

Designed with MDT’s unique TMR sensor technology and intellectual property, the MMA253F/MMA153F TMR magnetic angle sensors feature 360-degree angle measurement, high-amplitude robust output signals, and large air-gap tolerance. MDT’s TMR magnetic angle sensors lower the complexity of the signal processing circuitry.

“We are passionate about offering all the benefits of TMR sensor technology to our customers with multiple service options to best suit their needs,” said Dr. Song Xue, chairman and CEO of MultiDimension Technology. “In addition to supplying TMR magnetic sensor chips, we are open to delivering entire system solutions upon request. We can custom-design TMR sensor wafers for high-volume customers to integrate with their own ASIC technology.”

Dr. Xue noted that MDT’s new TMR magnetic angle sensors reduce the overall system cost of rotary encoders because of their lower power, high precision, and large stable output signals. They provide a simple solution to integrate with analog or digital circuitry.

MDT’s TMR sensor technology combines the key benefits of existing magnetic sensor technologies such as AMR (Anisotropic Magnetoresistance), GMR (Giant Magnetoresistance), and Hall Effect, while overcoming their limitations, such as low signal sensitivity (Hall, AMR, and GMR), and design complexity for 360-degree measurement (AMR).

Intematix intros ChromaLit XT remote phosphor for high-intensity LED lighting

Light+Building 2012, LIGHTFAIR International 2012, FREMONT, USA: Intematix, a leading innovator of patented phosphors and phosphor components for high-quality LED lighting, announced the release of ChromaLit XT, the latest product in the award-winning ChromaLit line of remote phosphor technology.

An exciting lighting design trend because it increases light quality and lowers systems costs, ChromaLit makes lighting better using a phosphor composite substrate separated from the blue LEDs. Improving on the conventional approach where phosphor coats the blue LEDs directly, ChromaLit offers glare-free, diffuse light, high color rendering and consistent light quality. By only using a blue LED engine instead of binned white LEDs, production is streamlined and inventories are reduced. Furthermore, system efficacy is increased up to 30%, reducing lighting system material cost and power consumption.

ChromaLit XT offers a powerful and elegant solution for new applications like spotlights and floods, extending ChromaLit technology’s light quality and adding higher light intensity, 65 percent lower cost per lumen and enhanced off-state neutral color when compared to conventional remote phosphors that are yellow in color. ChromaLit XT will be on display for the first time at the Light+Building trade fair in Frankfurt, Germany from April 15-20.

“ChromaLit XT is designed for the many applications that need high lumen output from a small space,” said Julian Carey, senior director of Marketing at Intematix. “Lighting designers and architects will appreciate the ability to take advantage of ChromaLit’s substantial benefits without sacrificing aesthetics based on ChromaLit XT’s unique off-state neutral color.”

“ChromaLit XT allows us to push the envelope when it comes to providing higher outputs for smaller lighting apertures incorporating remote phosphor technology,” said Andrew Littler, director of Vexica, an LED lighting solutions company. Vexica’s LUMAERA-50-RP module incorporates ChromaLit XT to provide customers with a wide range of LED solutions without expensive research and development costs. “The high CRI we can achieve with our LUMAERA-50 module using ChromaLit XT is a huge advantage for professional specification clients such as lighting designers and architects. Intematix is offering us a solution that gives us a competitive advantage in the high quality lighting arena.”

ChromaLit XT is optically treated to maintain an off-state neutral appearance in order to look as good off as it does on – perfect for lighting designers. The added design freedom of ChromaLit XT means users can let exposed lights like pendant lamps and downlights integrate with the rest of the space without sacrificing the high performance of ChromaLit. In highly visual environments like restaurants and hotels, ChromaLit XT allows fixtures to complement the design flow.

ChromaLit XT can also be used to make lighting better outdoors and meets UL standards and is offered in a wide range of CCT and CRI options. ChromaLit recently won a Product Innovation Award from Architectural SSL magazine in the “Arrays/Light Sources” category. ChromaLit XT will also be on display at LIGHTFAIR in Las Vegas from May 9-11.

Charge your cell phone while away from power

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Mobile phones now occupy a central role in many of our lives. It is not unusual to find ourselves on the way with a fully drained battery and switched off mobile. The most frustrating part of being on the move a lot is when the batteries on the respective devices die out in the middle of a call, movie, etc.

Just imagine how disconnected we feel suddenly with rest of the word! Since, you are away from a power sockets or not carrying your charger so nothing can be done. Realizing the same, Delhi Based Mangal Electronics has introduced MOJO - a portable wireless charger, which charge your mobile phone without any power cord or solar.

MOJO very sleek, durable and compact portable charger that can also double up as a flash light and charges mobile phones very quickly. It is easy to operate and carry, works on the 2200 mAh Li-ion rechargeable batteries capable of charge any mobile phone of any make.

Fantastic for those emergency situation when you out on the town, at a festival, or just because you always forget to charge your phone. The next time you're rushing to get to the airport or to a meeting and you forget your charger...relax! Your PSP, Mobile phones, Bluetooth etc. is taken care of by this universal Rechargeable battery pack- MOJO.

According to Gaurav Jajodia, director, Mangal Electronics, “By bringing MOJO Indian market, we have added another revolutionary product in our portfolio. MOJO simple solution, which help you to be connected and keep your phone always on no matter if you are at bus, train or way to home."