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Today
- Dual-band radar Earth observation
➀ NASA and ISRO jointly launched the Nisar Earth observation satellite with dual-band (L/S) synthetic aperture radars, achieving meter-level resolution for all-weather monitoring;
➁ The satellite tracks ice mass, vegetation, sea-level changes, and groundwater monthly using a 12m mesh antenna, while providing natural disaster early warnings;
➂ Texas Instruments supplied radiation-hardened ICs including power modules, utilizing special QML Class P plastic packaging for lower orbit radiation requirements and cost efficiency.
- Canadian Destroyers get LED lighting
➀ Marl International and Apex Industries will supply marine-grade LED lighting systems for three Royal Canadian Navy destroyers, covering both interior and exterior lighting with approximately 9,000 lights and management systems;
➁ Marl, acquired by Glamox in 2024, transfers licensing rights to Apex for local manufacturing in Moncton, enhancing Canadian supply chain capabilities;
➂ The River-class ships (HMCS Fraser, Saint-Laurent, Mackenzie) will replace older models, with the first delivery by 2026 and potential contracts for three additional destroyers under discussion.
- IQE looking for a buyer
➀ IQE, a Cardiff-based compound semiconductor company, is exploring a potential sale and has entered an "offer period" under regulatory guidelines after being approached by an undisclosed buyer;
➁ The company lowered its 2025 revenue forecast to £90-100 million due to contract delays in wireless and photonics segments, driven by weak mobile sales and U.S. military budget deferrals;
➂ IQE is negotiating the sale of its Taiwan operations to repay debt and fund core initiatives, with interim results set for release on September 23, 2025.
- Mojo raises $75m
➀ Mojo Vision secures $75 million in Series B funding led by Vanedge Capital, supported by existing and new investors;
➁ Funds will accelerate commercialization of its advanced micro-LED platform targeting AI infrastructure and applications;
➂ The platform integrates 300mm silicon architecture, GaN-on-Silicon emitters, and quantum dots to optimize size, brightness, and power efficiency.
- Cambridge Tech Week draws superstars
➀ Cambridge Tech Week (September 15-19, 2025) will focus on next-generation technologies like quantum computing, photonics, and AI, featuring panels on regulation, ethics, and global innovation ecosystems;
➁ Key speakers include Quantinuum founder Ilyas Khan, Raspberry Pi’s Eben Upton, former Meta executive Nick Clegg, and AI policy leaders like Professor Sana Khareghani;
➂ The event includes startup showcases, workshops, student programs, and debates on scaling tech innovations, supported by Dell Technologies and AMD.
- Broadcom and Raspberry Pi back Experience AI for Malaysia
➀ Broadcom Foundation, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and Penang Science Cluster sponsor 'Experience AI' in Malaysia, expanding AI literacy education nationwide after a successful 2024 pilot funded by Google DeepMind;
➁ The program provides teachers with AI resources (lesson plans, activities, assessments) to train students in AI fundamentals, ethics, and safety, benefiting over 50,000 students through 1,300 trained educators;
➂ Collaboration aims to strengthen coding and AI skills as critical 21st-century competencies, with global reach extending to 160 countries and 1.6 million students.
- Andøya spaceport, Astrobotic partner for Xodiac rocket launches
➀ Norwegian Andøya spaceport partners with Astrobotic to use Xodiac reusable rockets for simulating lunar landings and testing flight systems;
➁ The collaboration starts in 2026, with Andøya providing ground operations and infrastructure support to enhance its commercial space capabilities;
➂ The U.S.-Norway Technology Safeguards Agreement (2025) facilitates hardware exports, positioning Andøya as a key European satellite launch hub.
- Ed Sorts The Immigrant Issue
➀ The article portrays a fictional dialogue where "Ed The Serial CEO" advises the UK Prime Minister on using technology to manage illegal immigration, including drone surveillance (Tekever), real-time monitoring systems (Anduril), and facial recognition;
➁ Ed proposes relocating migrants to Orford Ness, suggesting infrastructure upgrades to create temporary accommodations while balancing public perception and media optics;
➂ The plan involves political maneuvering, leveraging connections with construction firms, and framing the solution to avoid backlash from critics and the media.
September 5
- Gadget Book – Rise of the Machines: A Project Zero Trust Story
➀ The article introduces the book 'Rise of the Machines: A Project Zero Trust Story,' a sequel to the 2023 bestseller 'Project Zero Trust';
➁ It targets tech enthusiasts and AI makers, continuing to explore cybersecurity frameworks and zero-trust principles;
➂ Registration is required to access the full content, highlighting its niche technical focus.
- 3U military VPX computer for land and air
➀ Concurrent launched the Huey, a 3U rugged military VPX computer designed for land and air edge processing, meeting MIL-STD standards for defense environments;
➁ The system features forced-air augmented card-edge cooling with an external fan housing for maintenance without breaking environmental seals, and supports 90–264Vac power input up to 250W;
➂ Targeted at ISR radar, signals intelligence, and sensor-rich platforms, it is tailored for software-defined radios, RF front-ends, and digital acquisition systems.
- Astute signs SCI Semiconductor
➀ Astute Group partners with SCI Semiconductor to globally distribute the ICENI family of memory-safe microcontrollers (MCUs) based on CHERI technology, ensuring hardware-enforced security;
➁ The ICENI MCUs eliminate memory safety vulnerabilities, addressing critical needs in national infrastructure, defense, automotive, and medical industries;
➂ This collaboration aligns with the UK’s Digital Security by Design initiative, positioning CHERI as a commercial solution for unhackable hardware protections against cyber threats.
August 1
- 5G core network to grow 6%
➀ The global 5G Mobile Core Network (MCN) market is projected to grow at a 6% CAGR (2024-2029), driven by 5G Standalone (SA) adoption and AI-driven network capacity demands;
➀ The Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) market is expected to expand at 17% CAGR due to dynamic network slicing, RedCap devices, and GSMA Open Gateway APIs;
➂ AI advancements, including Agentic AI, are key to achieving L4 autonomous networking, potentially reducing operational costs for mobile operators, while 3G shutdowns spur IMS Core upgrades and 5G SA deployments expand globally.
- Infineon adds thermally optimised CoolSiC MOSFET
➀ Infineon launched the CoolSiC MOSFET 1200 V G2 in a top-side-cooled Q-DPAK package, targeting industrial applications like EV chargers and solar inverters;
➁ The new generation reduces switching losses by 25%, improves thermal resistance by over 15%, and supports operation up to 200°C junction temperature;
➂ Enhanced package design enables compact heat dissipation, minimized parasitic inductance, and compatibility with automated manufacturing for scalable solutions.
July 31
- Fable: The Scientist Who Slipped Away
➀ A renowned scientist abruptly leaves Vienna, sending farewell notes to friends;
➁ He departs on the Orient Express accompanied by Napoleon Bonaparte’s great-grandniece;
➂ The fable concludes with a moral: 'Give shit the slip when you can,' emphasizing the value of avoiding unnecessary conflict.
- Automotive UFS 4.1 flash memory up to 1Tbyte
❶ Kioxia introduces 128GB, 256GB, and 1TB UFS 4.1 embedded flash memory for automotive applications, supporting up to 115°C; 512GB version to follow.
❷ Compliant with AEC-Q100/104 Grade 2 standards, targeting infotainment, ADAS, telematics, and vehicle computers.
❸ Delivers 2.1x sequential read, 2.5x write, and up to 3.7x random write improvements over UFS 3.1.
- Photo-relay has 1.8kV output mosfets for 800V batteries
➀ Toshiba introduced the TLX9165T photoelectric relay with 1.8kV output MOSFETs, targeting 800V battery systems in electric vehicles;
➁ The device features back-to-back MOSFETs for bidirectional switching, ≤600Ω on-resistance (at 12mA/10mA), and an 8mm creepage-distance SO16 package compliant with automotive standards;
➂ It achieves 5kVrms isolation, meets AEC-Q101 and IEC 60664-1 certifications, and is designed for battery management and mechanical relay fault detection.
- Space-grade SMA connector-saver for satellite testing
➀ Cinch Connectivity Solutions launched the SQM-4733-MF-29M-02, a stainless steel space-grade SMA connector-saver supporting SMA, 3.5mm, and 2.92mm interfaces with 40GHz operation;
➁ Designed for space missions, it meets NASA out-gassing standards and is used for satellite thermo-vacuum testing, pre-flight evaluation, and multi-orbit platform development;
➂ Offers VSWR ≤1.2:1 up to 40GHz, operates in -65°C to +125°C, and is distributed via DigiKey and Mouser.
- Automotive decline hits Europe component market, says DMASS
➀ European semiconductor distribution sales fell 14% YoY in Q2 2025 due to automotive sector decline, with Austria (-36.6%), France (-20%), and Germany (-17%) hit hardest, while Iberia saw a 2.4% rise.
➁ Component categories varied widely: power and programmable logic sales dropped 21%, while sensors/actuators and discrete components grew. IP&E rose 1.43%, driven by circular connectors (+122.7%) and power supplies.
➂ DMASS cites geopolitical tensions and supply chain volatility as key challenges, urging Europe to prioritize nearshoring and AI/IoT innovation to counter industrial stagnation.
- Harwin strengthens Kontrol industrial connector range
➀ Harwin expanded its surface-mount 'Kontrol' industrial connector range by adding through-hole retention options, introducing 72 new parts designed for high-vibration environments;
➁ The new connectors offer twice the PCB retention force of SMT options, withstanding 20G vibration for 12 hours and 500 mating cycles;
➂ Featuring 1.27mm pitch, up to 40+40 pins, and 3Gbit/s data transmission, the connectors include shrouding, polarization, and location pegs for precision assembly.
- Samsung Q2 chip profit down 94%
➀ Samsung's Q2 chip profit plunged 94% YoY to $288 million, with sales of $20 billion, compared to $4.7 billion profit in Q2 2024;
➁ The company secured a $16.5 billion order from Tesla for its Texas fab and anticipates more large foundry orders, with plans to ramp up 2nm process production in H2;
➂ Samsung noted HBM3E oversupply affecting pricing and is sampling HBM4, targeting volume production in 2025.
- Arm’s FY begins with a record royalty quarter
➀ Arm's Q1 2026 revenue reached $1.05 billion, with royalty revenue up 25% year-over-year to $585 million, while licensing revenue dipped slightly to $468 million;
➁ Over 70,000 enterprises now use Arm Neoverse chips for AI workloads in data centers, powering platforms like NVIDIA Grace and AWS Graviton, with Arm projecting nearly 50% market share among hyperscalers this year;
➂ Arm launched Zena CSS, a compute subsystem for AI-driven automotive applications, accelerating vehicle development timelines by at least one year, with adoption by Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and other major automakers.
- Socionext licenses ADAS IP from aiMotive
➀ Socionext licenses aiMotive's aiWare IP and tools to develop chiplet-based SoCs for automotive ADAS;
➁ The collaboration aims to accelerate AI adoption in automotive solutions, integrating energy-efficient neural network accelerators;
➂ Partnership focuses on mass production-ready Custom SoCs with SDK support, enhancing road safety and intelligence.
July 7
- Google invests in nuclear fusion, nuclear fission, geothermal and solar for datacentre electricity
➀ Google's datacentre electricity consumption surged to 30.8 million MWh in 2025, doubling since 2020, driving efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030;
➁ Investments include 200MW from fusion startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems, 500MW from fission firm Kairos Power, geothermal projects with Fervo Energy, and 1,300MW solar energy procurement;
➂ Partnerships and $20B investments in carbon-free power plants aim to meet 95.8% of Google’s energy demand sustainably.
- Substrate market to be worth $31bn by 2030
➀ The substrate market is projected to reach $31 billion by 2030, driven by AI and HPC, with key technologies including Advanced IC Substrates (AICS), Glass Core Substrates (GCS), and Substrate-like PCBs (SLP);
➁ AICS rebounded to $14.2 billion in 2024, GCS is nearing commercialization via global investments, SLP shipments hit 392 million units (smartphone-led), and Embedded Die (ED) remains niche but critical for AI chip power delivery;
➂ Capacity expansion is driven by AI/HPC demand, CHIPS Act incentives, and Chinese investments, with Asia dominating production while U.S. and Europe lag but gain government support.
- Astrogazers school space club moves closer to CubeSat launch
➀ Croydon High School's Astrogazers space club completed final live testing of their CubeSat prototype aboard a research aircraft, supported by University of Bath engineers;
➁ The satellite successfully measured atmospheric air quality data during flight tests, with collaborative analysis involving ground and airborne measurements;
➂ Planned for 2026-27 launch, the project was funded by multiple institutions including Royal Society and backed by organizations like Surrey Space Centre, following the club's prior achievement of stratospheric weather balloon launches.
- Ed To Boost UK Semis
➀ Ed proposes leveraging the oversupply of mature semiconductor nodes to secure cost-effective fab capacity and establishes a fund to support UK semiconductor innovation;
➁ The initiative encourages UK designers and institutions to utilize AI-enabled EDA tools, potentially reducing chip design time by 30-50% and accelerating layout processes by 40-60%;
➂ A committee chaired by Ed will select projects under the scheme, positioning him as the gatekeeper for opportunities that may include personal incentives from applicants.
July 4
- Designer viruses may be used to produce logic
➀ Researchers at the 2011 Kavli Futures Symposium speculated that designer viruses could someday produce nano-scale logic components, such as 64-bit adders, for integration into chips;
➁ Professor David Awschalom envisioned multifunctional quantum systems combining logic, storage, and communication, potentially spanning biological, chemical, or solid-state platforms;
➂ The Kavli Foundation highlighted the potential of nanoscience for revolutionary applications in technology, medicine, and energy.
- Gadget Book: Designing Electronics That Work
➀ Introduces the book *Designing Electronics That Work*, a practical guide for designing and manufacturing electronics;
➁ Targets hobbyists, graduates, and professionals, aiming to save time and costs in the development process;
➂ Available exclusively to registered users, requiring a quick sign-up or login for access.
- Silanna signs Astute for Europe and India
➀ Silanna Semiconductor partners with Astute Group to distribute its configurable Plural ADCs in Europe and India;
➁ Plural ADCs feature 10-16-bit resolution, 20-250Msps rates, and reduce costs/supply risks through pre-configured SKUs;
➂ FirePower SL2002 laser driver integrates power/firing functions, enabling 100W+ pulses from 3V batteries for compact measurement systems.
- Phase-change heatsink for space
➀ University of Illinois researchers developed a phase-change heatsink (using paraffin wax) for satellites, enhancing thermal management in space where convection cooling is unavailable;
➁ The wax-filled heatsink absorbs peak heat through melting (170kJ/kg) and releases it via radiation, validated by CubeSat orbital tests showing gravity-independent performance;
➂ Simplified models were created for design optimization, with future studies to include solar heating effects during spacecraft orbits.