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April 11
- Who Has The Leverage In Trade?
➀ The U.S. is a significant buyer of foreign goods, with President Trump aiming to change this, but substitution will be difficult.
➁ The U.S. tariffs could be costly for the country and for those selling to the U.S.
➂ China and the EU buy less from the U.S., making retaliation less painful and less effective.
April 10
- 24 by 32 pixel thermal camera array ICs
➀ Melexis has developed a 32 x 24 pixel far-infrared sensor array, the MLX90642, capable of capturing object temperatures between -40 and +260°C.
➁ The sensor array is available in two versions: a wide-view type with a 110° x 75° field of view and a narrow-view type with a 45° x 35° field of view.
➂ The company highlights its signal-to-noise ratio, with the wide-view type achieving approximately 0.1°C and the narrow-view type slightly better at lower sampling rates.
- 0.53mΩ mosfet in 5 x 6mm DFN package
➀ Rohm has developed three n-channel power mosfets in 5 x 6mm DFN packaging.
➁ The RS7E200BG is optimized for secondary-side ac-dc conversion and hot-swap controllers in 12V enterprise server power supplies.
➂ The DFN5060-8S package increases the internal die size area by approximately 65% compared to the conventional 5 x 6mm HSOP8 package.
- Microchip’s 32 LUT programmable logic block for PICs
Microchip has introduced a 32 logic elements programmable array into a microcontroller. The CLB (configurable logic block) can simulate various logic gates, buffers, flip-flops, and multiplexers. It improves response time and power consumption. The PIC16F13145 family offers various configurations with 8 to 20 pins and different memory options. The family also includes ADC, DAC, comparators, timers, and communication interfaces. Development support is provided through the Curiosity Nano development board and MPLAB X IDE.
- TSMC Q1 up 41.6% y-o-y
➀ TSMC reported a 41.6% year-on-year increase in Q1 revenues;
➁ March revenues were $8.7 billion, up 10% month-on-month and 46.5% year-on-year;
➂ Total Q1 revenues reached $25.5 billion.
- Samsung going for 1nm
➀ Samsung has established a team to develop 1nm process technology using high-NA EUV machines for mass production in 2029, according to the Seoul Economic Daily.
➁ It is unclear whether Samsung has ordered any of ASML's $350 million high-NA EUV machines.
➂ Samsung denied reports of canceling its 1.4nm process development, admitting project delays and a rumored shift of resources to the 2nm process.
- Q1 PC units up 4.9% but outlook uncertain
➀ IDC reported that PC unit shipments in Q1 2025 reached 63.2 million, a year-over-year increase of 4.9%;
➁ The entire PC ecosystem attempted to accelerate deliveries to avoid the impact of US tariffs and expected volatility;
➂ Underlying demand factors for PCs, such as Windows 10 upgrade and AI demand, remain strong, but uncertainty over US tariffs and global economic risks may negatively impact demand in 2025.
April 9
- 4bit dual-supply logic level shifters
➀ Toshiba has introduced three four-channel dual-supply level-translator-transceivers targeting UART and SPI interfaces;
➁ These devices support level-up and level-down voltage translation from either of their dual power supplies in bidirectional communication systems;
➂ The 74AVC4T245FT and 74AVCH4T245FT models have four bidirectional level shift circuits, with the latter adding input-holds for correct output states;
➃ The 74AVC4T345FT model is designed for SPI interfaces with a single channel and a triple channel;
➄ The transceivers have direction and output-enable pins within the ‘A’ side voltage domain and are voltage tolerant up to 3.6V;
➅ They offer output strength from ±2mA to ±12mA and have a static consumption of 8μA max through the two power inputs;
➆ The packaging is TSSOP16B and operation is over -40 to 125°C.
- 3D Hall sensor for human-vehicle interfaces
➀ Diodes is developing a 3D Hall-effect magnetic field sensor for contactless rotary motion and proximity detection.
➁ The AH4930Q sensor is designed for automotive applications such as infotainment controls, gear shifts, and seat adjusters.
➂ The sensor features a 12-bit ADC and can measure magnetic fields in all directions with high resolution and low noise.
- Siemens Digital buys Downstream Technologies
➀ Siemens Digital Industries Software has acquired DownStream Technologies, a provider of manufacturing data preparation tools for PCB design.
➁ The acquisition aims to expand Siemens' presence in the small and medium-sized business (SMB) market.
➂ DownStream Technologies' CAM350 suite of tools allows customers to verify and automatically prepare PCB design data for fabrication, reducing errors and streamlining the transition from design to production.
- Sateliot raises €70m Series B for 100 satellite constellation
➀ Sateliot, a Spanish satcoms startup, has raised €70 million in Series B funding;
➁ The funding includes an additional €10 million from Hyperion Fund, bringing the total to €80 million;
➂ Sateliot plans to deploy a constellation of more than 100 satellites to provide global connectivity and support IoT services at a lower cost.
- Smiths upgrades Tunisian cable harness facility
➀ Smiths Interconnect 在突尼斯的工厂增加了电缆组件生产能力；
➁ 制造流程包括切割、剥皮、压接、焊接、灌封、标识和测试等环节；
➂ 该工厂专注于制造和测试信号、数据传输、混合、装甲和电源电缆，以及用于航空航天、国防、交通和工业应用的信号、同轴、双轴、三轴和四轴，以及Mil-Spec和D-sub连接器。
- Top Ten Foundries
➀ The article lists the top ten foundries in Q4 2025, as compiled by TrendForce.
➁ It is a follow-up to previous articles on top EV vendors and chip vendors.
➂ It provides a snapshot of the semiconductor industry's leading players in the foundry sector.
April 8
- Tariffs
➀ The author expresses confusion over the White House's approach to tariffs, suggesting it invites presidents and prime ministers to negotiate different tariffs.
➁ The author references Trump's playbook of making demands and then negotiating, noting Vietnam's offer to reduce tariffs to zero and Israel's promise to balance trade with the US.
➂ The author discusses the ideal of a tariff-free world, referencing Margaret Thatcher's influence on the EU to create a single market and Elon Musk's statement advocating for a zero-tariff situation between Europe and North America.
- Li-ion battery module for electric buses and boats
➀ Toshiba has announced a 1.2kWh 27.6Vdc li-ion battery module for electric busses, ships, and boats.
➁ The module, called Type4-23, improves heat extraction with an aluminum baseplate and offers double the heat dissipation compared to current modules.
➂ The battery is expected to be available in the middle of April 2025 and is designed to meet safety standards for both motive and stationary applications.
- 250kVA filter for monster grid-connected vehicles
➀ Danfoss Power Solutions has launched a 250kVA 560Vac three-phase mains filter designed for heavy all-electric vehicles directly powered from the grid;
➁ The filter is suited for 50 and 60Hz operation, with sealing protection for -40 to +85°C and up to 4,000m altitude;
➂ It is compatible with Danfoss’ EC-C1200-450-L power converter, allowing bidirectional power flow from and to the grid.
- Marvell selling Automotive Ethernet unit to Infineon for $2.5bn
➀ Marvell is selling its Automotive Ethernet division to Infineon for $2.5 billion.
➁ The division has a sales forecast of $225-$250 million this year with a 60% gross margin.
➂ The acquisition includes Marvell’s Brightlane Automotive Ethernet portfolio, which supports network data rates up to 10 Gbps.
- MoD putting £200m into compound semis- open to partnerships
➀ The UK MoD is investing £200 million in the former Newton Aycliffe fab, purchased from Fujitsu last September, to produce GaAs and GaN ICs for military and radar systems.
➁ The investment is part of a £200 million, ten-year program to expand the fab's capabilities.
➂ Octric Semiconductors, the new owner, aims to become a foundry for the next generation of semiconductors.
- Satellite Applications Catapult adds gravity offload system
➀ The Satellite Applications Catapult has upgraded its In-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) facility with a new gravity offload system.
➁ The system, located at the Catapult's site in Westcott, Buckinghamshire, is designed to simulate microgravity for testing purposes.
➂ The new system allows for testing larger payloads in more unique configurations, enhancing the validation of ISAM solutions.
- Element 6 and Bosch form quantum sensor jv
➀ Element Six and Bosch have formed a joint venture called Bosch Quantum Sensing for the production of quantum sensors.
➁ Element Six will hold a 25% stake in the joint venture, having collaborated with Bosch on the technology since 2023.
➂ The specially developed synthetic diamond by Element Six is a key component for Bosch's quantum sensors, making them portable, less expensive to produce, and commercially scalable.
- EMI targets US electronics market via Capitol Records
➀ EMI通过其美国子公司Capitol Records Ltd. 正在努力收购美国电子产品市场的大部分份额；
➁ 64年前，《电子时报》1961年3月15日的版面上开始讲述这个故事；
➂ Capitol通过收购两家独立电子公司——纽约的霍夫曼电子管公司和洛杉矶的Voi-Shan电子部，成立了名为Electric and Musical Industries (United States) Inc. 的新子公司。
April 7
- The Big Stick
➀ The United States has targeted China, its country with the highest trade deficit, with high tariffs.
➁ Additional tariffs have been imposed on exports to the US from countries with high import duties, such as India, Tunisia, and Algeria.
➂ The EU and China have also seen increased tariffs due to other practices, with China facing a rate of +54 percent.
- M8 D-coded panel connectors with single wires
➀ Binder has announced M8 D-coded panel connectors with pre-installed single wires for factory automation;
➁ The connectors enable communication between controllers, sensors, and actuators;
➂ Available in three versions with four pins and 200mm long wires, with options for custom lengths.
- Analysts question TSMC-Intel jv plan
Analysts have raised concerns about TSMC's plan to operate or form a joint venture with Intel's fabs. They believe the differences in manufacturing and operations would hinder success. Citigroup suggests that Intel's foundry has failed to compete with TSMC and that forcing a company to use inferior manufacturing would diminish shareholder value. Lynx Equity questions TSMC's interest in Intel's IFS and the potential risks involved. Bank of America points out the technological mismatch between Intel and TSMC and questions Intel's eligibility for $19 billion in Chips Act funding due to the required majority ownership.
- AI drives VC funding
➀ In Q1'25, global venture funding reached $121 billion, driven by OpenAI's $40 billion raise, valuing the company at $300 billion;
➁ Despite a decline in deal count, AI startups remained the primary beneficiaries of this capital concentration, capturing more than half of the quarter's funding;
➂ The AI dealmaking landscape is evolving, with a shift from infrastructure investments to vertical solutions and application-layer platforms.
- Nato’s Situation Center turns to ICEYE for SAR Satellite Data
➀ NATO's Situation Center has signed an agreement with Iceye, a Finnish company specializing in satellite-based SAR imagery, to provide data to SITCEN at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
➁ The collaboration aims to enhance NATO's data-driven assessments for decision-makers.
➂ Iceye's latest SAR satellites offer 25cm ground resolution and can provide imagery in all weather conditions.
- Ed Becomes Mr Go-Between For US-UK Trade
➀ Ed 在内阁会议上因获得美国10%的关税率而受到祝贺；
➁ Ed 的成功归功于他在美国商务部的一个朋友，提前得知了计算关税的方法；
➂ Ed 在未公开之前就计算出关税，并在内阁会议上直接告诉首相关税率；
➃ Ed 作为英国与美国贸易的中间人，有望在即将到来的贸易谈判中获得丰厚的收益。
April 4
- 550W industrial or medical ac-dc PSUs
➀ Cinon推出了一系列550W的交流直流单输出电源，尺寸约为130 x 84 x 25.4mm；
➁ 这些电源没有内置风扇，550W的功率只有在基板和吹风冷却超过21.9cfm时才能实现，环境温度达到50°C时开始降额，80°C时最大允许负载降至350W；
➂ 在不吹风的环境空气中，这些是450W的电源，50°C时开始降额，80°C时降至约240W。
- ISS National Lab launches Orbital Edge Accelerator programme
➀ The ISS National Lab is launching an Orbital Edge Accelerator programme to support space startups;
➁ The programme is backed by space and environmental VCs and aims to foster innovation in the space economy;
➂ Six startups will receive up to $500,000 in investment, mentorship, and opportunities for sponsored investigations.
- Ohmite power resistors available from Arrow
➀ Ohmite's power resistor range will be available through Arrow Electronics due to a worldwide distribution agreement;
➁ Ohmite manufactures industrial and surface mount power resistors, load banks, heat sinks, and rheostats in the US and Mexico;
➂ The company offers standard and custom products and celebrates its centenary this year.