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July 9
- SiPearl raises €130m
➀ SiPearl raised $32 million to complete its $130 million Series A round, backed by the European Innovation Council, French State, and Taiwan's Cathay Venture;
➁ Its Rhea1 processor, taped out at TSMC, targets high-performance computing (HPC) and AI inference, and will power Europe's exascale supercomputer JUPITER;
➂ The funding accelerates R&D for next-gen processors for supercomputing, data centers, and AI, with a Series B round planned soon.
July 8
- Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 sensor
➀ Raspberry Pi now sells the Sony IMX708 sensor from its Camera Module 3 separately for embedded applications requiring a smaller 10.8×10.8mm form factor;
➁ Four variants are available with options for IR sensitivity and two lens types (F1.8/66° or F2.2/102° field of view), supporting autofocus down to 50-100mm;
➂ The module requires 1.1/1.8/2.8V power (via included DC-DC converter design) and active ventilation in 0-50°C environments.
- May semi sales up 19.8% y-o-y, says SIA
➀ Global semiconductor sales in May 2025 reached $59 billion, marking a 19.8% year-on-year increase and 3.5% month-on-month growth;
➁ Regional YoY sales surged in the Americas (45.2%) and Asia Pacific/All Other (30.5%), driven by strong demand;
➂ The Cowan LRA model projects 2025 semiconductor sales at $719.1B with 14% YoY growth, exceeding WSTS's 11.2% forecast.
- Automotive camera module market growing at 6.6% CAGR to hit $8.7bn by 2030
➀ The automotive camera module market is projected to grow from $6 billion in 2024 to $8.7 billion by 2030 (6.6% CAGR), driven by ADAS adoption and emerging technologies like 8MP sensors with HDR/LFM;
➀ Distributed camera architectures, smart in-cabin systems (DMS/OMS), and innovations such as EVS and SWIR cameras redefine automotive sensing;
➂ Key components from Omnivision and onsemi and packaging/filter advancements underscore the industry's focus on performance and cost optimization.
- European regulatory approval for LPD-S direct-to-sensor satellite IoT
➀ The European EEC committee approved the LPD-S framework, defining conditions for low-power IoT devices to connect directly to satellites;
➁ Lacuna Space will deploy its KonflexHub platform using the 862–870MHz band, enabling battery-operated sensors without ground infrastructure;
➂ The decision provides regulatory clarity for large-scale satellite IoT deployments across Europe through NTN communications.
- New Era In Devices
➀ Bell Telephone Laboratories discovered zinc oxide and cadmium sulfide exhibit superior piezoelectric properties, differing from traditional quartz-based solutions;
➁ Lithium diffusion was used to enhance material resistivity, increasing efficiency in electromechanical transducer applications;
➂ These materials demonstrated higher electromechanical coupling coefficients (0.4 for zinc oxide, 0.2 for cadmium sulfide) compared to quartz (0.095), suggesting transformative potential for high-efficiency devices.
- Anglia signs Winslow
➀ Anglia Components signed a franchise agreement with UK-based Winslow Adaptics, expanding its offerings in IC sockets, adapters, and semiconductor hardware solutions;
➁ Winslow's expertise in obsolescence management, reverse engineering, and custom interconnect solutions was highlighted as key to addressing customer needs;
➂ The partnership aims to provide end-to-end design and manufacturing support for Anglia's UK and EU clients, with products now available on Anglia's eCommerce platform.
- Eisenhaure steps up to CFO of Naprotek
➀ James Eisenhaure has officially been appointed as CFO of Californian contract electronics manufacturer Naprotek, following his interim role since early 2025;
➁ He led the company through its FY2024 financial audit, ensuring timely and efficient processes;
➂ Founded in 1995, Naprotek provides PCB assembly, RF components, and system integration for defense, space, medical, and semiconductor equipment markets.
July 7
- 180W GaN buck dc-dc evaluation board for USB PD
➀ EPC introduces a compact 180W GaN buck DC-DC evaluation board (EPC91109) supporting USB PD 3.1, delivering 12-20V output from 20-36V input with peak efficiency >98%;
➁ Utilizing four EPC2057 GaN HEMTs and Analog Devices' LTC7890 controller, the 24x24mm design operates without heatsinks or airflow at 970kHz switching frequency;
➂ Targets laptop and battery-powered applications, achieving full 180W output (14.3A at 12V) through two-phase interleaved topology.
- TSMC’s Slam Dunk
➀ The semiconductor industry's high costs have consolidated leading-edge logic fabs to three players: TSMC, Samsung, and Intel;
➁ TSMC's conservative 2nm strategy with GAA/BSPD adoption secured majority market share, while Samsung and Intel faced yield failures and customer losses;
➂ Revenue dominance at 2nm positions TSMC to monopolize future generations, leaving rivals' foundry prospects uncertain.
- Teledyne gets four CCDs into space in one week
➀ Teledyne launched CCD sensors for two space missions within a week, including the European Sentinel-4 air-quality monitor and Japan's GOSAT-GW satellite;
➁ Sentinel-4's ultraviolet-to-infrared spectrometer uses two CCDs (CCD374 and CCD376) to analyze trace gases over Europe hourly for 10 years;
➂ The sensors, manufactured in the UK, were selected based on Teledyne’s heritage in previous Sentinel missions and technical capabilities.
- 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.
- HP Dimension with Google Beam eyes 3D video meetings
➀ HP and Google collaborate on Dimension with Beam for 3D video conferencing without headsets/glasses;
➁ The AI-driven system evolves from "Project Starline", announced at InfoComm 2025;
➂ Aims to enhance virtual collaboration through immersive spatial communication technology.
- Most Read – Codasip sale, PCB design, Intel 14A
➀ Codasip seeks a buyer with EU grant incentives (€380M total funding potential);
➁ Siemens integrates generative AI across its EDA tools (Questra, Tessent, etc.) for chip/PCB design;
➂ Wolfspeed enters bankruptcy protection with $4.6B debt reduction, while Intel may abandon 18A foundry marketing to focus on 14A.
- Samsung delays equipping Taylor because of lack of customers
➀ Samsung delays equipping its Texas fab to 2026 due to lack of customers for its 2nm process;
➁ TSMC dominates 2nm production with Apple, MediaTek, and AMD as major clients, planning significant capacity expansion;
➂ Intel faces challenges with its 18A process amid high TSMC wafer costs impacting industry competition.
- House of Lords Space Committee to work on UK strategy
➀ The UK House of Lords Space Committee is holding a session with experts to address the UK's evolving space strategy amid political changes;
➁ Key focus areas include evaluating government space policy, potential sovereign space programs, and international partnerships with the EU, Australia, and Japan;
➂ The committee's report, due in autumn, will incorporate testimonies from industry leaders and experts to shape future decisions.
- SiC’s growth opportunities
➀ Yole predicts the SiC market will grow at a 20% CAGR through 2030 to reach $10.3 billion, driven by automotive electrification and industrial diversification despite a short-term EV slowdown;
➁ Automotive remains the dominant sector (70% demand), while SiC adoption in 800V EV platforms and datacenters ($200M opportunity) accelerates;
➂ Transition to 8″ wafers progresses with Infineon and Wolfspeed leading, while global SiC investments exceed $30B, focusing on supply chain resilience and China's domestic production.
- UK tenders for Active Debris Removal mission
➀ The UK Space Agency launched a £75.6 million tender for an Active Debris Removal mission to capture and de-orbit two defunct satellites using robotic and autonomous spacecraft technology;
➁ The initiative marks a shift from grants to competitive contracts, aiming to stimulate private investment in space sustainability;
➂ The mission addresses the growing threat of space debris, which endangers critical satellite infrastructure supporting GPS, weather forecasting, and national security.
- Social Media’s Threat To Teenagers
➀ A 2024 Pew Research survey reveals 48% of U.S. teens believe social media has a mostly negative impact, up from 32% in 2022, with mental health as a key concern;
➁ 55% of parents express extreme concern about teen mental health, while 35% of teens share similar worries for their generation;
➂ Social media is cited as the top threat to mental health by 44% of parents and 22% of teens, with bullying and societal pressures also highlighted in personal accounts.
July 3
- Driverless Cars Not Yet Ready For Mass Adoption
➀ GM's Cruise suspended driverless testing in San Francisco after a 2023 pedestrian accident, highlighting safety concerns;
➁ California AVs drove 9 million miles in 2023 with a crash rate of 14.6 per million miles—over 7x higher than the U.S. average of 1.9 crashes;
➂ Despite improvements, autonomous vehicles' collision rates remain substantially higher than human-operated cars, delaying mass adoption.
- 650V GaN from Renesas in TOLT, TO-247 and TOLL
➀ Renesas launched three 650V GaN power transistors (TP65H030G4PRS/WS/QS) in TOLT, TO-247, and TOLL packages for server power supplies and e-mobility chargers, featuring silicon-compatible gate drive and enhanced thermal management;
➁ The Gen IV plus cascode design combines depletion-mode GaN HEMT and Si MOSFET, achieving 30mΩ on-resistance, a 4V threshold voltage, and 20% improvement in RDS(on)·Coss product;
➂ A 4.2kW totem-pole PFC evaluation kit (RTDTTP4200W066A-KIT) is provided, following Navitas Semiconductor's recent motor drive-focused GaN solution.
July 2
- ESD protection diodes for 48V vehicles
➀ Nexperia launched ESD protection diodes designed for 48V automotive communication networks, addressing a previous market gap where manufacturers relied on workarounds;
➁ The diodes protect CAN, CAN-FD, LIN, FlexRay, and SENT buses, featuring SOT-23 packages with bidirectional protection and multiple voltage variants (54V/60V/72V) balancing capacitance and surge current;
➂ Models like PESD2CANFD72VT-Q offer 72V working voltage, 1.9A pulse handling, and 15kV ESD protection, with AEC-Q101 qualification for automotive reliability.
- Where Can You Order A Robotxai?
➀ Tesla, Waymo, and Baidu's Apollo Go are expanding robotaxi services in cities like Austin, Atlanta, and multiple Chinese locations;
➁ Challenges include safety regulations, fare disputes with traditional taxi drivers, and operational constraints like geofencing and remote safety operators;
➂ Trials such as GM’s Cruise in San Francisco and Motional in Las Vegas were suspended due to accidents, reflecting safety and scalability issues.