➀ According to Mr. L. Berkley Davis, vice president and general manager of the electronic components division of the American General Electric corporation of New York, the sales of electronic valves and tubes in the USA this year are expected to total £300 million, and semiconductor sales are over £200 million. ➁ The story dates back to 63 years ago, when Electronics Weekly reported on January 25, 1960, about the sales of 385 million receiving tubes, 180 million transistors, and 11 million television picture tubes. ➂ Semiconductor sales, including transistors and rectifiers, are predicted to be 20% higher than in 1960.
Recent #electronics news in the semiconductor industry
➀ Magnachip expands production of 7th generation MXT LV MOSFETs; ➁ MXT LV MOSFETs utilize Super Short Channel FET (SSCFET) technology; ➂ Improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation for battery-powered devices.
➀ Littelfuse introduces the C&K Switches EITS Series, right-angle illuminated tactile switches; ➁ The switches are designed for versatility and ease of integration, targeting telecom, data center, and professional audio/video markets; ➂ Key features include flexible assembly options, multiple LED color options, and high-temperature compatibility.
➀ This article reviews advancements in nanotechnology, focusing on material encapsulation within nanotubes, highlighting the importance of understanding atomic and molecular interactions within nanotubes and their influence on the performance of the resulting nanostructures. ➁ The review discusses how confinement within nanotubes alters material properties and examines potential applications in electronics, energy storage, and drug delivery. ➂ It also addresses challenges such as achieving uniform material loading and preventing aggregation during encapsulation.
➀ Vishay Intertechnology introduces the VOR1060M4, a compact 600V solid-state relay designed for advanced energy storage, industrial, and mobility applications; ➁ The relay features a 0.3 ms typical turn-on time and ultra-low leakage current of 2 nA, making it ideal for sensitive, low-level applications; ➂ The device is suitable for inverters, motor controls, battery management systems (BMS), and other industrial applications.
➀ Melexis has introduced a compact pressure sensor, the MLX90833, which measures gas and liquid media from 2 to 70 bar, offering factory calibration and LIN digital output for easy integration. ➁ The sensor supports various heating and cooling modes, essential for EVs, and simplifies system design and diagnostics. ➂ It is developed as a Safety Element out of Context (SEooC) under ISO 26262, ensuring stringent safety requirements for modern EVs.
➀ The Elektra Awards 2024 are taking place tonight at the IET London, Savoy Place. ➁ The event celebrates the achievements of the electronics industry, showcasing the finest new products and technology innovation. ➂ The shortlist for the awards can be viewed on the Elektra website, and the full list of winners will be announced after the event.
➀ The Technische Universität Ilmenau launches the 'Ilmenau School of Green Electronics' to develop climate-neutral information technology; ➁ The project is funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung with nearly 5.2 million euros over four years; ➂ The initiative focuses on energy-efficient computing and bio-inspired microelectronics, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of IT hardware.
➀ Inelco Hunter is shipping Sine Systems' ARB Series Connectors; ➁ The connectors are IP68 and IP69K rated with heavy-duty rectangular thermoplastic housings; ➂ Designed for high pin-count applications in controlled and uncontrolled environments, suitable for transportation, off-road heavy equipment, and automotive industries.
➀ This article introduces a DIY project using an Arduino Nano and a PIR motion sensor to control electrical devices; ➁ The system detects human movement and activates or deactivates devices accordingly; ➂ The project is suitable for automating household or office systems for convenience and energy efficiency.
➀ A contemporary of Shockley, Bardeen, and Brattain at Bell Labs was intrigued by the transistor invention and took some home to experiment with. He believed that pairing two low-gain transistors would create a device with higher current gain, expecting the gain to double from five to ten. However, he discovered an unexpected gain of 25. The discovery is named after him. ➁ The story illustrates the value of tinkering and unexpected results in scientific research. ➂ It serves as a moral lesson that experimentation can lead to significant discoveries.
➀ B&K Precision has introduced a frequency counter with up to 10 digits of resolution; ➁ The counter, with a range from 1mHz to 6GHz, is designed for precision and adaptability; ➂ The device delivers 8 significant digits in just one second, improving to 10 digits with extended measurement time.
➀ Infineon introduces an isolated power supply IC for gate drivers of high-power devices; ➁ The 2EP1xxR family offers various output voltage configurations; ➂ The devices are suitable for applications like solar power, electric vehicle charging, and energy storage.
➀ Resilience will be a key focus for electronics supply chains in 2025, as companies seek to identify lower-risk components and localize their supply bases. ➁ AI integration in supply chains will intensify, with a focus on new applications for parsing supply chain intelligence and automating tasks. ➂ A new emphasis on sustainability will see organizations tackle scope-3 emissions in their supply chains, contributing to a deeper understanding of individual component emissions. ➃ Despite improvements, global chip shortages and long manufacturing lead times will continue to challenge the industry.
➀ Mouser has launched its RISC-V resource center to educate design engineers on the latest technology and applications. The center provides articles, blogs, eBooks, and products from Mouser’s technical team and manufacturing partners. It discusses how RISC-V is advancing machine learning closer to the edge in various devices.➁ Mouser offers a range of semiconductors and electronic components for RISC-V applications, including Renesas Electronics’ RISC-V MCU Fast Prototyping Board and Raspberry Pi Pico 2.➃ The resource center explores the benefits of RISC-V technology in areas such as consumer electronics, industrial sensors, and healthcare devices.
➀ This article discusses an advertisement from 1961 that appeared in Electronics Weekly, highlighting the power transistor technology of that era. ➁ The ad is part of a historical archive that reflects the advancements in electronics during the 1960s. ➂ The author, David Manners, provides context on the significance of the power transistor in the evolution of electronics.
➀ The SilverStone Extreme 1200R Platinum SFX-L PSU delivers 1200 watts of power with impressive efficiency, making it a top choice for compact high-performance builds. ➁ However, its high price and some limitations in design and thermal management may deter some users. ➂ The PSU excels in electrical performance and protection features, but its compact design and use of 85°C-rated capacitors raise concerns.
➀ DigiKey's president, Dave Doherty, expresses optimism about the electronics market's upcycle following the US presidential election. He believes the market is at the beginning of a new upcycle, driven by election outcomes and government stimulus policies. ➁ The company has seen growth in revenue and shipment numbers, with a focus on supporting designers through development boards. ➃ DigiKey has expanded its customer base, adding 50,000 new customers globally in 2024 and recording its highest EMEA customer count in October.
➀ This reference design introduces a compact BLDC motor controller optimized for high performance and efficiency in micro-mobility applications. ➁ The controller, designed by Microchip, supports up to 3kW power levels and features advanced control algorithms for precise torque and speed control. ➂ The design includes a robust three-phase inverter stage and various safety protections, making it suitable for e-scooters and e-bikes.
➀ The Elektra Awards 2024 is just a few weeks away with only two Premium Tables remaining. The event will take place on December 10th at the IET London, Savoy Place. ➁ There are no Standard Tables left, making this the last chance to secure a seat with a view. ➂ Book your place now as individual seats are limited.