Industry News

    August 2012
    Texas Instruments backs OpenMP API

    OpenMP API support for TMS320C6670, TMS320C6671, TMS320C6672, TMS320C6674 and TMS320C6678 DSPs

    The OpenMP API on multicore DSPs allows developers designing with TI's C66x multicore DSPs to easily increase programmer productivity, while reducing development costs and time to market for embedded
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/30/2012
    IEEE ECCE 2012 registration and final program available online

    Click image to enlarge

    IEEE ECCE 2012 overview. Download the final program for schedule details.

    This year's IEEE ECCE (Energy-conversion congress and exposition) will be held in the new Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC. The just-released final program includes more than 130 technical
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/30/2012
    Vienna University of Technology researchers develop 3D photografting technology

    Click image to enlarge

    3-D pattern, produced by photografting (180 μm wide). Fluorescent molecules are attached to the hydrogel, resulting in a microscopic 3-D pattern.

    While there are many ways to create 3D objects on a micrometer scale, scientists at the Vienna University of Technology have developed a method to attach chemical molecules at exactly the right place.
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/30/2012
    IDT and Intel develop integrated silicon for wireless charging

    Wireless charging for 4G, cloud, and mobile

    Integrated Device Technology has announced that Intel has selected the company to develop an integrated transmitter/receiver chipset for resonant wireless charging. Wireless charging ICs by IDT will
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/30/2012
    Eriez promotes new Product-Engineering Manager

    Nicole Skias Product-Engineering Manager for the Eriez Hydroflow line

    Eriez announces the promotion of Nicole Skias to Product-Engineering Manager for the Eriez Hydroflow line. In this new role, the mechanical engineers and designers within the Hydroflow product line
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/30/2012
    Four marine contenders for 10 million renewables-innovation prize

    AR1000 Atlantis Resources 1MW device

    Two tidal energy and two wave power developers have entered the race for Scotland's £10 million Saltire Prize as the competition's Grand Challenge phase begins. Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/29/2012
    Draker and Solar Power Technologies merge
    Draker and SPTI (Solar Power Technologies) have jointly announced their merger, effective August 21, 2012. The combined company will operate under the Draker name. The combined company also announced
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/28/2012
    Siemens to unveil its end-to-end smart grid portfolio at Metering Europe in October
    Siemens Smart Grid has announced its lead sponsorship for the annual Metering, Billing/CRM Europe, co-joined with Transmission & Distribution/Smart Grids Europe and Smart Homes which is taking place
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/28/2012
    Mouser stocking wide selection of connectivity products from Emerson Network Power
    Mouser Electronics is providing a wide selection of Emerson Network Power Connectivity products, which includes major connector product lines such as Stratos, Johnson, Trompeter, Vitelec, Semflex,
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/28/2012
    Digi-Key announces distribution agreement with Touch Revolution
    Global electronic components distributor Digi-Key has announced a global distribution agreement with Touch Revolution, provider of projected capacitive touch products. Touch Revolution designs and
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/28/2012
    Toyota to adopt Aisin Seki driver-drowsiness-monitor design

    Click image to enlarge

    Aisin Seki, Japan, has developed an eyelid monitor and identified symptoms in eyelid behaviour that indicate drowsiness in motorists. The new automated ITS (Intelligent Transport System) eliminates
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/28/2012
    Meralco and Cisco collaborate on Phillippines smart grid

    Click image to enlarge

    Back (L-R) - Ruben Benosa, Marthyn Cuan, Stephen Misa (Cisco), Raymond Ravelo, Ramon Segismundo, Mario Louie Castaneda (Cisco), Edgar Ventanilla (Cisco), Marnie Tolosa (Cisco) Front (L-R) - Alfredo Panlilio, Les Williamson (Cisco), Oscar Reyes, Patrick Veron (Cisco)

    Meralco (Manila Electric Company), Philippines' largest distributor of electrical power, and Cisco are collaborating on a holistic approach to providing reliable computing and networking infrastructure
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/27/2012
    LG Chem research emerges with cable battery

    Click image to enlarge

    A cable-type flexible lithium ion battery based on hollow multi-helix electrodes.

    Je Young Kim, GM of battery R&D at LG Chem, and his team have designed a cable-type flexible lithium ion battery based on hollow multi-helix electrodes. The spring-like, spiral incorporates the inorganic
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/27/2012
    Multiscale Origami for new photonics, energy conversion

    Click image to enlarge

    Simulation of an impact of an oxygen atom on silicium (Energy of 100 eV, 80° angle)

    ??The NSF's (National Science Foundation's) EFRI (Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation) office has awarded 15 grants in FY 2012 They address three projects in photosynthetic biorefineries
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/27/2012
    Rolls Royce designs and powers buoy-tender vessel for India

    Click image to enlarge

    UT 755 S Buoy tender vessel

    Rolls-Royce has secured an £8 million contract to design and power a highly specialised buoy-tender vessel for India. The vessel will be operating in remote waters off the east coast of India and
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/27/2012
    FuelCell Energy applauds Congressman Larsons and Senator Blumenthal's proposed legislation
    FuelCell Energy has urged support for The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Infrastructure for America Act (the Act), which U.S. Congressman John B. Larson and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal are introducing.
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/27/2012
    Ballard Power Systems to deliver 102 fuel-cell power-generation systems

    Click image to enlarge

    ElectragenME Fuel Cell

    Ballard Power Systems has received purchase orders for 102 fuel-cell power-generation systems to be delivered to its new Southeast Asian distributor, Cascadiant. The systems will be used in the networks
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/26/2012
    Reed takes All-Energy exhibition to Canada

    All-Energy, Melbourne, Australia

    Reed Exhibitions is launching its All-Energy renewable-energy expo series in North America next year when the first All-Energy Canada takes place on 2-3 October 2013 at Exhibition Place, Toronto,
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/25/2012
    Whirlpool and Honeywell introduce efficient insulation

    Click image to enlarge

    Solstice Liquid Blowing Agent applications

    Demonstrating mutual commitments to environmental leadership, Whirlpool and Honeywell have announced that all U.S-made Whirlpool refrigerators will incorporate Honeywell's Solstice LBA (Liquid Blowing
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/25/2012
    IBM, Solar Frontier, TOK, and DelSolar partner to develop low-cost CZTS PV cells

    Click image to enlarge: CZTS thin film solar cell

    IBM's Materials Science team has partnered with Solar Frontier, TOK (Tokyo Ohka Kogyo), and DelSolar to develop an efficient and affordable PV cell made of abundant natural materials. So far, the
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/25/2012
    TDK Lambda opens new German logistics & supply centre

    Nearly 300 guests celebrated the inauguration of the warehouse in Achern.

    TDK announces that TDK-Lambda has opened a new European Logistics and Supply Centre in Achern, Germany. The 2,300 m2 facility is an increase of 900 m2 and will hold around €5
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/22/2012
    Synopsys to acquire SpringSoft

    President and Co-Ceo ChiFoon Chan, Synopsys

    Synopsys has signed a definitive agreement to acquire SpringSoft, the specialized IC design-software house based in Hsinchu, Taiwan with global offices in Cardiff, Wales, Florida and Seattle, USA,
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/21/2012
    NQ Mobile acquires a third of Hesine Technology

    NQ Mobile co-founder, chairman, co-CEO, Henry Lin

    NQ Mobile, a provider of mobile Internet services focused on security, privacy, and productivity and MediaTek, the fabless semiconductor company for wireless communications and digital multimedia
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/19/2012
    Record PCB sales for Invotec Group
    Sales output figures for Invotec Group reached a record high of over €2.7 million in July. The Group (acquired in May by RG Industries LLP, part of the Rubicon Partners portfolio of Industrial businesses
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/17/2012
    Powerex completes new automated production center

    click image to enlarge

    Examples of high-power silicon and SiC semiconductor modules

    Leveraging $6 million in DOE (U.S. Department of Energy) funding, Powerex is has announced the opening of a new automated production center. The facility is capable of producing both silicon and silicon-carbide
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/17/2012
    Passive solar-tracking method uses phase-change material

    Professor Hongrui Jiang

    Cribbing on nature's designs can be one of the best routes to energy efficiency, as recent work from University of Wisconsin-Madison demonstrates. Electrical and computer engineering Professor Hongrui
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/17/2012
    NIST laboratory researches graphene semiconductors

    Graphene-insulator-semiconductor sample under electrical test

    Researchers at NIST's PML (Physical Measurement Laboratory) are using combined optical techniques, IPE (internal photo-emmission), and SE (spectroscopic ellipsometry) to determine graphene's work
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/17/2012
    Mouser launches harsh-environments-technology site for engineers

    Harsh environments, temperature, vibration, moisture and more for ruggedized components

    Mouser Electronics has launched its new technology site featuring electronics for harsh environments. The new site contains technical information that aids design engineers in developing and designing
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/17/2012
    Global Foundries and ARM to jointly deliver optimised SoCs
    Global Foundries and ARM have engaged in a multi-year agreement to jointly deliver optimized SoCs for ARM processor designs on Global Foundries' 20nm and FinFET process technologies. The new agreement
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/16/2012
    Touch screen modules revenue forecast

    Touch Panel

    DisplaySearch has surveyed over 200 suppliers of touch-screen modules, controller ICs, ITO film, and other components to produce the 2012 Touch Panel Market Analysis report. Firms are profiled
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/15/2012
    Nordic Semi nRF51DSK experts offer global tutorials

    click image to enlarge

    The USA tour

    Follow the launch of its nRF51 series of SOCs (Systems-on-Chip), ultra-low-power RF specialist Nordic Semiconductor is embarking on a Global Tech Tour where a team of the company's top wireless-application
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/15/2012
    Kolinker Group, X'tals acquires 40%  of IQD OCXO manufacture

    Major investment in IQD FOQ GmbH by leading Hong Kong crystals manufacturer

    Asian frequency products manufacturer, Hong Kong X'tals, part of the Kolinker Group, has acquired a 40% shareholding in IQD's specialist OCXO manufacturing division IQD FOQ for an undisclosed sum.
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/15/2012
    The AMOLED future in an LCD world

    click image to enlarge

    Based on current yield and material cost assumptions. IGZO: indium gallium zinc oxide. WOLED: white OLED with color filters. LTPS: low temperature polysilicon. RGB: red, green, blue (direct emission) OLED.

    The AMOLED (active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) represents a rapidly growing and highly promising technology for display applications. Based on planned investments, NPD DisplaySearch forecasts
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/15/2012
    FuelCell Energy sells fuel cell power plant to BAM Deutschland

    L2R. Frank Schreiber, BAM Deutschland, Dr.-Ing. Michael Zins, Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS, Chip Bottone, FuelCell Energy Solutions, Dr.-Ing. Markus Koch, BAM Deutschland, Prof. Dr. Alexander Michaelis, Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTS, Dr. Hans-Peter Schelkle, BAM Immobilien-Dienstleistungen, Andreas Benignus, BAM Deutschland.

    FCES (FuelCell Energy Solutions) has sold its first stationary fuel-cell power plant, a sub-megawatt DFC250-EU, to BAM Deutschland, for installation at the new Federal Ministry of Education and Research
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/15/2012
    iDTVs adopt 100 million silicon tuners

    click image to enlarge

    The Si21x8 TV-tuner family is based on four generations of patented architectural enhancements to silicon tuners.

    Silicon Laboratories has shipped its one-hundred-millionth silicon TV tuner that fully displaces traditional tuner modules in iDTVs, which has been and adopted subsequently by virtually all name-brand
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/14/2012
    Microsemi appoints Abbott Medical Optics senior VP to board

    James V. Mazzo

    Microsemi recently appointed Abbot Medical Optics senior VP James V. Mazzo to its board of directors. Abbott specialises in advanced refractive technologies for eye care professionals and patients.
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/13/2012
    Arrow Electronics extends distribution agreement with Schurter to EMEA

    Ralph Müller, CEO & President Divison Components Schurter; Hans-Rudolf Schurter, Chairman & CEO Schurter Group; Matthias Jeck, Senior Group Manager Passive Product Management EMEA Arrow; Martin Zarges, Head of Sales Division Components Schurter; Dominika Stenkiewicz, EMEA Product Manager Circuit Protection Arrow.

    Arrow Electronics and the Schurter Group announced today the expansion of their existing distribution agreement to the entire EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region. Both companies have worked
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/13/2012
    Power Assure software and test method improves data centers' energy efficiency
    Power Assure has announced that its EM/4 DPM (Dynamic Power Management) software and PAR4/UL2640 test method for IT equipment baseline measurements are the basis of a new UNFCCC (United
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/13/2012
    Barbizon Lighting supplies energy efficient BBC TV studio
    Barbizon Lighting improves the energy-efficiency of a UK BCTV studio by adding new energy-efficient studio lighting, a lighting grid, and a studio curtain to create a second studio set, by sliding
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/13/2012
    Paper reports on the rebound effect

    Rebound

    As the energy efficiency of products, homes, and businesses improves, it becomes less expensive to operate them. The rebound effect is a postulate that people increase their use of products and facilities
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/13/2012
    APEC 2013 announces $1,000 student-attendance awards
    The joint sponsors of the APEC (Applied Power-Electronics Conference) have announced the continuation of the popular $1,000 Student Attendance Awards to cover part of the travel and conference
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    Dynex gears up for power electronics

    click image to enlarge

    Ribbon cutting at the launch of the new Dynex Semiconductor Research & Development Centre - part of an £11.25 million investment in technologies and new jobs.

    Lincoln, UK-based Dynex Semiconductor has launched a new research-and-development centre—part of an £11.25 million investment in technologies and new jobs. The designer and manufacturer of high-power
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    ANSYS signs master agreement with EADS

    Robert Harwood, aerospace and defense industry director, ANSYS.

    Aerospace and defense manufacturer, EADS, and ANSYS have signed a master agreement. EADS uses ANSYS simulation software across all its divisions for structural mechanics, fluid dynamics, and electromagnetics
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    Soka-Bau choses ForeScout Technologies security control

    click image to enlarge

    ForeScout Network Diagram

    ForeScout Technologies, provider of automated security-control software, has been selected by Soka-Bau, a benefits, compensation, and pension-insurance services company, as its security-control
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    Ball Aerospace demonstrates phased-array antenna

    Jim Oschmann, Ball Aerospace Vice President and General Manager for Tactical Solutions

    Ball Aerospace & Technologies has successfully demonstrated its MMLCA (Mobile Multifunction Low-Cost Array) system, a prototype X-band SATCOM On-the-Move (SOTM) phased-array antenna, at the U.S. Army's
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    Yole forcasts $44 B inverter market to exceed $55 B by 2016

    click graphic to enlarge

    Inverter market forecast: 2010 to 2016

    Continued strong interest in green energy, power electronics for electricity conversion is experiencing important growth. Starting with a total inverter market size of almost $44 billion in 2012,
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    Toshiba demos TransferJet close proximity wireless

    click image to enlarge

    A complete system on a chip, the TC35420 from Toshiba combines RF subsystem and digital circuits to implement TransferJet wireless data interface

    Visitors to the Düsseldorf IFA Toshiba Dealer Zone will see new demonstrations showcasing Toshiba's semiconductor technology for TransferJet wireless data transfer. On show for the first time will
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    Innovolt and Katun Corp announce strategic relationship

    The future of electronics protection

    Innovolt has announced a strategic relationship with office-equipment-industry supplier Katun, extending Innovolt's technology in the office-equipment market and expanding into new geographic markets.
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    IDTechEx releases thermoelectric-energy-harvesting research report
    The market-research firm IDTechEx has released its report, Thermoelectric Energy Harvesting: Devices, Applications, & Opportunities 2012-2022, which examines Seebeck devices and their applications
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    NanoKTN support helps Perpetuum develop implantable energy-harvesting technology
    The NanoKTN (Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network), one of UK's primary knowledge-based networks for micro and nanotechnologies, has announced significant progress made by its member Perpetuum
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/10/2012
    CD-adapco releases lithium-ion battery-cell simulation software

    click image to enlarge

    Simulator reveals spiral-wound cells' temperature profiles, validating their design, reducing costs, and improving overall battery performance, safety, and life.

    CD-adapco has released a CAE tool, STAR-CCM + Battery Simulation Module, designed to simulate spirally wound lithium-ion battery cells. The technology is aimed at helping the automotive and battery
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/09/2012
    US Highland announces partnership with NIRA Control

    NIRA electronic engine control unit

    US Highland has announced a strategic partnership with Stockholm-based NIRA Control, that specializes in development and delivery of custom-made advanced ECUs (electronic control units) for combustion
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/09/2012
    IMS Research report includes outline for smart grid in India

    click to enlarge image

    Energy grid of India

    Recent widespread power failures in India have highlighted a number of problems that exist in the electrical grid. An IMS Research report, Distribution Automation Equipment - 2012 Edition,
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/06/2012
    Joining Technologies offers laser-additive R&D day

    click image to enlarge

    Research laboratory equipment for AppLabDay

    JTRC (Joining Technologies' Research Center) is now offering AppLab (application-laboratory) Day for engineers interested in investigating projects that might benefit from laser-additive manufacturing. AppLab
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/06/2012
    Volcano Network Architect from Mentor Graphics verifies and improves network bandwidth usage at Mazda
    Mentor Graphics has announced that Mazda has chosen VNA (Volcano Network Architect) software to verify their network bandwidth usage. The VNA is a tool to design CAN and LIN networks in a vehicle
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/06/2012
    Arrow Electronics signs distribution agreement with Microchip
    Arrow Electronics has announced that Microchip's broad range of embedded semiconductors is now available through Arrow's components portfolio, under a global distribution agreement between the companies.
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/06/2012
    IHS iSuppli PV Perspectives brief: New solar tariff in Germany to help rooftop market
    A midyear subsidy change approved by Germany for PV (photovoltaic) installations on rooftops will continue to drive solar demand for the remainder of the year, even though no year-end rally is expected
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/06/2012
    Senate Finance Committee gets energy groups' endorsements

    Seal of the United States Senate

    The leaders of four renewable-energy trade associations—the Biomass Power Association, Geothermal Energy Association, Energy Recovery Council, and National Hydropower Association—commended
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/06/2012
    Digi-Key announces global-distribution agreement with API Technologies
    Digi-Key has announced a global distribution agreement with API Technologies. API is a provider of RF subsystems for defense, aerospace, and commercial applications. "API is an industry leader
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/02/2012
    Vectron International and Knowles Electronics partner with SiTime

    Rajesh Vashist, CEO of SiTime

    Vectron International and Knowles Electronics issued a joint announcement that they have entered into a strategic partnership with SiTime. The partnership, which includes a cash investment by Vectron
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/02/2012
    Avnet acquires CRG Electronic distribution business

    Patrick Zammit, President,
    Avnet Electronics Marketing, EMEA.

    Avnet Inc. has acquired the operating assets of the electronic components distribution business of CRG (C.R.G. Electronics Ltd) an Israeli company. CRG is a distributor of high quality PC products
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/02/2012
    CamSemi founder wins Silver Medal from Royal Academy of Engineering

    Click image to enlarge

    CamSemi co-founder Professor Florin Udrea

    Professor Florin Udrea - a co-founder of CamSemi - has been awarded a Silver Medal from The Royal Academy of Engineering for his pioneering work in commercialising more cost-efficient power management
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/01/2012
    Avnet Abacus wins Harwin's Distributor-of-the-Year award

    click image to enlarge

    Left to right: Wolfgang Pohl, Harwin; Hüseyin Sezikli, Avnet Abacus; Alan Jermyn, Avnet Abacus; Andrew McQuilken, Harwin; Hagen Goetze, Avnet Abacus; Ben Green, Harwin

    Avnet Abacus, a European interconnect, passive, electro-mechanical, and power component distributor, has received the Distributor of the Year 2011 award from Harwin, a leading hi-rel connector and
    . . . Learn More
    Date:
    08/01/2012

    Power Systems Design

    146 Charles Street
    Annapolis, Maryland 21401 USA

    Power Systems Design

    Published by Power Systems (PSD) serves all aspects of the Power Electronics market including but not limited to Power Conversion, Power Management, Intelligent and Embedded Motion, Automotive, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Lighting. PSD is published 10x per year in English with separate print editions for Europe and North America and is published 6x per year in China. PSD Apps are available for Android & iOS. Additionally qualified power engineering professionals may subscribe and receive PSD daily PowerSurge newsletters.