ELE Times

Rohde & Schwarz introduces new options for its automotive radar target simulator R&S AREG800A. The new R&S AREG-P creates and enables an environment for a seamless transition of automotive radar sensor from R&D to production. Used standalone or as turnkey solution together with NOFFZ integrating the AREG- P into their production test systems, enables Tier1 automotive radar suppliers to increase throughput, reduce test time and optimize costs of end-of-line tests.

When radar sensors move from R&D to production a seamless transition is critical. A smooth transition ensures that the production models meet the same high standards of performance, reliability, and durability that were established during the research and development phase. Any issue during the transition could compromise these functionalities, posing a potential risk to vehicle occupants and other road users.

The R&S AREG-P, based on the world’s leading radar target simulator the AREG800A, with its highly versatile configuration and precision parameters, is designed to effectively address these test and measurement challenges. It’s modular structure, which includes a base unit, up to three fully digital channels for independent generation of artificial objects and one object per channel, and the capacity to connect up to three frontends to a single base unit, ensures adaptability to different production needs. A wide 5 GHz RF instantaneous bandwidth and analogue IF output interfaces allow measuring the radar under tests EIRP with an additional R&S NRP8S(N) diode power sensor and bandwidth with an additional R&S FSV3007 signal and spectrum analyzer. This ensures that production models meet the high standards of performance set during the R&D phase and additionally leads to quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

The R&S AREG-P offers a variety of models, each tailored to meet different needs and operational contexts in radar production application. R&S AREG-P1 represents the Radar Mini configuration that creates a seamless takeover of the world leading radar test technology into the radar production application. R&S AREG-P2 as the Radar Golden configuration allows parallel testing of 2 radars in 2 different chambers in production, at the same time, and using the same target simulator. The Radar Pro configuration R&S AREG- P3 goes a step further by eliminating the need for azimuth sweeps, thus minimizing testing time in production. Finally, the R&S AREG-P2+3, or the Radar Golden-Pro configuration, offers the most advanced solution by eliminating both the azimuth and the elevation sweeps further reducing the testing time in production to a minimum.

Leveraging the strength of the R&S AREG800A, the new options are optimized and future-proof for automotive radar production testing. Moreover, the AREG-P technology brings the proven performance of the established AREG target simulator into the production phase. Alongside the AREG-P, the CATR reflector technology is also transferred to production offering therefore another technology benefit by enabling tests of automotive radar sensors under far field conditions on a minimum test stand footprint. CATR has already proven its effectiveness in testing leading-edge 4D radars and is also future proofed for growing antenna apertures. Finally, the AREG-P and the CATR reflector provide a seamless yet compact production testing solution for customers developing radars in R&S ATS1500C chamber, with the R&S AREG800A.

The R&S AREG-P solutions also bring significant business benefits that can enhance operational efficiency and profitability in automotive radar production. Thanks to its modular nature Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) distribution and minimization is facilitated. Its high-performance accuracy and minimizes Operational Expenditure (OPEX) and Time to Market (TTM). The compact design not only saves valuable footprint but also minimizes CO2 emissions and create environmentally friendly testing areas. The flexibility and scalability of the R&S AREG-P systems contribute to OPEX reduction as well as its easy and fast deployment which reduces setup time and associated costs.

The seamless transition of automotive radar sensors from R&D test systems to production testing also reduces failure risk and increases First Pass Yield (FPY), reducing wastage and boosting productivity. Key features like variable object distance, as well as patents like airgap as a minimum distance for FMCW radar sensors and vertical chambers with CATR, are transferred from R&D to production.

Ludwig Mair, Business Development Manager Radar from NOFFZ Technologies, comments: “At NOFFZ, we’re happy to work hand-in-hand with Rohde & Schwarz to integrate the R&S AREG-P into our test systems for end-of-line production. This collaboration enables us to offer our customers an unparalleled advantage in terms of performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability.”

In summary, each of R&S AREG-P models brings its unique strengths to the table, offering a range of solutions that can meet the diverse needs of the dynamic and demanding automotive radar production sector.

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With the proof-of-concept for a system for 6G wireless data transmission based on a photonic THz communications link, Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing its contribution to state-of-the-art research for next generation wireless technologies at European Microwave Week in Paris. The ultra-stable, tunable THz system, developed within the 6G-ADLANTIK project, is based on frequency comb technology and enables carrier frequencies well beyond 500 GHz.

On the path to 6G, it is important to create terahertz (THz) transmission sources that offer high signal quality, and that cover as wide a frequency range as possible. Combining optical technologies with electronics is one possible way to achieve this in the future. At EuMW 2024 in Paris, Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing the company’s contribution to state-of-the-art THz research within the 6G-ADLANTIK project. This project focuses on developing components for the THz frequency range based on photonic and electronic integration. Such THz components, yet to be developed, can then be used for innovative measurements and faster data transfers. These components will find applications not only in 6G communications but also in sensing and imaging. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF) and coordinated by Rohde & Schwarz, 6G-ADLANTIK has brought together the partners TOPTICA Photonics AG, Fraunhofer-Institut HHI, Microwave Photonics GmbH, Technical University Berlin, and Spinner GmbH.

Ultra-stable tunable THz system for 6G based on photonics

The proof-of-concept shows an ultra-stable, tunable THz system for 6G wireless data transmission based on a photonic THz mixer which enables the generation of THz signals based on frequency comb technology. In this approach, a photodiode efficiently converts an optical beat signal derived from lasers with slightly different optical frequencies into an electrical signal through a photomixing process. The antenna structure surrounding the photomixer translates the oscillating photocurrent into a THz wave. The resulting signals can be modulated and demodulated for 6G wireless communications and can be tuned easily over a wide frequency range. The presented system also can be extended for component characterization with coherently received THz signals. A THz waveguide architecture simulation and design, as well as the development of ultra-low phase noise photonic reference oscillators, are also part of the scope of work for this project.

The ultra-low phase noise of the system is enabled by a comb-locked optical frequency synthesizer (OFS) in the TOPTICA laser engine. High-end instruments from Rohde & Schwarz are part of the setup: The R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator creates the baseband signals for the optical modulator with a sample rate of 16 GS/s. The R&S SMA100B RF and microwave signal generator generates a stable reference clock signal for the TOPTICA OFS system. The R&S RTP oscilloscope samples the baseband signal after the photoconductive continuous wave (cw) THz receiver (Rx) at a sample rate of 40 GS/s for further processing and demodulation of the 300 GHz carrier frequency signal, which will be shown at EuMW 2024.

6G and future frequency band requirements

6G will enable new application scenarios in industry, medical technology and everyday life. Applications like the metaverse and extended reality (XR) will bring about new requirements for latency and data transmission rates that are not met by current communications systems. Although the ITU World Radio Conference 2023 (WRC23) identified for further study new frequency bands in the FR3 spectrum (7.125 – 24 GHz) for the first commercial 6G networks to be launched in 2030, the sub-THz frequency band up to 300 GHz will eventually be indispensable to realize the full potential of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) applications.

Rohde & Schwarz exhibits its proof-of-concept of a THz system for 6G based on photonics along with its wide portfolio of RF and microwave test solutions at the European Microwave Week in Paris at booth 401L in Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from September 24 to 26, 2024.

In addition, Rohde & Schwarz co-hosts a full-day workshop at the European Microwave Conference (EuMC) on September 22, 2024 titled Photonic Technologies for Radio Frequency Applications, covering different aspects such as maturity, performance and costs of photonic RF technologies and their potential to compete with existing solutions.

For further information on test and measurement solutions from Rohde & Schwarz for 6G research and THz communications, visit

www.rohdeschwarz.com

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• Applied Semiconductor Collaboration in ENgineering and Technology initiative (ASCENT) brings together Applied and leading universities to accelerate semiconductor research and development in India
• Goal is to develop innovative solutions to the industry’s toughest challenges

Applied Materials India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Applied Materials, Inc., the global leader in materials engineering solutions for the semiconductor industry, has launched a new initiative to foster innovation and education in semiconductor equipment. The “Applied Semiconductor Collaboration in ENgineering and Technology initiative (ASCENT)”, will be an annual event that invites researchers from selected universities to collaborate with Applied India engineers and develop differentiated technologies in various research areas. The initiative is designed to accelerate innovative solutions to the semiconductor equipment industry’s toughest technical challenges. For the 2024 edition, Applied Materials India has selected three prestigious institutes–Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur; Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad; and Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar-after assessing numerous proposals from top universities and institutes across India.

ASCENT is aimed at enhancing innovation across seven areas of research – Power, Materials, Chemical Delivery, Sensors, Vacuum Components, Automation and Sustainability. In addition to sponsoring advanced research in these seven areas, Applied Materials will give researchers access to state-of-the-art equipment and labs for solution validation, under the mentorship of Applied’s engineers.

Dr. Prabu Raja, President, Semiconductor Products Group, Applied Materials, Inc., present at Semicon India said, “ASCENT is an important initiative for us, designed to seed semiconductor innovation and build a robust talent pipeline that aligns with India’s semiconductor ambitions.” He further added, “By fostering greater collaboration across the ecosystem, we aim to strengthen India’s role in the development of semiconductor equipment and components. Applied Materials India has longstanding relationships with prestigious academic institutions across the country, and together we can develop solutions that help improve time to market, reduce R&D costs and enhance overall success rates.”

Over the past two decades, Applied Materials India has been working with leading academic institutions, including IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Patna, IIT Madras, IISc Bangalore, IIT Ropar, and IIT Hyderabad to accelerate research, drive innovation, develop a skilled workforce, and recruit diverse talent.

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In order to further drive decarbonization, improving the energy efficiency of buildings is crucial, as they contribute significantly to global energy consumption and carbon emissions. Innovative solutions are needed to optimize energy consumption while ensuring a healthy indoor environment. Infineon Technologies AG is addressing this need with the introduction of the new XENSIV PAS CO2 5V sensor. It is based on the Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) technology and improves energy efficiency by adapting ventilation to actual occupancy, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. This makes the device suitable for applications such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as room controller and thermostat units in commercial and residential buildings. It can also be used for IoT and consumer devices such as smart lighting, air purifiers, conferencing systems, and smart speakers, as well as emerging applications such as smart horticulture and smart refrigerators.

“Environmental sensing is an important pillar of Infineon’s sensor portfolio,” said Andreas Kopetz, VP Ambient Sensing at Infineon. “CO2 sensors play an increasingly important role in smart homes and buildings by continuously monitoring indoor air quality and adjusting ventilation systems accordingly. Our XENSIV PAS CO2 5V is a sensor solution that ensures a healthier living environment for occupants and enables significant energy savings for greater sustainability.”

The XENSIV PAS CO2 5V provides accurate air quality data in real time. Its miniaturized form factor of 14×13.8×7.5 mm³ is identical to the size of the XENSIV PAS CO2 12V sensor and allows seamless integration into a wide range of applications. This makes it easy to adopt dual designs or maintain the same design strategy for both product variants. Compared to the 12V sensor, the 5V version comes with a 5V power supply which further simplifies installation. Moreover, it offers a significantly faster response time of 55 seconds, down from 90 seconds (12 V). This improvement enhances efficiency across various applications, allowing for quicker data acquisition and more responsive performance in dynamic environments. The sensor’s design is dust-proof in accordance with ISO 20653:2013-02, which extends the lifetime of the device in dusty environments and minimizes maintenance requirements. In addition, the UART, I²C and PWM interfaces enable seamless integration with microcontrollers and other digital systems, simplifying the design and development process. Ultimately, with its robust performance, the sensor meets the performance criteria of the internationally recognized WELL Green Building Standard, enhancing both environmental sustainability and property value.

All major components of the XENSIV PAS CO2 5V sensor are developed in-house according to Infineon’s high-quality standards. Among others, this includes a dedicated microcontroller that runs advanced compensation algorithms to provide direct and reliable ppm readouts of real CO2 levels. The available configuration options make the sensor one of the most versatile plug-and-play CO2 sensors on the market. They include a dedicated ABOC (Automatic Baseline Offset Calibration), pressure compensation, signal alarm, sample rate and early measurement notification, which are especially useful for power consumption management. The SMD package, delivered in tape and reel, allows for easy assembly, even in high-speed, high-volume manufacturing.

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As the payment world moves towards digitalization, the need to protect digital identities and transactions has never been more important. In addition to standard contactless payment cards, biometric payment cards are a promising development in this area and are gaining in popularity. Against this backdrop, Infineon Technologies AG announced SECORA Pay Bio, an all-in-one biometric payment card solution that complies with Visa and Mastercard specifications. It integrates Infineon’s enhanced SLC39B system-on-chip (SoC) Secure Element and the FPC1323 sensor by Fingerprint Cards AB (Fingerprints) into the Infineon Biometric Coil on Module (BCoM) package, leveraging the key advantages of inductive coupling technology. The solution uses the fingerprint credentials securely stored on the card as a second authentication factor, enabling a convenient and trusted contactless payment experience.

“With this all-in-one solution for biometric payment cards, we are pushing the boundaries of payment cards further,” said Tolgahan Yildiz, Head of the Trusted Mobile Connectivity and Transactions Product Line at Infineon. “SECORA Pay Bio enables easy-to-implement and scalable production of robust and reliable biometric payment cards with high throughput and a smooth consumer experience.”

In an optimistic scenario, ABI Research expects the market for biometric cards to grow to

113.3 million units by 2028. This market trend is driven by further optimization of the price- performance ratio, including the producibility and cost of biometric payment cards, as well as by consumer demand for more convenient and secured biometric authentication in personal payment transactions. Furthermore, biometric payment cards could offer an additional barrier against lost-and-stolen fraud and PIN phishing fraud.

Biometric payment solution with excellent contactless performance

SECORA Pay Bio extends Infineon’s SECORA Pay solution family. The solution integrates Fingerprints’ sensor and Infineon’s SLC39B SoC Secure Element into a single dual- interface package, the innovative Infineon Biometric Coil on Module (BCoM). The SLC39B Secure Element with an integrated power source offers large memory size and various peripherals, as well as excellent contactless performance. Based on innovative inductive coupling technology without wire connection from the BCoM module to the card antenna, manufacturing complexity can be drastically reduced, and the card robustness and long- term reliability can be significantly improved. In addition, the biometric sensor card production can now be implemented on existing dual interface card manufacturing equipment with only minor operational changes. As the SECORA Pay Bio solution complies with both Mastercard and Visa specifications, the use of BCoM technology would not require additional performance testing, enabling a flexible and rapid rollout with outstanding performance and a frictionless onboarding process.

Two new innovative enrollment options are supported

SECORA Pay Bio supports a wide range of enrollment options, including sleeves, smartphone apps and in-field enrollment. The innovative SECORA Pay Bio enrollment sheet makes fingerprint enrolling via smartphone easier than ever before. In addition, SECORA Pay Bio is the first biometric payment solution to support in-field enrollment. This allows cardholders to use biometric payment cards without any additional effort or devices. Moreover, with these new biometric cards, the fingerprint template is trained with each payment transaction, improving the user experience even further.

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In yet another major endeavor for implementing and enhancing electric mobility in India, the Union Cabinet approved the implementation of the Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme on 11 September, 2024. The implementing agency for this scheme is the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India.

This scheme has been approved with an outlay of ₹ 10, 900 crores. It will be implemented over a period of two years, starting from 2024.

It has been approved with the aim of replacing the flagship Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase II (FAME India Phase II) programme. It was in operation till March, 2024. The approved PM E-DRIVE scheme will fix the loopholes and shortcomings of the past FAME schemes. For instance, discrepancy in claiming subsidy for the imported electric vehicles.

The significance of the approved PM E-DRIVE scheme is that it aims to incorporate the phased manufacturing programme. This will encourage domestic manufacturing and supply chain of electric vehicle components in India.

The prime objective of the approved PM E-DRIVE scheme is that it will promote the manufacturing, purchase, and adoption of electric vehicles across all sectors in India. And hence, it will enhance electric mobility in India.

It intends to achieve this aim by undertaking a host of measures. Few of them are as enumerated below:

First, it will subsidize the manufacturing and purchase of electric vehicles. This will increase the sale of electric vehicles.

Second, it will provide demand incentive in order to increase the aggregate demand for all forms of electric vehicles- e-two-wheelers, e-three-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles. The demand creation is expected to be to the tunes of 24.79 lakh e-two-wheelers, 3.16 lakh e-three-wheelers, 14,028 e-buses, and 88,500 charging sites.

Third, speaking specifically about the demand generation for 14,028 e-buses, it will be mainly focused in nine cities that have a population of more than 40 lakhs -Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad. The demand aggregation will be done by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). It is a green energy focused venture of the Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a joint venture of the four public-sector undertakings- NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, REC Limited, and the Powergrid Corporation of India Limited. The EESL functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

Fourth, the implementing agency of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, i.e., the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, will introduce e-vouchers for the buyers to avail discounts under this scheme. The buyers of electric vehicles will be issued an e-voucher under the scheme to avail demand incentives. These e-vouchers will be Aadhaar-authenticated and sent to the buyer’s registered mobile number after the purchase. Once these e-vouchers will be submitted by the manufacturers and buyers, they shall be redeemed by the Government of India. Hence, this initiative will incentivize the sale of electric vehicles.

Fifth, Rs 500 crore has been assigned to promote the deployment of e-trucks. This would end the pollution caused by the biggest contributor to air pollution, i.e., trucks that operate from the conventional sources of energy. Under this scheme, in order to be eligible to avail incentives, it is mandatory for the e-trucks to possess a scrapping certificate from an authorised Vehicle Scrapping Centres (RVSFs) of the MoRTH.

Sixth, fast charging ports shall be installed across the country for all forms of electric vehicles- 2,100 fast chargers for e-four wheelers, 1,800 fast chargers for e-buses, and 48,400 fast chargers for e- two-wheelers and e-three-wheelers.

In order to achieve this aim, ₹ 10,900 crores have been approved under this scheme. Its break-up is as follows:

First, ₹ 3,679 crore has been allocated for the demand generation of 2-wheelers (e-2Ws), 3-wheelers (3Ws), e-ambulances, e-trucks and other emerging electric vehicles (EV).

Second, ₹ 500 crore has been allocated for creating demand for e-ambulances. This new initiative aims to provide comfortable and environmentally-friendly patient transport. The standards for performance and safety of these e-ambulances will be developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, and other relevant stakeholders of the Government of India.

Third, ₹ 2,000 crore has been allocated for installing public charging stations along selected cities with high penetration of electric vehicles and also along selected highways for the purpose of charging e-vehicles. This would enable e-vehicles operable across a wide range of distances.

Fourth, ₹ 500 crore has been allocated for purchasing electric trucks.

Fifth, ₹ 780 crore has been allocated for the upgradation of testing agencies.

Sixth, ₹ 4,391 crore has been allocated for procuring e-buses. Under the allocated funds, 14,028 e-buses will be procured for different state public transport agencies.

The approved PM E-DRIVE scheme covers all forms of electric vehicles except electric cars and hybrid cars. It covers under its ambit, all other forms of electric vehicles- electric two-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, electric ambulances, electric trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles.

This scheme intends to enhance the market share of electric two-wheelers to 10% and electric three-wheelers to 15% by March, 2026.

Under the approved scheme, till March, 2025, each electric two-wheeler will receive a subsidy of 10,000, whereas a subsidy of ₹ 50,000 will be provided to each electric three-wheeler.

Besides, in order to increase the penetration of electric mobility in India, the government has taken a host of measures. First, lowering of the GST on the electric cars to 5 % as compared to 28 % on hybrid and CNG vehicles, and 49 % on the internal combustion engine vehicles. Second, exemption of electric vehicles sold in a few states such as Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, from paying road tax and registration charges. Third, the introduction of the schemes for the localisation of components and batteries. And fourth, sanctioning of the additional funds for the installation of the public charging stations in order to increase the range up to which the electric vehicles can travel in India.

Once this program will be successfully implemented, it would end India’s reliance on conventional fuels and conventional batteries. This biggest threat to this mayhem is that it would usher and augment implementation of lithium-ion batteries-based devices and energy storage systems.

This would enable the accomplishment of the much-cherished dream of the application of green sources of energy, restrict the emission of green-house gases to the levels committed under the Paris Conference (CoP 21), aid in achieving the ambitious target of 30 per cent penetration of electric vehicles in India by 2030, and hence achieve the most ambitious goal of net-zero carbon emissions that India has committed to achieve by 2070.

This is the era of application of green energy. No wonder the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme is a progress on the right trajectory! And the best days are yet to come.

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NORD DRIVESYSTEMS is a reliable partner and system supplier for sustainable drive technology solutions for its customers. The focus in the first half of 2024 remained on continuity, technically suitable solutions and cross-industry trade fair presentations.

The first half of the year was characterised by special challenges. However, opportunities for growth have presented themselves to NORD. Therefore, it was particularly important for the drive expert from Bargteheide to ensure continuity, increase its delivery reliability and maintain exchange with its customers at international specialist trade fairs.

NORD at LogiMAT

At the international LogiMAT specialist trade fair for intralogistics solutions and process management in Stuttgart, NORD has been presenting logistics drive solutions for many years. This year, a particular focus was on the issues of reliability and efficiency. Emphasis was on the patented DuoDrive geared motor and the decentralised NORDAC ON/ON+ frequency inverter. The company also presented the NORD ECO service and its sustainability programme.

NORD at Anuga FoodTec

NORD has been an integral part of Anuga FoodTec, the leading trade fair for food and beverage production in Cologne, for many years. This year, the company presented drive solutions for high energy efficiency and low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). On show: controlled asynchronous motors for end-of-line packaging with the centralised NORDAC ON frequency inverter, the NORDAC PRO SK 500P control cabinet inverter with a power range of up to 22 kW and PROFIsafe module as well as drives for conveyor technology in the food area with IE5+ synchronous motors and DuoDrive.

NORD at Passenger Terminal Expo

The Passenger Terminal Expo in Frankfurt am Main has become an important meeting point for the airport logistics sector. In 2024, NORD presented its products from the LogiDrive solution space that has been specially optimised for applications such as tray, belt or roller conveyors. This includes the system solutions:

LogiDrive Basic, LogiDrive Advanced and LogiDrive Advanced with DuoDrive.

NORD at IFAT

At IFAT, the world’s leading trade fair for water, sewage, waste and raw materials management in Munich, NORD was present with its efficient and powerful drive solutions for pumps, mixers and agitators. These solutions included MAXXDRIVE® industrial gear units, IE5+ synchronous motors, the patented DuoDrive, decentralised frequency inverters and drive components as explosion-protected ATEX versions. This trade fair clearly demonstrated the dynamism and emphasis on issues such as efficiency, recycling or energy production from biogas.

NORD at ACHEMA

ACHEMA in Frankfurt very rarely takes place in the same year as IFAT due to the different frequency. Nevertheless, NORD could record high demand at its trade fair stand with many good contacts. Many products from the NORD portfolio were shown, which were also presented in Munich at IFAT. Among others, ATEX-compliant drive concepts for the process industry and the heavy-duty MAXXDRIVE® industrial gear units were focal points. Further trade fair highlights were the decentralised NORDAC ON/ON+ frequency inverters, the DuoDrive, IE5+ synchronous motors and the NORDCON APP with NORDAC ACCESS BT.

Goals for the second half of the year

The company will maintain a focus on the issue of energy efficiency of drive solutions in the second half of 2024. NORD will also keep supporting its customers with its knowledge for drive solutions in various industries.

“With our competitive drive solutions, the high expertise of our employees, our high production depth, our global network and our sustainable management, we feel well equipped for future challenges”, says Gernot Zarp, Sales Manager.

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Data protocols are constantly evolving to enable interoperability and reliable transfer of increasing amounts of data at the highest speeds between more and more connected devices. To address this technological challenge, Fischer Connectors is expanding its platform capabilities to meet the most demanding connectivitiy requirements for high-speed data transfer using the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol up to 10 Gbit/s.

The Swiss-based company has developed new USB 3.2 connectors and cable assembly solutions in three of its flagship product lines to meet signal integrity and harsh environment requirements for medical, defense, industrial and instrumentation applications such as:

• Surgical equipment in the operating room, USB3 cameras in orthopedic surgery or endoscopic devices, and instrumentation applications such as assembly production lines and outdoor inspections in radiation and/or contaminated areas, with the versatile, highly customizable Fischer Core Brass Series – 9 pins in Ø 15.5 mm (‘size 1031’ plug), resistant to chemicals and sterilization processes.

• Applications where SWaP (size, weight and power) is critical, such as miniature body-worn computers and peripherals, high-performance lidars and high-speed intercom boxes, with the ultra-miniature, high-density Fischer MiniMax Series – 9 pins in Ø 12.9 mm (‘size 08’ plug) or 12 signal and power pins in Ø 14.9 mm (‘size 10’ plug), including high power up to 8A.
• Civil and military drones equipped with USB3 cameras, and a wide range of military specifications (MIL- SPEC) applications, with the rugged, compact, lightweight Fischer UltiMate Series – 9 pins in Ø 5 mm (‘size 11’ plug), 360° EMC shielding, resistance to shock, vibration and corrosion up to 1,000 hours of salt mist.

The Fischer MiniMax 9-pin connector is an example of connector designed specifically for high-speed data transfer using a single protocol (USB 3.2). (© Conextivity Group 2024)

Fischer Connectors’ three series offer IP68 sealing (IP69 and hermeticity with a resin-sealed contact block for Core and UltiMate), extreme operating temperatures (MiniMax from -40 °C to +135 °C, Core from -70 °C to +250 °C, UltiMate from -55 °C to +135 °C), high mating cycles (MiniMax up to 5,000, Core and UltiMate up to 10,000), and three locking mechanisms: push-pull and quick-release for the three series, plus screw for MiniMax. UltiMate also allows for blind mating with an extremely robust mechanical keying.

High-quality cable assembly to ensure signal integrity performance

Designing high-speed interconnect solutions requires expertise in cable assembly, high-performance connectors, and signal integrity simulation, testing and design.

During the design and characterization process, engineers must address a highly complex combination of parameters such as impedance matching, line delay, insertion/return loss, crosstalk and EMC shielding.

High-quality cable assembly is critical to ensure reliable and efficient data transmission, signal integrity and overall system function. “To achieve successful high-speed data transfer from a device’s transmitter to its receiver, connectors and cables must be cross-optimized and undergo a series of compliance tests at the system level,” explains Ameny Chaabani, Signal Integrity Engineer at Fischer Connectors. “USB 3.2 is a stringent protocol. Connector design, cable length, cable performance (loss), and the controlled and repeatable cable assembly and potting processes above 1 Gbit/s are some of the influencing parameters to consider. We must also study the full physical layer of a link as a whole, what we call system-level testing.”

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The demand for hand-held surgical power tools is at an all-time high due to significant surgical procedure backlogs and rising calls for elective and cosmetic surgeries. Where hospital administrators are under pressure to manage their costs, manufacturers are being challenged to produce tools that can be re-used, typically requiring them to withstand autoclave cleaning processes. This is where Portescap’s autoclavable brushless DC motors can prove advantageous.

Opportunities and Challenges in Surgical Hand Tool Design

Despite the obvious opportunity for OEM designers, there are pitfalls and challenges that must be considered when designing surgical hand tools. It is a market of swift innovation with a trend towards miniaturisation to improve convenience, ergonomics and overall performance. This trend naturally requires advanced microelectronics that will perform to the tough regulatory standards that are rightly demanded of medical tools. As a result, the devices are often associated with high costs, which may be seen as restrictive.

Keeping costs in mind, OEMs are faced with two choices. Reduce component quality with a view to producing ‘low cost’, disposable solutions; or develop solutions which can reliably be re-used, thus decreasing the ‘Total Cost of Ownership’. The second option is typically regarded as a more sustainable solution, both in terms of economic and environmental considerations.

For the subset of surgical hand-tools that are designed to be re-usable, their components must be engineered to endure multiple autoclaving cycles: in some case as many as 3,000 cycles over the course of their operating life. Autoclave (or steam sterilization) cycles are one of the most effective means of fast sterilization of medical instruments. During autoclaving, equipment is exposed to up to 100% humidity, 121°C minimum and variations between positive and negative pressures for up to 30 minutes; the process is designed to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores.

Autoclavable Brushless DC Motors

Historically the availability of miniature motors that were capable of reliably surviving autoclave cycles was scarce, and often expensive. As such various approaches were developed by manufacturers which protected the motor – or avoided the autoclave cycle completely – such as disposable tools, removable battery packs and ‘redundant seals’2. However, none of these solutions are compatible with the requirements for convenience as listed above. This is why more designers are looking to brushless DC motors to answer the three key challenges of cost, performance and reliability.

By replacing brushes and a commutator for an electronic drive, brushless DC motors deliver performance improvements over other motor technologies, such as quiet operation and longer operational life (twice that of comparable brushed motors). The brushless design can also deliver up to 30% more torque than traditional motors of the same size, while generating less heat and greater speed control for the operator.

Designers should also typically specify brushless slotted (rather than slotless) technology, which, by design, offers protection to the slotted motor winding when inserted into the slots of the lamination stack. From here additional coating or moulding protection can easily be added within impacting the motor performance.

It is crucial to partner with miniature motor manufacturers who have a proven track record of delivering high-quality autoclavable solutions, given that the reliability and performance of these motors are vital in ensuring the success and safety of the surgical power tools being designed. Selecting a manufacturer with extensive experience in producing autoclavable motors also ensures that the devices will withstand the rigorous sterilization processes required in medical environments. For example, Portescap offers exceptional customization capabilities for 3,000+ autoclaving cycles as well as a complete range of sterilizable slotted motors designed to withstand 1,000+ autoclave cycles, and sterilizable slotless motors designed to withstand 200+ autoclave cycles.

Conclusion

Exceptional global demand for hand-held surgical power tools is forecast to continue into the next decade. As such, the outlook is positive for companies that are on the forefront of development. However, they are operating in a competitive environment, where pressure to reach the market must be balanced with ergonomic performance, product reliability and cost effectiveness.

Where products are intended to be re-used as part of their life cycle, then OEMs must ensure the tools are engineered to endure autoclaving cycles. It stands to reason that designers must adopt the most suitable technology to maintain reliability without sacrificing overall performance.

In this case, autoclavable brushless DC motors currently offer the best opportunity to designers looking to push the boundaries of size, performance and reliability for these critical devices.

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The SARA-S528NM10, powered by the UBX-S52 cellular/satellite chipset and M10 GNSS platform for low-power and concurrent positioning, expands the company’s cellular portfolio for the satellite IoT market based on the 3GPP Rel 17 specification for global connectivity.

u-blox, a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has launched its first combined 3GPP-compliant terrestrial network (TN) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) IoT module, the SARA-S528NM10. This standards-based module is a game changer for the satellite IoT market as it supports global coverage with accurate, low-power and concurrent positioning – an essential attribute for use cases requiring continuous or cyclic asset tracking and monitoring. Other IoT use cases include aftermarket telematics, industrial monitoring and control, smart metering and utilities, and fleet management.

With cellular networks covering a mere ten percent of the globe, the demand for guaranteed global reach is escalating, particularly for IoT applications such as asset tracking in remote or maritime environments. Satellite IoT bridges this gap; adoption has been partially limited by the high cost of the satellite terminals, high power consumption and the high cost of satellite airtime. Even so, ABI Research, a leading technology intelligence firm, predicts the satellite IoT market will exceed USD 4 billion by 2030*.

Current satellite connectivity solutions require proprietary hardware and software, which lock the terminal to a specific satellite operator – the user would need to replace their satellite terminals to move to a different satellite operator. The u-blox solution, on the other hand, is based on global 3GPP standards, and can be certified as interoperable with multiple satellite providers supporting the standard, maximizing customer choice.

“The new u-blox satellite IoT-NTN cellular module is designed to maintain connectivity in areas without cellular coverage,” explained Stephan Zizala, u-blox CEO. “The integrated u-blox GNSS solution consumes less than 15mW of power in continuous tracking mode and has high RF sensitivity that reduces the time required to establish a position fix. It provides concurrent location data without interrupting the cellular or satellite connection, which further helps to minimize power consumption due to the shortened active time of the device.”

Powered by the u-blox UBX-S52 cellular/satellite chipset and GNSS M10 platform, the module complies with the 3GPP Rel 17 NB-NTN specification. This standards-based approach guarantees extended connectivity via LTE-M and NB-IoT on terrestrial cellular networks and NB-IoT on geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite constellations compliant with 3GPP Rel 17, including readiness for low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The UBX-S52 cellular/satellite chipset is currently undergoing certification with Skylo, a global NTN service provider, for its satellite network. The certification enables seamless support for both cellular and Skylo satellite connectivity, creating an enhanced and reliable experience that efficiently utilizes resources.

The SARA-S528NM10 module supports all three new NTN bands – n23 (United States), n255 (L-band global), and n256 (S-band Europe) – enhancing and future-proofing its technological credentials. It is pin-compatible with other u-blox cellular-only modules in the SARA form factor, enabling engineers to easily scale up their IoT products using legacy technology without costly redesigns.

 

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The 2024 edition electronica India, productronica India and SEMICON India 2024 concluded with a historic success as Southeast Asia’s largest platform for electronics industry. The three-day trade fair was a hive of activity as visitors eagerly explored the latest products and technologies from leading suppliers. 839 companies from 29 countries showcased their innovations, while the trade fairs drew 45,532 trade visitors and facilitated over 2,000 buyer-seller meetings.

Hosted at the India Expo Mart Ltd. (IEML), this milestone event played a pivotal role in advancing India‘s electronics industry by providing a crucial platform for stakeholders across the electronics value chain to connect, collaborate, and innovate.

The presence of the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, emphasized the increasing global importance of India‘s electronics and semiconductor sectors.

The event was further elevated by the participation of Shri Yogi Adityanath, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, the presence of Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, along with Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a robust and innovative electronics sector in India. The participation of Shri Priyank Kharge, Minister of IT & BT, Karnataka, further highlighted the collaborative efforts across states to drive technological growth and innovation.

Reflecting on the success of the trade fairs, Bhupinder Singh, CEO of Messe Muenchen India, states, “electronica India and productronica India 2024 have been a tremendous success, reflecting the dynamic growth of India’s electronics industry. The impressive turnout and innovative showcases, along with our collaboration with SEMICON India, underscore the event’s leading role in developing the electronics ecosystem in India. The new features, including the ‘e-Future conference’ and ‘Embedded NEXT,’ have further elevated the experience, providing vital opportunities for industry leaders to connect and explore emerging trends.”

Dr Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEO, Messe München, echoed this sentiment. He said, “The impressive outcomes of electronica India, productronica India, and SEMICON India 2024 highlight the vitality of the Indian electronics manufacturing sector. The substantial increase in exhibitor and visitor participation emphasizes the sector’s growing significance. The co-location with SEMICON India, MatDispens, and IPCA Expo has cemented the event’s status as India’s premier electronics industry platform.”

Exhibitor testimonials

“electronica India and productronica India 2024 has been a good platform for Renesas in showcasing our latest innovations to a highly engaged and diverse audience. The scale of the event and the quality of the visitors exceeded our expectations. We were able to establish meaningful connections with potential partners and customers. The networking opportunities allowed us to discuss the future of the electronics industry, while the buyer-seller forums created a direct path to tangible business growth,” Malini Narayanamoorthi, India Country Head, Renesas.

“Participating in electronica India this year was a remarkable experience for us. The event provided unmatched opportunities to connect with decision-makers throughout the electronics supply chain. The volume of visitors and the meaningful discussions we had with industry professionals, government officials, and technical experts were truly invaluable. The energy and enthusiasm within the halls reaffirmed India‘s growing importance in the global electronics and semiconductor ecosystem,” Daphne Tien, Vice President – APAC Marketing and Business Development, Mouser Electronics, Inc.

Supporting program – Conferences and Forums

This edition featured a diverse array of cutting-edge technology solutions and hosted several key conferences on critical aspects of the electronics industry. Highlights included the CEO Forum on MSME-led component manufacturing, the SEMICON India Conference on semiconductor challenges, and the India Display Manufacturing Conference on digital displays. Additionally, the India PCB Tech Conference focused on PCB manufacturing strategies, the Conference on e- Mobility outlined India‘s electric vehicle vision, and the Innovation Forum and e-Future conference showcased groundbreaking advancements and future trends in electronics.

The Buyer-Seller Forum facilitated over 2,000 B2B meetings, creating invaluable opportunities for buyers and sellers to forge new connections and drive business growth. Some of the leading participants in the forum were Maruti Suzuki, Ashok Leyland, Hella, Bosch, Samsung, Hitachi, JIO, AMETEK, Ather, Tata motors, Ultraviolette, Continental and Noise.

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The United States of America is the third largest manufacturer of the lithium-ion batteries in the world. It occupies this coveted position after China and Poland.

Being the world leader in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries, the People’s Republic of China manufactures around 77% of the lithium-ion batteries manufactured in the world. Ranked second is Poland, which manufactures slightly above 6% of the total lithium-ion batteries manufactured in the world. The third rank is occupied by the United States of America, which manufactures around 6% of the total lithium-ion batteries in the world. Hence, Poland is only marginally ahead of the United States of America.

It was only in 2022 that Poland surged ahead of the United States of America to occupy the coveted position of being the second largest manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries in the world.

As far as the domestic market of lithium-ion batteries in the USA is concerned, there exists a huge demand for lithium-ion batteries. It is expected to increase further owing to the increase in the aggregate demand.

It will be so because of the rise in its demand from a multitude of sectors. For instance, rise in the use of electric vehicles, applications in the renewable energy integration projects, boom in the application of consumer electronics, energy storage projects, etc.

In 2023, the lithium-ion battery’s market size in the USA was worth US$ 13.7 billion. By 2032, its market size is expected to be worth US$ 71.6 billion. During the period from 2023 to 2032, it will experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 20.1%.

1. Tesla, Inc.

It is an American multi-national company. It manufacturers batteries for cars and home power storage, solar panels, and electric automobiles.

It was incorporated in July, 2003, as Tesla Motors. It was named so after a Serbian-American inventor, Nikola Tesla.

Its head-office is in Austin, Texas.

It invests hugely in developing new lithium-ion technologies. For instance, in 2016, it had set-up a five-year research and development collaboration with Dalhousie University.

It has also acquired many battery manufacturing companies in the past. For instance, Maxwell Technologies, Hibar Systems, and Springpower International.

Its lithium-ion batteries are known for using majorly two types of cathodes. First, nickel-cobalt-aluminium (NCA) cathodes. And second, lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) cathodes.

Its lithium-ion batteries are known world-over for their high quality and durability.

For the purpose of production of lithium-ion batteries, it has established its Gigafactory across the world. They are situated in Austin, New York, Nevada, Fremont, Shanghai, and Berlin-Brandenburg. Besides these, it is also establishing a new Gigafactory at Neuvo Leon, Mexico.

2. Panasonic Holdings Corporation

It is a Japanese multinational electronics company. It was established in 1918.

Back then, it was called Matsushita Electric Housewares Manufacturing Works. It was established at Fukushima, Osaka. It was renamed as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. in 1935. Similarly, it was renamed as Panasonic Corporation in 2008. In 2022, it became a holding company and was renamed as Panasonic Holdings Corporation.

Its head-office is at Kadoma, Osaka, Japan.

The lithium-ion batteries are manufactured by its constituent company, Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. It was incorporated in April, 2022. It is also based out of Osaka, Japan.

It manufactures a wide range of lithium-ion batteries. Its cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are used in automotive. Besides, they are used as primary batteries and in storage battery modules.

3. Microvast Holdings, Inc.

It is a battery manufacturing and battery-developing company in the world. It is based out of Stafford, Texas. Besides, it has established its R&D centre in Florida.

It accomplishes all processes involved in the development of lithium-ion batteries, starting from the design, development and the large-scale manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries and its various components.

It has established its manufacturing plants in three countries- the United States of America, China, and Germany.

Its lithium-ion batteries are used in electric vehicles and the utility-scale energy storage systems (ESS).

The special feature of this company is that it manufactures lithium-ion batteries that are customised to the needs of every customer. It customises the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries after taking into consideration factors such as superior safety, energy density, ultra-fast charging capabilities, and long lifespans. This allows it to produce highly efficient and durable lithium-ion batteries.

Besides, it operates the world’s first ultra-fast charging station. Its lithium-ion batteries are heavily used in this charging station.

4. Wanxiang A123 Systems Corporation

It is a constituent company of the famous Wanxiang Group.

It commenced its operations in 2013. Earlier it operated under the name A123 Systems Corporation, which was operational from 2001 to 2013.

It operates across four countries of the world- the United States of America, Germany, Czech Republic, and the People’s Republic of China.

It owns world-wide patents for super-nano lithium iron phosphate and original seven-series ternary material technology. It owns around 715 patents for battery technology, and more than 546 original invention patents.

It has established a world-renowned research and development system.

It supplies lithium-ion batteries to all the famous automotive companies, spanning from Volkswagen, Renault, General Motors, BMW, Audi, Daimler Benz, Volvo, Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, and other top overseas OEMs such as Vertiv, Sonnen, etc. Besides, many famous energy storage users, both industrial and household, are its customers.

5. EnerSys

It is among the leading lithium-ion battery manufacturers in the world. It supplies lithium-ion batteries to customers in more than 100 countries of the world.

Its manufacturing process is certified as per the ISO 9000, ISO 9001-2015, ISO 14001-2015, ISO 13485-2016, AS9100D, and IATF 16949.

It is headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, United States of America. Besides, it has two regional headquarters. One in Zug, Switzerland. And the other in Singapore.

It manufacturers the famous NexSys® iON series of lithium-ion batteries. They are produced using Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) chemistry.

The speciality of these batteries is that they are ideal for applications in heavy-duty operations. Besides, they recharge at a very fast pace, are very durable and have low-upkeep. These qualities lower down the operational costs and make the entire production process very economical.

Owing to all these qualities, its lithium-ion batteries are used in appliances that find applications in grids, telecommunications, medical safety, and climate change. Besides, it is a major producer of lithium-ion batteries for energy storage solutions.

6. Arcadium Lithium

It was established in January, 2024, after the merger of two companies- Livent and Allkem Limited.

The merged company, Arcadium Lithium, has a global footprint. It provides end-to-end services for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries.

It is both a miner and processor of lithium. It has vertically integrated the lithium-ion production process, starting from the source to providing product solution. It is capable of applying the latest lithium extraction processes, such as hard-rock mining, conventional brine extraction, and direct lithium extraction.

It has established state-of-the-art research and development facilities, which is used for improving energy storage.

The special feature of its lithium-ion batteries is that they recharge at a very fast pace.

7. Duracell, Inc.

It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway since 2016.

It manufacturers lithium-ion batteries in a range of sizes. A few such models are known as CR2, 123, 245, and 1/3N. Besides, it manufacturers lithium coin button batteries in a range of products- 2016, 2025, 2032, and lithium-ion button batteries such as LR44, 364, 362/361, 371/370, 377. Also, it manufacturers special lithium-ion batteries such as MN21, CR2, 123, 223, 245, 1/3N, AAAA.

It manufacturers ultra-light lithium ion batteries in three ranges- 28L, 223, and 245.

One of its premium and most famous products is the Duracell High Power Lithium 123 batteries. Its special feature is that they are made up of high-purity lithium. They have long guarantee and lasting power for a range of devices. For instance, sensors, smoke detectors, photo flash, keyless locks, flashlights, electronic dog collars, and bike accessories.

8. LG Energy Solution, Ltd.

It is a lithium-ion battery manufacturing company headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.

It was founded in December, 2020, when LG Chem Energy Solution Business Division, which had started its operations in 1992 shut down its operations in 2020, and transformed into a new company- LG Energy Solution, Ltd.

Its specialisation is the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

9. Samsung SDI America, Inc.

It is an American subsidiary company of Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. The global headquarters of Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., is based out of Yongin, South Korea. Whereas the headquarters of Samsung SDI America, Inc. is situated at Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA.

It manufactures a brand of batteries called PRIMX, also referred as the Prime Battery for Maximum Experience. It is known worldwide for its quality, outstanding performance, and numerous competitive operational advantages. They find their applications in electric vehicles, energy storage system, micro mobility, power devices, and IT devices.

10. East Penn Manufacturing Company

It started its operations in 1946 when DeLight Breidegam Jr., a young Air Force veteran, and his father, DeLight Sr., started a business to manufacture batteries. Their business was located at Bowers, Pennsylvania, USA.

It manufactures the famous deka ready power lithium-ion battery. This battery delivers high intensity performance and is almost maintenance-free.

 

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Rohde & Schwarz has successfully passed its re-certification of its EU eCall test solution conducted by the independent test house cetecom advanced. This achievement underscores the commitment of both companies to providing standards- compliant,  Next Generation eCall test solutions and reinforces their position as industry leaders.

The new eCall Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1180, which took effect on May 9, 2024, includes updates for 2G and 3G circuit switched (CS) eCall. In response, Rohde & Schwarz has updated its R&S CMW-KA094 eCall end-to-end (E2E) conformance test solution to ensure compliance with the latest eCall regulations and standards such as EN 16454:2023. This update enables manufacturers and suppliers to meet the new requirements and ensures seamless integration of eCall in-vehicle systems (IVS).

The re-certification by cetecom advanced confirms that the R&S CMW-KA094 eCall test software, which simulates a public safety answering point (PSAP), meets the requirements for handling eCalls, receiving emergency data and interacting with in-vehicle eCall systems. This puts manufacturers and suppliers, who use the Rohde & Schwarz solution, in a favourable position for acceptance tests of their emergency call systems and highlights Rohde & Schwarz’s commitment to providing comprehensive and reliable eCall test solutions.

Rohde & Schwarz and cetecom advanced also agreed to continue their cooperation and jointly bring up a standard compliant test solution for Next Generation eCall using 4G and 5G network infrastructure for lab testing. cetecom advanced, a designated technical service for eCall, supports the current revisions of the relevant NG eCall standards from CEN (e.g. EN 17240, EN 17184 and EN 16072) and has a long history in the area of eCall testing, certification and standardization. The test solution is based on the R&S CMX500, an all-in-one 4G/5G radio communication tester, which has been selected by cetecom advanced for their lab as test platform for NG eCall conformance tests. The R&S CMX500 exhibits features such as internal IMS server with MSD via SIP support, VoLTE/VoNR testing for eCall service, and furthermore unique IP and application test capabilities.

With the joint verification of the R&S CMX-KA098 NG eCall test software from Rohde & Schwarz in cooperation with cetecom advanced, customers receive a test solution that complies with the latest CEN standards for NG eCall, thereby enabling the industry to adopt Next Generation eCall which will be mandatory for all vehicle suppliers supplying the European market from 2026.

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To provide its customers worldwide with quick and easy access to service and sales, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS equips their products with QR codes. The paper-free alternative saves time and resources. Furthermore, this digital service allows for direct contact and competent advice by the suitable contact person.

“Almost all NORD production plants now pair our drive components with a QR code”, says Jörg Niermann, Marketing Manager. “Only Brazil is still on its way. With this, all important information is immediately and digitally available.” By using the QR codes, NORD customers worldwide reach their direct contact persons in their respective country organisations. The consultants speak their mother tongue and all data on the particular drive solution is directly displayed on their screen. In case of contact by telephone, the serial number of the drive component must still be provided.

Saving resources by digital documentation

“By scanning the QR code with their mobile phone, customers enter the “Digital Services” selection menu and, apart from direct contact to our service department, get further options,” Niermann adds. For example, with the serial number of their drive components, they can navigate to the drive-specific documentation and gain access to more life cycle services and information on latest products or firmware. “The paper-free and correct drive identification and documentation saves resources. Upon customer request or for your ATEX products, we will of course continue to send the documents.”

Direct access to individual spare parts lists

The digital service furthermore provides the customer with a list of potential spare parts for their individual drive solution. They cannot only contact their responsible technical support or sales department but also gain direct access to the myNORD customer portal. The drive component’s serial number will always be pre-set and all further actions are linked to it. The parameter data is stored via the NORDCON APP with NORDAC ACCESS BT.

For the future, the company plans to further expand the digital service and to inform on updates, for example for its frequency inverters.

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RS, a trading brand of RS Group plc, a global provider of product and service solutions for industrial customers, proudly marks its 30th anniversary in India, celebrating three decades of excellence, innovation, and commitment in the country. Since its inception in March 1994 with a modest team of eight, RS India has grown into a leading distributor in the industrial sector, with a robust team of 125 professionals and ambitious plans for further expansion.

Over the years, the company has seen remarkable growth, expanding from an initial annual revenue of INR 1.02 crore in 1994-95 to an impressive INR 125 crore in 2024. This success reflects its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality electronic and industrial components, solidifying its position as the preferred choice for numerous businesses across the nation.

Shiv Bhambri, CEO at RS India, reflecting on his 20-year tenure, said, “RS India has been a key player in reshaping the industrial landscape over the past 30 years. We’ve transitioned from traditional offline purchases to implementing global procurement strategies like vendor consolidation and B2B eCommerce. Our commitment to supporting the academic community, especially during COVID-19, highlights our dedication to making a positive impact.”

RS India is deeply committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Our purpose of making amazing happen for a better world reflects our focus on delivering results for people, planet, and profit. Our 2030 ESG action plan, ‘For a Better World’, is designed to deliver long-term value for all our stakeholders. This commitment has earned RS a place among the Top 100 ESG companies worldwide. We also engage in student projects at various engineering colleges & universities including the IIT’s and CSR activities, highlighting our dedication to educational growth and community development.

Keith Rice, Vice President RS Emerging Markets, RS Group said, “As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our gratitude to our customers, partners, and employees for their continued support. Our focus remains on driving Continuous Improvement (CI) and enhancing customer satisfaction, demonstrated by our improved Net Promoter Score (NPS). We are equally committed to sustainability, with green initiatives across the supply chain reinforcing our goal to make a positive impact. We eagerly anticipate a future filled with further innovation and success.”

As we enter the next phase of growth, our commitment is to double the customer base, support the Make in India initiative, drive innovation in industrial procurement, and promote inclusivity and diversity. By embracing new technologies such as Big Data, AI, Blockchain, and System Architecture, Our aim is to remain at the forefront of the industry. The goal is to integrate ESG objectives with supply chain optimization, utilizing AI and digitalization to streamline and standardize sustainability practices.

RS India continues to evolve with the launch of the RS Mobile App, the cutting-edge tool is designed to streamline operations for businesses exporting goods from the UK around the world, offering instant access to a vast catalogue of over 750,000 electronic, electrical, mechanical, test & measurement and PPE products. With real-time stock and price information, the newly launched RS Mobile app embodies our ongoing commitment to efficiency, customer satisfaction, and technological advancement.

As we look to the future, the vision is to continue its double-digit growth through digital transformation in the B2B industrial space while ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction.

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 VIAVI Solutions Inc. introduced the VIAVI Automation Management and Orchestration System (VAMOS), an intelligent automation platform that incorporates AI/ML capabilities to enable wireless and cloud service providers, network equipment manufacturers and their ecosystems to reduce operational expenses and accelerate time-to-market.

The complexity of network architectures continues to increase, as operators and equipment manufacturers investigate the next generation of technology, migrate to the cloud, and leverage AI and ML. Continuous Testing (CT) becomes ever more prevalent to provide a unifying perspective on real-world performance. Yet labs are confronting the dual challenges of more tests and limited headcount. Automation has become a crucial way for them to manage the complexity, scheduling and manpower demands of CT, allowing technicians to efficiently power through hundreds of test cases, and to focus on higher-order analysis and problem solving.

VIAVI has developed VAMOS as part of its industry-leading NITRO Wireless portfolio to automate test campaigns and their execution in one centralized cloud-based, Lab-as-a-Service platform. Built-in AI and ML capabilities enable test optimization and faster response times.

VAMOS’s customizable workspaces and configurations streamline the testing process across organizations and lab locations. Shared tool testbeds and individual sandboxes accommodate multiple test needs while the platform’s robust analytics and reporting help maximize test resource utilization and boost test accuracy.

“As VIAVI works with leading labs around the globe to integrate wireless, cloud and AI, the need for automation and orchestration has never been clearer,” said Ian Langley, Senior Vice President, Wireless Business Unit, VIAVI. “In initial implementations at major labs, VAMOS has already demonstrated significant reductions in cost per test-hour and increases in hardware utilization.”

In addition to providing a standalone solution to schedule and run test campaigns based on VIAVI’s NITRO Wireless portfolio, VAMOS can be integrated with a third-party automation framework, allowing it to interact with a wider range of products and existing test environments. Connection is available via both software and hardware.

VAMOS will be integrated into the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR) for the lab’s on-demand, cloud-based testing. VALOR is designed to manage and support 5G and Open RAN deployments that would benefit from access to tools and expert staff with a minimal ramp-up time. The project is funded by the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund.

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element14 Global, a fast and reliable distributor of products and technology for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair, has announced the launch of its latest data acquisition solution.

This new offering combines NI CompactDAQ hardware with the newly available FlexLogger Lite software at no additional cost. Designed to enhance and accelerate sensor measurement processes, this solution is set to offer engineers a more efficient way to capture sensor data.

The NI CompactDAQ system, renowned for its robust chassis and modular design, is now paired with FlexLogger Lite, a software solution that eliminates the need for programming. This integration allows for faster and more straightforward data collection for voltage and sensor measurements. The streamlined setup and execution are expected to improve overall efficiency in data acquisition tasks, benefiting engineers who require quick and reliable data analysis.

Key Features Include:

• Speedy Data Access: Quickly get data to your design team, keeping projects on track. With the software it is possible to configure channels, drag-and-drop graphs, and log to Excel in minutes.
• Flexible Customization: Easily adjust the system with a drag-and-drop interface, open file formats, and over 70 compatible measurement modules.
• Scalable Solutions: Start with free logging software and seamlessly scale up to full, automated test executives as your needs evolve.
• Ideal for Engineers and Technicians: Perfect for those measuring voltage, current, or sensor data with a computer.

“We’re excited to roll out this new solution that truly puts our customers at the centre of what we do.’’  said Christelle Mazella, Senior Manager Test & Measurement at element14 “By combining NI CompactDAQ hardware with the intuitive FlexLogger Lite software, we’re making it easier for engineers to capture and analyze data efficiently. This solution is designed to meet our customers’ needs for simplicity and speed, helping them achieve their goals with greater ease.”

This free software is part of NI’s comprehensive software catalog, which includes the LabVIEW+ Suite. It is available for download from https://www.ni.com/en/shop/data-acquisition-and-control/flexlogger.html. Customers who purchase a CompactDAQ system from element14, Newark, or element14 can access this software at no additional cost. There is no need for a separate order or proof of purchase for the FlexLogger Lite package. The software is compatible with both individual modules and bundled systems. Engineers can start with FlexLogger Lite today and easily scale up to the full LV+ suite as their needs grow. element14 also offers comprehensive support and technical resources to optimize your data acquisition capabilities.

The NI CompactDAQ hardware with free FlexLogger Lite software is now available for immediate delivery from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC, and Newark in North America.

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Author: STMicroelectronics

What’s the difference between a microcontroller (MCU) and a microprocessor (MPU)? In simplistic terms, both are the brains of an embedded system. A few years ago, the distinction between the two was significantly starker because they offered vastly different capabilities and demanded widely different engineering skills. Today, the two terms remain, but innovations keep blurring the dividing lines. At ST, we see that integrators who previously only used MCUs now find it easier to grab an MPU. In fact, for some, microprocessors have become a secret weapon because they enable them to offer new applications or enter new markets thanks to their inherent capabilities or their ability to run Embedded Linux. Hence, let’s delve into this new trend.

The origin story MCUs as an alternative to MPUs

When the industry came up with the first microcontrollers in the 1970s, it was to find an alternative to overly power-hungry and complex MPUs. MCUs had much less computational throughput but incorporated the memory, processor, peripherals, and clock under one roof. Additionally, they could run a real-time operating system. Consequently, engineers could build deterministic systems with just one device, making them tremendously popular in automotive and motor control applications. Today, MCUs are everywhere, from smartphones to medical or household appliances. Conversely, MPUs dedicated their silicon space to computational units at the expense of power consumption or integration. That made them very attractive when trying to run multiple threads or a more complex OS like Embedded Linux.

Understanding the difference between an MCU and an MPU Choosing between MCUs and MPUs based on application needs

An exhaustive exposition of the decision matrix that leads engineers to choose an MPU or an MCU would be overwhelming. However, there are recurring themes, such as computing needs. If an application requires a powerful neural processing unit or a myriad of computing cores and big GPUs, or if it performs contextual computing with lots of memory requirements, an MPU is an obvious choice. Conversely, a tiny software that wakes up occasionally to check a sensor’s value or that needs a deterministic response time of a few nanoseconds will use a microcontroller. Hence, in many instances, the “end justifies the means”. Put simply, an engineer will choose one device over another based on the application it will run.

Another factor could be the graphical needs of a system. Traditionally, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) with complex 3D animations, high-resolution displays, and extensive applications running alongside the UI will gravitate toward the GPU and memory controller of a microprocessor. Alternatively, HMIs that require much simpler animations and graphics are increasingly relying on MCUs. Frameworks like TouchGFX and hardware IPs like NeoChrom GPU continue to optimize what’s possible on a smaller microcontroller. Similarly, MPU for embedded systems also supports higher resolutions thanks to beefier GPUs. Hence, while each type of device is doing more, the demarkation remains pretty straightforward.

Choosing between MCUs and MPUs based on costs and power consumption

Besides computational throughput, developers look at other key metrics like power consumption, volatile and non-volatile memory needs, peripherals required, and number of pins needed. As engineers wrestle with cost constraints, these criteria become critically important because they impact the overall PCB design and bill of materials (BOM). For instance, a lot of flash and additional components will require multiple PCB layers, which increase lead time and costs. Hence, for the longest time, the equation was relatively straightforward. Integrators that focused primarily on cost or low power consumption chose a microcontroller.

The blurring of the lines between MCUs and MPUs

Since the early 2000s, MPUs have undergone significant changes. One of the most disruptive innovations in the world of MPUs has been the democratization of System-on-Modules (SoM) and System-in-Packages (SiP) for microprocessors. In years past, integrators had to design the entire system around the microprocessor, which meant dealing with more complex power management systems and a fiddly external memory, among other things. Indeed, using large external DDR memory requires a lot of fine-tuning and unique expertise, which could be a significant barrier to using an MPU. However, SoMs and SiPs remove all this complexity by securely and comprehensively incorporating all necessary components under one package or module.

Additionally, some of the latest ST microprocessors have come a lot closer to the power consumption of a microcontroller. Furthermore, microprocessors can now run a real-time operating system, further blurring the line between MPUs and MCUs. Previously, applications that required real-time execution, like motor control applications, had to run on a microcontroller. Today, engineers have started adopting MPUs to benefit from more computing power and access to larger memory capacity without compromising execution time. Put simply, some integrators are leveraging innovations in MPUs to turn them into a new secret weapon while competitors use MCUs.

The new story An STM32H7 or an STM32MP1?

The last few years have significantly blurred the lines between high-performance MCUs and entry-level MPUs, making devices like the STM32MP13 a new darling for embedded system developers. Just like an STM32H7, the STM32MP13 supports Eclipse ThreadX on its own. Hence, developers who have never touched a microprocessor suddenly get a familiar environment, and applications that call FileX, NetDuoX, or USBX will run on both. Hence, it’s possible to enjoy a lot more performance without retraining teams or tremendously increasing BoM costs.

Furthermore, STM32 engineers have an additional advantage since the STM32Cube ecosystem of tools works with both our MCUs and MPUs, further lowering the barrier to entry. For instance, initializing the pin-out configuration and clock tree happens on STM32CubeMX. Developers looking to implement secure secret provisioning on their STM32 MPU will use STM32CubeProgrammer, the same application responsible for making secure firmware installs (SFI) more accessible. Consequently, users of our ecosystem have an additional incentive to explore MPUs as a secret weapon that can support new applications because they are already familiar with many of the development tools and concepts that drive all our devices.

From STM32MP13 to STM32MP15

The question for many embedded systems developers is no longer whether to venture into the MPU kingdom but how far they will delve into it and where to begin. Since many members of the ST Partner Program have launched SiPs and SoMs with an STM32MP13, the device is a great starting point in the decision-making process of any team looking to make an MPU their secret weapon. The device has one Cortex-A7 running at 1 GHz, which will attract those seeking a simple yet powerful device. The absence of multiple cores also means a low power consumption of 27 µW and the ability to integrate the STM32MP13 into a simple four-layer PCB.

Those wishing for more power will turn to the STM32MP15. The device comes with two Cortex-A7 cores and a Cortex-M4, thus still blurring the lines between MCUs and MPUs while pushing developers further into the land of MPUs. For instance, it’s possible to turn off the Cortex-A7 and use the Cortex-M4 as a traditional MCU to record sensor data while using significantly less power. Moreover, its 3D GPU is OpenGL-compliant, allowing developers to run vastly superior UIs than on a device without a GPU. It also comes with a lot more display interfaces and peripherals. The STM32MP15 can thus help integrator scale their system.

Let’s take the example of a company working on an industrial application, such as a programmable logic controller. Using the STM32MP13 allows them to design a headless yet powerful model. Afterward, developers can take the original design and upgrade the PLC with a display and a human-machine interface (HMI) using a resolution of 1080 x 720, thanks to the STM32MP15. Because the company started with an STM32 MPU, they can use the same Embedded Linux distribution and easily port their application from one MPU to the next. The operating system also runs remarkable UI frameworks, such as Qt or Crank , known for their portability.

Another example is smart thermostats, where the interface is an integral part of the experience. Makers have been differentiating themselves by using various levels UIs and screen sizes to attract a broader range of customers. By moving from an STM32MP15 to an STM32MP13, it becomes possible to run the same underlying application but with different bells and whistles to create a portfolio that covers more needs and price points.

From STM32MP15 to STM32MP25

Developers are increasingly concerned about creating products with a longer lifespan and leveraging machine learning at the edge. The latest advances in MPUs have helped them answer those needs by providing greater memory flexibility, which explains why many often adopt an STM32 MPU to stay ahead of the competition. For instance, the new STM32MP25 is our first MPU to support DDR4 and LPDDR4 on top of DDR3. Its 64-bit architecture also means it can address more memory for applications like audio processing and network appliances or run multiple software simultaneously to save resources, thus improving efficiency.

Because most industrial applications will use the same memory interface for a decade or more, it is critical for a microprocessor to offer a memory controller with more flexibility than what is usually found in consumer markets. That’s why ST MPUs always support multiple interfaces, and we ensure the widest compatibility, as demonstrated with the STM32MP25. It makes supporting a system more efficient while also facilitating the creation of design updates and upgrades.

Similarly, many are looking to benefit from machine learning at the edge. Consequently, the STM32MP25 is the first STM32 device to house support a 64-bit architecture thanks to its two Cortex-A35, which are the most efficient Arm core ever released. As a result, it can run more powerful applications while keeping the power consumption down. It also features a neural processing unit (NPU) capable of 1.35 TOPS, and its Vulkan-compatible GPU provides enough power to run a modern UI comfortably on a full HD display. Our new MPUs thus open the door to some of the most demanding applications, like smart cameras capable of people counting or object detection, and new systems like spatial computing.

What will the future hold?

ST is committing to release more STM32MP2 MPUs to help developers tailor their applications. Indeed, while there are a lot of microcontroller variants of the same series, microprocessors aren’t as varied because they are harder to make. However, as ST optimized its manufacturing capabilities, we plan to release more versions faster and make many of them pin-to-pin compatible. We already announced the STM32MP21 and STM32MP23. The STM32MP21 will provide a Cortex-A35 and a Cortex-M33, two Ethernet controllers, and a camera interface to serve cost-effective computer vision applications at the edge. As for the STM32MP23, it sits between the STM32MP25 and STM32MP21 thanks to its dual Cortex-A35 to enable a rich UI while prioritizing costs.

The range of STM32 MPUs

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Infineon Technologies AG is introduced its new StrongIRFET 2 power MOSFET 30 V portfolio, expanding the existing StrongIRFET 2 family to address the growing demand for 30 V solutions in the mass market segment. Optimized for high robustness and ease-of-use, the new power MOSFETs were specifically designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of mass market applications, enabling high design flexibility. Amongst these applications are industrial switched-mode power supplies (SMPS), motor drives, battery-powered applications, battery management systems, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS)

The StrongIRFET 2 30 V technology offers up to a 40 percent RDS(on) improvement and up to a 60 percent reduction in QG compared to the previous generation of StrongIRFET devices. This translates into higher power efficiency for improved overall system performance while providing an excellent robustness. The new power MOSFETs also ensure an easy design-in and provide simplified product services. The product family’s excellent price/performance ratio makes it an ideal choice for designers looking for convenient selection and purchasing.

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u-blox, a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, has announced the external GNSS antenna ANN-MB2 for wide coverage, multi-constellation high-precision applications. Optimized for the u-blox high-precision GNSS technology, ANN-MB2 is well-suited for industrial automation, surveying, autonomous vehicles, mobile robotics and other applications requiring centimeter-level position accuracy in challenging environments.

The u-blox ANN-MB2 is a compact, high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) antenna that supports L1, L2, E6/B3, L5, L-band, and all major GNSS systems. This all-band antenna features a robust architectural design, superior multipath mitigation, and versatile mounting options. With its excellent price-to-performance ratio, ANN-MB2 is suitable for easy evaluation and fast design-in of wide-band high-precision positioning applications, paving the way for mass-market adoption.

ANN-MB2 engineering samples are available now, and production is planned for Q4 2024.

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