Новини світу мікро- та наноелектроніки

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Due to “high demand and requests from several participants”, there has been an extension to 17 March (14:00 Norwegian time) of the auction (begun on 28 February) of the assets of CrayoNano AS of Trondheim, Norway — a developer and manufacturer of semiconductor components, including UVC-LEDs, based on patented and proprietary nanomaterials technology, until its bankruptcy in January...

Editor’s Note: This is a two-part series. Part 1 can be found here.

My father, John Edward Dunn, was a Foreman in the New York City Department of Bridges. His shop was in Brooklyn on Kent Avenue adjacent to the Brooklyn Navy Yard. His first assistant at that shop was a man named Connie Rank. Dad’s responsibilities were to oversee the maintenance and repairs of all of the smaller bridges in Brooklyn, Staten Island, and parts of Queens. The Mill Basin Bridge was one of his.

Dad was on call 24/7 in response to any bridge emergencies. At any time of day or night a phone call would come in and he would have to respond. When calls came in at 2 AM or 3 AM or whenever, the whole household would be awakened. Dad would answer the call and I would hear “Yeah. Okay, I’m on my way.” Then I’d hear Dad dialing a call where I’d hear “Connie? Yeah. See you there,” and that would be that. The routine was that familiar. Nothing further needed to be said. He wouldn’t get home again until at least 5:30 PM the following day for having responded to whatever emergency had occurred and then having worked a full day afterward without interruption.

Many of those emergencies were at the Mill Basin Bridge. One of them made the front page of a city newspaper. There was a full page photo of the bridge taken from ground level showing all kinds of emergency vehicles on the scene with all of their lights gleaming against the dark sky. Dad showed me that paper and asked “Do you see that little dot here?” I said “Yes,” and he said, “That little dot is me.” He knew where he had been standing.

Following one accident, perhaps it was the accident above, Dad apparently saved someone’s life. He was honored for that by Mayor Robert F. Wagner. Neither I at the age of twelve nor my sister at nine were ever told the details of the event, but it led to Dad shaking hands with the Mayor at New York City Hall.

John Dunn’s late father, John Edward Dunn, shaking hands with NYC mayor Robert F. Wagner circa 1956 to receive an award for his brave work saving a life as a foreman with the NYC Department of Bridges.

John Dunn is an electronics consultant, and a graduate of The Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (BSEE) and of New York University (MSEE).

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Specialty semiconductor and performance materials producer 5N Plus Inc (5N+) of Montreal, Québec, Canada has entered into an exclusive agreement (through its subsidiary AZUR SPACE Solar Power GmbH of Heilbronn, Germany) with ALLOS Semiconductors GmbH of Dresden, Germany — which provides 200mm and 300mm GaN-on-silicon micro-LED epiwafers, as well as licensing IP and transferring the technology — to complete the development and commercialization of a gallium nitride (GaN) IP portfolio that 5N+ has provided to ALLOS Semiconductors for a nominal value in exchange for future royalties...

NUBURU Inc of Centennial, CO, USA — which was founded in 2015 and develops and manufactures high-power industrial blue lasers — has announced a strategic partnership with artificial intelligence and robotics solutions provider COEPTIS Inc’s NexGenAI Affiliates Network (an AI-powered affiliate marketing platform designed to streamline marketing efforts through automation and advanced analytics). The collaboration is a pivotal component of NUBURU’s transformation plan, spearheaded by executive chairman Alessandro Zamboni, which aims to enhance operational efficiency and revamp the company’s business model...

India’s electronics manufacturing sector has witnessed remarkable growth, driving a rising demand for high-quality reflow ovens, which are essential for soldering surface-mount components onto printed circuit boards (PCBs). Several Indian companies have emerged as key players in this industry, offering advanced reflow oven solutions tailored to domestic and international requirements. Below is an overview of the top 10 reflow oven manufacturers in India, highlighting their technological advancements and industry contributions.

1. Heller India

Heller India, a subsidiary of Heller Industries, is known for its cutting-edge reflow soldering ovens. Their product range includes convection reflow ovens, voidless/vacuum reflow soldering ovens, and fluxless/formic reflow soldering ovens, as well as curing ovens. These solutions cater to applications such as surface-mount technology (SMT) reflow, semiconductor packaging, consumer electronics assembly, and power device packaging. Heller India’s products emphasize efficiency and sustainability, featuring Industry 4.0 compatibility, low-height top shells, and innovative flux management systems.

2. Leaptech Corporation

Headquartered in Mumbai, Leaptech Corporation provides a diverse range of SMT equipment, including high-performance reflow soldering ovens. They are authorized distributors of ITW EAE Vitronics Soltec’s Centurion Reflow Ovens, which offer exceptional reliability and precise thermal performance. The Centurion platform includes forced-convection SMT reflow systems with closed-loop process control, ideal for high-throughput PCB assembly environments. Leaptech also supplies Tangteck reflow ovens, including IR & hot air SMT reflow furnaces, BGA soldering reflow furnaces, and curing furnaces tailored to different production needs.

3. EMS Technologies

EMS Technologies, located in Bangalore, specializes in manufacturing reflow ovens and other SMT equipment. Their flagship model, the Konark 1020, is a 10-zone reflow oven designed for complex PCB assemblies. It features a Windows 10-based PC interface, data logging traceability, adjustable blower speed, and PID closed-loop temperature control, ensuring superior precision in soldering operations.

4. Mectronics Marketing Services

Mectronics Marketing Services, based in New Delhi, is a leading provider of electronic manufacturing equipment, including reflow soldering systems. Their EPS reflow ovens incorporate patented Horizontal Convection technology, ensuring uniform heating across the entire PCB. The company’s product lineup includes benchtop solder reflow ovens, batch ovens, automatic floor-style systems, hot plates, and vapor phase ovens, catering to various scales of electronics production.

5. Sumitron Exports

Operating from New Delhi, Sumitron Exports is a key supplier of high-quality soldering solutions, including reflow ovens. Partnering with renowned international brands, they bring advanced reflow soldering technology to the Indian market, addressing the needs of modern electronics manufacturers.

6. Accurex Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Accurex Solutions Pvt. Ltd. is a leading supplier of SMT equipment, including advanced reflow soldering ovens. Their product range is designed to meet the high-performance demands of modern electronics manufacturing, ensuring precision and reliability.

7. SumiLax SMT Technologies Private Limited

Based in New Delhi, SumiLax SMT Technologies offers a wide range of reflow ovens, including models such as the T960 and T980. These ovens provide efficient and reliable soldering solutions, catering to diverse SMT production requirements.

8. Hamming Technology Private Limited

Located in Noida, Hamming Technology specializes in manufacturing lead-free reflow ovens. Their products feature advanced PID+SSR control modes and hot air circulation heating technology, ensuring efficient, consistent, and high-quality soldering processes.

9. Shenzhen Jaguar Automation Equipment Co., Ltd.

Although headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Shenzhen Jaguar Automation Equipment Co., Ltd. has a prominent presence in the Indian market. Their reflow soldering machines, including models like the A4, are known for their high precision and efficiency in SMT production lines.

10. GoldLand Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.

GoldLand Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is another international player with a strong foothold in India, offering advanced reflow ovens suited for various SMT applications. Their products are recognized for quality and reliability in electronics manufacturing.

 

These companies play a crucial role in strengthening India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem by providing innovative reflow oven solutions. Their commitment to technological advancements ensures that Indian manufacturers have access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilitating the production of high-quality electronic products.

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Soft soldering is a process used to join metal components by melting a filler metal, known as solder, which has a low melting point, typically below 450°C (842°F). The solder forms a bond between the surfaces without melting the base metals. It is widely used in electronics, plumbing, and jewellery making due to its ability to create strong yet flexible joints. Unlike hard soldering or welding, soft soldering does not require extremely high temperatures, making it ideal for delicate workpieces.

How Soft Soldering Works

Soft soldering involves heating the joint area to a temperature sufficient to melt the solder but not the base materials. A soldering iron, torch, or another heat source is used to bring the solder to its melting point. When melted, the solder flows into the joint by capillary action and solidifies as it cools, forming a mechanical and electrical connection. The effectiveness of this process depends on the cleanliness of the surfaces, the proper use of flux, and the choice of solder alloy.

Soft Soldering Process

The soft soldering process follows several essential steps to ensure a secure and reliable joint:

1. Surface Preparation: Before soldering, the metal surfaces must be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt, oxidation, or grease. This can be done using abrasive pads, chemical cleaners, or flux.
2. Application of Flux: Flux is a chemical agent that prevents oxidation and helps the solder adhere to the metal surfaces. It is applied to the joint area before heating.
3. Heating the Joint: A soldering iron or other heat source is used to heat the metal surfaces to the required temperature. The heat must be sufficient to melt the solder but not damage the components.
4. Applying Solder: Once the surfaces are heated, the solder is applied to the joint. It melts and flows into the gap between the metals through capillary action, creating a bond.
5. Cooling and Solidification: After the solder has flowed into the joint, the heat source is removed, allowing the solder to cool and solidify. Proper cooling ensures a strong and durable bond.
6. Cleaning the Joint: Any residual flux or oxidation by-product should be cleaned off using alcohol or other cleaning solutions to prevent corrosion or electrical issues.

Soft Soldering Uses & Applications

Soft soldering is widely applied across various industries due to its versatility and ease of use. Some of its common applications include:

• Electronics: Soft soldering is extensively used in the electronics industry for assembling circuit boards, connecting wires, and securing components. It ensures reliable electrical conductivity while maintaining component integrity.
• Plumbing: In household plumbing, soft soldering is employed to join copper pipes, creating leak-proof connections. Lead-free solders are used to ensure safe drinking water systems.
• Jewellery Making: Soft soldering allows jewellers to join delicate metal pieces without compromising their structural integrity or aesthetic appeal.
• Automotive Industry: Automotive manufacturers use soft soldering for electrical connections in vehicles, ensuring durability and performance.
• Arts and Crafts: Artists and craftsperson utilize soft soldering for creating decorative metalwork, stained glass, and intricate designs.

Soft Soldering Advantages

Soft soldering offers several benefits, making it a preferred method for many applications:

• Low Operating Temperature: Soft soldering requires lower temperatures compared to brazing or welding, reducing the risk of heat damage to components.
• Ease of Use: The process is simple and does not require specialized training or expensive equipment.
• Cost-Effective: Soft soldering uses affordable materials and tools, making it an economical joining method.
• Good Electrical Conductivity: The soldered joints provide excellent electrical conductivity, making it ideal for electronic circuits.
• Reversibility: If necessary, soldered joints can be easily reworked or repaired by reheating the solder.
• Compatibility with Thin Materials: Soft soldering is suitable for delicate and thin metals that might be damaged by higher-temperature processes.

Soft Soldering Disadvantages

Despite its advantages, soft soldering has some limitations that must be considered:

• Lower Strength: Soft soldered joints are not as strong as brazed or welded joints, making them unsuitable for high-load applications.
• Limited Temperature Resistance: The low melting point of soft solder means that joints can weaken or fail at high temperatures.
• Flux Residue Issues: If not cleaned properly, residual flux can lead to corrosion or contamination in sensitive applications.
• Potential Toxicity: Some solder materials, particularly those containing lead, can be hazardous to health and the environment, necessitating the use of lead-free alternatives.

Conclusion

Soft soldering remains an essential technique in various industries, offering a balance of affordability, ease of use, and effectiveness. While it has certain limitations, its advantages make it a preferred method for applications requiring electrical conductivity, delicate metalwork, and low-temperature bonding. By understanding the process, applications, and considerations, professionals and hobbyists alike can make the most of soft soldering in their projects.

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STM32WBA6 2.4-GHz wireless MCUs from ST offer increased memory and digital system interfaces for high-end applications in smart home, health, factory, and agriculture. Based on an energy-efficient Arm Cortex-M33 core running up to 100 MHz, the devices provide up to twice the flash and RAM of the previous STM32WBA5 series for application code and data storage.

Giulia Fagiani

With up to 2 MB of flash and 512 KB of RAM on-chip, the STM32WBA6 MCUs are able to support more advanced applications. Digital peripherals include high-speed USB, three SPI ports, four I2C ports, three USARTs, and one LPUART. By integrating the processing core, peripherals, and wireless subsystems, the MCUs streamline designs and reduce assembly size.

The STM32WBA6 wireless subsystem supports Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter, enabling concurrent communication across multiple protocols. It also enhances performance, with sensitivity increased to -100 dBm for more reliable connectivity up to the maximum specified range.

The STM32WBA6 wireless MCUs are in production and available now, priced from $2.50 each in lots of 10,000 units.

STM32WBA6 product page 

STMicroelectronics

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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Rohm Semiconductor introduced the GNP2070TD-Z, a 650-V enhancement-mode GaN HEMT in a TO-leadless (TOLL) package. With dimensions of 11.68×9.9×2.4 mm, this compact package enhances heat dissipation, supports high current, and enables strong switching performance.

The GNP2070TD-Z integrates second-generation GaN-on-Si technology, achieving an RDS(on) of 70 mΩ and a Qg of 5.2 nC. With a VDS of 650 V and an IDS of 27 A, the transistor is well-suited for power supplies, AC adapters, PV inverters, and energy storage systems.

For this launch, ROHM has outsourced package manufacturing to ATX Semiconductor, with TSMC handling front-end processes and ATX managing back-end processes. ROHM also plans to collaborate with ATX on automotive-grade GaN devices.

The EcoGaN HEMTs will be available starting in March from DigiKey, Mouser, and Farnell.

GNP2070TD-Z product page

Rohm Semiconductor

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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Marvell Technology has demonstrated its first 2-nm silicon IP, enhancing the performance and efficiency of AI and cloud infrastructure. Built on TSMC’s 2-nm process, the working silicon is a key component of Marvell’s platform for developing next-generation custom AI accelerators, CPUs, and switches.

The company’s strategy focuses on developing a comprehensive semiconductor IP portfolio, including electrical and optical SerDes, die-to-die interconnects for 2D and 3D devices, advanced packaging technologies, silicon photonics, custom HBM compute architecture, on-chip SRAM, SoC fabrics, and compute fabric interfaces like PCIe Gen 7.

Additionally, the portfolio includes high-speed 3D I/O for vertically stacking die inside chiplets. This simultaneous bidirectional I/O operates at speeds up to 6.4 Gbps. By shifting from conventional unidirectional I/O to bidirectional I/O, designers can double the bandwidth and/or reduce the number of connections by 50%.

“Our longstanding collaboration with TSMC plays a pivotal role in helping Marvell develop complex silicon solutions with industry-leading performance, transistor density, and efficiency,” said Sandeep Bharathi, chief development officer at Marvell.

Marvell Technology

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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Arm’s edge AI platform features the Cortex-A320 CPU and Ethos-U85 NPU, enabling on-device execution of models exceeding 1 billion parameters. The Armv9 platform enhances efficiency, performance, and security for IoT, while unlocking new edge AI applications through support for both large and small language models.

Built on the Armv9 architecture, the Cortex-A320 delivers 10× higher ML performance and 30% better scalar performance than its predecessor, the Cortex-A35. It also achieves an 8× ML performance gain over the Cortex-M85-based platform launched last year. Additionally, Armv9.2 offers advanced security features like pointer authentication, branch target identification, and memory tagging extension.

The Cortex-A320 pairs with the Ethos-U85 AI accelerator, which supports transformer-based models at the edge and scales from 128 to 2048 MAC units. To streamline edge AI development, Arm’s Kleidi for IoT compute libraries enhance AI an ML performance on Arm-based CPUs with seamless ML framework integration. For example, Kleidi boosts Cortex-A320 performance by up to 70% when running Microsoft’s Tiny Stories dataset on Llama.cpp.

To learn more about the Armv9 edge AI platform, click on the product page links below.

Cortex-A320 product page

Ethos-U85 product page

Kleidi product page

Arm

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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Infineon’s PSOC 4 series microcontrollers now integrate capacitive, inductive, and liquid level sensing in a single device. The PSOC 4000T, powered by a 32-bit, 48-MHz Arm Cortex-M0+ processor, combines CAPSENSE capacitive sensing with Multi-Sense inductive sensing and non-invasive, non-contact liquid sensing.

Infineon says Multi-Sense inductive sensing offers greater noise immunity and durability than existing methods. Its differential, ratio-metric architecture supports new HMI and sensing applications, including touch-over-metal, force touch, and proximity sensing.

The PSOC 4000T’s liquid sensing uses an AI/ML-based algorithm that Infineon says is more cost-effective and accurate than mechanical sensors and standard capacitive solutions. It resists environmental factors like temperature and humidity and detects liquid levels with up to 10-bit resolution. It also rejects foam and residue and operates across varying air gaps between the sensor and container.

The fifth-generation CAPSENSE technology enables hover touch sensing, allowing interaction without direct button contact. Its always-on capability reduces power consumption by 10× while delivering 10× higher signal-to-noise ratio than Infineon’s previous devices.

The PSOC 4000T with CAPSENSE and Multi-Sense is available now. A second device, the PSOC 4100T Plus, offering more memory and I/Os, will gain Multi-Sense support in 2Q 2025.

PSOC 4000T product page

Infineon Technologies

Find more datasheets on products like this one at Datasheets.com, searchable by category, part #, description, manufacturer, and more.

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Luminus Devices Inc of Sunnyvale, CA, USA — which designs and makes LEDs and solid-state technology (SST) light sources for illumination markets — has released its Generation 2 warm dimming COB (chip on board) LEDs, engineered to deliver an lighting that mimics the warm glow of traditional incandescent and halogen sources while offering the efficiency and reliability of LED technology...

Another week, another suite of press release-only-announced products. With the exception of the yearly (and mid-year) in-person WWDC, will we ever see Apple do another live event?

I digress. Some of what Apple’s rolled out (so far…it’s only Wednesday night as I write these words) this week was accurately prognosticated at the end of my last-week coverage. Some of it was near-spot-on forecasted, albeit with an unexpected (and still baffling, a day later) twist. And two of the system unveilings were a complete surprise, at least from a timing standpoint. At all the new system’s cores were processor updates (core…processor…get it?). And speaking of which, there’s a new one of those, as well. In chronological order, starting with Tuesday’s news…

The iPad Air(s)

Apple had migrated the iPad Air tablet from the M1 to the M2 SoC less than a year ago, at the same time expanding the product suite to include both 11” and 13” form factors. So when Tim Cook teased that “There’s something in the Air” on Monday, M3-based iPad Airs were not what I expected. But…whatevah… By the way, careful perusers of the press release might have already noticed that all the performance-improvement claims mentioned there were versus the 2022 M1-based model, not last year’s M2. That selective emphasis wasn’t an accident, folks.

And of course, there’s a new accompanying keyboard; heaven forbid Apple forego any available opportunity for obsolescence-by-design forced updates to its devoted customer base, yes? Sigh.

The iPad

 

This one didn’t even justify a press release of its own; instead, Apple tacked a paragraph and photo onto the end of the iPad Air announcement. Predictably, there were performance-improvement claims in that paragraph, and once again Apple jumped two product generations in making them, comparing against the September 2021 9th-generation A13 Bionic-based iPad versus the year-later (but still 2.5 years old) 10th-generation offering running the A14 Bionic SoC. And the doubled-up internal storage is nice. But here’s the surprising-to-me (and pretty much everyone else whose coverage I read) twist; the new 11th-gen iPad is based on the A16 SoC.

“What’s the big deal, Dipert?” you might understandably be asking at this point. The big deal is that the A16 is not Apple Intelligence-compatible. On the one hand, I get it; the iPad is the lowest-priced offering in Apple’s tablet portfolio, so to maintain shareholder-friendly profit margins, the bill-of-materials cost must be similarly suppressed. But given how increasingly fiscal-reliant Apple is on the services segment of its business, I’m still shocked that Apple didn’t instead put the A17 Pro, already found in the latest iPad mini, into the new iPad too, along with enough RAM to enable AI capabilities. Maybe the company just wants to upsell everyone to the iPad Air and Pro instead? If so, I’ve got an intentionally terse response: “good luck with that”.

The MacBook Air(s)

This is what everyone thought Tim Cook was alluding to with Monday’s “There’s something in the Air” tease, in-advance suggested by dwindling inventory of existing M3-based products. And one day later than the iPad Air, they belatedly got their wish. That said, with the exception of a new sky blue scheme (No more Space Gray? You gotta be kidding me!), all the changes are on the inside. The M4 SoC (this time exclusively with a 10-core CPU, albeit in both 8-and-10-core GPU variants) is more energy-efficient than its M3 forebear; we’ve already discussed this. But Apple was even more comparison-silly this time, benchmarking against the three-generations-old (and more than four years old) M1 MacBook Air, as well as even more geriatric x86-based variants (Really, Apple? Isn’t it time to stop kicking Intel?). About the most notable thing I can say, aside from the price cut, is that akin to its M4 Mac mini sibling, the M4 MacBook Air now supports up to two external displays in addition to the integrated LCD, without any software-based (therefore CPU-burdening) DisplayLink hacks. Oh, and the front camera is improved. Yay.

The Mac Studio

Speaking of the Mac mini, let’s close by mentioning its bigger (albeit not biggest) brother, the Mac Studio. Until earlier today (again, as I write these words on Wednesday evening) the most powerful Mac Studios, introduced at the 2023 WWDC, were based on M2 SoC variants: the 12 CPU core and 30-or-38 GPU core M2 Max; and dual-die (interposer-connected) 24 CPU core and 60-or-76 GPU core M2 Ultra. They were follow-ups to 2022’s M1 Max (an example of which I own) and M1 Ultra premiere Mac Studio products. So, we were clearly (over)due for next-gen offerings. But, although the M1 versions were introduced in March, M2 successors arrived the following June. So, I’d placed my bets on the (likely June) 2025 WWDC for the next-gen launch timing.

Shows you how much (or accurately, little) I know…Apple instead decided on a 2022-era early-March re-do this time. And skipping past the M3 Max, the new “lower-end” (I chuckle to even type those words, and you’ll see why in second) version of the Mac Studio is based on the 14-or-16 CPU core, 32-or-40 GPU core, and 16 neural processing core M4 Max SoC also found in the latest high-end MacBook Pros.

The M3 Ultra SoC

But, at least for now (and maybe never?) there’s no M4 Ultra processor. Instead, Apple revisited the M3 architecture to come up with the M3 Ultra, its latest high-end SoC for the Mac Studio family. It holds 28-or-32 CPU cores, 60-or-80 GPU cores, and 32 neural processing cores, all prior-gen. I’m guessing the target market will still be satisfied with the available “muscle”, in spite of the generational back-step. And it’s more than just an interposer-connected dual-die M3 Max pairing. It also upgrades Thunderbolt capabilities to v5, previously found only on higher-end M4 SoC variants, and the max RAM to 512 GBytes (the M3 Max only supports 128 GBytes max…see what I did there?).

Maybe we’ll see a next-gen Mac Pro at WWDC, then? And maybe it (or if not, which of its other product line siblings) will be the first system implementation of the next-gen M5 SoC? Stand by. Until then, let me know your thoughts on this week’s announcements in the comments!

—Brian Dipert is the Editor-in-Chief of the Edge AI and Vision Alliance, and a Senior Analyst at BDTI and Editor-in-Chief of InsideDSP, the company’s online newsletter.

Related Content

• The Apple iPhone 16e: No more fiscally friendly “SE” for thee (or me)
• Apple’s Spring 2024: In-person announcements no more?
• The 2024 WWDC: AI stands for Apple Intelligence, you see…
• Apple’s fall 2024 announcements: SoC and memory upgrade abundance
• 2024: A technology forecast for the year ahead

The post Apple’s spring 2025 part II: Computers, tablets, and a new chip, too appeared first on EDN.

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Japan-based ROHM Co Ltd says that its EcoGaN series of 650V GaN HEMTs in the TOLL package has been adopted by Murata Manufacturing Group subsidiary Murata Power Solutions (a Japan-based supplier of electronic components, batteries and power supplies) for AI server power supplies that will enter mass production this year. ROHM says that integrating its GaN HEMTs (which combine low-loss operation with high-speed switching performance) in Murata’s 5.5kW AI server power supply unit achieves greater efficiency and miniaturization...

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The United States has been making significant strides in renewable energy, with solar power emerging as a key player in the clean energy transition. Over the past decade, massive solar farms have been established across the country, contributing significantly to the national grid. These solar power plants not only generate sustainable electricity but also help reduce carbon emissions and promote energy independence. Below is an in-depth look at the top 10 largest solar power plants in the USA, detailing their capacity, location, and impact.

1. Copper Mountain Solar Facility

• Location: Nevada
• Capacity: 802 MW (AC)

The Copper Mountain Solar Facility in Nevada is one of the largest photovoltaic (PV) solar plants in the United States. Developed in five phases, this project has continually expanded since its inception. Its large-scale capacity supplies clean energy to thousands of homes while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The facility showcases how solar energy can be scaled up efficiently to integrate with the national electricity grid.

2. Gemini Solar Project

• Location: Nevada
• Capacity: 690 MW (AC)

The Gemini Solar Project is one of the most ambitious solar power projects in the U.S. In addition to its impressive solar power generation, it includes 380 MW of battery storage, ensuring stable energy supply even during periods of low sunlight. This hybrid solar-plus-storage system demonstrates the future of renewable energy, where energy storage plays a crucial role in grid stability and efficiency.

3. Edwards Sanborn Solar and Energy Storage Project

• Location: California
• Capacity: 864 MW (Solar) + 3,320 MWh (Battery Storage)

Located in California, the Edwards Sanborn Solar and Energy Storage Project is a groundbreaking renewable energy initiative. This facility integrates large-scale solar power generation with one of the largest battery storage capacities in the country. The battery component ensures that excess solar energy generated during the day is stored and used when needed, making it a game-changer in the renewable energy sector.

4. Lumina I and II Solar Project

• Location: Texas
• Capacity: 828 MW

Texas is rapidly becoming a leader in solar power, and the Lumina I and II Solar Project is a testament to that growth. Expected to be completed by 2024, these twin solar farms will add 828 MW of clean energy to the state’s power grid. Texas’ solar expansion highlights how renewable energy can complement traditional power sources, especially in a state known for its oil and gas industry.

5. Mount Signal Solar

• Location: California
• Capacity: 794 MW

The Mount Signal Solar project, also known as the Imperial Valley Solar Project, has been built in multiple phases since 2014. This massive solar farm is located in the sun-drenched Imperial Valley of California, where it harnesses abundant sunlight to generate clean electricity. The project has played a critical role in California’s transition towards 100% clean energy goals.

6. Solar Star I & II

• Location: California
• Capacity: 747 MW

When it was completed in 2015, Solar Star I & II was the largest solar power plant in the world, with a capacity of 579 MW (AC). It set new benchmarks for utility-scale solar installations and inspired the development of even larger projects. Spread across 13 square kilometers, this solar farm utilizes advanced photovoltaic technology to efficiently convert sunlight into electricity.

7. Topaz Solar Farm

• Location: California
• Capacity: 550 MW (AC)

The Topaz Solar Farm is another key solar project in California, operational since 2014. One of the pioneering utility-scale solar projects, it consists of over 9 million thin-film photovoltaic panels. This farm has been instrumental in proving the economic and environmental feasibility of large-scale solar projects in the United States.

8. Desert Sunlight Solar Farm

• Location: California
• Capacity: 550 MW (AC)

Commissioned in 2014, the Desert Sunlight Solar Farm is one of the largest solar projects in the world. It spans 3,800 acres in the Mojave Desert and consists of over 8 million solar panels. This farm contributes significantly to California’s ambitious renewable energy targets, reducing carbon emissions and supporting a cleaner energy future.

9. Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System

• Location: California
• Capacity: 392 MW

Unlike traditional photovoltaic solar farms, the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System uses solar thermal technology. It employs mirrors (heliostats) to focus sunlight onto central towers, generating steam to power turbines. This innovative approach allows the plant to produce electricity even when sunlight is not directly available, making it one of the most advanced solar plants in the country.

10. Agua Caliente Solar Project

• Location: Arizona
• Capacity: 290 MW

The Agua Caliente Solar Project in Arizona is notable for utilizing thin-film cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar panels, which offer cost-effective and high-efficiency energy production. The plant generates over 626 GWh of clean energy annually, powering thousands of homes and reducing dependence on conventional power sources.

The Future of Solar Energy in the USA

The U.S. solar industry continues to grow, with large-scale projects like these playing a crucial role in the transition towards clean and renewable energy. These power plants not only contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also help in creating jobs, boosting energy security, and promoting technological advancements in solar power and battery storage.

With increasing investments in solar farms and energy storage, the United States is well on its way to achieving a sustainable and carbon-free energy future.

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Agriculture in India has witnessed a technological revolution, with drones playing a pivotal role in modernizing farming practices. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) assist in tasks such as crop monitoring, precision spraying, and data analysis, leading to increased efficiency and sustainability. Here are ten prominent agriculture drone companies in India contributing to this transformation:

1. Garuda Aerospace

Based in Chennai, Garuda Aerospace specializes in drone solutions for various sectors, including agriculture. Their drones are designed for precision spraying, crop health monitoring, and surveillance, aiming to enhance productivity and reduce manual labor in farming.

2. IoTechWorld Avigation

IoTechWorld Avigation, headquartered in Gurugram, offers innovative agricultural drones like the Agribot. This multi-rotary drone is India’s first DGCA-approved agriculture drone, used for spraying, broadcasting, and assessing soil and crop health.

3. Throttle Aerospace Systems

Bangalore-based Throttle Aerospace Systems manufactures UAVs for various applications, including agriculture. Their drones assist in land mapping, surveillance, cargo delivery, inspection, and disaster management, providing versatile solutions for the farming sector.

4. Aarav Unmanned Systems (AUS)

AUS, located in Bangalore, offers drone-based solutions for mining, urban planning, and agriculture. Their drones facilitate precision agriculture by providing high-resolution aerial imagery for crop health monitoring and yield estimation.

5. Dhaksha Unmanned Systems

Chennai-based Dhaksha Unmanned Systems provides drones for agriculture, surveillance, and logistics. Their agricultural drones are equipped with intelligent spraying systems and real-time data analysis capabilities, enhancing farming efficiency.

6. ideaForge

Headquartered in Mumbai, ideaForge is a leading manufacturer of UAVs for defense, homeland security, and industrial applications, including agriculture. Their drones offer high endurance and are used for large-scale mapping and surveillance in farming.

7. General Aeronautics

Bangalore-based General Aeronautics offers the Krishak series drones for agricultural purposes. Known for their durability and efficient spraying systems, these drones are compatible with various attachments, allowing multi-functional use in diverse agricultural settings.

8. Paras Aerospace

Paras Aerospace, located in Bangalore, specializes in user-friendly and affordable drones for agriculture. Their Paras Agricopter series is designed for precision spraying and crop monitoring, aiming to optimize resource utilization and increase yields.

9. Johnnette Technologies

Based in Noida, Johnnette Technologies offers agricultural drone services, including crop health monitoring, precision spraying, and remote sensing. Their drones are designed to optimize agrochemical applications, reducing wastage and maximizing crop yields.

10. Asteria Aerospace

Bangalore-based Asteria Aerospace provides drone-based solutions for various sectors, including agriculture. Their drones are used for crop monitoring, field mapping, and surveillance, aiding farmers in making data-driven decisions.

 

These companies are at the forefront of integrating drone technology into Indian agriculture, offering solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. As the industry continues to evolve, these innovations are expected to play a crucial role in meeting the growing demands of modern farming.

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k-Space Associates Inc of Dexter, MI, USA — which was founded in 1992 and produces thin-film metrology instrumentation and software for research and manufacturing of microelectronic, optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices — has introduced kSA RHEED-Sim as its new reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) simulation software. Suitable for both researchers and students, simulation possibilities range from basic simulated RHEED patterns of common structures to complex patterns produced by reconstructions or complex surfaces, and even dynamic simulations with changing phenomena...