ELE Times

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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AI (artificial intelligence) has been making significant strikes in myriad industries, and gaming is no exception. As AI technology evolves, its influence on gaming interfaces is becoming increasingly apparent, reshaping the way players interact with games and how games respond to players. To understand AI’s impact, look at the simple game of Ludo. When you play Ludo online, you witness rolling dice animation, quick transitions from one player turn to the next, and real-time multiplayer interaction.

In this article, we delve into the various ways AI is revolutionizing gaming interfaces.

• Adaptive user interfaces

The creation of adaptive user interfaces is one of the most significant impacts of AI on gaming interfaces. Unlike static interfaces, AUIs adapt and evolve according to the preferences, skill levels, and behavior of the players.

AI algorithms assess data in real-time to tailor the interface, offering a customized experience for each player.

For example, in complicated strategy games, the interface might simplify itself for beginners by highlighting important controls, while experienced players may see more detailed options. This adaptability helps to enhance the player experience and makes games much more accessible to a broader audience.

• NLP (natural language processing)

AI-powered NLP is another groundbreaking innovation that is transforming gaming interfaces. NLP allows players to interact with games more intuitively and naturally by enabling games to comprehend and respond to voice commands.

Take The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim game, for instance. This game has incorporated voice commands for in-game actions. However, there’s still scope for so much more. Imagine being able to talk with NPCs (non-playable characters) as if they were real people.

The importance of voice interaction in gaming is growing at an exponential rate. It won’t be long before you can converse with NPCs for an immersive experience.

• AI-generated content

AI is playing an integral role in revolutionizing how game worlds are created and expanded. Procedural content generation, powered by AI algorithms, allows game developers to create intricate worlds without the need for manual design for every single element.

Take No Man’s Sky, for instance. This game used AI to generate an entire universe. If you play this game, you’ll be in awe of each planet, offering a unique ecosystem, landscape, and challenges.

Procedural generation is simply one aspect of AI’s impact on game development. Developers are also using AI to dynamically generate content that adapts to the actions of the players.

For instance, AI-powered design tools can assess the performance of players and accordingly adjust the difficulty level in real-time.

• Emotional AI

Another frontier where AI is transforming gaming interfaces is emotional AI. Through the assessment of the facial expressions, physiological responses, and voice tone of the players, emotional AI is able to adjust the game experience according to the emotional state of the players.

The technologies behind emotional AI in gaming are voice analysis, facial recognition, NLP, and biometric sensors.

• AI-driven accessibility

When it comes to making games more accessible to a broad audience, especially those with disabilities, AI plays an important role.

From sign language recognition to voice-controlled interfaces, AI technology is breaking down barriers that have traditionally excluded certain groups from the gaming community.

Take Microsoft’s Xbox Adaptive Controller, for example. This controller allows players with physical disabilities to create personalized control steps tailored to their specific needs.

• Real-time strategy games and AI

AI has been a constant factor in real-time strategy games. Developers use AI to control allies and non-playable opponents. Thanks to recent advancements, developers can now use AI to analyze the players’ strategies and adapt their tactics in real-time. It is also possible to learn from past games to augment performance.

• Smart game design and balancing gameplay mechanics

In the art of game development, a delicate balance exists in the form of balancing gameplay mechanics, player progression, and difficulty curves. AI-powered simulation tools and analytics can assess gameplay data and iteratively fine-tune game mechanics. This ensures the game remains challenging yet enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Thanks to this data-driven approach, developers are in a better position to create more immersive gaming experiences.

• AI And VR gaming interfaces

VR is considered the future of gaming, and as this technology continues to grow, industry insiders opine that AI will also play a critical role in developing responsive and intuitive VR interfaces.

It is expected that AI will help create immersive environments through predictions of players’ movements. Also, the virtual environments will be adjusted in real-time.

Final thoughts

Don’t make the mistake of thinking AI is just another tool. It is much more than that. This technology is single-handedly revolutionizing and reshaping the gaming industry. It has fundamentally changed the way gaming interfaces are designed and experienced.

From NLP and adaptive user interfaces to AI-generated content and emotion recognition, AI technology is making games much more accessible, personalized, and immersive.

As AI technology continues to make huge strides in the industry, the line between games and players is expected to blur even further. For game developers, the real challenge is to harness the full potential of AI while making sure the game remains enjoyable and accessible for all.

The integration of AI into gaming interfaces is great news for players as it not only aims to enhance player satisfaction but introduces more varieties of games for enthusiasts.

What are your thoughts on AI revolutionizing gaming interfaces? What do you think is next for the industry?

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The future of mobility will be shaped by automated and autonomous vehicles. With a steadily increasing number of driver assistance systems, a key question remains: How can we guarantee the continuous functionality of these ADAS/AD systems, thereby ensuring road safety throughout a vehicle’s lifetime? Ryme Worldwide and Rohde & Schwarz are answering this by introducing a new solution. It seamlessly integrates radar target simulation into existing workshop environments, enabling comprehensive ADAS and AD testing during periodic technical inspections (PTI).

Maintaining the functionality of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) features is crucial for long-term vehicle safety and performance. Hence, autonomous vehicle manufacturers must secure approval from transport authorities. Furthermore, preserving ADAS/AD functionality over time demands extra precautions.

Radar target simulators are usually used in the development and production phases of a radar sensor, under controlled laboratory conditions. These simulators are often highly complex, expensive, and designed to operate in a radio frequency controlled laboratory environment. However, Rohde & Schwarz’s innovative approach allows for the first time, cost-effective, high-quality testing of radar sensors in a workshop setting.

A further benefit for PTI testing is that the RadEst can be integrated with the new generation analogue and digital headlight testers from Ryme Worldwide, the R-HLT20/R-HLT30. The column of the headlight tester carries both test systems and can be easily moved with the chassis on rollers. The system can be provided as analogue or digital headlight tester and the customer has the benefit to save the test results and transfer them using the integrated ASA interface. The headlight tester is fully adjustable to cover various headlight technologies, e.g. H7, Xenon, LED and Matrix. The digital headlight tester has an excellent user interface and supports the daily testing routines. One more benefit is to save space as the same occupied testing area can be used for the combined R&S and Ryme solution.

The R&S RadEsT radar target simulator, developed by Rohde & Schwarz, boasts exceptional resilience to external factors, ensuring reliable performance in workshop environments. Its capability to provide precise and repeatable measurements makes it a invaluable tool for accurate real-world assessments. Moreover, with its internal analysis capabilities, R&S RadEsT can directly measure essential radar sensor quality indicators such as EIRP (Equivalent Isotropic Radiated Power) and occupied bandwidth. Its compact and lightweight design allows for easy, flexible integration, all while maintaining a cost-effective price point.

Working in collaboration with Ryme Worldwide and utilizing the R&S RadEsT radar target simulator from Rohde & Schwarz, a foundation has been established to incorporate radar sensor checks in future PTI. This will help ensure the proper functioning of vehicles’ autonomous driving capabilities throughout their lifetime.

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Author: STMicroelectronics

STPOWER Studio 4.0 just became available and now supports three new topologies (1-phase full bridge, 1-phase half-bridge, and 3-phase 3-level T-NPC) to cover significantly more applications. Previously, the online simulation tool only offered a 3-phase 2-level topology for motor drivers and photovoltaic inverters, which are some of the most popular use cases. Thanks to the robustness of the underlying architecture that ST recently updated and brought to the web, we are now able to build on top of the existing platform to make STPOWER Studio more versatile and assist more engineers in designing a more comprehensive range of power stages.

What is STPOWER Studio? A unique simulator STPOWER Studio delivers extensive analyses quickly and easiily

STPOWER Studio, a component of eDesignSuite, specializes in thermo-electrical simulations. As eDesignSuite transitioned to HTML5 to enhance its user interface, STPOWER Studio benefited from the same underlying architecture, enabling more powerful simulations. It stands out in the industry as one of the few simulators capable of adjusting power losses according to the junction temperature at the moment of the simulation, providing a more accurate representation of real-world usage. Some competitors traditionally use a fixed value for the junction temperature, leading to over- or underestimated losses. Thanks to our dynamic junction temperature, users get more accurate results.

STPOWER Studio can simulate up to hundreds of seconds per step with Steady State off, which gives engineers enough time to see how their power stage would ramp up and stabilize. They can also run simulations with or without heat sinks, which will help them anticipate form factor and heat dissipation requirements. Users simply select the ST family of devices (ACEPACK or SLLIMM) and the component they will use in their design. Under Setting, designers can tweak the gate resistor values and some thermal properties. Finally, under I/O, users can adjust their mission profile by defining various steps with values such as the output power or the current level, among other things.

A design assistant

Let’s take the example of an engineer designing a large motor driver for industrial applications, an inverter for a photovoltaic converter, or an HVAC system. In our example, the motor would use a DC Link voltage of 650 V and an RMS Phase Current of 10 A. For a quick simulation, users can use Steady State ON to analyze performances after reaching a thermal steady state. Then, by choosing Steady State OFF, users can set the duration of the simulation step for a more detailed analysis. Obviously, it will require more computing power on the server and take longer to generate. However, ST reduced rendering times by a factor of 10 over the last releases of STPOWER Studio.

What’s new in STPOWER Studio 4.0? 1-phase full bridge STPOWER Studio supports heatsink sizing and monitoring data on non-testable parameters

The new version of STPOWER Studio features three new topologies. The 1-phase full bridge will fit single-phase photovoltaic converters or uninterruptible power supplies. As more residential homes and buildings increasingly rely on renewable energy, the ability to store solar energy in batteries is increasingly in demand. Hence, we wanted to ensure that engineers could more rapidly test their designs and reduce their time to market. Similarly, engineers working on an uninterruptible power supply can very quickly anticipate what their design will look like if they adopt an STPOWER device.

1 phase half bridge

Since STPOWER Studio supports a one-phase full bridge topology, it made sense to offer a one-phase half-bridge. This structure is common in DC-AC conversion for smaller solar inverters or motor drivers. Engineers also combine single-phase half-bridge topologies when designing a one-phase to three-phase converter. In fact, while the current version of the simulator focuses solely on DC-AC systems, we are evaluating the addition of DC-DC applications and will update this blog post with more information as they become available.

3-phase 3-level T-NPC Extensive analyses in STPOWER Studio

Finally, the 3-phase 3-level T-NPC (T-type Neutral Point Clamped) is increasingly popular because it improves overall efficiency by reducing switching losses thanks to a mechanism that clamps the input voltage at its halfway point. Consequently, only half of the input voltage is applied to each switch, which reduces switching losses. This creative approach greatly benefits high-power systems, such as photovoltaic inverters, power factor inverters, or motor drivers, while ensuring the overall design remains relatively small.

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Roborock, a global leader in intelligent home robotics, has launched the intelligent sweeping and mopping all-in-one robot Roborock Qrevo Slim at IFA 2024 in Berlin, equipped with an innovative 3D camera module for navigation and obstacle avoidance using the REAL3 Time-of-Flight (ToF) imager by Infineon Technologies. The technology allows to reduce size and increase reliability. Compared to the body height of traditional sweeping and mopping robots of around 100 mm, the overall height of the Roborock Qrevo Slim is only 82 mm, allowing it to pass through lower and narrower spaces while providing high reliability.

“The integration of our REAL3 ToF into Roborock’s cleaning robot is a great example of how Infineon technology is used to accelerate product innovation in the smart home sector,” said Andreas Kopetz, Vice President Ambient Sensing at Infineon. “Our hybrid ToF solution targets a rapidly growing consumer robotic market, enabling customers to develop unique robot designs while reducing system costs and complexity.”

Roborock has teamed up with Infineon, pmdtechnologies and OMS to develop a next generation robot solution that uses hybrid Time-of-Flight (hToF) to replace the traditional laser distance scanner (LDS) module and obstacle avoidance module. hToF is a combination of Infineon’s REAL3 ToF imager, a dual infra-red illumination sources and pmd’s processing technology to provide a powerful solution for consumer-grade robots. It supports simultaneous localization and map building (SLAM), obstacle avoidance and cliff detection functions in one camera module manufactured by OMS.

“At pmd, we are proud to have played a leading role in the development and optimization of the hybrid Time-of-Flight (hToF) system that powers Roborock’s latest innovation. By contributing our advanced 3D pixels, our expertise in infra-red illumination, and our processing technology into the hToF module, we’ve been able to create a highly efficient, compact solution that significantly enhances navigation and obstacle avoidance capabilities,” said Jochen Penne, Managing Director at pmdtechnologies ag.

The high-resolution depth and vision data is perfectly suited for robust obstacle avoidance algorithms while the open-source SLAM algorithm based on hToF depth data generates high-precision maps, ensuring accurate and reliable navigation. In addition, hToF is working in darkness and strong sunlight. It is computationally efficient and streamlined, requiring e.g. only one Cortex A55 processor core for depth processing and SLAM computation tasks out of eight available cores.

Roborock has pioneered the mass production of LDS technology since 2016 and is promoting it as the standard configuration for sweeping robots. The company is the first to use the hybrid Time-of-Flight system in their new generation of sweeping robots.

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As the global demand for sustainable transportation solutions grows, the electric vehicle (EV) market is undergoing unprecedented expansion. Particularly in India, a government-led EV revolution is rapidly transforming this vast market, with electronic components playing a critical role in this change, providing essential technology support for the new generation of electric vehicles.

Current Status and Prospects of the EV Market

The global electric vehicle market is at a crucial turning point, driven by government policies and technological advancements, with adoption rates rising swiftly. Policies in Europe, China, and the USA, along with increased consumer awareness, have continuously matured these regions’ markets. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that global electric vehicle sales will grow exponentially in the next decade, with market shares expected to rise from 15% in 2023 to 40% in 2030 and surpass 50% by 2035.

In India, the government’s “FAME India” (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme has set clear targets to accelerate the adoption and production of hybrid and electric vehicles through fiscal incentives and manufacturing support. In 2023, India’s EV sales hit a historical high, particularly in the cost-effective and versatile two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments.

The rapid market growth in India is being propelled by advancements in EV technology, such as reduced battery costs and increased range, as well as by the expansion of charging infrastructure. The government plans to extend charging facilities to more cities and public areas by 2025 to meet growing demand.

Demand for Electronic Components in Electric Vehicles

• Power electronics systems: including inverters, DC-DC converters, and motor controllers, are the heart of electric vehicles.
• Battery Management Systems (BMS): Given India’s significant temperature variations, BMS must adapt to extreme climates to ensure battery safety and efficiency.

• On-board infotainment and autonomous driving components: As India’s middle class demands more high-tech vehicles, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and on-board infotainment systems have become standard in new models.

Technical Challenges for Electronic Components

• High voltage and temperature resistance: India’s hot climate demands that electronic components can operate under more extreme conditions.
• Reliability and longevity: In India’s variable roads and climatic conditions, the durability and reliability of components are incredibly crucial.

• Miniaturization and integration: As technology advances, particularly in space-constrained two-wheelers and three-wheelers, the demand for miniaturization and integration grows.

Comprehensive Solutions

As the world’s leading electronic components distributor, WIN SOURCE has integrated over a million components from more than 3,000 manufacturers. The company’s comprehensive supply chain solutions include global sourcing, obsolete management, cost control, shortage management, alternative solutions, and excess inventory management. Whether facing part shortages, obsolescence, or regular demands, WIN SOURCE is equipped to meet the needs of clients from the EV industry to other high-demand sectors.

With modern warehouses established in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and the Philippines, WIN SOURCE has enhanced its logistics efficiency by 30%, speeding up its response to global markets. The company has also established offices in key global markets, including the USA, Canada, Brazil, the UK, Italy, Germany, Singapore, India, the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea, enabling it to rapidly meet customer needs and solidify its market position. Additionally, the recent opening of a new office in Bangalore, India, further strengthens WIN SOURCE’s global service network and optimizes its local market service capabilities, ensuring that global orders are processed quickly and accurately.

WIN SOURCE will participate in Electronica India 2024, held from September 11 to 13 at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, at booth H9.C75. At this event, the company will showcase its extensive product line and innovative solutions, applicable to a wide range of industries beyond just electric vehicles. WIN SOURCE warmly invites all industry colleagues, partners, and experts to visit their booth to discuss collaboration opportunities and exchange the latest insights on market dynamics and technological advancements. This exhibition will demonstrate WIN SOURCE’s ongoing innovation and adaptability in meeting market challenges and seizing industry opportunities, ensuring that clients receive the best quality product selections and services. Additionally, the company’s expert technical team will be available on-site to provide customized consultation services to assist clients with product selection and supply chain management challenges.

Conclusion

As technology continues to advance and the market expands, the development of electronic components will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the EV revolution. Particularly in India, the market’s unique demands have spurred numerous innovative technologies, which are expected to be promoted and applied globally. The rapid development of India’s EV market presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for the electronic components industry. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, the electronic components industry can effectively address these challenges and drive the future development of EV technology in India and globally.

Reprinted from WIN SOURCE ELECTRONIC-NEWS

© 2024 Win Source Electronics. All rights reserved. This content is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Win Source Electronics.

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ROHM and United Automotive Electronic Systems Co., Ltd., (UAES), a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier in China, have recently entered into a long-term supply agreement for SiC power devices.

Since 2015, ROHM and UAES have been collaborating and carrying out detailed technical exchanges on automotive applications utilizing SiC power devices. This partnership deepened in 2020 with the establishment of the SiC Joint Research Institute at the UAES headquarters in Shanghai, China. And in 2021 ROHM’s advanced SiC power devices and peripheral components were highly evaluated by UAES, resulting in ROHM being selected as a preferred supplier.

The close long-standing technical partnership has led to the production and adoption of numerous automotive products equipped with ROHM SiCs, such as onboard chargers and inverters for electric vehicles. SiC power devices play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and performance of a variety of systems, contributing to extending the cruising range and reducing battery size.

This long-term supply agreement ensures UAES sufficient access to SiC power devices to meet the growing demand for SiC-based inverter modules, which have been supplied to customers since November 2023. Going forward, both companies will deepen their collaboration, contributing to technological innovation in the automotive sector by accelerating the development of cutting-edge SiC power solutions for EVs.

Guo Xiaolu, Deputy General Manager, United Automotive Electronic Systems Co., Ltd.

‘The growing popularity of electric vehicles in the Chinese market has made the adoption and integration of power semiconductors like SiC increasingly important. ROHM, a world-renowned semiconductor manufacturer, is a pioneer and market leader in SiC power devices. Since 2015 we have been actively engaged in technical exchanges and highly value ROHM’s proposed solutions encompassing devices and peripheral components. Choosing ROHM as our long-term supplier of SiC chips guarantees a stable supply for future mass production. We appreciate ROHM’s past efforts and look forward to building a long-term collaborative relationship, with this agreement serving as a new starting point.’

Tsuguki Noma, Corporate Officer and Director of the Power Device Business Unit, ROHM

‘We are very pleased to have signed a long-term supply agreement with UAES, a valued partner with whom we have built a strong cooperative relationship over the years. As a leading Tier 1 manufacturer in China, UAES is at the forefront of advanced application development. To meet the need for SiC power devices that improve efficiency in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market, ROHM has established a leading development and manufacturing system within the SiC industry. We believe that by working together, both companies can provide cutting-edge, high performance, high quality automotive applications. Moving forward, we will continue to drive technological innovation in electric vehicles together with UAES by offering power solutions centered on SiC.’

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Kore.ai, a leader in enterprise conversational and generative AI platform technology, announced today that two of its products, Kore.ai XO Automation and Kore.ai Contact Center AI are now available in AWS Marketplace, a curated digital catalog that customers can use to find, buy, deploy, and manage third-party software, data, and services to build solutions and run their businesses.

XO Automation AI brings the power of LLM and Generative AI technology with a no-code interface to help enterprises design, build, train, test, deploy, and manage AI Chatbots for automating customer interactions across 40+ voice and digital channels. It enables omnichannel, multi-lingual experiences with support for more than 130+ languages.

Advanced RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) capabilities for generative answers, multiengine NLU powered by LLMs, and Responsible AI with guardrails allow enterprises to deploy highly secure and scalable generative AI and conversational AI capabilities to enhance customer experience, employee engagement, and operational efficiency.

Kore.ai’s Contact Center AI enhances customer service by deriving insights from conversations, automating tasks, and enabling contact centers to provide personalized, efficient experiences that ultimately increase overall customer satisfaction. Integrated with the Kore.ai Experience Optimization (XO) Platform, Contact Center AI enhances customer experiences by automating up to 80% of interactions, reducing wait times, and increasing efficiency. It features Agent AI, offering agents real-time advice, automated interaction summaries, coaching, and guided interactions through AI-guided playbooks.

AWS customers will now have access to Kore.ai XO Automation AI and Kore.ai Contact Center AI directly within the AWS Marketplace. Kore.ai provides AWS customers with the ability to streamline the purchase and management of XO Automation AI and Contact Center AI within their AWS Marketplace account. Both these solutions enable businesses to optimize customer service experiences, for which Kore.ai is recognized as a leader by leading analyst firms Gartner, Forrester, and G2, a peer-to-peer review platform.

“The world is fast moving toward an AI-first framework, and we want to provide the best advanced AI-powered solutions to every AWS customer through this initiative,” said Kore.ai CEO and Founder Raj Koneru. “Kore.ai enables businesses to put AI to work safely, responsibly, and at scale through its open architecture and generative and conversational AI platforms to achieve desired business outcomes. We envision our technology, along with the power of AWS, helping enterprises achieve transformative results.”

Kore.ai XO Automation and Contact Center AI are now generally available in the AWS Marketplace. For more information on Kore.ai XO Automation and Kore.ai Contact Center AI, please visit Kore.ai.

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• 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) oscilloscope delivers four times the signal resolution and half the noise floor of other general-purpose oscilloscopes
• Instrument built from the ground up with a custom application-specific integrated circuit and a deep memory architecture to deliver fast, accurate measurements
• Delivers the precision and accuracy needed to identify the smallest and most infrequent signal glitches during design debugging to accelerate time to market

Keysight Technologies, Inc. introduces the InfiniiVision HD3 Series, a 14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) oscilloscope, delivering four times the signal resolution and half the noise floor of other general-purpose oscilloscopes. Newly designed and built from the ground up with a custom application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and deep memory architecture, the HD3 Series enables engineers to quickly detect and fix signal issues in a variety of applications.

Device and component designs are becoming more complex, using signals that are increasingly smaller. To ensure product quality and maximize product yields, engineers must troubleshoot designs by tracing multiple signals at once to identify the smallest signal errors that indicate design flaws and hardware defects. Engineers need an oscilloscope that can measure the smallest and most infrequent signal glitches beyond the noise to correct product issues.

The new Keysight HD3 Series oscilloscope meets this challenge by giving digital designers and engineers the highest vertical resolution through a 14-bit ADC and a 50 µVRMS low noise floor that can detect the smallest signal anomalies. Covering bandwidths between 200 MHz and 1 GHz, the HD3 Series accelerates digital debugging and time to market with:

• Unparalleled precision – Delivers 14-bit ADC resolution and low noise floor in combination with an uncompromised 1.3 M waveforms / second update rate for all measurements, enabling quick and accurate debugging.
• Built on new technology – Features a custom-built ASIC that gives engineers higher sample rates and memory under typical testing conditions, an uncompromised waveform update rate, high vertical resolution, and hardware-based functions such as mask, zone, and serial decode.
• Deep memory – Captures longer time spans at full sample rate for better measurement / analysis results.
• All-new interface – Offers an all-new user interface enabling versatile functionality, including full ADC and vertical resolution on every channel, several bandwidth limiting options, HD mode support, and custom measurement thresholds.
• Full test automation – Introduces automatic fault hunter software for general debugging, which analyzes glitches, slow edges, and runts while engineers complete other tasks. Engineers can also automate measurements with a large selection of serial bus protocols and application software.
• Instant software upgrades – Provides immediate bandwidth, memory, and feature upgrades through software licensing, enabling designers to purchase options they need now and upgrade as their designs evolve in the future without having to return the instrument to the factory.

Robert Saponas, Vice President and General Manager, Keysight Digital Photonics Center of Excellence, said: “Recognizing the need of engineers for quick and precise measurements for a variety of applications, we built the InfiniiVision HD3 from the ground up to deliver an exceptionally precise general use oscilloscope. With a custom ASIC, 14-bit ADC, and half the noise floor, the HD3 Series oscilloscope delivers the precision and accuracy needed to identify the smallest and most infrequent signal glitches during design debugging to accelerate time to market.”

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ADC cards by Spectrum Instrumentation used for largest liquid-neutrino-detector of mankind

Until recently, neutrino particles were thought to have no mass but now the theory is that they actually have mass with a very tiny value as well as coming in three different ‘flavours’ which they can switch back and forth. Often called ghost particles, studying them is very difficult as they typically pass through most normal matter unimpeded and undetected, so specialist detectors have to be built to hunt for them. The latest one is called JUNO, located 750m below ground in Jiangmen, China, and it is made possible by 17 different countries with 730 scientists working in 74 Universities and national laboratories, that have joined forces on this 400-million-euro project. To develop the core part of the detector, the liquid scintillator, ultrafast digitizer cards by Spectrum Instrumentation are used.

JUNO is precisely positioned between eight existing nuclear reactors that provide a source of neutrinos for study.  At its heart is a gigantic, highly transparent, acrylic sphere with an inner diameter of 34.5 m, filled with 20,000 tons of a specially developed oil-like substance. This liquid scintillator creates photons when a neutrino interacts with it, and it is encased in a large 35,000 tons water pool. The photons are detected by an array of ca. 45,000 photo multiplier tubes (PMTs) that surround the sphere. The teams at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and at the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz are using M4i.2212 digitizer cards by Spectrum Instrumentation in their high-precision, lab-scale experiments to characterize the liquid scintillators, which require advanced data acquisition. When the JUNO detector is commissioned at the end of 2024, it will be the largest, liquid neutrino detector built by mankind. The detector will drastically enhance our knowledge about interactions and properties of these elusive ghost particles.

Neutrino detection

The central acrylic sphere contains the liquid scintillator surrounded by a layer of water. Both have to be ultra-pure as the smallest amount of contamination could contain a radioactive material. During construction, workers had to wear two pairs of gloves as even the sweat from a fingerprint could contaminate and ruin the entire project. The detector sits in a specially dug space that is 750 m below ground to shield it from ambient radiation.

When a neutrino interacts with the liquid scintillator (LS), it deposits the energy of the interaction with the molecules of this substance. The enormous light output of the LS (typically > 10.000 Photons / MeV) ensures a precise determination of the deposited energy. It would be highly beneficial if the direction of the incident neutrino could also be reconstructed. Here, the faint but directional Cherenkov light from neutrino’s initial passage through the water is paired to give physicists this information.

The aim of the current development of liquid scintillators in Munich and Mainz is to separate the fast but faint Cherenkov light from the dominant scintillation light in order to enable simultaneous energy and directional reconstruction. Therefore, the team under Dr. Hans Steiger constructed several, precision, table-top experiments with enhanced light-collection capabilities and time-resolution.

Typical light emission kinematics for a slow liquid scintillation mixture. The Cherenkov light (red line) in form of a sharp peak in time is followed by the slower scintillation light decay (green line).

“We chose the digitizer cards from Spectrum as they provide us with state-of-the-art performance but, unlike rival offerings, they are not expensive or custom creations,” said Dr. Hans Steiger, who is leading the project. “Spectrum’s modular approach means that we could specify exactly what we needed the cards to do so we were not having any compromises or wasting money on unwanted features. I love the fact that they are a standard PCIe product so that we can expand the system on a standard computer chassis as we received more funds. As a university taking part in major long-term international projects, we need to have reliable parts and Spectrum’s five-year warranty gives us peace of mind.”

JUNO results also push astronomy research

Beyond the work on event reconstruction, the team contribute a calibration project to JUNO. This characterizes the detector material using radioactive gamma and neutron sources where the energy and incident direction are pre-determined. “Our characterizations of the liquid scintillators are only possible because of the ultrafast digitizer cards that enable us to work with timeframes that are measured in picoseconds. Also, the dynamic range of 5V is much better than rivals that are typically 1V which means they can easily manage the 3V pulses in our PMTs that we encounter,” Meishu Lu, a PhD student in the TUM group pointed out. And Manuel Böhles working in Mainz added, “Spectrum has been really supportive in helping us working out the best solutions for our project and helping resolve any issues that we encounter with a phone call directly with one of their engineers. It’s great that they are committed to supporting fundamental research in many universities such as ours.”

The M4i.2212-x8 PCIe digitizer by Spectrum Instrumentation with 1.25 GS/s sampling speed on 4 channels.

The diagram shows the first pulse from the Cherenkov radiation followed by the scintillation signal that gives the energy information. This happens in less than two nanoseconds. By combining this information, the type of particle can be determined and where it came from. This could be from one of the Chinese reactors, the sun, the heart of the earth or deep space. “We have never been able to know exactly where a neutrino was coming from in scintillation detectors before, so this opens up whole new areas of research,” explained Dr. Steiger. “If, for example, a dying star, or so-called supernova, emits large amounts of neutrinos in the sky, we are now able not only to see the neutrinos but also reconstruct with high precision, the point in the sky, where this explosion took place. Effectively we now have a telescope to look into these different neutrino sources to better understand the processes. By detecting light over the entire spectrum, gravitational waves and now also neutrinos with high statistics, energy resolution and directionality start a new era of multi-messenger astronomy.”

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u-blox, a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, and Wireless Logic Ltd, Europe’s leading IoT connectivity platform provider, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing the capabilities of IoT devices through Wireless Logic’s IoT network, Conexa, and u-blox’s advanced cellular modules.

This collaboration will empower businesses and developers by providing seamless, robust, and scalable connectivity solutions, addressing the growing demand for reliable IoT deployments across various industries, including automotive, industrial, healthcare, and smart cities.

Key highlights of the collaboration:

• Enhanced IoT connectivity: By integrating Wireless Logic’s industry-leading IoT connectivity network, Conexa, into select u-blox cellular modules, customers will benefit from superior network reliability, extensive global coverage, and the flexibility to switch between multiple mobile networks via eSIM without the need for physical SIM card changes.
• Scalability and flexibility: The combined offering will guarantee unparalleled scalability and flexibility, making it easier for businesses to deploy IoT solutions at scale. The ability to manage and monitor connectivity through Wireless Logic’s intuitive platform will provide users with greater control and visibility over their IoT deployments.
• Accelerated time-to-market: The combination of Wireless Logic’s connectivity services with u-blox’s cellular modules will streamline the development process for IoT devices, reducing time-to-market and enabling faster deployment of innovative solutions.

Executive quotes:

Martin Leach, Head of u-blox Cellular Business Unit, stated, “We are excited to partner with Wireless Logic to offer their IoT connectivity services with our cellular modules. Their market leading eSIM solutions and technical expertise aligns with our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. By combining our technologies, we are enhancing the value proposition for IoT deployments, providing unmatched connectivity, security, and flexibility.”

John Dillon, Managing Director of Product and Marketing of Wireless Logic Ltd, commented, “This partnership with u-blox marks a significant milestone in our mission to simplify IoT connectivity. As experts in cellular connectivity, we are well-equipped to support u-blox’s global customers with all their cellular needs. By combining our connectivity services with u-blox’s high-performance cellular modules, we are enabling businesses to deploy IoT solutions more efficiently and cost-effectively. We look forward to seeing the innovative devices and applications that our combined offering will create.”

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In 2024, the 10 major lithium-ion battery companies in India are as follows:

1. Battrixx

It is a division of Kabra Extrusiontechnik Ltd. The latter is one of the two constituent companies of the Kolsite Group. The other company is Plastiblends India Ltd.

It was founded in 2009. It is based out of Andheri (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra.

It has established a state-of-the-art plant for design, development and production at Chakan, Pune.

It focuses on developing future technologies, such as green energy systems and solutions. Its products provide batteries to electric vehicles and green energy storage system.

Its flagship products are lithium-ion battery packs and modules for e-vehicles.

It manufactures lithium ion batteries for application in a wide range of appliances in the e-mobility sector. Its lithium-ion batteries find application in electric bikes, two-wheel electric vehicles, three-wheel electric vehicles, electric cars, electric passenger vehicles, light commercial electric vehicles, and electric tractors.

Besides, it also manufactures lithium ion batteries for application in electric forklift, electric golf cart, and devices used in the marine environment.

2. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL)

It is a Chinese lithium-ion battery manufacturing company. It was founded in 2011. It is based out of the city of Ningde, which is situated in the Fujian province of China.

This company started as a spin-off of Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), which was founded in 1999.

It specialises in the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and battery management systems.

As per the data available from 2023, it is the world’s largest lithium-ion battery manufacturer for electric vehicles. Its global market share was around 37%.

It has established 13 manufacturing plants and six research and development centres across the world. However, it does not have any manufacturing plant in India. It is merely a supplier of lithium-ion batteries in India.

3. Exicom Tele-Systems Limited

It was founded in 1994. Its head-office is in Gurugram, Haryana.

It provides state-of-the-art lithium-ion cells for EV chargers, battery systems, and industrial power systems.

It exports lithium-ion cells to 15 countries in the world.

Its specialisation is in the production of lithium-ion cells for the telecom industry.

4. Grinntech Motors & Services Pvt. Ltd.

It was founded by two entrepreneurs, Mr. Puneet Jain and Mr. Nikhilesh Mishra. It is based out of Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

It has established a state-of-the-art lab for developing new advanced lithium-ion cells. It puts into application data driven advanced algorithms.

It specialises in developing high-quality and affordable energy storage solutions. It is vociferously working towards fulfilling the aim of electrification of all mobility vehicles.

It manufactures lithium-ion cells for electric cycles, robots, 2-wheeler automobiles, 3-wheeler automobiles, small commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, etc.

5. Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt. Ltd.

It was established on 14 July, 2006, as Panasonic India Private Limited. With effect from 1 August, 2022, it changed its nomenclature to Panasonic Life Solutions India Private Limited. It was done to bring all businesses of the Panasonic Group in India under one roof.

It is the Indian subsidiary company of the Panasonic Group, which is based out of Kadoma, Osaka, Japan.

Its head-office is in Gurugram, Haryana.

It specialises in the production of lithium-ion cells for use in the automotive industry.

It has formed a joint venture with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) to manufacture cylindrical lithium-ion batteries. Such batteries are used in electric vehicles, power tools, and consumer electronics.

6. Gotion Inc.

It is a multi-national lithium ion battery manufacturing company. It aims to create the next generation of battery technologies for all new energy automotive.

It is a conglomeration of many battery developing technology companies. Its largest stakeholder is the German automaker Volkswagen.

Its head-office is in Fremont, California, United States of America.

It has six manufacturing plants spread across five countries of the world- namely, the USA, Germany, Japan, China, and Singapore.

It has established its R&D centre in Hefei, China. It researches new technology for the production of lithium ion batteries.

It does not manufacture any lithium ion batteries in India. It merely supplies lithium ion batteries in India.

In June, 2024, Indian lithium ion battery manufacturer, Amara Raja Energy and Mobility Ltd., signed a licensing agreement with Gotion Inc., for the indigenous production of lithium-ion batteries using iron phosphate as a raw material.

7. LG Energy Solution Ltd.

LG Energy Solution Ltd. is the successor company of LG Chem Energy Solution Business Division. The latter was established in 1992. It was functional till 2020. It had begun research on lithium-ion batteries in 1992.

In 2020, LG Chem approved the split-off of its battery business. Resultantly, after the split, LG Energy Solution Ltd. was established. It is based out of Seoul, South Korea.

It manufactures lithium-ion batteries for application across all dimensions, spanning across land, sea, air, and space.

It manufactures lithium-ion batteries for three segments- advanced automotive battery, mobility and IT battery, and ESS battery enterprises.

It is the first supplier of lithium-ion batteries for battery-powered spacesuits manufactured for use by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Besides, it is the supplier of lithium-ion batteries for the world’s first eco-friendly hybrid ship made by a Norwegian shipbuilding company. Also, it supplies lithium-ion batteries for drones.

In 2020, LG Chem and General Motors entered into collaboration and established Ultium Cells, a joint venture for the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

8. Samsung SDI India Pvt. Ltd.

It is the Indian subsidiary company of Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. Its parent firm is headquartered in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It is a battery and electronic materials manufacturing company.

It has a manufacturing plant in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Besides, it has a sales network office in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

It manufactures lithium-ion cells in all sizes, ranging from small, mid to large-sized cells.

They are used in a wide range of applications. For instance, electric vehicles, energy storage systems, power devices, IT devices, micro mobility purposes such as electric bikes, electric scooters, electric motorcycles, and robots.

9. Toshiba India Pvt. Ltd.

It is the Indian subsidiary company of the Toshiba Group. It is headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana.

In 2018, Suzuki, Toshiba and Denso founded a joint venture company, TDS Lithium-Ion Battery Gujarat Private Limited (TDSG), for the production of automotive lithium-ion-battery packs in India.

In 2023, the battery division of Toshiba India Pvt. Ltd. signed an agreement with EVage. The latter is a key supplier for electric commercial vans. As per the agreement, it will supply SCiBTM lithium-ion batteries. They would be used for a wide range of applications. For instance, electric vehicles such as electric buses, electric cars, industrial applications such as power plants, elevators, infrastructure applications such as in container cranes, and data centres.

10. Okaya EV Private Limited

It is a subsidiary company of the Okaya Power group. It specialises in producing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, charging, and battery swapping solutions.

It produced India’s first lithium-ion battery. It gave it the name Okaya Royale. It is produced in two variants. First, Okaya Royale. And second, Okaya Royale XL.

Its production process is certified as per the ISO 14001:2004 certification.

It is the third-largest battery manufacturer in India. Besides, it is the leading charging station manufacturer in India.

The lithium-ion batteries produced by Okaya EV Private Limited have the following special features:

First, less weight and compact size.

Second, it recharges at a very fast rate.

Third, it has a longer life-span.

Fourth, it provides a longer back up.

Fifth, it is almost maintenance-free. Hence, it is highly durable.

It specialises in the production of batteries for electric vehicles.

 

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