ELE Times

Author: Rajendra Malhotra, Managing Director of mXmoto

India’s Electric Vehicle (EV) market of India is expected to reach $37.70 billion by 2028, with 44 million vehicles on road by 2030. The government is promoting EV adoption through tax incentives, subsidies, and the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme.

The year 2023 has further intensified hopes in this segment, with 15,29,614 registrations of EVs, which is 49% more than the previous year. A recognizable presence of OEMs, a large domestic market, and the availability of qualified engineers and a workforce are potential factors that will accelerate the growth of the EV industry in India. On the demand side, fully loaded with advanced features, new-generation EVs are gradually piquing consumers’ interest and motivating them to drive into a green mobility era.

Electric two-wheelers, the fastest-growing segment in clean mobility, are enticing performance-savvy consumers of India as these bikes offer them quick acceleration, high breaking power, and controlled rides. These new-generation bikes are also helpful in saving consumers’ money by eliminating the need for engine oil, clutches, timing belts, and spark plugs. However, the charging infrastructure is still limited, especially in the outskirts, and it is a challenge that should be addressed through effective public-private collaborations.

Challenges Encountered

India currently has 1640 active public EV chargers, but this number is expected to rise as the population grows. The transportation industry contributes to 10-14% of India’s greenhouse gas emissions, making a comprehensive charging infrastructure crucial. A robust charging infrastructure is crucial for promoting electric vehicle adoption, as range anxiety and lack of nearby charging options are significant barriers.

Across the country, conductive charging technology is prevalent. Still, there’s a growing need for high-power DC chargers, which require a high electricity supply and provide faster charging to electric vehicles. Therefore, fast charging stations in metropolitan areas are crucial for urban residents, while ultra-fast charging is vital for long travels.

Other pertinent issues in the charging infrastructure should also be dealt with through effective policies and strategies. Lack of charging gun standardisation (interoperability), grid capacity and stability, non-uniform electricity supply codes across states and UTs, long processing time, and investment in land acquisition are the major issues which need to be addressed on a priority basis.

Opportunities Explored

Indeed, the sector has witnessed a silver line as the government came out with many constructive measures in the recent past. The de-licensing of EV charging stations/installations to prioritize infrastructure development is a significant step in this direction. Permits for private charging stations in residential areas and offices have been extended and individuals are allowed to easily contact local or state nodal agencies. Permission of charging points in public places like malls, housing societies, office complexes, restaurants, and hotels is a great support to reinforce the charging infrastructure. Moreover, the government’s decision to make charging stations mandatory in public parking lots and gas stations over 5,000 square meters resulted in a significant increase in charging stations across the country.

The partnership among stakeholders has been marked as a potent solution to resolve charging issues. In this regard, partnerships between charging station operators and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are crucial for the growth and success of the EV ecosystem. Several charging station operators have partnered with EV manufacturers to expand charging infrastructure, providing convenient access to charging facilities for customers. Renewable energy sources like solar energy are also used by many charging station owners, reducing their carbon footprint and addressing power shortages in some regions.

SMEs in the sector are also preparing to establish electric vehicle charging stations due to rising demand, and banks and NBCs are offering them loans for this purpose. Battery swapping technology is another important facilitator in this direction, which allows depleted batteries to be replaced with fully charged ones, reducing manual labour and accelerating the charging process.

Towards a positive scenario

India’s transition towards an electric future could be driven by strategic investments, insightful policies, and collective will. Unquestionably, a robust charging infrastructure boosts consumer confidence, creates economic opportunities, and stimulates the EV industry’s growth. As the charging station market evolves, innovative trends emerge, attracting investments and technology development.

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STMicroelectronics is a highly renowned Semiconductor company that develops competitive products in segments of Smart Mobility, Power & Energy, and Cloud-connected Autonomous systems. It is among the global leaders with strong R&D and innovation teams working from across several locations around the world.

ST is also known for its innovative industry-first and leading fast wireless charging solutions. It has been providing wireless charging receivers to the largest smartphone makers in the world since day one.

Rashi Bajpai, Sub-Editor at ELE Times spoke with Mr. Leong Foo Leng, Director, Technical Marketing for Wireless Charging and Battery Management Products at STMicroelectronics about their latest Qi Wireless Charging Solutions.

This is an excerpt from the interaction.

1. Help us understand the development process of Qi Wireless chargers.

To develop efficient Qi wireless charging solutions, it is crucial to define specific use cases for the wireless receiver and transmitter applications. This involves careful consideration of factors such as power requirements, system architecture, mechanical design, and coil selection.

The customer builds a prototype based on ST reference designs that are optimized for performance and efficiency, using our unique wireless power software and development ecosystem.

ST can provide support to key customers during coil design simulation and tuning of the wireless charging circuit, as well as the official Wireless Power Consortium Qi compliance tester to run in-house precertification tests to speed up the entire Qi certification process.

The Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) maintains and develops the standards for a variety of wireless power applications. This includes Qi standards for smartphones and portable devices up to 15W of power. There are more than 350 member companies in the consortium including STMicroelectronics.

Once the customer evaluates and validates their solution, they can submit their product for WPC Qi certification.

The process includes passing compliance testing at an Accredited Testing Lab (ATL), interoperability testing at an Interoperability Testing Centre (IOC) and being a WPC member in good standing as the product owner.

Certified products are allowed to use the Qi logo on the product and packaging.

2. Brief us on STWLC38 and STWBC86 ICs’ use cases and application areas.

ST has a wide range of wireless charger IC solutions from 1 W to 100 W, including transmitters and receivers providing low standby power, accurate foreign object detection (FOD) and reverse charging features for personal electronics, industrial and medical applications.

STWLC38 is a Qi 1.3 certified receiver IC which is optimized for small form factor applications such as wearables and hearables. It was designed for low power applications and can deliver up to 15 W of output power. It is also capable of operating in Tx mode to transmit power to charge other devices. The device can provide power up to 5W Output power in this mode. STWLC38 can be paired with the STWBC86 transmitter IC for a complete wireless charging solution.

The chip comes in an ultra-compact WLCSP40 package (Wafer Level Chip Scale Package) measuring only 2.1mm by 3.3mm. The total area of the STWLC38 solution (including peripheral components) is 7mm x 7mm. The Vout is configurable from 4V – 12V in 25mV resolution. It is packed with the power of ARM 32-bit Cortex-M0+ core running at up to 64MHz, 32kB RRAM for Firmware patch-ability like flash memory, 64KB ROM and 16kB RAM.

Two reference designs, STDES-WLC38WA and STDES-WLC38TWS, are available to simplify prototyping with the STWLC38 for wearable and true wireless stereo applications, respectively.

Some use cases for STWLC38 include medical and beauty devices as wireless charging enables a hermetic product design so devices can be easily sterilized before subsequent use.

Applications for STWLC38 include low-power wireless charging in smartphones, wearable/hearables, asset tracking devices, and medical, and healthcare equipment.

STWBC86 is a highly integrated monolithic wireless power transmitter solu

tion suitable for applications delivering up to 5 W.

This wireless power transmitter has a 32-bit, 64 MHz Arm® Cortex® M0+ microcontroller, SRAM, FTP (Few Times Programmable) NVM memory, 10-bit A/D converter, and on-chip current sense.

It also has an integrated low-impedance half-bridge/full-bridge inverter to achieve high efficiency and low power dissipation.

The STDES-WBC86WTX reference design, based on STWBC86, is available to help developers start a 2.5 W wireless charging project quickly.

Applications for STWBC86 include Smartphone charging, medical electronics, Smart Wearables, and Charging for Hearables.

STWLC38 and STWBC86 use on-chip nonvolatile memory to save configuration parameters, and exchange configuration data and charging control commands through the I²C interface.

The STWLC38 receiver comes in a 2.12 mm x 3.32 mm WLCSP40 pin (Wafer Level Chip Scale) package, while the STWBC86 transmitter is in 3.26 mm x 3.67 mm WLCSP72 pin.

3. Explain the role of STSW-WPSTUDIO in the development of Qi Wireless chargers.

The STSW-WPSTUDIO enables the tuning and design of wireless power devices. It provides support for the complete evaluation of wireless power device STWLC38 and STWBC86 from register tuning to the final NVM programming.

The GUI enables real-time monitoring of key internal parameters, which are streamed over a USB connection, and provides wizards to simplify otherwise complex tasks such as FOD (Foreign Object Detection) and custom coil design.

The GUI can be used to generate a custom configuration file, making it easier to quickly change the configuration of the board and/or transfer the configuration to another board.

The key features include:

• Access to key configuration registers
• Live chart of key electrical parameters such as output voltage, rectifier voltage,
• IC temperature and currents
• Coil selection wizard to assist in the design of a custom coil
• Foreign object detection (FOD) tuning wizard
• NVM programming
• Header generator tool for programming with an external microcontroller

4. Brief us on the features of the STEVAL-WLC38RX receiver board and STEVAL-WBC86TX transmitter board. 

The STEVAL-WLC38RX evaluation board, based on STWLC38, is designed for wireless power receiver applications and allows its user to quickly start their wireless charging receiver projects.

Features-

• Design optimized for 15 W application using 8uH coil 57mmx57mm.
• WPC Qi 5W BPP and 15 W EPP compatible
• On board USB-I²C bridge for monitor and control the STWLC38 using the STSW-WPSTUDIO Graphical User Interface (GUI).
• User Manual, BOM, Schematic, PCB Gerber files for Evaluation and reference design available online:

https://www.st.com/en/power-management/stwlc38.html

STEVAL-WLC38RX includes several safety mechanisms providing over temperature (OTP), overcurrent (OCP) and overvoltage (OVP) protections as well as Foreign Object Detection (FOD) for reliable designs.

The STEVAL-WBC86TX evaluation board, based on STWBC86, is designed for wireless power transmitter applications and allows its user to quickly start their 5 W Qi BPP wireless charging projects.

Features

• Design optimized for 5 W application using 6.3 uH coil 53mmx53mm
• WPC Qi 5 W BPP compatible
• On board USB-I²C bridge for monitor and control the STWBC86 using the STSW-WPSTUDIO Graphical User Interface (GUI).
• User manual, BOM, Schematic, PCB Gerber files for evaluation and reference design available online:

https://www.st.com/en/power-management/stwbc86.html

STEVAL-WBC86TX includes several safety mechanisms providing over temperature (OTP), overcurrent (OCP) and overvoltage (OVP) protections as well as Foreign Object Detection (FOD) for reliable designs.

5. Give us some insights into the intricate design of STEVAL-WLC38RX and STEVAL-WBC86TX evaluation boards and how they help in further enhancing the development of Qi wireless chargers.

The STEVAL-WLC38RX and STEVAL-WBC86TX evaluation boards are designed to help developers create high-performance Qi wireless chargers.

The boards have gone through Electro Magnetic Compatibility tests and conform to the EU Declaration of Conformity, as well as the UK Declaration of Conformity for the Radio Equipment Directive.

The on-board USB-I2C bridge allows for a direct interface with a PC to run a GUI tool.

The board features overvoltage and overcurrent protection, ensuring safe and reliable operation of Wireless charging solution.

The board, with test pins, provide easy access to critical power and communication signals for faster testing and debugging.

The evaluation boards can be used for quick testing and debugging. For the final customer prototype, they can reuse the reference design, for example, STDES-WLC38WA.

Watch more here: Wireless Charging Solutions for up to 15 W Applications

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Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science, a Hitachi High-Tech Corporation wholly owned subsidiary engaged in the manufacture and sales of analysis and measuring instruments, has expanded its coatings and materials analysis range with the launch of the new FT210 XRF analyzer. 

The FT210 includes a proportional counter detector for routine measurements of common platings and incorporates advanced user-friendly features designed to enhance high-volume testing needs.

The launch of the FT210 also includes an updated version of FT Connect software for all FT200 Series models, with enhanced usability features for reporting, creating calibrations and data handling. This new version of FT Connect expands the RoHS screening capabilities of the FT230. FT Connect V1.2 software is compatible with both new and existing instruments.

Give your team 45 minutes back a day

The FT210, much like the FT230, includes features to improve productivity by reducing the time needed to set up a measurement and act on data. To accelerate analysis set-up, the FT200 Series comes with the largest-in-industry sample view, wide view camera, auto-focus and auto approach, and a smart recognition feature called Find My Part, which automatically recognizes features to be measured and chooses the correct analytical method.  

Expanded RoHS capabilities for the FT230

New FT Connect software updates mean that the FT230 can now be used to check more materials for conformity to the latest hazardous substance directives. The RoHS screening capabilities are built into the FT Connect’s market-leading interface ensuring analysis is simple and seamless.  

Matt Kreiner, Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science’s Coatings Analysis Product Manager, said, “The FT210 offers our customers the ability to choose the best detector for their coating applications. Thanks to the introduction of the new software features, we’ve continued to innovate on how operators interact with an XRF coatings analyzer to increase testing volumes by simplifying setup and reducing the potential for mistakes. By using either the FT210 or the FT230, XRF owners can gain up to 45 minutes of operator time back per day to focus on value-added tasks or to increase testing volumes.”

From simple plating and coatings to sophisticated applications on the smallest features, Hitachi High-Tech’s extensive range of analyzers – now including the FT210 – is designed to confidently measure coated parts throughout production, from incoming inspection, to process control through final quality control.

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In response to the escalating demand for powerful yet compact USB-C power delivery (PD) chargers, Infineon Technologies AG has launched the EZ-PD PAG2, a sophisticated secondary-side controlled ZVS flyback converter chipset. Comprising the EZ-PD PAG2P and EZ-PD PAG2S, this innovative chipset integrates USB PD, a synchronous rectifier, and a PWM controller, addressing the need for efficient communication and isolation between primary and secondary sides.

The heart of this groundbreaking technology lies in the pulse-edge transformer (PET) CYPET121, facilitating seamless integration of the EZ-PD PAG2 chipset into USB-C adapters, chargers, and travel adapters. Supporting noncomplementary active-clamp flyback (NCP-ACF) and quasi-resonant flyback with zero voltage switching (QR-ZVS) topologies, the chipset boasts enhanced efficiency, making it an ideal solution for modern charging needs.

The EZ-PD PAG2 family caters to diverse applications, providing a versatile and efficient power delivery solution. With support for PD 3.1 standard power range (SPR), programmable power supply (PPS), and 28V extended power range (EPR), the chipset ensures fast and reliable charging. Its compatibility with BC v1.2, AFC, Apple charging, and QC5.0, coupled with universal AC line input support from 90 to 265 V AC, enhances its global usability.

Key features of the EZ-PD PAG2 family include programmable soft-start using an external ss capacitor, offering controlled power-ups and adaptability to different load conditions. Operating in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), critical conduction mode (CrCM), continuous conduction mode (CCM), burst, and skip modes, the chipset accommodates various regional power sources and device types, ensuring efficient and flexible power management.

The EZ-PD PAG2 family encompasses four specialized products:

1. EZ-PD PAG2S-AC: A secondary-side ACF controller with efficient energy recycling, incorporating USB-PD protocol functionality.
2. EZ-PD PAG2S-QZ: A ZVS controller focusing on QR-ZVS flyback, featuring USB-PD protocol functionality.
3. EZ-PD PAG2P: A primary HV startup controller with integrated functions for improved system performance, including high-voltage startup, PET receiver, gate drivers, fault protection, x-cap discharge, and V cc boost converter.
4. EZ-PD PAG2S-PS: An integrated USB PD and synchronous-rectification (SR) controller, designed to be paired with third-party pulse-width-modulation (PWM) controllers. It boasts a shunt voltage regulator for constant voltage and current control via optocouplers, offering best-in-class SR performance with fast turn-on/off time and support for volt-second integration to prevent false SR activation.

Infineon’s EZ-PD PAG2 chipset marks a significant leap forward in meeting the surging demand for advanced USB-C power delivery chargers. With its cutting-edge features and adaptability, this chipset is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of efficient and high-performance charging solutions.

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The GPS (Global Positioning System) has become a vital tool in the age of digital connectivity, completely changing how we traverse and engage with our environment. Let’s explore the depths of GPS, from its beginnings to its possibilities in the future.

The Global Positioning System, or GPS, is a navigation system that uses satellites to provide exact location and time data anywhere on Earth. It now plays a crucial role in our everyday routines, helping us navigate strange roads, monitor our exercise regimens, and even help with emergency services.

The US Department of Defense is recognized for having developed GPS. Ivan A. Getting was instrumental in the system’s early development and was part of a team of scientists and engineers who developed and implemented the system. GPS’s history began in the 1960s when the US Department of Defense launched the initiative to help the armed forces with their maritime needs. In 1995, the system was completely operational and released for civilian use, revolutionizing navigation for people all over the world.

Different GPS types are available to meet the needs of different applications. The Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is the most widely used, but there are other regional systems as well, such as GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union), and BeiDou (China).

A constellation of satellites in Earth’s orbit is used by GPS to operate. These satellites send out signals all the time that tell us where they are and what time it is. These signals are received by GPS receivers on Earth, which use a triangulation of the data from several satellites to determine the receiver’s exact location. There are a wide range of applications for GPS. GPS is essential for improving efficiency and safety in a variety of applications, from tracking devices for emergency services and personal fitness to navigation systems in cars and smartphones.

GPS operation has gotten remarkably easier. Since most smartphones have GPS receivers built in, users may access navigation apps and get real-time directions. Furthermore, for seamless navigation, standalone GPS devices—which are frequently utilized in cars—offer a dedicated interface.

A GPS receiver and an antenna are components of a self-contained GPS module. It is frequently found in many different electronics, giving precise position data that makes location-based features possible. Satellites, GPS receivers, and ground control stations are essential parts of a GPS system. Satellites send out signals, which are interpreted by GPS receivers on Earth to establish location, and are managed by ground control stations.

The space segment (satellites), the control segment (ground control stations), and the user segment (GPS receivers) make up the three segments of the GPS architecture. The correctness and functionality of the system are guaranteed by this tripartite structure.

There are several advantages to using GPS. In addition to helping with emergency response, improving fleet management and logistics, and enhancing navigation efficiency, it offers precise and up-to-date position information and supports several scientific applications.

GPS has limitations even with all of its benefits. Signal interference could occur in places with many trees or tall structures. The technology is also prone to interference because it depends on satellite transmissions.

The potential for GPS is fascinating. We may anticipate improved functionality, quicker signal acquisition times, and more accuracy with continued advances. GPS applications may find new uses through integration with cutting-edge technology like augmented reality and artificial intelligence.

To sum up, GPS has developed from a navigational aid used by the military to a technology that is a part of everyday life. Its importance in contemporary society is highlighted by its ongoing development and incorporation into many areas. Future developments in GPS technology should guarantee that we can continue to traverse our environment with previously unheard-of ease and precision.

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Devices Offer Drop-in Replacements for Existing Solutions With Lower Current Consumption, Wider Voltage Range, and Improved ESD Robustness, Dark-Ambient Sensitivity, and Performance Under Strong DC Light

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. today announced that it has upgraded its TSOP18xx, TSOP58xx, and TSSP5xx series of infrared (IR) receiver modules for remote control, proximity sensing, and light barrier applications. Offered in Minicast packages, the enhanced solutions provide drop-in, plug and play replacements for existing devices in the series while offering 50 % lower current consumption, improved ESD robustness to 12 kV, a wider supply voltage range from 2.0 V to 5.5 V, 20 % higher dark-ambient sensitivity, and improved performance under strong DC light.

Devices in the Vishay Semiconductors TSOP18xx, TSOP58xx, and TSSP5xx series each consist of a photodetector, preamplifier circuit, and IR filter in a single package. With their reduced current consumption over a wider voltage range, the receiver modules increase battery life in mobile devices, while their robustness under bright sunlight enables outdoor applications. By upgrading the IR receivers with Vishay’s latest in-house IC technology, the company is ensuring the long-term availability of the products — with reduced lead times — for its customers. And as drop-in replacements for existing devices, the modules help save costs by eliminating the need for PCB redesigns.

The TSOP18xx and TSOP58xx series are designed for IR remote control in televisions, soundbars, video game systems, set-top boxes (STBs), appliances, air conditioners, and more. For the remote control function in these products, the devices provide increased robustness against disturbances such as IR emissions from different kinds of lamps. In addition, the modules are insensitive to supply voltage variations and ripple noise. The devices are available with carrier frequencies from 30 kHz to 56 kHz and in six automatic gain control (AGC) versions for short and long burst codes.

TSSP5xx series fixed-gain IR receiver modules deliver long range proximity and presence sensing to 2 m and can be paired with the TSAL6200 emitter for light barrier applications to 8 m (TSSP580xx). Sensitive to a carrier frequency of 38 kHz — and offering a peak sensitivity of 940 nm — the devices are ideal for sensing the distance to objects for toys, drones, and robots; object approach detection for the activation of displays and user consoles; and garage door light barriers. They may also be used as reflective sensors for hand dryers, towel or soap dispensers, water faucets, toilets, vending machine fall detection, and security and pet gates.

Samples and production quantities of the upgraded IR receiver modules are available now, with lead times of four weeks.

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In a groundbreaking development, Murata has introduced the world’s first Parasitic Element Coupling Device, a cutting-edge technology designed to boost antenna efficiency through magnetic coupling with the parasitic element. Tailored explicitly for Wi-Fi 6 E and Wi-Fi 7 products, this innovative solution is set to revolutionize antenna design for electronic devices.

Measuring a mere 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.35mm, Murata’s Parasitic Element Coupling Device employs multilayer technology as a compact four-terminal surface-mount component. Ideal for smartphones, tablets, network routers, game consoles, and various electronic devices, this device allows designers to construct more efficient antennas—a critical requirement for contemporary gadgets.

The technology establishes a more effective connection between the feeding antenna and its parasitic elements compared to free space coupling. Despite its compact size, this tiny coupling device achieves robust coupling performance without relying on magnetic materials, ensuring suitability for the targeted operating frequencies.

With minimal insertion loss, one side of the coupling device connects between a device’s RF circuitry and its main antenna, while the other side links between the ground and the parasitic element. This enhanced coupling enables the resonance characteristics of the parasitic element to complement those of the feeding antenna, facilitating more efficient operation across a broader frequency range or on multiple discrete bands.

The Parasitic Element Coupling Device addresses challenges encountered when antennas are scaled down, ensuring reduced coupling between the antenna and parasitic elements and increased coupling between the parasitic elements and the ground. By maintaining effective coupling between the feeding antenna and parasitic element, designers can employ miniaturized antenna design methods without compromising communication band efficiency.

Beyond its impact on antenna scaling, the device also tackles impedance mismatch issues associated with wide-band antenna usage. Moreover, it addresses concerns arising from connecting antennas with mismatched impedance to communication circuits using long cables. Long cables can exacerbate impedance mismatches, leading to higher-than-expected insertion loss and significantly reduced wireless communication performance. By incorporating Murata’s Parasitic Element Coupling Device, users can enhance antenna matching, minimizing performance degradation in wireless communications, even when utilizing extended cables.

Murata’s latest technological innovation marks a significant leap forward in the realm of antenna design, offering a promising solution to challenges faced by designers and manufacturers in the ever-evolving landscape of electronic devices and wireless communication.

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In the last few years, the aviation industry has experienced many amazing developments. The demand for air travel has increased due to factors like falling jet fuel prices, changing global demographics, and rising income in emerging economies. Over the past ten years, there has been a sharp increase in the annual number of persons boarding aeroplanes. Aircraft manufacture has increased as a result. Technological developments also allow for improvements in aircraft efficiency, safety, noise reduction, and cabin design, all of which drive rising demand. In response to these developments, commercial aircraft makers have created increasingly sophisticated planes. Let’s examine the top 10 aerospace firms in the world in more detail after that. 

1. Airbus  

Established in 1970, Airbus SE is a multinational  European aircraft company that fills a market need for high-capacity, short- to medium-range jetliners.  The corporation’s primary activity is the design and production of commercial aircraft. The company also contains departments for helicopters, defence and space, and commerce. As of 2019, Airbus is the largest aeroplane and helicopter manufacturer in the world. In addition to commercial aircraft, it produces unmanned aerial systems, defensive electronics,  civilian and military helicopters, and missile systems. 

2. Raytheon Technologies  

United States-founded, international corporation  Raytheon Technologies has its headquarters in  Waltham, Massachusetts. In the aerospace and defence industries, Raytheon Technologies carries out research, develops, and produces state-of-the-art technological goods, such as drones, air defence systems, avionics, cybersecurity, missiles, and aerostructures. On April 3, 2020, the aerospace businesses of Raytheon Company and United  Technologies Corporation (UTC) combined equally to form Raytheon Technologies. Collins Aerospace,  Raytheon Intelligence & Space, Raytheon Missiles &  Defence, and Pratt & Whitney are the four subsidiaries of Raytheon Technologies. The company oversees the Force Point business sector,  Intelligence, Information and Services (IIS), and  Integrated Defence Systems (IDS) in addition to the  SAS and MS divisions.  

3. Boeing Aerospace Company  

Boeing’s headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois, USA,  where it was established in 1916. Helicopters,  missiles, satellites, rockets, telecommunications equipment, and both military and commercial aircraft are some of the company’s main products. Boeing is a well-known manufacturer of communications equipment, satellites, helicopters, missile defence systems, and aeroplanes. The company has a wide range of responsibilities and has successfully established itself in the market. In addition, it offers finance for aeroplanes and customer service. 

4. China North Industries Group  

China North Industries Group Corporation Limited is a state-owned defence company in China that manufactures both military and commercial equipment. It is often referred to as Norinco Group  (North Industries Corporation) in international markets. One of the biggest defence contractors in the world is Norinco Group. Established in 1980 with the approval of the Chinese State Council, Norinco is a business conglomerate engaged in capital and product activities, as well as R&D, production,  marketing, and services. Production of defence goods, mining and petroleum resources,  international engineering contracts, optronics,  civilian explosives and chemical products, sporting goods and equipment, automobiles, logistical operations, and so forth are the main activities of  Norinco.

5. Aviation Industry Corporation of China 

The Aircraft Industry Corporation of China, or AVIC, is one of China’s leading aircraft manufacturers. (AVIC)  is a Chinese state-owned aerospace and defence corporation headquartered in Beijing. The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration  Commission of the State Council is in charge of AVIC.  The Aero Engine Corporation of China was founded in 2016 by the Aviation Industry Corporation of  China (AVIC) and the Commercial Aircraft  Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) to merge aero-engine and associated technology. 

6. Lockheed Martin  

Lockheed Martin is a global leader in military aerospace contracts, as well as a significant player in the civilian industry. The corporation is situated in the  United States and operates in four business segments: missile and fire control, aeronautics, space systems, and rotary and mission systems. Lockheed is associated with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and combat aircraft, with the US Department of Defence as one of its primary customers. Aside from aircraft,  the business has made investments in renewable energy and healthcare systems. 

7. General Dynamics  

The country is home to the American aerospace and military business General Dynamics Corporation  (GD). Shipbuilding, submarines, armoured vehicles,  business aviation, information systems, maritime systems, military, and aerospace are all areas of specialisation for General Dynamics. Phebe  Novakovic is the CEO of General Dynamics, which has its headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. The key segments of the firm are Information Technology,  Mission Systems, Combat Systems, Aerospace, and  Marine Systems. General Dynamics manufactures commercial aeroplanes, C4ISR, weapons systems,  ammunition, merchant and combat vessels, and information technology.  

8. China Aerospace Science &Industry  

A state-owned enterprise in China, China Aerospace  Science & Industry Corporation Limited is responsible for designing, developing, and manufacturing spacecraft, launch vehicles, tactical and strategic missile systems, and base equipment.  Funding for national initiatives such as crewed spaceflight and lunar exploration has been provided by CASIC. China’s main company for the development and production of missile weapons systems is called CASIC. It is renowned for creating,  developing, and manufacturing space-related technologies, solid-propellant rockets, air defence missile systems, cruise missile systems, and other technologies related to the land, sea, air, and electromagnetic spectrum. Numerous nations have received hundreds of contemporary missile systems from CASIC, which has also benefited Chinese crewed space travel, lunar exploration, and other national programmes.

9. China Aerospace Company &Technology  

The China Aerospace Science and Technology  Corporation, or CASC, is the nation’s principal space contractor. It was formally established in July 1999 as a part of the Chinese government’s reform programme. It had been owned by the China  Aerospace Corporation in the past. State-owned companies manufacture launchers, tactical and strategic missile systems, spacecraft, and base equipment.CASC produces computers, equipment,  chemicals, communications, transportation, and medical items in addition to space and military technology.  

10. Northrop Grumman  

Northrop Grumman solves the most difficult problems in the air, aviation, security, and the internet to fulfil the ever-changing needs of their clients throughout the world. Aerospace Systems,  Innovation Systems, Mission Systems, and  Technology Services are its primary business segments. 

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MCP998x family represents one of the largest automotive-grade remote temperature sensor portfolios available from a single vendor

Thermal management is a critical aspect of automotive design, yet compared to many other components, there is a noted lack of options when it comes to multi-channel remote temperature sensors. To fill this gap, Microchip Technology has launched the MCP998x family of 10 automotive-qualified remote temperature sensors. The MCP998x family is one of the largest portfolios of automotive-grade multi-channel temperature sensors in the industry and is designed for 1°C accuracy at a wide operational temperature range. The device family includes five sensors with shutdown temperature setpoints that are designed not to be overwritten by software or maliciously disabled.

With up to five channels of monitoring and several alert and shutdown options for security, this product family can support systems that supervise more than one thermal element. The remote sensors also integrate resistance error correction and beta compensation, eliminating the need for additional configuration for improved accuracy. Monitoring temperatures at multiple locations with a single, integrated temperature sensor reduces board complexity and size and simplifies design for a lowered bill of material (BOM).

“This new family of remote temperature sensors is expanding customer choice in a product category that, historically, has offered limited options,” said Fanie Duvenhage, vice president of Microchip’s mixed-signal and linear unit. “With 10 devices to choose from, each offering better accuracy in very high temperature applications and five with shutdown safety features, the MCP998x family gives customers a broad range of automotive multi-channel temperature sensors to choose from.”

More accurate where it counts, designed for 2.5°C accuracy up to 125°C, the MCP998x device family can be used at the high end of the traditional temperature range where many competitors are challenged. This high temperature tolerance makes them well-suited for automotive applications where operating temperatures for electronics is a major factor. The MCP998x sensors are designed to support vehicle functions including HID lamps, advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), automotive servers, video processing, infotainment systems, engine control, telematics and body electronics such as seat control, lighting systems, mirror control and power windows. Visit the website to learn more about Microchip’s full portfolio of temperature sensors.

To enable easier design and development, the MCP998x family is supported by the new EV23P16A evaluation board.

The MCP998x family of multi-channel temperature sensors is available starting at $0.63 each in 10,000-unit quantities. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.

High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish): https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/53437974711/sizes/l/

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Milestone Systems, a leading provider of data-driven video technology software, has decided to adopt and implement the G7 Code of Conduct for advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, becoming one of the first companies to do so.

“We need rules to ensure AI is being developed to serve humanity. But companies should not wait for regulation. They must take their own steps to identify and resolve the weaknesses and pitfalls of the AI they develop,” says Thomas Jensen, CEO of Milestone Systems, and continues:

“When it comes to AI-enabled video, we have just scratched the surface of its potential benefits and uses. However, we also understand some of the pitfalls such as bias and false positives.”

“At Milestone Systems, we are taking significant steps to address potential weaknesses of our tools. By signing up to the G7 Code of Conduct we will continue to focus our efforts on building our software with trust, transparency, and accountability at the front of our minds.”

The International Code of Conduct for Organizations Developing Advanced AI Systems aims to promote safe, secure, and trustworthy AI worldwide. It was agreed by G7 leaders at the end of October 2023 alongside a set of Guiding Principles for the world’s most powerful democracies to follow when developing new AI systems.

Milestone System’s decision comes as the European Union has agreed on its own AI Act.

“While we applaud the AI Act, it will take a while before it is implemented, potentially a couple of years. In the meantime, we believe companies should strive to stay ahead of the regulation,” Thomas Jensen says and adds:

“We must not shutter innovation, but to prevent a public and regulatory backlash, AI businesses should be striving to build trustworthy AI. Adopting the G7 Code of Conduct is one such step all companies should take to help ensure responsible use of technology and foster public trust in the new possibilities it presents.”

The G7 AI Code of Conduct can be found here:

https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/hiroshima-process-international-code-conduct-advanced-ai-systems

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In the dynamic and ever-evolving automotive industry, continuous learning and skill development are essential for individuals to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in this competitive landscape. eLearning courses have emerged as a transformative force, offering a flexible, accessible, and cost-effective approach to acquiring new knowledge and enhancing skills. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of eLearning courses in the automotive industry, exploring the diverse range of courses available, the benefits of eLearning, and strategies for maximizing the learning experience. As products transform, auto companies and suppliers urgently require an upskilled workforce adept in these emerging domains through continued learning programs. This is where digital learning platforms are playing a seminal role.

New Education Policy (NEP) aims to transform the country’s education system by providing equitable and quality education for all learners, regardless of their social or economic background. The policy focuses on increasing state expenditure on education from around 3% to 6% of the GDP. It envisions a holistic, multidisciplinary, and flexible approach to education, with a strong emphasis on skill development and e-learning. Some key aspects of the NEP related to skill education and e-learning include:

1. Skill Development: The policy aims to develop a robust skill development ecosystem in India, including the establishment of world-class skill development institutions, training of teachers, and industry partnerships to enhance the quality of skill development programs.
2. E-learning:The NEP encourages the use of technology in education, including the development and adoption of e-learning materials, online courses, and digital tools to enhance the learning experience and reach a larger audience.
3. Flexible Learning:The policy promotes flexible learning pathways, allowing learners to pursue education and skill development programs according to their interests and needs. This includes the introduction of the 5+3+3+4 structure, which extends compulsory schooling from ages 6-14 to ages 3-18.
4. Innovative Approaches:The NEP encourages innovative approaches to education, such as the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other emerging technologies to improve the quality of education and make it more accessible to a diverse range of learners.
5. Collaboration with Stakeholders: The implementation of the NEP requires collective efforts from the Centre, States, Union Territories, higher educational institutions, regulatory agencies, and all other relevant stakeholders to ensure a successful transformation of the education system.

NEP is a significant step towards modernizing India’s education system, focusing on skill development, e-learning, and flexible learning pathways to prepare learners for a rapidly evolving world.

Several eLearning providers offer specialized courses tailored to the automotive industry. These courses are designed to meet the specific needs of the industry and provide individuals with the skills and knowledge required to succeed. For example, Globibo offers automotive eLearning programs that aim to standardize and accelerate learning programs in the fast-growing and evolving automotive industry. The primary objective of their automotive eLearning training program is to create a one-stop solution for learning, training, assessment, and evaluation, provide self-paced training options for different learning groups, share industrial engineering and market best practices, create an engaging learning journey for different stakeholders, reduce face-to-face training, logistic effort, and cost, and provide the flexible option of training for employees with tight work schedules.

eLearning offers a multitude of benefits for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the automotive industry in India:

• Flexibility and Convenience: eLearning courses provide the flexibility to learn at one’s own pace and from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the constraints of traditional classroom schedules, particularly in India’s diverse geographical landscape.
• Cost-Effectiveness: eLearning courses are often more cost-effective than traditional classroom-based training, reducing the financial burden on individuals and organizations, especially in a price-sensitive market like India.
• Self-Paced Learning: eLearning allows individuals to personalize their learning journey, revisiting concepts and progressing at a pace that suits their learning style, catering to the diverse learning preferences of Indian students.
• Interactive Learning Experience: Many eLearning courses incorporate interactive elements, such as simulations, videos, and quizzes, enhancing engagement and knowledge retention, particularly for visually-oriented Indian learners.
• Accessibility to Global Expertise: eLearning grants access to a vast pool of expert instructors and industry leaders, regardless of geographical location, providing Indian learners with exposure to global automotive trends and best practices.

To maximize the benefits of eLearning courses in India, individuals can employ effective strategies:

• Set Clear Learning Goals: Define specific learning objectives to guide your learning journey and measure your progress, aligning with your career aspirations and industry demands.
• Create a Dedicated Learning Environment: Find a quiet and distraction-free workspace to focus on your studies, adapting to the unique home and study environments in India.
• Engage Actively with the Course Materials: Participate in discussions, complete assignments, and actively engage with the course content, leveraging the interactive elements available.
• Seek Additional Resources: Supplement your eLearning courses with relevant books, articles, and online resources in English and Hindi to deepen your understanding, catering to the linguistic diversity of India.
• Apply Your Knowledge: Practice applying the acquired knowledge in real-world scenarios or personal projects to solidify your understanding, connecting theoretical concepts to practical applications in the Indian automotive sector.
• Seek Feedback and Support: Reach out to instructors, peers, or mentors for feedback and support to enhance your learning experience, building a support network within the Indian automotive eLearning community.

The automotive industry in India encompasses a wide range of disciplines, and eLearning courses cater to this diversity, offering a rich selection of learning opportunities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ASDC took proactive steps to facilitate remote learning by launching digital courses in collaboration with TCS on their TCS iON platform. With a notable shift in focus towards Electric Vehicles (EV), there emerged a critical need for industry professionals to acquire the necessary knowledge. Recognizing this, Toyota Kirloskar Motors joined forces with ASDC to introduce their e-learning program, xEV Shiksha. This initiative serves as a valuable resource, offering auto professionals and students the opportunity to stay abreast of the latest developments in the realm of hybrid and electric vehicles, and all of this comes at no cost.

In a collaborative effort, Eicher Motors and ASDC have introduced self-paced e-learning courses. Designed to be accessible to participants at their own pace, these courses cover the fundamentals of automobiles, providing a pathway for individuals to become proficient auto service technicians, specifically for commercial vehicles. Notably, these courses are available in both Hindi and English, enhancing accessibility for a broader audience.

The use of eLearning in the automotive industry is set to grow in the coming years. As technology continues to evolve, so will the ways in which it is integrated into the industry. The adoption of eLearning is expected to play an increasingly important role in training and development, allowing for employee training when face-to-face, classroom environments are difficult or impossible. It also enables customer education both pre-sale in choosing the perfect vehicle and as part of after-sales care to help improve customer satisfaction and reduce the burden and costs related to service teams.

The future of eLearning in the automotive industry is aligned with the industry’s ongoing evolution and growth. As the sector continues to embrace new technologies, sustainability initiatives, and innovative practices, the demand for specialized training and skill development will increase. eLearning will play a pivotal role in meeting these demands, providing a flexible, accessible, and engaging platform for professionals to acquire the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the dynamic automotive industry.

In conclusion, the Automotive Skills Development Council plays a crucial role in the development of eLearning courses in the automotive industry in India. The council offers various training and certification programs that help individuals acquire the necessary skills and knowledge required to excel in the industry. The council’s eLearning courses are designed to be engaging, interactive, and flexible, allowing employees to learn at their own pace, at any time, and from any location. The courses are developed by subject-matter experts from around the world, ensuring that the content is relevant, up-to-date, and aligned with industry best practices. The ASDC’s eLearning courses are an essential tool for the ongoing development and success of the automotive industry in India.

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New Device Boasts Extremely Low Standby Power of Up to 10 µW and Fast Linux Bootup

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Microchip’s LAN9694, LAN9696 and LAN9698 devices are integrated with High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) and Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) for ease of design.

The growth of the industrial automation market encompasses innovative technologies like Machine Learning (ML) and robotic systems. Embedded solutions with deterministic communication are essential for industrial automation applications to control, monitor and process data. To provide designers with a reliable and robust network solution with deterministic communication, Microchip Technology today announces its next-generation of LAN969x Ethernet switches with Time Sensitive Networking (TSN), scalable bandwidths from 46 Gbps to 102 Gbps and a powerful 1 GHz single-core Arm Cortex-A53 CPU.

For applications that require greater redundancy, the LAN969x Ethernet switches can be configured with High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) and Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP). HSR and PRP are hardware protocols that provide zero-loss redundancy in Ethernet networks. The LAN969x Ethernet switches support multiple HSR and PRP Redundancy Box (RedBox) instances that can operate in parallel and in series, as well as at Ethernet port speeds from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps.

The LAN969x can implement a QuadBox, which is a function that connects two HSR networks to each other. This feature is particularly useful in applications where high reliability and zero downtime are critical. Alternative solutions that implement a QuadBox typically require multiple different components that can drive up design complexity and system costs.

“Prior to the introduction of Microchip’s LAN969x Ethernet switches, customers who wanted to implement TSN and HSR/PRP features required multiple ICs. Microchip’s new LAN969x solution is a single chip that can reduce the number of components and system level costs,” said Charles Forni, vice president of Microchip’s USB and networking business unit. “These devices are also supported with our VSC6817SDK IStaX Linux application software package that can enable designers to quickly bring products to market.”

The LAN969x Ethernet switches are highly configurable with options of up to 30 ports. The Ethernet ports support multiple interfaces including RGMII, SGMII, QSGMII, USGMII, and USXGMII. The LAN969x family targets secure and safety-critical applications where high- port-count 10M/100M/1G/2.5G/10G switching links are required.

The LAN969x family is available with security add-ons such as secure boot and secure firmware execution based on the customer’s root-of-trust manufacturing process. Security is provided through Ternary Content Addressable Memory (TCAM)-based frame processing using a Versatile Content Aware Processor (VCAP), Arm Trusted Firmware methodology for fast secure boot, crypto libraries and hardware security accelerators for boot and code encryption, and one-time programmable immutable key storage.

The new family of LAN969x mid-range Ethernet switches rounds out Microchip’s portfolio of TSN switches. The SparX-5i family supports up to 64-ports and 200 Gbps of switching bandwidth, while the LAN9662 and LAN9668 support from 4 to 8 ports and 4 to 11 Gbps of switch bandwidth.

The LAN969x family of Ethernet switches is supported by the EV23X71A Evaluation Board. Other resources include the IStaX VSC6817SDK Linux Application Software Package to support TSN standards and HSR/PRP redundancy. 

The LAN9694, LAN9696 and LAN9698 are available for purchase now. For additional information and to purchase, contact a Microchip sales representative, authorized worldwide distributor or visit Microchip’s Purchasing and Client Services website, www.microchipdirect.com.

High-res images available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):

• Application image: flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/53378056933/sizes/l

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The global semiconductor manufacturer and leader in power systems and IoT Infineon Technologies AG announced its partnership with OMRON Social Solutions Co. Ltd., a pioneering company in social systems technology. Combining Infineon’s first-class gallium nitride (GaN) based power solutions with the innovative circuit topology and control technology of OMRON now enables one of Japan’s smallest and lightest vehicle-to-everything (V2X) charging systems by OMRON Social Solutions. This partnership will further drive innovation towards wide bandgap materials in power supplies, help to accelerate the transition to renewable energies, a smarter grid, and the adoption of electric vehicles, while fostering decarbonization and digitalization.

For the V2X system, KPEP-A series, Infineon’s CoolGaN technology is utilized combined with a unique control technology. OMRON Social Solutions has upgraded its EV charger and discharger system now allowing for bi-directional charging and discharging paths between renewable energy sources, the grid, and EV batteries. The KPEP-A series is one of the smallest and lightest[1] multi-V2X systems in Japan with a 60% reduction in size and weight compared to similar conventional charger and discharger designs yet providing a charging capability of 6 kW. With the integration of Infineon’s CoolGaN solution, the power efficiency of the V2X systems has increased by more than 10% at light load and around 4% at rated load. By improving efficiency and a reduction in size and weight, the new system allows easier installation and maintenance while enabling more elegant designs and offering a wider range of options for installation locations.

“We are thrilled to partner with OMRON Social Solutions as our CoolGaN based solutions directly contribute to speed up the transition to renewable energies which reduces CO2 emissions and drives decarbonization,” said Adam White, Division President Power & Sensor Systems at Infineon. “It will also make charging of electric vehicles easier and more convenient for consumers, helping to overcome one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.”

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By the time you’re reading this piece, there is a possibility that we’d be in the middle of the interim budget announcement for the fiscal year 2024-25, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, scheduled on February 1, 2024. 

While many of us expect some indispensable leaps in several areas including technology, innovation, manufacturing, and R&D, FM Sitharaman while speaking at an event by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) ruled out the possibility of any “spectacular” announcements. This cements the fact that fiscal discipline will take precedence over populist spending, thus following the premise of a conventional interim budget model. 

It will be interesting to see the stance that this budget will adopt, especially in expediting growth in the Power and Energy sector with lead incentivization for green hydrogen. The oil and gas sector has expectations of steady reforms for City Gas Distribution players that will boost natural gas consumption in the country, while the power sector is keen on noticing some bold initiatives to encourage the adoption of renewable energy. As per EY’s 2024 Budget expectations report, the government may extend the concessional 15 per cent income tax rate for corporations, to set up manufacturing units by one year till March 31, 2025, to attract foreign investments. Experts also predict that the government could unveil an expanded third phase of the incentive scheme for electric vehicles and that the budget will cater to further strengthening of the startup ecosystem in the country.  

Overall, India is expected to maintain the growth momentum into FY25, and the upcoming union budget can be a solid step toward realizing the country’s ambition of becoming the third-largest economy. 

Let us take a look at what some of the prominent industry experts’ expectations are from this year’s interim budget, as shared with ELE Times. 

Saurabh Marda, Managing Director and Co-Founder at Freyr Energy –

“The rooftop solar sector in India is rapidly expanding, with an impressive CAGR of 15%. To further accelerate the adoption of solar, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has decided to increase the Central Financial Assistance (CFA) by 23%.  One major challenge that many customers face, however, is the high upfront investment. To promote the wider adoption of solar energy, we hope that the 2024 union budget will encourage banks to offer affordable financing options for solar solutions. By providing low-interest loans, these financial institutions can significantly contribute to India’s progress towards sustainable energy”.  

Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and Founder at Marut Drones –

“The Central government has been on the right path in paving the way for large-scale embrace of drones in India with its decision to provide 15,000 agricultural drones free of cost to rural women under the Drone Didi initiative.  The aviation sector is bound to see incredible changes in the coming years. In budget 2024, we are hoping to see ease of regulations for start-ups as well as consumers, along with easy financing for drones for commercial purposes. A 100 per cent subsidy to farmers on drone training certification programs through Skill India would support the drone ecosystem of the country. GST waiver on drones, allied products, software, training, and licenses could be an excellent step towards that future. We are hoping to see ease of regulations for start-ups as well as consumers. For instance, a PLI scheme extension for components and manufacturers would be a great incentive for start-ups. Easy financing for drones for commercial purposes can go a long way in making them affordable to all sections of society. Fine-tuning policies and quicker clearances will help the drone industry achieve its true potential of making India a drone hub by 2030”.

Mr Kumar Gaurav, Co-Founder of Cashaa-

“As we eagerly anticipate the Union Budget of 2024, Cashaa is hopeful for transformative measures that will shape the future of the Indian crypto sector. Our primary expectation is a reduction in the flat tax rate from 30%, aligning crypto gains with other asset classes like debt and equity. We also advocate for a significant drop in the high TDS rate from 1% to approximately 0.01%, aiming to rekindle trading volumes crucial for a vibrant market. A decisive and supportive regulatory framework is pivotal, as it will not only encourage innovation but also attract vital investments to fuel the growth of the crypto sector in India. While our optimism runs high, we remain mindful of the interim nature of this budget, preceding the 2024 general elections”.

Pankaj Jha, Country Head & Director of Sales, MAXHUB India-  

“As the country continues to evolve, it is imperative for the government to channel its efforts towards the digitalization of education, aligning with the visionary National Education Policy 2020. In addition, expanding the scope of smart city projects to include more cities will undoubtedly contribute to our nation’s growth. I strongly advocate for the simplification of custom duties and incentives for ‘Make in India’ initiatives, with a special focus on facilitating contract manufacturing. Furthermore, providing tax exemptions on smart classrooms for private education players is an essential step in fostering innovation and accessibility. These measures collectively pave the way for a technologically advanced and educationally empowered India”.

Mr. Manideep Katepalli, Co-Founder at BikeWo –

“Despite last year’s commendable 33% surge in EV registrations, our industry encounters persistent challenges. Chief among these hurdles is the imperative need for robust charging infrastructure, pivotal in inspiring confidence among potential buyers and propelling the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as a sustainable mode of transportation.
Another barrier remains the relatively higher initial cost of EVs, often deterring consumers. However, the promise of life tax subsidies for electric vehicles and the availability of accessible EV financing options hold immense potential to mitigate this challenge.

The integration of EV infrastructure into Priority Sector Lending (PSL) is poised to bolster credit flow into the sector by mandating financial institutions to provide support, thus promising a significant boon.

A supportive regulatory framework coupled with financial incentives aimed at fostering research and development within the EV sector stands as an indispensable pillar. These measures not only drive innovation but also attract investments, creating an environment conducive to widespread EV adoption.

Ultimately, these strategic initiatives play a pivotal role in establishing an enduringly sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem”.

Dinesh Arjun, CEO & Co-Founder at Raptee-

“As the electric vehicle (EV) industry gears up for substantial growth in the coming years, it is imperative for the government to foster a supportive ecosystem. To stimulate investment opportunities, there should be encouragement for potential investors, coupled with essential reductions in GST rates for electric vehicles and charging stations. Additionally, easing the burden on the industry can be achieved through a decrease in import duties on electronic components. Given their pivotal role in the EV sector, the industry is particularly hopeful for a significant GST reduction, aiming to bring it down from 18% to 5% specifically for lithium-ion battery packs and cells. A concerted effort in the budget towards enhancing the ease of doing business and facilitating the entry of local players into the market is crucial. Addressing aspects like component localization and ensuring easy access to necessary components will empower Indian companies, both large and small, to develop competitive products at competitive prices, further solidifying the sector’s growth potential”.

Ritesh Kumar, Founder at Cyfirma-

“We would like to see the upcoming budget carry a strong focus on helping businesses overcome the threats of cyberattacks and other digital risks. Indian businesses are adopting digital solutions at an accelerated pace yet their cybersecurity maturity remains low. A budget that supports SMEs and start-up’s growth while ensuring their cybersecurity needs are taken care of is much needed in the current AI and digital age. The government’s approach needs to move beyond building compliance frameworks to providing tangible subsidies for cybersecurity protection solutions”.

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In a significant development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has officially signed the long-awaited Semiconductor Policy 2024, making Uttar Pradesh the fourth Indian state, following Gujarat, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu, to establish its dedicated semiconductor policy. The policy, spanning a five-year term, aims to attract investments and propel the state into a prominent hub for the semiconductor industry.

According to statements from the state cabinet, the policy offers a range of incentives to investors, positioning Uttar Pradesh as an attractive destination for semiconductor manufacturing. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay emphasized during a media conference that the semiconductor policy is designed to provide capital, non-financial, and financial incentives to all stakeholders in the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

Under the policy, the state government plans to subsidize 50 per cent of the capital subsidy provided by the central government. Additionally, units investing up to Rs 200 crore will benefit from interest subsidies up to a maximum of Rs 1 crore. The state will also provide a 75 per cent discount on the first 200 acres of land and a 30 per cent discount on additional land. Furthermore, there will be a 100 per cent exemption on registration and stamp duty for land acquisitions.

The official press release from the Uttar Pradesh government highlights the anticipated surge in demand for semiconductors, projecting a market exceeding USD 100 billion by 2025. Acknowledging the country’s current dependency on semiconductor imports, the government aims to leverage the policy to lead the charge towards becoming a trillion-dollar economy.

The IT and Electronics Department will serve as the nodal agency for policy implementation, with the establishment of a dedicated policy implementation unit chaired by the additional chief secretary/principal secretary of the IT and Electronics Department. This move signifies Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to fostering technological growth and self-reliance in the semiconductor sector.

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In a pioneering development, researchers at the Department of AI Machinery, part of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), have unveiled an artificial intelligence (AI) technology designed to streamline the integration of robots into manufacturing processes. Currently undergoing testing by EV parts manufacturers, this versatile AI solution is poised to revolutionize various sectors, including automobile manufacturing, machine part production, assembly, and other production processes.

The innovative technology, developed for the first time globally, promises to simplify the complex task of integrating robots into manufacturing. Researchers at KIMM have specifically tailored this AI technology for easy integration into various manufacturing processes. Currently, it is in the testing phase with electronic component producers, with plans to expand its application to a broader range of manufacturers in the future.
The AI-driven robot employs the “Large Language Model (LLM)” and operates within a virtual environment. This technology is adept at understanding user commands and automatically generating and executing tasks for the robot. It facilitates the creation of task sequences and movements through voice or text commands. By leveraging pre-learning in a virtual space, the technology selects optimal work points for the site, streamlining the work process with automatic object detection and collision avoidance capabilities.

Traditionally, the integration of robots into manufacturing sites often necessitated modifying the site to accommodate the robot, limiting the range of tasks robots could perform. The newly developed technology addresses this challenge by enabling robots to efficiently handle specific task assignments with minimal on-site modification, thanks to pre-learning in a virtual space. Ongoing on-site demonstration tests indicate that this groundbreaking AI solution is well-equipped to handle various future scenarios at manufacturing sites.

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In an exciting leap toward the next generation of wireless technology, researchers at UBC Okanagan, led by Dr. Anas Chaaban from the UBCO Communication Theory Lab, are tapping into the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize communication architectures. The goal is to achieve faster data transmission, energy efficiency, and more in the evolving landscape of mobile networks beyond 5G.

Dr. Chaaban, an Assistant Professor at UBCO’s School of Engineering, emphasizes that the upcoming wave of communication technology goes beyond mere speed. The research aims to create a theoretical wireless communication architecture that can handle increased data loads and enable instantaneous communication among devices, consumers, and the environment.

The researchers advocate for intelligent architectures to address the demands of massive connectivity, ultra-low latency, high reliability, quality experience, energy efficiency, and reduced deployment costs. Dr Chaaban proposes a departure from traditional communication techniques and advocates for leveraging recent advances in AI to adapt to emerging technology challenges.

Using transformer-masked autoencoders, the team is developing techniques to enhance efficiency, adaptability, and robustness. Dr. Chaaban elaborates on their innovative approach of breaking down content, such as images or videos, into smaller packets for transport. AI is then employed to recover lost packets at the recipient, effectively reconstructing the content.

Integrating virtual reality into everyday communications is a key focus of next-generation technology. Dr Chaaban envisions AI’s role in creating complex architectures that propel communication technologies forward, particularly in adapting to emerging technologies like virtual reality. The collective efforts to address these intricacies are expected to usher in an era of adaptive, efficient, and secure communication networks.

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Over two decades of deploying smart energy-saving solutions to support the rapid transformation of India’s information technology, e-mobility, renewable energy, and manufacturing sectors

Delta, a global leader in power and thermal management solutions, proudly commemorates two decades of nurturing energy conservation in India with the launch of its “Innovation on Wheels” solutions demonstration initiative, which will traverse 50+ cities, covering over 10,000 kilometres across India. This ground-breaking project, featuring the depth and breadth of Delta’s cutting-edge Data Center Solutions, exemplifies the Company’s commitment to advancing technology and connectivity throughout the nation.

Mr. Benjamin Lin, President, Delta Electronics India, remarked, “Since acquiring ASCOM Energy Systems and its India subsidiary 20 years ago, Delta has been transforming industries and empowering businesses across India with cutting-edge energy-efficient products and solutions. Our ‘Innovation on Wheels’ solutions demonstration truck marks a remarkable stride in Delta’s journey of innovation and enhanced customer engagement. This impressive showcase reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering smart, energy-efficient, and innovative solutions that seamlessly align with the evolving needs of our valued customers.”

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Delta unveiled a state-of-the-art technology truck on January 18th, 2024, embarking on a journey across 50+ cities in India. This pioneering project aims to bring Delta’s advanced technology and solutions directly to customers, showcasing the company’s strength and commitment to the Indian market. Inside the “Innovation on Wheels,” visitors will explore Delta’s diverse portfolio, including data center infrastructure solutions, telecom products, electric vehicle chargers and automation solutions. Optimize, Orchestrate & Operate Data seamlessly with Delta’s All-in-One Containerized Data Center Solutions, designed to accommodate various load sizes for diverse micro, mini, and edge DC applications. Our integrated, plug-and-play solution ensures rapid deployment, coupled with excellent reliability and flexibility.

This initiative aims to showcase Delta’s expertise across various sectors and highlight the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable and energy-efficient solutions. Traveling across the diverse landscapes of the country for over three months, the truck will make strategic stops at all major business centres and industrial hubs, offering an interactive and memorable experience for all onlookers. Delta’s commitment to sustainable products and solutions is evident in the “Innovation on Wheels,” showcasing the company’s efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of its business.

Mr. Niranjan Nayak, Managing Director, of Delta Electronics India, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on the Innovation on Wheels’ initiative, a tangible demonstration of Delta’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. This mobile showcase underscores our dedication to bringing advanced Data Center Infrastructure solutions directly to our customers, providing them with a first-hand experience of Delta’s cutting-edge technologies.”

The cross-city promotional tour is a strategic move within Delta’s broader marketing strategy, fortifying the brand’s presence and reaching new customers. This initiative aligns with the company’s steadfast commitment to innovation and customer engagement, highlighting Delta’s adaptability and effectiveness in connecting with consumers

Globally, Delta has thrived for five decades and has transformed itself into a global leading provider of smart energy-saving products and solutions. From 2010 to 2022, Delta’s technologies enabled over 39.9 billion kWh of electricity savings for its customers worldwide.

As Delta celebrates 20 years of innovation in India, the “Our ‘Innovation on Wheels’ initiative is a testament to Delta’s dedication to reaching every corner of the country, delivering next-generation solutions directly to customers and partners and strengthen relationships with existing customers and forge new partnerships across India. Moreover, this initiative is a testament to Delta’s dedication to sustainability and energy efficiency. Over the years, Delta has been at the forefront of promoting eco-friendly practices and integrating sustainability into its product and solution offerings.

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