Engineering excellence on show at ElectroneX 2016

Design and assembly expo ElectroneX returned to Australian Technology Park from 14–15 September 2016. Featuring an extensive exhibition, the Surface Mount and Circuit Board Association’s (SMBCA) annual conference and a free seminar program, there was plenty to keep attendees on their toes throughout the two-day show.

There were dozens of exhibitors at the event, all competing for attention. From contract manufacturers to suppliers of test and measurement equipment, 3D printers, LEDs, imaging systems, power supplies, tools and components, just about every aspect of the electronics industry was represented in some capacity.

Amatek Design had on display its Oartec ‘DX’ Rowing Simulator Control System, utilising the Renesas Synergy integrated IoT platform that was the launched in Sydney just last month. Keysight Technologies and TRIO Test & Measurement shared a stall with UNSW’s Sunswift team and their solar sports car, which the companies co-sponsor. And of course, What’s New in Electronics was there offering free magazine subscriptions to all eligible attendees.

The expo’s inaugural seminar program provided sessions on a wide variety of interesting topics. For example, Mark Steiner from design and manufacturing company Hetech outlined why collaboration between engineers and companies is important when looking to achieve faster and better designs. He explained that in order to be successful, such collaborations must focus on the key areas of motivation, communication, sharing, support, problem-solving and trust.

Martin de Lange, from Glyn High-Tech Distribution, meanwhile described how LoRA is converging with the Internet of Things, resulting in ultralow-power sensors that can send data straight to the cloud. De Lange suggested that potential applications for such sensors include self-reporting fire hydrants and self-restocking refrigerators, as well as more traditional applications such as fire/burglar alarms and motion sensors.

The show was not restricted to the daylight hours, with the Wednesday night networking event providing exhibitors and SMCBA conference delegates a chance to get to know each other over a glass of champagne. Sponsored by What’s New in Electronics, the event was a great way to wind down at the end of a long day and prepare for the next.

The show was a great success for exhibitors, delegates, speakers and visitors alike. We trust that this little highlights package has provided some idea of what turned out to be a massive two-day experience, and we hope to see you there next year.