Industry News
Microdisplay LED tech for next-gen wearable gadgets
Lumiode, a Brooklyn-based start-up, is working on small displays for wearable gadgets. Unlike most displays, which have a light-emitting backplane and use filters to make the individual colour pixels that collectively form images, Lumiode’s technology uses the light-emitting diodes as the pixels. [ + ]
Researchers develop a new generation of photovoltaic cells
Researchers from the University at Buffalo are helping develop a new generation of photovoltaic cells that produce more power and cost less to manufacture than what’s available today. [ + ]
Rockwell Automation appoints new South Pacific sales manager
In his new role as South Pacific sales manager for Rockwell Automation, Paul Ponticello will drive and support the sales organisation in the areas of planning and execution, productivity and overall effectiveness. [ + ]
ABB develops technology to flash charge electric bus in 15 seconds
The flash-charging technology and the onboard traction equipment used in this project were developed by ABB and optimised for high-frequency bus routes in key urban areas, carrying large numbers of passengers at peak times. [ + ]
Printing innovations provide 10-fold improvement in organic electronics
Researchers have developed a printing method that works with a variety of organic materials to produce semiconductors of strikingly higher quality than what has so far been achieved with similar methods. [ + ]
World-first electricity monitoring device developed
UK engineers have developed a multicore clamp sensor that can measure current flowing in any accessible mains cable, giving a more detailed picture of electricity usage in the home. [ + ]
ElectroneX will return to Melbourne in September
The annual electronics design and assembly expo will be held at Melbourne Park Function Centre on 11-12 September. [ + ]
LED-fitted soft eye contact lenses
Korean scientists have combined graphene with silver nanowires to form a thin, transparent and stretchable electrode which overcomes the weaknesses of each individual material, resulting in a new class of electrodes with widespread possible applications including picture taking and scanning using soft contact lenses. [ + ]
An Australian EV charger optimises utilities’ network performance
An Australian-developed electric vehicle charger can halve electric vehicle (EV) charging costs, a world-first Victorian Department of Transport trial has found. The ChargeIQ EV charger was also found to optimise utilities’ network performance. [ + ]
Miniaturised electronics for fastest measurements of ion channel proteins
Researchers at Columbia Engineering have used miniaturised electronics to perform the fastest recordings of single ion channels ever performed. [ + ]
Codan reportedly attacked by Chinese hackers
Codan, an Australian-listed manufacturer and supplier of communications, metal detection and electronic equipment, is claimed to have been targeted by Chinese hackers, according to the ABC’s Four Corners program. [ + ]
Stitching defects into the world’s thinnest semiconductor
Researchers uncover key insights into the optical and electronic properties of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), which can be either conducting or insulating to form the basic ‘on-off switch’ for all digital electronics. [ + ]
element14 to launch the latest development kits, Raspberry Pi accessories and Eagle at CeBIT
element14 (formerly Farnell) will present the latest products for applications in communications, wireless, sensing and industrial automation at CeBIT 2013 from 28-30 May in Sydney. [ + ]
Porosity: real-world concerns
Porosity is not something that may immediately spring to mind when considering switches or connectors yet it is a real problem in the real world and can substantially affect the workings of these humble devices. [ + ]
Opening doors to foldable electronics with inkjet-printed graphene
Northwestern University researchers have developed a graphene-based ink that is highly conductive and tolerant to bending. They have used it to inkjet-print graphene patterns that could be used for extremely detailed, conductive electrodes. [ + ]