Industry News
World demand for batteries to reach $132 billion in 2016
World demand for primary and secondary batteries is forecast to rise 8.1% per year to $132 billion in 2016. Demand for secondary batteries is expected to rise at a faster rate than demand for primary batteries. [ + ]
Code exchange for Pi users
Committed to speeding the adoption of new technology for engineers and enthusiasts, the element14 Community has launched the Code Exchange to complement its Raspberry Pi Group. [ + ]
Next-generation memory market worth $90.74 million by 2017
According to a new market research report, emerging memories are expected to replace most of the conventional technologies like flash memory as the market for next-generation memory reaches more than $90 million by 2017. [ + ]
Organic photovoltaics on steel: ThyssenKrupp and Solliance researching solar cells
ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe and Solliance are working together to create organic photovoltaics that can be incorporated into flat steel products for use in the construction industry. [ + ]
UK investing in a power electronics competition - why can’t we?
The UK’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB), in partnership with the Welsh Government and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, is to invest up to £5.4m to stimulate innovation and develop UK supply chains between the power electronics and energy sectors. [ + ]
Tetrahertz spectrometer delivered to UC
The Infrared Laboratory for Novel Infrared and Magnetic Materials at the University of California, San Diego has taken delivery of a tetrahertz spectrometer to facilitate its research into electromagnetic materials, semiconductors and superconductivity. [ + ]
Electronic waste removal service
Research indicates that the number of electronic devices at end-of-life will double from 2010 to 2025, and it’s estimated that over 60 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) will be at the decision point for re-use, recycle or landfill in 2013. [ + ]
Embedded consumer electronics device revenues to double in the next two years
Juniper Research has predicted that revenues from products and services delivered over embedded consumer electronics devices will reach $6.4 billion in 2014, as the sector emerges as a key anchor for the M2M industry. [ + ]
Implanting electronics into the brain
If you’re thinking about the ‘Six Million Dollar Man’, you’re not entirely off base. University of Utah electrical engineering professor Florian Solzbacher is pushing the boundaries of electrical devices that can be implanted into the brain and used as an interface between neurons and computers. [ + ]
Extremely low phase noise microwave oscillators developers recognised
Two UWA researchers have had their work in developing and commercialising precision electromagnetic measurement systems for use in advanced radar systems recognised with medals from the Australian Institute of Physics. [ + ]
Development of novel conduction control technique for graphene
Researchers have developed a novel technique for controlling the electrical conductivity of graphene. [ + ]
Engineers pave the way towards 3D printing of personal electronics
Scientists are developing materials which could one day allow people to print out custom-designed personal electronics such as games controllers which perfectly fit their hand shape. [ + ]
Cheaper and safer lithium battery production
Researchers at Aalto University, Finland, have developed a method for producing lithium batteries that is claimed to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than previously used methods. This new process has succeeded in replacing the harmful methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solvent, which is traditionally used in the manufacturing of electrodes, with water. [ + ]
Microelectronic circuit fabrication
A technique for measuring the stress in chips during production is now available. The resulting information could enable miniature but robust semiconductor devices. [ + ]
Texas Instruments cuts 1700 jobs as part of strategic plan
Consistent with previously stated strategic plans, Texas Instruments has announced it will reduce costs, including the elimination of about 1700 jobs worldwide, so it can focus investments in its wireless business on embedded markets with greater potential for sustainable growth. [ + ]