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November 2010 Archives

November 9, 2010

Exploring Munich - for Chips and Beer

Munich centre.JPGAll work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And in the context of the rather exhausting Electronica that means finding some time in the evening to explore the lovely city of Munich, world famous for its beer... (Can you see where I am going with this?)

But where to go? Why not check the recommendations in our own Chips and Beer blog, the semiconductor industry's guide to finding a decent pint after work. With entries indexed by continent and city it couldn't be easier to check out Munich's entries.

Better still, why not share your own treasured findings in the Bavarian capital?

Simply, leave a comment to submit your own entry to the collection.

Continue reading "Exploring Munich - for Chips and Beer" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 9, 2010 5:09 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 1, 2010

Only Connect: High-temp superconductors good news for renewable energy

generic wind power.jpgWelcome to another post in the series Only Connect. It is written by Nick Locke, of Nicab Ltd, who has over 15 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry specialising in interconnection cable assembly.

A blog on Green Manufacturing and innovative technology.

There is good news for the renewable energy industry as Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. has developed wiring than can conduct about 50 percent more current than existing superconductive cables, targeting power producers and medical equipment makers seeking more efficient delivery of electricity.

The wires, known as high-temperature superconductors, are made using the metal bismuth and have zero electrical resistance, Kenichi Sato, a chief engineer at the Osaka-based company, said Sept. 21 in an interview. Sumitomo, whose customers include Tokyo Electric Power Co., Asia's biggest power producer, in 2004 started producing wires capable of delivering up to 200 amperes.

Continue reading "Only Connect: High-temp superconductors good news for renewable energy" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 1, 2010 11:06 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 3, 2010

ZigBee's New Home on the Grid - Guest Blog

zigbee logo.gifWelcome to a guest blog - on the topic of ZigBee and HAN devices and the rapid potential growth in certain markets - by Matthew Scherer, Research Analyst at databeans.

Lately, talk of energy conservation on national, regional, and community levels has received considerable buzz.

The power grid, in particular, has become an attack point in a global effort to "go green" and reduce billions of dollars in electricity waste that is simply lost each day into thin air. This is because the current grids found across much of the modern world remains an aging infrastructure based on 19th-century technology.

In recent years, the energy sector has turned to focus on building a so-called "smart grid". This umbrella term basically means using information technology to modernize both transmission and distribution grids, making them more efficient and more easily monitored. One possible solution uses RF mesh networks and automated control systems to manage and monitor the delivery and usage of power.
 

Continue reading "ZigBee's New Home on the Grid - Guest Blog" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 3, 2010 1:40 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 4, 2010

Embedded Live video: Overview

Another quick video from the Embedded Live show, giving a brief overview - or taste - of the event.


Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 4, 2010 1:54 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Embedded Live: National Instruments - NI FlexRIO

Our video production unit, who were busy filming at the Embedded live event have put together this short video on NI Flex RIO.

Thanks to Jeremy Twaits, Technical Marketing Engineer at National Instruments for talking us through it, and its use for testing and prototyping.



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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 4, 2010 2:01 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 5, 2010

Embedded Live 2010: Rohde & Schwarz RTO series

At Embedded Live 2010, Geoff Wild, Account Manager of Rohde & Schwarz, presents an overview of the new R&S RTO touch screen series of oscilloscopes.

Using a 10Gsample/s 4 channel 2GHz bandwidth instrument, he shows how to set up the scope to acquire data and identify, for example, an intermittent error...





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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 5, 2010 2:21 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 8, 2010

Only Connect: On using Ethernet connectors

Welcome to another post in the series Only Connect. It is written by Nick Locke, of Nicab Ltd, who has over 15 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry specialising in interconnection cable assembly.

Product design - a handy guide to making the right choice

Ethernet is being adopted by many manufacturers as the I/O of choice and it is increasingly creeping into many areas of manufacturing industry that are choosing to network their devices.

The industrial application of Ethernet has been particularly strong in the ever more demanding world of information capture.

A question I am often asked is, which standard should be adopted? Currently we have Cat 5E, Cat 6, and lately Cat 6A

Continue reading "Only Connect: On using Ethernet connectors" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 8, 2010 10:29 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 9, 2010

Electronica 2010

ICM Munich 240.jpgTwo years have flown and here we are back in Munich for another Electronica, the 2010 version.

Stayed tuned for the full Electronics Weekly coverage...news, photos, videos, tweets, a live blog. There'll be a lot of coffee consumed, too.

And those of you who know the ICM will know there will be a lot of 'escalator time', too. We wouldn't have it any other way, would we?

This is only my second Electronica, but amazingly David Manners has been to every one since 1978. That's a lot of Pork Knuckle consumed!

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 9, 2010 9:19 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 10, 2010

Electronica: Video - Tektronix demo BERTScope

Thanks to Dave Ireland and the Tektronix team for setting up a demo on the stand for their new BERTScope, acquired with SyntheSys Research.

Brian Reich, general manager of performance oscilloscopes at Tektronix, introduces the video.


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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 10, 2010 8:07 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Electronica: Video - Murata Girl balances the beam

Murata Girl, the sensor-driven unicyclist, shows her balance and poise on a beam at Electronica 2010.

She is, of course, the sister of our favourite balancing bicyclist, Murata Boy.



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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 10, 2010 8:21 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Electronica: Anritsu 43GHz handheld spectrum analyzer

Jonathan Borrill, Anritsu's director of marketing Anritsu, gives an overview of the company's latest handheld analyzers at Electronica 2010.

These include what Anritsu says is the world's first 43GHz handheld spectrum analyzer, the MS2726C.



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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 10, 2010 10:55 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 11, 2010

Electronica: Harvatek claims world's smallest wafer level LED

On the Harvatek stand you can see what they claim is the world's smallest and thinnest wafer level LED.

The SMD LED measures 0.585 x 0.255 x 0.15mm (l x w x d). It promises 1,000 hours of lighting at 25 degrees C...

Continue reading "Electronica: Harvatek claims world's smallest wafer level LED" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 11, 2010 9:39 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Electronica: Marilyn Monroe loves electronics components

There's so much to see at Electronica, you never know what will be next. It can seem the whole world is there, all shapes and sizes. For example, turn a corner and there's Marilyn Monroe.




Continue reading "Electronica: Marilyn Monroe loves electronics components" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 11, 2010 2:28 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Osram OSTAR Headlamps in action on Audi

I couldn't resist filming this one. Okay, there are no plot twists, or character development, but... just wait for the orange indicator lights in the closing sequence...

Osram shows its OSTAR Headlamps in action, in an Audi, in the A3 Displays hall at Electronica.



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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 11, 2010 11:27 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 15, 2010

Only Connect: How to promote UK Manufacturing #3

Welcome to another post in the series Only Connect. It is written by Nick Locke, of Nicab Ltd, who has over 15 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry specialising in interconnection cable assembly.

I have recently been engaged in a fascinating discussion in an on-line forum made up of UK Electronics Manufacturing Business Leaders and the discussion was about the UK versus Far-East.

The discussion focused on where the UK stands and how we see the Far-East, moreover how the UK can win and keep business in the UK.

Regarding PCB work, some good points were made on why we CAN compete with the Far East:

Continue reading "Only Connect: How to promote UK Manufacturing #3" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 15, 2010 10:28 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 16, 2010

Electronica 2010 in picture form

inova 100 x 100.jpgA new photo gallery has gone live on the site. Please see Photos:  Electronica 2010 for a visual record of the massive European electronics event that finished on Friday.

There was plenty to see in the 13 halls in Munich, and the pics include a Beagle Board video wall, Inova automotive systems, the world's smallest wafer level LED, Samsung vacuum fluorescent displays, TQ smart metering systems, the eRockit electric bike, and plenty more.

View the Electronica 2010 gallery

View all the Electronics Weekly photo galleries

See also: Electronica 2010 - News Roundup

See also: Live blogging coverage of Electronica 2010

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 16, 2010 8:14 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 17, 2010

The Elektra GP rounds off the (Scalextric) motor racing calendar

giant_scalextric 250.jpg"Some say, that even with your crash helmet on, the sound alone will leave you grinning for days."

"Others say, the 400bhp flowing through the rear wheels is an unrivalled experience only enjoyed by a special, select, privileged few."

"All we know, its called the Elektra GP competition prize:  A Ferrari Experience day at Silverstone, courtesy of sponsors, Pinnacle."
Although Sebastian Vettel has been crowned the FIA drivers champion, there is still one race left in the motor racing calendar, the inaugural Elektra GP.

Like Bahrain, the circuit has been constructed within a luxury hotel complex and the only difference is scale: Well, 1:24 to be more precise as this prize will be awarded to the best driver of the "fastest lap competition" held on a Giant Scalextric circuit that will form part of the entertainment at this year's Elektra Awards.

Continue reading "The Elektra GP rounds off the (Scalextric) motor racing calendar" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 17, 2010 8:39 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

An Engineer in Wonderland - Scary aerial

 

An Engineer in Wonderland has a new home. You can find this particular entry here. If you wish to leave a comment, please do that on the new blog.

 

Thing you have a difficult job?

Take a look at this video of two blokes climbing an enormous mast to do some maintenance.


Continue reading "An Engineer in Wonderland - Scary aerial" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 17, 2010 1:56 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 22, 2010

An Engineer in Wonderland - An LED down lighter

 

An Engineer in Wonderland has a new home. You can find this particular entry here. If you wish to leave a comment, please do that on the new blog.

 

LEDceiling thumb.JPGCurious to get our hands on a Helieon LED module to see how the bayonet-fit change-it-like-a-light-bulb system worked, we asked around for a sample. 

Continue reading "An Engineer in Wonderland - An LED down lighter" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 22, 2010 3:34 PM | | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

November 23, 2010

Journalists of the future need data skills - Berners-Lee

One for the Digital Life category. An interesting one from the founder of the World Wide Web, highlighted by Charles Arthur on Guardian.co.uk.

He writes:
This morning at the release of huge tracts of government data about spending, a panel including Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude and Berners-Lee were asked who would analyse such data once the excited geeks had moved onto more interesting tasks (perhaps building the next Facebook).
Berners-Lee's view is likely to raise the hackles of old-time journos, but I think his main point is valid:

Continue reading "Journalists of the future need data skills - Berners-Lee" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 23, 2010 10:37 AM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 26, 2010

Only Connect: Eco-gift for Christmas (Going Green #4)

eco gift 1.jpgWelcome to another post in the series Only Connect. It is written by Nick Locke, of Nicab Ltd, who has over 15 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry specialising in interconnection cable assembly.

It is that time of year when we will be thinking about what to send our beloved customers and suppliers as a thank you for the great work they have all done this year.

Rather than sending the traditional Christmas card - with all the usual awkward discussions about whether you should say Season's Greetings or Happy Christmas - my idea is that you do something completely different and send an eco-gift instead.

Here are a couple of ideas that may inspire you this year.

Continue reading "Only Connect: Eco-gift for Christmas (Going Green #4)" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 26, 2010 2:41 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Top 10 most popular articles on ElectronicsWeekly.com

electronics weekly logo 120 x 60 png.pngHere are the top ten most popular articles on ElectronicsWeekly.com in the last week, with Sir Clive Sinclair, Linux boot times and Electronca 2010 leading the way...

See what your peers have been reading. In reverse order:

10. Video: BeagleBoard-XM drives video wall

9. LED headlights beam beyond premium cars

8. Oxford start-up claims big step toward plastic chips

Continue reading "Top 10 most popular articles on ElectronicsWeekly.com" »

Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 26, 2010 3:19 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

November 29, 2010

Only Connect: A quick and simple guide to Coax Connectors

coax connectors detail.jpgWelcome to another post in the series Only Connect. It is written by Nick Locke, of Nicab Ltd, who has over 15 years of experience in the electronics manufacturing industry specialising in interconnection cable assembly.

With so much choice available for Coax Cables, I thought I would take a small selection of connectors and give a little more information to help you choose the right one for your application.

Of course, to make sure your assembly works the way you want it to, you must make sure you select the correct cable. Better still, speak to your cable assembly experts who will help you make the right technical choices. So here is my quick and simple guide to Coax Connectors
 
COMMON CONNECTOR TYPES 

Continue reading "Only Connect: A quick and simple guide to Coax Connectors" »

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Posted by Alun Williams - Electronics Weekly.com on November 29, 2010 2:25 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

About November 2010

This page contains all entries posted to Electro-ramblings in November 2010. They are listed from oldest to newest.

October 2010 is the previous archive.

December 2010 is the next archive.

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