Category Archives: Electronics

Electronics

Understanding electrostatic discharge in electronics

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a phenomenon that occurs when two electrically charged objects come into contact, causing a sudden flow of electricity between them. This seemingly minor event can have significant repercussions in the electronics industry. ESD can cause substantial damage to electronic components, leading to product malfunctions, failures, and ultimately financial losses.

The sensitivity of modern electronics to ESD has increased dramatically with advancements in technology. As electronic components become smaller and more complex, their susceptibility to ESD damage rises. Over 25% of all electronic components are returned due to ESD damage, highlighting the critical need for effective protection solutions. This underscores the importance of ESD-safe practices in manufacturing, storage, and transportation of electronic devices.

ESD bins play a crucial role in mitigating these risks. These bins provide a controlled environment that prevents the build-up of static electricity, ensuring that sensitive components are protected from ESD events. By incorporating ESD-safe materials and grounding mechanisms, these bins help maintain the integrity and reliability of electronic products throughout their lifecycle. As industries continue to push the boundaries of technology, the need for robust ESD protection becomes ever more pressing. How can the electronics industry continue to innovate while safeguarding its products against the invisible threat of ESD?

The role of ESD protection in the electronics supply chain

The electronics supply chain is a complex network that involves various stages—from manufacturing to transportation—where ESD-safe practices are paramount. Each stage presents unique challenges and risks associated with ESD, necessitating comprehensive protection strategies to ensure product integrity.

In manufacturing, the integration of ESD protection devices is critical. Over 90% of semiconductor devices require ESD protection, reflecting the growing sensitivity of these components. The adoption of ESD protection devices is not limited to the consumer electronics sector; it extends to industries such as automotive, aerospace, and defence. The automotive industry, for instance, is projected to account for 25% of global ESD protection demand in 2024. This is driven by the increasing reliance on sophisticated electronic systems within vehicles, which are susceptible to ESD damage.

Transportation and storage also require stringent ESD-safe practices. During these stages, electronic components are vulnerable to static electricity build-up, which can lead to damage if not properly managed. The consumer electronics and computer peripheral industries, in particular, have stringent requirements for ESD protection during these phases to prevent product failures and ensure customer satisfaction.

As the demand for advanced electronic devices continues to grow, so does the need for effective ESD protection solutions across the supply chain. By adopting ESD-safe practices and technologies, industries can safeguard their products and maintain their competitive edge in the market.

Market trends and growth in ESD protection devices

The market for ESD protection devices is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing need for reliable electronic components. The global ESD protection devices market is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2022 to 2031. This growth is fuelled by the rising demand for ESD protection across various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, and renewable energy.

Silicon-based ESD protection devices hold a dominant position in the market, capturing over 68% of the market share. These devices are preferred for their effectiveness in safeguarding sensitive components. Transient Voltage Suppressor Diodes (TVS) are another preferred technology, holding more than 59% of the market share. These diodes provide rapid response to voltage surges, protecting electronic components from ESD damage.

The renewable energy sector is poised for remarkable growth in ESD protection device adoption, projected to surge by 22% in 2024. This growth is driven by the increasing deployment of renewable energy systems, which require robust ESD protection to ensure reliability and efficiency. As industries continue to innovate and integrate advanced technologies, the demand for ESD protection devices is expected to rise, shaping the future of the market.

Business, Business News, Electronics, Engineering

Former Wales Rugby International Scott Baldwin Joins Kontroltek as Business Development Manager

Kontroltek, a leading provider of industrial electronic and mechanical repairs, has appointed Scott Baldwin as its new Business Development Manager. Baldwin, renowned for his distinguished rugby career, brings a wealth of strategic insight and valuable connections across the UK to his new role.

In his capacity as Business Development Manager, Baldwin will focus on creating opportunities to expand Kontroltek’s market presence and enhance client relationships. His extensive experience in high-performance environments, coupled with his proven ability to cultivate strong partnerships and build robust team cultures, makes him a valuable addition to the Kontroltek team.

Andrew Follant, CEO, Kontroltek, said: “We are delighted to welcome Scott Baldwin to Kontroltek. His track record of success and his passion for driving growth align perfectly with our vision for the future. We believe his support will play a crucial role in advancing our business objectives via his UK-wide network.”

Baldwin, a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of competitive dynamics both on and off the field, said: “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Kontroltek. The opportunity to apply my skills, experience and extensive network in a different context is really exciting. I look forward to contributing to Kontroltek’s continued success.”

Prior to joining Kontroltek, Baldwin enjoyed a successful rugby career, representing Wales internationally and earning 37 caps. He played for Ospreys, Worcester, and Harlequins, where he was instrumental in winning the English Premiership. Baldwin also served as vice-captain of Harlequins and was part of the senior leadership group. Additionally, he worked as a defence coach at Newcastle.

AV tech, Electronics

5 Tips for Choosing the Ideal Explosion-Proof Digital Camera

In the digital era, there have been several adjustments in the equipment that people use across all industries. In the photography industry, there has been a rise in explosion-proof digital cameras, which help monitor hazardous environments. As the name suggests, the digital camera cannot explode or get damaged following explosions, electrical malfunctions, and accidents. Even though these cameras are crucial for monitoring and security, you need to get the right one to enjoy the benefits. Here are a few tips to help you settle on the most ideal one!

1. Lookout for ATEX Certification

ATmosphere EXplosible, commonly abbreviated as ATEX, is the certification that equipment has undergone rigorous testing as directed by the European Union. Products that have been certified are compliant and are very safe to use in environments with explosive atmospheres. When shopping for the cameras, ensure that you find a certified one. You can rest assured that it is safe and convenient for hazardous environments.

2. Check Battery’s Durability

In this day and age, we value devices with excellent battery life. From smartphones and electric cars to digital cameras, manufacturers now employ advanced technology to ensure that batteries last longer.

A good explosion-proof digital camera should have a battery to serve you for at least three years. During this time, you will get approximately 200 exposures on a single charge. Depending on your preferences, you can also choose a rechargeable battery. Get one that can last for more than 72 hours on one charge.

3. Do Not Skimp on Camera Quality

A camera’s quality is only as good as its photos or coverage. Your selected Atex camera should take quality photos during the day and the night and in minimal-light conditions. As you shop, ensure it has at least 16MP with a good zoom lens so you can get particular details of the environment as required. If you are looking for one that enhances photos in the darkness, pick one that supports LED flash.

4. Check for Shock-proofing, Water-proofing, and Freeze-proofing Abilities

The explosion-proof camera is designed for use in very risky environments. Besides the explosions, these areas may have moisture, extreme temperatures, and uncontrolled vibrations. These are conditions that a normal camera will not be in a position to handle.

Providers such as Armadex have ensured that these cameras are not only explosion-proof but also shockproof, freeze-proof, and dustproof. This safeguards your footage till you are ready to review it.

5. Buy from a Reputable Store and Get an Extended Warranty

When shopping for the ideal ATEX camera, it is natural to get confused and overwhelmed by the options. Regardless of whatever you choose, ensure that you are getting it from a reputable store with years of proven track record. With these providers, you are more likely to get an extended warranty, thus protecting our investment.

Conclusion

As you can see, the environment plays a vital role in helping you determine the kind of camera to select. Whatever option you choose should be made from unmatched quality, be dependable, and have top-notch technical support. Finding the ideal fit for your task ensures that you get complete coverage regardless of the situation!

Electronics, News

Codasip adds Veridify secure boot to RISC-V processors

Firmware authenticity verification enhances security of embedded systems

Embedded World 2022 – Nuremberg, Germany – 22 June 2022 – Codasip, the leader in customizable RISC-V processor IP and processor design automation, today announced that quantum-resistant secure tools from Veridify Security Inc. are now available to support Codasip’s RISC-V processors with a secure-boot function. Veridify’s secure algorithm validates firmware as it loads onto the Codasip processor to reassure RISC-V developers that embedded systems are secure.

Veridify’s secure boot functionality is based on an algorithm that runs faster than traditional encryption methods; only requiring a small code space and ultra-low power making it well-suited to Codasip’s family of low-power embedded processors. Using Veridify’s methods, Codasip customers can now easily verify the authenticity of the firmware.

Since Veridify’s methods are also quantum-resistant against all known threats, they also support customers implementing Codasip processors in long-life embedded applications such as remote monitoring systems, surveillance cameras and smart meters. In addition, Veridify’s tools can be used to enable additional security features like secure firmware updates, authentication, and data protection.

Last year, Codasip and Veridify agreed to partner to bring this secure boot functionality to Codasip’s RISC-V processor IP. Following trials between the two companies, Codasip’s IP has now been proven on the Veridify platform – reassuring customers and developers using Codasip processors that they will be utilizing a fully-compatible, widely-used and highly-trusted source of boot security for verifying firmware on its processors.

Zdenek Prikryl, CTO at Codasip commented, “Using Veridify with Codasip Cores provides our customers with an even greater reassurance that in choosing Codasip processors and tools, they are not only using the highest quality processor IP in the industry, but their embedded firmware is free of malware.”

“We are pleased to have been chosen by Codasip to provide future-proof secure boot functionality on its low-power RISC-V processors,” added Louis Parks, Veridify Chairman, and CEO. “Codasip customers can now trust that their firmware is authentic during the boot process and have confidence that their Codasip processor is safe and secure for the life of their device.”

Electronics, News

Thalia upgrades Design Enabler with enhanced ML algorithm

Delivers optimized performance and optimal layout options

30 May, Cologne, Germany – Thalia Design Automation Ltd., provider of analog and mixed-signal circuit IP reuse platform, today announced its core Design Enabler product has been enhanced to significantly boost the value it brings to product development teams in both optimizing the performance of migrated designs and improving or preserving layout.

An improved set of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms in Thalia Design Enabler now presents the designer with the best solution by balancing circuit and layout requirements. The ML algorithms go further in factoring in the impact of layout changes, and further simplify an effective migration by preserving, improving and validating the topology and the floorplan.

Design Enabler is part of the powerful AMALIA IP Reuse Platform that enables cost-effective re-use of analog and mixed signal integrated circuits. The technology agnostic Design Enabler software enables users to efficiently centre designs after migration from one technology to another.

By quickly identifying the minimum set of devices needed to adjust the design the tool reduces the number of changes required in layout while improving performance. With the use AI and machine learning this software can make significant savings of up to 50% time and resources.

The new enhancements to Design Enabler’s algorithms improve time to market advantages and cost savings by balancing improved performance of the design with essential layout requirements to present the designer with multiple solutions.

A Thalia customer case study provides an example of a 45% reduction in design time using the existing Design Enabler: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQz8eWCRra

Thalia has now deployed Machine Learning (ML) across all of its AMALIA platform to analyze waveforms and to propose the ideal solution for the designer, based on differential analyses.

Christopher Yates, VP Software Engineering at Thalia, commented, “Customers using Design Enabler tell us they’re saving at least half of their original re-design time, and with the enhancements we’re announcing today, we expect our customers to see immediate benefits both in optimizing the performance of their design and quickly and easily being able to balance this against the best layout to suite their design.”

Electronics, News

Codasip adopts Siemens’ OneSpin tools for formal verification

Higher-quality verification to drive adoption and build momentum for RISC-V IP

Munich, 3 May 2022 – Codasip, the leader in processor design automation, has expanded its adoption of formal verification solutions for comprehensive and thorough processor testing with the addition of OneSpin IC verification tools from Siemens EDA. Codasip has continually invested heavily in processor verification to underpin the company’s ability to deliver the industry’s highest quality RISC-V processor IP.

Siemens EDA’s OneSpin tools provide an advanced and incredibly robust verification platform to tackle critical IC integrity issues. The highly advanced OneSpin formal verification tools for automotive and other high-integrity processor applications verify the implementation with minimal set up and runtime.

The quality of Codasip RISC-V processor IP sets it apart from competitors. With 2 billion cores of Codasip processor IP already in use, mostly with tier one customers, it is essential that Codasip continues to offer processor IP that is consistently of the highest quality

Neil Hand, strategy director for the IC Design Verification division of Siemens EDA, “We are pleased to collaborate with Codasip to help ensure the high quality of their RISC-V Processor IP, as well as to establish optimized solutions for our mutual customers. The world-class technology of our OneSpin formal verification tools including the OneSpin RISC-V verification solution, together with Codasip’s innovative RISC-V IP, is key for IC designers to deliver high-quality products to market quickly.”

Rupert Baines, CMO, Codasip, commented, “The poor verification of some RISC-V IP is frankly shocking. Developers have legitimate concerns about the quality of RISC-V IP that’s holding back its adoption. Higher quality and formally proven RISC-V IP will help it to cross the chasm and massively increase its adoption.”

Codasip’s Director of Verification, Philippe Luc, added, “We are very proud of our own rigorous approach to verification with a strong in-house verification team – our own extremely thorough internal testing methodologies, combine with best-in-class third-party tools. As part of this, we’re delighted to use OneSpin technology from Siemens EDA, which is a key partner for Codasip – we look forward to a closer and productive relationship.”

Codasip uses Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics) as its primary EDA tool flow.

Codasip is presenting on its experiences with the OneSpin tool at Siemens EDA User2User2022 conference at Santa Clara on May 4th and in Munich on May 12th.

Electronics, News

Codasip University Program spurs innovation and boosts curriculums

Keith Graham appointed Head of University Program

Munich, 10 March 2022 – Codasip, the leader in processor design automation, has launched a University Program to help the next generation of processor engineers to Design for Differentiation and to solve tomorrow’s technological challenges. The Program augments graduate and undergraduate computer engineering curriculums with materials and assignments, and by granting access to industry-grade Codasip RISC-V custom development tools and CodAL high-level synthesis language.

Access to Codasip Studio development tools and CodAL development language, plus specific technologies will enable Codasip University Program partners to support RISC-V based domain specific applications and functions, including functional safety, computer architecture, processor security, advanced memories, even AI/ML. Codasip, together with its technology partners, will provide universities with dedicated support for their research projects – a Design for Differentiation Ecosystem that will spur innovation and the exchange of ideas.

To register interest in joining the Program, and to find out more information, visit the Codasip University Program page here: https://codasip.com/university-program/

Codasip has appointed Keith Graham to lead the new University Program, bringing his decades of engineering and academic leadership experience to the role. Before joining Codasip, Graham had previously identified the benefits of customizing RISC-V processors using Codasip Studio and developed courses for the University of Colorado.

Codasip enables Design for Differentiation which encourages processor and system developers to innovate and – using Codasip tools and IP – to bring their ideas to market in the shortest time and at the lowest cost to maximize competitive advantage. Codasip Studio is a unique collection of tools for fast and easy modification of RISC-V processors. CodAL is Codasip’s C-like language used to create and verify Codasip processors, with models to simplify optimizations and modifications.

Keith Graham, commented, “Providing students with access to CodAL and Studio is enabling them to focus on becoming innovative processor designers. CodAL is a high-level synthesis language, more efficient and less error prone compared to using a less abstracted language like Verilog.” Graham continued, “The Codasip Design for Differentiation Ecosystem provides the ideal processor design automation platform to help future designers build their ideas into commercializable products. We are engaged with multiple universities in curriculum development and research activities, and look forward to welcoming additional universities into the Program”.

Codasip Founder and President, Dr Karel Masarík added, “We were in a position to support university programs with our Codasip tools, but with Keith agreeing to join Codasip and help us, we have been able to define a far more comprehensive partnership program for universities. We are excited to be already rolling out the graduate and undergraduate courses thanks to Keith’s extensive experience in course development: This means we can deliver the Program universities tell us they need. And if we get that right, we help universities develop the theory and the design skills the companies developing SoCs need.”

Read more about the Codasip University Program here: https://codasip.com/university-program/

Electronics

Codasip steps up its focus on Europe and appoints Till-Vattier as EMEA VP

Munich, 3 March 2022 – Codasip, the leader in processor design automation, has appointed Emmanuel Till-Vattier as its new VP of Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Till-Vattier brings 25 years of experience leading sales teams at Imagination and Arm with significant customer relationships across Codasip’s key EMEA region.

An experienced electronics engineer, Till-Vattier started his career with Philips Semiconductors in the mid-1990s, followed by applications engineer at Intel, then 15 years at Arm where he developed the company’s key OEM relationships in the EMEA region. Since 2017, he has been Senior Sales Director, EMEA at Imagination Technologies.

Till-Vattier commented, “Apart from the fact that I feel well-positioned to help Codasip with its growth ambitions, Codasip is definitively a global company but strongly and strategically European in a way that sets it apart from its competitors.

“With an existing installed base of over 2 billion devices using Codasip IP, I am keen to lead the charge to ensure the industry in EMEA understands the difference Codasip brings. Its strong portfolio of RISC-V processor IP and unique Studio custom design tools enable companies of all sizes to quickly, easily and cost-effectively benefit from Codasip’s Design for Differentiation offering”.

Codasip Chief Revenue Officer, Brett Cline, added, “The Codasip team is growing fast, and Emmanuel’s important role is to lead the team and further our European relationships. We are very lucky to have his experience, skills and strong connections.”

 

Appointments, Automotive, Automotive Tech, Business, Business News, Electronics, Europe, European News, Industry News, Industry Press Releases, Manufacturing, News, UK

Codasip appoints Functional Safety VP

Dave Higham’s expertise in ISO 26262 and security drives Codasip’s custom processor opportunities

Munich, Germany – 2 February 2022 – Codasip, the leading supplier of customizable processor IP, has appointed Dave Higham as the company’s Vice President of Functional Safety. His in-depth expertise in standards for functional safety and security will accelerate the application of Codasip’s RISC-V processor IP and Studio custom processor designer tools in the automotive and industrial sectors.

Higham will directly support customers looking to develop groundbreaking innovations using Codasip’s tools and development platform, particularly within areas such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. His expertise in the development of key industry specification ISO 26262 is of paramount importance, but his role is broader than that, reflecting how functional safety and security (such as ISO 21434) are key in many areas of technology.

Karel Masarík, Codasip’s Founder & President commented, “With his decades of experience at Delphi, one of the automotive industry’s Tier One technology suppliers, plus years of experience in multiple global semiconductor vendors, Dave brings to Codasip an unparalleled understanding of FuSa. I have no doubts that he will help Codasip customers maximize the opportunities of innovating in these markets, and to guide them intelligently through the safety requirements.”

Dave Higham, added, “Automotive is an obvious growth market for Codasip’s processor IP and Studio tools. But functional safety and security go hand in hand in many market areas too, where our customers expect these to be covered in any design conversation. Codasip has a unique ability to support customization and there are a number of architectural features we can enable to ensure safety and security are better by design, from the tools and methodology as well as in our standard products.”