RS Components added several enhancements and new components to its free online DesignSpark platform for electronics developers.
Schematic capture and PCB layout tool DesignSpark PCB Version 5.0 learnt two new tricks in the form of online design rule checking (DRC) and buses, introduced to further reduce design times and to minimise errors during the design process.
A new extension to the DesignSpark platform was the open-source DesignShare area, designed to host projects and encourage sharing, collaboration and concept discussions in a design community environment. The ‘Ideas’ or ‘Incubator’ section enables members to post project ideas, generate discussion and invite comment from the community, while in the ‘Projects’ area, users will find all of the available projects tagged with relevant keywords for easy navigation.
The final major DesignSpark enhancement released this year came in the form of DesignSpark Mechanical, a 3D solid modelling and assembly tool. The tool provides access to more than 38 000 3D models in the online component library, as well as millions of models from the online tracepartsonline.net CAD portal.
Rooibos heads to space
News
A South African scientific initiative linking agriculture and space research has officially launched today with the Rooibos in Space programme at Parklands College’s Innovation Centre in Cape Town.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Local can be international Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Welcome to the July 2026 issue of Dataweek. As you can see from this introduction, Dataweek’s regular editor, Peter Howells, is on extended leave and I am filling the void in his editor’s column – hopefully without being too boring.
Read more...Landis+Gyr EMEA introduces new company name: EYKON
News
EYKON is the new company name of Landis+Gyr EMEA, formerly part of the Landis+Gyr Group. The company supports electricity, gas, water and thermal utilities in managing increasingly complex networks, improving operational efficiency and enabling more sustainable use of resources.
Read more...Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX
Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services News
Yamaha Robotics will show visitors to EFX 2026, the Expo for Electronics Manufacturing, in Stuttgart from 6-8 October 2026, how advanced surface-mount automation helps companies grow their business and increase productivity.
Read more...Power modules for solid-state transformers RS South Africa
Power Electronics / Power Management
Microchip’s new 3,3 kV silicon carbide modules deliver the required thermal performance and efficiency for SSTs to increase power available for token generation.
Read more...TSE has relocated
News
The Technology Station in Electronics (TSE) has entered a new chapter with its relocation from the CSIR campus to TUT-owned building at Ditsela Place in Hatfield.
Read more...Innovative MyLegrand app RS South Africa
News
Legrand SA is set to launch the MyLegrand mobile application, a digital platform designed to strengthen engagement across its professional network.
Read more...From Cape Town to Johannesburg
News
Würth Elektronik South Africa has taken a significant step forward with its recent relocation from Cape Town to Johannesburg, marking a new phase of growth and ambition for the company.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.