News


From the editor’s desk: Embedded computing drives change

31 July 2019 News

Mike Goodyer says it best in the title of his article on page 16: “The only constant is change.” While he meant that in relation to developments at Microtronix Manufacturing and within the local electronics manufacturing industry at large, it is an adage that certainly holds true for pretty much every aspect of electronics technologies.

One particularly interesting aspect is the evolution (one could almost say revolution) of embedded computing and edge computing. As a colleague was enthusing about the other day, nowadays you can buy a CCTV camera made in China that costs next to nothing, has really good features and runs an embedded operating system like Linux on a circuit board the size of a postage stamp.

In his article on page 25, Farnell’s global head of technical marketing and solutions development, Cliff Ortmeyer, gathers the thoughts of several leading global semiconductor manufacturers on this topic, and the sheer range of their responses illustrates just how vast the variety of applications for embedded systems is, and how deeply they have already, and will continue to, penetrate our modern lives.

In a 2018 research report, Variant Market Research predicted that the global embedded computing market is expected to reach $316,2 billion by 2025 from $172,9 billion in 2017. It went on to point out that rising wireless communication infrastructure, increasing adoption of consumer electronics along with growing adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are the factors driving the growth of the embedded computing market.

I think one of the most exciting things about where the market is going, is the fact that it opens up all sorts of possibilities, not only for the mainstream electronics industry, but for the makers and hobbyists out there. Nowadays a person with a bright idea but almost no knowledge of how a capacitor or transistor works, can buy a single-board computer like a Raspberry Pi and play around to their heart’s content – whether just for fun or for a marketable product.

Also in this issue, Mark Patrick from Mouser’s article on page 28 highlights some cost-effective tools that makers and small businesses can use to innovate. As he points out, “some of the most innovative ‘out of the box’ concepts come from this sector. All too often, major companies have very strict and structured screening processes relating to their R&D activities. These can preclude assigning resources to high-risk or niche projects where it is unclear if there will be a return on the investment.”

Whatever level you are designing at, we have you covered, as this edition of Dataweek comes out with the latest edition of our annual Electronics Buyers’ Guide – EBG 2020 (yes, we really do come from the future). In it, you’ll find anything and everything you might need to design, build and test your latest electronics design.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: AI – a double-edged sword
Technews Publishing News
As with any powerful tool, AI presents challenges, some of which, if not carefully managed, threaten to undo the potential that it can offer.

Read more...
Global semiconductor sales increase
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor sales were $57,0 billion during the month of April 2025, an increase of 2,5% compared to the March 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus announced new president
Avnet Abacus News
Avnet Abacus has announced that Mario Merino will succeed Rudy Van Parijs as president of Avnet Abacus, effective 1 July 2025.

Read more...
Avnet Abacus wins multiple prestigious awards
Avnet Abacus News
The awards from Molex recognise outstanding performance, collaboration, and significant growth in the challenging market conditions of 2024.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: Is the current AI really what we want?
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice
The companies that develop LLMs need to change direction and concentrate on freeing up our time, not so that we can have more time to do the tasks we don’t want to do in the first place, but rather to allow us more time to do what we love.

Read more...
Components distribution slowdown Q1 2025
News
European components distribution (DMASS) experienced a continued slowdown in the first quarter 2025.

Read more...
Semiconductor sales increase 17% YoY
News
The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) recently announced global semiconductor sales were $54,9 billion during the month of February 2025, an increase of 17,1% compared to the February 2024 total.

Read more...
Silicon Labs – Q1 results
News
Silicon Labs, a leading innovator in low-power wireless, recently reported financial results for the first quarter, which ended April 5, 2025.

Read more...
Strengthening industry through strategic partnerships at KITE 2025
Specialised Exhibitions News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition is not just an exhibition, it is a powerhouse of industry collaboration where visitors and exhibitors gain access to authoritative insights, technical expertise, and high-impact networking opportunities.

Read more...
Solar Youth Project calls on industry to step up
News
With the second cohort completed training and the first cohort returning for their final module, host companies are urgently needed to turn the training into a long-term opportunity.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved