26 July 2023 FEATURING: • Electronics Manufacturing Services & Equipment • Embedded Computing, AI & ML • Spotlight: Hobbyists, DIY & Robotics
JOHANNESBURG +27 (0) 11 923 9600 | DURBAN +27 (0) 31 279 1660 | CAPE TOWN +27 (0) 21 555 1884 ENTERPRISE COMPUTING SOLUTIONS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS SEMICONDUCTORS FREQUENCY PASSIVES CONNECTORS & ELECTRO-MECHANICAL WIRELESS & MODULES LIGHTING & OPTICS POWER SUPPLIES DISPLAYS BATTERIES & SOLAR
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 1 TELECOMMUNICATIONS, WIRELESS, IoT, RF & MICROWAVE FEATURE 26 July 2023 Vol. 46 No. 6 News................................................................................. 3 Systems, components, design..........................8 General ............................................................................28 Hot chips......................................................................31 Open [re]sources .......................................................32 QuickFind index ....................................................IBC contents on the cover features regulars Electronics manufacturing services & equipment ........................................................................11 The latest products for PCB testing and assembly, reflow ovens and solder products, and electronic cleaning systems and materials handling. Embedded computing, AI & ML...............................20 How AI & ML can add value to an SMME, game-changing graphics AI capabilities and an AI-based visual inspection system. Spotlight: Hobbyists, DIY & robotics .....................23 Build a DIY GPS tracker, and see what is new in the world of DIY and maker electronics SoCs and components. 26 July 2023 FEATURING: • Electronics Manufacturing Services & Equipment • Embedded Computing, AI & ML • Spotlight: Hobbyists, DIY & Robotics Founded in 1993 Microtronix Manufacturing has successfully grown over the last 30 years to become a major player in the SMT industry. Specialising in electronic PCB assembly, Microtronix can fulfil orders from single prototypes to large volume mass production. For more information contact Microtronix Manufacturing, +27 11 792 5322, [email protected], www.microtronix.co.za
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 2 NEWS Disclaimer 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, inserts and company contact details are printed as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material. Published by: Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd Wild Fig Business Park, Block B, Unit 21, 1494 Cranberry Street, Honeydew Tel: +27 11 543 5800 [email protected] Gauteng Tracy Wolter, Tel: +27 11 543 5800, [email protected] KwaZulu-Natal Jane van der Spuy, Tel: +27 83 234 5412, [email protected] Western Cape Contact Durban or Jhb numbers for details Advertising: Print and Online Sales Manager: Malckey Tehini [email protected] Editor: Peter Howells, B.Tech (Electronic Engineering), [email protected] Subscription services For address changes, subscriptions, renewal status or missing issues call +27 11 543 5800 or [email protected] or WRITE TO: Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd, Box 385, Pinegowrie 2123 Subscribe online: www.technews.co.za All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Technews Publishing (PTY) Ltd. Reg No. 2005/034598/07 ISSN 0256-8934 VOLUME 46 NO 6 26 JULY 2023 From the editor’s desk Subscribe online: www.technews.co.za Peter July has been a slightly more positive time for businesses in South Africa and for engineers and technicians in the electronic engineering and manufacturing sector. The newly announced Section 12B tax incentive will allow businesses, individuals or trusts who pay tax, to claim a 125% deduction in the first year for all renewable energy projects. This is without a threshold on generation capacity. After speaking to many individuals, this has ignited a fair amount of hope in the energy sector. The hope is that this incentive will lead to large-scale solar installations, thereby removing some of the current load from our tired grid and generation fleet. One can hope, can’t we? The question must be asked, however: Why did it take the government so long to issue this incentive, when the writing has been on the walls for the past ten years or more. Why not DIY? Having a vested interest in the education sector in South Africa, I am always interested in getting involved with the maker community. These communities are usually a melting pot of weird ideas and amazing contraptions, some of them built just for the heck of it. There is one thing that I love about the maker community and DIY clan, especially when it comes to the younger generation; they simply do not have the experience yet to know their limitations or the limitations of the equipment they are working with. They have no idea what will work and what will not, and therefore, they are not afraid to try things. Do they always get it right? Definitely not. I have seen some catastrophic results of projects doing nothing when powered on, projects blowing up when powered on, and even one that burst into flames shortly after being powered on, much to the initial horror of the young man who had built it. This horror, however, rapidly turned to laughter at the site of the slowly spinning car on fire. And this is what the maker community is all about; trying things to see what works and having a chuckle at the failures, knowing that the learning experience has still benefitted from these failures. Many of our readers are professionals in the electronic engineering sector, but I could almost bet my last rand that not one of them has never made a mistake. Making mistakes is human and inevitable, and learning from them is an important lesson. On putting together this issue’s spotlight feature, I started to research the new systems A renewed hope and components available from the various retailers specialising in supplying the maker community. I was intrigued by how much the devices have improved. No longer do tinkerers and makers need to settle for 8-bit microcontrollers with only a handful of I/O to play with. The latest available SoCs feature modern 32-bit microcontrollers sporting Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and interfaces for both analogue and digital signals. Even the ubiquitous Arduino Uno has seen a drastic leap forward with the new revision 4 (Uno R4) recently announced. With a modern 32-bit processor and sporting Espressif’s ESP32-S3 for Wi-Fi connectivity, this board now has the smarts to accomplish almost any task thrown at it. The best feature, however, is that even though the device has seen this dramatic improvement, the same form factor has been kept, allowing it to be used with the thousands of plug-in boards already designed for this ecosystem (read about these new boards from page 25). It’s an exciting time to be a member of the maker community. I wish I had more time to just sit and tinker again!
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 3 NEWS ELECTRONICS NEWS DIGEST EVENTS Continued on page 4 Electronics News Digest Financial • The global semiconductor market is creeping ahead very slowly after the lacklustre sales of the past few months. Global sales increased 1,7% MoM in May, a slight increase for the third month in a row, leading to a renewed sense of optimism for a rebound in the market in the second half of 2023. • Micron Technology has announced its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 which ended in March. The semiconductor company saw a revenue of $3,69 billion versus $4,09 billion for the prior quarter, and $7,79 billion for the same period last year. GAAP net loss was reported as $2,31 billion, with a non-GAAP net loss of $2,08 billion. Operating cash flow of $343 million was disclosed, a large drop from the previous quarter’s $943 million. • According to a report released by the Global Semiconductor Alliance, industry leaders are optimistic about semiconductor revenue growth in the second half of 2023, as automotive takes the lead as the most important revenue driver, and the easing of the semiconductor shortage is in sight for most products. However, according to a survey of global semiconductor executives conducted by GSA and KPMG, major forces of pressure on today’s global semiconductor market remain the supply/demand imbalance, talent shortage, and geopolitical risks. • 78% of local organisations are struggling to find the IT talent they need, with demand for skilled IT professionals increasing by 29% in the last 12 months, according to the most recent ManpowerGroup South Africa Employment Outlook Survey. This goes against the grain of the global employment trend established by the survey, with the global net employment outlook – calculated by subtracting employers planning reductions vs those planning to hire – at 23%, down 4% YoY, indicating that international hiring is slowing. These statistics suggest that employers in the IT space are only willing to hire people if they have the right skills needed. • TrendForce (www.trendforce.com) has reported that OEMs have continued making concerted efforts to scale back production of NAND Flash used in the production of SSDs and eMMCs. It is expected that the current state of oversupply of the memory will continue into Q3 2023. • EV battery prices continued to decline throughout June 2023, though the rate of decline across all product types has started to taper off. The average selling price of EV square ternary cells, LFP cells, and pouch ternary cells each fell by 1 to 2 % MoM. The market demand for energy storage cells, however, has rebounded significantly in most overseas markets, with the ASP of these cells growing by 3% in June. The market is predicted to regain stability in H2 2023, with enterprise orders outpacing expectations. • On 30 June, the Netherlands introduced new export restrictions on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China, falling in line with both the US and Japan. Despite these export bans, however, China’s semiconductor expansion remains strong, with the market share of Chinese foundries in terms of 12-inch wafer production capacity anticipated to increase from 24% in 2022 to 26% in 2026. This is due to the fact that most of the equipment can be largely met by local Chinese vendors, with photolithography the one limiting factor. Companies • FUCHS has clinched an accolade from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Leadership Awards for 2021-2022 for its Net Zero submission. The building housing the new FUCHS head office has been certified as being net zero valid until 2025. Not only was the office designed to be as energy efficient as possible, but it also generates renewable energy in excess of its requirements. This translates into net zero carbon emissions from energy usage on an annual basis. • Enertec Megatank energy solutions will now be distributed by Tarsus Distribution following the signing of a distribution agreement with the energy storage company Enertec batteries. This deal seeks to meet the country’s ongoing need for energy storage solutions as it deals with ever more frequent power outages affecting homes and businesses nationwide. • Indium Corporation has earned the IEEE Malaysia Section Outstanding Industry Award for its InFORMS brand of reinforced solder preforms. The award was presented during a ceremony on 24 June. InFORMS provide improved strength and a more consistent bondline thickness, which maximises the thermal and mechanical reliability of the solder joints. They can be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes, including rectangles and discs, or even custom shapes to suit specific application requirements. • Indium Corporation has also been included into the Smithsonian exhibit on cellphone technology, highlighting its Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) material used in smartphone manufacturing. Specifically, the conductive ITO layer is arranged in an invisible grid on top of the display and develops a change in capacitance when the interface is touched, The Energy Expo 2023 22-24 August 2023 Miami Airport Convention Center, USA Awarded among the fastest growing shows, the Energy Expo (5th edition) in Miami, Florida, comes as an in-person tradeshow to serve your clean energy needs. Equipment, technologies, products and education will be presented for the solar, energy storage, EV charging, clean energy, energy saving and smart tech industries. Register at https://www.theenergyexpo.com/ IFA Berlin 2023 1-5 September 2023 Messe Berlin, Germany The IFA is the world’s largest trade fair for consumer electronics and household appliances and presents the latest products and innovations from all over the world. It offers a comprehensive overview of the international market and attracts the attention of over 150 000 trade visitors from more than 130 countries every year. The IFA is the most important meeting point for major retailers, buyers and experts from the industry and the media. Register at https://www.ifa-berlin.com SEMICON Taiwan 2023 6-8 September 2023 Taipei, Taiwan The show’s main theme this year is ‘Inspire innovation. Empower sustainability’, as being the key to success. It focuses on hot topics in semiconductors, including advanced manufacturing processes, heterogeneous integration, compound semiconductors, automotive chips, smart manufacturing, sustainable manufacturing, and semiconductor resources. More than 850 manufacturers from around the world will come together for the exhibition. Several international forums will also be held on site to showcase the latest technology trends and front-end applications for professionals in the global microelectronics supply chain. Register at https://www.semicontaiwan.org/zh
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 4 NEWS ELECTRONICS NEWS DIGEST Continued from page 3 thereby providing touch sensing. The special exhibit is titled ‘Cellphone: Unseen Connections’. • In late 2022, the technical program committee for DesignCon 2023 announced the DesignCon Best Paper Awards finalists. Now, they have announced the Best Paper Awards winners, and this year, papers authored by Samtec engineers were honoured by DesignCon Best Paper Awards as finalists and a winner. Istvan Novak and Gustavo Blando of Samtec were part of the authorship team who won the award, with the paper titled ‘Connection artifacts in PDN measurements’. • ABB has been appointed to provide electrification and automation systems for ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India’s (AM/NS India) advanced steel cold rolling mill (CRM) in Hazira, Gujarat. The contract at the flagship manufacturing plant comes through John Cockerill India Limited (JCIL), the project OEM. ABB is providing the systems, including the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS) and associated equipment and components to support enhanced energy efficiency, optimised zinc consumption and high levels of corrosion resistance throughout the steel production process. The new CRM, with advanced processing lines, is due to be commissioned in 2024. Technologies • The demand for AI and HPCs is predicted to boost high bandwidth memory (HBM) volume by almost 60% in 2023. HBM is emerging as the preferred solution for overcoming memory transfer speed restrictions due to the bandwidth limitations of DDR SDRAM in high-speed computation. This memory is recognised for its revolutionary transmission efficiency and plays a pivotal role in allowing core computational components to operate at their maximum capacity. • Intel has suspended shipments of its Sapphire Rapids Xeon server CPU, after bugs were discovered. The temporary suspension will allow the company time to initiate testing on all affected products. The problematic model currently experiencing issues is the SPR MCC 32-cores. Other models like the 20/24C and 36C and higher are not affected. • With the global focus on energy systems, the number of home energy management systems (HEMS) in both Europe and North America reached close to 1,5 million in 2022. The report, released by Berg Insight, defines HEMS as a system that at minimum consists of a solar PV charger, battery storage system and a web-based management portal or smartphone app that allows for remote monitoring and control. This figure has grown substantially from the 950 000 installed systems in Europe at the end of 2022 with 320 000 being added in 2023. North American installations grew by 250 000 in 2023 to reach a total of 770 000. • According to a new research report from the IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the number of active fleet management systems deployed in commercial vehicle fleets in South Africa reached an estimated 2,1 million in Q4 2022. Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12,2%, this number is expected to reach 3,8 million by 2027. South Africa is a relatively mature telematics market, and the penetration rate is comparably high from an international perspective. • The rapid development of solid-state batteries for NEVs will see these vehicles rivalling combustion engines in range within the next five years, according to a report by TrendForce. Automakers are actively ramping up their investments and research into solid-state batteries, and with the integration of high-activity cathode and anode materials, these batteries are projected to enter mass production sometime between 2030 and 2035. Their energy density could reach 500 Wh/kg, offering a driving range two to three times greater than existing liquid lithium batteries, and therefore rivalling the range of traditional petrol vehicles.
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 5 NEWS The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) has announced global semiconductor industry sales totalled $40,7 billion during the month of May 2023, an increase of 1,7% compared to the April 2023 total of $40,0 billion but 21,1% less than the same period last year, where the total was $51,7 billion. Monthly sales are compiled by the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organisation and represent a three-month moving average. SIA represents 99% of the US semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-thirds of non-US chip firms. “Despite continuing market sluggishness compared to 2022, month-to-month global semiconductor sales inched upward Semiconductor sales inching forward As of 1 July 2023, the new president of EBV Elektronik is William Caruso. The previous EBV president, Thomas Staudinger, is taking on a new executive role within Avnet Embedded. William Caruso is an EBV veteran of more than 20 years, having joined EBV in 2002 as a field application engineer. Since then, he has quickly advanced to hold various positions of increasing responsibility across the sales organisation, as well as taking on roles in supplier marketing and working on other key Avnet projects. Immediately prior to his appointment as the president of EBV Elektronik, William Caruso was EBV’s Regional Vice President for South Europe and was responsible for driving revenue and Change to EBV’s executive management team executing EBV’s market growth strategy in the region over the past five years. “I congratulate both William and Thomas on their new positions within the Avnet family of companies and look forward to supporting them to further expand our business success,” commented Slobodan Puljarevic, President Avnet EMEA. “For EBV, with his vast experience and strong skill set, William will strengthen and further develop EBV’s supplier and customer relationships and drive the company’s innovation and strategy.” For more information contact EBV Electrolink, +27 21 402 1940, [email protected], www.ebv.com in May for the third consecutive month, sparking optimism for a possible market rebound during the second half of the year,” said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO. Regionally, month-to-month sales increased modestly across all regions: China (3,9%), Europe (2,0%), Asia Pacific/All Other (1,3%), Japan (0,4%), and the Americas (0,1%). Year-to-year sales were up in Europe (5,9%), but down in Japan (-5,5%), the Americas (-22,6%), Asia Pacific/All Other (-23,0%), and China (-29,5%). For more information visit www.semiconductors.org with Greg Barron, Actum Group director Clearing the Static Effectively control your workplace ESD protected area Controlling electrostatic discharge (ESD) in the workplace is crucial to protect sensitive electronic equipment from damage. Implementing an ESD control programme involves various measures and tests. Primarily, specific designated areas in the workplace need to be established. This is where sensitive electronic devices will be handled. These ESD protected areas (EPA) will have controlled humidity, grounded flooring, and appropriate ESD-safe work surfaces and furniture. The boundaries of the EPA will be clearly defined to restrict access to authorised personnel only. Devices like the SmartLog Pro 2 verifies the functionality of an operator’s wrist strap and footwear, logs the test results, and controls access to an ESD protected area. Each log entry includes operator identification, test results, resistance measurements, time, temperature, and humidity. All operator test activity is logged into the SmartLog Pro 2 to meet compliance requirements. Overall, tracking employees in an EPA enhances safety, regulatory compliance, incident investigation, training effectiveness, and risk mitigation. It ensures that proper precautions are taken, personnel are accountable, and the integrity of sensitive electronic components and equipment is preserved. For more information contact Actum on +27 11 608 3001 or email [email protected]. Actum is a specialised importer and distributor of industrial and electronic products in southern Africa. EBV Elektronik, an Avnet company, has announced a change at the top of its executive management team.
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 6 NEWS Altron Arrow, a 50/50 joint venture between Altron and Arrow Electronics, has installed a 100 kW rooftop solar system and introduced a fleet of electric delivery vans, becoming the first Altron company to introduce this as the group moves towards a more sustainable future. The electronic components and enterprise computing solutions distribution company has also installed an electric vehicle charging station, using their solar installation as the power source. “Our solar system is supplying our warehouse and offices, and our new EV charging station, supplying low-cost, green energy that helps us maintain delivery performance to our customers while maintaining our goal to keep enhancing the sustainability of our operations. All this while remaining true to Altron Arrow’s core values and purpose of being ethical and being there when it matters. Smart cities, smart homes, and smart transportation have the potential to improve lives, while simultaneously growing demand for the products we sell. It’s a virtuous cycle that challenges us to keep improving Altron Arrow drives sustainable delivery The premier award is an annual recognition platform under the Raytheon Technologies Performance+ Program to recognise suppliers with superior performance, and that have provided exceptional value to Raytheon Technologies in one of the four key categories: cost competitiveness, technology & innovation, business Holt wins premier award For the first time, two innovators have won the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation: South African Edmund Wessels and Ugandan Anatoli Kirigwajjo. Wessels, the second South African to take home the award, won with a novel device for women’s reproductive health. Kirigwajjo won with a low-cost digital security network that connects neighbours with the police. Both innovators take home prize money of £25000. Wessels, a South African biomedical engineer, developed FlexiGyn, a battery-powered portable handheld device that enables gynaecologists to diagnose and treat women’s uterine problems without anaesthetic or expensive equipment. It aims to increase women’s access to reproductive healthcare, particularly in remote areas. Typical hysteroscopy systems are rigid, leading to high levels of patient discomfort, requiring bulky additional equipment for visualisation. The innovative FlexiGyn features a flexible scope with built-in light and camera, offering a more South African shares first prize for Engineering Innovation Holt Integrated Circuits has announced that Raytheon Technologies Corporation, one of the world’s largest defence manufacturers, has recognised Holt with a premier award for performance in 2022 for overall excellence in cost competitiveness. our services and delivery performance, as we continue working to protect the environment,” said Renato Martins. Altron Arrow has introduced the EC35 vans in collaboration with STC Logistics, a delivery service provider, operating from the Altron Arrow Jet Park distribution centre. This is part of an ongoing supplier and enterprise development programme. The two-seater vans have a large cargo area and yield a travel distance of up to 280 km per charge and a carrying capacity similar to that of a 1-ton LDV. For more information contact Altron Arrow, +27 11 923 9600, [email protected], www.altronarrow.com comfortable and efficient experience for both patients and healthcare providers. For more information visit https://africaprize.raeng.org.uk/africaprize management, and collaboration & customer service. Holt has been doing business with Raytheon for decades, supporting applications in databus and sensor electronics for aerospace and defence programmes. “Holt is honoured to receive this very prestigious award,” said David Mead, president and CEO of Holt Integrated Circuits. “Holt is committed to provide our customers with the highest level of product quality, cost competitiveness, on-time delivery and customer service.” For more information on Holt products contact ASIC Design Services, +27 11 315 8316, [email protected], www.asic.co.za
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 7 NEWS The SKAO is currently building two next-generation radio telescopes that will seek to revolutionise our understanding of the universe. The SKA telescopes will allow astronomers to observe the universe over a broad range of frequencies, from low-frequency radio waves at 50 MHz up to mid-frequency waves of 15,4 GHz. The data generated by the SKA telescopes will be used to study a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, from the formation of the first stars and galaxies to dark matter and signatures of life beyond Earth. Australia will host the SKA-Low telescope, which will have 131 072 antennas receiving low-frequency radio waves. Each antenna will be 2 metres tall and shaped like a Christmas tree. South Africa will host the SKA-Mid telescope, comprised of 197 dish antennas receiving mid-frequency radio waves. White-Rabbit nodes for SKA telescope With South Africa still in the midst of loadshedding and rising energy prices, many businesses are looking to going solar to alleviate the energy crisis they find themselves in. Rooftop solar has become the popular option as the energy/cost ratio has improved and the panels require little maintenance once installed. There is, however, one major obstacle that businesses need to overcome, and that is how to fund the initial capital outlay of a solar installation. The recently enhanced Section 12B tax incentive will allow taxpayers (businesses, individuals or trusts) to claim a 125% deduction in the first year for all renewable energy projects, without a threshold on generation capacity. One criterion is that New funding option for companies moving to solar Vuma, a South African fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) provider, has announced the integration of next-generation fibre technology and innovation to the South African market, through its latest partnership with Huawei. This joint innovation was announced at the Huawei Eco Connect sub-Saharan Africa event that took place at the Sandton Convention Centre on 6 July. The partnership sees the launch of 50G PON capabilities – significantly higher than the existing 2,5 Gbps capabilities currently in use. Following its testing phase, the deployment of this first to market technology will make considerably higher upload and download fibre broadband speeds accessible to Vuma customers across the provider’s FTTH network, meeting growing consumer demand for faster, higher capacity, and more stable connectivity. “Vuma’s investment in the testing and rollout of the new Huawei PON technology is future-proofing our network, which will allow us to enable much more capacity over the last mile fibre and increase speeds as our customers require – approximately 20 times faster than the current capabilities deployed,” says Francois Swart, chief technology officer at Vuma. “We’ve launched the best technology currently available in the African market with our top customer, Vuma, which speaks volumes to the values of innovation and empowerment through connectivity that Huawei and Vuma share,” says Kim Jin, vice president of Huawei Optical Business product line. “Through this partnership, our goal, much like Vuma’s, is to support increased connectivity access to all South Africans, and to bridge the gap in access to high-quality digital services.” For more information visit www.vumatel.co.za Industry-first 50G PON “The SKA telescopes encompass an advanced Distributed Data Acquisition system, which converts different analogue environment signals into digital values to perform control and monitor tasks,” said Carlos Valenzuela, navigation and timing, product manager with Safran. “The SKA project has a strict timing requirement for its operation with a performance below two nanoseconds, which is not achievable by Network Time Protocol (NTP) or Precise Time Protocol (PTP) technology. The WR-Z platform is a critical solution developed through Safran’s Navigation & Timing portfolio for the SKA telescopes’ pulse per second distribution system. It is a new design integrating WR technology, thus enabling sub-nanosecond accuracy.” For more information visit https://safran-navigation-timing.com the incentive will only be available for solar investments brought online between 1 March 2023 and 28 February 2025. Jonty Sacks, partner at alternative investments specialist Jaltech, explains, “Traditional institutions are only able to fund a portion of a project, but since Section 12B fund managers are not subject to banking legislation, we can fund an entire project. The terms we offer are also significantly more attractive.” Property or business owners benefit from accessing Section 12B funding as no security is required. There are minimal upfront costs and costs are stable and predictable. The funding term can be as long as 15 years, lowering the annual payment and structuring the funding in a way that is off the balance sheet for the property or business owner. The property owner will be able to appoint the engineering, procurement and construction provider/solar installer that will also be responsible for maintenance and monitoring. One of the main benefits of accessing this type of funding is that the cost of the funding is expected to be much lower than purchasing electricity from Eskom, and it’s anticipated that each year the business or property owner’s savings will increase as Eskom increases its tariff. The adoption of alternative energy solutions is inevitable. For more information visit www.jaltech.co.za Safran Electronics and Defense will provide more than 200 White Rabbit (WR) devices for the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO). These nodes provide sub-nanosecond synchronisation accuracy, which formerly required dedicated hard-aired timing systems, with the flexibility and modularity of real-time Ethernet systems.
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 8 REGULAR SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, DESIGN The TW7972XF surface mount Accutenna antenna has a metal base and robust IP67 military-grade radome. Attachment methods include screws, adhesive tape, and magnetic mount. Many options are available for the cabling and antenna connectors. Worldwide, the radio frequency spectrum has become congested as new LTE bands have been activated, and their signals or harmonic frequencies can affect GNSS antennas and receivers. In North America, the planned Ligado service, which will broadcast in the frequency range of 1526 to 1536 MHz, can affect GNSS antennas that receive space-based L-band correction service signals (1539–1559 MHz). New LTE signals in Europe (Band 32: 1452-1496 MHz) and Japan (Bands 11 and 21: 1476–1511 MHz) have also affected GNSS signals. Lastly, the Inmarsat satellite communication uplink (1626,5 – 1660,5 MHz) commonly used on maritime vessels can also affect nearby GNSS antennas. Tallysman’s custom XF filtering has been tested to mitigate new and existing LTE signals, enabling the XF antennas to produce clean and pure GNSS radio frequency data. For more information contact RF Design, +27 21 555 8400, [email protected], www.rfdesign.co.za eXtended Filtering added to GNSS precision antenna SynQor has announced the new rugged, 270 V DC input, high power, compact, military grade inverter (MINV-4000-1U-270). The new 4000 W 115/230 V AC output inverter combines a low mass with an easy-to-use design for military, airborne, naval, and mobile high-reliability applications, being designed to withstand extreme electrical, shock, vibration, and environmental conditions. The inverter draws power from a standard 270 V DC power supply and delivers a fully isolated, well-conditioned, pure-sinusoidal AC output. Compliant with a wide range of military standards, this inverter is designed for applications where output power, space, weight, and reliability in harsh environments are a major concern. The MINV inverter is also flexible and supports parallel and N+M redundant configurations of up to 32 units for high power Compact mil-grade 4 kW inverter MikroElektronika has expanded its range of wireless connectivity Click boards with the IrDA 4 Click, a compact add-on board that provides a cost-effective solution for sending and receiving IR serial data. This board features the TFBS4650, an infrared transceiver from Vishay Semiconductors, which includes a PIN photodiode, an infrared emitter, and a low-power integral circuit to comply with the IrDA physical layer specification. IrDA 4 Click Cost-effective solution for IR serial data Tallysman Wireless announced that it has added eXtended Filtering (XF) to the TW7972XF (triple-band + L-Band) precision GNSS antenna. Tallysman’s TW7972XF antenna supports GPS/QZSS (L1/L2/L5), GLONASS (G1/G2/G3), Galileo (E1/E5a/E5b), BeiDou (B1/B2a/B2b), NavIC L5, and L-Band correction services. and/or high-reliability requirements. Multiple MINV units can be arranged to deliver complex multi-phase power schemes like three-phase and split-phase (doubling line-to-line output voltage and total output power). The new MINV-4000-1U-270 has an SNMP Ethernet base module that allows configuration via a user-friendly web interface and real-time remote monitoring. Other options include the wide range of AC output characteristics (115 or 230 Vrms at 50, 60 or 400 Hz); a floating ground option for aerospace and naval applications; and an electronic AC output breaker that allows users to build fault-tolerant, dependable, redundant, high-output power solutions. For more information contact RFiber Solutions, +27 12 667 5212, [email protected], www.rfibersolutions.com also includes an MCP2120 infrared encoder/ decoder from Microchip, that sends and receives IR serial data between the infrared transceiver module and the host MCU. Click boards follow a modular prototyping add-on board standard invented by MIKROE, which revolutionises the way users add new functionalities to development boards. Click boards enable design engineers to change peripherals easily, cutting months off development time. The mikroBUS socket standard enables any Click board to be instantly connected to the microcontroller or microprocessor on a main board. Many leading microcontroller companies including Microchip, NXP, Infineon, Dialog, STM, Analog Devices, Renesas and Toshiba now include the mikroBUS socket on their development boards. IrDA 4 Click is supported by a mikroSDKcompliant library, which includes functions that simplify software development. This Click board comes as a fully tested product, ready to be used on a system equipped with the mikroBUS socket. For more information contact Dizzy Enterprises, +27 11 022 5323, [email protected], www.dizzy.co.za
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 9 REGULAR SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, DESIGN NXP’s LPC86x is a costeffective Arm Cortex-M0+ based 32-bit MCU family operating at a frequency of up to 60 MHz. The family of MCU’s support up to 64 KB of flash memory and up to 8 KB SRAM. These MCUs feature a power-optimised core, small footprint in popular packages and level shifting options thanks to its separate power rails. The peripheral complement of the LPC86x includes a CRC engine, I2C-bus interface, I3C-bus interface, up to three USARTs, two SPI interfaces, one multi-rate timer and a self-wake-up timer, one 12-bit ADC, one analogue comparator, function-configurable I/O ports through a switch matrix, and up to 54 general-purpose I/O pins. This device is fully supported by NXP’s MCUXpresso Software and Tools, a comprehensive and cohesive set of free software development tools for Kinetis, LPC and i.MX RT microcontrollers. MCUXpresso SDK also includes project files for Keil MDK and IAR EWARM. For more information contact EBV Electrolink, +27 21 402 1940, [email protected], www.ebv.com Low-cost MCU with Arm Cortex-M0+ cores The optical sensors bring lifelike situational awareness to applications like home automation, domestic appliances, computers, robots, and smart equipment used in stores and factories. Multi-zone distance sensor with 90° field of view “Our FlightSense technology inside Time-of-Flight multi-zone sensors enables sophisticated scene understanding with low demands on system power and processing,” said Alexandre Balmefrezol, executive vice president and general manager of the imaging sub-group within ST’s Analog, MEMS and Sensors Group. “Extending the field of view now gives users even greater flexibility while maintaining accuracy, resolution, and simplicity.” Unlike camera sensors, which are sometimes positioned for these tasks, Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors like ST’s new VL53L7CX do not capture images, and thus ensure full privacy for users. The VL53L7CX extends the field of view to an unprecedented 90° (diagonal) for enhanced peripheral sensing, almost equivalent to that of a camera. This enhances the performance of presence detection and system activation, such as activating a screen or waking an appliance like an oven or coffee machine. FlightSense multi-zone sensors enable powerful capabilities like 3D scene mapping, and simultaneously measure distance to multiple objects in multiple zones. The multi-zone capability and the motion indicator also allow use in applications like people detection and tracking, over-shoulder warning, occupancy detection, and storage/parking management. For more information contact Avnet Silica, [email protected], www.avnet.com/wps/portal/silica STMicroelectronics has revealed a new FlightSense multi-zone distance sensor with 90° field of view, 33% larger than the previous generation.
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 10 REGULAR SYSTEMS, COMPONENTS, DESIGN The CC660D-LS module offers versatile connectivity options, including L-band, S-band, and Band 23 connections. In addition, the module supports 3GPP Release 17 IoT non-terrestrial network (IoT-NTN) connections. The CC660D-LS module supports two-way communication. It facilitates not only data transmission but also SMS SOS functionality, allowing emergency notifications when needed. Additionally, the module supports IP and Non-IP service networks, ensuring enhanced connectivity and service availability. The module has low power consumption figures through the implementation of various power-saving modes. These modes include discontinuous reception (DRX), extended DRX (eDRX), and power-saving mode (PSM), enabling efficient energy management. Measuring 17,7 x 15,8 x 2,0 mm, the CC660D-LS features Quectel Enhanced AT Enhanced satellite communication module The LSM6DSV16X enables processes in edge computing, leveraging embedded dedicated features such as a finite state machine (FSM) for configurable motion tracking and a machine learning core (MLC) for context awareness with exportable AI features for IoT applications. The LSM6DSV16X supports the adaptive self-configuration feature, which allows the FSM to automatically reconfigure the device in real time, based on the detection of a specific motion pattern or based on the output of a specific decision tree configured in the MLC, without any intervention from the host processor. The LSM6DSV16X embeds a Qvar sensor for user interface functions like tap, double tap, long press, or left-right/right-left swiping. For more information contact Altron Arrow, +27 11 923 9600, [email protected], www.altronarrow.com Six-axis IMU with Qvar sensing channel The MADL-011100 from Macom is a lead-free wideband surface-mount limiter that integrates multiple limiter stages and blocking capacitors into a compact laminate package. This device provides superior low and high signal performance from 2 to 20 GHz without DC bias. It exhibits peak power operation of 58 dBm at 13 GHz, and has an insertion loss of 1 dB at 12 GHz. The passive device is housed in a lead-free 8,8 x 5 x 1,5 mm package, and no DC bias is required for operation. The MADL-011100 is ideally suited to high peak power receiver-protector microwave circuit applications where higher performance surface-mount limiter assemblies are required. For more information contact RFiber Solutions, +27 12 667 5212, [email protected], www.rfibersolutions.com 2 to 20 GHz surface-mount limiter Commands, supports SIM/eSIM and offers embedded Internet service protocols, enabling low latency satellite connectivity via UART communication interface. The module can be effectively utilised across various industries, particularly those that traditionally struggle to maintain connectivity due to remote locations such as mining, smart grids, and oil and gas pipeline monitoring. It is also well-suited for applications in the transportation sector, in smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, and heavy equipment monitoring. The module also has valuable applications in the maritime sector, including vessel connection and maritime buoys. For more information contact Quectel Wireless Solutions, +27 82 653 7458, [email protected], www.quectel.com The LSM6DSV16X from STMicroelectronics is a high-performance, low-power six-axis IMU, featuring a three-axis digital accelerometer and a three-axis digital gyroscope. The system offers the best IMU sensor with a triple-channel architecture for processing acceleration and angular rate data on three separate channels (user interface, OIS, and EIS), with dedicated configuration, processing, and filtering. Quectel Wireless Solutions has unveiled its latest innovation in satellite communications, the CC660D-LS module, designed specifically to ensure comprehensive global coverage for seamless connectivity.
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 11 TELECOMMUNICATIONS, WIRELESS, IoT, RF & MICROWAVE FEATURE The YRM20DL is a premium, high-efficiency modular design that achieves improved actual and per-unit-area productivity, with a newly developed high-rigidity dual-lane conveyor, further reducing transport losses. The YRM20DL is built on the basic performance of the company’s flagship high-speed, high-accuracy, high-versatility, universal mounter YRM20. The YRM20DL supports a maximum PCB width of up to 330 mm, where the same width PCB is being conveyed at the front and rear while in dual-lane production mode. In the case of parallel mounting, the front and rear heads can operate without any interference up to a maximum PCB length of 380 mm, enabling high-efficiency mounting without loss. The basic performance of the unit has been further enhanced to achieve a productivity of up to 120 000 CPH, along with a higher-accuracy placement of ±15 µm (Cpk ≥ 1,0) through the revision of the layout such as bringing the mounted components pick-up area and the mounting area closer together, optimising the main spindle motion control, and improving the rigidity of the conveyor. The RM head/HM head supports 0201 (0,25 x 0,125 mm) sized ultra-small chip component mounting and narrow adjacent mounting. The newly developed high-rigidity dual-lane conveyor supports a maximum PCB width of up to 330 mm, where the same width PCB is being conveyed at the front and rear while in dual-lane production mode. An ultra-high-speed rotary RM head that employs overdrive motion (mutual head insertion) allows the front and rear heads to operate without any interference up to a maximum PCB length of 380 mm, enabling highly efficient mounting without head standby loss. Modular dual-lane surface mounter In single-lane production, which uses only one of the two lanes, it is possible to transport PCBs up to a maximum length of 810 mm, a maximum width of 610 mm, a transportable weight of 3 kg, and a maximum PCB thickness of up to 6,5 mm. This new model is also compatible with a wide range of extra large sized PCBs, including for automotive products, industrial, medical, power devices, and LED lighting. For more information contact Truth Electronic Manufacturing, +27 31 822 8555, [email protected], www.truthelectronics.co.za The Aqua ROSE 4.0, from Austin American Technology, introduces a new era to batch cleaning/ionic contamination testing with the new 4th-generation Aqua ROSE Batch Cleaner. The Aqua ROSE 4.0 offers multiple cleaning and testing technologies previously not available in a compact footprint. In addition to aqueous and aqueous chemistry-based cleaning, the batch cleaner supports process temperature ranges from ambient to 80°C. An intuitive user interface allows the operator to select the type and duration of wash, number of rinse cycles, and duration of the forced-air dry cycle. Efficient coherent washing and rinsing is completed using three spray wands to enable a fast cycle time for wash, rinse, ROSE test, and dry. The Aqua ROSE 4.0 also features a heated holding tank to provide a high cleanliness standard, allowing customers to meet and surpass cleanliness requirements. Ideal for printed circuit boards, semiconductors, subassemblies and process tooling, the Aqua ROSE 4.0 brings flexible, unparalleled cleaning performance to the batch process. For more information contact Techmet, +27 11 824 1427, [email protected], www.techmet.co.za Batch cleaner with built in ROSE tester Yamaha Motor Europe Robotics SMT Section has announced a new YRM20DL surface mounter. ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING SERVICES & EQUIPMENT
Dataweek, 26 July 2023 www.dataweek.co.za 12 TELECOMMUNICATIONS, WIRELESS, IoT, RF & MICROWAVE FEATURE ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING SERVICES & EQUIPMENT Microtronix Manufacturing dates back to 1993 when it was established by CEO Michael Goodyer with his wife, Louise. With an initial staff complement of only seven, the primary focus of the business was electronics contract manufacturing. The company’s vision is to be recognised as the trusted leader in the provision of turnkey electronic contract manufacturing solutions in Africa, and this vision is driven by its cornerstone values: Respect for oneself, fellow team members, the company and customers. Honesty in all one’s interactions. Integrity and doing the right thing. Striving for excellence at all times. Teamwork and realising that a team is more valuable than the individual. From this small beginning, the company has successfully grown, and this growth necessitated the move to larger state-of-the-art Microtronix: 30 years of excellence “Built on the values of respect, honesty, integrity, excellence, and teamwork.” custom-built premises in Randburg in 2004. Although Microtronix still occupies these premises, further expansion saw another factory being opened in 2015, and the group now boasts a staff complement of almost 400 highly trained employees. Main focus Initially the main business of the company was the supply of populated PCBs for niche markets like cashless gaming and the vending industry. Microtronix has, however, grown its customer base and its fleet of machinery to become a major player in the SMT manufacturing industry in South Africa. The company now specialises in PCB assembly and turnkey manufacturing for the mining, military, automotive, communications, power, security and media sectors, and its full range of services include: • Turnkey electronic manufacturing. • High-volume runs with quick turnaround time. • Pre-production runs. • SMT and conventional assembly. • Component procurement. • Testing. After the manufacturing process is completed, all boards are inspected using automated optical inspection (AOI) machines, and a rework area is positioned at this point in the assembly to correct any small defects that may be found. These manufactured boards are all barcoded so that each batch may be traced back to a specific production run for further analysis. All services offered by the company are overseen by the ISO 9001:2015 quality management standard. Recently, it has added solar manufacturing to its repertoire, and currently fabricates all products in the Insele Solar range which includes solar power management systems and inverters. Microtronix firmly believes that the company’s power lies in its staff, and is committed to a continual improvement programme for its staff, equipment and operating procedures. Recently, four staff members represented the company in the 2023 Skill Competition on Hand Soldering, and Phumzile Majola was proudly placed second in Africa. Outreach Giving back to the community is also close to the company’s heart, and it is part of several initiatives to install and maintain solar lighting systems in rural areas and communities. Together with MX-Tech, solar-powered solutions and training were recently supplied to an area without a stable supply. This community now has access to reliable lighting and device charging, which has made studying possible after dark, and has improved their quality of life. Its combination of equipment and skills makes Microtronix a world-class turnkey electronics contract manufacturer, and its ability to sell its products into First World markets is a true indication of the company’s world-class service. For more information contact Microtronix Manufacturing, +27 11 792 5322, [email protected], www.microtronix.co.za COMPANY PROFILE
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