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Monday 25 February 2019
ThroughTek's LTE-M IP camera catches attention from telecom providers at MWC 2019
Two major tech events held annually during the first quarter are the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Mobile World Congress (MWC). ThroughTek started the year off showcasing the world's first 4G LTE-M network camera, a product developed through a collaboration with module maker, Sierra Wireless, and video solution provider, LOCT. Following CES in the United States, ThroughTek will be exhibiting at MWC in Spain starting on February 25 with the aim to attract telecom industry providers' looking for opportunities to collaborate.The device supports LTE-M standards for data transmission, using P2P connection and cloud platform services to transmit real-time videos without relying on Wi-Fi connection, enabling further expansion of video monitoring applications. It is expected to revolutionize a new wave of products in the security, connected car, smart industry, and smart agriculture industry.The emergence of the LTE-M camera means that low power wide area network (LPWAN) technology can be deployed beyond sensing devicesIn the past few years, telecom operators have invested in the construction of LPWAN IoT infrastructure. However, video surveillance devices have been constrained by high cost of modules and network bandwidth. The market has yet to offer a low-cost product with the ability to monitor and provide seamless transmission of videos in outdoor environments.LTE-M is a standard proposed by 3GPP to support machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Covering a wide area, LTE-M boasts low-power consumption and low latency at a low-cost. During the MWC in 2017, several telecom operators jointly announced their support for global LTE-M deployment. This year, ThroughTek will be exhibiting the world's first LTE-M IP camera, embedded with a chipset that enables video compression and processing to deliver low-latency video streaming with greater efficiency. The device is battery-powered, designed for low-power operation to extend its battery life. Furthermore, the device is not restricted to indoor environments as it meets the IP-65 rating requirement, which means it is both water and dust-proof, and can be complemented by a solar charging panel that is available for purchase.A wide range of devices will emerge as IoT applications continue to expand. The LTE-M camera is a video monitoring device advanced from a sensing device that can be support large-scale deployment and data transmission. The device is suitable for use in outdoor environments such as farms, fish farms, or remote areas, as it uses 4G connection to provide seamless live streaming videos. Additionally, the LTE-M camera can effectively help operators reduce the cost of network connectivity and power line construction. Moreover, its camera module can further expand video applications to other areas and forms, such as sporting camera, dashcam recorders, police camera systems, and more.Seamless integration of security devices and sensors with enhanced data streaming privacy and securityMore recently, smart home devices have gradually integrated into entire family systems. In the past, manufacturers would need to work with individual cloud platform and video analytics providers to integrate motion sensors, monitoring devices, and gateways to achieve remote control, monitoring, and automation through custom settings and more features. This type of collaboration leads to a significant increase in time and labor costs. ThroughTek, originally focused on providing wide bandwidth data transmission and video streaming solutions, has since changed course to provide narrowband data solutions to meet market demands. Another one of ThroughTek's main focus at this year's exhibition will be to demonstrate its latest narrow-band data transmission technology. With data security as a primary concern, ThroughTek uses a decentralized design for its solution, using end-to-end encryption to enhance privacy protection for users. It also supports IFTTT (short for IF This Then That) for automating tasks and smart voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa to enable users to easily manage their devices and create custom scenarios.ThroughTek will once again participate in the Taiwan Pavilion supported by the Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs at MWC's four-day event, showcasing its advanced video streaming technology along with a number of IoT applications and products. Come and visit us at our booth in Hall 5, #5A61.ThroughTek's LTE-M IP camera catches attention from telecom providers at MWC
Friday 22 February 2019
Advantest completes acquisition of semiconductor system level test business from Astronics Corporation
Leading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest Corporation has announced that it has closed its previously announced acquisition of the commercial Semiconductor System Level Test business (Test Systems) from Astronics Corporation. The terms of the transaction were renegotiated due to a recent change in business conditions related to the semiconductor industry and Test Systems business.The new terms include an upfront purchase price of US$100 million, plus an earn-out payment of up to US$35 million based on certain performance milestones. This compares to the previously announced US$185 million purchase price, plus an earn-out payment of up to US$30 million based on certain performance milestones.Test Systems is highly complementary to Advantest's existing suite of leading-edge automated test equipment (ATE) solutions and broadens Advantest's position in system level test, an increasingly critical test modality to large consumer electronics manufacturers. Regardless of the changes of Test Systems' near term business performance forecast affected by recent semiconductor industry business condition, we still believe that Test Systems business is strategically important and the expectation for the growth in mid-long term remains unchanged. The transaction further demonstrates the Company's commitment to expanding test and measurement solutions throughout the semiconductor value chain and represents an important milestone in Advantest's Objectives of Grand Design and the Company's Mid-Term Plan disclosed on April 26, 2018."We will be able to offer stronger solutions to our diversified customer base and continue to add significant customer value in an evolving semiconductor value chain by further enriching and expanding our suite of test and measurement solutions," said Yoshiaki Yoshida, Advantest president and CEO. "With this acquisition, Advantest will benefit greatly from Test Systems' technology development capabilities, technical talent and recent customer successes in this emerging segment of test. The acquisition will allow us to better and more timely respond to the growing needs of our semiconductor customers, and we believe Test Systems will benefit greatly from Advantest's global footprint, customer base and resources. We look forward to making significant advances in developing new solutions with Test Systems to deliver significant value to customers, employees and shareholders."Based in Irvine, California, Test Systems is now a fully owned subsidiary of Advantest's US subsidiary, Advantest America, Inc, and is now operating under a newly created entity, Advantest Test Solutions, Inc.GCA Advisors, LLC is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Advantest. Stoel Rives LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom LLP are acting as Advantest's legal counsel. More information about Advantest Corporation is available at www.advantest.com.
Friday 22 February 2019
Indium Corporation launches new no-clean flux for reflow, hand soldering
Indium Corporation has released a new halogen-free, no-clean ROL0 flux specifically developed for PCB assembly hand soldering and rework applications.TACFlux 020B-RC passes SIR testing in the unreflowed state. Oftentimes during hand soldering and rework, the flux may not be heated properly due to spot heating methods, thus the flux is not adequately activated. TACFlux 020B-RC is designed to solve this problem and avoid reliability concerns such as dendritic growth over time.TACFlux 020B-RC joins Indium Corporation's versatile offering of specialty fluxes designed to provide solutions for current and evolving industry challenges. Benefits of TACFlux 020B-RC include:- Passes J-STD-004B SIR testing in the unreflowed state- Halogen-free per IEC 61249-2-21 test method EN14582- Outstanding wetting performance on difficult to solder metallizations- Designed for no-clean applications, but flux can be removed using a commercially-available flux-cleanerFor more information about TACFlux 020B-RC, visit https://www.indium.com/flux-and-epoxy/tacky-flux.Indium Corporation is a premier materials manufacturer and supplier to the global electronics, semiconductor, thin-film, and thermal management markets. Products include solders and fluxes; brazes; thermal interface materials; sputtering targets; indium, gallium, germanium, and tin metals and inorganic compounds; and NanoFoil. Founded in 1934, the company has global technical support and factories located in China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the USA.For more information about Indium Corporation, visit www.indium.com.Indium launches new no-clean flux for reflow, hand soldering
Thursday 21 February 2019
Clientron to exhibit latest embedded computing solutions at Embedded World 2019
Clientron Corp, a world-leading supplier of thin client and embedded systems, will present its embedded computing solutions for smart parking, food industry and factory automation solutions at Embedded World 2019, taking place at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg (No. 2-645, Hall 2) from Feb 26 to 28, 2019.Clientron will demonstrate industrial embedded solutions at the event:- 3.5" Single Board Computer (Saber-AL-3500) - equipped with Intel Atom E39xx processor family, offering triple displays and three RS-232/422/485 COM ports for easy automation system integration.- Fanless Embedded System (IT900) - powered by high performance Intel Core i processors and featuring the flexible e-Door concept for I/O expansion options to fulfill customized demands.- Fanless Embedded Box PC (Mace-AL-200) - DIN rail design supporting rich I/O ports, wide temperature and wide voltage for various industrial applications.- Industrial Panel PC (Pike-AL-1500SP) - 15" panel PC with fully IP65/IP69K rated protection, fanless & stainless steel enclosure design for the most demanding industrial applications such as food and beverage industries.- Industrial Panel PC (Pike-AL-1700SP) - 17" panel PC with IP65 front panel protection, fanless and robust aluminum/SGCC enclosure design for critical environment.The advantages of Clientron's embedded computing systems are designed for high quality, durability, flexibility and maximum compatibility to facilitate the business transformation towards IIoT solutions. To know more about its custom design, manufacturing capabilities and services, please visit Clientron at booth No. 2-645, Hall 2, Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, Embedded World 2019 or visit its website: www.clientron.com.Clientron at Embedded World 2019
Wednesday 20 February 2019
ECS to unveil AI built-in products for IoV and smart living at MWC 2019
Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), a motherboards, mini PCs, notebooks, mobile devices, IoT, IoV and smart solutions provider, will make its debut of Mobile World Congress 2019, the world's largest exhibition for the mobile industry in Barcelona, Spain from February 25-28 (Booth no. 1A22). ECS will showcase its latest AI applications and IoV solutions for smart living and transportation.AI virtual assistant productsHeading toward AI smart living, ECS will present the new series of AI Virtual Assistant Products across multiple platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistance or Windows Cortana to help people accomplish daily tasks, entertainment, home devices control and more via simple voice control.ECS Whirlwind is an AI built-in device combining a portable 10-inch display and a 2.1 channel of sound dock with DTS sound certification to provide high quality sound for audio and video. The portable 10-inch display of Whirlwind is designed with intuitive interface for people to easily manage and monitor many home devices such as thermostats, door locks and lights. ECS Sirocco is the battery-powered voice access point to wirelessly extend voice in entire house. Connecting with ECS Whirlwind or Cortana-enabled PC, Sirocco will response to you soon wherever you are at home. ECS Bora is a portable Bluetooth speaker supporting Amazon Alexa voice control via mobile phone APP. For better sound experience, Bora is built in the full range driver to deliver high quality of sounds. With high-efficient battery built-in, ECS Bora Bluetooth Speaker can keep working at least 12 hours without charging.New-featured LIVA mini PC launchedECS will showcase the complete LIVA Mini PC Family including mini-size Q series, cost-efficient X series, energy saving Z series, AI built-in M series and high-performance One series for different applications like home entertainment, smart office, retail, schools, digital signage and more. ECS will launch two featured mini PCs, the world's first Amazon Alexa built-in Mini PC and SF110-A320 Mini PC with AMD RYZEN platform. Moreover, LIVA M520, the new generation of LIVA PC with Intel AI engine built-in, features low power consumption design, 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity, RS232 headers extension to provide the powerful live-streaming analytics solution through real-time artificial intelligence.New series of 2-in-1 mobile devicesECS has announced a sturdy 2-in-1 Windows tablet, TH10GM2 which supports a 10-inch FHD display, backed up by a Celeron N4000 Gemini Lake CPU, 4GB of RAM, and a 32GB eMMC storage. It does have a microSD slot with a 32GB card supported to augment that storage capacity. Its variety of optional features are designed to facilitate mobile working, TH10GM2 includes connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 4G, fingerprint sensor and data retrieval via embedded NFC scanner.TH10GM2 is performed IP54 certified, 76cm drop resistance in accordance with Military Standard. Its robust durability and resistance to conditions is ideal for use in field applications from warehouse, logistics, retail to hospitality.Smart IoV solutions for the future of drivingECS devoted to develop Smart IoV Solutions in automobile energy saving, intelligent connectivity and high-speed integration system including Smart Cockpit, connected mobility, ADAS Peripheral to provide a complete smart automotive electronic system for the future of transportation.Designed with 40 Amp and 80 Amp options for simplicity and scalability, LIVA Smart AC Charger can be deployed as a standalone unit or in a cluster of many chargers sharing the same power source with intelligent load management. LIVA Smart AC Charger features plug-n-Charge, automatic and secure payment via multiple methods, Optimized load management for parking lot, fleet charging, and energy mix optimization to maximize the use of renewable energy sources and storage.ECS Smart Cockpit Solution integrates the advanced technologies and driver oriented human machine interface to create a seamless connection between human, vehicle and the road. ECS will also present our latest Smart Parking system, with 360 degree camera and ADAS peripheral products, which combine with ECS blind area detection system to create a safer environment. ECS Smart IoV Solutions will build the best connected mobility terminal products which suitable for automobiles in the era of the connected vehicle and providing the best platform for the entire telematics era. More information about ECS, please visit www.ecs.com.tw.ECS at MWC 2019
Tuesday 19 February 2019
The treasures of southern Taitung County
The southern reaches of Taitung County on the East Coast is a region of high-mountain backdrops, flatlands carpeted with paddy fields, Pacific Ocean views, palm trees, and gently curving highways that are much quieter than those in the island's more heavily populated areas. Here you can experience the cultures of indigenous peoples (including a visit to harvest festival celebrations, indigenous singing and dancing, an educational forest walk on a "sacred" mountain, and feasting on native cuisine), cycling through farmers' fields, the local live-music scene, surfing, distinctive arts and crafts, hot-air balloon flights and much more.Taitung CitySmall Taitung City is the county's only city and its main transportation hub (rail service, domestic air service, intersection point for the region's two major highways, and launch point for ferries to Green Island and Orchid Island). It is also the starting point for this Travel in Taiwan expedition.Its alluring natural surroundings and unique blend of laid-back people, who primarily come from Han Chinese groups and the various regional native peoples, have led to comparisons with multiracial Hawaii. One in five denizens is a member of one of Taiwan's indigenous Austronesian tribes.Taitung's wonderful National Museum of Prehistory was built to showcase important local archeological finds. You can visit a protected section of the actual digs nearby, at the Beinan Cultural Park. The museum is one of Taiwan's premier locations to learn about the ways and means of the island's original peoples, from prehistoric into historic times. Highlights include a mock-up of a dig site that you descend into along glass-floor walkways, dioramas depicting prehistoric life, and a full-scale oceangoing canoe specially created by Orchid Island's Yami tribe (also called the Tao) for the museum.At the Seashore Park enjoy superlative views to the ocean horizon and southward along the mountain-backed coast, as well as a quiet spell in the Paposogan. This is a spacious rattan-domed viewing platform that is a fine place to take in the sun's daily rise and stage romantic photos as it sets.North of the city along the coastTraveling north of Taitung City along Provincial Highway 11, you'll soon arrive at Xiaoyeliu. This is a natural scenic area right on the coast where land meets ocean. Along the shore are extensive rock formations – honeycomb rock, mushroom rock, tofu rock, and cuestas. There is a visitor center with well-crafted scale models and rock samples introducing the geological features of both Xiaoyeliu and the Coastal Mountain Range, which runs along the coast from just north of Taitung City to just south of Hualien City.Jialulan is a seaside art park that is also an eco-engineering showcase. It's on a remediated waste-soil site created during construction of the adjoining air-force base. Artworks are spread out over the expansive grassland. Most are made of wood, notably driftwood, a favorite material with Taitung artists. Photographers love to take shots of the art pieces with Green Island in the background, the blue of the ocean and the green of the island creating a compelling contrast. The island, though about 33km from the mainland coast, is seen clearly on blue-sky days.Small Jiamuzi Bay is a place of stunning archetypal tropical scenery where the mountainside slopes dramatically right down to the surf. Coconut trees line the narrow beach, and the coral reefs just offshore pop into and out of sight as frothy waves arrive.The Water Running Upward attraction is just south of the village of Dulan. This is a long, narrow irrigation channel that runs the mountainside. Tourists view it in a small park just off the coastal highway. The gurgling waters do indeed seem to defy gravity and run uphill, the slope's tilt juxtaposed against that of the nearby road tricking the eye.Dulan village has established a reputation as a little bohemian paradise in the last decade or so. It is one of the East Coast's largest Amis-tribe settlements and attracts many artists and surfing enthusiasts from the "outside world." Locals say this means anywhere beyond the high central mountains that keep the East Coast so quiet, limiting the number of tourists.The coastal highway does double-duty as the main drag, home to a growing collection of small bars, cafés, eateries, and shops that cater to the surfer/artist crowd. Taiwan's biggest surfing event, the Taiwan Open of Surfing, is staged not far to the north, at Jinzun Fishing Harbor. It attracts top-tier talent from around the globe.The sprawling, big-shouldered old Dulan Sugar Factory, at Dulan's southern end, no longer makes sugar. This protected heritage complex is today a creative oasis for local and expatriate artists and craftspeople. There are artist workshops, a cultural-creative boutique, a café, a craft brewery, Taiwanese and Japanese restaurants, a snack-food kiosk, a driftwood stage, and other attractions. The big action happens Saturday night, with free live-music sessions featuring both local (indigenous and Han Chinese) and expatriate talent.The Amis people, Taiwan's largest tribe, are spread throughout Hualien and Taitung counties on the East Coast. Each year villages stage Amis Harvest Festival celebrations in mid/late summer, and Dulan's are among the most elaborate, spanning three days. Taiwan's tribal peoples have been inviting tourists to these gatherings only since the early 2000s. Visitors to Dulan are welcome on the first two days, but the proceedings are more solemn, and photography is discouraged. It is the third day that draws the big crowds, with photography welcome. The colorful three-hour extravaganza kicks off with a grand march into the village recreational ground by members in full traditional regalia, followed by exuberant ritual singing and dancing. The street in front is lined with snack stands, a number selling tribal treats.North of the city up the East Rift ValleyLuanshan is a Bunun-tribe village perched on the lower slopes of Mt. Dulan, a peak in the Coastal Mountain Range's southern reaches. It looks down over bluffs to the floor of the Beinan River, which flows out to sea at Taitung City, and looks across at the Luye Highland, venue for the annual Taiwan International Balloon Festival. Mt. Dulan is sacred to both the Bunun and the Amis; the west side is traditional Bunun land, and the east side, Dulan village at its base, is traditional Amis land.The Luanshan Bunun invite outsiders on guided ecology/culture experience tours (a fee is charged) on their lands, referred to as an "open-air forest museum." Travel in Taiwan chose the forest walk with traditional Bunun feast (9am~2pm; if no feast, the activity ends at noon). On the walk, our guide, dressed in traditional warrior garb, explained the local tribal history, medicinal, dye, and other useful plants, the village's ongoing forest-protection efforts, and much more. We also visited a magnificent sacred grove of giant banyan trees, some 1,000-plus years young. Before sitting down to what was truly a chief's feast we were regaled with songs of greeting, plus harvest, hunting, and courting songs, and given an archery lesson using traditional-style bows.The East Rift Valley's flat terrain and painting-like scenery makes it a popular leisure-cycling destination, with many routes to choose from. Two of the most popular are at the towns of Chishang and Guanshan, located close to each other. The long loop routes, almost entirely free of vehicle traffic, bring you into picturesque paddy-field tapestries interlaced with networks of gurgling-water irrigation channels, and to many sites of historical and/or cultural interest. There are numerous bike-rental outlets around the starting points, located at the edge of each respective town. Most biking needs will be satisfied, up to pedal bikes for four people and e-carts for six.Just outside of Chishang town, on the cycling loop, is one of the rift valley's most photographed roads, Bolang Dadao ("Brown Avenue"), made famous in a Mr. Brown Coffee commercial and an EVA Air commercial starring Japanese-Taiwanese pop-idol heartthrob Takeshi Kaneshiro.The loop also takes you around small Dapo Lake, directly east/southeast of the town. "Chishang" literally means "on the lake." The tree-surrounded body of water is at the end of the suggested cycle route, and is a pleasant oasis at which to cool off after all your pedaling.This lake was over twice its present size in the 19th century. Early residents caught small fish and shrimp in this natural wetland, using them with the local rice to make tasty "Chishang rice dumplings" that were sold to passing travelers. Many of today's local biandang (see below) sellers include these treats in their offerings, though the fish and shrimp now come from elsewhere.You have two options for getting right out onto the lake, renting a pedal boat or a raft. With the rafts, which have sun-protection roofs, you do your own paddling. You're also provided with a long bamboo pole that will enable you to push the raft, gondolier-style, into the thick forest of lotus plants on the lake's east side. Dapo Lake was long used for lotus and water chestnut cultivation.Many Taiwanese swear that Chishang-area rice is Taiwan's best, and around the island you'll see signs above small eateries proclaiming Chishang Biandang. Biandang is the Mandarin Chinese rendering of the Japanese bento, or boxed lunch; the use of Chishang is a promise that Taiwan's best rice has been used as your boxed-lunch bed. Two main reasons are given for Chishang's rice quality: the pure, mineral-rich waters from the central mountains distributed by the local irrigation-channel system, and the region's superior soil, created via silting from two young mountain systems that have sprung up "fresh from the sea," in geological terms, on the east and west sides.Near the aforementioned bike-rental operations is the iconic Chishang Riceball Museum, which is in fact a restaurant-cum-museum. The old blue-painted railway cars outside the large two-story wood-façade facility make finding this spot a cinch. The museum/restaurant interior is stuffed with old-time farm-country memorabilia.Explanation for the passenger carriages parked out front: During Taiwan's period of Japanese rule, Chishang rice was sent to the Japanese emperor as tribute. Building on this quality, Chishang bento/biandang were developed, which were sold from the local train-station platform to passengers on passing trains - a practice followed around the island. Chishang biandang is the specialty at Chishang Riceball Museum, and the carriages are "outdoor" dining spaces. Each biandang typically contains, at a minimum, a chicken leg (or pork cutlet or fish), a sausage, a soy-stewed egg and beancurd, pickled cabbage, and rice.Explanation for "riceball" in the museum name: In days past, people would often bring what was called a "riceball" to work for lunch. This was rice, stuffed with such goodies as meat chunks and pickled vegetables, that was usually wrapped in a banana leaf.Getting to/around TaitungThere are numerous daily Taipei-Taitung flights (45 minutes one way), and regular rail service to/from Taipei, the fastest trains taking just 3.5 hours. Quality car-rental chain outlets are located outside the Taitung Railway Station, along with scooter-rental enterprises. For those not self-driving, note that the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle service will get you right to, or close to, almost all of the places we've introduced.Bolang DadaoDapo LakeTiehua Music VillageDulan villageJialulan
Friday 15 February 2019
Ultra-small eMMC of Biwin for more ingenious electronic products
China's well-known embedded memory manufacturer - Biwin - has developed its 8x8x0.9mm eMMC for products such as smart wristband, smartwatch, cochlea player and earphone according to the requirement of the market and customers.Ultra-small eMMC in the worldThis eMMC is the smallest product unveiled by Biwin at present, which consists of two categories, i.e. eMMC 5.0/5.1. The capacity can reach up to 32GB from 4GB and the operating voltage is 3.3v. It is a great choice for those space- / power-saving products.Various types of embedded memory products of eMMC and eMCP produced by Biwin have been widely used for platforms including Qualcomm, Intel, MTK, Spreadtrum, Broadcomm, Amlogic, Rockchip, Hisilicon and mStar etc. and have passed careful testing by suppliers of these platforms. So far, over 1,000 customers are using products of Biwin.Relying on the powerful memory product development capability and various types of products, Biwin is able to satisfy almost all requirements of customers in the market. Biwin, in addition to various standard eMMC and eMCP products, can provide customized services for customers with special requirements.Ultra-small eMMC in the worldUltra-small eMMC of Biwin
Thursday 14 February 2019
Good Tech Instruments' dry pump monitoring solution takes risk out of semiconductor manufacturing
The fabrication of semiconductor devices comprises a sequence of processing steps including etching, lithography, diffusion and thin film. How to ensure all process equipment is in tip-top shape is critical to semiconductor manufacturing.For example, if the dry pump of the low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) system or ion implanter used in the diffusion process provides not enough vacuum or even fails, causing back pressure pushing air and excessive particles into the chamber, the entire lot of wafer could go to waste. As to the thin film and etching processes, inadequate vacuum could also result in electrical anomaly or wafer defect, incurring tremendous loss to manufacturers. However, it may be challenging to prevent problems of inadequate vacuum or pump failure.LPCVD systems and ion implanters operate under high vacuum conditions created by dry pumps, consisting of rotor motors and Roots vacuum pumps. In general, monitoring systems provided by dry pump suppliers only keep track of conditions including pressure, flow, temperature and electrical current but not vibration, so users do not have access to complete information and thus have difficulty predicting failure. Specializing in vibration measurement, Good Tech Instruments has introduced a dry pump monitoring solution in 2018 to help semiconductor manufacturers eliminate problems that have long been troubling them.Wen-Tze Hsu, technology manager, Good Tech Instruments, notes that users expect two things from their dry pumps. One is the ability to predict failure and prevent downtime. The other is reliable data proving that good pumps can maintain long lifetime, which translates to reduction in maintenance costs. Even in the case that the pump is returned to the vendor for service, there must be guarantee that the serviced equipment is compliant with maintenance requirements.Users demand precise estimation of equipment lifetime to bring down operation and maintenance costsHsu explains in more detail that users are accustomed to assessing machine health by monitoring electrical current, which is a lagging indicator, meaning when the current gets too high, the machine could shut down any time. The approach is too risky and does not comply with the principles of predictive maintenance. Hsu also speaks about the estimation of equipment lifetime, which is generally done based on statistical data and people's experiences. When a dry pump has been operating for a predetermined number of hours, it will be sent back to the vendor for service regardless of its condition. The user may incur unnecessary costs by sending a perfectly good pump for maintenance. Furthermore, the serviced pump returned from the vendor generally goes through an acceptance check based only on electrical current. Such a practice can hardly guarantee third-party maintenance quality, likely to increase the risk of shortened lifetime.To address these problems, Good Tech Instruments has developed software programs and algorithms, implementing assessments based on ISO 10816 specifications on vibrations of rotodynamic machines, broadband value management and spectrum overall value (SOV) management and transforming complex signals into intuitive pump health indicators for easy viewing. They can effectively complement traditional monitoring systems. Even if the user does not have Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum for energy analysis, Good Tech Instruments' solution can still provide some insights.Good Tech Instruments' monitoring solution supports assessments in accordance with the vibration limits defined in ISO 10816 for Category I pumps. It can show physical vibrations under certain bandwidths according to different machine types so that users can instantly know if their dry pump is in a good, normal, warning or dangerous condition. It also supports assessments based on the less-noticed type II variations, meeting the trend of quick and nimble management.MCM-100 computes frequency spectrum with fine resolution, helping capture minor signs of defectSOA is a summary of frequency spectrum analyses that combines measurements of misalignment, dynamic unbalance, axial bending, mechanical loosening and rotary friction – the five major indicators of abnormal vibration – and presents them in easy-to-understand numbers for users to stay on top of machine conditions without hassle. Moreover, Good Tech Instruments' solution additionally monitors pitting corrosion (broadband high-frequency vibration) and powder turbulence (low-frequency vibration) that conventional vibration monitoring solutions cannot capture, thereby minimizing the false alarm rate.Hsu sheds light on how Good Tech Instruments is able to deliver high quality monitoring with such refined precision. The secret is ADLINK's MCM-100, which is the foundation of Good Tech Instruments' monitoring solution. Featuring a compact form factor enabling quick and easy installation, built-in data acquisition (DAQ) card, high-performance processor offering computation power, multiple ready-to-use driver programs, IEPE/ICP sensors as well as interface ports including USB, COM, Ethernet and 4G, MCM-100's all-in-one design significantly simplifies system integration efforts for Good Tech Instruments.With four input channels, MCM-100 can monitor four axes at the same time. It is particularly noteworthy that MCM-100 features high 24-bit resolution and captures high-frequency signals at a very high 128kS/s, so it is capable of supporting a wider range of sensor inputs and performing more refined frequency spectrum analysis, compared to conventional 12-bit to 16-bit solutions and 20kS/s sampling rate. Coupled with Good Tech Instruments' mathematical modeling working behind the scene, the collaborated solution delivers outstanding vibration analysis with the results displayed in intuitive and user-friendly visual presentation. Users can thereby assess the health condition of their dry pumps and optimize equipment lifetime based on data management. Furthermore, they will be able to conduct predictive maintenance at reasonable costs, effectively evaluate the quality of third-party maintenance and most importantly, significantly lower the risk of unexpected downtime.
Friday 1 February 2019
Mavin Air-X true wireless earbuds with stable 100-foot connection
Mavin's Air-X Truewireless earbuds are powered by Qualcomm QCC3026 SoC. At 2019 CES LV Showcase, Air-X demonstrated an improvement of signal distance to a connection range of 100 feet.Air-X transmits high quality audio signal and enables low power consumption. TWS products in the market generally can only last 3-5 hours of playtime, compared to Air-X's 10 hours in one single standalone charge.Air-X received a 2019 Visual Grand Prix (VGP) award n Japan, recognized for its practicality and high audio quality that Mavin enables by integrating the pattern antenna design with QCC 3026 SoC to raise the stability and clarity of audio while reducing power consumption without sacrificing high-quality audio output. It can also combine with Qualcomm Snapdragon 855/845 for additional low latency performance when using Qualcomm True Wireless Stereo Plus Technology.Mavin is planning to release a Lite version of Air-X that adopts QCC3020 SoC in second-quarter 2018 to meet the needs of different markets. Mavin also plans to release an ANC version of Air-X series named Air-ANC in mid to late 2019. Air-ANC is going to be powered by Qualcomm QCC5121 low power SoC designed with High ANC effect of feedforward ANC and dual Mic ENC technology."We are pleased to have worked so closely with Mavin to help them integrate our latest low-power Bluetooth audio SoC into their Air-X earbuds," said Anthony Murray, senior vice president and general manager, Qualcomm Technologies International. "This breakthrough platform combines Qualcomm TrueWireless Stereo, Qualcomm aptX audio and Qualcomm cVc noise reduction technology to help meet increasing consumer demand for superior audio quality, while also supporting significantly extended battery life and playback time."For more information about Mavin, please visit www.mavinlife.com.Mavin Air-X earbudsLite model of Air-X series
Tuesday 29 January 2019
MSI debuts PS63 Modern
MSI has collaborated with Discovery Channel to complement the exploratory courage. Unveiled during CES 2019 in Las Vegas, the PS63 Modern has caught lots of attention with its streamlined, portable design and powerful performance. Tailored for the business elites and content creators, this compact yet powerful creation gives users the freedom to take an idea outdoors and discover the new realm of creativity.Carry the spirit of Discovery"When cutting-edge technology meets an exploratory spirit, a great creation is born," says Derek Chen, MSI NB Marketing Leader. The PS63 represents boundless exploration, inspiration, and creativity. Under the shared values of exploratory minds and creative powers, MSI has collaborated with Discovery Channel, the global leader in inspirational and creative contents.The year 2019 also marks over half a century since the first space travel. In honor of the milestone and the partnership between MSI and Discovery Channel, consumers will receive commemorative gifts with each purchase.Mobile lifestyle is on airThe PS63 takes mobility to the next level. This 15.6-inch IPS-level display is crafted in a compact thin bezel chassis and features a featherweight design; at 1.65 kg and 15.9 mm, it fits perfectly into a brief case. Nowadays, all-day productivity becomes a must for mobile users; with up to 16 hours battery life and Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, this laptop not only provides day-long productivity, but is also able to support your phone charge unrestrainedly. Even when charging is required, the slim power adapter only takes up a fraction of the space and weight. In addition, it is Quiet Mark certified, ensuring a silent working environment by diminishing noise distractions. With mobile design in mind, the PS63 is easily carried wherever the inspiration goes.Professionalism with creative spiritThe Modern laptop turns creative ideas into realities with selected features. With up to the latest 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics, the creation shows its powerful performance on multitasking and graphic rendering. MSI exclusive Cooler Boost 3 can efficiently reduce operating temperature, making the laptop perform at its best without overheating. With the thin bezel display and drop-down hinge design, the PS63 is able to provide more screen real estate to maximize the visual experience. The extra-large touchpad offers responsive and accurate input with its silky smooth glass texture, while also supporting multi-finger gestures. A fingerprint sensor can also be found for added biometric security, keeping your work safe and secure. The carbon gray with unique blue diamond cut makes the laptop elegant and eye-catching. The PS63 is not only high-performance but also good-looking.Prestige series - essence of elitePrestige series, independent from the gaming lineup, is casted for content creators and new modern elites by offering sophisticated portable design and powerful performance. The PS63 Modern enriches the series with mature reflection and exploratory spirit.To provide more advanced technology for creators, MSI has also showcased the P65 Creator with 4K HDR panel, which delivers better contrast and more accurate, vibrant colors than ever before. A new proprietary software "Creator Center" has also been released for optimizing the system for a wide variety of creator software. With all system status at a glance, tuning performance and configuration no longer requires digging through complex Windows settings.Carry the spirit of DiscoveryPrestige series