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Thursday 14 March 2019
Advantest to feature latest IC test solutions, services enabling 5G technology at Semicon China
Leading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest Corporation will present more than a dozen of its newest, most advanced systems and services for the Chinese market at Semicon China 2019 on March 20-22 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC).Product DisplaysIn booth #4431 in Hall N4, Advantest will showcase its leading-edge test solutions through live product demonstrations and displays. These include the V93000 scalable platform, featuring the latest IC test solutions and services enabling AI technology; the FVI16 floating power VI source that extends the V93000 platform's capabilities to include testing of advanced ICs for automotive, industrial and power management IC (PMIC) applications; the B6700ES burn-in memory test system for laboratory environments, with burn-in boards that can be used in production test systems; the highly flexible T5830ES engineering station, whose Tester-per-Site design enables it to conduct testing across a wide range of flash memory devices used throughout mobile electronics; the EVA100 measurement system with a new HVI (high-voltage VI source and measurement) module that extends the platform's range to include high-power ICs for large-volume consumer applications; the T2000 platform for system-level testing; and the MMXHE and RECT550EX modules, which enable T2000 systems to more efficiently test devices used in the power trains of hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles. Advantest also will have a unique automotive display to help attendees visualize how and where the T2000 series of test systems is being applied to improve the performance and reliability of broader types of automotive electronics such as sensing, controlling, processing and power-related devices and modules.Additionally, digital graphic displays will showcase the TS9000 series of terahertz analysis systems for measuring IC mold thickness and the wiring quality of IC packages and printed circuit boards; the E3650 scanning electron microscope (SEM) for measuring critical dimensions (CD) of next-generation photomasks and the E5610 defect review SEM for photomasks; the F7000 e-beam lithography system for the 1X-nm technology node; the T6391 tester for display driver ICs (DDI); device interfaces including 300mm NAND probe cards and V93000 interface solutions for IoT ICs; the innovative CX1000P CloudTesting station and cloud-based solutions offering cost-effective, on-demand test solutions; and Advantest's array of field services to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) using AI technology.Advantest's exhibit also will include a presentation on the semiconductor system-level test business acquired from Astronics Corporation in February. More information About Advantest Corporation is available at www.advantest.com.
Tuesday 12 March 2019
Biwin 512GB UFS meets higher capacity requirements of mobile devices
Based on the demand for mobile phones and tablet PCs with ultra-large memories, China's embedded memory manufacturer, Biwin, has unveiled a UFS flash memory product with maximum capacity of 512GB.The UFS flash memory product of Biwin is in accordance with UFS2.1. The continuous read/write speed of this product can reach up to 872MB/s. The product is FBGA-packaged and its capacity can reach up to 512GB from 32GB. For the 512GB product, the size is 12.0×16.0×1.0mm, while for other specs, 11.5×13.0×1.0mm. It can meet the high performance and large capacity requirements of high-end smartphones and tablet PCs in the market, even with extra performance.Biwin deals in a variety of embedded memory products. In addition to UFS memory products, the latest specs such as LPDDR4 and LPDDR4X being other standard configurations for flagship devices are also in mass production and sales.As a leading enterprise in China's memory industry, relying on the powerful memory product development capability and various types of products, Biwin is able to meet almost all requirements of customers in the market. Biwin is powerful in developing multi-platform software/hardware products and experienced in developing platforms such as Qualcomm/Intel/Realtek/MediaTek/Spreadtrum since being carefully tested and accepted by the their suppliers.For more information about Biwin, please visit: www.biwin.com.cnInnovative memory professional choice
Tuesday 5 March 2019
STAr Technologies unveiled Taurus TS-8500 switch matrix mainframes
STAr Technologies, a leading supplier of semiconductor test equipment, formally unveiled Taurus TS-8500, the new switch matrix mainframe series specifically developed for device characterization test and process control. This TS-8500 matrix series significantly reduce time consumption and expenditure of semiconductor test and meet laboratory, engineering or mass production needs.STAr Taurus TS-8500 series is 4-slot switch matrix instrument that can be configured with low leakage modules that enables configuration from 10x12 to 10x48 channels. Other configurations include high voltage module up to 3000V and 4x6 RF module up to 40GHz. Furthermore, TS-8500 supports integration and flexible configuration to STAr' semiconductor test software products and equipment to provide customers cost-effective switch matrix solution with advantages of high performance and reliable test results."With the improvement of advanced semiconductor manufacture process and the requirement for device characterization test and analysis is in much demand. Meanwhile, to meet the trend of reducing test expenditures, suppliers must aggressively develop and design product correspond the test requirement and cost control. Undoubtedly, TS-8500 series is the ideal switch matrix solution," said Choon-Leong Lou, CEO of STAr Technologies.STAr Taurus TS-8500 is designed to solve existing problems on semiconductor test and measurement, such as the limits resulted from single function switch matrix and the reduction of efficiency and automatic capabilities. This series supports customers to flexibly select different types of matrix modules for different test applications. This further enhances the capability for single or multi-channel connections of different test need in one single switch mainframe and enable to meet customers' request for cost reduction and efficiency improvement.For more product information, please visit our website at www.STAr-Quest.comSTAr Taurus TS-8500 switch matrix mainframe
Monday 4 March 2019
MSI unveils GS75 Stealth with Nvidia GeForce RTX20 series graphics
How can innovation play a big role in gaming? With "The Game Just Got Real," MSI strives for remarkable innovation and a life-like gameplay experience for gamers worldwide. MSI has announced its new gaming laptops were launched with the latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 series graphics.Experience new gaming realism with Nvidia GeForce RTX seriesWith real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced gaming experience, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 20 series graphics pushes the boundaries of laptop graphics. This powerful graphics takes the gaming out the frame, enabling an experience of realism. Aside from the performance boost, the new GeForce RTX 20 series goes beyond the traditional rendering techniques to present better in-game lighting with detailed reflections, shadows, and shaders. To take full advantage of the new graphics, MSI has also enhanced its exclusive Cooler Boost design, effectively reducing operating temperatures.GS75 Stealth - World's 1st thin & light gaming laptop with GeForce RTX 2080 graphicsA roaring beast is living in this compact 4-sided thin bezel chassis. A direct descendent of the ultra-thin and ultra-light gaming laptop, the GS75 continues the legacy with more powerful performance in a sleek, trim body. Equipped with up to the latest GeForce RTX 2080 graphics, this beast offers stunningly realistic graphics in a surprisingly small 2.2 kg, 18.95 mm size, with dimensions up to 60% smaller than regular 17-inch laptops. In addition, the GS75 has an immersive 17.3-inch 144Hz IPS-level display, providing gamers a panoramic view of the playing field. The golden hinge accent and aluminum alloy add to both rigidity and aesthetics. Another impressive feature is the extra-large touchpad with a silky smooth glass surface, which highly improves responsiveness and pinpoint accuracy. With the 1st passive radiator design on laptop speakers, the GS75 is able to deliver stunning audio bass and "extra oomph", providing more powerful sound effects than ever in a small chassis.GS75 Stealth product overview: https://www.msi.com/Laptop/GS75-Stealth-8SXGS75 Stealth
Wednesday 27 February 2019
Biwin to unveil industrial-grade storage products and embedded chips at Embedded World 2019
Biwin will show customers a full range of storage solutions for mobile smart devices at the 2019 Embedded World conference, including eMMC, eMCP, nMCP, BGA SSD, SPI, LPDDR3/4/4X.It will also showcase a full range of PC embedded storage and memory solutions, the representative products being: 2.5-inch SSD, mSATA SSD, Half Slim SSD, M. 2 SSD, U. 2 SSD, DOM series, SO-DIMMs, UDIMMs, etc., BIWIN provides you with higher performance and more cost-effective embedded storage solutions from consumer grade to industrial grade, which is suitable for diversified storage product solutions and can help customers to seize the market.Innovative storage, professional choiceBiwin focuses on the development of storage technology applications and has rich experience in the application of FLASH products. It has two major hardware and software R&D bases in Shenzhen and Taiwan, and has mastered the latest technology and ensure that customers 'final product production is synchronized with the latest processes. Biwin has it's own complete IC package factory with international professional standards for packaging, testing, and production workshops. It can provide customers with "one-stop" customization services such as IC design, packaging, testing, and assembly. The full integrated upstream and downstream resources and full range of storage support services make Biwin 's products and services more cost-effective.Biwin adheres to its own advantages and is committed to provide high-quality storage products and services for the majority of system builders, brand vendors, industrial and consumer markets and also provide customers with a full range of storage application solutions including game entertainment, transportation, video monitoring, automation equipment, mobile phone, tablets, and Netcom products. BIWIN continuously optimizes the brand concept of "Bi-Win" and continuously explores the mode of storage cooperation with customers through brand licensing or agency, OEM, and investment cooperation. For example, Biwin and Hewlett-Packard have reached a strategic cooperation and gets HP's global brand license. Biwin is responsible for the global sales, manufacturing, brand operation and after-sales service of HP SSD, which has quickly created a strong high-end storage brand for HP.Biwin spread its business all over the world, spanning more than 50 countries and regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Africa. It also has multinational and regional offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Taiwan, the United States, and Europe. With a view to the future, Biwin will continue to innovate and customize best products and services as well as the "one-stop" solutions that are best suited to market needs.For more information, please visitGwww.biwin.com.cn/enBiwin at Embedded World 2019
Wednesday 27 February 2019
New Memxpro industrial SSDs with Micron durable 3D TLC
Memxpro, a leading DRAM module and SSD solution provider for defense, industrial, in-vehicle, and enterprise markets, announces the release of a new industrial TLC SSD series at the Embedded World 2019 tradeshow in Germany. The new 3D TLC SSD series includes PT30 (with DRAM) and ET30 (without DRAM), and use SMI controllers and Micron original industrial B17A 3D TLC flash with 10K P/E cycles and a 4-year warranty. In addition, the exhibition highlights Memxpro's latest high-speed U.2 PCIe and M.2 2280 PCIe PT33 series with industrial 3D TLC, huge-capacity 4TB SSDs, and wide temperature DDR4 2666 DRAM modules. There is also a live demo of their mSMART storage monitoring toolbox for information retrieval and device management.A new venture in industrial 3D TLC with 10K P/E cyclesMemxpro launched their new NVMe PCIe PT33 and SATA 3 PT30/ET30 SSDs paired with Micron's original 3D TLC with 10K endurance to meet the industrial demands of AIoT. The new product series provides comprehensive data protection and enhances the endurance and retention performance of 3D TLC NAND, delivering better durability for 3D TLC SSD products. They are the ideal choice for embedded applications, industrial equipment, and edge devices operating in challenging environments.A new era of industrial-grade multi-terabyte storageAs flash technology advances, high-capacity SSDs are becoming standard in industrial data applications. Plus with industry advancements, manufacturers are bringing new form factors and speeds to the market. Memxpro's high-capacity E231 series offers storage capacity of up to 4TB for its 2.5" SSD series, up to 1TB for its mSATA and Half Slim series, and CF cards of up to 256GB. This product family complies with JEDEC standards, combining eMMC flash arrays with proven quality and stability, 3,000 P/E cycles of MLC, original extended temperature (-25 degree C~+85 degree C) ICs, and additional industrial wide temperature support (-40 degree C~+85 degree C).Industrial high-speed DDR4 2666 hits the roadIn the era of high-speed memory and storage, DDR4 has become the new standard for industrial memory in 2019. Memxpro's high-speed DRAM DDR4-2666 modules comply with the JEDEC standard to achieve 2666 MHz without overclocking RAM. The original high-quality branded memory ICs and industrial spec design makes for a low operating voltage of 1.2 V for energy-conscious power consumption and thermal efficiency. Wide temperature memory modules (-40 degree C to +85 degree C) are ideal for applications that must ensure high performance and product stability in extreme climates or industrial environments.Click-to-use mSMART 4.0 powers intelligent storage monitoringEasy to use and intuitive, Memxpro mSMART 4.0 storage device monitoring software tool is available free for download. Enabling the predictive power of big data analytics, mSMART detects problems and provides alerts to reduce routine inspection tasks and operational costs. Integrated with an enterprise database, the system will record SSD status and store data logs to benefit big data analytics that help make better informed decisions.Visit Memxpro at booth No. 2-407, Hall 2, Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, Embedded World 2019New Memxpro 3D TLC SSD debuts at Embedded World 2019
Tuesday 26 February 2019
Preventive maintenance made easy with ITRI's smart Prognosis Monitoring System, enabling machines to speak for themselves
Rotating equipment including motors, pumps, air and other types of compressors, decelerators, and blowers definitely plays an essential role driving economic growth in a wide variety of industrial applications. Failure of or damage to such vital equipment can result in considerable financial loss.To prevent equipment failure from impacting production, factories that rely heavily on rotating equipment have long implemented measures such as having technicians conduct regular inspections or situating spare parts close to critical equipment for quick replacement when failure occurs. These measures are far from foolproof. For example, factory operators have no way of knowing machine conditions during operation unless an inspection is executed, resulting in frequent periods in the dark about machine conditions. In addition, when an unexpected interruption occurs on a continuous processing line, a complete run of material may have to be scrapped.In view of this, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) combines its own Prognosis Monitoring System (PMS) with sensors and computers (ADLINK MCM-100 machine condition monitoring systems) to form a complete system for machine health assessment, life prediction, and fault diagnosis. Fully supporting production equipment in semiconductor, optoelectronics, mechanics, petrochemical, steel, food processing, and other industries, ITRI's system can monitor and observe machine conditions at all times and issue warnings in the case of event, ensuring operations are sustained.Diagnosing problems while minimizing machine downtimeChun-Chieh Wang, ITRI's Manager for System Monitoring & Control Technology, points out the importance of rotating equipment as being the very heart of the manufacturing industry. Without effective assurances of equipment health, failures of critical components require operators to rely on experienced technicians with expertise and knowhow for troubleshooting chores. However, different technicians may have different opinions and identifying the problem can take some time, resulting in costly production downtime."Machines should be able to speak for themselves," said Wang. "All that's required is to simply install vibration sensors close to the equipment and PMS software on the MCM-100 device. The system can then collect and analyze sensor data in one shot, turning raw data into useful information. It can further send the results to the back-end supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. Factory operators need no longer depend on experienced technicians, with indicators on the PMS allowing them to stay on top of all machine conditions in real time. A yellow indicator constitutes a prediction of the device's remaining operating life, apprising operators of deteriorating equipment health and prompting preventive maintenance if necessary. A red indicator light directs the PMS to perform fault diagnostics via characteristics check to identify failed parts, and effect prompt repairs.As is known, rotating equipment can fail for a multitude of reasons, such as ball bearing misalignment, imbalance, bending and loosening, gear breakage and wear, and center offset. If speedy identification of the failure cause is available, the problem can be resolved immediately, saving tremendous amounts of time and cost over having to dismantle the entire system for inspection and repair.The MCM-100 consolidates data collection, analysis, and upload in a single systemAccording to Wang, in the past, practical application of ITRI's PMS solution as a complete system required integration with data acquisition (DAQ) modules, industrial PCs, and a variety of other components, a process requiring considerable time and effort. The system was also bulky with an imposing footprint. In 2017, however, ITRI was introduced to the ADLINK MCM-100, an all-in-one monitoring system with built-in DAQ module and computation processing unit. Upon evaluation, ITRI decided to base its PMS solution on the MCM-100 due to its multiple advantages, including minimal footprint, low cost, support for a wide variety of I/O interfaces and wireless communication modules, high reliability, 24-bit resolution and 128kS/s sampling rate. Moreover, as a Taiwan-based vendor, ADLINK is able to provide prompt technical support and customized development for the MCM-100.The rise of the Industry 4.0 standard has spurred widespread availability of preventive maintenance solutions considerably different from ITRI's PMS, emphasized Wang. For example, IoT products only collect data but have no analytical capability to perform health assessment, life prediction, and fault diagnostics. Artificial intelligence (AI) solutions lack domain knowhow and with no equipment failure patterns, can only analyze failure modes using their massive computation resources, like looking for a needle in a haystack. ITRI's PMS solution, on the other hand, provides in-depth knowledge of vibration data analytics, equipment prognosis, and failure characteristics specific to rotating machinery. Using simple neural networks to train models and then apply the model-based reasoning to quickly pinpoint problem causes, ITRI's PMS helps factory operators across virtually all manufacturing sectors troubleshoot much faster and effectively maximize machine uptime.
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
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