Academic and policy leaders debate future of wearable technologies

Lack of regulation

One of the main findings of the paper is that the divide between "wellness" devices that encourage a healthy lifestyle (for example the Apple Watch or Fitbit) and medical devices are beginning to blur. A good example of this is that recent series of the Apple Watch have received medical approval to monitor atrial fibrillation - a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

However, there is currently a lack of regulation for wellness devices. One example of this is that no current legislation exists to stop companies from collecting data from each user, which can be used in targeted advertisements and product development. If future wearables can monitor more about us, then this lack of regulation could lead to more and more personal data being susceptible to misuse.

Panel discussion

In a joint event between IMSE and The Forum, representatives from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Information Commisioner's Office and researchers from Imperial discussed how clear guidance on wellness devices is needed now.

2022 predictions and trends in the electronics industry

2022 predictions show that OEMs, CM, EMS and engineering firms will increase their investment in market intelligence tools to track supply chain disruptions with shortages still affecting the supply chain.

As we move into 2022, many electronic components analysts expect the market to continue experiencing significant discrepancies between demand and supply.

As we move into 2022, many electronic components analysts expect the market to continue experiencing significant discrepancies between demand and supply.

Increased use of the online marketplace

The fierce competition and the lack of supplies directly from distributors have led buyers to turn to independent online marketplaces. OEMSecrets.com, an online marketplace has seen increased usage of its platform, especially the bill of materials tool which is used for searches of parts with low stock.

Automotive and datacentre components to be more expensive

Not only have automotive OEMs and EMS had trouble over the past year restocking their factories for continuous production, but analytical data from forecasting tools indicates that up to 20% price hikes for parts like MCU and power management ICs (PMICs) are expected in Q1 2022. The expected price increase on chips can be attributed to increased costs on raw materials as chipmakers struggle to obtain precious materials like silicon wafers, copper, and gold.

Working from home directives across the world calls for more data centres to be set up and therefore, demand for more MOSFETs, power management units and Wi-Fi components will increase to scale the production of equipment to facilitate smooth connectivity to the online workforce.

#power management ICs  #Wi-Fi components  #electronic components  #led buyers  

Semiconductor market projected to reach 1 trillion

Valued at over USD 400bn the global Semiconductor market is projected to reach 1 trillion in the next decade. However, the semiconductor industry cannot exist alone.

The semiconductor market is valued at over USD400bn and is projected to reach 1 trillion in the next decade.

However, the semiconductor industry cannot exist alone and needs material science, chemistry, machinery, optics, construction and other industries to support it. Multiple materials, equipment, tools, spare parts and services are involved in semiconductor production. For manufacturing substrates for chips there are needed ultra-pure materials, growing furnaces, slicing and polishing equipment and materials, inspection and measurement equipment, packaging materials etc.  

Each stage in semiconductor design and manufacturing is a challenge requiring specialized professional knowledge and in some cases unique technology and competence.

Companies with millions of products supporting hundreds of semiconductor manufacturers with their products or services. How do they find their customers or suppliers? Obviously, they have both an established network as well as a number of tools like exhibition and conference visiting, google search, professional contacts.

#semiconductor manufacturers #suppliers #semiconductor production #packaging materials

How sensors will enable IoT technology of the future

Sensors have now become pervasive across almost all market segments, from wearable devices which utilise them to monitor users’ movements and vital signs, to sensors attached to industrial machines for Condition Based Monitoring (CbM) to give early warning of wear or failure helping in the drive towards Industry 4.0.

The latest generation of MEMS sensors bring ever increasing levels of reliability and measurement accuracy enabling even deeper insight for the applications which employ them. As this more detailed sensor data increases, the need to process it effectively so it can be interpreted correctly becomes ever more important.

Devices with onboard sensors are now networked and connected to the IoT allowing the data they gather to be processed in the cloud and interpreted and acted on efficiently.  

To reduce some of the limitations associated with cloud processing, such as network availability and bandwidth, and to further maximise speed and efficiency some of this data processing can be carried out locally by ‘Edge’ computing devices. Edge computing helps to increase data privacy, reduce latency and lightens the load on the cloud servers and associated bandwidth.

These Edge devices can also employ Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning to further improve performance particularly for time-sensitive applications. For example, in a wearable device measuring a user’s vital signs, it is important to be able to provide a real-time interpretation of the sensor data, whereas in an air quality monitoring device some latency can be tolerated due to the intermittent sampling rates. However, there are also some disadvantages with Edge computing, it requires additional equipment in the form of hubs or router devices to be installed locally further adding cost and complexity.

#Condition Based Monitoring #Artificial Intelligence #onboard sensors #Edge computing #Machine Learning #Digital Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd.

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We are an Electronic components supplier in India and supplying around 300 oem’s in India and in Asia pacific. Company established in 2006.

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Semiconductor Industry Continues to Thrive

According to a recent report from Gartner, global semiconductor sales jumped 25.1% in 2021 to $583.5 billion, crossing the $500 billion mark for the first time. Total revenues climbed $42.1 billion in 2021, accounting for 33.8% of overall semiconductor revenue growth.

DRAM had the strongest success within memory, with a revenue increase of 40.4% in 2021 to $92.5 billion. Strong demand from servers and PCs resulted in a DRAM shortage, resulting in double-digit ASPs for most of the year.

Microchip sales are also getting a push from soaring demand from the 5G smartphone market, with unit manufacturing more than doubling to 555 million in 2021, up from 250 million in 2020.

Moreover, the growing demand for the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and virtual reality has seen demand for microchips soar.

That said, the semiconductor shortage is far from over and is likely to continue almost throughout this year. This is only going to help the industry, given that the demand will continue.

According to a recent study by Deloitte, the global semiconductor industry is projected to grow 10% in 2022 to reach $600 billion for the first time.

Given the rising demand for semiconductors and continuing supply crunch, the semiconductor industry is only likely to benefit in the near term.

Extended Warranty Market (U.S., Brazil and India) Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2021-2030

Extended warranty or service contract is an insurance policy that replicates and extends the warranty period of consumer durable goods by a specified period. It covers the cost of replacement, repair, breaking down of the product, and undertakes other coverage as per terms specified in extended warranty plans.

Moreover, extended warranty can be offered by retailers, manufacturers, and other warranty administrators. As it is a prolonged warranty offered to consumers, in addition to standard warranty on new items, extended warranties cost extra based on percentage of the item's retail price.

Increase in awareness for extended warranty for brown goods such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets drive the market growth. Owing to the fact that many products have a costly price tag associated with them, consumers are often worried about safety of their electronic products post expiry of seller's warranty.

Therefore, provision of extended warranty also helps in rebuilding customer loyalty and thus increased awareness for extended warranty propels the market growth. However, owing to decline in sales of PCs since last few years, the coverage of extended warranty policy for PC units has reduced, which is therefore hampering the market growth.

Machine Learning Is To Become A Highly Preferred Course

The International Data Corporation (IDC) has predicted that by 2026, 60% of enterprises in India will combine human expertise with artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing and pattern recognition to augment foresight across the organization.

This will make workers 20% more productive and effective, the technology forecaster said in its FutureScapes 2022 report.

Further, 30% of organisations using Cloud services are expected to establish a dedicated FinOps function to automate optimisation of Cloud resources to maximize value.

The report, released on Tuesday, provides a five-year outlook on key emerging trends, such as IT, cloud, artificial intelligence and automation, future of digital infrastructure, future of trust, future of intelligence, data and content technologies, and corporate banking.

#corporate banking #Cloud services #emerging trends #future of digital infrastructure #semidigital

Vedanta, Foxconn to form JV to make semiconductors in India

Indian conglomerate Vedanta on Monday said it has signed a pact with electronics manufacturing services giant Foxconn to form a joint venture (JV) for manufacturing semiconductors in India.

Vedanta is the first company to make an announcement to invest in semiconductor manufacturing after the government announced a Rs 76,000 crore programme to boost the electronic chip and display ecosystem in the country.

This is also the second attempt of Vedanta to enter the semiconductor space after its earlier plans to set up a display unit with an investment of about Rs 60,000 crore could not take off.

“According to the MoU (memorandum of understanding) signed between the two companies, Vedanta will hold the majority equity in the JV, while Foxconn will be the minority shareholder,” a statement said.

It added that Vedanta chief Anil Agarwal will be the chairman of the joint venture.

The targeted project plans to invest in manufacturing semiconductors.

“It will provide a significant boost to domestic manufacturing of electronics in India. Discussions are currently ongoing with a few state governments to finalise the location of the plant,” the statement said.

The collaboration between Vedanta and Foxconn follows the government's recent policy announcement for electronics manufacturing and PLI scheme for incentivising organisations to contribute towards the development of this sector.

This will be the first joint venture in the electronics manufacturing space after the announcement of the policy,” the statement added.

#electronics manufacturing #semiconductors #Vedanta #Foxconn #joint venture #electronic chip #government

Not just manufacturing, electronics repair is a $20 billion opportunity, create 5 million jobs

India’s renewed thrust on local electronic manufacturing and its hunger for digitalisation is shaping the contours of another industrial sunrise. A sector which was hitherto untapped, a sector which has a stronger groundswell than even the software sector had in its infancy in India. This sector is the electronics repair sector.

Each year millions of electronic devices are being sold and purchased in India. From laptops, mobiles, tablets, to televisions, speakers and wearables, ..the list is getting longer and each one requires a repair and services support eco-system.

The scale itself is so huge that as per a study by Manufacturer’s Association of Information Technology (MAIT), the electronic repairs market is projected to generate revenues of $ 20 billion per annum in the next four years (from 2025 onwards). It is also foreseen to be among the largest and fastest growing industries in the world.

#electronics repair #job-opportunity #jobs #electronic manufacturing #eco-system #digitalsemi #Digital Semiconductors Pvt. Ltd

Smartphones and Automobiles are likely to improve as chip designee services

Availability of smartphones and automobiles are likely to improve as chip designers expect semiconductor supply constraints to ease from the second quarter of 2022. While availability of semiconductors for smartphones is expected to balance out over the next couple of months, those used in vehicles will see an increase in supplies toward the end of the year.

The pandemic showed us how important it is to remain connected in a hybrid environment, with the same efficiency as in an office,” Rajen Vagadia, VP and President, Qualcomm India and SAARC, told ET. “This triggered demand for better cameras, audios, phones, laptops. The supply chain had to pivot.”

With chip makers working on tailoring production to demand, optimising capacity utilisation and investing in expanding operations, availability of semiconductors is now expected to improve - both for consumer electronics and automobile manufacturers. In FY22, however, passenger vehicles makers in the country could lose about 500,000 units in sales on chip shortage, ratings agency ICRA said recently.

Discover More Electronics Manufacturing Trends, Technologies & Startups

These electronics manufacturing trends promote the transition into adaptive and smart manufacturing practices. In general, the future manufacturer’s major focus is to build efficient and miniaturized components for specialized applications.

The use of advanced materials, adoption of advanced packaging and printing technologies for fabrication helps achieve these goals. Similarly, the transition to organic electronics helps companies to address the global concern about electronic waste and sustainability. In addition, other innovations are also influencing the industry, such as big data and analytics, to improve the decision-making process.

The Top 10 Electronics Manufacturing Trends & Startups outlined in this report only scratch the surface of trends that we identified during our in-depth innovation and startup scouting process. Among others, additive manufacturing and organic electronics, as well as miniaturized electronics and embedded systems will transform the sector as we know it today.

Identifying new opportunities and emerging technologies to implement into your business goes a long way in gaining a competitive advantage. Get in touch to easily and exhaustively scout relevant technologies & startups that matter to you today!

Key Segments of Electronics Industry

The Key Segments of Electronics Industry are Semiconductor supply and manufacturing services , Industrial Equipment, Networking and Communication Equipment, Computer and Office Products, Medical Devices and Consumer electronics and home appliances.

Next-Gen 3D Chip/Packaging Race Begins

The first wave of chips is hitting the market using a technology called hybrid bonding, setting the stage for a new and competitive era of 3D-based chip products and advanced packages.

AMD is the first vendor to unveil chips using copper hybrid bonding, an advanced die-stacking technology that enables next-generation 3D-like devices and packages. Hybrid bonding stacks and connects chips using tiny copper-to-copper interconnects, providing higher density and bandwidth than existing chip-stacking interconnect schemes.

AMD is using hybrid bonding technology from TSMC, which recently updated its roadmap in the arena. Intel, Samsung and others are also developing hybrid bonding. And besides AMD, other chip customers are looking at the technology.

“TSMC says its technology will likely be adopted by all of their high-performance computing customers,” said Charles Shi, an analyst at Needham. 

“Hybrid bonding is also on everybody’s roadmap, or at least on everybody’s radar, in mobile applications.”

A relatively new process conducted in a semiconductor fab, copper hybrid bonding is an advanced chip stacking technology that promises to give chip customers some competitive advantages. To be sure, chip stacking isn’t new and has been used in designs for years. What’s new is that hybrid bonding enables near monolithic 3D designs.

Most chips don’t require hybrid bonding. For packaging, hybrid bonding is mainly relegated for high-end designs, because it’s an expensive technology that involves several manufacturing challenges. But it gives those chipmakers some new options, paving the way towards next-generation 3D designs, memory cubes or 3D DRAMs, and more advanced packages.

There are several ways to develop these types of products, including the chiplet model. For chiplets, a chipmaker may have a menu of modular dies in a library. Customers then can mix-and-match the chiplets and integrate them in an existing package type or new architecture. In one example of this methodology, AMD stacked two internally-developed chiplets — a processor and SRAM die — resulting in a 3D package that combines a high-performance MPU with cache memory on top. The dies are connected using hybrid bonding.

There are other ways to implement chiplets. Traditionally, to advance a design, vendors would develop a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and integrate more functions on the device at each generation. This chip scaling approach is becoming more difficult and expensive at each turn. While it remains an option for new designs, chiplets are emerging as an alternative for developing complex chips.

With chiplets, a large SoC is broken up into smaller dies or IP blocks, and re-aggregated into a completely new design. In theory, the chiplet approach accelerates time-to-market with lower costs. Hybrid bonding is one of many elements to enable the technology. 

Exciting time to be manufacturing hardware and technology products.

It’s an exciting time to be manufacturing hardware and technology products, and there are many opportunities to get new products to market across a diverse range of industries.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become one of the fastest-growing technology markets. While the vast majority of IoT designs are for software apps, it’s the hardware behind these apps — the processors, sensors and communications chips — that make it all possible.

The IoT is arguably going to be bigger than the mobile revolution, and hardware is what will enable entrepreneurs, tech start-ups and established manufacturers to get a slice of the action. In fact, IoT has already created some of the most interesting and unique inventions of the 21st century, including wearable and sports technology.

We’re excited about the opportunities for IoT products — and we can help get your ideas into production and to market competitively through our product realization service.