Where Innovation Meets Imagination
One of the issues with analysing the chip market, as with some others, is that the products are complex and have a huge array of applications. This often makes it difficult to compare one chip with another.
Moreover, some people might not know the difference between a micro-processor and a micro-controller, or what a semiconductor is… and where microchips fit into all this.
So here’s an attempt at an explanation. [Read more…] about Small potatoes: A closer look at chips
Mergers and acquisitions happen quite frequently these days, and there’s a lot of interest surrounding them.
For example, there are currently strong rumours that US smartphone chip giant Qualcomm is about to buy NXP Semiconductor for $40 billion.
NXP itself last year bought Freescale for $12 billion. The deal gave NXP access to the market for micro-controllers, in which Freescale is one of the leading companies.
And in a separate, similarly large deal, Japanese communications colossus SoftBank recently agreed to buy the British chip designer ARM for $32 billion. [Read more…] about Qualcomm could become king of the road if it buys NXP
Chipmakers Qualcomm and NXP Semiconductors have reportedly agreed a $40 billion takeover deal, according to CNBC.
Wall Street Journal reported a couple of weeks ago that Qualcomm was in negotiations to buy NXP for $30 billion, and TechCrunch.com says the acquisition would be “a huge consolidation move for the silicon industry”.
Neither company has so far commented on the talks, and have not confirmed they are taking place.
But now, CNBC is confident that Qualcomm and NXP “have agreed an all-cash handshake deal that Qualcomm will pay $110 a share for NXP … in a deal that would be close to $40 billion”.
Qualcomm has a market capitalisation of more than $100 billion, and earned over $25 billion in revenue in 2015. The company has 27,000 staff and is headquartered in California, in the US.
NXP is valued at $35 billion and had revenues of $6 billion in 2015. It has 45,000 staff and is headquartered in the Netherlands, Europe.
Cloud collaboration solution from “design to fabrication” aimed at solving problems ahead of construction
Dassault Systèmes, a provider of product lifecycle management solutions among other software, has launched its “design for fabrication industry solution experience” for architecture, engineering and construction.
The company says the software gives architects, engineers, contractors, fabricators and building products manufacturers access to a digital, collaborative environment on the cloud for civil and building projects, from concept through fabrication detail with shop floors that reduces waste and rework.
Each architecture, engineering and construction project brings together new teams of designers, fabricators and contractors who use their own building information modeling solutions. [Read more…] about Dassault Systèmes launches solution for architecture, engineering and construction industries
Industrial computing specialist Distec has agreed a deal to stock the Wincomm Range of 15″, 19″ and 21.5″ fully waterproof industrial PCs.
The Manchester, UK based company, which supplies touchscreens, PCs and computing accessories to sectors including the food and beverage industry, says it has chosen the Wincomm range for its high quality components, which make it suitable for even the toughest environments.
The Wincomm range is particularly designed for the food and beverage industry, abattoirs and chemical plants, where PCs can be exposed to dangerous or unhygienic solids or liquids. Wincomm industrial PCs are housed in stainless, high-strength, anti-corrosion housing, meaning they will not wear over time. [Read more…] about Distec signs distribution deal with Wincomm on industrial computers
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories has launched the newest addition to its compact industrial computer family, the SEL3360E.
SEL says its compact, expandable industrial computer includes 10-year warranty and delivers performance and durability.
The SEL-3360E Compact Industrial Computer is made in the USA, and features the Intel Core i7 processor, a -40° to +60°C operating range, no vents and no moving parts. [Read more…] about SEL launches new industrial computer
Product lifecycle management software, or PLM, is a fancy term referring to computer applications which help organise information relating to researching, designing, developing, manufacturing, distributing and maintaining products a company makes.
Not all PLM software is the same, of course. Some emphasise the research and development area, while others are more concerned with costs and distribution. But mostly PLM is thought of as an engineering system, and mostly it’s customised for large companies, although it’s moving to the cloud more and becoming accessible to smaller companies.
Essentially, PLM software enables companies to speed up the development of their products at the same time as improving its quality, durability and other important aspects. [Read more…] about PLM software overview: From car manufacturing to the clothes trade
Adam Bannaghan, technical director of Design Rule, discusses three ways that the digital continuity of product lifesycle management helps manufacturers deliver high quality innovative products with ease
No one hates being faced with a problem they weren’t expecting more than manufacturers. During the design and build process, unplanned events can increase cycle times and have a detrimental impact on the management of materials and working hours.
There is now a demand in the manufacturing sector for a system that provides real-time visual status and control, alongside product quality predictions. Enter, product lifecycle management (PLM).
PLM is used by different sectors for various reasons. For manufacturers, the virtual production element is used to improve the planning, management and optimisation of industrial operations. [Read more…] about Virtual factory: Manufacturing improvements with PLM
Huber+Suhner, in partnership with Radiall and Rosenberger, is developing a new RF connector system for small cell applications, which will make its debut at Electronica 2016.
As the telecommunications industry moves towards smaller equipment and small cell approach, the radios and antennas also become more compact demanding high-performing coaxial RF connectors in a small size.
By joining the expertise of three leading RF connector manufacturers in the telecommunications industry, the target has been to develop a small coaxial connector system which will meet existing and future demands of small cell networks for 4G and upcoming 5G networks. [Read more…] about New RF connector system for small cells to debut at Electronica 2016
Heidenhain is now offering the current version of TNCremo software package for communication between PCs and Heidenhain controls or programming stations via direct online download. Past versions were only available on DVD.
The new TNCremo version is now available in a new variant. Users can find the downloads on the Heidenhain.
TNCremo is a free PC software package for communication between PCs and Heidenhain controls or programming stations. Data transfer is carried out over the network or the serial interface. [Read more…] about Heidenhain makes industrial networking software available for download
