News

Clive Dickinson, Business Manager for displays at GTK UK, discusses the fast-developing mini-LED technology and how it can be used to enhance future display designs.

Mini-LEDs are smaller versions of conventional LEDs that can be used in displays to emit light. They are effectively an advancement in LED design as opposed to a completely new technology, but can be used to great effect and offer advantages over traditional LED displays.

The reduced footprint of mini-LEDs means that more can be fitted into the available space. A mini-LED can be as small as 100 microns in size.

One of the primary benefits of mini-LED is improved dimming zones, which enables greater contrast (100,000:1) and deeper blacks. This is because each mini-LED can be individually controlled allowing more control over the brightness and colour of specific areas of the screen.

Another benefit of this technology is greater control of blooming, which concerns the halo effect that occurs around bright light sources in an image.

Typical applications for mini-LED technology currently would be high end products where high contrast, lower power and performance is required. Typical applications for this technology could be automotive, AV, outdoor signage and medical products.

This is a fast-developing technology that offers significant advantages over traditional LEDs and something OEMs should be aware of for future new product designs. This is a serious alternative to AMOLED technology which has been considered the “king of all display technology” for years. If you would like to know more about mini-LED technology, get in touch and talk to one of our technical experts, who can provide more information on the design benefits and customisation options available.

Contact GTK on 01256 472000 or at displays@gtk.co.uk.

AMETEK Land, the world’s leading manufacturer of monitors and analysers for industrial non-contact temperature measurement, has supported a major metal products manufacturer to significantly reduce its costs.

Based in Faridabad, Haryana, India, Amar Udyog is a leading manufacturer of grey iron, ductile iron, and SiMO machined castings, and has become a highly reputed OEM supplier for many popular brands.

The company operates a sophisticated manufacturing unit with a production capacity of 18,000 tons per annum, using cutting-edge technology to manufacture components for industries including the agricultural and automotive sectors.

Product quality is essential to meet customer requirements and specifications, and this is dependent on reliable, accurate temperature measurements at the foundry stage.

To achieve these measurements, Amar Udyog had been using dip thermocouples, which have a 13-14-second measurement time and require an operator to get quite close to the process. The disposable thermocouple tips must be replaced frequently, costing time and money.

Amar Udyog was looking to reduce its high costs for maintenance, calibration, and monthly consumables, which included a typical monthly spend of INR 95,000 on replacement thermocouple tips.

To solve this challenge, AMETEK Land supplied two of its Cyclops 055L 2F portable pyrometers for this application. This device takes a non-contact measurement in under two seconds and is ergonomically designed for single-handed use.

The Cyclops 055L 2F also increases safety, as the operator can be positioned five or six metres away from the molten metal. They simply point the Cyclops 055L 2F at the liquid, then pull the trigger when a measurement is required.

AMETEK Land also provides NABL calibration and service support for the Cyclops 055L 2F in India, so Amar Udyog can access rapid local assistance if required.

Puneet Vinayak, Director at Amar Udyog, said: “Using the Cyclops 055L 2F has significantly reduced the amount we spend on thermocouple tip replacements each month. The instruments are easy to use, provide fast, accurate measurements, and increased safety for the user. We would definitely recommend AMETEK Land, both for their liquid metal measurement solution and for the expert support they have provided.”

To learn more about AMETEK Land’s portable solution for liquid metal temperature measurement, download the Amar Udyog case study: ametek-land.com.

Hamamatsu Photonics will construct a new factory at its Shingai Factory site located in Shingai-cho, Minami-ku, Hamamatsu City, Japan to increase overall production capacity in the post-processing (dicing, assembly, and inspection) of opto-semiconductor devices. Mainly used for semiconductor manufacturing, testing equipment and LiDAR-related devices, it will support the expanding sales demands.

The new factory building will be completed in March 2025.

Hamamatsu Photonics has been supplying opto-semiconductor products for a broad range of fields including medical, industrial and automotive applications. In recent years, demand for image sensors used in semiconductor manufacturing and testing equipment has continued to grow, and since photodiodes for the automotive LiDAR market is also expected to expand, Hamamatsu anticipates a constant sales increase in the future.

Construction of the new factory building will expand production space for image sensors and photodiodes to meet an ever-increasing product demand. This new building will connect to the two existing factory buildings to integrate the clean rooms at the Shingai Factory into one area space. This will allow Hamamatsu to streamline the movement of people and materials to improve production efficiency as well as automate the manufacturing process and save labour through digital transformation.

The third Shingai factory building is designed to be highly resistant to natural disasters by integrating earthquake and flood countermeasures into its structure in conformance with the company’s business continuity planning. Its proactive design features include eco-friendly measures such as heat-insulating structures and solar power generation systems. Construction of this new factory building will complete Hamamatsu’s major capital investments at the Shingai Factory site.

Since demand for opto-semiconductors is widely expected to see future growth, Hamamatsu plans to construct another factory building at its main factory site for wafer pre-processing within the next three years. Here the company expects to establish a new manufacturing process for 8-inch diameter silicon wafers with a larger area than conventional 6-inch diameter waters. Hamamatsu aims to double the sales of its opto-semiconductor business in 10 years by expanding the post-processing capacity and further upgrading the production system through various business approaches including this investment.

On-time and under-budget are two phrases which property developers know can never be taken for granted. Especially where renovations or restorations of older properties are concerned. Hidden structural issues, water damage, heat loss or ageing heating systems; they can all be significant (and expensive) problems which can set a build back by months.

The same goes for property surveys or insurance claims where potential property issues, if missed, can cause big problems later on.

Traditionally, detecting damage to properties has risked further disturbance of the fabric of the building with invasive tests conducted to assess the full extent of the issue. This can be costly, time-consuming and sometimes even makes existing problems worse.

magicplan changes all of that. Designed for remodelling, restoration, inspection, and claims professionals, this application makes invasive manual property inspections a thing of the past.

It’s been developed to make the job of creating floor plans easier, simplify reporting and generate cost estimates at the touch of a button.

And with recent updates adding further functionality, magicplan can now also show acute real-time energy loss and damage beneath the surface in real-time – revealing dangers that could otherwise be missed by visual inspection.

Mobile thermography for the discerning developer

By integrating FLIR’s industry-leading thermography, magicplan now allows developers to integrate essential energy loss and damage information into their reporting and planning. From pinpointing inefficiencies in insulation through to identifying water damage, magicplan works with the FLIR ONE Edge Pro to detect everything from extreme heat to pervasive cold spots – all of which can signify problematic damage.

The uses for this are limited only by the scope of the project it is put to work on. By combining the app’s extensive library of developer-led features with the FLIR ONE Edge Pro, it equips users with a professional-grade thermal camera that can detect heat of up to 400°C (752°F) with thermal sensitivity of 70 mK.

Now, those examining sites can detect more than meets the eye and elevate inspection with must-have data to help focus their plan, timeframe and estimated cost.

Whether it’s inspecting mechanical systems, investigating water loss, or checking ​​the output of an electrical panel, developers can deliver real-time insights without the need to bore, burrow or drill their way through physical obstacles.

Planning around problem areas

Developers know that until a thorough inspection has been carried out, every build can be subject to any number of vexing variables. magicplan allows users to do more than just passively relay data – it contextualises it instantly and intuitively.

It allows users to create instant floor plans, both manually or by performing a quick scan of the room using their smartphone camera, as well as being compatible with laser meters with bluetooth technology for 100% accurate measurements. Creating projects in 2D and 3D and providing developers with a quote on the spot to supply to prospective clients, this latest collaboration with Teledyne FLIR means that everything from the most minute measurements to the most pervasive ‘unseen’ problems is displayed clearly.

Pinpoint accuracy across every elevation

Once a floorplan has been created using magicplan, users can choose to add their photos not just to an individual project, but can even decide its placement, classification and orientation.

Say, for example, a developer suspected a property suffering from water damage – whether through visual inspection or a room feeling colder than usual during a walkthrough. Using the FLIR ONE Edge Pro in conjunction with magicplan, they could easily perform a scan of the room and photograph areas that show anomalies – either on the surface or lurking beneath the surface.

Once detected, the concern can be added to a specific location on the floor plan so that anyone involved in the project can not only be aware of the issue, but also of its exact location and degree of severity.

Everything from a faulty thermostat impacting a heating system to invisible draughts from broken window seals through to rising damp and even the most minute fluctuations in insulation density, developers can now see beyond the visual spectrum and make real-time adjustments to their estimates with active thermography – all in the palm of their hands.

It’s ideally suited to every stage of development but is especially useful when it comes to inspection and claims prior to a buyer purchasing a property. With this potent combination of heat-sensitive hardware and insightful software, would-be purchasers could potentially save thousands by detecting unseen problems before they sign the dotted line.

Bernd Wolfram, Head of Product & Marketing at magicplan, said: “FLIR stands out as a technology provider that makes it easy to integrate its hardware with third party software applications like magicplan.

“Integrated workflows are key to optimising the daily workflows and productivity of field technicians!”

RS Group, a global omni-channel provider of industrial product and service solutions, has announced the launch of its Better World product range.

Products in the range have made sustainability improvements and are supported by trusted certifications and eco-labels. This will make it easier for RS customers – the world’s engineers, innovators and problem solvers – to make more informed purchasing decisions based on the sustainability credentials of products. In addition, a major focus of the range will be on products that save energy or water and cut CO2 emissions, thereby helping its customers to reduce their environmental impacts and help tackle climate change. To achieve this, RS is working closely with its 2,500 global supplier partners to highlight the latest innovative cleaner and greener product solutions as part of the range.

Across industry, sustainability is increasingly a top business priority. However, it is challenging for individuals and businesses to understand which products or services have environmental, social and governance (ESG) improvements.

Market research studies have found that 89% of B2B buyers say if it was easier to identify sustainably certified products, they would be more likely to purchase more sustainable products (Amazon Business State of Business Procurement Report). 55% of B2B buyers with sustainability goals say it’s difficult to source suppliers that follow sustainable practices. Among this group, 81% of buyers agree this difficulty is holding their company back from achieving procurement sustainability goals (Amazon Business State of Business Procurement Report).

RS has made it simple for people to identify its Better World range: each product in the range is tagged with a Better World badge, and with a simple click customers can read about the product’s sustainability certification or energy label, which have been accredited by expert organisations.

To achieve its robust framework, the company partnered with trusted experts and selected more than 40 sustainability certifications and energy labels to highlight key products that meet or exceed sustainability standards and are better for the environment.

However, this is just the beginning. Over the coming year, RS will further develop its model to recognise multiple improvements in sustainability at different stages of the product lifecycle. The ultimate aim being that it will offer tens of thousands more products that are both made more sustainably and help customers lower their environmental impacts.

“Sustainability is a top priority for our customers. They want to purchase trusted products that are sustainably and responsibly made, and which help them to reduce their energy, water or resource consumption. But we know it can be hard to understand which products really are the best or the ‘greener’ choice,” said Christian Horn, Chief Product and Supply Chain Officer at RS. “The Better World product range will make it easier for our customers to be informed and select products that will help them design, build, maintain and protect their business more sustainably and safely.”

RS has unrivalled access to new products and technologies with more than 2,500 suppliers and more than 700,000 stocked and three million unstocked products. In combination with its strong commitment to advance sustainability for its own business, its customers and its partners, RS is ideally positioned to champion the development of more sustainable products for the global industrial and electronics industry.

The Better World range is now available initially in the UK with roll-out in other geographical markets following later.

For more information, visit: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/content/m/better-world.

Sensing and measurement specialist Mantracourt has reengineered its PSD-232 portable sensor display, which serves sensor manufacturers, like load cell manufacturers and integrators, using its in-house manufacturing and testing capabilities and readily available components. The redesign was needed when the processor used in the original design was deprioritised for production by the manufacturer and the price on available units increased from $5 per unit to $160 per unit. Mantracourt’s agile manufacturing capabilities allowed its engineers to overcome design challenges around component size and I/O availability, producing a final product with features broadly similar to the original PSD-232.

Mantracourt’s handheld PSD-232 device is used to collect information from strain gauges and load cell sensors, measuring forces such as tension and compression. It can also be used to measure variables like pressure and torque in other sensor types. While producing the PSD-232 unit has traditionally been a routine part of Mantracourt’s operations, recent disruptions to global market conditions and supply chains meant that the product could no longer be made cost-effectively in the usual way.

The company that makes the processor used in the original product was bought out and has since deprioritised manufacturing it. While it is still supplied, lead times were consistently above 52 weeks and often as high as 74 weeks. Furthermore, the processor price drastically increased from $5 to $160, meaning the PSD-232 could no longer be produced reliably or cost-effectively.

To overcome this challenge, Mantracourt set about reengineering the product by using available components and taking advantage of its in-house manufacturing design and testing capabilities. This presented challenges as the new processor limited I/O availability compared to the previous version, meaning it could not support the TEDs facility. However, this was not an essential feature for most customers, so this could be sacrificed to ensure reliable delivery of the device’s primary functions.

Furthermore, there were some issues around component spacing and difficulty placing the tracks as there was less space available on the new design compared to the previous one. However, with consistent communication between the design and test teams, the product could be tested and refined several times until a suitable design was reached.

“Typically, when a product is engineered, a lot of time is wasted shipping it between the manufacturing design and testing facilities, which are normally separate, and that’s before accounting for the time where the product just sits on a shelf waiting. This process might then be repeated several times as the product is reworked,” explained Alistair Candler, production manager at Mantracourt. “Because Mantracourt has manufacturing and testing capabilities under one roof, the reengineered PSD-232 could be passed between the manufacturing and testing teams in minutes, minimising cost and project delivery time.

“Having the manufacturing and testing teams working so closely together meant that they could talk face-to-face immediately to make any modifications required and get scripts verified. This meant that a process that would normally take weeks, or even months, to complete could be done in a matter of hours. It is also beneficial in terms of meeting sustainability targets as there was no need to repeatedly transport the product between different facilities,” concluded Candler.

Mantracourt’s in-house agile manufacturing design and testing capabilities means customers can have confidence in its ability to maintain supply despite changes to global market conditions. To find out more about the handheld PSD-232, visit www.mantracourt.com/documents/PSD-232-portable-handheld-indicator.

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) has introduced a super low noise dual output DC/DC μModule regulator with patented silicon, layout, and packaging innovations. Operating from up to 40V input, the LTM8080’s front-end is a high efficiency synchronous Silent Switcher step-down regulator followed by two separate low noise, low dropout (LDO) regulators. To further suppress switching noise, the LTM8080’s packaging integrates an EMI barrier wall or shield. The result is exceptional low noise values of <1µV_RMS (10Hz to 100kHz), 2nV/√Hz (10kHz) spot noise, and 80dB PSRR (100kHz). Compared to discrete solutions without an EMI shield, the LTM8080 reduces output ripple voltage by up to 70% for a simplified and quiet design. The LTM8080 is specifically designed to power digital loads that are susceptible to switching regulator noise such as data converters, RF transmitters, FPGA I/O and clock, op amps, transceivers, and medical scanners.

• Download data sheet, order samples and evaluation boards: https://www.analog.com/LTM8080
• Watch a video to learn more about the LTM8080 μModule regulator: https://www.analog.com/en/education/education-library/videos/6322084180112.html
• Connect with engineers and ADI power product experts on EngineerZone, an online technical support community: https://ez.analog.com/power/

The LTM8080 µModule regulator’s integrated Silent Switcher architecture minimises EMI emissions and enables the device to pass CISPR22 Class B and CISPR25 Class 5 without an input filter. The adjustable switching frequency (200kHz to 2MHz) and selectable operation modes minimise the risk of frequency interference for very low noise instrumentation and high speed/high precision signal chain applications.

AVEVA, a global leader in industrial software, driving innovation and sustainability, has partnered with Azule Energy, Angola’s largest independent oil and gas operator, to drive digital excellence throughout the firm’s operations.

The partnership agreement will enable Azule Energy ­– a 50/50 Joint Venture backed by bp and Eni ­– to reduce costs, improve safety and unlock new production opportunities using AVEVA’s cloud, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and digital twin technologies.

Moreover, the partnership will help cut the time spent searching for key asset information, improve maintenance planning, reduce offshore trips and visits, enhance team collaboration, and facilitate remote operations.

Azule Energy boasts a strong pipeline of new projects that are scheduled to support the energy needs of Angola’s growing economy and strengthen its role as a global liquified natural gas (LNG) exporter.

Digital Twin Spans Entire Asset Lifecycle

AVEVA will deploy its digital twin software to connect data from every layer of the technology stack for one contextualised, multi-visual experience. In the first phase, AVEVA will focus on existing operations, implementing AVEVA Asset Information Management, AVEVA Information Standards Manager, and Assai Cloud for Operations – for two existing floating production storage and offloading units (FPSOs) in Block 18 (Greater Plutonio Development) and Block 31 (PSVM).

AVEVA’s digital twin technology is the only solution on the market that spans the entire asset lifecycle. The vendor-agnostic solution is scalable, integrated, and open. It unites engineering and enterprise data to create a true digital backbone that will bring industrial intelligence to Azule’s entire team, delivered via the cloud.

Peter Harriman, COO, Azule Energy, said: “We have signed a strategic contract with AVEVA to digitally transform our operations for optimised productivity, efficiency and safety. This partnership will enable Azule Energy to achieve our goal of establishing a world-class operation.”

Caspar Herzberg, CEO, AVEVA, commented: “The move to AVEVA SaaS will empower Azule Energy to innovate and remotely collaborate across teams regarding their FPSO assets. The vessels are located a long distance offshore, which represents a significant challenge to operations. Using data-led insights, Azule’s team will be able to breakdown silos and deepen collaboration between onshore and FPSO teams, using their combined insight to streamline processes and accelerate delivery.”

Herzberg added: “AVEVA’s industry leading visualisation technology will further enable Azule Energy to deliver faster and at scale. AVEVA is the only provider to supply a fully integrated solution that can be developed quickly and reliably. Together we are committed to providing secure, lower carbon energy to support Angola’s sustainable development.”

Hamamatsu Photonics, currently celebrating 70 years of providing leading imaging solutions to the world, is proud to introduce the new S16101 CMOS area image sensor.

Designed with a back-illuminated structure and a 1280×1024 Active Pixel Sensor (APS) matrix, this sensor is ideal for applications not only in the visible spectrum, but also with spectral components in the Ultra Violet (UV) and near infrared (NIR). Boasting high-UV sensitivity from 200nm, this non-cooled CMOS area image sensor delivers a spectral response to 1100nm and is stable in UV light irradiation. Its sensitivity makes it ideal for industrial applications such as the detection of glues or resins in quality control.

Due to the electronics integrated within the sensor including the built-in timing and bias generators, amplifiers and A/D converters, the output signal is now digital (LVDS). Additionally, the S16101 can reach a high-reading speed of 146 frames per second due to a reduction in the number of pixels along the vertical axis. It is also possible to reduce the number of vertical pixels to further increase the readout speed.

Finally, on top of offering the choice of rolling or global shutter readout, the new sensor utilises industry-standard SPI communication comprising of partial readout, gain switching, frame start mode selection functions, and more.

Visit Hamamatsu’s product page for more information: https://www.hamamatsu.com/eu/en/product/optical-sensors/image-sensor/ccd-cmos-nmos-image-sensor/area-sensor/for-camera/S16101.html

STMicroelectronics has launched three new accelerometers with advanced processing engines built-in to extend sensor autonomy, enabling systems to respond more quickly to external events while lowering power consumption.

The LIS2DUX12 and LIS2DUXS12 leverage ST’s third-generation MEMS technology, adding programmable capabilities including machine-learning core (MLC), advanced finite state machine (FSM), and an enhanced pedometer. A third entry-level accelerometer, LIS2DU12, is also available for less demanding applications. All three products are equipped with the latest industry standard I³C interface. The three devices integrate the common digital features for detecting events, as well as an anti-aliasing filter for high accuracy at lower sampling frequencies with performance benefits for accurate gesture detection at negligible power consumption.

The integrated MLC in the LIS2DUX12 and LIS2DUXS12 enables artificial-intelligence (AI) algorithms to perform reliable activity detection and the FSM enhances movement recognition. Together, they provide autonomous processing in the sensor, which offloads host interaction and processing, significantly lowering power consumption and enables faster system responses. In addition, by deploying an adaptive self-configuration (ASC) capability, the accelerometers adjust their own settings (such as measurement range and frequency) independently to further optimize performance making each milliampere count.

The LIS2DUXS12 also features ST’s unique Qvar sensing channel that senses changes in the ambient electrostatic environment to provide presence and proximity detection. This capability lets developers add value to applications such as user-interface control, liquid detection, and biometric sensing such as heart-rate monitors. In user-interface applications, Qvar combined with an acceleration signal removes potential false positive detection in two-tap and multi-tap events.

The smart accelerometers provide context sensing for state-of-the-art wearables devices, True Wireless Stereo (TWS) speakers and earbuds, smartphones, hearing aids, game controllers, smart watches, asset trackers, robotic appliances, and IoT devices. All three products leverage on ST’s latest ultra-low-power architecture, which combines inherently extremely low power consumption with the anti-alias filter that helps to boost application performance, removing unwanted noise from the signal. Ready-to-use MLC and FSM algorithms are available through ST’s MEMS GitHub model zoo, which facilitates complex gestures, asset tracking, and many other use cases.

With these enhancements, the LIS2DUX12 and LIS2DUXS12 enable the coming generation of “onlife” applications that support daily activities intuitively and seamlessly, always on, always aware, and continuously in sync with the user’s needs. They expand ST’s family of MEMS sensors enhanced with AI, which includes inertial measurement units (IMUs) introduced in 2019.

The LIS2DUX12 and LIS2DUXS12 are in production now and available in a 2mm x 2mm x 0.74mm 12-lead LGA package. Pricing is from $1.38 for the LIS2DUX12 and $1.43 for the LIS2DUXS12, for orders of 1000 pieces. The LIS2DU12, in the same package type, is available for $1.20.

For further information please go to www.st.com/smart-accelerometers