Developed for ultra-high precision in the micron range, Sick’s OD7000 displacement sensor reliably measures tiny distances in challenging electronics and solar manufacturing applications. Comprising a separate controller and sensor head, the OD7000 is purpose-built to fit the tightest machine spaces. Sick’s UK product manager for distance measurement, Nick Hartley, said: “SICK has worked hard and taken some time to develop the OD7000 meticulously. The result is a highly-precise instrument that offers manufacturers with some of the most challenging measurement requirements a real opportunity t ..read more

Pickering Electronics has introduced its latest high-power reed relay, Series 144, featuring an impressive 80W power rating, while stacking on a compact 0.25in pitch. The SIP (single-in-line-package) reed relay offers a switching current up to 2A, delivering up to 60W or 1A up to 80W, with a continuous carry current up to 3A. Additionally, it boasts high voltage capability, with a switching voltage of 1000VDC up to 10W and up to 3kV stand-off. Pickering Electronics technical specialist, Kevin Mallett, said: “With its impressive high-power rating, Series 144 provides a greener alternative to m ..read more

In this article, RamBase delves into three areas defining the future of UK manufacturing and explores how cloud ERP solutions play a crucial role in each. Across the UK, manufacturers are intensifying their emphasis on adopting technologies to enhance and expand their businesses. The imperative to fortify essential operations, coupled with the advantages of flexibility, scalability and security offered by a cloud-based model, has become a driving force behind this renewed interest. One trend contributing to the popularity of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications, particularly in the ..read more

This month’s counterfeit investigation from Princeps reinforces the value of multiple inspection methods, from optical microscopy to x-ray radiography. The component in question this month was a hard-to-find FPGA, which was in short supply from a difficult-to-source manufacturer. Hence, the parts were procured from a European broker. Starting with an optical microscope, initial inspection under medium magnification shows the chip’s pin 1 marker is partially filled in (Fig 1). Clearly, an attempt has been made by the counterfeiter to prevent this happening, as most of the marker is ..read more

Microchip Technology has expanded its partnership with TSMC to enable a specialized 40nm manufacturing capacity at Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing, TSMC’s majority-owned manufacturing subsidiary in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. This partnership is part of Microchip’s ongoing strategy to build resiliency in its supply chain. Other initiatives include boosting internal manufacturing capabilities/capacity, plus providing more geographical diversity/redundancy in wafer fab, foundry, assembly, test and OSAT partners.  Microchip’s senior vice president of worldwide manufacturing and t ..read more

Empower Semiconductor has announced a representation and distribution agreement with Dimac Red Spa, a sales and engineering organization dedicated to serving the European market with electronics products, design services and engineering consultancy. Headquartered near Milan, Italy, with regional offices in Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain and Turkey, Dimac Red will serve as representative and European distributor for the Empower IVR and ECAP products. Empower Semiconductor’s senior director of global marketing and EMEA sales, Eric Pittana, said: “Our IVR solutions are gaining significan ..read more

Alan Anderson Manufacturing, a UK-based CEM, is building a portfolio of franchise agreements with suppliers of essential, commonly-used components. The purpose of this franchise base is to protect customers from shortages. The first deal is with Diotec Semiconductor, a German producer of discretes including small signal diodes, rectifiers, triacs, MOSFETs and TVS components. Sales director, Michael Knight, said: “When the market suddenly experiences a large demand, say for AI processors, this has a knock-on effect as there is not enough capacity to make all types of semiconductors. Naturally ..read more

Rutronik has added terminal blocks from Amphenol’s IPG Anytek series to its connector portfolio. Thanks to the wide operating temperature range of -40 to 115°C and high vibration resistance, the connectors suit applications in the alternative energy, industrial and electromobility sectors. The connectors have a thermoplastic housing and are designed for contacts of size 16 to 24 AWG, with a conductor resistance between 14.7ohm (16 mm² cable diameter) and 89.2ohm (24mm² cable diameter). Compatible with PCB sockets, the terminal blocks offer a range of wiring options. Amphenol can also provide ..read more

Mouser Electronics has announced a new global distribution agreement with Vox Power, a manufacturer of AC/DC power supplies and DC/DC converters. Mouser will distribute Vox Power’s configurable and rugged fanless conduction-cooled power supplies designed for medical, industrial and technology markets. They are engineered to provide high-density solutions that fit compact spaces for demanding applications that conventional products cannot meet. The NEVO+600’s specifications include a 5 by 3 by 1.61in footprint, 600g weight and 600W output, equating to a power density of 25W per cubic inch. It ..read more

Global battery manufacturer, Alexander Battery Technologies (ABT), is recruiting and investing in its UK and overseas sites as it embarks on a growth strategy to meet rising worldwide demand. ABT’s CEO, Alex Stapleton, said: “The business invested heavily during 2023, to set us up for growth in the coming years. We concluded the complete design and build of our Battery Technology Centre, providing 12 dedicated laboratories for new battery development projects. “These bring important capabilities of engaging in up to 12 different projects in parallel, for projects up to 800V and over 100kWh ..read more