Worldwide semi revenues fell nearly 2% last year to $333.7 billion in 2015, compared to a 2014 revenue of $340.3 billion, according to Gartner. The top 25 semiconductor vendors accounted for 73.2% of total sales up from 71.7% and their combined revenue increased 0.2%. “Weakened demand for key electronic equipment, the continuing impact of the ...
Author Archives: david manners
Kyoto University and Canon reduce cost of MRI scanner to one tenth
Canon and Kyoto University have developed technology that will reduce the price of an MRI scanner machine to a tenth of their current cost, reports the Nikkei. MRI machines currently cost between $4 million and $8 million. Canon’s technology is reducing that to $400,000 to $800,000. Smaller and more affordable MRI scanners will make cancer ...
Kyoto University and Canon reduce cost of MRI scanner to one tenth
Samsung to cut semi capex; Intel and TSMC to increase it
Samsung’s chip capex was $13-13.5 billion last year and will be $11.5 billion this year estimates Srini Sundararajan at Summit Research. Despite the 10% drop, this is above Intel’s 2016 of $10 billion – with $1.5 billion for memory capex. TSMC hasn’t given a figure for 2016 but has said it will be higher than ...
Imec develops frictionless wearables
Imec and Cloudtag have brought out a wearable health-tracking device which integrates Imec’s proprietary algorithm that retrieves physiological parameters such as activity, energy expenditure, heart rate and other data. Cloudtag TrackTM has ‘frictionless usability’, says Cloudtag, and gives immediate, personalised feedback on one’s lifestyle. “Imec and Holst Centre develop ultra-small low-power, high-quality sensors and specialized algorithms ...
Imagination GPUs extend Rogue architecture
Imagination Technologies has two GPUs launched as the next evolution of its Rogue architecture for graphics. The new GPUs are part of the PowerVR Series7XT Plus family aimed at the premium and mid-range segments of the consumer electronics market. ‘Computer vision is going to be the next big thing in computing, touching everything from computational ...
FTDI Chip adds support boards for FT51A MCU
FTDI Chip has introduced board level products to support its FT51A MCU which is now in volume production. Through these, engineers will be able to become more familiar with this MCU platform before putting their first prototypes into action. “We see embedded engineers with all different degrees of experience looking to use the FT51A in ...
University of Surrey demos CNTs for optical devices
Researchers at the University of Surrey have demonstrated carbon nanotubes creating wafer-thin, flat structures that enable the miniaturisation of a range of optical devices. Removing the need for traditional curved refracting lensing systems, which are generally bulky and expensive, will enable new compact optical systems based on this nanotechnology. The researchers grew vertically aligned carbon ...
Semi sales flat – SIA
November semiconductor sales were $28.9 billion – 0.3% lower than October’s $29.0 billion and 3% below the November 2014 total of $29.8 billion, says the SIA. “Softening demand and lingering macroeconomic challenges continued to limit global semiconductor sales in November,” says SIA CEO John Neuffer, “despite these headwinds, the industry may narrowly surpass total annual ...
Analogix enables streaming mobile video
In Q2, Analogix Semiconductor will ship its SlimPort NANO∙CONSOLE USB-C, a mobile-enabled dock with remote for both Android and Windows-powered mobile devices supporting DisplayPort over USB-C. A simple, plug-and-play solution for streaming digital media, performing home office computing tasks, and playing mobile games, all from a smartphone or tablet, the SlimPort NANO∙CONSOLE allows users to: ...
15nm embedded NAND flash for auto
Toshiba has launched 15nm embedded NAND flash for automotive infotainment systems and industrial applications. The technology supports an operating temperature range of -40oC to 85oC and meets AEC-Q100 specifications as well as adhering to PPAP requirements. They come in an 11.5mm x 13mm package that is compliant with the latest JEDEC eMMC standard. Densities range ...