Uni-form  epoxy performs are now available in M5-82, a linear epoxy system that remains flexible under temperature changes.  The post-cure flexibility of M5-82 improves adhesion to component materials with dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion.  The epoxy was developed for under-the-hood automotive applications and other environments that require seal integrity under adverse temperature conditions.
  
Are one-part epoxy resins that are solid at room temperature.  When heated, they melt and cure, forming a consistent seal that protects components from dust, moisture, oil, flux, solvents, conformal coatings and other contaminants.  Close tolerances on preform dimensions, consistent pre-mixed ratios of resin to catalyst and consistent viscosity from beginning to end of batch ensure uniform, high-quality results.  Are available in multiple configurations, with outside diameters from .035" to .720".  Preforms can be dispensed as rapidly as 200 to 600 parts/min. with little or no operator training.  Reportedly eliminate pot-life concerns and costly cleanup procedures. 
 
Multi-Seals,  multi-seals.com

 
Anritsu has modeled the thermal performance of its products for a number of years but in the past thermal simulation was not fast enough to keep up with the rapid pace at which the company designs PCBs. So, thermal design had to wait until the prototype was built and mechanical engineers created thermal photographs and measured temperatures of the boards. At the same time engineers also modeled the product at the systems level with Flomerics’ Flotherm software. Typically, the simulation identified hot spots or other problems on boards. Engineers then went back and repositioned components, rerouted traces, and built a new prototype. The extra board spin added directly to the time required to bring the product to market.
 
About a year ago, Anritsu became one of the first users of FLO/PCB, a software package that makes it practical to perform thermal modeling during PCB design. Electronic engineers now provide mechanical engineers with placement information and data sheets on key components of the PCB. The mechanical engineers then quickly model the board and simulate its performance under standard airflow and temperature conditions. They often reposition components at this stage or add a heat sink and, when they are satisfied, then plug the FLO/PCB model into a Flotherm system model, which usually already exists, and determine the thermal performance of the board under actual conditions.
 
“Modeling PCBs during the design stage makes it possible to get the board design right from a thermal standpoint every time,” Whiting said. “This has eliminated the need for a second thermal prototype and saved us 4 to 6 weeks in bringing every product to market. In a typical example, FLO/PCB showed us that junction temperatures were too high on a couple of voltage regulators. The system level simulation showed us exactly where we needed to reposition the boards to get enough airflow. We provided that information back to the EEs designing the board, so they were able to get the layout right the first time.”
 

Promation has released the latest version of its multi-functional magazine handling system. The EMB-700 creates multi-functional in-line PCB handling through the use of magazines.
 
“One Touch Button” system allows this station to be programmed for the following: Line Unloading, Line Loading, Magazine Rack Buffer (LIFO or FIFO modes) or to simply act as a Pass-Through Conveyor. An upgrade to the Signature Series includes touch panel, automatic width adjusting and functional tracking through LCD readout.
 
Equipped with PLC, the rear magazine rack storage system is capable of holding up to five magazines. Features audible alarm, three-color light tower, ESD grounding receptacle, full safety vanity panels and “Easy Roll” wheels with leveling feet.
 
Promation, pro-mation-inc.com

NORTH BILLERICA, MA – BTU International has acquired the AtmoPlas technology and research team from Dana Corp. The acquisition provides BTU with 27 patents and filings in plasma processing through the use of microwave technology.
 
Financial terms were not announced.

The AtmoPlas process makes possible a new method of heating components where microwave energy is used to create a plasma at atmospheric pressure. Typically, plasma is generated under low pressure or vacuum, adding substantial complexity and cost to the equipment. The ability of AtmoPlas to operate without a vacuum offers several advantages over conventional microwave processing.

"We envision that after further development this technology will provide thermal processing solutions which could significantly affect processing flexibility, cycle time, equipment footprint and throughput in electronics and energy generation, as well as other applications," said Paul J. van der Wansem, BTU chairman and CEO.

AutoVue version 19.1 adds support for popular 3-D formats prevalent in many industries including
Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), providing the ability to view and collaborate on 2-D and 3-D drawings with a single solution.
 
Expands EDA capabilities by adding NC Drill formats, Cadence Allegro and Concept 15.5, as well as OrCad Capture and Layout 10.5. Gerber file aperture support has also been enhanced. PCB manufacturers can collaborate with suppliers and customers rapidly without risking valuable IP.
 
Format and product enhancements include:  AutoCAD 3D 2000 and up, MicroStation 3D v8 and up, CATIA 5 R16, Solid Edge 18, enhanced product manufacturing information (PMI) support and more.
 
As the AEC community embraces 3-D technology, AutoVue provides a simple means to view, print and comment on 2-D and 3-D drawings. Native document viewing capability enables customers to instantly view documents without undergoing file conversions. Customers, suppliers and partners can share information without having to purchase and manage software licenses and training services.
 
Cimmetry Systems Corp., cimmetry.com

USI’s Prism Coating Systems are designed for precision application of a variety of low-viscosity coatings. Features patented nozzle-free ultrasonic coating technology, which reportedly delivers a more precise coating application than conventional spray nozzles.
 
USI has compiled a short video demonstrating the system selectively coating a range of materials with precise control and uniformity, including electronics assembly, semiconductor, fuel cell, medical and industrial applications

Ultrasonic Systems, ultraspray.com

 
Enhancements include:
A New Integration Layer –A new integration layer enables simplified integration with essential ERP, CAD and EDA applications, including products from Oracle, Microsoft, Expandable, QAD, Cadence, Mentor Graphics and SolidWorks. Through this integration layer, manufacturers can use managed data synchronizations or off-the-shelf adaptor solutions to seamlessly integrate PLM product data with other enterprise applications such as ERP, MCAD and EDA. Managed data synchronizations, which include semi-automated workflows, allow customers who are just getting started with PLM or who make less frequent updates to their integration processes, to have a cost-effective and ‘out of the box’ solution for integrating their PLM data with other applications.
 
The integration layer also features a dashboard that allows users to transparently monitor and manage which other applications are integrated. Enables customers to publish specific subsets of PLM data to other enterprise systems. Customers can have real-time visibility into what other applications are integrated and greater control of their product record data.

Enhanced Security – Provides enhanced enterprise-class security through IP-based access control. Manufacturers can now restrict access based on log-in and IP address range. Provides for stronger security measures and more customized permissions. Allows security- and IP-conscious customers to control access to their IP on very specific “point of entry.”
 
Richer Customer Experience -- Delivered on-demand as a secure, Internet service enabling customers to take advantage of continuous innovation, a richer, AJAX-based user interface, increased reliability and security, and greater service performance. Provides real-time, personalized usage information into application usage, feature utilization and support activity to maximize the PLM experience. Through a custom, self-service portal manufacturers can now get real-time status updates on customer support issues. The portal is fully integrated with Fast Feedback, a real-time support system that provides users with immediate technical assistance in the context of exactly where they are in the application. 
 
These enhancements follow on the heels of a recent announcement that Arena PLM products are backed by a guaranteed service level agreement (SLA).
 

El Segundo, CA — New flat-panel display technologies may be capturing the headlines, but the venerable CRT still rules the roost in the television business, as evidenced by TTE Corp.’s return to the TV market’s top rank in the first quarter, according to iSuppli Corp.
 
“After falling to third place in the fourth quarter of 2005, TTE regained the number-one position in the global TV market in the first quarter of 2006, due to an increase in its CRT-TV shipments worldwide, and particularly in China,” said Riddhi Patel, principal analyst with iSuppli.
 
TTE accounted for 11.2% of TV unit shipments in Q1 2006, up from 9.7% sequentially, according to iSuppli.
 
The rise allowed TTE, a joint venture between China’s TCL and Europe’s Thomson, to surpass LG Electronics (9.7%) and Samsung Electronics (8.6%) in unit shipments. Philips retained its fourth-place rank with a 6.7% share of sales, while Sony Corp. rose to fifth place with 5.9% of the market.
 
While overall CRT shipments declined in the first quarter, they still dominated the TV market, accounting for 76% of total TV units. TTE led the 32-million-unit CRT TV market with a 13.6% share of shipments. LG (10.5%) and Samsung (7.4%) followed.
 
Along with TTE, Chinese OEMs Changhong, Konka and Skyworth ranked among the top 10 in the global CRT-TV market in the first quarter. The Chinese brands collectively accounted for 34.4% of the global CRT TV market; Korean brands follow with 17.9%.
 
TTE was also number one in North America in the first quarter due to the strength of its RCA brand. Sony held the second position, with Toshiba, Philips and Panasonic competing for the number-three slot.
 
In the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) region, Samsung and LG occupied the top slots, with Philips following them. Sharp, Sony and Panasonic led the Japanese TV market, collectively accounting for a 67% share in first quarter. Sharp and Sony dominated LCD-TV shipments in Japan while Panasonic accounted for more than 50% of plasma shipments.
 
Worldwide LCD-TV shipments amounted to 7.3 million units in the first quarter. While this represented a slight decline from Q4 2005, LCDs accounted for 17% of worldwide TV shipments.
 
Sharp maintained its dominance in the LCD TV market, but its share has been declining during the past four quarters (due to the quick ramp up by other premium TV makers and the increased availability of value brands).
 
Sharp accounted for 15.2% of LCD-TV shipments, down 17.3% from Q4 2005. Samsung was second with a 12.4% share, followed closely by Sony (12.3%) and Philips (12.1%).

EL SEGUNDO, CA – -In the flexible-display market, suppliers have found it difficult to break through numerous obstacles hindering their attempts to transform promising technologies into high-volume products. But despite facing an array of challenges, ranging from technical issues to market forces, the flexible display barrier soon will be broken, yielding a $100 million market within five years, iSuppli Corp. predicts.
 
Global market revenue for flexible display panels will reach $339M in 2013, a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 83.5% from $5 million in 2006, according to iSuppli. Market revenue will break $100M in 2011. Unit shipments will rise to 198 million in 2013, up from 364,000 in 2006.

 
“Early applications are appearing in simple direct-drive displays on flat plastic, such as a small indicator display made by E Ink for a USB drive,” said Kim Allen, director of technology and strategic research for iSuppli. “Electronic point-of-purchase displays and electronic display cards also are reaching the market. These will provide early revenue for the development of larger and/or more sophisticated displays such as those for e-readers, signage and, ultimately, consumer electronics,” Allen added.
 

BERLIN – According to estimates from the German Printed Circuit Association and the German trade association ZVEI, the global market for electronic components and systems in 2005 grew by 5.7% to $38.5 billion.
 
The largest share (58.3%) was achieved in Japan and Southeast Asia. The largest growth was 12.9%, again in Southeast Asia.
 
In Europe, sales amounted to $5.65 billion, up 1.3% from 2004. An increase of 3.5% is expected in Europe this year.

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ARLINGTON, VA –More than a fourth of consumers own MP3 player equipment for their vehicles, according to research from the Consumer Electronics Association. While 97% own an AM/FM radio, the study shows digital audio alternatives have gained a significant foothold in the automotive electronics market.
 
"The switch from analog to digital that is taking place in the home is also taking place in the automobile," said CEA director of research Joe Bates. "Consumers enjoy the portability, flexibility and personalization that digital provides. We've seen this in factory shipment data, as well as in this new consumer survey."
 
MP3 players, cell phones, mobile and portable video navigation and factory-installed autosound equipment contributed to the $6 billion (27%) growth of mobile technologies in 2005. CEA estimates that $27B of mobile electronics products was shipped in 2005 and more than $30B will be shipped in 2006.
 
Some of the most popular devices currently used in the car include AM/FM radio and CD players (single and multi disk, 75 and 60% respectively). Other popular mobile products include keyless entry (55%), alarm systems (48%), component speakers (34%) and DVD players (32%). Most of these products are still powered by the car battery.
 
Future interest levels for products continue to be among the traditional products, but car safety and convenience products also rank higher amongst consumers. 56% of consumers expressed interest in owning an alarm system, nearly 10% more than those who currently own them. Almost half of consumers expressed interest in a navigation system and in-vehicle safety devices compared to the 25% who currently own them.

ARLINGTON, VA – The Consumer Electronics Association's president and CEO Gary Shapiro sent a letter to members of Congress urging the support of H.R. 2048, the Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act. The bill was introduced in 2005 by House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Joe Barton (R-TX) and Representatives Edolphus Towns (D-NY) and Darrell Issa (R-CA). The bill would protect consumers' rights to upgrade and repair their automobiles where they want and with the products of their choice.
 
"Americans should have the right to choose which new technologies are used in their vehicle, as well as the right to choose who installs these products," said Shapiro. "As vehicles continue to become more electronically complex, automobile manufacturers have begun implementing specific proprietary access codes to allow access to the advanced computer mainframe. This effectively has caused many consumers and independent installers to be locked out of their own vehicle when it comes to the installation of new mobile electronics products such as video screens, navigation devices and audio systems.
 
"H.R. 2048 would put independent dealers and manufacturers on the same playing field as car companies and their franchised dealer network. This bill does not require car manufacturer's proprietary information to be shared," continued Shapiro. "We believe this bill would promote greater consumer choice, lower prices and ensure a competitive landscape for mobile electronics installers and manufacturers. I urge other members of Congress to join the 102 Congressional sponsors of this Act."
 
Shapiro's letter to members of Congress is available here: ce.org/shared_files/recent_actions/217Barton%20HR2048.pdf