News
RICHARDSON, TX – Asset InterTech Inc. has acquired International Test Technologies of Ireland. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
BALVE, GERMANY – Solder materials supplier Balver Zinn Group has acquired a global license for solder pastes and wire using Nihon Superior’s SN100C alloy.
The licensees will sell SN100C bars and ingots in territories only assigned by Nihon Superior; DKL services the UK and Ireland, while Balver Zinn covers areas from the Atlantic coast of Europe to India.
Balver Zinn also said its recently acquired Cobar business unit will introduce a suite of Pb-free paste wire and flux products. Existing Cobar products will not be affected.
SN100C is a patented nickel-stabilized SnCu alloy, based on the eutectic Sn99.3Cu0.7% with a trace amount of nickel.
The licensees will sell SN100C bars and ingots in territories only assigned by Nihon Superior; DKL services the UK and Ireland, while Balver Zinn covers areas from the Atlantic coast of Europe to India.
Balver Zinn also said its recently acquired Cobar business unit will introduce a suite of Pb-free paste wire and flux products. Existing Cobar products will not be affected.
SN100C is a patented nickel-stabilized SnCu alloy, based on the eutectic Sn99.3Cu0.7% with a trace amount of nickel.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Notebook PC unit sales are forecast to increase at a cumulative average growth rate of 18% per year this decade (2000-2010) compared to a CAGR of 4% for desktop PCs, reports IC Insights.
PCs have accounted for a third or more of the world's IC revenues since the early 1990s. Through the end of this decade, the status of PC systems will not change, despite periods of slow annual growth rates for units shipped and worldwide revenues from products. Stronger growth rates, however, are materializing worldwide in the notebook segment, says the research firm.
Of a PC system's total cost, an estimated 30% is represented by IC components in 2007. This percentage is expected to rise steadily through by 2011, partly because PC system prices will fall slightly faster than IC ASPs. IC content in PCs will also be driven higher by the growth of embedded cameras in computers, which will contain CMOS image sensors, analog-to-digital converters, and image signal processors, along with the advent of solid-state disks and hard-disk cache systems built with NAND flash memory ICs, says IC Insights.
Of the $220.3 billion IC market in 2007, 33% is estimated for PC-related devices. While several other existing and new IC system applications are showing stronger growth rates, the huge PC segment is expected to account for no less than 32% of the integrated circuit market through 2011.
PCs have accounted for a third or more of the world's IC revenues since the early 1990s. Through the end of this decade, the status of PC systems will not change, despite periods of slow annual growth rates for units shipped and worldwide revenues from products. Stronger growth rates, however, are materializing worldwide in the notebook segment, says the research firm.
Of a PC system's total cost, an estimated 30% is represented by IC components in 2007. This percentage is expected to rise steadily through by 2011, partly because PC system prices will fall slightly faster than IC ASPs. IC content in PCs will also be driven higher by the growth of embedded cameras in computers, which will contain CMOS image sensors, analog-to-digital converters, and image signal processors, along with the advent of solid-state disks and hard-disk cache systems built with NAND flash memory ICs, says IC Insights.
Of the $220.3 billion IC market in 2007, 33% is estimated for PC-related devices. While several other existing and new IC system applications are showing stronger growth rates, the huge PC segment is expected to account for no less than 32% of the integrated circuit market through 2011.
MANASSAS, VA – A recently published study on proper flip chip cleaning confirms an optimized cleaning process will ensure all flux residues from the die-attach process be removed from the narrow capillaries between the flip chip and the substrate.
Zestron, the study’s author, found the cleaning process has to be adapted to the low standoff of flip chip components, which is influenced by bump height. Other important factors affecting the cleaning process are bump pitch and array, as well as flux type and volume, wafer passivation, and the time prior to cleaning, the firm says.
Zestron, the study’s author, found the cleaning process has to be adapted to the low standoff of flip chip components, which is influenced by bump height. Other important factors affecting the cleaning process are bump pitch and array, as well as flux type and volume, wafer passivation, and the time prior to cleaning, the firm says.
Cleaned assemblies were subjected to long-term reliability tests to determine the achieved cleanliness level, Zestron says.
SAN JOSE, CA – Worldwide semiconductor sales in October rose to $23.1 billion, an increase of 5% year-over-year, and an increase of 2% sequentially, the Semiconductor Industry Association reported today.
BANNOCKBURN, IL – October rigid PCB shipments were down 0.8% and bookings were down 1.7% year-over-year, IPC said today. Flexible circuit shipments were down 8.6% and bookings were up 0.2% year-over-year.
LOS ALTOS, CA – Third-quarter PC shipments were up 15.5% year-over-year, says research firm Henderson Ventures.
PC growth has rebounded with the help of low-cost shipments to the emerging economies, along with the slowly growing acceptance of Microsoft’s Vista operating system, and global PC shipments growth has been accelerating, reports Henderson.
For 2007, unit shipments are predicted to hit 264 million, a growth rate of 11.6%, says the firm.
The traditional two-year cycle is forecast to continue through 2009, but without a major dent in the expected growth rate for next year.
The introduction of WiMax is expected to have a positive impact on PC purchases in 2009; as WiMax becomes an accepted technology, laptop computer owners will increasingly want to acquire the capability via a new portable PC, much as PC owners traded up when WiFi became available, says Henderson.
Also, the impact of the Vista OS is likely to peak in 2009. However, global saturation, including many emerging markets, will tamp down the achievable growth rates for the foreseeable future. And even though a sizeable 10.2% increase is predicted for 2009, that pace is far below peak levels achieved in the past, including the 17.9% burst in 2005, reports the researcher.
PC growth has rebounded with the help of low-cost shipments to the emerging economies, along with the slowly growing acceptance of Microsoft’s Vista operating system, and global PC shipments growth has been accelerating, reports Henderson.
For 2007, unit shipments are predicted to hit 264 million, a growth rate of 11.6%, says the firm.
The traditional two-year cycle is forecast to continue through 2009, but without a major dent in the expected growth rate for next year.
The introduction of WiMax is expected to have a positive impact on PC purchases in 2009; as WiMax becomes an accepted technology, laptop computer owners will increasingly want to acquire the capability via a new portable PC, much as PC owners traded up when WiFi became available, says Henderson.
Also, the impact of the Vista OS is likely to peak in 2009. However, global saturation, including many emerging markets, will tamp down the achievable growth rates for the foreseeable future. And even though a sizeable 10.2% increase is predicted for 2009, that pace is far below peak levels achieved in the past, including the 17.9% burst in 2005, reports the researcher.
SCHAUMBURG, IL – Motorola announced today that chief executive Ed Zander will step down, effective Jan. 1.
TEDDINGTON, UK – A National Physical Laboratory investigation into the suitability of XRF systems for screening electronics parts found PIN (semiconductor diode) and SiLi detector-based systems suitable for RoHS compliance measurements in plastics and solders, but proportional counter based systems are not.
All systems successfully detected lead at or above 1%, the group also revealed, easily beating the 4% threshold for determining tin whisker mitigation.
The group tested 15 systems with a range of 40 typical components and assemblies. Eleven different systems were evaluated at 12 different sites. Systems based on PIN, SiLi and proportional counter detectors were included. Eleven systems were benchtop instruments; four were portable. Forty different samples were included in the study, ranging from contaminated plastic components through bulk solder alloys, to solder joints and solder-terminated components, says NPL.
XRF systems using PIN or SiLi detectors generally proved efficient at distinguishing between noncompliant components (containing typically 2000+ ppm of restricted substances) and compliant components (typically <500 ppm of restricted substances). For levels between 500 ppm and 2000 ppm, the use of additional techniques may be required to provide discrimination, NPL says.
The PIN or SiLi detectors also proved efficient at distinguishing compliant and non-compliant systems containing >1000 ppm cadmium. Below this level, however, additional techniques may again be required to provide discrimination. The lower RoHS limit for cadmium of 100 ppm did result in a number of false detections for this element, the company reports.
Proportional counter-based systems were capable of registering the presence of RoHS-banned elements at levels >3%; e.g., such as found in some plastics. Below this level, however, their ability to detect any banned substances was questionable, and use for such applications is not recommended.
For tin whisker mitigation applications, lead levels in excess of 4% are required for solder samples. All systems successfully detected lead at or above this level, provided the sample size was large enough to fill the measurement window. Indeed, all systems proved capable of detecting/measuring lead levels above 1% in solder, according to NPL.
The use of these instruments for both the applications studied (RoHS compliance or tin whisker mitigation) requires operators have both a thorough knowledge of the instrument themselves, and a good understanding of the structure and materials involved in the test samples. These are required to prevent incorrect interpretation of the data provided. Recommendations on instrument practice to obtain meaningful, repeatable results are given.
In conclusion, XRF systems offer a viable method of screening for RoHS compliance and tin whisker mitigation, says NPL. Compared to chemical analysis, these systems offer lower unit and operating cost and faster results. Smaller sample sizes are also possible. However, use of these systems does require a semi-skilled operator.
All systems successfully detected lead at or above 1%, the group also revealed, easily beating the 4% threshold for determining tin whisker mitigation.
The group tested 15 systems with a range of 40 typical components and assemblies. Eleven different systems were evaluated at 12 different sites. Systems based on PIN, SiLi and proportional counter detectors were included. Eleven systems were benchtop instruments; four were portable. Forty different samples were included in the study, ranging from contaminated plastic components through bulk solder alloys, to solder joints and solder-terminated components, says NPL.
XRF systems using PIN or SiLi detectors generally proved efficient at distinguishing between noncompliant components (containing typically 2000+ ppm of restricted substances) and compliant components (typically <500 ppm of restricted substances). For levels between 500 ppm and 2000 ppm, the use of additional techniques may be required to provide discrimination, NPL says.
The PIN or SiLi detectors also proved efficient at distinguishing compliant and non-compliant systems containing >1000 ppm cadmium. Below this level, however, additional techniques may again be required to provide discrimination. The lower RoHS limit for cadmium of 100 ppm did result in a number of false detections for this element, the company reports.
Proportional counter-based systems were capable of registering the presence of RoHS-banned elements at levels >3%; e.g., such as found in some plastics. Below this level, however, their ability to detect any banned substances was questionable, and use for such applications is not recommended.
For tin whisker mitigation applications, lead levels in excess of 4% are required for solder samples. All systems successfully detected lead at or above this level, provided the sample size was large enough to fill the measurement window. Indeed, all systems proved capable of detecting/measuring lead levels above 1% in solder, according to NPL.
The use of these instruments for both the applications studied (RoHS compliance or tin whisker mitigation) requires operators have both a thorough knowledge of the instrument themselves, and a good understanding of the structure and materials involved in the test samples. These are required to prevent incorrect interpretation of the data provided. Recommendations on instrument practice to obtain meaningful, repeatable results are given.
In conclusion, XRF systems offer a viable method of screening for RoHS compliance and tin whisker mitigation, says NPL. Compared to chemical analysis, these systems offer lower unit and operating cost and faster results. Smaller sample sizes are also possible. However, use of these systems does require a semi-skilled operator.
The work was carried out as part of a project in the materials processing metrology program of the UK Department of Trade and Industry.
DALLAS — A Titan Global Holdings subsidiary has completed the acquisition of the assets of EMS firm Nexus Nano Electronics.
Titan Nexus, a unit of Titan Electronics Group, combines Nexus and Titan Electronics, which include a pair of board shops: Titan PCB East and Titan PCB West.
Nexus had revenues of $12 million and $16 million in the periods ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006, respectively. Nexus has 90 employees in its facilities in Brandon, VT, and Woburn, MA.
With the acquisition, Titan upgraded its fiscal 2008 revenue guidance to $45 million. The firm previously guided for $30 million in revenues.
EL SEGUNDO, CA – LCD is the dominant display technology for most electronic products; however, there is still a need for emerging display technologies, according to iSuppli Corp.
“Alternative technologies are still required because they can overcome some of the disadvantages of LCDs, and have some special capabilities that LCDs cannot match,” said Jennifer Colegrove, senior analyst for display technology and strategy for iSuppli. “These technologies include touchscreen, bi-stable, near-eye, Head-Up Display and miniature projection displays.”
Global shipment revenue for the leading touchscreen technologies will rise to $4.4 billion by 2012, up 45% from 2006, iSuppli predicts.
Shipments of bi-stable displays, i.e., electronic displays capable of presenting an image without using power, are expected to reach 350 million units by 2012, up from a mere 29 million units in 2007.
Near-eye display revenue is expected to grow to $724 million by 2012, rising 71% from 2007.
The global HUD module market is expected to reach $107 million in revenue by 2012, up nearly 76% from 2006.
Demand for touchscreen displays is being driven primarily by the cellphone and consumer-electronics industries—specifically portable game consoles, PDAs and PNDs, says iSuppli. However, as the market matures, the firm believes touchscreen displays will find a role in nearly every aspect of life, from planes, to automobiles, to machine-control systems, to home appliances.
After many years of uncertainty, a real market is beginning to take shape for bi-stable displays. Demand is rising for this technology as companies try to limit the power consumption of portable devices and always-on signage, according to the researcher.
Bi-stable displays’ capability to sustain images without electricity also makes them well suited for smart cards, removable flash storage devices and e-book/e-paper, says iSuppli. Other applications include electronic shelf labels, point of purchase/point of sale and cellphones.
Consumers love tiny handheld electronic devices, but don’t love diminutive displays. Because of this, makers of handhelds – including PMPs, DVD players and mobile TVs –hope to improve the viewing experience by offering products with pocket/embedded projectors and near-eye displays, also called head-mounted displays, says iSuppli.
As its name suggests, the near-eye display is designed to be placed on a helmet or visor close to the user’s eye, providing a virtual image that is larger than the physical dimensions of the display. HMDs can display a virtual image ranging in size from 20" to 100".
The pocket projector market is growing because of the demand for portable presentation equipment. Travelers prefer pocket projectors because they allow them to deliver presentations to small groups of people at any time, in any place, says iSuppli.
Commercially available pocket projectors mostly weigh between 1 and 2 lbs.; a pocket projector weighing less than 1 lb. is set to come to the market this quarter, according to the researcher.
Head-up displays enhance safety by keeping drivers’ eyes on the road. Currently, there are many vehicle manufacturers offering HUDs, including General Motors and BMW. The global HUD module market is expected to reach $107 million in revenue by 2012, up 76% from 2006.
There are big growth opportunities for miniature projectors. And with the rear-projection television market losing momentum, microdisplay manufacturers should view this market as an opportunity for growth, concludes iSuppli.
“Alternative technologies are still required because they can overcome some of the disadvantages of LCDs, and have some special capabilities that LCDs cannot match,” said Jennifer Colegrove, senior analyst for display technology and strategy for iSuppli. “These technologies include touchscreen, bi-stable, near-eye, Head-Up Display and miniature projection displays.”
Global shipment revenue for the leading touchscreen technologies will rise to $4.4 billion by 2012, up 45% from 2006, iSuppli predicts.
Shipments of bi-stable displays, i.e., electronic displays capable of presenting an image without using power, are expected to reach 350 million units by 2012, up from a mere 29 million units in 2007.
Near-eye display revenue is expected to grow to $724 million by 2012, rising 71% from 2007.
The global HUD module market is expected to reach $107 million in revenue by 2012, up nearly 76% from 2006.
Demand for touchscreen displays is being driven primarily by the cellphone and consumer-electronics industries—specifically portable game consoles, PDAs and PNDs, says iSuppli. However, as the market matures, the firm believes touchscreen displays will find a role in nearly every aspect of life, from planes, to automobiles, to machine-control systems, to home appliances.
After many years of uncertainty, a real market is beginning to take shape for bi-stable displays. Demand is rising for this technology as companies try to limit the power consumption of portable devices and always-on signage, according to the researcher.
Bi-stable displays’ capability to sustain images without electricity also makes them well suited for smart cards, removable flash storage devices and e-book/e-paper, says iSuppli. Other applications include electronic shelf labels, point of purchase/point of sale and cellphones.
Consumers love tiny handheld electronic devices, but don’t love diminutive displays. Because of this, makers of handhelds – including PMPs, DVD players and mobile TVs –hope to improve the viewing experience by offering products with pocket/embedded projectors and near-eye displays, also called head-mounted displays, says iSuppli.
As its name suggests, the near-eye display is designed to be placed on a helmet or visor close to the user’s eye, providing a virtual image that is larger than the physical dimensions of the display. HMDs can display a virtual image ranging in size from 20" to 100".
The pocket projector market is growing because of the demand for portable presentation equipment. Travelers prefer pocket projectors because they allow them to deliver presentations to small groups of people at any time, in any place, says iSuppli.
Commercially available pocket projectors mostly weigh between 1 and 2 lbs.; a pocket projector weighing less than 1 lb. is set to come to the market this quarter, according to the researcher.
Head-up displays enhance safety by keeping drivers’ eyes on the road. Currently, there are many vehicle manufacturers offering HUDs, including General Motors and BMW. The global HUD module market is expected to reach $107 million in revenue by 2012, up 76% from 2006.
There are big growth opportunities for miniature projectors. And with the rear-projection television market losing momentum, microdisplay manufacturers should view this market as an opportunity for growth, concludes iSuppli.
SAN DIEGO – Solder materials supplier Nihon Superior Co. Ltd. has opened an office in San Diego.
Masato Nakamura, business development manager, has relocated from New Jersey to manage Nihon Superior USA and distribution of Nihon’s products in the Americas.
Keith Howell, formerly with Speedline Technologies and P. Kay Metal, joins Nihon as technical director.
Masato Nakamura, business development manager, has relocated from New Jersey to manage Nihon Superior USA and distribution of Nihon’s products in the Americas.
Keith Howell, formerly with Speedline Technologies and P. Kay Metal, joins Nihon as technical director.
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