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KIOXIA, AIO Core and Kyocera have announced the development of a prototype PCIe 5.0-compatible broadband SSD with an optical interface (broadband optical SSD). The three companies will develop technologies for broadband optical SSDs to enhance their suitability for advanced applications that require high-speed transfer of large data, such as generative AI, and will also apply them to proof-of-concept (PoC) tests for future social implementation.

The new prototype achieved functional operation with the high-speed PCIe 5.0 interface, which is twice the bandwidth of the previous PCIe 4.0 generation[1], through the combination of AIO Core’s IOCore optical transceiver and Kyocera’s OPTINITY optoelectronic integration module technologies.

In next-generation green data centres, replacing the electrical wiring interface with optical and utilising broadband optical SSD technology can significantly increase the physical distance between the compute and storage devices, while maintaining energy efficiency and high signal quality. It also contributes to the flexibility and efficiency of data centre system design, where digital diversification and the evolution of generative AI require complex, high-volume, high-speed data processing.

This achievement is the result of the Japanese “Next Generation Green Data Centre Technology Development” project JPNP21029. It is subsidised by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation (NEDO), which is under the “Green Innovation Fund Project: Construction of Next Generation Digital Infrastructure.”
In this project, companies will develop next-generation technologies with the goal of achieving more than 40% energy savings compared to current data centres. As part of this project, KIOXIA is developing broadband optical SSDs, AIO Core is developing optoelectronic fusion devices and Kyocera is developing optoelectronic device packages.

https://www.kioxia.com

Vicor highlights how its compact and scalable power solutions enable customers to design life-saving products and mission critical devices in its latest eBook, Protecting and Saving Lives. This resource imparts the vital role that high-density power modules play in ensuring safety and reliability across various industries, such first-responders, medical and defence.

The eBook unpacks the growing importance of robotics and tactical drone support for first responders and emergency services. These drones can be rapidly deployed in the face of natural disasters to provide instant communication or deliver quick and crucial supplies to hard-to-reach locations.

The unique guide explores the power delivery networks of Vicor power solutions, delineating how the flexible and scalable solutions support maximum payload under rugged, demanding conditions. From underwater robots securing ports to drones delivering emergency supplies to storm-ravaged areas, Vicor power modules ensure that critical systems operate flawlessly in any environment.

These applications and devices depend on the most advanced and reliable 48V power delivery networks to ensure these lifesaving applications perform when needed most.

Protecting and Saving Lives includes:
• Comprehensive Case Studies: real-world examples of how Vicor power modules have been instrumental in safeguarding lives by delivering performance and reliability
• Technical Insights: detailed explanations of the unique design features and technologies that make the Vicor power modules the preferred choice for critical applications
• Industry Applications: providing close insight into the industries which rely on Vicor’s solutions, including healthcare, defense and aerospace, and how these solutions are tailored to meet specific needs

“The Protecting and Saving Lives eBook provides case studies underscoring the importance of power modules in life-saving situations,” said David Krakauer, VP of Marketing, Vicor. “As industries continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, many are using 48V power delivery networks. So the demand for reliable and scalable power solutions that efficiently convert to and from 48V has never been greater. We are proud to support customer innovations in life-saving technologies as they continue to make our world a safer place to live.”

https://www.vicorpower.com

ST has collaborated with Segway to equip its latest range of robotic lawnmowers with precision positioning and extended satellite-signal coverage bringing their operational efficiency and safety to the next level.

Reliable and precise satellite navigation is crucial for boundary-wire-free robotic lawnmowers to be able to autonomously navigate and operate safely. Adjacent tall buildings or trees can impact satellite reception. To be able to operate safely at the edge of stairs or steep slopes, satellite signal coverage cannot be spotty and must be guaranteed.

Leveraging their automotive-grade quality and reliability, ST’s Teseo satellite-navigation chips represent a perfect fit for the robotic lawnmower segment. The ability of the machine to identify its exact location, to a decimetre-level accuracy, ensures it stays and operates within a defined field perimeter. This makes the mower’s performance safer, preventing any injury or property damage, as well as more efficient by replacing random mowing patterns with a systematic approach that enables serving a larger area with a small mower over a shorter period of time.

Integrated in Segway’s recently unveiled Navimow X3 lawn mowers, ST’s automotive-qualified Teseo V single-chip triple-band GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receivers are able to efficiently acquire and track the largest number of satellites in multiple constellations simultaneously for superior performance in difficult conditions. Augmented by the Real-Time Kinematic technique for satellite signal error correction, this ensures stability and precision of the lawn mower operation even in challenging signal environments and complex layouts, such as on properties with both front and back yards and in instances where the robotic lawnmower has to pass through narrow passageways connecting one mowing zone to another. Compared to Segway’s previous generation robotic lawnmowers, satellite signal coverage was increased by 20-30% with ST’s Teseo V GNSS receiver technology.

“Segway Navimow’s collaboration with ST is the perfect example of “Mutualism”. ST provides electronic modules embedding cutting-edge technology, which Segway leveraged in its latest, most advanced robotic lawnmower.” says George Ren, CEO of Segway Navimow.

“Building on its success in enabling the creation of reliable and affordable automotive navigation systems, ST’s single-chip Teseo satellite receiver technology now brings these capabilities to the industrial market in a compact and convenient package,” said Luca Celant, Digital Audio and Signal Solutions Division General Manager at STMicroelectronics. “Segway’s choice to use the market-proven Teseo devices in their next-generation robotic lawnmowers represents a significant milestone in ST’s expansion towards the industrial GNSS market, offering automotive-grade quality at an industrial-grade cost.”

https://www.st.com

Panasonic Industry and Miromico, a Swiss manufacturer of innovative IoT hardware and customised solutions for smart infrastructure connectivity, have collaborated to demonstrate efficient micro energy harvesting in an application that is itself dedicated to sustainability and workforce wellbeing. Miromico’s recently launched miro Insight Lux sensor solution monitors indoor air quality with precision, detecting CO2 levels using NDIR technology, alongside temperature, air pressure, humidity, and ambient light – all powered by the latest Amorton solar cells from Panasonic Industry.

Robert Spiegler, Lead Product Manager at Panasonic Industry Europe, explains: ”. The solar cell has been specifically designed for Miromico, aiming to meet both technical and aesthetic requirements. It is engineered to perform reliably in both artificial low-light conditions and natural bright light. One of the biggest challenges was the unique shape of the solar cell, featuring rounded corners and cutouts for status LEDs. Miromico has created an aesthetically pleasing product where the solar cell is a striking element of the design. We take pride in what we have achieved together.”. Sustainable devices like the miro Insight Lux require highly reliable components with longevity, and this is precisely where our high-quality Amorton solar cells come into play.”

Panasonic Industry’s latest Amorton glass based solar cells benefit from a nearly perfect black-reflective surface and optimised efficiency. These breakthroughs have been made possible thanks to an optimised production process, which significantly expanded the active area compared to the previous generation. The result is a 20% rise in energy efficiency, making the new AMG- and AMH-series one of the most effective indoor amorphous solar cells on the market today. The devices harvest energy reliably and sustainably even in low light and artificial light environments.

“We stand for durability and sustainability – just like our partner Panasonic Industry.” explains Liliane Paradise, COO at Miromico. “For our latest product development of the miro Insight Lux, our development team had to take a close look at existing technologies and weigh up the pros and cons. The right selection of components to use was crucial. Panasonic provided us with excellent support in the development from day one and worked with us to determine which specifications were technically feasible. It was extremely helpful to receive quantitatively verifiable specifications and regular development samples during the development process,” Paradise adds.

https://industry.panasonic.eu