Infineon and AWL-Electricity partner to improve wireless power with GaN power semiconductors

Infineon has announced a partnership with Canada-based AWL-Electricity Inc., a pioneer in MHz resonant capacitive coupling power transfer technology. Infineon provides AWL-E with CoolGaN GS61008P allowing the development of advanced wireless power solutions, enabling new ways to solve power challenges in various industries.

The partnership combines Infineon’s GaN technology with AWL-E’s innovative MHz resonant capacitive coupling power transfer system, achieving industry-benchmark wireless power efficiencies. Infineon’s GaN transistor technology offers highest efficiency and highest power density while operating at highest switching frequencies. This enables AWL-E to increase its system lifetime, reduces downtime and operating costs, and improves ease-of-use for consumers. In the automotive sector, the technology enables a new level of interior experiences and seat dynamics. In industrial systems, it provides near-unconstrained levels of design freedom, such as for automated guided vehicles or robotic applications. Additionally, the technology allows for a fully sealed system design, eliminating the need for charging ports which contributes to reducing global consumption of batteries.

“With our partner approach we prove once more the ability to unlocking the full system-level benefits of Infineon’s CoolGaN technology, enabling compactness and efficiency,” said Falk Herm, Global Partnership & Ecosystem Management at Infineon’s Power & Sensor Systems (PSS) Division at Infineon. “The combination of AWL-E and Infineon’s complementary capabilities demonstrates how the features of GaN, namely operating at MHz frequencies, change the paradigm of what can be done with power transistors, driving greener and better performing products.”
“Infineon uniquely brings you into their family with a recognition that a strong ecosystem ultimately solves today’s power needs,” said Francis Beauchamp-Verdon, Co-founder, VP and Business Development Director at AWL-E. “Infineon’s GaN transistors, eval boards, and partner opportunities have boosted acceptance of our GaN-based MHz power coupling systems.”

https://www.infineon.com/cms/en/product/power/gan-hemt-gallium-nitride-transistor/

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Mouser, Silicon Labs and Arduino sponsor 2024 Matter Challenge

Mouser Electronics, has announced that it is sponsoring the 2024 Matter Challenge in partnership with Silicon Labs and Arduino. Open to all skill levels, the Matter Challenge is an opportunity to inspire the Silicon Labs Community and beyond by creating an incredible project with the Arduino Nano Matter board, available from Mouser. The contest runs until October 31.

To enter the Matter Challenge, contestants will need to create a Silicon Labs Community account. Then, they will need to create an original project based on the Arduino Nano Matter board. The submissions will be evaluated based on depth, potential impact, and innovation.

The Arduino Nano Matter board is based on the powerful MGM240S microcontroller from Silicon Labs. The Arduino Nano Matter seamlessly incorporates the advanced Matter standard for IoT connectivity, catering to hobbyists and professionals. With compact dimensions of 18 mm x 45 mm, the Nano Matter is ideal for energy-efficient projects requiring connectivity options like Bluetooth Low Energy and OpenThread. Users can take advantage of the extensive range of peripherals and inputs/outputs within the Arduino ecosystem to enhance device connectivity and project functionality.

The winner of the Matter Challenge will be announced on November 7, 2024, and will receive a $500 USD credit to Mouser.com, recognition at Silicon Labs’ Works With Virtual conference, a pair of Bose headphones, and more. All participants will receive a three-month membership to the Novel Bits Bluetooth developer training course.

Matter is an industry-unifying, IP-based connectivity protocol that streamlines building IoT applications while allowing seamless integration into a variety of ecosystems for smart homes, industrial automation, consumer electronics, smart agriculture, healthcare and more.

 https://community.silabs.com

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u-blox and Topcon positioning systems partner to offer comprehensive GNSS positioning services

u-blox has announced a strategic partnership with Topcon Positioning Systems, a global leader in precision measurement and workflow solutions. This collaboration is set to create one of the world’s largest high-precision GNSS positioning service offers for the mass market, giving customers across the globe a blend of performance, pricing, and delivery options.
This partnership comes at a time when the demand for GNSS precise positioning in a wealth of applications is surging, driven by the increased availability, reliability, and affordability of the technology. According to a recent report by EUSPA (p. 22), the services enabled by GNSS devices will generate around 80% of total GNSS revenues in 2033*.
The comprehensive suite of GNSS correction services with global coverage will cater to a broad spectrum of applications requiring precise positioning. These include automotive, industrial, robotics, construction, agriculture, mobility, and more. They integrate seamlessly with u-blox’s current and future hardware products, as well as services such as PointPerfect. The close collaboration between the two companies will enable u-blox to expand its portfolio, optimise development initiatives and operations, and leverage assets and global expertise to grow within the positioning service market.
“The strategy driving this collaboration with Topcon is to grow the u-blox services portfolio to better solve the full range of problems and needs customers are facing,” says Eric Heiser, Head Business Unit Services at u-blox. “This announcement also aligns with the company’s long-term goal of growing our positioning business by becoming a significant provider of high-precision positioning services, making the future with us precise, smart, and sustainable.”
Topcon echoes the sentiment: “This strategic partnership combines the high-volume, mass-market application products and knowledge of u-blox with the high-level precision GNSS services and expertise of Topcon. By working with u-blox, we’re not only expanding our global footprint, but also offering scalable services that cater to a wider range of precision GNSS needs, from our agriculture and construction markets now into automotive and robotics,” said Ian Stilgoe, Vice President, Global Emerging Business, Topcon Positioning Systems. “Ultimately, this partnership allows both companies to provide more comprehensive solutions to a wider range of customers, addressing their positioning challenges more effectively than either company could do alone. Whether it’s u-blox now extending high-precision RTK services or Topcon gaining wider reach in new markets, our combined portfolios create a compelling value proposition that will drive innovation and accessibility in GNSS positioning services globally.”

https://www.u-blox.com

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Ultra low power GNSS receiver from u-blox boosts bike computers

u-blox has announced that Absolute Cycling, an innovator in cycling technology, has chosen the u-blox MAX-M10S advanced GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver to provide accurate positioning for its latest cycling computer device, The One.

The MAX-M10S GNSS ultra-low-power consumption module from u-blox is a critical component for The One. It is vital for maintaining the battery life over extended periods, which is essential for long rides, while ensuring continuous tracking accuracy, even in environments such as dense forests and high-rise buildings when combined with Absolute Cycling’s algorithms.

The state-of the-art cycling computer offers precise positioning and elevation data, an intuitive user interface, and distraction-free usage, ensuring cyclists can focus solely on enjoying their ride. Its development reflects the growing demand for precision and ease-of-use cycling computers, while aligning with major technology trends such as Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and machine learning through its advanced sensor fusion algorithms for real-time data accuracy.

The u-blox MAX-M10S is designed for ultra-low power consumption and maximum position availability with concurrent reception of all GNSS. This capability provides the necessary GNSS performance without draining the battery too rapidly, ensuring that cyclists can use The One for over 12 hours on a single charge. The module also supports small antennas, making the complete solution more compact, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing.

“Existing cycling computers are often inaccurate and complicated, leading to a lackluster rider experience. Additionally, their interfaces are complicated to use, and their battery life is too short for extended rides, which can interrupt longer journeys and degrade the overall user experience,” said Oreste Concepito, Head of Product Strategy, Business Unit Positioning at u-blox. “Integrating the MAX-M10S into The One computer will ensure cyclists get a device that enhances their riding experience with precise and reliable GPS positioning.”
Harm Giesen from Absolute Cycling added: “u-blox, and its distribution partner Batenburg Applied Technologies in the Netherlands, is a reliable partner that provides excellent performance and support, with high value for money. Having a technically certified and proactive distributor in our home country, who delves into the product and its application, helped us reach the high standards we were looking for in our cycling computer. The MAX M10S will make The One an indispensable tool for cyclists aiming to maximize their outdoor adventures.”

https://www.u-blox.com

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