Jon Barrett
Editor of Electronics Sourcing UK, North America and Europe
During his publishing career, Jon has continued to develop his mechanical, electronic and software skills ranging from recent qualifications in precision welding to the development of hosted business software.
Don’t fear the dip
I first encountered electronic components in a business environment when I started my engineering career at a robotics and automation company in the late 1980s. The technologies mainly related to power electronics for the motor drives, logic controllers and peripherals such as sensors and light curtains. That’s the best part of 40 years ago so it’s fair to say I’ve had an eye on electronics for several complete business cycles. Thus, I no longer get…
Chicken or egg?
Consider this leader as a follow on from John Denslinger’s article on EV charging infrastructure on page 18 of this issue of Electronics Sourcing North America. Normally, societies and economies evolve steadily over time. Trends organically emerge, sometimes accelerated by new technologies. Each generation accepts change, adopts the elements they like and life rolls on. However, from time-to-time, governments decide to short circuit this process, turning evolution into revolution. The transition from ICE powered vehicles…
Sold out
The Electronic Component Show 2024 is sold out. In fact, it was fully booked a while ago with a waiting list in place. It’s not surprising. There comes a day when every buyer and designer needs to down their printed and digital communication tools and go face-to-face with people and products. Held at Oxford’s Kassam stadium, ECS is a one-day exhibition with seminars on subjects including: avoiding the next supply crisis; choosing the right device…
John Denslinger
Editorial contributor to Electronics Sourcing
John Denslinger is a former executive VP Murata, president SyChip Wireless, and president/CEO ECIA, the industry’s trade association. His career has spannned up to 40 raw years in electronics.
Barcode turns 50 this year
In this article, John Denslinger waves goodbye to the barcode, replaced by QR codes and RFID tags, and ponders whether AI will enhance and refresh both for another 50 years. Hard to believe the humble barcode turned 50 this year. It all started in June 1974 with scanning an inauspicious pack of Juicy Fruit gum. Some say it ushered in an era of transactional automation, while others pointed to the benefits of inventory management. It…
Charging: the disconnect to EV adoption
To empower the EV rollout, John Denslinger suggests switching the focus from car sales to the number of charging stations brought on-line. EV sales have stalled. Dealer lots are full of unsold EV inventory. Automakers have scaled back EV production and expansion investments. Demand has noticeably shifted to hybrids. What on green earth has happened? The Federal government threw billions of dollars in subsidies at the auto industry, battery makers and leading-edge technology companies. It…
Trucking needs technology boost
This month, John Denslinger highlights new standards impacting the design, manufacture and operation of heavy-duty trucks, then explores six areas of opportunity. The EPA recently finalized stronger national greenhouse gas pollution standards for heavy-duty vehicles specifically targeting freight trucks and Each contributes to lower fuel consumption. These standards apply to upcoming model years 2027 to 2032. Manufacturers tasked with balancing sustainability requirements and the quest for greater fuel efficiency have more visibility now, but the larger question might…