Unravelling global supply chains, a catalyst for smart factories
John Denslinger explores the idea that the cost savings offered by smart factories, Industry 4.0 and AI lay the foundations for a new generation of localized supply chains. Since the early 1980s, global supply chains were developed with cost minimization as the driving force. Given that as the prime metric,…
Walking the interconnect tightrope
In this article, EDAC Europe’s sales director, Chrissy Cooper, guides buyers along the tightrope that demands projects are on time and on budget. Staying competitive in today’s marketplace is more than just offering value for money. Long lead times, a fragile global supply chain and a shortage in raw materials have…
What is the “Internet of Things”: A Deep Dive
What is IoT? The Internet of Things describes the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies to facilitate an exchange of information with other devices or systems across a network. Today, more and more devices are becoming tagged with a “smart” moniker bringing about the age…
Investing in lead-free R&D
In this article, IPC highlights new investment in lead-free R&D, while also warning readers that high material and labor costs continue to challenge the sector. The US Senate has approved an FY2022 spending package containing $7.5 million for further lead-free R&D in defense and high-performance applications, sending the measure to…
Lead times will remain long for discretes through 2022
Prices for MOSFETS, IGBTs and rectifiers increased in 2021 and there could be more price hikes in 2022. Buyers can expect continued tight supply for discrete semiconductors through most of 2022 but supply could loosen towards the end of the year and lead times for some discretes could shrink a…
Distributors see rising sales from auto industry
The auto industry is facing continuing chip shortages and many tier 1-4 automotive suppliers are turning to distributors for parts and services. Distributors report that sales to tier 1-4 automotive suppliers have grown significantly over the last two years as many semiconductors and other components needed by the automotive industry…
