Electronics Design Show 2013 preview

Catering specifically to their professional needs, the event attracted 1600 design engineers to the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The Conference programme attracted more than 600 delegates and the Workshop sessions on the show floor were often standing room only. It's fair to say that electronic design engineers in the UK have not had the best of service when it comes to national events. Event organisers have often blamed the lack of an 'exhibition culture' for poor attendance, but the fact remains that if an event is interesting and worthwhile, then people will go to it. Research showed that 41% of last year's attendees were electronics specialists and that there was a real desire amongst them for a dedicated electronics event, hence the launch this year of the Electronics Design Show as part of a much enlarged exhibition. 'Bigger and Better' have been this year's watchwords, borne out by a show that will take up all three halls of the Ricoh's Jaguar Exhibition Centre. The Electronics Design Show, the Engineering Design Show and a new section named 'Engineering Materials Live!'. This year, it is hoped that more than 2500 visitors from all aspects of engineering design will attend, while around 200 exhibitors will be showing their wares. In addition, Conference programmes will run for both the Engineering Design Show and the Electronics Design Show. This year's show will be bigger and better in every way. We look forward to seeing you there. REASONS TO ATTEND • The show has been created specifically for electronic design engineers • Review the latest techniques and technology from more than 80 market leading suppliers • FREE practical technology workshops, providing information to help you with your design projects • Learn from 16 conference speakers • Network with other design engineers EXHIBITOR ROUND-UP There will be a huge amount of variety on display at the Electronics Design Show – a blend of components, products, tools and services that covers the majority of interests of the design engineer. Starting with new products, Direct Insight (stand – L60) will be promoting the TRITON-TXFB baseboard, only a few weeks since its release on the market. The new TRITON-TXFB turns the TRITON-TX series of pin-compatible SOMs into complete production board solutions, offering a range of processors - from a low-end ARM9, up to a quad core ARM Cortex-A9. It offers the first completely configurable and flexible production solution for Linux, Windows CE and Android projects, says the company. TRITON-TXFB can be used with any of the current generation of pin-compatible 3.3V I/O TRITON-TX modules, from an low-cost TRITON-TX28S based on a Freescale i.MX283, to a TRITON-TX48 based on the TI AM335x processor as used in the popular Beaglebone community board, and the TRITON-TX6Q with quad ARM Cortex-A9 based i.MX6 from Freescale. In each case, the combination of baseboard and module forms a complete production-ready dual-board solution. Freescale (Stand - K75) is concentrating on its innovations in the consumer, industrial and networking markets. Live demonstrations will include: Mad Catz Wireless Force Feedback Racing Wheel based on a Kinetis K20 MCU; PROFIBUS field communication technology used in industrial automation systems with Freescale's PowerQUICC and QorIQ communication processors; Kinetis energy efficiency with the Kinetis L series MCUs; and the Home Health Hub showing connected weight scales, blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter The new NI cRIO-9068 software-designed controller is part of the most advanced and open system design platform for embedded control and monitoring systems, claims National Instruments (Stand – G25). Maintaining full LabVIEW and I/O compatibility with the CompactRIO platform, the controller integrates technologies including the Xilinx Zynq-7020 All Programmable SoC, which combines a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor and Xilinx 7 Series FPGA fabric. The resulting system benefits from increased processor performance and significantly greater bandwidth for communication to the FPGA fabric. The new NI Linux Real-Time OS on the cRIO-9068 gives developers access to community-sourced libraries and applications to augment their control and monitoring systems. On Stand M30, Pacer will demonstrate a range of optoelectronic sensors, thermal and pyroelectric detectors, magnetic encoders, focus-variable lenses, high power LEDs and RFID components. Information displays range from compact, rugged handheld tablets up to the latest 84" ultra high definition screens and scalable video walls. New products include uncooled MWIR imaging detectors, LCD modules controlled by SPI and I2C, and Silicon photomultiplier modules capable of extremely low light level detection. Also in the optoelectronics sector, OMC (Stand L40) will include a demonstration of its Profiled LED backlighting technology. This complements custom LCD glass modules, for the first time enabling designers requiring displays for relatively low volume applications to be able to choose a full-custom option. OMC's Profiled backlight technology ensures that very consistent illumination is provided across the entire display. Uniquely, they can feature single or dual chip LEDs depending on power output availability and requirements, and they are available in full RGB and blue/white colours. The company also now offers, and will be discussing at the Show, a fibre optic link service specifically tailored to meet the requirements of the high voltage market. Rhopoint Components (Stand N20) has a large range of non generic resistors and passive components in addition to its range of sensors and feed-throughs. Some of the main ranges on show include: precision, power, low ohmic, high voltage and high temperature resistors; digital isolators; circuit protection; temperature products including RTDs, platinum sensors, thermocouples and heatflux sensors. Other sensors, regulators and interconnection products will also be on display. Although strictly in the Engineering Materials Live! section of the adjacent Engineering Design Show, Tecman (Stand A15) will be of interest to design engineers looking for best practise information about bonding methods and materials. The company will showcase its range of high precision die cut components and Bond44 high performance industrial adhesive tapes. Congatec (Stand K45) will presents its fastest COM Express module based on 4th Generation Intel Core processors. The conga-TS87 module features improved vector processing, more efficient floating point calculation and better graphics without an increase in power consumption. Improvements to the previous architecture have led to efficiency gains that also boost performance. This is particularly evident in the embedded graphics, where the number of integrated graphics units (execution units) has been increased, resulting in higher 3D performance in the range from 28 to 60%, compared to previous generations. Analog Devices (Stand K30) will highlight its partnerships with industry leading FPGA OEMs and software developers. It will also demonstrate its solution expertise, as a complete signal chain solution, from field transmitter to actuator. Incorporating a selection of reference circuits, the demonstration will feature a loop powered field instrument with HART interface, universal analogue input board and analogue output with HART connectivity. Royalty-free real-time operating systems (RTOS) Express Logic (Stand J45) is introducing its Downloadable Application Modules (DAM) for ARM Cortex-M3/M4 systems using its ThreadX RTOS. DAMs enable ThreadX-based applications dynamically to run application code not statically linked with the main system executable image. Also, each module can be memory-protected (using the Cortex-M3/M4 MPU) from the rest of the system to prevent access outside its own memory area, thus protecting the system from any unintended actions of threads within a module. Euroquartz (Stand L45) is showing its new ranges of high precision low jitter oscillators and VCXOs. Typically available in as little as 5 to 10 days, the new HTQF and HPQF series oscillators and GDQF, GPQF and GTQF series VCXOs have been developed as precision frequency control components. The GDQF (LVDS), GPQF (LVPECL) and GTQF (CMOS) VCXOs all combine low integrated phase jitter of <1.0ps with wide frequency range – 10 to 1450MHz for GDQF/GPQF and 10 to 245MHz for GTQF. Additional specifications include low supply current of <15mA (GTQF), <16mA (GDQF) and <46mA (GPQF) all at 100MHz. HTQF (CMOS) and HPQF (LVPECL) clock oscillators also offer low current consumption with wide operating frequency ranges and an integrated phase jitter performance of 1.0ps and 0.6ps rms respectively. HTQF series LVCMOS oscillators are available with frequency range from 10 to 245MHz with current consumption of <18mA at 50MHz. Output load is 15pF. Many other components will be highlighted on the stands of the distribution companies. For example Avnet Memec (Stand K5) will be showing new technologies from Intersil (digital power modules and the latest "Aspen" Graphical User Interface); Maxim (modular power solutions, energy harvesting, micropower light sensors and integrated audio solutions); Microchip (wired and wireless connectivity solution); Microsemi (multi-port switches and Hubs and the new IGLOO2, and SmartFusion2 FPGA families); and Silicon Labs (32-Bit microcontrollers, CMEMS oscillators, isolation and power solutions, and the latest wireless ISM Sub-GHz Transceivers). Specialist display and component distributor Ginsbury (Stand K25) will be demonstrating a range of new Kyocera Advanced Wide View and Value Line TFT display modules and high-reliability DC-DC converters from US manufacturer Pico. Kyocera's Advanced Wide View TFT displays have been developed to provide superior image quality and wide viewing angles with maximum colour accuracy. Advanced Wide View achieves a viewing angle of greater than 170° (horizontally and vertically) and ensures that the colour fidelity of the display image is accurately represented when viewed from any direction. Premier EDA Solutions (Stand K10), as the UK reseller of Altium, will run a programme of presentations illustrating the key features and capabilities of the electronics design software. Their Applications Support team will also be on hand to give up-close demonstrations and Altium's Industry Specialist; will deliver his Managing Electronics Design Data – From Concept to Production workshop on each day of the Show. Premier passionately supports the UK electronics industry and is looking forward to highlighting British design innovation. This includes bringing along solar-powered racing car Endeavour from Cambridge University Eco Racing (K86) and Angelic Bulldog, the streamliner aiming to break the world motorcycle land speed record at 400mph (B40). There will be an updated showcase of work designed in the UK with Altium a special prize draw to celebrate this. Also of note from Altium is its partnership with Desktop EDA to provide PCB designers improved ECAD and MCAD integration with Dassault SolidWorks, Siemens Solid Edge and Autodesk Inventor. Another distributor with specialist interests is Toby Electronics (Stand M15) who will highlight the benefits of custom connector design. Alongside the company's own Valcon range, highlights of the Toby linecard include Samtec's innovative range of connectors and cable systems. Visitors will have a chance to learn more about the benefits of using custom-designed connectors to enhance system performance, strengthen IP protection, improve supply chain traceability and simplify manufacturing processes. BCD Microelectronics (Stand L5) aims to use the Show to raise awareness of its RF and wireless capability through its links with CSR and software partners such as Stollmann, Flaircomm, Blue Creation. The company believes it has the most cost effective, lowest risk and highest performance Bluetooth Low Energy and Dual Mode Solutions – solutions that are easy to design in whether it's a simple cable replacement or iOS and Android Apps. There will also be a demo of the latest CSR Coach 14 SoC for IP and Security Cameras. Meanwhile distributor Anglia is focussing on two initiatives on Stands K20 and K40. AngliaLive is the new online ordering service from Anglia. The website aims to enable projects to be taken seamlessly from embryonic design to volume production. Anglia M2M is a specialist division of Anglia that is dedicated to machine to machine technology using embedded wireless communication. The division offers wireless technologies such as GPRS/3G/4G, WiFi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, antennas and SIM services from a line-up of more than 15 market leading suppliers. For RS Component's (Stand H15) the Show is of most use as a meeting place – 'a great opportunity for us to connect with our customers and continue to understand more about their daily challenges.' So feel free to visit the stand an air your views. There will also be some of the latest design solutions - some which have yet to be launched. Services are not limited to distribution. There are a number of companies promoting their prototyping and manufacturing capabilities. You can win an Apple IPad if you visit Contract Production (Stand J10) who will be talking about its tailored contract electronics manufacturing service for low to medium volume manufacturers with all work manufactured under an ISO9001 approved quality system. Gemini Tec (Stand M45), is another EMS company whose services span rapid prototyping and NPI to batch production orders of 1 to 1000 units. One novel service that this company offers and will be talking about at EDS is solder jet printing technology. This process is particularly useful in prototyping as it means a new solder paste stencil does not need to be cut for every new version of the design. Arrival Electronics (Stand – L10) is an EMS company that offers design services, kitting and inventory management, as well as manufacturing services. One aspect of Arrival is its component distribution business, providing to support customers at the start of their product's lifecycle. It focuses on four main product categories, Power, Storage, Interface and Design. At the Electronics Design Show, Arrival will have products on show in each of these areas, from Ethernet WiFi solutions and USB3.0 Hub controllers, to Solid State Drive Technology including the Single Chip Solid State Drive IC from Silicon Motion, and GSM / GPS modules from Janus and Navsync. Consultancy services are also well represented at the Electronics Design Show. ByteSnap Design (Stand L30) will be showing off some of the embedded hardware and software projects that have helped it win electronics industry awards, including a 'Highly Commended' for Design Team of the Year at the British Engineering Excellence Awards. Boards and software on the stand will include a live demonstration, using racing toy dogs, of how ZigBee technology can be used to monitor a remote device and communicate with Windows and Linux display units at the same time. Also on show will be ByteSnap's cross-platform user interface technology, which allows internationalised versions of desktop and mobile software for Windows, Linux, Android and Samsung Bada to be developed in days rather than weeks. Experienced at developing sophisticated communications modules for the data networking industry and equally at home creating simple, cost-effective embedded controllers, Xentech Solutions' (Stand N15) team of engineers can help with projects such as; updating an existing design for a new user experience using faster, more power-efficient microprocessors; or adding touchscreen capability; or using Ethernet or Wi-Fi to control and monitor an already proven system. Xentech can also help customers work with third parties like test house and contract manufacturers. A little forward thinking and sourcing supply of memory products from the experts pays off in the long-term, enabling right first time designs and faster time to market. That will be the message from Nexus (Stand K15) who specialise in rugged, industrial memory and will be offering all visitors to its stand, who have a valid embedded design application that they wish to kick-start into prototype stage, a six week trial of their development kits. Other design tools will be on display. Future Facilities (Stand M50) will showcase the latest release of 6SigmaET – a thermal modelling tool specifically designed for the electronics industry. At the show, Future Facilities will demonstrate how using thermal analysis can shorten your time-to-market by reducing the risk of thermal design issues. Several companies are also showing the latest in test tools and techniques. GOEPEL electronics (Stand J40) will exhibit its JTAG/Boundary Scan hardware and software and will demonstrate how to overcome test access problems by utilising most modern technologies. New features in the test and programming software SYSTEM CASCON for Boundary Scan compliant with IEEE Std. 1149.x and the even wider support of chip-embedded instrumentations by innovative ChipVORX extensions should be of interest for design and test specialists as much as new integration opportunities in ATE systems. XJTAG (Stand K50) is another company who believes that boundary scan is way forward when it comes to improving the design and testability of electronic products. XJTAG provides boundary scan test solutions to help spot flaws in designs, better design-for-test, test 'untestable' devices such as those in BGA packages and also provide faster programming. The exhibition stand will also feature kits for demonstration, product brochures and a chance to win a Raspberry Pi. Finally, Pickering Interfaces (Stand M40) will be introducing a comprehensive new range of cost effective PXI Microwave switch solutions comprising 21 new modules. The 40-784A family supports one, two or three Radial microwave switches in just two slots of a 3U PXI chassis, with available configurations of four way (SP4T) and six way (SP6T) multiplexers and a choice of DC to 6GHz, 18GHz, 26.5GHz or 40GHz operating frequency ranges. The 6GHz/18GHz/26.5GHz configurations feature extended life with a guaranteed 10million operations per position and typical life of 25million operations. The single and dual switch models are fitted with channel selection LEDs to simplify system operation and debug. The minimal two slot PXI occupancy allows test system designers to provide high density solutions for complex microwave switching applications. CONFERENCE A varied conference programme should certainly inform visitors, but it may well entertain and inspire as well. Attendance is free, but to reserve a place register online. Wednesday, 2nd October 2013 09:00-09:45 Raspberry Pi – from Consumer to Creator Pete Lomas – Raspberry Pi Foundation The seven-year journey (which includes sales of over 1.5 million units) has sometimes been a tough one for Raspberry Pi , but it's been a journey with some significant successes, including the repatriation of manufacturing to the UK and the associated job creation. What does the future hold for the project? How close are we to meeting our original goals; were our ambitions the right ones? Have we managed to build an awareness and interest in engineering, or has the status quo remained? And crucially, how do we move forward in engaging with tomorrow's engineers? 10:00-10:45 Car-to-x Visteon Connectivity has reached the car. Plans are being drawn up that will enable cars to talk to other vehicles to improve road safety and to a transport infrastructure that will provide such information as traffic and weather updates. The so called Car-to-x system may also enable road tolling to be introduced. What are the challenges in developing Car-to-x technology and what is the best way for cars to communicate? 11:00-11:45 The future is flexible Ian Reid, Strategic Marketing Director , Plastic Logic New technologies continue to evolve and influence electronic product and system design. This presentation explores how the features of flexible electronics technology are driving innovation in this area. It highlights how Plastic Logic is working with partners to transform concepts into real product designs, while overcoming practical challenges. 12:00-12:45 Speaking up for voice-controlled devices Eddie Sinnott, Wolfson Microelectronics Today's interface of choice is the touchscreen. In the future it may well be the human voice - one of the consequences of enabling MEMS technologies. 13:00-13:45 Is the driverless car a reality? Freescale Google has already run tests of a driverless car in California, so far without mishap, but it will be some time before autonomous cars appear in the showrooms near you. Will we get to a state where the driver can trust the vehicle to drive? There are a number of challenges to be overcome before that situation can become a reality. The presentation will look at these challenges, but will show that the journey towards self-driving cars is an exciting and positive one, leading to safer roads 14:00-14:45 As Low As Reasonably Practicable Chris Hills, Technical Specialist, Phaedrus Systems The process of developing safety critical software gives rise to a number of topics, including: processes; requirements capture/ management; design; coding standards; static analysis; and unit test/dynamic analysis. The term ALARP – As Low As Reasonably Practicable – is a term widely used when discussing risk and safety. But what is ALARP when it comes to assessing risks in a system? 15.00 – 15.45 Long Live the LED - How to Increase Reliability of LED Lighting Designs Gary Bentley, European Field Applications Manager, Littelfuse Europe LED lamps are highly complex entities and very sensitive to overvoltage and overcurrent failures. Therefore the proper protection of LED strings is critical. Gary Bentley speaks about the benefits of LED lighting and the importance of LED design protection. Thursday, 3rd October 2013 09:00-09:45 Electronic Systems: Challenges and Opportunities Warren East, former Chief Executive of ARM Holdings The recently published ESCO Report believes the UK's electronic systems sector could grow its revenues by 55% by 2020, while increasing employment to more than 1 million people. Electronics Systems Leadership Forum chair Warren East outlines the opportunities available to UK electronics companies and provides hints on ways to take advantage of those opportunities. 10:00-10:45 Meet the Cortex-M Family Trevor Martin, Hitex An overview of the Cortex- M family, giving architectural descriptions supported with practical examples, enabling the engineer to easily develop basic C programs to run on the Cortex- M0/M3 and M4. Trevor Martin will then examine the more advanced features of the Cortex architecture such as memory protection, operating modes and dual stack. 11:00-11:45 The key role of electroncis and software in surgical innovation Fabien Schmitt, Senior Consultant – Technical Design, PDD Group Electronics and software have played a key role in enabling breakthrough medical and surgical innovations and this influence will continue to grow, creating new business opportunities for UK electronics companies. 12:00-12:45 How will we connect 50 billion devices? Matthew Bailey, Founder Member of Cambridge Wireless and Co-Chairman of the Weightless Marketing SIG The internet of things may allow up to 50billion devices to communicate – and many of those devices will do nothing but 'talk' to another device. What's involved in taking advantage of the internet of things? Is it as easy as 'dropping in' connectivity, or is there more to it? And is the communication infrastructure capable of dealing with the traffic? 13:00-13:45 Micro and nanoelectronics components and systems: opportunities for European cooperation Willy Van Puymbroeck, Head of unit 'Components', European Commission Directorate This presentation will firstly address the European Strategy for micro- and nanoelectronics Components and Systems adopted by the Commission on 23rd May 2013, offering opportunities for European collaborative research and innovation. Second the presentation will focus on work currently supported under the EU's seventh R&D Framework Programme in the area of electronic component and smart systems integration, and finally a brief outlook on the next framework programme HORIZON 2020 and focus on innovation will be presented.' 14:00-14:45 Beating the counterfeiters UL International Product counterfeiting is a thriving multi-billion dollar global industry. It is highly profitable and the risks of significant legal consequences are low. For consumers, it means increased health and safety risks, purchasing inferior products, and job loss. In the United States alone, it is estimated that the crime of counterfeiting has caused the loss of more than 750,000 jobs. What can be done? WORKSHOPS The extensive workshop schedule is spread across two workshop theatres. Like the Conference attendance is free and allows delegates the opportunity to get up close and personal with specific technologies. Reserve a place by registering online at www.electronicsdesignshow.co.uk, where there will also be updates on the programme. Wednesday 2nd October 2013 10:15-10:55 Signal chain designer: a new way to design online Chris Cokayne, Technical Solutions Engineer, Analog Devices Signal Chain Designer is an advanced selection and design environment that enables custom design creation and direct interactive access to more than 200 tested application circuits and verified product combinations. This session will provide an overview of the new environment, and demonstrate how it integrates with the new engineering tool: Analog Filter Wizard. 10:15-10:55 Brewing with Maxim in the 21st century Keith Welsh, Senior Applications Manager , Maxim UK Join Maxim Integrated in a tour of our virtual brewery and see where Maxim's highly integrated IC solutions for Industrial Automation and Process Control are used to run modern factories more safely and efficiently. 11:15 - Managing electronics design data – from concept to production Robert Huxel, Industry Specialist – Enterprise Solutions - EMEA, Altium As the process of developing electronic products has increased in complexity and involved more engineering domains, managing the huge array of design data that is sourced and generated has become a crucial part of this task. 11:15 - High speed board development and test Nick Hardy, FAE, XJTAG Ltd JTAG has moved from being a manufacturing test tool to a key part of the R&D and hardware development process – becoming essential for boards with BGA devices, FPGAs, microprocessors and DSPs. 12:15 - National Instruments 12:15 - Microsemi 13:15 - Exclusive product launch RS Components will be launching a revolutionary new product to the market 13:15 - How to streamline your design process and maximise reuse to boost design efficiency Nikola Kontic, Business Development Manager, Zuken With 80% of total product costs determined during the design and development phase, streamlining your design process and aiming for maximum efficiency at every stage makes economic sense. Designing with an integrated solution that allows you to consider the complete system from the concept stage allows continuous trade-off and helps reduce design cycle time. 14:15 - Integrating switchmode power for OEMs Matt Smith and Keith Barclay, Application Support Engineers, TDK-Lambda This seminar will provide the key pointers for a fast, successful integration of today's switch mode technology for OEM designers. 14:15 - Where to begin developing systems for the IoT using Freescale Solutions Gordon Padkin, Microcontroller Marketing Manager, Northern Europe, Freescale Semiconductor In this session Freescale will present an overview of the current IoT landscape across different markets, outlining the key challenges for a successful IoT rollout, and then looking at how the Freescale portfolio is evolving to address the requirements for data collection, data transfer (connectivity) and data processing. Thursday, 3rd October 2013 10:15 - Tektronix 10:15 - Bringing NFC to anything with a micro Mark Dickson, Senior Marketing Manager for NFC/RFID, ams AG The AS3953 NFiC product from ams AG will be introduced. This is a NFC Forum front end that allows by directional communication between a NFC mobile phone and anything with a micro. Simpler, lower cost and quicker to implement than a NFC reader, it is enabling new markets and applications, which will be discussed in this session. 11:15 - UK Patent Box: maximising tax savings for innovations Tony Albutt and Julia Mills, Partners, D Young & Co LLP The UK government's Patent Box scheme, under which a company can apply a lower rate of corporation tax to profits earned from its patented inventions, came into effect on 1 April 2013. The Patent Box is an opt in scheme for obtaining a reduced rate of corporation tax on certain IP derived profits in the UK that seeks to encourage innovation and long-term growth of technology companies in the UK. D Young & Co LLP, will present the ins and outs of the Patent Box and how it might benefit you and your business. 11:15 - Design and analysis of low power MCU applications made simple Matt Saunders, MCU Marketing Manager - EMEA, Silicon Laboratories / Avnet Memec This session will cover the most important aspects of selecting an MCU for a low power application from the point of view of MCU architecture, MCU system flexibility and Tools to assist with low power mode configuration and validation. 12:15 - Managing electronics design data – from concept to production Robert Huxel, Industry Specialist – Enterprise Solutions - EMEA, Altium (See Wednesday 11.15). 12:15 - CSR 13:15 - Reducing Time to Market with Advanced Thermal Modelling Techniques Tom Gregory, Consultant Engineer, Future Facilities Thermal modelling has been used to replace rules of thumb and best guesses and can be used to identify issues early in the design process. This workshop will show how 6SigmaET's ECAD and MCAD import, intelligent objects and powerful parallel solver will enable creation of accurate thermal models.