Archive : 17 June 2016 год

Three companies – STMicroelectronics, ETAS and Escrypt, an ETAS subsidiary – are collaborating with the aim of delivering a platform comprising microcontrollers, software tools and security solutions that accelerates development of automotive control units for connected cars.

According to the partners, their goal is a cost-effective platform that allows sub-system developers to create ECUs with a high level of protection for privacy, IP, ECU functional integrity and secure communication.

ST will contribute its SPC58 automotive MCUs, which features hardware security modules, multiple CAN FD interfaces and Ethernet with time stamping. Escrypt’s expertise in secure ECU communication will provide firmware and middleware for ECU developers, while ETAS’ Autosar compliant RTA software products will support ECU code development.

“We are building on a proven record of successful collaborations with ST,” said Dr Nigel Tracey, leader of the ETAS Application Field RTA Solutions. “With our ECU development environment and the added dimension of advanced security from Escrypt, this platform will enable OEMs to maximise the value of the connected car concept and build confidence amongst partner organisations and end users.”

Author
Graham Pitcher

Source:  www.newelectronics.co.uk

What is said to the largest and most comprehensive online semiconductor database has been unveiled by Chipworks. Called Inside Technology, the database gives access to Chipworks’ analysis of thousands of devices and technologies. The web portal is said to streamline the user’s ability to find competitive differentiators, as well as to match patents to products.

Peter Hanschke, director of product marketing, said: “The Software as a Service based product allows customers to search and analyse technical data.

“If you’re interested in patent infringements, it provides evidence of use and you can find out where else the technology has been used. Those interested in competitive analysis can find out which companies have won sockets in various products.”

There is also, potentially, application in anticounterfeiting. “In our of our latest teardowns,” Hanschke noted, “we took apart a drone and found markings on one of the components had been laser etched away.”

Inside Technology, which is updated daily, provides access to technical data of more than 16,000 devices, including teardown reports, schematics, die marketing and die photos.

Author
Graham Pitcher

Source:  www.newelectronics.co.uk

The new Radio Equipment Directive (RED) has came into force in Europe. It aligns the previous Directive with the new legislative framework for the marketing of products, setting requirements for safety and health, electromagnetic compatibility and the efficient use of the radio spectrum.

Unlike the previous Directive, RED puts emphasis on receiver requirements in order to enhance efficient and effective use of the radio spectrum. In particular, it now covers end products using radio for communications or to determine position, such as satnavs.

The RED applies to equipment which intentionally transmits or receives radio waves for communications or radio determination, regardless of its primary function. For example, a ‘connected’ device that uses an embedded radio module for communications or to determine its position has to meet the same radio requirements as purpose built radio equipment.

Manufacturers will need to demonstrate the performance of receiver, as well as transmitter, as both are considered to affect the efficient and effective use of the spectrum.

To assist industry, ETSI has released a guide for the application of articles 3.1b (EMC) and 3.2 (effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum) of the RED (EG 203 367), which covers equipment ranging from satellite communications to products operating at frequencies of less than 9kHz.

While EU Member States have to apply the provisions of the new Directive from 13 June 2016, manufacturers who were compliant with the existing legislation (RTTED or LVD/EMCD) have until 13 June 2017 to comply with the new requirements, after which time the R&TTE Directive will be repealed.

Last year, the European Commission requested ETSI and CENELEC to produce Harmonised European Standards which which manufacturers can use for presumption of conformity. To date ETSI has published 53 of these Harmonised Standards, and a further 143 are expected to be published within the next 12 months.

Luis Jorge Romero, ETSI’s Director General, said: “ETSI recognises the important role it plays serving industry and the European Institutions in delivering the standards necessary to support European single market regulations.”

Author
Graham Pitcher

Source:  www.newelectronics.co.uk