International Rectifier Corp. (IR, El Segundo, CA) introduced the new IRF8010 Series of HEXFET power MOSFETs with as much as 10 percent...
AMI Semiconductor Inc. (AMIS, Pocatello, ID), a leading designer and manufacturer of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), introduced an ISO 11898-2-compliant, high-speed controller area network (CAN) transceiver, the AMIS-X660, which is primarily intended for use in automotive applications where it provides the interface between a CAN protocol controller and the physical bus. The device is also […]
Fairchild Semiconductor International (South Portland, ME) announced several new corporate promotions and the creation of a new position to enable the company to expand its worldwide industry leadership. Fairchild has named Hans Wildenberg to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer. Reporting directly to Fairchild President, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Kirk Pond, […]
Motorola Inc. (Austin, TX) debuted its new MC33993 multiple switch detection interface IC from Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector, which enables designers of multi-voltage embedded systems to eliminate discrete and standard linear ICs that will enable low-pin count microcontrollers. The device is designed to allow logic-level microcontrollers (MCUs) to directly interface with system voltages from -14V […]
The California Air Resources Board (Sacramento, CA) has reached a crossroads in its long-running effort to solve the state's vexing smog problem, the worst in the country. The board was expected to vote on a plan to soften regulations requiring battery-powered, pollution-free cars in the state. Under the proposal, auto makers could produce hydrogen-powered fuel […]
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI, Palo Alto, CA) released a new research study, which concludes that a combination of greatly improved battery life and projected cost reductions for batteries and other components can make electric drive vehicles (engine-hybrid EVs, plug-in hybrid EVs and some pure EVs) cost competitive with gasoline vehicles. The lower costs […]
Anuvu Inc. (Sacramento, CA) and Kettering University (Flint, MI) have agreed to jointly develop fuel cell technologies for transportation, and will hold a series of educational seminars to instruct end users on the uses of appropriate design considerations for fuel cells in transportation applications. In addition, the four-phase program includes a provision for Avunu to […]
Zhejiang Jiakang Electronics Co. Ltd. (Zhejiang, China) debuted the new LTC Series of chip-type ceramic filters, which provide a minimum spurious attenuation between 30dB and 35dB over the 9MHz to 12MHz frequency range. Measuring 7.1mm x 3.3mm x 1.5mm, the filters are designed for use in cordless phones, automobile radios and A/V systems. The devices […]
Midtronics Inc. (Willowbrook, IL) announced the acquisition of the assets of Intra Technologies, (Tukwila, WA), a leading producer of power management solutions used to improve the reliability, efficiency and cost of dc power systems. Intra Technologies' products utilize its proprietary, patented, MOSFET semiconductor switch, which provides protection from battery power loss, over-current, over-heating, short-circuit and […]
Hydrogenics Corp. (Mississauga, Canada) received a $620,000 contribution from the Government of Canada that will help develop, demonstrate and commercialize refueling technology that will help pave the way for fuel cell vehicles. Hydrogenics is contributing the balance of the costs for two projects, which total approximately $1.61 million. The Government of Canada is funding the […]
Cummins Westport Inc., a joint venture of Cummins Inc. (Columbus, IN) and Westport Innovations Inc. (Vancouver, BC), announced that it is part of a team led by SunLine Services Group that has received a $476,000 funding commitment for a bus engine field trial using a hydrogen-natural gas fuel blend. The US Department of Energy's National […]
Exide Technologies (Princeton, NJ) signed a new three-year exclusive supply agreement with Volvo Trucks North America (VTNA), which is a division of Volvo Truck Corp. The new agreement expands the existing Exide Technologies aftermarket product offerings from the Mack Truck dealer network to include new Volvo branded batteries for Volvo Truck dealers. Exide will also […]
Tyco International Ltd. (Pembroke, Bermuda) announced that it would close 300 plants over three years, cutting $1 billion in costs by 2006, and its chairman vowed to clean up the sprawling industrial conglomerate plagued by a year of turmoil and scandal. Tyco reported that it would scale back its manufacturing facilities to 1,700 from 2,000 […]
DaimlerChrysler Corp. (Auburn Hills, MI) joined forces with energy-supply companies and other manufacturers in the opening of the first Japanese fuel cell testing facility in the Japan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Demonstration Project. The facility will provide a location for companies to conduct fuel cell vehicle (FCV) testing as well as infrastructure development. The Japan […]
A subsidiary of Norsk Hydro (Oslo, Norway) unveiled a key component of what it claims will be one of the world's first hydrogen-filling stations for vehicles. The company reported that its "hydrogen electrolyzer" will use an electric charge to extract from water hydrogen to power vehicles with fuel cells. The device will be installed at […]