Survey says semiconductor industry to rebound in 2013

Semiconductors are critical to the performance of mobile electronic devices. Without them, your smartphone wouldn't be quite as smart.

Despite the wave of recent product launches in the consumer electronics industry, the recession had a significant impact on the semiconductor market. However, analysts are now predicting an upturn in 2013.

Venturebeat cites a survey conducted by audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG, which shows that about 75 percent of industry executives expect revenue growth to increase next year. This is up from 63 percent in a similar KPMG survey from one year earlier. Furthermore, roughly 66 percent anticipate their workforces will grow, while that number was at 48 percent last year.

"Our survey findings bolster the belief that we will see the rebound beginning in 2013, with a gradual recovery picking up steam in the back half of next year," said Gary Matuszak, global chair of KPMG's Technology, Media and Telecommunications practice. "And unlike past recoveries, this one won't be driven by wireless handsets and wireless communications alone, as other applications are becoming increasingly important revenue drivers, such as power management given the proliferation of wireless devices."

KPMG officials also cite the proliferation of new automobiles equipped with mobile computing and communications technologies as a contributing factor to the resurgence of the semiconductor industry. And, with power management becoming a top priority, battery technologies are a growing focal point, as well.

In light of this recent study, it is obvious that cutting-edge techniques for the bonding of battery terminals and joining methods for metals will play integral roles in the revitalization of the semiconductor market. Additionally, this increase in demand bodes well for the industries that rely on these chips for their core products.

Innovative battery design may empower renewable energy storage efforts

Long battery life is an objective for manufacturers in a number of industries, from consumer electronics to heavy manufacturing. Innovative advancements in the bonding of battery terminals contribute to continuing research in the effort to expand battery life, which could be particularly valuable for the burgeoning renewable energy industry.

As a recent research report from Stanford University and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory describes, renewable energy advocates appreciate new sources of energy – solar and wind in particular – for their ability to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. However, electrical grid operators must find more efficient and effective ways to storage this energy, something existing lead-acid batteries and pumped hydropower techniques have not been able to achieve to a satisfactory degree.

The researchers' efforts to address these challenges were published last month in Nature Communications. The team found that it was able to mix certain inexpensive materials – including carbon, copper and a liquid comprising sodium and potassium – to develop an ideal battery for use in the electrical grid. Their efforts seemed to work – the battery held 83 percent of its capacity after 40,000 charge cycles in earlier runs, and later was shown to sustain up to 1,000 charges without significant energy loss.

Ultimately, the work being done by the team at Stanford and SLAC demonstrate how innovations in battery design continue to break down barriers that were previously thought insurmountable. We see improvements in battery design and thermal management each day with the consistent rollout of smaller, more powerful consumer electronics, but this research shows this is only the first step in sustained efforts to improve battery technology.
 

Study says investing in technology best way to achieve energy security

During the election cycle, you're likely to hear about energy independence a great deal. With gas prices rising and home heating oil costs following suit, it makes sense that this would be a popular topic.

But, according to a new report released by Deloitte titled "Energy independence and security: A reality check," the best thing the United States and its elected officials can do right now is focus on technology.

"While rising global demand for oil will likely keep crude prices relatively high, it also will provide a continuing stimulus for increased domestic production,” says the report. "Moreover, the introduction of increasingly sophisticated enabling technologies worldwide may herald the introduction of new countries as oil suppliers, and increase potential supplies from existing friendly sources."

As the study points out, there are three significant areas where renewed focus could lead to better energy independence and security for the U.S. – more efficient automobiles, improved technology for domestic oil and gas production and emphasis on innovative alternative energy sources.

Let's start with automobiles. More efficient engines along with the development of new electric cars can reduce our consumption of petroleum products while simultaneously lowering harmful emissions. Technologies like those used in state-of-the-art bonding of battery terminals are exactly the kind of thing that makes this possible.

To improve domestic oil and gas production capabilities and ensure job site safety for all workers, high performance pressure and temperature sensors are needed.

Lastly, alternative energy technologies that allow us to harness wind, solar and ocean wave power will plant the seeds for industry growth, job creation and a cleaner environment.

By investing in these cutting-edge manufacturing processes, we can build more efficient equipment that will increase productivity while reducing dependence on foreign energy sources.