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Market Review


associated with 3G networks to the 1Gb/s speeds associated with LTE technology. LTE networks have been designed based on ‘packet technology’ that supports high bandwidth traffic, and therefore require a robust and reliable Ethernet-based backhaul network. This can be deployed quickly, with guaranteed performance and service assurance, to enable the fast refurbishment of existing mobile base stations to provide top class 4G services to UK customers. Not only will the rollout of services in this manner create lightning fast speeds for end users, but it will also allow operators to effectively and proactively monitor, maintain and troubleshoot the underlying network that enables LTE, thus ensuring high standards of service. Back in April, research by Capital Economics said the introduction of 4G networks has the potential to "unlock £5.5bn of direct private investment into the UK economy by 2015" and provide access to mobile superfast broadband to at least 10 million people who will be unable to get fixed line broadband of a similar speed. The report suggests that a viable industry-wide 4G network would add 0.5 percent (equivalent to £75bn today) to the UK Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the end of the decade. It would also ensure the safeguarding or creation of 125,000 jobs across the UK. With assurances such as these in place, and with the guarantee of no further delays on the path to ‘full 4G status’, the UK could soon be enjoying the benefits of the LTE era.”


Chris Parsonage, Sales & Marketing, Amphenol


finance are optimised towards meeting applications.


For example, Amphenol has been


offering tailor-made filtered connectors for over 25 years, and last year launched the ruggedised TERRAPIN Connector Series which is now available with embedded EMI filter circuits and can be supplied with either standard or customised Pi, C or LC filters. By embedding the latest planar filtering technology into the Terrapin connector, the company allows systems engineers to reduce the overall size and weight of equipment whilst improving overall signal integrity.


The company is also looking to


“While Amphenol has an 80 year history and saw net sales of almost $4billion last year, much of that growth has come about in the past 10 years – a time of global recession and austerity. One of the key elements contributing to this growth has been the company’s ability to align its technology roadmaps to key customers and market sectors thereby ensuring that resources and


address the power issues that design engineers are grappling with. Interconnect products have been developed for applications with exceptionally high power and voltage requirements such as off-road vehicles, power generation and electric vehicle charging. Designed to meet various military and industrial specifications, including VG95234, these products ensure reliable performance and meet the highest safety standards. Product development has not been the only area of investment for the company this year. Launched at Farnborough and taking into consideration key environmental issues, Amphenol has invested substantially this year in a RoHS alternative to cadmium in the development and installation of its large new zinc-nickel plating facility at Whitstable. Although the military is


exempt from the use of cadmium, there will come a time when these users will want to change to products that are environmentally friendly but still offer the best performance and Amphenol is now in the position to offer these options. Furthermore, it allows all customers the confidence that a full end-to-end design, manufacturing and testing facility is available for their use at one site. The future strategy for 2013 will be focused on a balanced market approach to try and secure business across defence and civil aerospace which still shows signs of growth as well as in securing strategic new users within industrial, mobile, automotive and IT market sectors.


Upgrading and developing the skills of the workforce to allow even better high- tech solutions for rapid prototyping in order to service customer needs within short time frames is another key element for growth. This complements the expansion of materials technology that the company offers with the plating facility and where machining of more exotic metals such as titanium, aluminium bronze and kovar provide customers with an array of design-in solutions, besides standard aluminium and stainless steel.


For the industry as a whole, 2013 has its challenges – one of the issues to be dealt with in Europe is legislation for the sourcing of conflict-free minerals in the electronics sector. An issue that the US has already examined and for which legislation was has already been passed.”


www.cieonline.co.uk


Components in Electronics


December 2012/January 2013 19


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