Front End I News


Calls for EV tax breaks as new car registrations down 2.9 per cent in Q1


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he Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that the UK’s new car market declined


2.9 per cent last month to 79,594 registrations, with low emissions vehicles still only making up 5.8 per cent of the market. In response, the SMMT is calling for a


tax break on all new hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in order to encourage the take up of more environmentally friendly models. The ‘Road to Zero’ deadline is fast-


approaching, and the UK will end the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans even earlier, by 2035. This unprecedented transition to electrification will see the demand for lithium-ion


batteries grow 19 fold by 2030 – vastly outstripping supply. Kevin Brundish, CEO and founder of


AMTE Power comments: “February’s new car registration numbers demonstrate consumer confidence in green automotive technology still needs bolstering. Manufacturers need a more central position in the supply chain, and by investing in next-generation battery technology, the transition to electrification can be better supported. A huge influx of new electric car models are hitting the market this year, putting pressure on the government to incentivise consumers and invest in charging point infrastructure in order to accelerate EV demand. Creating a robust UK supply chain for the production


Smart electronics need smarter fume extraction


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s global demand for Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) accelerates, thanks to greater automation in industry and the miniaturisation of devices, electronics companies are being reminded about the workplace health risks associated with certain production processes. The manufacture and assembly of


PCBs can result in harmful emissions being released into the working environment, so BOFA International, a global leader in portable fume extraction technology, is urging businesses to check that their extraction systems remain fit for purpose during this period of rapid growth. “According to a recent analysis, the


global PCB market is predicted to reach around USD80 billion by 2024 – this presents significant opportunities for


companies but can also put pressure on production capacity,” said David Thompson, business development manager at BOFA. “So when businesses are planning for


growth, we would advise them to ensure that their existing fume extraction systems are maintained in optimal condition and that any new investment in manufacturing includes the latest technology to remove airborne contaminants. In this way, extraction technology will help workplace environments stay safe for employees while contributing to achieving productivity goals.” While the health risks associated with


manual and automated soldering are widely understood, there are other processes in PCB manufacture and assembly that can also be a cause of


concern. For example, the batch marking by laser of PCB boards is key in traceability for the electronics sector, but the emissions resulting from lasering can include solid particles, liquid droplets or vapours/gases, and can be particularly hazardous to respiratory function, depending on the substrate and laser parameters. Another example is conformal coating,


which protects PCBs from ingress of dust and moisture. This process is likely to involve organic chemicals (e.g. cyclohexane, xylene, etc.), which will give


off hazardous fume and mist, but which can be properly controlled by BOFA filtration technology. Many businesses apply coatings by means of aerosol sprays which use a propane/butane propellant, which aren’t particularly harmful, but can mask the smell of more harmful chemicals. David Thompson concluded: “BOFA


solutions combat all these risks through multi-stage filtration technology that includes specialist activated carbon filters designed to capture specific chemical emissions.”


Connected lighting platform supports rapid development of smart LED lighting solutions


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N Semiconductor has introduced the Connected Lighting Platform, leveraging the company's expertise in Power over Ethernet (PoE) and ultra-low-power Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, along with AC/DC and DC/DC power conversion design. The prototyping platform enables engineering teams to explore and innovate in the


connected lighting sector, where light fittings become part of the Internet of Things (IoT). The Connected Lighting Platform for LED control features multiple forms of connectivity, including Bluetooth Low Energy, provided by the RSL10 SIP, and Power over Ethernet. It offers up to 90 Watts output power and provides two independent channels, each able to supply and control up to 16 LEDs. The high-efficiency modular platform also enables the development of battery-less LED lighting applications when used together with the Energy Harvesting Bluetooth Low Energy Switch. Comprehensive software tools support the Connected Lighting Platform, including an


Integrated Development Environment (IDE), various use-cases, and mobile apps. The platform allows LEDs to be controlled wirelessly using the RSL10 Sense and Control app and Google Play, or through a web client. Using the RSL10 FOTA app, Google Play firmware updates can be easily sent after the application has been deployed. Alongside the platform, ON Semiconductor has also developed a PoE module for high-power, wired connectivity. Based on the IEEE 802.3bt compliant NCP1096 interface


6April 2020 Components in Electronics


controller, the module extends the platform to provide access to 90 W of power that can now be delivered through an Ethernet cable. Commenting on


the introduction of the Connected Lighting Platform, Wiren Perera, who heads IoT strategy at ON Semiconductor, said: “Lighting is one of the most significant consumers of energy across the globe. By combining flexibility, wireless control, and energy efficiency, the Connected Lighting Platform allows manufacturers to drastically reduce their energy consumption while providing greater user convenience."


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of lithium-ion batteries would strengthen the UK’s automotive sectors, making the country an attractive destination for international car-makers.” Kevin continues: “Battery supply for the


UK manufacturing industry is already struggling to meet the demand for new


vehicles, and in response, the creation of full-cycle battery plants should be prioritised instead of relying on large scale manufacturers abroad. It is costly and increases carbon footprint to have these batteries imported, especially when the UK has the talent and capabilities at home.”


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