Front End | News
energy-efficient architecture ensures stable thermal behaviour even during heavy workloads, making it well suited for vision-centric applications such as robotic vision, intelligent surveillance, in-
vehicle computing, and precision medical diagnostics.
DEEPX CEO Lokwon Kim said: “By leveraging Advantech’s unparalleled worldwide network, we are ready to
showcase the strength and competitiveness of DEEPX’s AI chips on the global stage. The integration of our DX-M1 NPU into Advantech’s platforms will empower customers with unprecedented AI
performance and efficiency, enabling smarter, faster, and more sustainable edge applications.”
http://www.advantech.com
Interactive BOM health assessment tool to help manufacturers combat component obsolescence
B
yteSnap Design, the UK-based embedded software and electronic design consultancy, has released a free interactive BOM health self- assessment tool, helping engineering managers and technical directors understand their organisation’s exposure to component obsolescence risk. The online calculator is designed for manufacturers who suspect component obsolescence may be slowing them down but lack clear visibility into whether their current processes are sufficient. Rather than reacting to shortages or discontinuations after production is affected, the tool helps teams evaluate their readiness upfront. Many manufacturers lack a clear way to judge whether their current, reactive approach to BOM management is exposing them to unnecessary cost and disruption, according to ByteSnap Design.
The assessment is based on a structured questionnaire made up of ten targeted questions that examine how organisations manage component lifecycle change across their product portfolios. Areas covered include internal engineering capacity, product portfolio complexity, response speed to supplier notifications, and the operational and financial impact of unexpected component changes.
Results are generated immediately after completion showing a score out of 20 (for example, “11/20 – Moderate Need”). Scores are grouped into clear risk bands and accompanied by a short explanation of what the result means, along with a recommended next step, such as whether a complimentary consultation could help reduce engineering workload and exposure to disruption. Without proactive visibility, manufacturers often only discover obsolescence issues once production
is interrupted. Emergency redesigns, substitute component qualification, and unplanned downtime can result in costs of £30,000 to £100,000 per incident, as well as weeks of production delay. Dunstan Power, director at ByteSnap Design, said: “Most technical directors know component risk is increasing, but they don’t always have a clear way to
quantify it. By turning that uncertainty into a score, this tool helps engineering leaders judge whether their current processes are sufficient or whether the risk has reached a point where change is justified.” Access the interactive assessment tool at:
www.bytesnap.com/electronic-design/ bom-monitoring-service
OMRON expands popular screw-terminal relay series for high-current application
O
MRON Electronic Components Europe has introduced G9EK- 1-EX DC power relays with 250A/500VDC switching rating for safety isolation in electric-vehicle charging infrastructure, renewable energy, and e-mobility applications. Extending the G9EK screw-terminal series, the normally-open relays leverage an optimized internal structure that has contact resistance of only 15mΩ when closed and coil consumption of just 4W. By combining low power consumption and dissipation with greater switching current, in the 47.7mm x 86mm x 64.2mm high outline of other G9EK-1 relays, the G9EK-1-EX provides an efficient and space-saving alternative to high- current contactors. With its 250A/500VDC switching rating, the G9EK-1-EX expands the application reach and enhances safety margin
www.cieonline.co.uk
compared to the G9EK-1-E, which is rated for 200A/500VDC.
The G9EK-1-EX contact mechanism provides enhanced tolerance to shock and vibration, withstanding shocks up to 100g for impressive safety and reliability in e-mobility applications including industrial autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs). In addition, the G9EK- 1-EX terminal structure minimizes magnetic repulsive forces generated by large currents during conditions such as short circuits, ensuring longer lifetime and greater reliability. Targeting applications that demand outstanding electrical and mechanical robustness, OMRON’s G9EK-1-EX relays handle interruption current up to 1000A at 400V and withstand voltage pulses up to 4000V. While the relays can handle superior current and voltage, their gasless design ensures safe operation and a simplified
internal architecture with carbon-neutral credentials.
The G9EK-1-EX also ensures fast switching responses, with 50ms operating time
and 30ms release time, as well as assured mechanical longevity of 200,000 operations.
https://components.omron.com/eu-en/ solutions/relays/g9ek
Components in Electronics February 2026 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44