Renesas Extreme Low-Power SOTB Process Technology Uses Energy Harvesting and Very Low Current Levels to Power Connected Devices

Renesas Electronics unveiled an innovative energy-harvesting embedded controller that can eliminate the need to use or replace batteries in connected devices. Developed based on Renesas' breakthrough SOTB (silicon-on-thin-buried-oxide) process technology, the new embedded controller achieves extreme reduction in both active and standby current consumption, a combination that was not previously possible to achieve in conventional microcontrollers (MCUs).

During Electronica 2018, Microchip announced what the company claims to be the industry’s most efficient automotive infotainment networking solution that supports all data types, including audio, video, control and Ethernet, over a single cable. Intelligent Network Interface Controller networking (INICnet) technology is a synchronous, scalable solution that significantly simplifies building audio and infotainment systems. INICnet coexists with automotive Ethernet, efficiently linking IP-based communication across vehicle domains, and supports digital audio formats with multiple sources and sink.

During the Electronica 2018 show in Munich, Germany, FTDI Chip announced its latest FT4233H advanced bridge IC solution with USB Type-C connectivity and USB power delivery (PD) Rev. 3.0 controller capabilities - supporting applications up to 100W. With this new chip, the company has introduced the USB power delivery technology necessary to go beyond the powering of consumer electronics products and support the elevated current levels required by larger items of electronic equipment.

Cypress Semiconductor announced the availability of an highly-integrated, automotive-qualified USB-C controller with USB Power Delivery (PD) that enables fast charging of portable electronics in vehicles. The Automotive EZ-PD CCG3PA controller delivers a plug-and-play user experience to automotive charging ports by providing support for the USB PD 3.0 standard with programmable power supply (PPS), Qualcomm’s Quick Charge (QC) 4.0 protocol, and legacy charging standards.