ESNA spoke with ReSolve, part of Arrow's newly launched reverse logistics group, which also includes Intechra, an IT asset disposition services company and Converge, an independent distributor, to discuss the importance of a reverse supply chain logistics program. 
The aftermath of Japan's earthquake last month has left the electronics supply chain struggling with production stoppages and shipment delays of electronic components and raw materials supply.
Because the DRAM market is highly volatile the current buyer's market could quickly swing into a seller's market during the second half of 2011. Buyers will need to keep an eye on several key issues.
Freescale dual-core MCU simplifies in-vehicle networking for BMW SAVs
Austin, Texas. — Freescale Semiconductor has developed a high-performance microcontroller (MCU) based on its Power Architecture technology for BMW Group’s 2010 luxury sports activity vehicles (SAVs).The 32-bit dual-core MCU enabled BMW’s designers to simplify the connection of in-vehicle networks at a single point, while reducing cost.
Freescale worked with the BMW Group for over a year through each design phase from initial concept to the first prototype car to help provide solutions to the challenges posed by increasing network traffic between electronic subsystems. The IC maker was able to deliver silicon at the end of 12 months, which BMW successfully tested in a prototype car two weeks later. This jointly-created solution is expected to be deployed in the next BMW 1-and 3-Series and on the new X3 platform.
The MPC5668G MCU acts as a gateway that interconnects many different electronic control units (ECU) that help control a wide range of automotive body and driver convenience features. Freescale is able to provide this precision control technology using only a single integrated circuit rather than traditional multi-chip solutions that have performance limitations and pose electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) constraints, according to the company.
In addition to precise electronics control, the Freescale MCU also takes the information from the ECUs and provides a central point for communication with the external world. This integration on a single chip enhances the speed of diagnostics and reprogramming of other modules found throughout the vehicle, said Freescale.
Delphi Automotive intros an aluminum cable as an alternative to more expensive copper cabling in automotive applications.