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.
IR launches online IGBT selection tool
El Segundo, Calif. — International Rectifier (IR) has unveiled an online insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) selection tool that optimizes power management design for a range of applications including motor drives, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), solar inverters, and welding. The new selection tool helps designers select the best IR IGBT for their applications based on performance tradeoffs.
IR’s IGBT Selection Tool evaluates application conditions including bus voltage, switching frequency, and short circuit protection requirements. The online tool provides an estimate of losses and suggests parts that can function within the given constraints. The tool also provides pricing for each part to enable designers to consider the cost impact of device choice on their total system design cost.
IGBT selection requires evaluation of many parameters that cannot be simplified into a single metric, said IR. As switching losses can be traded for conduction losses, for example, calculating operating losses requires both operating frequency and bus voltage parameters, in addition to operating current. Also, the requirement of some motor drive inverters for minimum short-circuit withstand time comes at the expense of higher losses, added the company.
IR offers a wide selection of IGBTs with various tradeoffs in switching speed as well as devices designed for applications that do not have minimum short circuit requirements.
Delphi Automotive intros an aluminum cable as an alternative to more expensive copper cabling in automotive applications.