Electronics News Byte: Semiconductor Sales Dip, Mobile Robotics Update, Coronavirus's Impact, and More
Due to the coronavirus crisis, the electronics industry is in a state of transformation. Engineers and programmers are working remotely and supply chains have been disrupted. With this news round-up, we aim to keep you informed about semiconductor sales and more.
Due to the coronavirus crisis, the electronics industry is in a state of transformation and transition. Engineers and programmers are working remotely, supply chains have been disrupted, industry events have been postponed, and product roll-outs have been delayed. With this week’s electronics news round-up, we aim to keep you informed about semiconductor sales and more.
News on Semiconductor Sales and Coronavirus's Impact
- Semiconductor Sales Dip 2.4% in February: SIA reports that global semiconductor sales in February ($34.5 billion) dropped 2.4% from January 2020 ($35.4 billion). The positive news is that February 2020’s sales number marks a 5% increase over February 2019 ($32.9 billion). John Neuffer, SIA’s president and CEO, noted that “month-to-month demand in the China market slipped significantly” due to the Coronavirus crisis. Some interesting details about month-to-month sales: Americas (-1.4%), Europe (+2.4%), and China (-7.5%).
- Arduino’s “Combating COVID-19” Conference: On April 2, 2020, Arduino hosted an online conference about open-source medical equipment and especially the equipment needed for fighting the COVID-19. Clemens Valens (Technical Manager, Elektor Labs) attended the conference. Read his report.
- ABI Predicts Mobile Robotics Market Growth: ABI Research reports that it expects the coronavirus crisis will drive mobile robotics market growth in 2021. The firm predicts the market will rise to $23 billion in 2021. "The virus has been a good opportunity for companies to display robots for public applications," the firm reported in recent media release. "One of the more popular has been deploying mobile unmanned platforms with Ultraviolet (UV) light to disinfect facilities."
- M&A News: United States-based MaxLinear — which provides of RF, analog, and mixed-signal integrated circuits — announced this week it plans to acquire Intel's Home Gateway Platform Division. South Korea-based MagnaChip — which designs and manufactures analog and mixed-signal semiconductor platform solutions — announced last week an agreement to sell its foundry services and Fab 4 for $435 million. United Technologies and Raytheon announced the completion of their merger last week; and as a result, the new company is split into four divisions and employs 60,000 engineers and scientists.
