The triumph of industrial electronics began in 1941 with the invention of the first fully automated computer, the Z3. In the third industrial revolution, which began in 1970, it formed the indispensable basis for all forms of automation. And for the fourth industrial revolution, it is the key technology. This is because, in almost every industry, it bridges the digital gap between the physical world of machines, systems, and devices, and the virtual world of the internet, all thanks to the immense advances in microelectronics and information and communication technology.
Industrial electronics are also subject to the familiar, ongoing requirements: "faster, more economical, smaller, cheaper." However, they must also be robust and capable of withstanding years of cyclical voltage, 24 hours a day. And humidity, vibrations, heat, and the effects of chemicals must not impede their operation.
However, industrial semiconductors are unable to compete in the global nanometer race. According to the ZVEI, the German Association of the Electrodigital Industry, they mostly remain in the 65 nm to 800 nm range. This is not only cheaper but also increases long-term robustness and consistency. By comparison, Apple's next-generation processors for MacBooks and iPhones have reached 3 nm structures. The world's leading chip producers for industrial electronics will illustrate the state of the industry at electronics 2022: these include Bosch, Infineon, NXP, Renesas, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, Toshiba Electronics, and Vishay Intertechnology.
Power Electronics of Europe
According to ZVEI, industry accounts for 26% of semiconductor consumption in Europe, and power electronics makes up a significant portion of that. Unlike "conventional" components, power electronics can withstand extremely high currents and voltages when switching, controlling, and converting electrical energy. This works better with silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) than with traditional silicon (Si). This is because these broadband semiconductors are setting new standards in terms of switching frequency, efficiency, breakdown field strength, heat dissipation, and size. For high-voltage applications in factory automation, this translates into a boost in energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. With Bosch, Infineon, Onsemi, Renesas, Rohm, STMicroelectronics, and Vishay, the leading power electronics manufacturers are represented at electronica 2022. Furthermore, the Power Electronics Forum, taking place on Wednesday, November 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., will also address the trend of "Broadband Semiconductors.".
Sensory organs for industry
Automated production with flexible processes needs one thing above all else: data. The analytics firm IDC predicts that the volume of data generated worldwide will increase to 163 zettabytes (ZB) by 2025. Businesses are expected to account for 60% of this data. This is due to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and its countless wireless and wired sensors. These indicate high demands for accuracy, operating frequency range, and robustness.
IIoT sensors are also typically capable of real-time operation and, in addition to recording actual measurements with integrated AI functions, are increasingly preparing and processing signals on-site (edge computing). This reduces power consumption and data transfers to the cloud. The STMicroelectronics IIS2ICLX MEMS tilt sensor, for example, has a programmable machine learning core. Typical applications include industrial automation and structural monitoring by measuring weak, low-frequency vibrations.
Sensors for digital twins
Smart sensors also reduce the effort required to create and use digital twins, as they eliminate the transmission of raw data, which is costly and resource-intensive. Digital images accompany machines, systems, and products throughout their entire lifecycle. Typical applications include real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
For example, Bosch's digital twin for Integrated Asset Performance Management (IAPM), which won the 2021 Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award, supports complex automation projects. The cloud-based solution collects machine-generated data and independently provides notifications about maintenance requirements via the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This reduces the need for raw materials and energy for manufacturing companies—a highly desirable outcome, especially in today's market.
At electronica 2022, the IIoT and Cybersecurity Forum will illustrate how industrial applications can be made even smarter thanks to concepts such as Industrial IoT (IIoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and 5G.
