Cover Story
One Man-Made Satellite per Company
Spread
Ultra Compact Satellites Gives Rise to New Device Market
Part 1: Heightened Expectations
Expanding All Kinds of Possibilities in New Markets for Instruments, Parts, and Services
The era is rapidly approaching in which various kinds of corporations will all own their own satellites.What will make such a scenario into reality are ultra compact satellites weighing 100 kg or less.As the market of ultra compact satellites expands, it will provide many electronicsmanufacturerswith entry opportunities.
Part 2: Key Points in Satellite Development
Satellites are Essentially Electronic Instruments, but Conditions Unique to Space Must be Addressed
The internal structure of a man-made satellite is not very different from that of an ordinary electronic instrument.Commercial-use components used in ordinary electronic instruments can also be applied to satellites in many cases.Of course, special attention must be paid to addressing the conditions unique to space, such as heat and radiation.
Part 3: Issues to be Overcome
Launching methods and securing radio wave bands will be keys for future market expansion
Although the piggyback method greatly contributed to the early launch of ultra compact satellites, it also poses many problems.In order to achieve full-scale expansion of the market, a method is needed that can inexpensively launch an ultra compact satellite by itself.Furthermore, while the use of radio waves is essential for satellites, international coordination could take several years.
Special Feature
Looking at Technologies for Achieving Energy-Saving LCD TVs
Dissecting Sony’s BRAVIA
Competition is shifting from picture quality and thickness reduction to energy conservation performance.The trends in LCD TVs are beginning to change drastically.By disassembling the leading product in this market, we were able todiscover the technologies that are achieving power consumption reduction.
Will Japanese-Made On-BoardLAN for Cars Be Able to Win Back the Market?
Crisis brought on by the postponed adoption of the Japanese version of FlexRay
Adoption of the next-generation on-board LAN “FlexRay” by Japanese carmakers is likely to be significantly delayed.Unlike the European camp, which is now in the lead, Japanese carmakers have taken too long to establish specifications.Continuation of the current situation will greatly impact the development of on-board LAN as well as onboard software, inflicting major damage on the development of future Japanese car electronics.To prevent this, Japanese carmakers must step up and assume the role of a true advocate.
Invited Paper
Demonstrating Model-Driven Development (MDD) at the Embedded Technology Software Design Robot Contest
Checking Validity of DSL in Embedded Field
For the last 10 years, Fuji Xerox has been using an advanced software development method called “Model-Driven Development (MDD)” for developing software to be embedded in its multi-function machines. Capitalizing on its experience with this method, the company demonstrated a new type of MDD that uses a domain-specific language (DSL) at the Embedded Technology Software Design Robot Contest (ET Robocon). The company's software architect talks about the essence of MDD and DSL application examples.
Interview
KeioUniversityGraduateSchool Prof. Masahiko Inami: The Basic Tenet of AR Is Designing Reality
With the introduction of products such as Tonchi Dot's Sekai Camera, augmented reality (AR) technology is receiving renewed interest.We asked Prof. Inami, a leading expert in this field, about the current trends in AR and its future.
NE Academy
Intensive Analog Seminar: Session 4: ECM Switching Regulator Achieves Both Compact Size and Low Voltage
National Semiconductor developed an emulated current mode (ECM) control system that can increase switching frequency through the use of innovative switching regulator circuits and achieve both size and output voltage reduction.The company has already commercialized some products.While describing the problems that have plagued current mode control, we explain how National Semiconductor has addressed the diversifying requirements.We also describe other products that use emulation technologies.
Embedding Tutorial: Period II, Session 5: Reliability of Embedded Systems
Improving Device Reliability through Preventive Measures and Corrective Measures
Documentary
Dream of fuRo (Part I): Achieving Immortality by Training People Who Share the Same Dream
In 2003, an unusual research facility called the FutureRoboticsTechnologyCenter (fuRo) was established in a section of the Chiba Institute of Technology.The director appointed was Takayuki Furuta, who is well known for his R&D in the field of robots.The fuRo, however, is not an ordinary research institution—it is cram-packed with Furuta's secret ideas.
Keyword
Imaging Devices
Era of Japanese Companies Leading Stand-Alone Products Comes to an End
Closeup
Medical Electronics: Vital Signs Recorders Moving to Size Small Enough to Be Worn in Complete Comfort
Embedded Software: Android Becoming “Japanized,” with Developer Organization also Started toward Embedding
Energy: Toshiba and Hitachi Actively Responding to Expanding Demand for Nuclear Power Generation p.26
World Report
From China: Behind-the-Scenes Look at Copycat Cellphones: How They Are Actually Made and Sold
When you go to China, you see Shanzhai models everywhere. In Japan, this expression is used to refer to non-brand-name mobile phones, but actually that is inaccurate. “Shanzhai” means “escaped from government control.” And it’s not just mobile phones – Shanzhai models of personal computers and white goods can also be found in the market.
NE Reports
- TOPS Systems Develops 880 TFLOPS Heterogeneous Processor for CG Rendering
- Auto Shanghai: Examining Supply Chains for the Large Number of HEVs/EVs Exhibited
- Bluetooth 3.0 to Integrate Wireless LAN
