Integrating WWAN, a microprocessor, and an open programming environment can significantly improve embedded architectural efficiencies, enabling developers to concentrate on value-added intellectual property generation. Mathieu Lasne-Villoing reports. The Sophia Antipolis region has a project to assist small and medium sized companies (SMEs) with access to design tools and research. Some of the leading young electronics companies in Europe met recently at the SAME conference in Sophia Antipolis , France. Nick Flaherty talked to them. Electrical signal integrity is vital in addressing higher levels of wireless systems integration Fighting off the challenge of 32bit microcontrollers in automotive body applications, Infineon has launched a new version of its popularC166 microcontroller with new peripherals, including a safety block. Fambda’s Genesys family of programmable ac-dc power supplies are flexible and reliable for OEM, industrial and laboratory applications. National Instruments is introducing two new smart cameras, namely the NI 1722 and NI 1742, that are both high performance and low cost. Micro-Epsilon is launching an innovative infrared thermometer that is suitable for use in high-temperature production lines and process environments, enabling precise temperature measurements to be made on materials such as fabric and webs in ambient temperatures of up to 250˚C – without any need for cooling. One of the most interesting topics at the 2007 Hanover Trade Fair was the new IO-Link communication standard. Altera has launched its FPGAs into the higher volume market for PCI Express (PCIe), Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and Serial RapidIO (SRIO) with devices with transceivers running up to 2.5Gbit/s.  Version 6.0 of the LightTools illumination design and analysis software package, scheduled to ship in Summer 2007, includes features that will enhance the capabilities of any optical designer. The good news for makers of wired communication infrastructure equipment is that 2007 will mark a recent record high year for telecommunications company spending on such gear. Slot machine operators and gaming venue owners throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia are seeking ways to enhance the gaming experiences they offer, to compete against rivals based on the internet and in other entertainment fields. Printed electronics often involves simple things such as printed conductive patterns to counter the pollution, unreliability, bulk, weight and cost of wires, solder and etched patterns. As with every other segment of the display industry, outdoor digital signage is experiencing significant growth and is currently worth more than US$1.5bn next