Andy Richards looks at the challenges facing mobile phone manufacturers in test. Knowles Acoustics' SiSonic microphone represents a low-cost, high-performance alternative to traditional ECMs. Phoenix|x-ray's new system nanome|x combines high-end X-ray technology with ergonomic, user-friendly design. In applications within the aerospace and automotive industries where space and weight issues are of critical importance, Martec Ltd has developed glass sealing capabilities for titanium hermetics. Acro Associates' new 900R solenoid control module is claimed to make solenoids three to 10 times more power efficient than with other control techniques, a critical factor in battery-powered applications. Short product lifetime and rapidly changing volume requirements in electronics production set high demands for electronics manufacturers and material processing solutions. Two AWM90000 mass flow sensor are available from Sensortechnics: The ±200sccm version has an extremely low pressure drop of only 0.49mbar while the ±5mbar version offers low differential pressure measurement capabilities. With a 2006 deadline looming, you should be seriously looking at the transition to lead-free soldering ... Over the past year, the storm clouds of recession have gathered, with shocking world events compounding the general air of economic uncertainty. Paul Coleman suggests ways a business can cope with an uncertain world. Sluggish demand, increased competition, and mounting price pressure in the DC power supplies and electronic loads market is posing a strong challenge to vendors. This market witnessed a sharp drop in production in 2001 and 2002, following the slowdown in the semiconductor and telecommunications industries that affected important applications such as component and wireless testing. Lisa Marie Ryan looks at jet dispensing which offers the flexibility of needle dispensing and, in most cases, at significantly increased speed. Texas Instruments Inc's next-generation IP phone solution is based on the most highly integrated processor available for IP phone applications. Erskine Systems has enhanced its power supply offering to meet the demands of a growing number of technology companies whose requirements extend beyond standard power supply products. Short product lifetime and rapidly changing volume requirements in electronic device production, set high demands for electronics manufacturers and assembly automation solutions. The short implementation time, scalability of different manufacturing volumes, ability to modify production equipment and solutions for new products and wide application range, are the characteristics of automation solutions looked for today. Machining tests and complementary chemical tests have indicated that a large part of the WC-Co tool wear processes when cutting FR4 printed circuit boards at speeds greater than 150m/min derive from a chemical attack upon the cobalt binder by reactive agents released from the brominated epoxy resin. In chemical tests this can be observed at temperatures of around 300°C. Such wear is minimised most effectively by reducing cobalt content. By John Aucote & Alistair Grearson. next