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Friday 26 October 2007

Best application of analogue design

Hernan Alcerreca

Winner

Peregrine Semiconductor Australia for Low Noise Amplifier

Peregrine Semiconductor Australia (PSA) working with LaTrobe University R&D Technology Park in Victoria and the CSIRO’s Australia Telescope National Facility in Sydney have designed the world’s first CMOS-on-sapphire low noise amplifier (LNA). The LNA has been designed to meet the extremely demanding operating specification required for radio telescope receivers operating at room temperature; this is a key requirement for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

“Winning this award not only means a lot to PSA but also to LaTrobe University,” Andrew Brawley, executive director, PSA, said.

“There have been many attempts around the world to produce a low-noise amplifier (LNA) on a CMOS process and we believe that we have designed and produced the world's best. It is important to recognise the innovation of the Australian & New Zealand electronics industry as it is a small industry by global standards,” Brawley continued. “Fortunately, innovation is not proportional to size and Australia & NZ can match to the world's best when it comes to innovation”.

Highly commended

Synctek for Flashcell Cordless Screwdriver

Synctek designed an innovative charging station for the world’s first Flashcell Technology product application: a cordless screwdriver that fully charges in less than 90 seconds with over 500,000 re-charges cycles. While conventional cordless screwdrivers, with a 3 hour charge time, drive approximately 40 screws in 3.5 hours, the Flashcell Cordless Screwdrivers drives approximately 700.

“Winning this award for our design of the Flashcell cordless screwdriver has given Synctek greater inspiration to innovate, design and create more products that have never been experienced before,” Mark Viola, Synctek, said. “In the last twenty years our electronics industry has been constantly challenged by global competitiveness, lack of commercial appeal and various governance standards. As a result, many have given in to these pressures by outsourcing manufacturing and/or relocating their plants overseas to a lower cost base.

“With the mass fallout of manufacturing in Australia and New Zealand, only innovation still holds true by the two thinking nations. Innovation must be harness where all efforts should be recognised and rewarded by industry groups, State & Federal Governments.”

Arrow Electronics

Arrow Electronics is one of the worlds largest distributors of electronic components and a leading provider of services and solutions to the electronics industry. As an industry leader, Arrow provides a comprehensive suite of Supply Chain Solutions and connects technology with customers. Locally at Arrow, we have the people, the tools and the expertise, plus a proven track record to power your supply chain.

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