
The good old FET still has more to give
The field-effect transistor has undergone radical changes over the years, but the same basic principle is still powering our chips. That won’t change in the foreseeable future.

Decades of experience drives one-of-a-kind switched-mode power supply training
For 40+ years, Frans Pansier has worked designing, developing, teaching and training advanced power supplies. According to him, challenging the mindset of young engineers is how he draws his energy. His favorite part? Sharing his knowledge and information that people simply can’t get at university – or anywhere else.

Ask the headhunter
We’re in advanced talks with a candidate for an executive role within our company. We’ve had a series of discussions with him and are now contemplating what further assurances we can get that he’s indeed the right man for the job. A colleague suggested a psychological test, but a team majority rejected this idea. They believe that it’s more useful to check references before making an offer.
Background

Engineering to enhance customization, efficiency and the customer experience
How can you realize the benefits of immersed computing? It’s easier than you think. With its simple three-step certification process, Asperitas has the knowledge, passion and a vast network to help engineer a customized immersion cooling system to fit your specific needs.
News & Analysis

Silicon anode startup Leydenjar raises money for the home stretch
Aiming to revolutionize the battery industry, Leydenjar raised 22 million euros to perfect its silicon anode recipe as well as the equipment to manufacture these components in high volumes. The first tool shipments are expected in two years’ time.
Interview

“Concerning China, we shouldn’t blindly follow America’s agenda”
A recent German report states that competitive pressure from China is increasing. Chinese companies are marketing more and higher-quality products in Europe. The EU is struggling to formulate a proper response. Bits&Chips asked China expert Sanne van der Lugt to put things in order.
Background

The importance of board-level reliability testing
Because of the lack of a universal standard for board-level reliability testing, it’s crucial to have a robust plan in place to avoid confusion, delays and dissatisfaction up and down the supply chain.

“Power and RF should be priorities for European collaboration in chips”
The Chip Integration Technology Center started with lead customers Ampleon, Nexperia and NXP, and is now courting material suppliers for packaging applications. In the next phase, CITC aims to commit manufacturers of back-end assembly equipment.

Scaling up to dozens of systems a year, Nearfield eyes IPO
Nearfield Instruments is determined to build the supply chain that enables the scale-up to ship a total of 50-60 metrology systems in a few years’ time. As if this wasn’t enough, founder and CEO Hamed Sadeghian also wants his company to go public in the near future.

10 intra/entrepreneur lessons I learned the hard way
Over thirty years ago, I started my first company. Since then, I’ve started more companies, acted as an angel investor in more than ten ventures and as a board member or advisor in several others, and interacted with numerous founders and entrepreneurs. In addition, I’ve collaborated with intrapreneurs inside large organizations trying to get innovations off the ground and commercialized, both while working inside those organizations as well as through consulting arrangements.

Intel is getting a little bit too eager in its courtship with Europe
Intel can romance European authorities to fund its fabs until it sees blue, but what it needs most is to dispel the suspicion that its advances are more about money than about love.