Photovoltaics: gaining greater visibility

Article Abstract:

The US photovoltaics industry is developing a technology roadmap for long-term growth similar to those developed by the semiconductor industry. Photovoltaic (PV) arrays can be combined with other power sources to create consumer-sited electric generation systems. The US can be mapped to match PV output to utility demand, which is greatest on hot summer days when the sun is brightest. Assuming a consumer demands 300 kWh per month with a load peak of 4 kW, a connection could be extended to the utility and a PV system installed with modules rated for peak output of 2 kW, 20 6-V batteries rated at 300 Ah, and an inverter rated at 4KW. This system would cost between $20,000 and $25,000, which is about what utility companies charge to extend a power line to a house. Once installed the PV system would cost about the same in maintenance as electricity drawn from the utility. A PV system would cost less than a small diesel generator, and it would be easy to expand as demand increases.

Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing, Solar Cells, Research and development, Cover Story, Technology overview, Photovoltaic power generation, Power supplies (Computers), Photoelectric cells, Power supply

---

Approaching the quantum limit: in devices with features smaller than 0.1 micrometer, electrons behave more like waves in waveguides than like particles

Article Abstract:

Advances in electronics research will eventually make molecular-sized or nanometer-sized electronic circuits possible. However, there are a number of obstacles researchers must overcome before the industry will embrace the technology and begin producing ultra-small semiconductor devices. One of the biggest obstacles is that single electronics works only at extremely low temperatures. Tiny refrigeration units may be necessary if researchers do not find a way for such systems to work at room temperature. There are also speed limitations on nanometer-sized devices and therefore these tiny devices may not achieve the speeds now performed by larger devices. Conducting the research necessary to produce ultra-small transistors and semiconductor devices will be expensive and some in the electronics industry believe money would be better spent on improving traditional techniques.

Semiconductor devices, Integrated circuits, Electronic components, Quantum electronics, Microelectronics, Technical, Research and Development, Semiconductor Device, Miniaturization, Transistor

---

Putting passives in their place: resistors, inductors, and capacitors are disappearing from view, integrated into the circuit board itself

Article Abstract:

Passive components, such as capacitors, resistors and inductors, have taken up most of the room on traditional circuit boards. Now, passive devices are being shrunk, flattened and/or integrated, leaving more room for batteries and making it possible to design electronic devices that are thinner and sleeker.

Forecasts, trends, outlooks, Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing, Passive Electronic Components, Forecasts and trends, Market trend/market analysis, Passive elements (Circuits)

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Lasers speed up board production. Modeling for printed-circuit board simulation. A bright new page in portable displays
• Abstracts: Performance measurement in construction logistics. Developing material delivery processes in cooperation: an application example of the construction industry
• Abstracts: Photocopying: fair use or unfair abuse? Software copyrights: searching for the golden nugget. Europe 1992: the legal underpinnings
• Abstracts: Directory of vendors of simulators, specific components, and related services
• Abstracts: Human resources strategies for successful consulting engineering firms. Practitioners in classroom: viable tool in civil engineering education

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.