Purchasing Intelligence 21.i

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MTM Power has increased the storage of components to mitigate the risk posed by increases in component lead-times. The increasing shortage of capacity in sea and air containers has also affected the availability of raw materials.

In addition to increasing component storage to 150%, MTM Power is expanding support for the medium- and long-term order process. The power-supply manufacturer will also provide active management, monitoring and controlling to assess the development of the market situation

When Rover Perseverance landed on Mars, the six-wheeled robot carried transformers, inductors, and passive components from Exxelia. The components are part of the SuperCam, MEDA and PIXL instruments which are used for measuring and sampling.

SUPERCAM looks for organic compounds in rocks and soils and the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer (MEDA) measures wind speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric dust particles on Mars. The Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry (PIXL) looks for signs of past microbial life.

Custom resistor dividers from Exxelia Ohmcraft are being used in downhole X-ray technology to check wells for structural damage or radioactive materials. This process is important before a well is capped off or abandoned.

The X-ray platforms used in downhole drilling enable oil companies to examine the interior and ensure the integrity of the well despite operating in harsh conditions. These conditions can include exposure to high temperature, high pressure, and fluids.

The EN 62368-1 standard has superseded EN 60950 as the standard for the Safety Requirements of Audio/Video, Information and Communication Technology Equipment.

MTM power have announced that high-end industrial power supplies will continue to be proved to EN 61010-1, and EN 62358-1 will be applied to products for applications which are unambiguously within the scope of the new standard.

Sensata Technologies has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the telematics and data insight provider, Xirgo Technologies.

The acquisition strengthens Sensata’s position as a data insight provider across transportation and logistics end-markets. The Xirgo CEO will lead the combined Xirgo and Smart & Connected business unit.

Sensata’s Smart & Connected initiative provides modular solutions which collect data from wireless sensors or related vehicle systems information using a connected vehicle area network. The solutions give drivers, maintenance workers and back-office personnel actionable insights through mobile applications, web portals and cloud APIs for integration into other enterprise systems.

The acquisition of Battery Management System (BMS) provider, Lithium Balance, enables Sensata to further support the electrification and clean energy markets

Lithium Balance is active in battery-based electrification and has developed next-generation BMS technologies for lithium ion batteries, including the XOLTA modular, cloud-connected energy storage systems (ESS).The acquisition of Lithium Balance supports Sensata’s mission to be a leading provider of high-voltage protection on EVs and in charging infrastructure and follows the acquisition of Gigavac in 2018.

The acquisition of the high-reliability power and electromagnetic assemblies and component manufacturer, Torotel, has been completed by TT Electronics.

The acquisition responds to increased demand for custom power management and conversion systems in the aerospace and defence markets. The Torotel assemblies and parts increase TT’s capability in the design and development of power management devices and extends TT’s extensive range of magnetics.

Torotel provides access to growth programmes with sole-sourced positions on major platforms and strengthens TT’s position in critical defence applications.

A new manufacturing facility has been opened in Kuantan, Malaysia, by TT Electronics.

The start-up of the Kuantan operations was accelerated with innovative virtual set-up and training sessions. The First Article Inspection (FAI) units were completed in May for a life-sciences customer, with the pilot going live in July.

The facility expands TT Electronics’ footprint in Southeast Asia and responds to increasing market demand by providing supply-chain solutions and risk mitigation benefits for companies facing the dynamic trade challenges and experiencing international expansion.