The CERN Supercollider, A Bagel, and a Capacitor

I was recently asked to weigh in on a rather unusual debate going on in Europe regarding the malfunction that derailed the CERN supercollider in France in November. According to CERN, a bird dropped a small bagel that resulted in the failure of a capacitor used in a primary cooling system. This explanation by CERN has caused some theoretical physicists to offer fantastic theories about how and why such an event transpired. However, I have polled some of the top capacitor engineers in power film capacitor design, and all agree that nothing in the ingredients of the bagel would corrode the aluminum housing to cause the capacitor to fail. The only theory is that a mold developed on the bagel that grew into the capacitor terminals causing a tin whisker type short, but I am waiting for CERN to comment on exactly how the bagel caused the capacitor to fail. What I find most interesting was that it was a "capacitor" that failed. Given the nature of the research and the reputations of the known physicists- I want to point out that on a daily basis, the Google top search under the term- "capacitor" reveals the term "flux capacitor." Someone has a keen sense of humor.

The North American Market For High Voltage Resistors

This new study from Paumanok Publications, Inc. focuses on the North American market for high voltage resistors for applications greater than 1,000 volts. This niche market segment includes metal oxide, carbon, metal alloy and thick film resistors in axial leaded, SIP network, and chip configurations. The market analysis focuses on demand in the United States, Mexico and Canada for applications in specialty power supplies, medical, defense, laboratory and industrial market encironments. The study establishes NAFTA market value, volume and pricing by voltage range, as well as demand by type and configuration. A competitive analysis of 14 known vendors of high voltage resistors competing in the NAFTA market as well as an opportunity assessment in accordance with the influx of federal monies from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009. 76 Pages, Published November 2009 ISBN # 0-929-717-376 For More Information

Passive Component Industry Magazine October 2009

In this issue: Murata Seeks Exclusion Order Against SEMCO•An Interview With H.C. Starck About Tantalum•Tantalum Ore 2010: A Shortfall is Expected (Update)•“China’s Electronic Industry 2009” is Published•Talison Has no Current Plans To Re-Open Wodgina•Paumanok CEO To Present at Symposium in Shenzhen•Study on Ferrites, Coils and Cores Released•An October Surprise: MLCC in Short Supply•New Kemet Plant Will Supoort 100,000 ED Vehicles•TTI, Inc. Develops “One-Search” Functionality•Ultra-Broadband Capacitor Series From AVX•Suzuki SX4 Fuel Cell Vehicle With Braking Capacitor•Stillwater Reports 12% Decline in Palladium Price•Passive Component Market Research Reports View Issue

A Close Look At The Murata ITC Complaint Against Samsung EMCO

(Morrisville, NC USA) The latest edition of Passive Component Industry Magazine takes a close look at the complaint filed by Murata Manufacturing Limited against Samsung Electro-Mechanics regarding allegations of infringement for four specific Murata owned ceramic capacitor and dielectric material patents. www.passivecomponentmagazine.com

327 Page Book on "China's Electronic Industry" Published

The 2009 edition of China's Electronic Industry has been published. The 327 page book was written by Dr. Michael Pecht and Len Zuga, with additional contributions from Fan Li, Li Chen, Dr. Arnulf Jager-Waldau, Ken Fleck, Shunuong Zhang, Rui Kang and Xiaofel He. The book addresses the current status and development of China's electronics industry in the context of the unique political and economic forces affecting China today. Key chapters include China's Trade Data, Policies and Issues; Intellectual Property Protection in China; Science and Technology in China; Electronics Information Industry in China; China's Semiconductor and Microelectronics Industry; Photovoltaics in China; Connectors, Cables and Backplanes in China; Computers in China; Telecommunications in China; Consumer and Automotive Electronics in China; and Emerging Electronics Markets in China. For further information go here- China's Electronic Industry.

Talison Has No Current Plans To Re-Open Wodgina Tantalum Mine

(October 2, 2009) Paumanok Publications, Inc. and Passive Component Industry Magazine LLC received a letter from Talison Minerals Pty Ltd, of Perth, WA which stated that the Reuter's report of September 24, 2009; which quoted a Talison spokesperson as saying that they would re-open their wholly owned Wodgina tantalum mine in mid-2010 was INCORRECT. The letter states- "Talison will only return to Tantalum production as and when market demand for its products dictate and that condition is yet to be met."

For further information on the tantalum supply situation-

TANTALUM: Global Market Outlook: 2008-2013 ISBN # 0-929717-81-3 (2008)

And for the 2010 tantalum shortfall forecast-
www.passivecomponentmagazine.com (September 2009 Issue)

Paumanok CEO To Present At Capacitor, Resistor and Inductor Forum in Shenzhen, China

(Morrisville, NC- Sept 28, 2009) Dennis Zogbi, CEO and Founder of Paumanok Publications, Inc. Industrial Market Research; and owner and publisher of Passive Component Industry Magazine has been invited to speak at the International Passive Components Technology & Market Development Forum to be held in Shenzhen, China on November 17 and 18th 2009. Mr. Zogbi will present two papers- one on capacitor, resistor and inductor markets in consumer electronics on November 17th; and another on raw material usage and supply in the passive electronic component industry on November 18th 2009. Also presenting are such major passive component manufacturers as Vishay Intertechnology, Murata Manufacturing Limited, TDK Corporation, Taiyo Yuden, Tyco Electronics, 3M Company, Bencent, iSuppli, Rhodia, Sinocera and the China Electronic Components Association. The event is sponsored by Elexcon, who expects as many as 400 attendees.