A look at the highlights of Electronica 2012: Inside tomorrow – Intelligent solutions for an efficient future taking place on the 13th -16th November at Messe Munich, Germany – the place of industry, business and beer

The concept of the future and the prospect of ‘tomorrows world’ are both terms that are synonymous with the technology sector. More specifically these notions have glided through the past into the present upon the wings of innovation. Bringing all this together in one place is the Electronica 2012 international trade fair and conference, taking place in Munich, Germany from 13th – 16th November.

Backed by a quarter of a century in the making, the show now celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with more than 2,500 international exhibitors presenting their product and service portfolios to visitors from around the world – from components and systems to electronic applications and services.

Power and power related issues have always been at the core of the electronics industry and is quite literally the life source of all electronics, so with this running as one of the central themes, this year’s international trade fair revolves around smart energy solutions, whilst also exploring e-mobility, embedded solutions and power electronics in general.

The global economic significance of the electronics industry is already heavyweight across the globe with it set to be an ever-evolving market. As a result the show represents a cornerstone for decision-makers, across industry sectors for industrial electronics, the automotive industry and medical electronics. Exhibits in more than twelve halls are set to provide a market overview of the latest technologies and solutions, from semiconductors and sensors to passive components, circuit boards and system components.

Energy efficiency will also be in the spotlight as the latest technologies and solutions in LED and electromobility will be explored.

When it comes to the future stability of energy supplies, intelligent solutions are also in demand. That is why components for smart-metering products to control and measure consumption will be present at the fair along with smart IED (intelligent electronic device) applications.

The show’s forum program features a range of topics, giving visitors a chance to explore current and future issues that relate to a variety of application sectors across more than 130 practice-oriented presentations. While this Forum features lectures on topics such as ‘Medical Electronics’ and ‘Trends in Microsystem Technology’, speakers at the automotive Forum will approach topics such as ‘Efficient Dynamics in Mobility’ and ‘Innovative Light Concepts for the Automotive Sector’.

The embedded Forum will examine topics such as ‘Smart Metering’, ‘Micros & DSPs’ and ‘Embedded Computing’. In parallel to this the PCB Marketplace will focus on ‘Market Trends for PCBs, Film-type Integrated Circuits and Electronic Assemblies’ and ‘The Component Industry’s Target Markets’.

Embedded platforms conference 

The first-ever embedded platforms conference is being held on November 14th and 15th where major manufacturers in the electronics industry such as Atmel, Farnell, Freescale, Infineon, Texas Instruments, Toshiba and TQ Systems will give participants an overview of the ecosystems of modern embedded platforms.

To develop successful electronic products, selecting the right embedded modular system is not the only issue. Another essential aspect is ensuring efficient interaction between the processor platform, the operating system, the drivers and the networking technology and matching it to the specific application in question. The show deals with this challenge and how to select the right solutions.

Driving safety, energy-efficient mobility, in-vehicle Internet access and design-to-cost are the topics at this year’s automotive conference at the show, which traditionally begins one day before the fair.

Strategy lectures on ‘Electrification of the powertrain’ and ‘In-vehicle cloud computing’ are on the agenda on November 12. Then on November 13, the conference will focus on the latest developments for technical experts in the automotive industry and OEMs, component manufacturers and software developers who deal extensively with components.

The “Wireless Congress: Systems & Applications” takes place on November 14 and 15. Industry specialists will not only examine technical aspects of current and future wireless technologies – especially for use in industrial applications – but will also give participants insights into applications, security aspects, standards and market opportunities.

The upcoming generation of specialists and experts is essential for the future of the industry. Together with SEMICA, the VDE and the ZVEI, electronica is organising Student Day on the last day of the fair for some 300 prospective engineers.

Participants can get tips for starting their careers and enjoy a networking lunch with sponsors, and a presentation ceremony for the COSIMA Award is also planned.

The trade fair hybridica, is being held at the same time as electronica, creating a useful time-effective synergy.

Electronica 2012

www.electronica.de/en/2012