Volume 8: 2023 - A Year in Numbers Special

As we approach the end of 2023, we invite you to join us for a deep dive into the numbers, stories, and triumphs that have defined Avnet Silica's path this year.

In a world where change is the only constant, we have navigated the challenges and opportunities with agility and purpose, to best serve you, our customers.

We’d also like to take a moment to thank our world-class supplier partners for their exceptional engagement and collaboration.

At Avnet Silica, we’re all about relationships, and it’s been our great pleasure to support you with our expertise, our solutions and perhaps most importantly our time.

So, grab a tea or coffee, find a comfortable spot, and let's journey together through the highlights that shaped our year.

• Over 35 new technical articles published - our team of experts shared their fascinating insights on a number of topics including Automotive, Asset Tracking, EV charging, IoT, Security, Space 2.0, 5G, AI and much more.
• Over 15 We Talk IoT Podcast episodes released - from protecting forests and combatting climate change to the next space age, our podcast episodes in 2023 covered pretty much everything you could think of in the world of IoT. Don't miss insights from rocket scientists, AI doctors and CEOs from some of the world's most innovative IoT businesses.
• 36 in-person events - our in-person events in 2023 took members of the Avnet Silica team to Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and even Saudi Arabia as we exhibited at Gitex Global for the first time in our history. Our presence at events gives attendees the opportunity to connect with our experts and see the latest and greatest innovations in the world of semiconductors and tech.
• 14 online events - Our online events gave thousands of people the opportunity to learn about the latest innovations from a range of markets and technologies, all from the comfort of their own home or workplace.
• 4 EMEA Awards - Our commitment to our partnerships and providing an all-round better experience for our customers was recognised 4 times throughout the year as we scooped 4 industry-recognised EMEA awards.

• The Future of EV Charging - Harvey Wilson explores some of the new technologies being developed for quicker EV charging, with the promise of top-ups in only a few seconds, and what their impact might be.
• Integrating EV Charging with the Smart Home - In part two of the EV charging series, Harvey Wilson looks at how can we integrate the EV charger with other smart home systems, and what opportunities could this create.
• Transformative IoT Solutions - Choosing the right microcontroller for your project is crucial. We explore the capabilities of ST’s 32-bit wireless MCU STM32WBA52 and the IoT applications that benefit most from them.
• Power Trends and the Choice Between Si, SiC and GaN - Thomas Hauer examines issues, and the design challenges of some of the most critical power applications – and why you might choose silicon or WBG devices in each case.
• AI Takes on Growing Role in HVAC System Efficiencies - in part four?of our 'Match Made in Automation' Series we explore the growing role of AI in HVAC system efficiencies.

• Unleashing the Power of Wind Energy: Episode 37 - Hold on to your hats as we unpack how cutting-edge technologies and ingenious strategies are evolving in this sector, emphasizing the impact of IoT in enhancing turbine efficiency. Our discussion will also cover the ecological benefits of wind power and a forward-looking perspective on this form of renewable energy.

• Unlocking the Potential of AI: Episode 35 - AI is changing how we live and work, and its impact is felt across every industry, from natural language processing and image recognition to predictive analytics and automation. Join us as we discuss the state of artificial intelligence, the latest advancements, and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

• Smart Water Meters: Revolutionising Water Conservation with Data and AI: Episode 31 - In this episode, Steve McCorry, CTO of Creative EC, shares his insights into making water metering smarter with data and AI. Join us as we explore how combining consumption data with machine learning techniques can help predict and prevent leaks and broken pipes and even warn when water quality becomes harmful. Discover how smart water meters are revolutionizing water conservation and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

• How IoT Protects Forests and Combats Climate Change: Episode 34 - Wildfires across the globe are worsening. They are growing larger, becoming more intense and frequent, and even creating their own weather – from Australia to North America, from the Arctic to Africa. According to a United Nations report, Climate change and land-use change are projected to make wildfires more frequent and intense, with a global increase of extreme fires of up to 14% by 2030, 30% by the end of 2050, and 50% by the end of the century. We discuss how sensors and artificial intelligence can predict wildfires and protect ecosystems.

• Building Smarter Cities: The Power of Data: Episode 29 - Are you ready to learn how cities can become smarter? In this episode, we discuss the importance of data in creating efficient and effective city services. Marek Suchoki from Autodesk shares his insights into the benefits of having structured and integrated data sets and why sharing data with the right people can lead to smarter cities. We also address the crucial issue of data security. Join us as we explore the world of smart cities and discover what it takes to make them a reality.

• AMD Versal for Space and its Ecosystem - Avnet Silica and several supplier partners including AMD and Renesas explore a number of leading solutions for space and its ecosystem, including Versal 7nm Radiation Tolerant Adaptive SoC Devices and memory products, including the radiation-tolerant DDR4 and NAND.
• Connecting the Future: Matter and Wirepas Unleashed - Engage with leading experts in the field, learn about the latest advancements, and gain valuable insights into the future of IoT and connectivity standards. Whether you're a developer, engineer, or IoT enthusiast, this webinar promises to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the ever-evolving world of IoT technology. Join us for an enriching journey into the world of Matter and Wirepas – where innovation and connectivity converge to shape a smarter, interconnected future.
• AMD Zynq RFSoC DFE technology in O-RU radio solutions - Discover the transformative power of?Zynq RFSoC DFE technology in O-RU radio solutions?in this webinar hosted by?Avnet Silica?and?AMD. The session covers the Zynq RFSoC DFE devices down to the basic architecture, including the recently added devices ZU63DR and ZU64DR devices. We will provide an overview of the AMD ecosystem included ZCU670 Evaluation kit, the new XRF4 RF interface card, AMD 8T8R O-RU Targeted Reference Design (TRD) and evaluation tools.
• Futureproof your EV Charging Solutions - ISO 15118 is important for EV charging as it enables efficient bidirectional communication between EVs and charging infrastructure, optimizing charging efficiency and enabling vehicle-to-grid integration. Matter ensures interoperability among smart devices, simplifying the integration of EV charging stations into smart home ecosystems, enhancing user convenience, and promoting a unified ecosystem for efficient management of EV charging. Gain insights from real-world examples and discover how these protocols enhance charging efficiency, simplify integration, and shape the future of EV charging. Join the experts from Avnet Silica, and our leading supplier partners, NXP and Renesas, to learn more about the Future proof of EV Charging Solutions for your designs.
• Next-Gen Technologies for Factory Automation - Factory automation is evolving at very rapid pace. Industry 4.0 and IIoT, along with technologies, such as AI, TSN and 5G communication, collaborative robots, cloud computing, digital twin or high-performance edge computing, are enabling machine manufacturers to fully merge physical and digital processes, improving productivity and reducing downtime.Join Avnet Silica and our world-class supplier partners for this webinar series, where industry pioneers and leading experts will present solutions for:- MPU/CPU platform solutions for factory automation- Industrial Ethernet- Functional safety- Motor control- CPU modules and HMI- Memory & storage- Software and cloud platforms for applications such as robotics, PLC, smart sensors, drives and communication infrastructure

• STMicroelectronics STM32WBA - Certified for Bluetooth? Low Energy 5.3 protocol, STM32WBA series allows non-expert developers to easily add wireless communication to their device, at an affordable cost. Based on the Arm? Cortex?-M33 core featuring TrustZone? technology, the STM32WBA series provides a high level of security, protecting data, IP, and preventing hacks or device cloning.
• Nordic nRF7002 - The nRF7002 is a Wi-Fi 6 companion IC, providing seamless connectivity and Wi-Fi- based locationing (SSID sniffing of local Wi-Fi hubs). It is designed to be used alongside Nordic's existing nRF52? and nRF53? Series Bluetooth Low Energy System-on-Chip (SoCs), and nRF9160 cellular loT System-in-Package (SIP). The nRF7002 can also be used in conjunction with non-Nordic host devices.
• Micron LPDDR5 - The LPDDR5 is the latest generation of Micron low-power SDRAM and it delivers higher density in the same footprint but with lower power consumption and a higher data transfer rate than the previous generation. Emerging technologies, such as 5G mobile technology and autonomous driving, require a memory subsystem that needs a larger bandwidth to support real-time computing and data processing. ?
• Microchip PIC32MZ1025W104132 - PIC32MZW1 series Wi-Fi SoC is a 200MHz high performance 32-bit MCU with industrial leading Wi-Fi connectivity and rich peripheral options. It has 1MB embedded flash and 256KB SRAM, empowering embedded designers to rapidly build complex IoT software covering WLAN, TCP/IP stack, RTOS, Cloud connectivity, and application. Various types of peripherals, such as Ethernet, USB, ADC, CVD touch buttons, and CAN, make PIC32MZW1 a perfect system core to realize the most application features.
• NXP PCA9451A - The PCA9451A is a single-chip power management IC (PMIC) designed to support i.MX 93x processor family in both 1-cell Li-Ion and Li-polymer battery portable applications and 5V adapter non-portable applications. The device provides six high-efficiency step-down regulators, three LDOs, one 400 mA load switch, a 2-channel level translator and a 32.768 kHz crystal oscillator driver.
• Nexperia E-mode GaN FETs - Delivering optimum flexibility in power systems, Nexperia e-mode GaN FETs are ideal for either low-power 650 V applications or high-power 150 V applications. Offering superior switching performance due to very low QC and QOSS values, they bring improved efficiency to 650 V AC/DC and DC/AC power conversion. Alternatively, low-voltage GaN (150 V) devices enable faster charging for e-mobility and wired / wireless changing systems as well as significant space and BOM savings in LiDAR and lower noise in Class D audio amplifiers.
• onsemi FGY75T120SWD - Using the novel field stop 7th generation IGBT technology and the Gen7 Diode in TP247 3-lead package, FGY75T120SWD offers the optimum performance with low switching and conduction losses for high-efficiency operations in various applications like Solar, UPS and ESS.

• Diodes distributor award - EMEA - The award for 'Best Distributor in Europe’ from our long-standing partner Diodes Incorporated, for achievements in highest sales growth, strongest demand creation performance and collaboration in Europe. Our President, Gilles Beltran and our Senior Director of Supplier Management and Vertical Markets, Thomas Foj, attended the Global Distributor Conference in Thailand to accept the award, alongside Avnet and Avnet APAC, who also scooped awards for 'Best Distributor - Americas' and 'Best Distributor - Asia' respectively.
• STMicroelectronics Fastest Growing Distributor' - Austria - Avnet Silica was recognised as the 'Fastest Growing Distributor' in Austria for the 2022 calendar year by STMicroelectronics.
• Elektronik?Volume Distributor of the Year - EMEA - Readers of the?Elektronik voted Avnet Silica as the number one Volume Distributor of the Year. Our Senior Director of Supplier Management and Vertical Markets,?Thomas Foj, was in attendance at the awards ceremony in Munich to collect the award.
• ST 'Fastest-Growing Distributor' - DACH - Avnet Silica was named the 'Fastest-Growing Distributor' in the DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) region by STMicroelectronics, with Avnet Silica more than doubling its sales in the region for the 2022 calendar year.?Members of the DACH Management Team, along with Avnet Silica's President, Gilles Beltran, were in attendance to collect the award.
• Embedded World 2023 - We gave Nuremberg the chance to meet our technical experts, test out the latest IoT and AI technologies from some of our leading suppliers and put their driving skills to the test on the Fanatec racing simulator. You can view just some of the demos that were on show below: - The RASynBoard EVK and the RZBOARD V2L, the latest in wireless sensors for smart voice user interfaces and object detection technology.- How Avnet's IoTConnect platform integrates with STMicroelectronics STM32U5 IoT Discovery Kit.- Gesture-controlled LEGO robot featuring the STW - Sensor-Technik Wiedemann GmbH HPX platform powered by AMD's ZU5EV.- Defect Visual Inspection Solution (Powered by NXP Semiconductors and onsemi).
• GITEX 2023 - Avnet Silica was recently joined by AMD at this year's Gitex event in Dubai. A debut event for both parties, stand A16 was full of attendees wanting to see this trailblazing partnership in innovation first-hand. Together with AMD, we demonstrated the latest innovative solutions for 5G and 6G, AI and ML, Industrial, Vision, Automotive and so much more.
• U-blox partnership - Avnet Silica expanded its Positioning & Wireless Connectivity portfolio through a new strategic partnership with u-blox, a collaboration that not only enriches Avnet Silica's product portfolio but also prioritises solutions in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and short-range radio, followed by cellular technologies.?
• Berlin Start-Up Night - As part of our Environmental, Sustainability and Governance commitment, we take pride in supporting some of the most innovative and sustainable start-ups across EMEA. We gave grants to three innovative and sustainable start-ups at the Berlin Start-Up Night back in September.
• AMD Tech Day - The AMD & Partners Tech Day was filled with inspiring presentations, hands-on demonstrations, and engaging conversations at the British Motor Museum.?"A great day, a great team, and great technology... all that is needed to move embedded applications to the next steps!" - Jean Philippe Giraud, AMD.

Thanks for reading this special edition of The Innovator. We wish you and your loved ones a relaxing festive period and a Happy New Year.