The automotive industry, Electric Vehicles are a major user of IGBTs, and the renewable energy industry is also increasing its demand for IGBTs, as these devices are used in inverters for solar and wind power systems. The IGBT shortage is expected to continue for some time, but it is not clear how long it will last. Some analysts believe that the shortage could last until 2024.
]]>The solar energy industry is a major user of IGBTs and is increasing its demand for IGBTs, as these devices are used in inverters for solar and wind power systems. The IGBT shortage is expected to continue for some time, but it is not clear how long it will last. Some analysts believe that the shortage could last into 2024.
]]>IGBTs have been used in trains for many years, and they are now the standard technology for traction inverters. They have helped to improve the efficiency and performance of trains, and they have also made trains more environmentally friendly.
]]>The current shortage of Electronic Components is a known ongoing problem that companies need to act on to avoid considerable losses. Currently, some of the hardest-to-find items are Semiconductors, Microcontrollers, and ICs. These shortages affect various industries such as Automotive, Tech, and Consumer Electronics, to name a few. In a recent report on "Supply Chain Resilience in a Post-Pandemic World," Jabil says about two-thirds of surveyed OEM's lost $50 million or more because of these shortages. About one-third lost more than $100 million, and about 8% lost more than $500 million. In addition, automotive semiconductor supply shortages will cost the automotive industry an estimated $110 billion in lost revenue.
This problem was not solely because of the Pandemic. The demand for these electronic components has rapidly increased over the years with the advancement of technology. Supply issues first became apparent in 2018, a little under two years before the first cases of COVID-19 were ever reported. With the cracks already forming, the shutdown resulting from the Pandemic only exasperated the problem.
The Solution
With supply down, it is becoming increasingly harder to find the needed electronic components. Companies need to expand their reach to new suppliers, ones that specialize in finding those necessary hard-to-find components. Doing nothing and waiting the estimated 44 to 66 weeks for components, the current wait time for Intel and AMD data center and server ICs, is not an option.
When working with an expert in finding hard-to-find components, such as DEX, companies can be confident that the vendor has the means and connections to get what's needed, saving companies from further losses.
However, one must be careful when looking at new suppliers. Microchip counterfeiting has been on the rise recently due to the demand. The ERAI recently reported that one scam artist defrauded OEMs, CMs, and EMS companies out of over $110,000 since the component crisis began. Fraudsters are pushing firms to abandon their vendor verification procedures to gain access to these badly needed supplies.
There are many ways to avoid fraudsters and fake parts. First, buyers should research the online presence of a potential new vendor. If they say they are a 50-year-old company, but they only registered their website a month ago, a business can identify that red flag and avoid scams. Additionally, buyers can obtain references before doing business with a new supplier.
For example, looking at DEX, Data Exchange Corporation has been in operation for over 40 years. DEX's website was registered in 1993, clearing DEX in the first test. Additionally, customer and partner information are readily available on the website, allowing businesses to know some companies they can contact for reference information.
The Future
As for when this supply shortage will end, many Electronic Industry Leaders and analysts state that we will continue to see massive deficits up through 2023. In April, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger commented that it would take "a couple of years" for the chip sector to rebound from this shortage, as these supply and demand issues precede the COVID-19 Pandemic.
It is for this reason that companies cannot wait for this problem to resolve itself. We are in for a long haul, and companies must find new vendors that can find the components they need to avoid further losses.
If you are interested in learning more, DEX is a vendor that specializes in hard-to-find electronic components such as: Semiconductors, Microcontrollers, ICs, etc. You can contact DEX here to discuss your needs and how DEX can find what you need.
]]>DEX, located in Camarillo, California, was established in 1980 as a company focused on providing engineering and repair solutions to the tech industry. Throughout 41 years, the company has been able to globally expand its operations and trade partnerships. Today, DEX is providing both computer chip and semiconductor solutions to the recent world shortage of both semiconductors and computer chips. DEX is able to do this from developing exclusive trade privileges around the globe. Individual and wholesale buyers can see DEX’s available chip and semiconductor collection available online at
Why Should I Care?
How The Global Computer Chip Shortage Happened - YouTube
If you are in the market to trade in your run-down old car or outdated mobile phone for the latest up to date, June 2021, models, then you may have noticed skyrocketing prices for any product that uses computer chips or semiconductors. From kitchen appliances to military equipment, all modern-day electronic devices utilize both computer chips and semiconductors. The cause for high prices relates to a world shortage of semiconductor and computer chip production.
When & How Did This Happen?
According to CNN Business’s, online article , the 2019 coronavirus pandemic is the root cause for the global shortage of computer chips and semiconductors. The pandemic caused a global economic recession that forced major computer chip and semiconductor manufacturers mainly NXP, Infineon, Samsung and the Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, to halt pre-pandemic production efforts. The companies shut down global plants and let off thousands of employees. Today, the manufacturing companies have not announced plans to rehire employees or open closed global plants. This has caused a massive global-scaled production delay of computer chips and semiconductors. With the global economy attempting to begin recovery efforts, the demand for computer chips and semiconductors has gone up since the beginning of the pandemic. Low supply and high demand with no plans to meet the high supply demand by computer chip and semiconductor manufacturers is what caused the current computer chip and semiconductor shortage. Since the supply is almost non-existent, the cost for computer chips and semiconductors prices have gone above and beyond what consumers and enterprises can afford.
How Does This Affect My Life?
According to CNN business’s online report, the automobile manufacturing industry needs around 50 to 150 chips and semiconductors in order to build just one car. The heightened price of computer chips and semiconductors for enterprise use in manufacturing consumer goods has been passed to down to consumers themselves. Consumers are just beginning to enter the market and are not able to afford the price hikes to upgrade their phone or buy a new car. The lack of consumer purchases of new electronics has harmed enterprises to the extent of raising the entire CPI for other goods like food and gas.
]]>
The 2020-2021 school year is almost over. Many schools are still remote or doing a hybrid schedule, but what will next year look like? As the schools and universities plan for graduations and for the upcoming year many things are being considered when it comes to Covid-19 safety measures. Will mask wearing continue to be a mandatory? Will social distancing remain 6ft resulting in limited class sizes? Will students over 16 be required to show a Covid-19 Vaccination record?
School during the Covid-19 pandemic had been nothing short of a scholastic nightmare. From elementary to college, students spend their days on zoom. This may not have been too big a deal for college students, but for elementary through high school it was and is a struggle. Much of the things children learn, they learn through doing, seeing and interacting. All activities were canceled this year. No sports, concerts or plays. No graduation. It is understandable why this year turn out the way it did. But will next school year be different?
As we near Summer schools are already deep in planning their Fall return. Many colleges have already stated that they will be requiring students to have proof of their vaccination to return to in person class. NY Times writes, “A growing number of schools will require proof of a coronavirus vaccination for on-campus students this fall, including Cornell, Rutgers, Oakland University in Michigan, Brown University in Rhode Island and St. Edward's University in Texas (April 2021).” Other schools are still going to be requiring masks and offering incentives to students to do vaccinate.
When it comes to the younger students that cannot vaccinate yet, most schools will be back to full-time, in person class or a hybrid. They will still be requiring masks and keeping 3 feet social distance. Washington Post reports, “All teachers and staff who want vaccinations will have them, but children will not. Masks and other virus mitigation measures will remain in place in much of the country (April 2021).”
Schools will have their policies available before the new school year for students and parents to review. It does seem like even into next year safety precautions for Covid-19, including mask wearing, will continue to be part of the school atmosphere.
SHOP PPE |
]]>
Wholesale Face Masks
Over the last year many once lucrative small and large businesses closed forever. There is no doubt that the Covid-19 has left its mark on the economy and society, but as world slowly reopens its doors the question many of us have right now is, ‘What kind of ‘new-normal’ will this be?’ What restrictions will stay and what will be relaxed? How will these changes affect the businesses that did somehow survive?
Movie theaters, restaurants and other businesses are slowly allowing people to come indoors in small numbers, with masks in most cases. The process of reopening for these businesses is a complicated one. The more people get vaccinated, the more activities people are going to want to be able to take part in. But to ensure the safety of everyone involved new regulations are being enforced.
Let us look at what movie theaters are implementing. According to Matt Donnelly from Variety, “As soon as you get that popcorn, you want to jump right in, but you’ve got to wait until you sit down to start enjoying those snacks,” Gualtieri said. Condiments will be pre-packed and contained (no self-serve butter for your popcorn, which is, frankly, better for you) (March 2021).” Those are just the simple things being enforced.
Many movie theaters are using a fog disinfectant machines to get every nook and cranny. Movie theaters and other entertainment businesses are also restricting the number of people they allow in and have buffer seating. How long these policies will stick around is unknown, but it will likely take the same path as airlines and slowly do away with the number restrictions and the buffer seats. As for the self-serve stations, it might be out of service for while longer. However, the plexiglass and touch-free paying could be around for good. In truth, what is wrong with a little protection, even from the flu?
As for restaurants, adapting to Covid-19 restrictions has been tough. Many once successful restaurants have closed forever over the last year. The ones that made it through have embraced curbside pick-up, plexiglass, PPE for employees, electronic menus (these are great investments), outdoor dining and lower compacity. As more and more people get vaccinated the restrictions for compacity for indoor dinner will surely be lifted, but the other policies will be around for a for the foreseeable future. Even after the public is ‘allowed’ to be mask-free, restaurants may want to continue with their practices just to make their customers feel comfortable well into 2022.
When it comes to small shops of various kinds we’ve also since many efforts to protect themselves and their customers. They have been restricting compacity, using plexiglass, doing temperature checks, and offering sanitizer. These small shops will likely be able to relax things the most but keeping the PPE and sanitizer around would be a smart choice through the rest of 2021 and into the next year.
Ultimately, society will bloom again, and people will be able to get back to work this year, as so many hoped, but there will remain some reminders of the pandemic. Masks will continue to be standard attire and plexiglass will stay a ‘normal’ checkout feature for a majority of businesses.
WHOLESALE PPE |
US CHAMBERS GUIDE TO REOPEN |
]]>
Welcome to the light ladies and gentlemen. It seems we are finally breaking out of this cage that is the Covid-19 pandemic. We have all been stuck inside and restricted for over a year now. It sounds very satisfying to just take those masks, throw them in the fire and happily watch them burn. But before you strike that match, we have some things for you to think about. Here are some reasons for delaying your mask bonfire and to continue your faithful mask wearing for just while longer…
The Covid-19 vaccine is here and is slowly becoming available world-wide, however, it has been widely broadcasted that there are still many people that are not vaccinated. This means the vaccinated people can become asymptomatic super spreaders. Until higher numbers of people are vaccinated, masks will be important to stop the spread for those that are not vaccinated. Plus, just because a person has received the shot/shots does not mean that they are immune to Covid-19 the second that needle leaves their arm. For all three approved vaccines, it is not until 2 weeks after your full dosage that you would be considered fully vaccinated. It is recommended that even after being vaccinated mask wearing is enforced.
Recovering from Covid-19 throughout the world will not be a quick and easy thing. The Cleveland Clinic explains, “In comparison, the measles vaccine is 97% effective after two doses. The vaccination program began in the U.S. in 1963, but the disease was not considered eliminated until 2000 (Cleveland Clinic, 2021)!” Yes, technology and innovation in science and medicine has come a long way since 1963, but that does not mean we will reach heard immunity as quickly as the end of 2021 or even 2022. The fight will continue for an unknown number of years.
Also keep in mind that there will remain those that cannot get the vaccine for one reason or another. People chronic medical conditions were not included in the testing of the vaccines and it is not clear what effect it would have on them.
People with HIV and those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medication might be at increased risk for severe COVID-19. They may receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, they should be aware of the limited safety data:
People with weakened immune systems should also be aware of the potential for reduced immune responses to the vaccine, as well as the need to continue following current guidance to protect themselves against COVID-19 (CDC, 2021).
It has also been recommended for anyone that is allergic the any ingredients in the vaccine to not take it. This leaves these people vulnerable and relying on others to continue to wear masks and be devoted to their efforts to control the spread.
Let us not forget that right now the doses are not available to everyone yet. Yes, the time is on the horizon, but for now we need to remain vigilant in our mask wearing and controlling the spread. According to Cleveland Clinic, “There are more than 330 million people in the U.S. Experts say that 50-80% of the population will need to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity, which could take us until the end of 2021 (2021).” So, let’s refrain from burning those masks. We’re in it for the long haul in our movie theaters, schools and gyms and everywhere that people will come closely together again.
SHOP PPE! |
]]>