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Exploring RFID Chip Implants: Legal, Medical, and Ethical Considerations in India

It was in January 2024, when Neuralink Corp. a company by Elon musk implanted its first brain chip called “Telepathy” in a 29-year-old accident victim to help him regain control of his paralyzed limbs. While this technology could actually help humans achieve a cyborg status it is far away from being available as of today

But the same cannot be said for RFID chip implants. The procedure of inserting a tiny RFID chip capsule in-between your thumb and index finger is getting to increase popular among tech enthusiasts. There are nearly more than 6000 people in Sweden who have had a chip insert already and is also catching up into other courtiers like Germany which also has more than 2000 chip implants done already 

We decided to cover an article on RFID chip implants when we noticed that RFID chip implants are also catching up in India, and there are people who have already received an implant in India. The article aims to answer the most basic questions like how does this tech work? How does it affect daily life? Is it legal? Is it medically safe? Etc.

What is an RFID chip Implant why are people getting one?

RFID technology is not new; in fact, most of us have experienced it in one way or another. RFID access cards are very popular in corporate offices to provide access to employees, RFID tags are popular in dress shops to prevent shoplifting, and there are even RFID key fobs that can lock or unlock your vehicle. So yes, we all have been using RFID in one form or another.

RFID Chip

The idea of RFID chip implants is to extend the same technology as a biological chip implant. Instead of you having to carry different cards for digital access, you can implant an RFID tag, and this tag carrying your personal identification can be used to unlock doors, turn on your car, or even make payments. Sounds like a tech from the future, right? Except it's not, RFID chip implants are currently being used in pets and cattle to track them, but in recent days, there is a huge community of people who are using the same. What is even more scary? Most of this procedure is done as a DIY. Yes, let's talk more about it.

RFID Chip Implant can Open Doors, start a Bike and even Share Insta. Profile 

Meet Mithun Devaiah, an engineer from Bangalore who has gotten RFID chips implanted in both of his hands. As shown in the video above, with this implant and a little bit of hardware tinkering, he is able to turn on his bike, open office doors, and even share his Instagram all with a single swipe of his hand.

As a hardware enthusiast Mithun, was exploring around Arduino and RFID technology when he stumbled across RFID chip implant and how it is used in animals. After learning that it can be used for humans, he purchased it online and tried approaching doctors to have it implanted. But since there was not much awareness about it, he implanted these chips by himself by watching online tutorials and has been using his implanted chip for almost two years now. When Circuit Digest asked him about any disadvantages of using the chip, he replied:

Mithun Devaiah

Getting an RFID Chip Implant 

Getting an RFID chip implant is easier that it should be. I am writing this article from India, and it took five minutes of google search to find an RFID implant chip that I can use myself, that’s it no medical prescription needed, its available just like that. As you can see in the below picture the RFID implant chip gets shipped with a syringe and is ready to use out of the box.

Cip with Syringe

I in no means want to encourage people to use these, so the vendors name will be hidden. But the points are it can be purchased by anyone with an internet and few bucks to spare. 

Self-Injecting RFID Chip 

This is where things got scary at least for me. These RFID chips are not implanted by doctors but is it done as a DIY procedure. Yes, there are tons of videos out there which shows how a person can inject these RFID tags by themselves. 

Injecting RFID Chip

People who are enthusiastic about it claim that the procedure is relatively safe, and the capsule is being inserted under the skin between your thumb and index finger. This place supposedly has no bones nearby and the chip itself can stay there without restricting any normal activities. While this is not comfortable for a person like me, there are people who have taken this daring step to get an RFID chip implanted. 

Are RFID Chip Implants Safe? – Doctors Perspective

Despite seeing a lot of people successfully self admistering RFID chips and reading through a lot of assuring answers from the online community, we wanted to get a professional Opinion.  Luckily, we were able to find Dr. Vishal Mishra, who was kind enough to answer few questions about what might go wrong with an RFID implant India.  

Vishal Mishra

Q1. Can this RFID chip Implant be self-administered? As a doctor what is your advice?

The mere fact that you showed me this syringe and that its widely accessible and people are already using it as self-admiration is scary. I see cases in wards, and emergency departments every day and sometimes even trained people can get things wrong during a medical procedure. So yes, if you ask me, I would say self-administration for an RFID Chip Implant is scary. 

Q2. Will people with RFID chip Implants be able to take MRI scans?

There are no particular guidelines for an RFID chip Implant and MRI scanning. So, the first reaction would be from the grounds of rejection. MRI machines are expensive and sensitive, so even if someone wants to help you, they will have their doubt. What if the RFID chip gets magnetized or heated, or in worst case pulled out of your skin and into the machine. I am not sure what materials is used in these devices, but considering safety and lack of awareness a person with Chip Implant might very well be rejected for an MRI scan. 

Q3. Assume someone with RFID chip Implant, wants to get it removed. Would you attend it? Is there any legal complication? 

I have been practicing medicine in new Delhi for quite some time, and if someone comes to me with such complication, there is no legal complication or law that will stop me as a doctor from helping the patient to reverse that situation. We see lot of cases with foreign body insertion, especially in elementary canal or in accidents. So, there is no law stopping us from helping them. When someone needs it to be remove, we will help them with most septic and precautionary method possible. 

It will be a simple procedure, unless something is already broken inside, and the parts are scattered. In that case we have to salvage the tissue and sometimes it can even lead to amputation. 

Q4. If someone who is very interested in this technology walks into a clinic and asks help to get the RFID Tag safety injected will you help them?

As a doctor I would have to ask WHY? Are the benefits surpassing the risks associated with it? Even if I am convinced, I will not do it. I would send the person to a therapy or counseling. So yes, absolutely not. 

Can RFID Chip Implants be Hacked?

Apart from the Medical and Legal complications. Another common question is, can this RFID chip be hacked?

The RFID implant tags are a type of passive RFID tag, meaning they do not have a battery or any power source of their own. They have to come in contact with a frequency from an RFID reader to be able to send out the data stored in it. 

The frequency rage of the RFID chip implant tags is very low, around the 125KHz and 13.5Mhz. Low frequency means low range, this is why you have to place your tag very close to the reader for it work. While there are high frequency RFID tags which can operate in long range (like Fastag), almost every RFID chip implants operate on the low frequency. This means that for your tag to be hacked or even read, it has to come in very close proximity to the reader. Also, each RFID has a unique hardware ID which cannot be dublicated.

As confirmed by Rupesh Surve, a hardware security researcher. RFID tags operating on 125KHz and 13.6MHz are for small range (upto 10cm) applications and it cannot be read even by hackers without getting into close proximity. But RFID technology by itself is very vulnerable. The are several tools and methods available using which one can simply clone the RFID Tags. 

Long story short, RFID chips are reliable for applications which does not require high security, but it is not the safest technology to store sensitive data. 

Conclusion – Should you get an RFID Implant?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is outside the scope of this article. We wrote the article with an intention to educate people who are curious about RFID implants.

That being said, we hope you enjoyed reading this. If you have any questions leave them in comment section and we will discuss your thoughts. 

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Manufacturing Experts Define How India’s New Incentive Schemes & Policies Will Help the Electronics Industry

  • Although PLI is the most game-changing policy of all, it should reach the smaller companies and target the component sector.
  • The PLI scheme will not only make us self-reliant but will also address various security concerns through the import of the IT hardware products.

India’s EV Industry has Just Started Shaping-up and is Still in the Nascent Stage

India’s electric vehicle industry is growing at a rapid scale. In an effort to further bolster the industry, the central Ministry of Heavy Industries a couple of months back has increased the allocation of funds under Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME-II) scheme to Rs 11,500 crore, up from Rs 10,000 crore. Apart from that, the union government has also unleashed an additional Rs 500 crore subsidy scheme, dubbed Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024).

Robots on the Rise: How India Can Become a Leader in Robotics Manufacturing

Nowadays, robotics are extremely popular in mining, packaging, manufacturing, and assembly sectors. Basically, robotics is the branch of technology that is related to the design, construction, operation, structural depositions, manufacture, and application of robots. Industrial robots are gaining a huge traction all over the world, mostly in the automotive industry due to their reliability, speed, intelligence, and accuracy.

Will India Become the Next “World’s Factory” in Electronics Manufacturing? An In-Depth Analysis

  • 10 years ago, India imported 98 percent of mobile phones and at present 99 percent of the devices are made in India.  In the coming days, 25 lakh people will work in electronics manufacturing.
  • During the COVID-19 situation in 2021, China manufactured around $1.7 trillion worth of electronics, which contributed 28 percent of global production.
  • China holds a 33 percent share of global exports with a value addition of $1,368 billion.

Times have gone by since electronic products manufactured by Chinese companies were treated contemptuously for their cheaper and inferior quality. But over the past fifteen to twenty years, China flipped the entire situation and earned the status of the “World’s Factory.” The country with 1.409 billion people turned out to be the world’s biggest electronics exporter, holding a 33 percent share of global exports with a value addition of $1,368 billion. The entire world was baffled by China’s quick dominance in the global electronics supply chain. Have you ever imagined, what’s the ‘Secret Weapon’ or the ‘Brahmashtra’ that helped China to spearhead the entire electronics ecosystem?

Many are still under the impression that it is China’s business monopoly scheme supported by the “Communist-Autocratic” rule, which follows no international regulatory or environmental compliance. Now, if you only abide by this thinking, then there is a misconception. In an effort to bolster the electronics manufacturing ecosystem, China offered a delectable strategic platter to the manufacturers, served with billions of dollars of subsidies in key infrastructures, cheap labor, and incentive schemes. 

Yogesh Suryavanshi, Executive Director and COO at NMTronics India

Highlighting the strategies of electronics manufacturing in China, Yogesh Suryavanshi, Executive Director and COO at NMTronics India, said, “All of us know how China was fifteen years ago. We used to crack jokes about Chinese products, but for the past few years, the situation has changed. They have educated themselves and kept on improving the quality of the products. The local customers and the government gave huge support to the manufacturing companies. For India, we are still learning to improve the products. Our comparison with Chinese suppliers is unjustified because they make production in high volumes and the cost of manufacturing is very low.”

When we speak about China’s dominance in this ecosystem, India is now turning out to be the biggest competitor in this industry. Interestingly, India had the potential to lead international electronics manufacturing starting from the early 80s. Today, it could have the lion’s share in this industry, much more or similar to that of China. But there is a ‘bolt from the blue’ due to which she outsources 80 percent of raw materials and components from China. Before we delve deep into that aspect, we need to understand the strategies implemented and deployed by China’s government. 

Why is China able to board the global electronics growth bus while India is not?

Amid all the geopolitical scuffles, ‘Chip 4 Alliance’, and ‘China Plus One Strategy’, China still managed to establish itself as a global powerhouse for electronics manufacturing. The country already started investing in the electronics segment way back in the 1950s and commenced numerous research institutes and factories. In fact, students were given scholarships by the government to study electronics engineering abroad. Industry started growing at a staggering rate during the 80s and that’s when she was opened-up to the global economy. The global electronics company began investing in China to set-up its bases, and the nations started exporting its products.

Although various initiatives have been undertaken by the Chinese government in a span of 40-50 years, the nation has not been able to gain a reputation for producing quality electronic products in-house. This is when the government, policymakers, and manufacturers analyzed the situation conscientiously and started taking advantage of its own resources. They understood the mindset and demand ratio of their exporting nations and started making products as per the situation.

Electronic Products Store

Since the late 90s, the Chinese government has provided billions of dollars in tax exemptions and subsidies to the companies and has strongly developed power plants, roads, rails, and ports. Most importantly, the biggest advantage is having 37 rare earth elements such as germanium, gallium, lithium, etc., which are extremely useful in the manufacturing of electronic items like electronic displays, hard drives, flat-screen monitors, and many more. On the other hand, the nation is furnished with huge volumes of cheap labor, which magnetizes global companies to set-up their units, backed by decreased production costs. The free-trade agreements also proved to be a game-changer for foreign firms in exporting their products to other countries seamlessly. Even during the COVID-19 situation in 2021, China manufactured around $1.7 trillion worth of electronics, which contributed 28 percent of global production.

India, on the other hand, was backed by numerous electronics companies, who were willing to manufacture large-scale electronics, including components. The country suffered a massive setback when, in December 1997, India signed the horrendous Information Technology Agreement (ITA-1) in Singapore. This is the moment when the nation’s dream of leading the global electronics value chain was shattered into pieces. According to the agreement, the nation had to wipe out tariffs on a variety of electronic products, and the import duty was brought to zero on products such as computers, telecommunication equipment, semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing and testing equipment, and many more.

Now, you all might be flabber-gasted by the fact that India surpassed China in this industry throughout the 80s and the 90s. Domestic IT firms such as Wipro and HCL exported a huge chunk of IT hardware products to several nations, including China. For instance, in 1995, the share of domestic value-added products was around 70.27 percent, which unfortunately decreased by 45 percent in 2011. Kudos to ITA-1. The then government instructed the industry to concentrate on software and let China manufacture electronic items. There was a lack of liaison between the industry and the government. 

N Ramachandran, Managing Director, Mel Systems and Services

In a recent SourceIndia event in Chennai, N Ramachandran, Managing Director, Mel Systems and Services, said, "Around 30 years ago, numerous electronic companies were not able to manufacture any kind of component because of the high restrictions imposed by the government in the industry. After every three months, manufacturers had to go to New Delhi to procure a new license for raw materials. The authorities during the late 90s even argued that India must focus on building software. We need real support for infrastructure and existing industries. The negative situation has changed dramatically because the government is now very proactive in supporting the industry.”

“There are some unforgivable reasons due to which India missed the bus numerous times, such as bureaucratic lassitude, lack of leadership with a clear vision, lack of infrastructure, and corruption. Today, India is generations behind in this industry, mostly in semiconductor manufacturing.”

Choodie Shivram Independent Journalist

Independent Journalist-CHOODIE SHIVARAM

India’s Imperative Strategies to Counter China’s Growth in Electronics Manufacturing

After several months of heated discussions with industry bodies, the UPA government has finally unleashed the nation’s first National Policy on Electronics (NPE) 2021, and under its aegis, Electronics Manufacturing Cluster EMC 1.0 was formed. Although it’s termed as the most comprehensive policy formulation, the NPE 2012 failed to attract big-ticket investments, seed high value-added manufacturing in the India ESDM ecosystem, or create large-scale employment, according to an exclusive report by the Economic Times. During that time, the country suffered a huge setback when it witnessed the biggest scams of the generation: 2G, CWG, and coalgate. The focus again shifted away from the electronics industry, and by 2014, the NDA government had come to power. India's electronics industry endured the pain of its wounds with immense stoicism. Since 2014, the new government has prioritized the growth of the ESDM ecosystem in India. In the same year, PM Modi stressed the imperativeness of making products in India and launched the nation’s first “Make-in-India” initiative that elevated confidence among the manufacturers in India. In 2017, exports of electronic goods reached Rs 41220 crores, and production reached Rs 388306 crore as per a report by the government. By 2022, exports reached Rs 109797 crore and production had reached Rs 6,40,810 crore. 

Production Report

Source: Ministry of Information and Technology (MeitY) and DGCA

The nation witnessed a huge impact in this ecosystem, when the government revised the National Policy on Electronics in 2019 and, under its aegis, launched Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for fourteen sectors worth Rs 1.97 lakh crore. Under NPE 2019, Modified Special Incentives Scheme (M-SIPS), Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC), and Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) have been announced to boost the industry. In fact, the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign initiated during the pandemic in 2020 also played a key role in motivating manufacturers to make products in India and highlighted the imperativeness of self-reliance in electronics manufacturing. This is when Foxconn, Pegatron, and Wistron, now acquired by Tata, started producing Apple’s iPhones in the southern part of India.

Mobile Manufacturing

The nation is now one of the largest mobile phone manufacturing countries and world’s second largest smartphone market. The PLI scheme on mobile handsets and the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) escalated mobile phone manufacturing to 290 million units in 2020-21 from 60 million units in 2014-15. Mobile phone exports from India will grow more than fivefold to USD 50-60 billion in the coming time from about USD 11 billion last year, Union IT and Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said. He said that 10 years ago India imported 98 percent of mobile phones and at present 99 percent of the devices are made in India. Around 10 lakh people work in electronics manufacturing. In the coming days, 25 lakh people will work in electronics manufacturing. The government has now targeted $300-$400 billion worth of total electronics production and $125 billion in exports by 2026. Semiconductors are one of the crucial electronic components, which were largely ignored by the previous governments. Industry leaders have been calling for a separate incentive scheme for this industry for a long time. PM Modi, along with this cabinet, launched the much-awaited incentive scheme of Rs76,000 crore to boost the ecosystem. The scheme has targeted Micron to set-up its first ATMP unit in Gujarat. Now, TATA group and CG Power also announced a new fab and ATMP unit in Gujarat and in Assam. 

Highlighting more about the growth of the industry, Shri S Krishnan, IAS, Secretary MeitY, said, “Previously, the department was not looking to develop the core electronics, and the focus was mostly centered upon developing software, e-governance, and other aspects. But, in the past 5-6 years, the core electronics mojo has been back on track. We now have a very successful PLI on IT hardware, and 27 companies have signed MoUs and many of them have already started operating. This PLI offers benefits to the existing companies and provides subsidies as well. It recognizes that we are dealing with an industry where India has traditional strength, and we must use it in such a way that it benefits the country. Currently, 70 percent of PCBs used in India are still imported. Therefore, I urge industry bodies to work more closely with the government to give more suggestions on how to grow the industry more,” added Mr. Krishnan.

The Indian ESDM market contributed around 2.2 percent of the international market in 2021, which is expected to increase by 7 percent in 2026, claims an analysis of Frost and Sullivan. Now, when we again speak of China dominating the international electronics industry, the situation is now topsy-turvy owing to the augmenting geopolitical situation, supply chain disruptions, and the sudden spike in labor costs. Moreover, the global companies are now looking to shift their operations away from China and set-up bases in India, Philippines, and Vietnam. 

ESDM Market Share Chart

Source: Frost and Sullivan

The effect of COVID-19 has had a massive impact on China’s electronics production. In Q1 2023, there is a 15 percent decrease in semiconductor production and a 13.8 percent decline in smartphone production, which has affected domestic companies such as Vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo. It has ultimately resulted in 4.5 percent GDP growth and 3.9 percent industrial output in March. According to the survey by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the EMS companies in China contributed 0.9 percent year-on-year escalation in value-added and saw a 5.8 percent escalation in value-added by the electronics information manufacturing industry. The production of mobile phones witnessed 935 million units, of which 679 million were contributed by smartphones.

Will India Become the “World’s Factory” in Electronics Manufacturing by Replacing China?

The government of India has undertaken strenuous efforts over the years to help the nation compete in the global electronics value chain. The nation is definitely growing in terms of exports and manufacturing backed by fruitful schemes, but there are a certain set of challenges that need solutions. Keeping aside mobile phones and other IT hardware products, India imports a huge chunk of components and raw materials from China. According to last year’s data, around 80 percent of PCBs and sensors were imported from China. As per Money Control report, shipments from China to India have augmented by $98.5 billion in Q1 2023. It is an increase of 4.16 percent in imports. Electronic equipment worth $30.63 billion were imported to India from China in 2022.

Then labor is another key challenge for India’s electronics manufacturing industry. According to Vinod Sharma, managing director of Deki electronics, labor is definitely available largely, but they do not have basic education on how to operate a machine. When they come to the factory, they are completely confused, and training needs to be given to them from scratch. Equipment price and design is also the key barrier. The equipment to produce electronics and semiconductor goods are highly expensive. India does not have a proper ecosystem to manufacture equipment and the designs are also mostly done for the foreign companies. Industry leaders are now calling for more real India made designs.

In an effort to reduce component imports from China, the finance ministry has recently unleashed 30 percent anti-dumping duty on bare PCBs up to six layers. Strategically, India is now in a better position to become the “World’s Factory” in the coming few years, but China’s unlimited subsidies, lack of regulatory compliance, and free trade agreement could be a challenging situation for India. Experts also opine that USA and Europe’s geopolitical scuffle with China could also prove to be a game-changing situation for India. India is now signing agreements with various nations to develop its semiconductor and electronics industry. 

https://circuitdigest.com/articles/how-anti-dumping-duty-on-imported-pcbs-has-sparked-fire-among-indian-smes-highlights-industry-experts-Put

It must be noted that the global economy has been in turbulence ever since the breakout of Covid in 2019.  While US and China tensions predated Covid, things have been getting increasingly difficult and unpredictable, with one crisis following the other.  The Ukraine- Russia War added immense stress to the global economy, especially in the areas of energy and materials, notwithstanding the immense human suffering and loss of property it has caused. Even as this war continues, there are growing tensions in the Middle East with Israel vs. Hamas standoff.

Speaking of India standing out as a bright spot amid the global tensions, Rajoo Goel, Secretary-General of ELCINA said, "In this entire milieu, India definitely stands out as a bright spot and beacon of hope.  With our focus on the ESDM sector, India has been pulling out all the stops to enable the electronics ecosystem and establish itself as a serious player in the global industry. While our economy and markets are growing, demand growth outpaced supply, and we remained dependent on growing imports. Concerted efforts in the last few years have salvaged the situation somewhat. However, much more needs to be done to create a sustainable ecosystem, especially with respect to value addition and manufacturing of components."

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Open Source and the Electronics Industry

Submitted by Staff on

As embedded and miniaturized hardware solutions continue to advance, an increasing number of developers are opting for standardized open-source or license-free software solutions. Mouser Electronics and Adam Taylor, founder and lead consultant of Adiuvo Engineering & Training Ltd., discuss how open-source solutions impact the electronics sector and explore what the future could hold.

"Open source" can have different interpretations depending on your background. How do you define it within the electronics industry and from an electronics engineer’s point of view? What do you see as the pros and cons of open source?

It is an interesting topic to define, especially when separated from the software side. Open source is undeniably advantageous, as it enables shared knowledge and collaboration in a practical manner. It also enables the ability to explore existing designs and utilize them as a foundation or for inspiration.

However, one of the biggest issues with open source, especially in the world of electronics, is the surrounding confusion. There are varying degrees of permissions at the licensing level, which contributes to the complexity and misunderstandings; some licensed solutions provide complete freedom, whereas licenses like copyleft can be quite restrictive for certain applications. For smaller companies, this can be a major barrier as they may not have the resources to investigate where they stand legally in terms of usage.

Engineers often believe that every project is entirely unique. But in reality, even the most cutting-edge designs will incorporate ideas or components from other existing projects, and it is here where open source can foster collaboration and cooperation. Embracing open source provides engineers with the opportunity to leverage the knowledge of others, enhancing the potential benefits for their own projects.

How can an open-source solution impact product development?

Open-source initiatives allow engineers to build off existing ideas, whether these are development tools or electronic devices. With open source, engineers usually have a greater support network and larger working communities that can support when a problem or application arises. Essentially, open source significantly streamlines and enhances project development.

Open-source applications can also have a significant impact in terms of quality and compliance. In a closed-source environment, new designs have to undergo extensive internal checks. However, in an open-source environment, reputable designs have already passed through the scrutiny of several engineers. While this may not be sufficient for full validation in highly stringent applications, it can help to streamline the process.

From a business perspective, creating a strong product traditionally involves unique selling points and intellectual property. Are open-source solutions truly viable for market-ready products?

This is the major concern that can turn engineers away from open-source solutions. From a business standpoint, there is a concern about seeing no return on investment. Individuals are often unwilling to invest time and resources in open-source projects without seeing any benefits.

Looking at Adiuvo, for example, there is a real benefit in using open source to add value to a product or solution. With one of the new field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) development boards, the schematic and layout will be open source to enhance the value of the product. The aim of incorporating open source as part of the business model is to appeal to engineers by making their jobs easier.

Open source needs to be a middle ground. As a business, you can make elements open-source and invite engineers in, but you have to be careful. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for making open source a part of your business model.

What are examples you recognize as successful open-source electronics solutions, and where are these impacting the market? Are we looking at development solutions or final products?

Most developments in the FPGA market are focused on software and development tools, rather than providing a ready-to-use hardware solution or components that engineers can drop straight into their application.

This trend is similar to the impact that open-source solutions like compilers have had on the software industry. It is expected that this shift will also affect the development of hardware such as FPGAs, system-on-chips (SoCs), microcontroller units (MCUs), and more, where engineers add value from the application of the hardware, rather than the hardware itself.

How do broader industry-backed open-source solutions like Zephyr and Matter fit in, and what impact do they have on the electronics industry?

Evaluating embedded Linux as an example, this is an area where open source is thriving. For years, engineers have been doing very similar things in terms of the application and its requirements, using the same source or kernel but approaching it in a completely different way.

These varying approaches create a few issues, but one of the main ones is the portability of software engineers. Different approaches make it challenging for software personnel to switch projects or companies. This results in unnecessary training and redundant work by highly skilled individuals, as well as harming interoperability.

The Linux Foundation Yocto Project is a perfect example of widespread collaboration. It enables individuals to build embedded Linux solutions using a standardized approach, resulting in decreased deployment time and expenses while also fostering best practices. Other industry-supported solutions like Zephyr and Matter have been influenced by the success of Yocto. Its results showed that producing industry-focused contributions can positively impact businesses, end user’s projects, and the entire engineering community.

Has the rise of IoT and IIoT smart devices, with a focus on interoperability, impacted industry-supported open-source solutions?

Yes, but this is a component of a bigger theme, which is the search for standardization. While engineers like to start from scratch, this is not always the best way to go about development for the end user—especially in terms of smart homes or connected services.

Evaluating Matter as an example, the reason it is successful is more tied to its ability to get companies to agree on a standard, rather than it necessarily being open source. A closed-source free standard could easily have the same impact, so it is the standardization with low cost of entry that is the critical factor, rather than if it is open or closed source.

What are your thoughts on hybrid approaches that involve a fusion of open-source and closed-source solutions, and how do these approaches benefit both suppliers and developers?

At the heart of being an engineer is the ability to identify or create the perfect solution for a particular use, delivering it on time, to a high quality, and within budget. This hybrid approach truly embodies this principle and is increasing in popularity across the industry. As long as licensing rules are adhered to, it is a sensible way to conduct business.

When delving into many open-source hardware solutions, they typically involve a hybrid approach. Looking back at the Linux example, many Yocto-based solutions are running on closed-source hardware. Similarly, many larger open-source hardware solutions will usually have a closed-source proprietary connector or component in there.

Finally, how do you predict the future market share of the electronics industry in terms of proprietary versus open source?

There will likely be a rise in open-source solutions as there are a number of driving factors, including the proliferation of development tools, the closer relationship between software and electronics, and the complexities of modern applications lending themselves to the sharing of information.

Twenty years ago, developing an FPGA solution required a significant financial commitment and a steep learning curve, limiting entry to big companies. Free editors, simulators, and synthesis tools are now available for download, effectively eliminating the entry barrier. Many larger hardware manufacturers are now happy to provide free resources to better support their products, causing a significant shift.

In the coming years, it is highly probable that the electronics industry will be greatly influenced by open-source solutions encompassing software, hardware, and AI.

Original Source: Mouser

Adam Taylor About Author: Adam Taylor is a professor of embedded systems, engineering leader, and world-recognized expert in FPGA/System on Chip and Electronic Design.

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How the New Anti-dumping Duty (ADD) will Impact PCB Manufacturing in India?

  • India imposes 30% anti-dumping duty on bare PCBs from China and Hong Kong, safeguarding domestic electronics manufacturing
  • Manufacturers and associations support the move, emphasizing the need to strengthen PCB manufacturing for self-reliance
  • Stakeholders stress investments in infrastructure and technology to capitalize on India's electronics industry growth

India's electronics industry is rapidly growing, targeting $300 billion in total production and $125 billion in exports by 2026. However, achieving self-reliance requires bolstering the major component ecosystem. Currently, India relies heavily on imports, particularly from China and Vietnam, for crucial components. The PCB market in India reached $4.5 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $11.8 billion by 2028, highlighting its significance. PCBs serve as vital components connecting electronic parts in various consumer electronics and IT hardware products. To support industry growth, government intervention is necessary through initiatives like a separate Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and subsidies for equipment, power, and R&D. As India approaches its production target, an estimated $150 billion worth of components, including PCBs, will be required.

Feeling the heat of the importance of boosting PCB manufacturing, the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, after several rounds of discussions, has finally imposed a 30 percent anti-dumping duty (ADD) for a period of five years on bare PCBs which are imported from China and Hong Kong. Both the manufacturers and the industry associations welcomed this move by the government. They feel that although the manufacturing of PCBs is complex, it is not as difficult like making semiconductors. India is very well-poised to manufacture it on a large-scale, both for its own consumption and for the rest of the world.

Sanjay Aggarwal, Managing Director, Globe Capacitors

Although the ADD tariff would prove to be optimistic for the Indian PCB industry, there are loads of challenges that require countermeasures. According to last year’s data, around 85-90 percent of PCBs were imported from China. In an exclusive interaction with Circuit Digest, Sanjay Aggarwal, managing director of Globe Capacitors, said that a huge chunk of PCB requirements are imported, which is not sustainable and makes us susceptible to fluctuating global crises. PCB manufacturing requires high-quality infrastructure and is characterized by a very high output ratio of 1:1 or 1:5. It has a complex supply chain, and the equipment required for its manufacturing are very expensive.

Protecting Domestic Industry: The Need for Imposing Duties on Imported PCBs

In an effort to safeguard India’s domestic electronics industry, the Indian Printed Circuit Association notified the government in December 2022 that there is an ongoing ‘Threat to Material Injury” due to massive dumping of components such as bare PCBs from China and Hong Kong. Therefore, there is a significant requirement of anti-dumping duty on the imported PCBs. After analyzing and investigating the situation thoroughly, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), the right arm of the Commerce ministry, recommended anti-dumping duty on imported PCBs in January 2024. The authorities have added that the duty will affect the availability of electronic items to the consumers. During the course of the investigation, the DGTR revealed that PCB imports from China PR and Hong Kong were sold below fair market rates, causing tangible harm to the domestic sector. Under the authority vested by sections 9A(1) and 9A(5) of the Customs Tariff Act, the Central Government authorized anti-dumping duties on specified PCB imports. These duties, calculated as a percentage of the CIF value of imported PCB goods, aim to counter the adverse impact of PCB dumping and protect domestic industry interests. 

Applauding the government’s anti-dumping duty on imported PCBs, Murali Srinivasa, founder, CEO at LionCircuits, told Circuit Digest, “The Indian and China’s PCB manufacturing markets are not on the same level. What the Indian government has now done will boost and elevate confidence among the country’s manufacturers. The Chinese government gives a lot of subsidies in terms of water and electricity, which is an important requirement for the manufacturing of PCBs. This is why, in the last 10-15 years, China has evolved its manufacturing ecosystem. Because of price cuts from China, Indian PCB makers have suffered a lot. But, this anti-dumping duty is not going to be a long-term solution. This is just for five years, and within this time frame, the PCB manufacturers will have to become globally competitive. At Lion’s Circuit, we are also trying to become globally competitive independent of the subsidies.”

Murali Srinivasa, Founder, Lion Circuit

“What China is doing is not a realistic market scenario. In this situation, all the Indian OEMs, product manufacturers, and R&D houses were left with no option, but to procure raw materials from China. This is because there are no Indian manufacturers who can offer electronic goods at competitive prices. At Lion’s Circuits, we have launched a ‘Make-in-India’ plan, where we are offering two-layered boards for 10 dollars. India should have the ability to manufacture a two-layer PCB board in just 24 hours. We have to increase production and make sure that processes and factories are running smoothly, backed by cutting-edge equipment. In 2, 4, and 6 layered boards, which is the largest market both in terms of transactions and volume are imposed with the import duty,” added Murali. 

This decision underscores the government's commitment to fair trade practices and ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders in the PCB market. According to the official spokesperson of DGTR, "while the domestic industry has been able to increase the selling price at present due to concentration on profitable segments, the continued imports at dumped prices have not allowed it to increase the sales beyond those segments and pose a threat of price suppression and depression on the domestic industry." Initially, the duty recommended was in the range of 8.23 percent to 75.72 percent of the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value. When any country is under the impression that its domestic industries are being largely impacted due to an escalation in below-cost imports, then anti-dumping investigations are carried out and certain duties are imposed following the instructions of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

The PCBs with more than six layers and the populated ones were not included in the investigation. According to the government report, $478 million worth of PCBs were imported from Hong Kong and China during April-October 2023. According to the IPCA, there are around 200 SME category PCB makers in India whose businesses are largely impacted due to the huge volume of dumping for more than four years. Therefore, the Indian PCB industry needs to ramp up and compete with global industry to support local manufacturing and EMS companies. This is vital, if India wants to benefit from this measure taken by the government, or else, it may have a negative impact due to the rise in manufacturing costs.

The PCB industry in India faces tough competition from neighboring countries such as China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, which have a vast history of PCB manufacturing, benefits from top-notch technology, decreased production costs, and economies of scale. The infrastructure and the supply chain is quite insufficient, which is posing a huge impediment to its manufacturing. Most importantly, the power supply is highly infrequent and is not subsidized. Then, there is a shortage of sophisticated machinery and equipment, which are very costly for Indian SMEs to procure. For a very long time, manufacturers and industry bodies have been urging the government to come up with an additional scheme and incentives for the equipment and machinery segment.

Sanjay Agarwal added that as per an exclusive 'ELCINA PCB Ecosystem Development Report 2023', India  requires adding innovative large-scale PCB plants addressing 5 million Sq. Meters of ML and 2 Million Sq. meters of Flex/Rigid-Flex units in the coming five years. Currently, the nation requires seven large PCB factories equipped with 1 Mn. Sq. M plant capacity. Moreover, it requires an investment of Rs 7,000 crores that will provide a yearly revenue of Rs 10,500 crore along with a direct employment of 7000 , and 35,000 employment indirectly in the value chain.

Anti-dumping Duty to boost Indian SMEs and PCB Industry claims Industry Experts

This is a strategic move, which is welcomed both by the PCB manufacturers and the industry bodies. According to them, ADD is not a long-term solution, this is also a strong pillar for the PCB industry in India. Anti dumping measures are promulgated to ensure free trade and create a level playing field for a particular industry segment. It is not a measure to restrict imports or to accrue an increase in the cost of a particular product. To this end, the policy is well thought out and does not look at things from a myopic perspective. Let’s find out below what the industry bodies told Circuit Digest exclusively:

Rajoo Goel, Secretary, Electronics Industries Association of India

Rajoo Goel, Secretary-General, Electronics Industries Association of India (ELCINA)

Anti-dumping duty on Bare PCBs is a definitive action for preventing dumping of this key electronic component in the Indian market. Dumping from China has been suspected for a long time. The government abstained from this tough action as the electronics industry was divided because the users of PCBs expressed concerns about the escalation in manufacturing cost. However, the ADD has been limited to PCBs upto 6 layers, and several high end PCBs have been exempt. This effectively means that less than 70 percent of the market by value is being protected, and this will decline further to below 50 percent in 3-4 years as technology and products upgrade. However,  the growth and opportunity are immense.

Anurag Awasthi, Vice President, IESA

Anurag Awasthi, Vice President, India Electronics and Semiconductors Association (IESA)

India is now aiming for Atmanirbhar Bharat in electronics manufacturing, in which, PCBs are the fulcrum. Currently a huge segment of the PCB requirement in the country is imported, while there are over 200-300 PCB manufacturers in India who are supposedly supplying only 60 percent of their output to the Indian market, while exporting 40 percent. The current anti-dumping duty levies are specific to those companies and sources that apparently supply well below the raw material cost in India. These are structural anomalies, which need to be removed for any domestic or global investor to invest in large scale PCB manufacturing in India. We have to learn from the Koreans, who only source from Korean brands - similarly, Indian EMS companies need to learn and have a mindset change to source from India as well. While there is no visible scarcity in terms of capacity, the need to factor in slightly more costs to fight against dumping from other nations should be considered.

Thiyagarajan, President, IPCA

M Thiyagarajan, President, Indian Printed Circuit Association (IPCA)

The PCB is the backbone of any electronic product. We have raised this dumping duty issue with the government in an effort to protect India’s domestic electronics industry. This is a basic component, and if we are not self reliant and constantly import, then there will be a semiconductor like situation. This is a very doable technology, unlike semiconductors which require high-end equipment, billions of investment, and specialized skilled forces. India is very well-versed in terms of PCBs, and we have started making PCBs much before China even thought of it. Initially, there will be a few shortages of PCBs from this decision, but we will find a solution like we did during COVID. For instance, there was a time when India used to import huge amounts of food grains from other countries, and today we have excess as the government has paid attention to it. We are not against FDI, we are suggesting they make products in India and then sell it in the country.

Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, ICEA

Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman, India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA)

The imposition of Anti-dumping Duty (ADD) would be a considered decision. All along, there was strong evidence of dumping in the entry level PCB segment. We have urged the government to strongly abide by this decision or else Chinese dominance will never come to an end. India is now growing very rapidly, and if this pace is continued, we will definitely set a benchmark in the global electronics industry. 

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  •  With the help of PLI schemes, India is now having the potential to overcome the disabilities in the manufacturing sector and make products in a large-scale manner for Indian consumption and for export to the world.

There Must Be Increased Focus and Investment in R&D to Foster Indigenous Semiconductor Design Capabilities

With the significant incentives and increased budget allocation for the semiconductor industry, India is on the track for remarkable growth in the coming five years. These initiatives will fuel investment in semiconductor manufacturing facilities, research and development, and talent development programs. As a result, India is likely to emerge as a prominent player in the global semiconductor market, competing on both domestic and international fronts. India can 100% compete globally.

New Tech Tuesdays: Innovations in E-Bike Technology

Submitted by Staff on

Join Rudy Ramos for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers.

What are e-bikes, and what is their main purpose? E-bikes—electric bicycles equipped with electric motors to assist riders with propulsion—represent a fusion of technology with the traditional biking experience. Their assisted pedaling power makes cycling easier, more accessible, and downright fun. Pedal assistance can be particularly beneficial in covering longer distances, tackling hilly terrain, and arriving at destinations without excessive physical exertion or sweating, making e-bikes a practical option for commuting and urban travel.

E-bikes also offer an environmentally friendly alternative to cars for short to medium-distance travel, helping to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions. In fact, e-cargo bikes (i.e., e-bikes equipped with baskets for transporting goods) are perceived as an advantageous solution for urban last-mile logistics. Using e-cargo bikes is ideal for low volumes of goods and short distances in urban areas where access to conventional cars may be prohibited.[1]

Lastly, even with motor assistance, e-bikes still provide a form of exercise, as pedaling is typically required to engage the motor, especially on pedal-assist models.

This week, we take a quick look at different types of e-bikes, their regulations, and some of the embedded tech powering them. 

Types of E-Bikes and Regulations

While there are various types of e-bikes, they generally fall into two main categories:

  • Pedal-assist e-bikes amplify the rider's pedaling effort. They typically have a motor that activates only when the rider is pedaling, boosting to their natural pedal power. The amount of assistance can usually be adjusted, allowing the rider to choose how much help they receive from the motor.
  • Throttle-based e-bikes have a throttle that can engage the motor without the need for pedaling, similar to how a motorcycle or scooter operates. This allows the rider to move forward using just the motor’s power.

With e-bikes making their way into parks alongside traditional bicycles, the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) has established regulations governing the use of electric bicycles within the National Park System. The NPS defines an e-bike as “a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides propulsion assistance.” An updated memorandum includes additional requirements that an e-bike may not exceed 100 pounds or reach 20mph when powered solely by the motor, prompting many states to create their own regulations for e-bikes using a three-class system limiting the maximum assisted speed of e-bikes.[2]

  • Class I: e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 20mph
  • Class II: e-bike equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20mph
  • Class III: e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 28mph

The Tech Driving E-Bikes

The average range of an e-bike—the distance it can travel on a single charge—varies widely depending on many factors. However, most e-bikes can typically cover 40 to 80 kilometers (25 to 50 miles) on a single charge. This range can be influenced by factors such as battery capacity, motor efficiency, riding conditions, rider input, bike load, e-bike settings, and the overall condition of the e-bike, including the age of the battery.   

E-bikes with larger batteries can store more energy, providing a longer range. Similarly, the efficiency of the electric motor plays a critical role in how effectively it uses battery power. Hills, headwinds, and rough terrain, in addition to the bike’s carrying load, all play a role in how much the motor needs to work. Also, the more a rider pedals and the less they rely on the motor, the longer the battery will last. Many e-bikes have different modes, such as eco, normal, and high power, impacting how much the motor assists. Over time, the battery’s condition can cause them to lose capacity, leading to decreased range.

In recent years, there have been several notable developments in e-bike technology, including lighter-weight designs with foldable features (Figure 1), higher capacity batteries with smart connectivity, upgraded safety features, and automatic gearing systems.

E-Bike with Foldable Design

Modern e-bikes often feature smart systems that integrate digital technologies with physical components, enhancing user experience with advancements such as over-air updates, connectivity with apps like Bosch's e-Bike Flow App, and tracking personal cycling goals directly through the bike's system.

E-bike safety technology has also seen enhancements, including new anti-lock braking systems that are smaller and lighter, thus reducing accidents significantly. Additionally, there are innovations like digital anti-theft features, alarm systems, and tracking capabilities for enhanced security.

Additionally, the adoption of automatic gearing systems like that of the Enviolo® Harmony™, which has a number of advantages over traditional gearing systems,[3] has greatly simplified the riding experience and reduced the overall maintenance needs of e-bikes while also contributing to user-friendly e-bike designs.

All these technological developments reflect riders’ evolving demands and preferences, offering more efficient, versatile, and accessible options for a broader range of consumers. The e-bike industry continues to innovate, focusing on sustainability, user-friendliness, and technological integration.

The Newest Products for Your Newest Designs

This week’s New Tech Tuesday showcases gate drivers from Texas Instruments and Infineon Technologies. Both gate drivers are ideal for half-bridge brushless direct current (BLDC) motor drives and have built-in bootstrap diodes for the high-side capacitor.

The Texas Instruments DRV8300 and DRV8300-Q1 are components designed for three-phase BLDC motor control, commonly used in applications like e-bikes. These devices are essentially gate drivers that facilitate the motor’s control and operation by driving the gate terminals of the MOSFETs in the motor's electronic speed controller.

The DRV8300-Q1, specifically, is an automotive-grade version that offers robustness and higher reliability. It supports up to 100V operation, making it suitable for higher voltage applications. This series is known for its advanced protection features, ensuring enhanced system robustness, which is crucial in e-bike applications where safety and reliability are paramount. Additionally, these devices are designed to minimize noise issues and improve efficiency in motor operation.

Their use in e-bike applications is especially beneficial due to their efficiency in controlling the motor, contributing to the overall performance and reliability of the e-bike. This makes e-bikes equipped with such technology more efficient, safer, and potentially more powerful, enhancing the riding experience.

Next, the Infineon Technologies MOTIX™ 160V Gate Drivers are an advanced solution for motor control, particularly suitable for e-bike applications. These drivers are designed for half-bridge BLDC motor drives, a common configuration in e-bikes and other mobility applications. One of their key features is the ability to support a 100 percent duty cycle operation through a trickle charge pump, ensuring consistent and reliable motor performance. The gate drivers also boast protection features such as undervoltage lockout (UVLO) and overcurrent protection, which are crucial for the safety and durability of e-bike systems.

Furthermore, the MOTIX series emphasizes optimized efficiency and reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI), which are essential for maintaining the performance of e-bikes in diverse operating environments. The built-in bootstrap functionality of these drivers facilitates their use in high-power applications, making them ideal for more demanding e-bike designs that require robust power-handling capabilities.

Overall, the Infineon MOTIX 160V Gate Drivers provide e-bike and other e-mobility applications with enhanced control, efficiency, and safety features, contributing to their improved performance and reliability.

Tuesday’s Takeaway

E-bikes represent a fusion of traditional biking with advanced technology, providing an assisted pedaling experience that makes cycling more accessible, enjoyable, and practical. They serve as an efficient, environmentally friendly alternative for urban travel and commuting, offering numerous benefits for a diverse range of users. E-bikes have evolved with advancements in technology, leading to enhanced performance, safety, and versatility. These technologies allow e-bikes to achieve better speed control, more extended range, and overall improved riding experience.

Original Source: Mouser

About the Author

Rudy RamosRudy Ramos Rudy is a member of the Technical Content Marketing team at Mouser Electronics, bringing 35+ years of expertise in advanced electromechanical systems, robotics, pneumatics, vacuum systems, high voltage, semiconductor manufacturing, military hardware, and project management. As a technology subject matter expert, Rudy supports global marketing efforts through his extensive product knowledge and by creating and editing technical content for Mouser's website. Rudy has authored technical articles appearing in engineering websites and holds a BS in Technical Management and an MBA with a concentration in Project Management. Prior to Mouser, Rudy worked for National Semiconductor and Texas Instruments.

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