The Internet of Things (IoT) is the latest in a series of trends that will drive the proliferation of electronics. Now that the cloud has lowered the cost of connectivity and data management, devices that traditionally wouldn't communicate with one another can be linked. Interconnect, passive and electromechanical (IP&E) components play a key role in making IoT system work. Sensors, for example, are being used to detect when a car stops at a parking meter and how long the car is there. When the meter runs out, a signal is wirelessly sent to authorities. This way, authorities can focus on actual scofflaws rather than monitoring the same parking areas over and over again. The same technology can be used by consumers who want to avoid tickets.

Editor in chief Bolaji Ojo takes a look at the Internet of Things (IoT) in his article Electronics Firms Double Down on the 'Internet of Things. He discusses how it will have some big implications and opportunities for many industry players.  Already some major distributors are teaming up with semiconductor suppliers to support the IoT market. This may be driven in part by more and more customers who are looking for distributor partners to sell more than just components. (See: Fay Takes the Helm: What's next for Avnet EM) It will be interesting in watch how the IoT trend impacts the entire IP&E market. Please send any comments about the IP&E market & IoT to me at: gina.roos@epsnewsonline.com.

On the same topic, managing editor Barbara Jorgensen writes about how IoT like big data is expected to drive big growth thanks in part to low-cost sensors. See her story: Sensors to Play Key Role in IoT

In other news, Amphenol Corp. has agreed to acquire the Advanced Sensors business unit of General Electric Corp. for $318 million in its continued quest to add proprietary and high-margin products to its portfolio. This adds to its line of products in automotive, medical, industrial and transportation. Another notable acquisition in the interconnect industry is Winchester's acquisition of SRC Cables. Similarly, its products are used in high-margin, high-reliability applications including test and measurement, datacom, military and aerospace, and medical.

While not specifically IP&E industry news, I feel compelled to refer you to Bolaji's  article If China Goes to War . . . in light of current events, specifically China establishing a new Air Defense Identification Zone in the East China Sea. Read this as an early warning about the possible implications to the global economy and particularly the entire electronics industry supply chain.

We'd like to enlist your help with a survey that EPS has launched as part of our efforts to gain a better understanding of the electronics purchasing and procurement community. If you buy or specify components for a manufacturer, we would like to hear from you. The survey won't take more than 15 minutes and we will provide an executive summary of the report to respondents in addition to entering them into a drawing to win one of two mini iPads. 

In a typical electronics product, a system is only as strong as its weakest link. Therefore, it is the best interest of system builders to ensure none of the parts or subassemblies it uses are suspect. DLA is looking at  [SigNature] DNA marking, along with other technologies as a possible solution to mitigate counterfeits for  high risk items including bearings (aviation), electrical connectors (L&M), semiconductors (L&M), and fittings, hoses, and tubes (land & marine or L&M). Continue reading