According to a recent posting to the website of The Engineer, the new solder mix replaces common, lead-free replacements for lead that are more prone to degrade in the high-temperature environment found in EVs. Instead of using tin, silver, or copper, the new formula includes nanoparticles and other microalloying elements that enhance the properties of solder and the reliability of solder joints. These changes are reportedly sufficient to help reduce the incidence of cracking and premature degradation.
The research leading to the potential solder formula was conducted at the General Engineering Research Institute at Livermore John Moores University in the United Kingdom and researchers at partner organizations Gunma University in Japan and Universiti Malaysia Perlis in Malaysia. The research is being funded by the British Council’s COP26 Trilateral Research Initiative, which is intended to promote collaborative research in the field of climate change.
Published by the Medical Device Coordination Group (MDCG), the document, MDCG 2021-25 is intended to provide a “legally defendable and pragmatic” position on requirements applicable to medical devices placed on the market prior to May 26, 2021, the date on which the requirements of the MDR came into full effect. The document is intended to address a large number of products that were placed on the market prior to that date in accordance with the EU’s Medical Device Directive (90/385/EEC).
In brief, the document concludes that all relevant MDR requirements related to post-market surveillance, market surveillance, and vigilance are equally applicable to legacy devices and that manufacturers of legacy devices must continue to issue periodic safety update reports (PSURs) in connection with their products.
The MDCG was established under Article 103 of the MDR and is comprised of representatives from all EU Member States. However, the document and its findings do not reflect the official position of the European Commission and are not binding under EU law.
According to a press release, a total of $1.159 billion has been committed to 2471 schools, 205 libraries, and 26 consortia under the Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund Program. The commitment brings to $2.362 billion the total amount allocated to date by the FCC, out of a total of over $7 billion earmarked for the program.
Funding under the Emergency Connectivity Fund Program can be used for the purchase of laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connections for use by students, school staff, and library patrons needing these technologies.
To date, the FCC estimates that nearly 8 million students have been afforded connectivity access benefits under the program.
Rosenworcel’s nomination for an additional term is subject to review by the U.S. Senate. If confirmed, Rosenworcel would be the first woman to serve in the role of Commission Chair.
Rosenworcel has served as an FCC Commissioner since 2012 and as Acting Chair of the Commission since the beginning of the Biden administration. Prior to joining the FCC, she served as the Senior Communications Counsel for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Before her service in the public sector, Rosenworcel practiced communications law.