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Understanding the Semiconductor Industry

The semiconductor industry is vital to technological innovation. However, the complexities of the supply chain and the nuances of different computer chips can leave one with more questions than answers. With this broad overview, it is easy to gain a better understanding of the industry as a whole. The first thing to note is the distinction between digital chips and analog chips. The common belief is that digital is an upgraded, more technologically advanced version of analog- but this isn’t the case. In fact, the worlds of analog and digital chips are complementary.

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Planning for Test Equipment Obsolescence in 2022

SpaceX Rocket Launching

With each new year comes new technological advances. Technology is developing at a rapid pace, which can spell out problems for test engineers facing challenges of obsolescence within their Test Program Sets (TPSs). For test engineers in the aerospace or defense industries, where parts and products are manufactured and supported for decades, obsolescence creates unique challenges. In many cases, the TPSs the engineers work with were created in archaic software languages with little to no documentation. At Apex Waves, we understand that many of our clients have a system they’ve been using for years and don’t have the resources, budget, or time necessary to replace it. We provide the calibrated, warrantied NI parts that you need now, with a tested stock of ready-to-ship parts to help you plan for the future.

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The Profound Impact of Recycling E-Waste

Man soldering circuit board

As the test equipment industry evolves, businesses are replacing their outdated equipment parts with the newest available models on the market. While the benefits of upgrading to the latest updates are undeniable, a large amount of e-waste is created from newly decommissioned systems. With a problem of this scale, many are turning to eco-friendly recycling initiatives for the solution. At Apex Waves, we are addressing this issue directly with our Sell Your Surplus program. It is clear that properly recycling decommissioned systems and re-using obsolete parts through this program has a strong positive impact across multiple industries.

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Calibrating and Measuring Accuracy in Analog Meters

Closeup of analog meter screen

All electromagnetic current meters function on the basis that the intensity of the magnetic field around a coil is proportional to the amount of current flowing through it. Whether the meter you are using is alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), knowing what to expect from the different meter movements is essential for correct calibration and accurate measurements.

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Filling in the Gaps of the ICT Supply Chain

Sideview of shipping containers on a ship


Supply chain management is a critical part of any business, but it becomes even more invaluable in times of crisis. In February 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a collaborative report assessing the current state of the supply chains that are critical to the ICT industry. Their findings point to crucial gaps in this vital production process- gaps that Apex Waves is stepping up to fill. When it comes to vital test equipment components, Apex Waves maintains a large inventory of previously used, calibrated, and quality tested parts that are available and ready to ship. Because of this, important parts remain accessible for the industries and businesses that need them most.

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