At electronica India 2024, Vaishali Umredkar of Electronics Maker interviewed Mr. Raghuveer Emadaboina, Principal Account Manager (Sales) for South Asia Pacific at Analog Devices. The company showcased its innovations in electric vehicles, healthcare technology, and storage solutions during the event.
Please tell us about yourself and your role in ADI. Which are the innovations you have showcased in electronica India?
My name is Raghuveer, and I am based in Bangalore, where I manage the broad market and distribution for customers in India. Exhibition platforms are incredibly valuable for showcasing our latest products and innovations, such as Battery Management Systems (BMS), healthcare technologies, and energy solutions. These events attract customers from both India and abroad, providing an opportunity to demonstrate our innovations and engage in meaningful discussions. This collaborative environment allows us to share ideas and advance our offerings together.
What are the key trends and technologies that India is focusing on for economic growth and technological advancement?
India is currently focusing on several key technologies, particularly Battery Management Systems (BMS) and energy storage systems (ESS). The government is promoting BMS to support e-mobility and reduce carbon footprints associated with internal combustion engines, which contribute significantly to pollution. BMS technology utilizes various battery types, like NMC, to efficiently monitor and manage energy in electric vehicles.
Additionally, ESS serves as a stationary alternative to traditional inverters and diesel generators, particularly for telecom towers, thereby reducing environmental impact. The healthcare sector is also seeing advancements with sensors for devices like smart rings, watches, and earbuds that monitor vital signs. Finally, the rollout of 5G technology is supported by specialized chipsets, showcasing India’s commitment to innovation across multiple sectors.
What are the competitive features and innovations your company is providing in the Battery Management System (BMS) sector, given the availability of BMS solutions from various semiconductor players? What challenges are you addressing, and how is this industry expected to grow?
The BMS (Battery Management System) industry has multiple players offering different features and innovations. One notable company, which has been in the BMS sector for almost a decade, acquired Linear Technology 6-7 years ago, a company with a history of developing such products. Their BMS chipsets are recognized for their low power consumption and energy efficiency, outperforming competitors and extending battery life. The industry is focusing on energy efficiency as a crucial factor, and the company’s low-power ICs (integrated circuits) are designed to maximize customer output by reducing energy usage and prolonging battery life.
The company is focused on innovations in energy storage systems through advanced BMS (Battery Management System) technology. They develop ICs (integrated circuits) that monitor crucial parameters like current, voltage, and signal integrity. These ICs can detect breaks in the signal chain and temperature fluctuations to prevent issues like battery explosions by taking corrective actions. Their R&D team, based in Bangalore, is dedicated to designing and developing these innovative solutions to enhance the safety and efficiency of energy storage systems.
The company offers reference designs for BMS (Battery Management System) to help customers get started quickly with their projects. They provide technical support through a highly skilled team to address any issues and ensure timely market release. The Electric Vehicle (EV) market in India is expanding across all segments, including 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, and heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, and even railways, presenting significant growth opportunities for BMS technology.
With the launch of Semicon India and the Prime Minister’s vision for semiconductor development, including the establishment of fabs and related infrastructure, how do you see the opportunities for India in the semiconductor industry, and what potential does India have to become a significant player in this sector?
The Semicon India initiative, supported by the Prime Minister, aims to position India as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. This initiative is seen as a positive step towards boosting chip and fab manufacturing in India, creating a robust ecosystem, and generating significant employment opportunities in the sector. The government’s efforts are expected to attract investment, strengthen the supply chain, and establish India as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
Are there any specific programs or initiatives that you are implementing to support the Indian startup ecosystem? Could you share more about how you are collaborating with various startup companies in this effort?
The company is actively supporting the Indian startup ecosystem by collaborating with numerous startups, particularly in the two-wheeler, three-wheeler, hearables, and wearables segments. Many of the innovations showcased at their events come from these startups. They are closely involved with these companies, helping them transition from startups to full-fledged manufacturers in just a few years.
Additionally, the company supports the “Make in India” initiative, with products designed and manufactured domestically. They are also engaged with academia, inviting professors, lecturers, and university students to collaborate on BMS development using their labs and technology. They train educators regularly and provide students with the latest development kits and reference designs to integrate into their curriculum, promoting hands-on experimentation and innovation. This initiative aims to inspire and empower the next generation of engineers in India.
Sustainability has become a key focus across all industries. Does your company have a net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2030, given that many organizations are working towards reducing their carbon footprint and achieving net-zero targets?
The company is committed to sustainability, aligning with the global push towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. They are actively working on initiatives like BMS (Battery Management System) to reduce carbon footprints, particularly by lowering coal consumption and promoting clean energy solutions. This aligns with the Government of India’s efforts to enhance sustainability across industries.
How many design engineers are currently working with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI)? Additionally, could you provide more details about the company’s research and development activities?
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) India has approximately 1,500 employees, with around 1,200 to 1,300 of them working at the headquarters in Bangalore. The company also has design centers in Hyderabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat. These centers focus on various cutting-edge technologies and cater to both Indian and global customers. Their research and development activities are not limited to the Indian market but are part of ADI’s global R&D initiatives, supporting innovation and product development across multiple regions and industries.
ADI India has contributed significantly to several innovations. Notable examples include:
- Battery Management Systems (BMS): Advanced BMS technology developed by Indian engineers is a key innovation that supports energy efficiency and safety in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
- 5G Technology: ADI India is involved in developing cutting-edge solutions for 5G communication, enhancing network capabilities and connectivity.
- Healthcare Wearables: They are also working on health wearables, a rapidly evolving field. These devices offer advanced health monitoring and diagnostics, showcasing innovative applications in healthcare technology.
These innovations reflect the expertise of ADI’s Indian engineering teams in addressing global technology needs across various sectors.
