IAR Systems has released an IAR Embedded Workbench for RX with 256 KB licensing option. Reducing costs for small footprint applications, the V2.41 of full tool suite brings new features for all Renesas MCUs. [ + ]

The Embedded Microprocessor Benchmark Consortium (EEMBC) announces plans to develop an industry-standard method to evaluate the energy efficiency of ultralow-power microcontrollers. The benchmark will give designers a much-needed way to test, validate and compare the real-world energy consumption of MCUs used in products with extended battery life. [ + ]

One market research company is expecting the BioMEMS sector to grow from $1.9 billion in 2012 to $6.6 billion in 2018 - offering good times for canny electronics developers. [ + ]

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, and J-Devices Corporation have announced that they signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the transfer of the semiconductor back-end production business of three facilities. [ + ]

Navman Wireless, a provider of fleet and asset management technology used to optimise business and government fleets as well as heavy equipment operations, has announced its acquisition by Danaher Corporation. [ + ]

ams and Mouser Electronics have announced a new distribution partnership. [ + ]

RS Components, a leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has signed an EMEA and APAC-wide distribution agreement with Samtec, an industry-leading manufacturer of connectors and associated products. [ + ]

Industry representatives are to be placed at the heart of scientific innovation - or more specifically, where it all begins - in the laboratory, thanks to an eight-week fellowship program at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES). [ + ]

Australian governments have decided to pursue a voluntary code of practice for businesses that manage, handle or use products containing 11 chemicals identified as having the potential to be used to make homemade explosives. [ + ]

Tektronix has released three oscilloscope applications for use on Android smartphones. [ + ]

Australian scientists have unveiled a new theory which explains the mysterious phenomenon known as ball lightning. [ + ]

A high-voltage vacuum power switch for smart power grids has been developed by a group of Japanese researchers. In the future, this technology may contribute to a new energy strategy through offshore wind energy, efficient power transmission and more. [ + ]

element14 has announced the expansion of its circular connectors offering to over 160,000 for military, commercial and industrial applications. The range for Asia-Pacific comes from manufacturers like Amphenol, ITT Cannon, Cinch, Souriau and TE’s Deutsch brand of products. [ + ]

The University of South Australia’s Thin Film Coatings Group has entered into a strategic alliance with Swedish research and development company Arubedo AB to bring new electronic products to market. [ + ]

Premier Farnell has released guidelines for electronics companies to help them understand the new obligations of RoHS legislation, which comes into force on 2 January 2013. [ + ]