There are many types of heat protection devices available in the China market, such as polymeric positive temperature coefficient (PPTC) resettable fuse, double sheet metal, temperature controller, etc. These products have been widely used in electronictransformers, motors, and ballasts. Most local manufacturers of heat circuit protection devices are located in Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions. Click to view Figure 1 BOOMING LOCAL MARKET Nanjing Co-Tech Electronic Co. Ltd is a company that focuses on research, design, and manufacture of PPTC (polymer positive temperature coefficient) ressetable fuses. The PPTC ressetable fuse makes effective protection in circuits, and reduces product cost, return and repair rates because of its repeating feature. It is used in communication terminal units, auto electronics, electronic motion toys, and industry automationcontrol fields. According to Wang Xing, sales manager, Nanjing Co-Tech, "In the past we exported 75 percent of our products to Europe and the US. Today, domestic demand for heat protection devices has increased, and being used in many fields," he added. Meanwhile, HongMing Electronics Ltd, one of the oldest manufacturers of thermal protectors in China, is designing a new generation of thermal protectors for PDP TVs and air-conditioners. A spokesperson for the company said that despite many challenges in mastering the core technology of thermal protectors, the local market is maturing and the opportunities are massive. BEYOND PC Andigilog, a manufacturer of thermal management solutions with presence in Mainland China, focuses on the computer sector, such as notebooks, desktops, and server motherboards. Three product lines make up the company's portfolio: ThermalEdge sensing products, system controlling products, and acoustic and cooling products. These products are positioned around intelligent thermal management (ITM) within computing systems. Joshua Yang, regional sales director, Andigilog, said, "In previous generations of computer systems, hot spots were treatedas ‘islands'. Thermal management was done without considering the impact to the rest of the system." For example, CPU fans moved air away from the CPU with no concerns about where the air went. In today's computer systems, CPUs, graphics controllers, power supplies and other elements have increased the number and intensity of hot spots, requiring a better way to manage heat. "As more and more intelligence is added to systems, thermal management issues will continue to drive designs," he added. The manufacturing of computers and peripherals, including motherboards, is increasingly being done in Mainland China, with companies such as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. Ltd, Maintek Computers, and MiTAC. "But over time, Andigilog will expand its reach beyond the PC industry," Yang said. Andigilog's strategy in China is to continue to work with ODMs to build and manage current businesses, and to expand sales, applications and marketing operations. "Asia, specifically China, is the most important region for future revenue and business growth. We see more and more engagements in Mainland China over the next five years." |
