Page 24 - Issue 2 2023

Radiation-tolerant power management ICASA published draft changes to radio
device targeting LEO space applications
regulations
The commercialisation of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) region, at
roughly 1900 km above Earth, is transforming space exploration ICASA has published a notice of its intention to
and satellite communication. For satellites to successfully amend Annexure B of the Radio Frequency Spectrum
operate and reach their destination, it is essential to select Regulations 2015 in Government Gazette 47792 3.
components that can withstand the harsh space environment. The Authority is proposing the incorporation of the
Building on its existing radiation-tolerant portfolio, Microchip lower 6 GHz (5925 – 6425 MHZ) and the 122 – 246 GHz
Technology has introduced its first commercial-off-the-shelf radio frequency bands for non-specific short-range
(COTS) rad-tolerant power device with the MIC69303RT 3A applications. This will provide a much-needed boost to
Low-Dropout (LDO) Voltage Regulator. Read more WiFi availability and uptake and is expected to enable
faster data communication between devices connected
to wireless infrastructure, reduce latency, improve
efficiency and data throughput.
ICASA said that the regulations update is necessitated
by the need to keep the provisions of the regulations
current with the existing and emerging technologies aimed
at revolutionising the electronic communications sector.
Comments must reach ICASA before 31January 2023.
Read more

Growth in cashless transactions spurs new
and innovative payment solutions
5G pros and cons
Last year, exciting developments in South Africa’s payments
Fast internet throughout South Africa is key to many sector were a good reason to be cautiously optimistic about
benefits, including the ability to work remotely in remote 2023, with new products and services setting the pace of the
areas, increased access to education and technology, and journey to a digital cashless future, says Andrew Springate, CEO
more. Increased bandwidth speeds are essential, as the of fintech payment solution provider PAYM8.
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) takes us into a more “The South African economy is under tremendous pressure
connected and digitised future. Fast Connectivity has with rising interest rates, high energy and fuel costs and
become a basic need, and the adoption of 5G is critical debilitating power outages. Despite this, increased competition
given the faster bandwidth and lower latency it offers. amongst financial services providers can play a significant part
Vishal Barapatre, CTO, In2IT Technologies says there in supporting the country’s overall economic growth.” Springate
are complexities, pros and cons, and some concerns about says. PAYM8 has been at the forefront of the continuous
health issues related to radio frequency radiation Here is reinvention of the payment industry, which includes the
an overview of how he sees the pros, cons and the current stabilisation of the Authenticated Solutions (Debicheck) in
status of 5G in South Africa. Read more
South Africa and the Enhanced Debt Orders (ENDO) in Namibia.
Read more

24 | EngineerIT Issue 2 | 2023 SUBSCRIBE FREE