The AS3935 from austriamicrosystems AG, Unterpremstaetten, Austria, uses a sensitive RF receiver to detect the electrical emissions from lightning activity, providing an advanced warning of approaching electrical storms. A proprietary algorithm, drawing on meteorological survey data, converts the RF signal into an estimation of the distance to the head of the storm from 40 km to 1 km, while rejecting disturbances from man-made signals such as motors and microwave ovens. The device features a listening-mode current consumption of 60 µA. The Franklin lightning detector can be used in portable or outdoor devices targeting biking, hiking, marine, sporting events, as well as in-building equipment such as UPS, power conditioners, telecom equipment, and smart grids. (U.S. 919-676-5292)