RS Components and Panasonic agree product range expansion

RS Components is pleased to announce a major product range expansion with Panasonic, the world-leading manufacturer of electronic components and devices.

RS will introduce a further 5,000 products from Panasonic into its global range, available to customers in both RS standard packaging for electronic design and maintenance engineers as well as production packaging, with the first launch planned for early March. This offering from RS will have a strong appeal to electronic design and production engineers searching for a comprehensive source of stocked products from Panasonic.

Included in the expanded range are Panasonic’s new MELF (metal electrode face) replacement resistors which offer designers reduced PCB mounting footprints and significant cost reductions. Together with substantially increased capacitor, choke/inductor and resistor ranges and a semiconductor offering in discrete and optoelectronic devices, RS will now supply the largest range of Panasonic products direct from stock across Europe, building on the strong working relationship it has established in Asia-Pacific regions.

“We are delighted to be working with RS Components to support research and development customers in electronics,” commented Katsuhiko Otomo, President of Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH. “RS’ reach across Europe makes it the perfect partner with whom we can promote our product range.”

According to Chris Page, General Manager for Electronics at RS Components, “this expansion agreed with Panasonic capitalises on the market-leading global infrastructure developed by RS, enabling us to bring manufacturers’ products to customers across the globe.”

“Our partnership with Panasonic provides our customers with access to the widest range of Panasonic products available through European catalogue distribution at competitive prices,” says Page. “Design engineers want to use Panasonic because of the high-quality and performance of its components.”

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Digi-Key Corporation and Aptina Announce Global Distribution Agreement

Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, and Aptina announced today that the companies have entered into an agreement for the worldwide distribution of Aptina’s imaging products.

Now in stock and ready to ship from Digi-Key are Aptina image sensors for both color and monochrome applications in resolutions ranging from 640 x 480 pixels to 2592 x 1944 pixels. Also available are several development boards and demonstration kits.

Slated to appear in future print and online catalogs, these products are now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites.

Combining world-leading pixel technology with analog readout and digitization expertise, Aptina ensures the highest quality sensors, making it easier to simplify camera designs, reduce device footprints, and help maneuver faster times to market.

Dave Doherty, Digi-Key vice president of semiconductor product, said, “We are very pleased to add Aptina to our line card. We are certain that its products will be of significant interest to customers seeking the benefits of leading-edge image sensors.”

“Aptina strives to engage strategic suppliers who support the engineering industry with efficient, knowledgeable service and enhance customers’ overall purchasing experience,” said Jan du Preez, Aptina vice president, corporate sales. “Digi-Key is just such a supplier. Digi-Key broadens access to Aptina’s quality, high-performance CMOS Imager solutions with easy online purchasing, quick delivery and quality support.”

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Kit helps create perpetually powered wireless sensor network based on the MSP430 MCU

Mouser Electronics, Inc., announces it is stocking Texas Instruments’ Solar Energy Harvesting Development Tool, eZ430-RF2500-SEH. Texas Instruments is the world leader in digital signal processing and analogue technologies.

Mouser is stocking the Solar Energy Harvesting Development Tool, eZ430-RF2500-SEH, which is a complete kit to help create a perpetually powered wireless sensor network based on the ultra-low-power MSP430 microcontroller. The kit includes two eZ430-RF2500T 2.4GHz wireless target boards, an eZ430-RF USB debugging interface for real-time, in-system debugging, a AAA battery pack with expansion board (batteries included), a high efficiency SEH-01-DK Solar Energy Harvesting Board optimized for indoor use, and an MSP430 Development Tool CD containing documentation and software.

The eZ430-RF2500-SEH development kit features inputs for external energy harvesters and an interface to transfer data to a PC from a wireless system, and stores additional energy in a pair of EnerChip™ thin-film rechargeable solid-state batteries from Cymbet Corporation, a leader in thin film battery technology. To learn more about Texas Instruments’ Solar Energy Harvesting Development Tool, visit http://www.mouser.com/ti_ez430_rf2500_seh.

Mike Scott, Mouser Vice President of Active Products, remarks, “Texas Instruments is always on the frontier of new ideas and does not disappoint with this Solar Energy Harvesting Development Tool. Working in ambient light and compatible with the low-power MSP430 MCU, this product enables system designers to create wireless sensors for use where no powerline is available. Mouser’s commitment to offer the latest products quickly is realized again with the introduction of TI’s Solar Energy Harvesting Development Tool.

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L3 Electrodynamics products available in UK from Aerco

Aerco now stocks a range of products from L3 Electrodynamics, the Chicago-based specialist in command, control and communication products for the defence, aerospace and homeland security markets.

Products include elapsed time indicators and event counters that are ruggedised and hermetically sealed to exceed Mil-M-7793 environmental standards for shock, vibration and temperature. Low voltage models are also available.

Aerco also supplies non-volatile status indicators, LED indicators, single and dual coiled miniature BITE indicators, large display status indicators and infra-red secure lighting indicators.

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Stock includes Freescale MC13224V Platform-in-Package and dev tools

Mouser Electronics, Inc., today announced it is stocking the MC13224V advanced ZigBee™ compliant Platform-in-Package and development tools from Freescale Semiconductor, an industry leader in the design and manufacture of embedded semiconductors for the wireless, networking, automotive, consumer, and industrial markets.

The feature rich Freescale MC13224V advanced ZigBee™ compliant Platform-in-Package is Freescale Semiconductor’s newest wireless connectivity solution. It provides a highly integrated, full-function, cost effective wireless personal area network (WPAN) alternative for IEEE802.15.4 MAC implementations. Simply add a crystal and an antenna and the node (or coordinator/router) is hardware ready. The unique package with RF matching internal to the package means engineers can now add wireless functionality quickly and effectively to many end products without the worry of RF matching and other RF complexities.

The 99-pin Freescale third-generation ZigBee MC13224V lowers power consumption up to 50% from previous generations and can be used for wireless applications ranging from the simplest point-to-point network connectivity to complex industrial and commercial ZigBee mesh networking. It incorporates a complete, low power 2.4GHz radio frequency (RF) transceiver, 32-bit ARM7™ core based MCU, hardware acceleration for both the IEEE 802.15.4 MAC and AES security, a full set of MCU peripherals and a 128 KB Flash memory mirrored into a 96 KB RAM for upper stack and applications software. An additional 80KB ROM contains the bootcode, all device drivers, and fully compliant IEEE 802.15.4 MAC including beaconing and GTS. For more information about the Freescale MC13224V, please visit http://www.mouser.com/freescale_mc13224V.

Mike Scott, Mouser Vice President of Active Products, states, “Freescale’s advanced ZigBee™ Platform-in-Package takes a giant leap forward in processing power, while lowering power consumption. A fully functional 32-bit TDMI ARM7™ processor combined with a ROM, RAM, and flash memory will make the design engineer’s projects faster, more powerful, and more efficient. Mouser is again at the forefront of providing the newest technology quickly to its customers.”

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Digi-Key Corporation Signs Global Distribution Deal with Tensility International Corporation

Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, and Tensility International Corporation announced today the companies have signed an agreement for the worldwide distribution of Tensility cables.

Available for purchase from Digi-Key are Tensility’s 2.5 and 3.5 mm audio cables and power supply output cord cables. These products, slated to be featured in future print and online catalogs, are currently available on Digi-Key’s global websites.

Applications for Tensility cables include, but are not limited to, fiber optics, data transmission, audio/video, networking/computer, telecommunications, medical, automotive, and instrumentation.

Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key vice president of interconnect, passive and electromechanical product, said, “We are very pleased to announce this new partnership with Tensility. This company’s commitment to customer service makes it a good match for Digi-Key and the mutual customers we serve.”

Luis Alcala, Tensility vice president of sales, commented, “We are thrilled that Digi-Key has taken on our product line. Tensility looks forward to being part of the growth and world presence that Digi-Key has so strategically put into place.”

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Microchip selects RS Components as supplier for product samples

Microchip, the leading supplier of microcontroller semiconductors, has selected RS Components as a recommended distributor for customers using its website, www.microchip.com, that want to place low volume orders of its devices. From now on electronics design engineers will be given the option to place their orders through RS by following direct links from the Microchip website to rswww.com.

Microchip has set up a dedicated area on its website to give customers the option of buying the components they need from RS. Customers ordering from RS benefit from same-day despatch from stock, ensuring minimum delay when working on new designs. This fast and reliable delivery allows companies to design, produce and market new innovations quickly, helping them improve their position in a competitive market-place. As well as stocking a broad profile of Microchip microcontrollers, RS also offers a wide range of the company’s development kits, providing engineers with access to complete design solutions.

Selling components through a web-focussed high-service-level distributor offers another clear advantage: RS reaches a wide variety of individual customers, something that is not cost-efficient for large manufacturers that are set up to supply large volumes. For Microchip, web distribution offers an ideal route to these individual customers.

In addition to Microchip, RS already works with several other manufacturers including Osram Opto-Semiconductor, Tyco Electronics, AVX, Radiall, Honeywell, Enfis and Crydom – whose websites all have direct links to rswww.com. Paul Webster, Head of Electronics Product Management at RS is delighted with this development: “Microchip’s decision is further recognition of the excellent service package offered to electronic design engineers by RS. It is a real accolade when a leading manufacturer such as Microchip chooses RS as a primary distribution channel. Our e-commerce capability continues to be a significant factor in the development of our relationship with suppliers.”

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Rail-industry connectors now carry full SNCF qualification

ITT’s VEAM VBN series of rail-industry connectors, which are available for despatch within 48 hours from international assembling distributor PEI-Genesis, have recently been awarded full NF F 61-030 qualification by the French mass-transit authority, SNCF.

The qualification process involved vigorous testing over a prolonged period to verify the mechanical and electrical intermateability between the VEAM VBN connectors and other approved products.

ITT’s success in achieving NF F 61-030 qualification means that the VBN multi-pin circular connectors can now be used by subcontractors on any train operated by SNCF.

The component parts of the VBN series connectors are manufactured at ITT’s Lainate facility in Italy, which has recently received IRIS (International Railway Industry Standard) certification for the design and production of electrical and fibre-optic circular connectors.

Designed specifically for the hostile environment of railway and transportation applications, the VBN connectors feature plated aluminium alloy shells with a positive-lock/quick-disconnect reverse bayonet coupling mechanism for fast, reliable mating and unmating.

High shock and vibration resistance is achieved without the need for lock wires, and the connectors are resistant to fuel oils, solvents and elevated temperatures.

Utilising clip-in crimp contacts and flame-retardant thermoplastic inserts with retaining rings, the VBN series connectors are supplied by PEI-Genesis as loose parts to allow users to configure the polarisation to suit the requirements of their particular application. Inserts can even be changed at a later date if additional capacity is required as the system expands.

The VBN connectors are available in a variety of styles and shell sizes, and there are no minimum order quantities.

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Mouser Electronics and Honeywell Sensing and Control Expand Distribution Agreement to Include Europe

Mouser Electronics, Inc., today announced it has expanded its current franchise agreement with Honeywell Sensing and Control to distribute products in Europe. Honeywell Sensing and Control is well known globally for its engineering expertise and for its massive, innovative lines of high quality products that include all types of switches and sensors.

The European distribution of Honeywell Sensing and Control’s products is in keeping with Mouser’s international expansion strategy. Mouser currently has three European Customer Service Centres (Germany, Israel, and England) with plans for additional centres in 2009. Mouser also hosts websites in local currencies and languages to assist design engineers, regardless of their European location.

Glenn Smith, Mouser President and CEO, remarks, “Honeywell Sensing and Control’s decision to add Mouser to its European distribution network is very good news. This fits well into our overall strategy of being the source most preferred by design engineers worldwide. Mouser has had very good success in Europe and with great suppliers like Honeywell supporting us, we offer electronic design engineers a great line up of products in-stock for same day-shipping, that enable our customer’s new product designs. We welcome the prestigious Honeywell Sensing and Control product to our European linecard.”

“We are pleased to extend Mouser’s engagement with Honeywell. Their focus on rapid product introductions and their reach into the electronic design segment is very impressive,” said Bradd Schneider, Vice President of Global Sales, Sensing and Control, Honeywell International.

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Hawco Expands Relay Product and Stock Offering with Hongfa

Hawco, an international controls and refrigeration engineering service provider and distributor, has reached a new distribution agreement with Hongfa that expands its relay products to include higher power solid state relays and DIN rail mountable relays for a wider range of applications. Hongfa, one of the leading worldwide relay manufacturers, focuses on relay technology innovation and features quality assurance systems including ISO9001, ISO/TS16949, ISO14001, OHSAS18001, GJB9001A and IECQ QC 080000 certifications in addition to its products listed as UL, CUR, VDE, TüV and CQC approved.

Hawco combines this comprehensive, high-quality relay product offering with advanced engineering support and premier customer service to meet customers’ design requirements. “With our technical, application and field based support focused on key markets within the refrigeration and thermal management markets, Hongfa is a logical partner that provides our customers with a broad and cost-effective relay product offering ranging from solid state to high-power miniature electromechanical relays,” said Gary Bennett, Hawco Managing Director.

Hawco’s expanded relay family includes 25A and 50A PCB and panel-mounted solid state relays that offer 3-phase control and support a switch line voltage of up to 530Vrms. Designed to switch ‘on’ at near zero cross, the solid state relays ensure low RFI and electrical noise, making them ideal for control equipment and HVAC applications.

The DIN rail mountable solid state relays feature a specially designed tapered heat sink and improved thermal interface to enable the heat generated at 30A to be dissipated efficiently. Available in 10, 20 and 30 amp versions with 240 or 480 VAC output, the DIN rail solid sate relays are ideal for industrial and automation control applications. Hawco’s miniature high power flange mounted and plug-in type electromechanical relays provide 5A to 20A switching and are ideal for control applications.

Ideal for automotive applications, Hawco also provides relays ranging from miniature 15A types to high power, heavy-duty relays rated up to 70A at 13.5V DC. Hawco’s engineering services help customer solve problems associated with miniaturization, performance, energy-efficiency, and cost. Hawco relays are available from stock to three weeks and are well suited for telecom switching, domestic appliance, heating controls, motor drive, vending machine, fire and security system, medical equipment, automotive, air conditioning, refrigeration, industrial controls, audio system, traffic control equipment and generator applications.

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