Intelligent Mixed Signal ICs that Simplify Embedded System Designs

Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest products, today announced it has signed an exclusive global catalog distribution agreement with Keterex, a developer of mixed-signal ICs and systems.

Mouser’s Keterex stock includes the KX1400 Audio Playback IC that plays pre-recorded 8KHz audio data directly to an external speaker via an on-chip digital audio processor and Class-D driver. It enables embedded systems designers to add voice prompts and sound effects to their design quickly and easily. Keterex’s KX1400 can be used in toys, games, building and industrial automation, alarm and security systems, and appliances.

Also in stock is the USB-910H, a USB-to-SPI/I2C Embedded Systems Interface that turns a PC into a SPI, I2C, SMBus, or parallel GPIO controller. Mike Scott, Mouser Vice President of Active Products, states, “We are pleased to be adding Keterex to our semiconductor linecard. Keterex’s expertise in mixed-signal design and embedded systems helps address unique challenges design engineers face.”

“We’re pleased to have Mouser as a world-wide distributor of our products,” said Jim Divine, CEO of Keterex. “Mouser’s reputation as a leading source of new technologies for design engineers enhances our ability to support our customers with exciting new products.”

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Premier Farnell extends high-service commitment to Amphenol’s full range of 22,000 products, particularly in alternative energy, aerospace, defence, and industrial sectors

Amphenol Industrial, a global leader in interconnect systems, and Premier Farnell, the leading multi-channel, high service distributor supporting millions of engineers and purchasing professionals worldwide, today announced the availability of Amphenol’s Helios H4 high-performance and low-price point connector for alternative energy applications in Asia Pacific.

Although standard delivery lead time for this product is six weeks ARO (after receipt of order), Premier Farnell will commit to same-day or next-day delivery with no MOQ (minimum order quantity) requirement.

Additionally, for other Amphenol products used in the aerospace and defence sectors by customers who require customised solutions for small quantities, with no MOQ. Premier Farnell will extend its high-service support in key Asia Pacific Markets. In total, Premier Farnell offers up to 442,000 Amphenol products worldwide with 22,000 components in stock for same-day customer despatch and fast turn-around time for customised connectors. These products distributed by Premier Farnell are used by electronic design engineers in the creation and testing of new solutions in solar energy, aerospace, defence and other industrial segments.

Speaking about the growing partnership between both companies, Kit Tang, General Manager, Amphenol Industrial Operations, Asia Pacific said: “At Amphenol, we understand that the solar power industry has unique interconnect needs to produce solar power systems to meet some of the harshest environments on the planet, whether residential or commercial. The growing need for cheaper and more efficient sources of energy in a number of Asian economies have spurred the need for cutting-edge solutions for solar power applications in the Asia Pacific region. Electronic design engineers working on new solutions using our Helios H4 Solar Connector solutions can now be assured of a high-level of service and support from Premier Farnell for their needs.”

The Helios H4 is a high-performance solar connector with impressive data specifications such as rated current of 36Amp on a AWG14 cable, protection degree of IP68 and ability to meet NEC2008 (690.33) requirements.

William Chong, Regional Director of Supplier, Product & Purchasing Management, Premier Farnell, Asia Pacific added: “This partnership with Amphenol recognises our strengths in meeting the high demands of the design community through our multi-channel, complete end-to-end customer experience and logistics excellence. For our Asia Pacific design engineers, immediate access to products at every design stage will enable them to meet their own ‘time to market’ challenges.”

The Helios H4 Solar Connector Solution and other Amphenol interconnect solutions are available for order via Premier Farnell’s website and customer contact centres in Australia, India, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and Taiwan. These products will be stocked at Premier Farnell’s distribution centres located in China, Australia and Singapore enabling same day or next day order fulfilment to customers.

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Contrinex safety light curtains from Aerco set new standards for reliability and cost

Aerco now supplies the new range of safety light curtains from Contrinex that sets new standards in terms of reliability and value for money. Known as Safetinex, the modular design allows fully tested systems to be delivered on a very short time scale.

Contrinex safety light curtains correspond to safety Category 4 (EN/ISO 13849-1) and Type 4 (EN/IEC 61496 -1 and -2) and are designed to be used wherever risks cannot be eliminated through machine design. A person or any part of the body entering a danger zone is detected by the light curtain, resulting in immediate machine stoppage.

Safetinex light curtains consist of a rugged sender and a receiver unit that demarcate the protection zone around the machine and the range comprises models with resolutions of 14mm for finger protection and 30mm for hand protection, with a maximum protective field width of 3.5 and 12m respectively. The maximum protective height is either 1685mm (14mm resolution) or 1822mm [30mm resolution]. The signal processing method used in the Contrinex system ensures very fast response times and maximum safety for machine operators.

All Safetinex models offer a choice between two operating channels to avoid any likelihood of cross-talk between adjacent pairs of safety barriers. Connection is via M12 or M26 connector, short cable (pigtail) with M12 connector or PUR pre-cabled, up to 10m long.

In addition, the product range includes a Category 4 safety relay that can be configured for manual or automatic restart. Additional accessories include mounting brackets, which enable full angular adjustment, and T-bolts that fit into slots along each side of the barrier housing.

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Sealed detection, waterproof tactile and new DIP switches added

TTI, Inc., the global distributor of passive, interconnect, relay & switch and discrete components, has annonced several additions to its available range of switches from its Supplier Partner, Omron, including a new compact, sealed detection switch featuring a self-cleaning slide contact, a new waterproof tactile switch and an extended range of DIP switches.

The new Omron D2QW detection switch features a sliding contact mechanism that can wipe foreign bodies and contamination such as silicone out of the switch area to ensure reliable operation. The sliding mechanism also offers silent operation. This remarkably compact and rugged product is sealed to IP67 standard, and features twin contacts to further enhance the reliability of the switch. The D2QW has a travel of 3.7mm, plus an additional 2.2mm of over travel, simplifying system design. The rated life of these switches is 500,000 operations at 14V DC, 10mA, or 200,000 operations at 30V DC, 100mA. It has a footprint of 13.3 x 9.2mm and a height of 9.3mm above the M3 mounting.

Also new is the waterproof B3SL tactile switch, a compact, high quality device featuring IP64 sealing and a rubber plunger that gives high quality tactile feel to the operator. Ideal for consumer white goods and computer peripherals, these switches are just 6.2mm square and 5.1mm high. The B3SL is suitable for wave soldering.

Omron has extended its range of DIP switches with a new family of piano type components, in surface mount and through hole form. The devices are ideal for telecommunications applications, set-top boxes and industrial systems alike. Based on an industry standard 2.54mm pitch, Omron’s new DIP switches feature a self cleaning structure with gold twin contacts for maximum reliability. Both the surface mount (A6SR) and through hole (A6TR) formats are offered in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 pole configurations, with a choice of two operating lever lengths. The new piano style complements the existing Omron range of slide DIP switches, offered with 1-10 poles, again with gold plated contacts and a self cleaning mechanism. Omron also offers rotary (A6R, A6A and A6V) DIP switches. All Omron DIP switches conform to RoHS regulations, and are supplied on sticks for automatic placement. The slide switches are available in washable form with a seal tape.

Comments John Sandy, TTI’s European Director Supplier Marketing, Switches: “Omron’s commitment to switch research and development is impressive, and is allied to a strong technical support resource in Europe. Omron’s European Switch Engineering Centre offers a full customisation service on these new devices and other Omron detection switches.“ Staffed by a specialist engineering team drawn from Omron’s Japanese switch factories as well as the European market, the Centre works with mid to high volume customers, undertaking modifications ranging from the development of an alternative lever, to redesign of the case, terminals or wiring harness.

» Contact Details for TTI Inc.

Mouser adding new customers at record pace

Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest products, today announced that its European expansion initiative has driven Mouser to be one of Europe’s fastest growing catalogue and web based distributors.

Mouser’s priority is to accommodate its European customers with local customer service, local websites, and catalogues in multiple languages and currencies. In line with adding local sales offices around the world, Mouser opened a third European location in the UK earlier this year, which was preceded by the opening of the Munich sales office in August of 2008. As a result of this and the growth from the web, Mouser is adding new customers at a record pace, and gaining significant market share in all countries throughout Europe.

Mouser sales in Europe were up across the board in 2009 for every quarter. Per Mark Burr-Lonnon, Mouser Vice President Europe, “For the third quarter, sales are up 45% over Q1 and up 40% over Q2. Compared to the same quarter in 2008, Q3 sales are up 35% and most pleasing is the number of new customers we are adding per day in Europe. That is good for us and our supply partners.”

Mouser’s European websites are a valuable resource for design engineers and small production buyers, allowing for online transactions in local languages and currencies. Mouser hosts 22 European websites, to compliment a total of 39 country specific websites worldwide, covering 11 different languages and over 22 currencies. Engineers and buyers, alike, can take advantage of free shipping incentives offered to most European countries.

Mouser continues to add the newest products from industry leading manufacturers, such as Texas Instruments, Freescale Semiconductor, Microchip Technology, Infineon, EPCOS, KEMET, Tyco Electronics, Molex, NXP Semiconductors, and Phoenix Contact. New products and technologies are added to the online catalog daily from more than 390 industry leading manufacturers.

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The Newest Products for Your Newest Designs

Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for its rapid introduction of the newest products, today announced the release of its newest European Catalogues. Mouser is distributing the latest free European catalogues throughout Europe which are available in British Pounds and Euros, including the fully translated German catalogue.

With Mouser’s focus on the newest products, it is critical to update the printed editions of the European catalogs more frequently in order to give design engineers access to the latest technologies. The printed catalogues highlight the newest products from industry leading manufacturers of semiconductors, optoelectronics, embedded modules, as well as passive, interconnect, electromechanical, circuit protection, and much more. The new catalogues feature new products from an impressive linecard of manufacturers such as Texas Instruments, Freescale Semiconductor, Microchip Technology, Infineon, EPCOS, KEMET, Tyco Electronics, Molex, NXP Semiconductors, and Phoenix Contact.

In addition to the printed catalogues, Mouser updates its website catalog daily with the newest products and technologies from more than 390 industry leading manufacturers. The website is a valuable resource for design engineers and small production buyers, allowing for online transactions in local languages and currencies. Mouser hosts 22 European websites, to compliment a total of 39 country specific websites worldwide, covering 11 different languages and over 22 currencies.

Known for its broad-based product line, unsurpassed customer service, and streamlined warehouse operations, Mouser continuously offers customers the most innovative products and latest technologies for their new design projects.

Mouser Electronics is the only global distributor to publish a new page print catalog every 90 days. In addition, its website with interactive online catalog is updated daily, and searches over 5 million products to locate over a million part numbers available for easy online purchase. Plus, downloadable data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information and engineering tools.

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Mouser Electronics offers free Fed-Ex shipping for orders over £50/€75

Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for the rapid introduction of the newest products, today announced that it is offering free FedEx shipping on most orders over £50/€75. Shipping includes all duties and customs fees and now has local VAT added where applicable. With a focus on the design engineer and small production quantity buyer, Mouser felt that it was important to offer free shipping to most countries in Europe. With no minimum order requirements and making fast, secure, free delivery, Mouser is ensuring that engineers and buyers get what they need, when they need it.

Mark Burr-Lonnon, Mouser’s Vice President Europe, states, “New products are the life-blood of designers who need to differentiate their latest products by adding features and functionality. We aim to make the latest innovative semiconductors, passive components, connectors, sensors, and other devices available before any other catalogue distributor. To support this, we produce new catalogues every six months in multiple currencies and languages, as well as update our website daily.”

“We know that shipping charges can significantly increase the total cost of a relatively small order, so designers may be prohibited from trying out a new part. With the new FedEx shipping criteria, we can ensure that orders shipped the same day will be delivered to the door within 2 – 3 days with reduced shipping rates, or even free shipping on orders over £50/€75,” comments Burr-Lonnon.

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Nu Horizons UK MD Tony Frere Retires

Nu Horizons Electronics has announced that UK managing director, Tony Frere, is retiring from the company on December 31st, 2009. Frere, together with David Zelkha and Geoff Rose, founded DT Electronics in 1988, initially distributing electronic components into the broadcast industry.

They built the distributor into a £18 million business by 2006 through focusing on delivering in-depth technical support for customers using advanced semiconductors and power electronics devices. While the markets served by the company expanded into other areas, it remained the UK’s leading component supplier into the broadcast sector, securing numerous customer and supplier awards.

Nu Horizons Electronics Corp., the world’s 5th largest publicly quoted semiconductor distributor, purchased DT Electronics in August 2006, since which time annual UK sales have grown to around £25 million, despite the present economic downturn.

Frere said, “Nu Horizons was a good match for DT Electronics. We shared the same philosophy of recruiting very strong technical support teams as semiconductor manufacturers came to rely upon distributors for demand creation. Nu Horizons brought new franchises and a global perspective to our UK operations, so it really was a matter of building on each others’ strengths after the acquisition. There’s now a very talented team of enthusiastic and capable people to take over the reins and I am sure that the business will enjoy future success.”

Arthur Nadata, Executive Chairman and Acting CEO of Nu Horizons, added: “Tony did a great job of building DT Electronics into a successful and highly respected business. Since the firm became part of Nu Horizons, he has been instrumental in building a team that will continue the values of the company he founded – great technical support and a passionate commitment to customer service.”

Frere’s successor has not yet been named but Phil Gee, VP Sales Europe, will run the Coventry-based UK business in the interim.

» Contact details for Nu Horizons Electronics Limited

Farnell Wins ‘Distributor of the Year Award’ at Elektra

Farnell Europe have scooped the ‘Distributor of the Year Award’ at this year’s European Electronics Industry Awards (Elektra.)

The award was announced last night, 1st December, at a huge award ceremony held at the Lancaster London Hotel in front of industry leading suppliers, competitors and electronics media.

Farnell were recognised for outstanding achievement, web innovation and leadership. The award was collected by Farnell’s Andy King, President of Farnell Europe & Global Head of EDE.

“To win Distributor of the Year is a great achievement and one I am very proud of! To be recognised more specifically for our web innovation and leadership is testimony to the continual improvements we are making to our customer’s online experience and Farnell’s web offering as a whole,” said Andy King.

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Digi-Key Corporation and Torex Semiconductor Ltd. 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 Torex Semiconductor Ltd. today announced the companies have signed a global distribution agreement. Torex is a specialist in analog power supply IC design, development, and manufacturing.

Torex products stocked by Digi-Key are now available for purchase via Digi-Key’s global websites. Additionally, these products will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

“We are delighted to expand our semiconductor portfolio through this partnership with Torex Semiconductor,” said Dave Doherty, Digi-Key vice president of semiconductor product. “Torex’s low power and efficient heat dissipation allow them to offer some ultra-small packaging alternatives that are very attractive to design engineers.”

“Torex is very excited to begin a business partnership with Digi-Key, which is a world-wide leader in business development,” said Koji Shibamiya, Torex managing director. “We are confident we will have a successful, mutually satisfying relationship. Torex will continue to release new Power Management ICs, which will be environmentally friendly, have low power consumption, and be available in small, thin, lightweight packages. We will strive to provide customers with devices which will enable their product development to be as effortless as possible.”

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