Nu Horizons Electronics Corp, Names New President of Distribution Division

Nu Horizons Electronics Corp., a leading global distributor of advanced technology semiconductor, display, illumination, power, system and telecommunication solutions, today announced that it has promoted Kent Smith to serve as president of the company’s global distribution division. Smith’s appointment is effective immediately, and he will report directly to Nu Horizons’ executive chairman and interim chief executive officer, Arthur Nadata. Smith was recently appointed a corporate officer of Nu Horizons Electronics Corp. on January 5, 2010.

Smith joined Nu Horizons seven years ago and most recently served as executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, a position he assumed in 2008. Immediately prior, Smith served as senior vice president of sales, Americas, where he was responsible for business development and supplier relationships. He has held a number of sales roles within Nu Horizons, each with higher levels of responsibility.

“Kent has played a key role in driving our sales growth through the economic challenges of the previous year,” said Arthur Nadata, executive chairman and interim chief executive officer for Nu Horizons. “His experience, coupled with his leadership skills and ability to both motivate and continually develop our sales and engineering teams provide him with a strong foundation to build upon the success of our company. In his new role, Kent will continue to focus on forging strong customer and supplier relationships and further strengthening our position around the world as a leading demand creation distributor.”

“I am looking forward to serving Nu Horizons in this new capacity,” added Smith. “There are opportunities to improve our competitive position in every marketplace, and I am eager to challenge our global team to target further growth, enhance profitability and provide our customers with the highest level of support.”

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Hirose names Avnet Abacus

Avnet Abacus today announced that it has been appointed as the first pan-European distribution partner for Hirose, the leading Japanese connector manufacturer. The new agreement extends a long standing and successful partnership between Abacus and Hirose in the UK.

Bryan Cullis, General Manager, EMEA Distribution at Hirose, said, “Avnet Abacus has been our UK ‘Distributor of the Year’ for the last four years and is one of our most successful distributors in Europe. As we move forward with a pan-European business strategy, it makes sense to build on, and extend, this strong and established relationship by appointing them to work with us and customers throughout Europe. Abacus has always had the same mindset and ideals as Hirose, and has demonstrated that it has extended this culture throughout the Avnet Abacus European organisation following the acquisition of Abacus by Avnet in 2009. We are delighted to name them as our first regional European distributor.” Alan Jermyn, vice president of marketing for Avnet Abacus added, “We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Hirose and we are delighted that they have now extended our partnership to cover the whole of Europe. Hirose shares our design in culture and customer focussed approach. We believe that we will be equally successful together on a pan-European basis.”

Abacus Group was named as the Hirose Distributor of the Year in 2005/6, 2006/7, 2007/8 and 2008/9. Avnet Abacus is committed to offering technology leading products by maximizing it’s significant franchise portfolio and extending where appropriate local engagements to the wider European market.

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Sigma Designs, Inc.’s New Z-Wave® Evaluation Kit Available Only at Digi-Key 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, today announced it has stock on Sigma Designs, Inc.’s Z-Wave® Evaluation Kit in both US and European frequencies. Additionally, Digi-Key is the only distributor to stock this kit because it is custom-assembled in Digi-Key’s 600,000 square-foot (55,741 square-meter) facility in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA.

The Z-Wave Evaluation Kit is now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s US and European websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

The Z-Wave Evaluation Kit provides a lower cost of entry and includes hardware and software needed to evaluate Z-Wave technology. The kit allows programmers to write host applications from a PC or embedded processor that communicates to the Z-Wave interface through the Serial API. The APIs are limited but enable a developer to write simple control application and become acquainted with the Z-Wave solution.

In addition, each kit includes ZM2120 (with SMA connector) + Interface board with LED dimmer SW, ZM2120 (with SMA connector) + Interface board with static controller SW, 9V power adapter, 6-cell (AA) battery holder with barrel plug adapter, serial cable RS232, swivel antenna, and access to Sigma support login for evaluation kit software and documentation.

“We are excited to offer Sigma Designs, Inc.’s new Z-Wave Evaluation Kit exclusively at Digi-Key,” said Dave Doherty, Digi-Key’s vice president of semiconductor product. “This Digi-Key custom-assembled kit will be a valuable tool for design engineers interested in developing a wireless sensor network for applications such as home automation and control.”

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Tyco Electronics’ New .312″ Series FASTON Receptacles Available at Digi-Key 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, today announced it has stock on Tyco Electronics’ ergonomically designed .312″ series FASTON receptacle connectors.

The following .312″ series FASTON receptacle connectors are now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs:

* 1969186-1 (Digi-Key #A100200-ND) Female Receptacle, 1-position, Black
* 1969186-2 (Digi-Key #A100201-ND) Female Receptacle, 1-position, Natural

The .312″ series FASTON single-position receptacle housing is designed to protect the .312″ series FASTON receptacles. The receptacles mate with .312″ series quick-connect tabs in commercial and industrial components. The connector may be purchased in two material (V0 or V2) and color options to fulfill application requirements. The connectors accept premier or premier low insertion force receptacles.

Typical applications for the .312″ series of FASTON receptacles include residential laundry, HVAC heating elements, vehicle lighting, off highway and lawn and garden equipment. The ergonomic design allows for a contoured pushing surface for mating and enables engineers to properly position and adjust for loading and mating. The protected internal terminal locking feature provides secure retention and includes an anti-reverse component to reduce the possibility of improper terminal assembly.

“Tyco Electronics’ new .312″ series FASTON receptacle connectors make it easy for engineers to complete their designs for various commercial and industrial applications,” said Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key’s vice president of interconnect, passives and electromechanical product. “The addition of Tyco Electronics’ .312″ series to our product line is another example of Digi-Key’s commitment to provide the broadest selection of innovative Tyco Electronics products. We look forward to providing this product for our customers worldwide.”

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Avnet Abacus announces three new series of power supplies from Emerson Network Power

Avnet Abacus, Avnet Electronic Marketing’s new business unit specializing in the distribution of interconnect, passive, emech, power supply and battery products, have recently added three new series of open frame AC/DC power supplies manufactured by Emerson Network Power.

The three new series, NPS40-M, LPS100-M and LPS200-M, are primarily intended for use in data processing systems and medical equipment. They feature ITE, non-patient contact and non-patient critical medical safety approvals. These products deliver 45 to 125 watts with convection cooling (60 to 250 watts with forced air cooling) and accept input voltages ranging from 90 to 264 Vac. All series include models with 5, 12, 15, 24 and 48 Vdc output voltages. Power supplies from series NPS40-M, LPS100-M and LPS200-M are characterised by their compact size, high efficiency, high reliability and, for the full featured models, by a range of advanced functions such as active power factor correction, power fail signal and dedicated output for supplying power to the fan. Avnet Abacus can guarantee the ready availability of these products as well as the necessary technical support for the customer.

Power supplies in the NPS40-M series from Emerson Network Power deliver a maximum power of 40 or 60 watts (depending on cooling options); their footprint is 2×4 inches and their height is less than 1U. These products ensure a typical efficiency of 87%, compliant to Energy Star 2.0, and feature a number of functions such as remote sense, overload and short-circuit protection, adjustable output voltage and built-in EMI filter. In no-load condition they consume less than 300 milliwatt.

Products in the LPS100-M series provide a maximum power of 100 or 150 watts (depending on cooling options) with a typical full load efficiency of 88%; they measure 2×4 inches and their height is less than 1U. Models in the LPS200-M series, lastly, offer a maximum power of 125 or 250 watts (again depending on cooling options) with a typical full load efficiency of 86%; they measure 3×5 inches and their height is also less than 1U. These two series share several advanced functions such as remote sense, adjustable output voltage (+/-10%), active power factor correction for compliance to EN61000-3-2, isolated output for supplying power to the fan, overvoltage protection, thermal overload protection, power fail signal, built-in EMI filter.

“Power supplies of the series NPS40-M, LPS100-M and LPS200-M from Emerson Network Power represent an important addition to our product offering, as they are characterised by a great price/performance ratio and are provided by a manufacturer of proven reliability. Avnet Abacus is the ideal partner for sourcing power supplies, thanks to an offering which includes products from seven specialised companies (Emerson, Enpirion, Ericsson, Excelsys, Lineage, Murata Power Solutions, Power-One), to the ready availability of the products and to the technical support provided by its specialised personnel”, said Cor van Dam, Technical Marketing Director of Avnet Abacus.

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Farnell first to stock Bulgin EXPlora range of connectors designed for hazardous environments

Farnell is the first European distributor to stock the new Bulgin EXPlora multipole connector range. Independently tested for compliance with ATEX standards, the EXPlora range is environmentally sealed to IP68 to provide protection against dust and moisture ingress in the most demanding and hazardous environments including explosive atmospheres.

The compact EXPlora range is available with 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10 pole variants and in four body styles – cable, in-line cable, panel and flange fixing. Ratings are 18A, 600Vac/dc for 2 to 5 poles, 16A, 430Vac/dc for 7 poles and 10A, 250Vac/dc for 10 poles. Conductors of up to 4mm2 can be accommodated.

Through its industry-leading websites featuring tools such as Live Chat, and easily accessible data sheets, Farnell is able to support its electronics design engineering customers with information and ideas to help them select the most appropriate components and devices for their new designs. The element14 online engineering community provides a unique additional resource. Further information about the EXPlora multipole connector range can be found at the Bulgin Electronics community on element14.

Farnell’s Director of Supplier & Product Management, Mike Buffham said: “Being the first distributor to stock Bulgin’s EXPlora range underlines how Farnell is at the leading-edge of technology in the electronics sector. By working with us, design engineers across the globe can be confident that they are getting access to the very latest technology from industry-leading suppliers for their new designs.”

John Jonas, Distribution Sales Manager, Bulgin commented: “With operations throughout Europe and Asia Pacific and over 30 country websites, we believe Farnell has the right logistics infrastructure to reach the greatest number of customers with our products. Their high service sales model and technical competence complements this to make sure that engineers with harsh environment connector applications get accurate and complete information as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

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Premo Announces The Appointment Of Power Products International Ltd. As Their Exclusive Distributor For The Uk And Ireland

PREMO Group, the major Spain based manufacturer of Inductive Components, EMC Filters, and Planar Transformers , announces the appointment of Power Products International Ltd as their exclusive Distributor for the UK and Ireland.

Jorge Hermoso, Sales Director for PREMO Group commented “With our product developments for renewable energies and power protection and control we believe Power Products International are our ideal partner; the synergies between the existing PPI line card and PREMO products are substantial”

Geoff Robinson of PPI says” Components from Premo Group perfectly complement our current product portfolio and we have already seen an acceptance of these from within our existing customer base, products of particular interest are Power Magnetics including Planar Transformers, Current Transducers and EMC / Power-Line Filters.” He added “I am convinced that our partnership with PREMO Group will benefit both companies as the UK market recovers”.

This partnership will greatly enhance PREMO´s presence in the UK and Ireland thanks to PPI excellent position in these areas. This affords PREMO an opportunity to offer a better service and support to their existing customer base, as well as to grow with new potentials that an expert local partner can provide them with.

With this agreement, the Spanish company expects to increase its sales volume in these areas up to 2 million euro in the next two years.

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Expanded range includes MMB MELF resistors and increases total Vishay range from RS to over 10,000 products available direct-from-stock

RS Components today announced it has added a further 4,000 passive components from Vishay to its passives product range. The new introductions expand the total Vishay range available from RS to over 10,000 products across passive and semiconductor technologies.

The enhanced portfolio, spread across 15 technologies, creates one of the broadest ranges of Vishay passive products held in stock for design engineers. Range enhancements include power inductors, tantalum, MELF, and Power Metal Strip® resistors from Vishay Dale, complemented by a comprehensive range of chip resistors, both thick and thin-film.

The full Vishay range is available direct-from-stock in industry-standard packaging, ready for direct insertion into automated production runs. All products are supplied in flexible quantities so customers can order the quantity they need and avoid unnecessary stock-holding costs. Customers can also achieve larger discounts when ordering higher quantities.

Commenting on the launch, Philippe Masson, Director, Distribution Sales Europe, Vishay, stated: “We are excited by the commitment made from RS to increase the range of Vishay components available to customers. RS can meet the needs of customers around the globe, making them an ideal distribution partner for Vishay, with high quality service and support that matches the quality of our offer.”

For RS, Paul Webster, Head of Product Management, Electronics said: “Vishay are one of the premier brands that electronics design engineers and buyers look to when developing their latest applications. We are delighted to be increasing our Vishay portfolio to provide our customers with a comprehensive range at competitive prices and with market-leading service.”

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Over 1,600 lines from EPCOS now available through RS across Europe

RS Components has announced the signing of a formal global distribution franchise agreement with EPCOS AG, a worldwide market leader in a number of electronic component technologies. Since October 2009 EPCOS has been combined with the electronic components business of TDK in the new company TDK-EPC Corporation, which markets its products under the product brands, TDK and EPCOS.

Over 1,600 EPCOS products are available from RS, covering a broad range of technologies including capacitors and EMC products. The product offer is available direct-from-stock in industry-standard production packaging, at flexible quantities so customers can order the quantity they need and avoid unnecessary stock-holding costs. Customers can also achieve larger discounts when ordering higher quantities.

Commenting on the agreement, Peter Arch, EPCOS Global Sales Distribution, said: “We are delighted to have concluded this agreement with RS. Their global reach, high quality service level and focus on meeting the needs of electronic design engineers and buyers is a perfect fit with the portfolio of innovative EPCOS products. Our products focus on the fast growing leading edge technology markets, and, combined with RS’ service and support, give design engineers a compelling offer.”

For RS, Paul Webster, Head of Product Management, Electronics said: “RS is committed to giving our customers the broadest and latest offer from the world’s leading component manufacturers Our partnership with EPCOS demonstrates this commitment in action, and we are excited to be able to implement the new distribution franchise agreement.”

A wide range of EPCOS products is available online from RS at rswww.com/electronics, where customers can link straight into the product range with technical documents, then select and order direct-from-stock.

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New mobile app gives users anytime, anywhere access to Digi-Key

Whether you are at work, at home, or somewhere in between, doing business with Digi-Key Corporation is now easier than ever as the electronic components distributor announces the availability of its new Digi-Key application for iPhone.

This free application, available to iPhone and iPod touch users in the App Store on iTunes is the passkey to one of the world’s largest inventories of in-stock electronic components. Providing instant access to Digi-Key, this new application is designed to help design engineers and purchasers source the electronic components they need at any time from anywhere.

Features of the application enable users to search for parts, create shopping carts, place orders, access their My Digi-Key accounts, get product specifications, view product photos, learn about new products and new technologies at Digi-Key, and more.

“We are very pleased to introduce this new application for iPhone and iPod touch users,” said Tony Harris, vice president of e-Commerce at Digi-Key. “Making our customers’ jobs easier by providing them with not only an unprecedented selection of in-stock electronic components but also the information they need to make sound purchasing decisions continues to be our goal. Giving them access to Digi-Key in this mobile format is just one more way of doing that.”

Digi-Key Corporation focuses on providing its customers with superior service, which includes product selection and availability, on-time delivery, and responsiveness. Recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, Digi-Key uses leading-edge processes and state-of-the-art technologies to serve a global customer base from its 600,000 square foot facility in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA.

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