Extending its portfolio of embedded Wi-Fi modules, Alpha Micro Components today announced the introduction of its Gainspan GS1011MIPS and GS1011MExS, two of the smallest modules on the market. At just 19.4 mm x 28.7 mm, the new modules provide a significant reduction in footprint and offer an easy to integrate, compact and cost-effective solution for any power critical cost sensitive wireless application in the emerging Internet of Things arena.

Despite the small form factor, the GS1011MIPS and GS1011MExS offer complete 802.11b ultra low power Wi-Fi client or AP solutions. The GS1011MIPS provides low power Wi-Fi connectivity with +8dBm of transmit output power, while the GS1011MExS is an extended range solution offering best in class transmit power of +18dBm.

The GS1011MIPS and GS1011MExS offer easy system integration and minimal use of host resources. The modules provide both UART and SPI interfaces, making it possible to connect to any 8/16/32 bit microcontroller using simple AT commands. The modules are pre-loaded with serial to Wi-Fi firmware with complete Wi-Fi functionality including security, WPS and provisioning features running on the module as well as the networking stack, an embedded HTTP server with network configuration pages, and limited AP capability for ease of provisioning.

The modules feature built-in trace or external antenna options through a U.FL connector, an industrial operating temperature range from -40 to 85 degrees Celsius, and are certified or pre-certified for all major regulatory requirements including FCC, IC and ETSI.

The size-optimized GS1011MIPS and GS1011MExS are the newest additions to Alpha Micro’s portfolio of Wi-Fi modules which include the soldered down GS1500M (802.11b/g/n) and ultra-low power GS1011M (802.11b), as well as the connectorized GS1011MIC.

“These ultra low power small form factor modules from Gainspan really do give developers the option of adding Wi-Fi connectivity, which is an incredibly ubiquitous standard, onto products traditionally targeted for ZigBee or Bluetooth. The interoperability of the 802.11 standard makes this a compelling alternative. We are seeing a host of HAN (Home Area Networks), telecare, and body worn tracking units now adopting this technology”, said Maxine Hewitt, Marketing Director, Alpha Micro Components. GainSpan’s expanding portfolio of modules, with the drivers to support various microcontrollers, and software solutions, is playing a critical role in helping device manufacturers get products to market quickly.”

» Contact details for Alpha Micro

Avnet Memec, an Avnet, Inc. has announced a new focussed technical marketing strategy for Europe, headed by the company’s regional vice president for Northern Europe, Bill Walker. As part of a broader restructure, Walker will absorb the role of vice president, technical marketing, in addition to his existing role.

“Bill is the right person to bring the technical marketing community to the next level and to help Avnet Memec to sharpen its profile and further strengthen its position as one of the leading technical distributors across Europe,” stated Steve Haynes, president of Avnet Memec.

From 2004 to July 2005 Walker was president of demand creation for the Memec Group in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Prior to that, he held the position of CEO Insight Memec EMEA. During 20 years with Memec, Walker held a range of senior sales, marketing and management positions. In addition, he served as the Memec representative for the Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA executive team on the successful integration process of Memec into Avnet Electronics Marketing.

With his appointment as technical marketing vice president, the current management structure will remain largely unchanged regarding supplier ownership. However, Walker will initiate a new and more streamlined approach to technical marketing activities, which will primarily focus on major vertical markets and key technologies such as low power devices and power management, convertors, energy harvesting, wireless and wired technologies.

“This new structure will ensure that we can apply the necessary time and focus needed to continue aggressive growth for Avnet Memec sales in EMEA,” explained Walker.
Across Europe, seven virtual teams are being established to share information on the latest trends, innovative products and success stories pertaining to markets in building and home automation, fire / security, industrial automation, metering, military / aerospace, track & trace, and computing and data processing.

A further keystone of the new strategy is the establishment of a technology council in which technical and commercial experts from Avnet Memec will define the future supplier and technology strategy.

Concludes Haynes, “I am convinced that the new structure of my management team will be beneficial to the growth of Avnet Memec as well as to our relationship with our customers and our business partners.”

» Contact details for Avnet

RS Components and Renesas Electronics Europe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Renesas Electronics Corporation, the world’s number one supplier of microcontrollers (MCUs) and a leading provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, have signed a joint distribution agreement with the purpose to offer online sampling services to the engineering community.

Under the terms of the agreement which commenced on 5 April, RS will be offering online services to supply customers across Europe with newly introduced products in the Renesas microcontroller range as well as useful resources such as datasheets, demos and application notes. Samples will be delivered within 24 hours to meet the urgent requirements of design engineers and small batch production buyers.

In addition to enabling customers to purchase Renesas samples, RS will later offer all parts in the Renesas Electronics product portfolio, comprising microcontrollers, SoCs, as well as analogue and power devices, together with supporting development tools.

Fred Knowles, Head of Product Management – Electronics at RS Components said, “Renesas Electronics is ranked top of the league of microcontroller suppliers and this agreement with a first-class semiconductor vendor underlines our commitment to provide engineers with the utmost quality and selection of products for their designs.”

Achim Mescher, Director of Sales Distribution Europe at Renesas Electronics Europe added, “In order to optimise our sampling services, and to enhance our Ecommerce platform for the European customer base, we have decided to enter a partnership with RS Components. RS Components operates a highly efficient distribution service throughout Europe, and we are convinced that RS Components is the right partner to complement our current distribution network in Europe. RS Components’ outstanding Ecommerce expertise combined with their active support for designers and the company’s unrelenting dedication to new product introductions motivated us to appoint RS as a distribution partner for our European electronics business.”

» Contact details for RS Components

Acal BFi is pleased to announce that it has been selected to join the TeliaSonera Global M2M Services Partnership Program. Under the partnership program, Acal BFi will provide hardware and product solutions for applications in the fast growing Nordic and Baltic wireless machine to machine (M2M) market place, throughout Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

M2M enables the connection, monitoring and control of remote devices across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. This technology is growing at double digit rates throughout Europe.

The TeliaSonera Global M2M Partnership Program provides solutions, expertise, products and services in the M2M industry. Each member of the partnership program has a unique role and expertise that together enables the execution of M2M solutions.

Acal BFI supplies specialist electronic and photonic products and is a leading supplier of wireless technology for industrial applications in the Nordic region. It will provide access to wireless products that will enable customers to adopt M2M technology into products for their end markets.

Stefan Lof, Managing Director of Acal BFi in the Nordic region stated: ”The continuing growth of the M2M market is driven by the increasing range of industrial and commercial applications that benefit from wireless control and monitoring. TeliaSonera are the leading mobile network provider in the Nordic and Baltic region and we are delighted to be partnering with them to provide customers access to these key technologies.”

Hans Dahlberg, Head of TeliaSonera Global M2M Services, added: ” We are delighted that Acal BFi has joined the M2M Partnership Program. Their experience and range of products used in wireless technology applications will be a great addition to the M2M ecosystem and of benefit to companies looking to adopt M2M technology.”

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Luso Electronics Distribution today announced availability of a series of highly compact AC-DC switching power supplies that deliver up to 260W of power and eliminate the fans and fan controllers required to cool conventional power supplies, thereby saving cost and freeing up valuable component space. Removing fans and related components and circuitry is also a significant advantage in increasing MTBF and reducing noise in end products.

Manufactured by N2Power, the 260W power supply is essentially the ‘Convection Cooling Option’ from the company’s XL375 series of highly compact AC-DC switching power supplies, which is suitable for a myriad of applications including as industrial automation, telecommunications, gaming systems, security and surveillance systems, and network servers.

The Convection Cooling Option power delivers 260W across all output voltages –eight models are available in the family featuring output voltages from 12V to 56V. “These power supplies deliver high flexibility in power system design,” said David Zelkha, managing director of Luso Electronics. “Engineering teams can design in both convection- and fan-cooled power supplies that use the same very compact and low-profile 3.3 x 5 x 1.5in packaging, connectors and layout, saving both time and cost.” The power supply’s very low profile packaging means it is also ideally suited to 1U product designs.

All models in the series offer Active Current Sharing to allow up to four supplies to be operated in parallel for high-output applications. The Active OR-ing Mosfet Board option is available for N+1 applications. Both 5V standby and 12V auxiliary outputs can be wired OR-able when the main output is disabled. In addition, synchronous rectification delivers exceptionally high efficiency of up to 93% in some models.

N2Power supplies meet a full range of international agency requirements, including RoHS, UL, DEMKO, CE Mark and FCC Class B.

Lane Electronics, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of electrical and electronic connector products, has made available the Binder 423 Series of circular connectors designed for severe industrial and commercial applications. Lane Electronics is a franchised distributor for Binder in the United Kingdom.

These are rugged, high performance M16 connectors with excellent 360º EMI shielding and IP67 rating and, according to Lane Electronics, will suit designers looking to specify a circular connector for tough environments in any situation.

Incorporating rugged metal shells, the Binder 423 Series features straight or right angle cable connectors with internal strain relief. To improve applications flexibility, the right angle connectors are adjustable in four radial positions.

Users can specify Binder 423 Series connectors with 2 to 24 gold or silver plated contacts.

Lane is an ideal source for all key connector types including circular, filtered, RF, coaxial, sub – miniature, backshells and adaptors, D connectors, aerospace, test & measurement, IDC, PCB connectors, edge connectors and connectors for rack and panel applications.

Aerco is now holding extensive stocks of PTFE hook-up wire from AlphaWire that is available on short delivery at highly competitive prices.

A wide range of PTFE wire is available in 26AWG to 16AWG with a voltage rating of up to 600V and a temperature range of -60 to +200°C in all standard colours of red, blue, black, brown, white, slate and green.

Wire is supplied in standard reel sizes of 30.5m while 305m reels are available within one week.

» Contact Details for Aerco Limited

Acal BFi has been awarded a Performance Excellence Award for Best Product Line Performer 2011 for RF and Fibre Optic products by Avago Technologies.

“Performance Excellence Awards are given only in recognition of exceptional achievement and Acal BFi has earned this award by maintaining three consecutive years of high growth against a back-drop of a difficult and highly competitive market place,” explains Stephanie Kircher, Avago Technologies’ director of distribution, Europe. “The foundations of this growth are based on the strong relationship which exists between Acal BFi and Avago Technologies through which we have been able to nurture and support our end-customers through challenging times.”

“The specialist support provided by Acal BFi has been crucial in enabling leading customers to implement designs using Avago’s disruptive FBAR technology as well as the emerging and innovative WaferCap technologies,” explains Lee Austin, business development director for Acal BFi’s communications division. “By engaging deeply with lead customers, Acal BFi provides a conduit through which customers can feed back their design wish-lists and effectively influence the future direction of Avago’s new products and technologies.”

Acal BFi has provided specialist design support on Avago Technologies’ products to customers in applications which include automotive, test and measurement and communication infrastructure.

Paul Webster, UK managing director, Acal BFi, adds; “Acal BFi’s specialist distribution model allows us to engage with customers from concept to production, touching every aspect of design, procurement, operations, production and contract manufacturing to provide end-to-end service and support.”

The Performance Excellence Award was presented by Avago’s Stephanie Kircher to Lee Austin of Acal BFi’s communications division, at a recent Gala Dinner held by Avago Technologies in Munich.

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TAIYO YUDEN INC has signed up Mouser Electronics as an authorized distributor for its extensive line of passive components and module products. Mouser’s Web site and catalogs will provide customers with quick and convenient access to all of TAIYO YUDEN’s component and module products, as well as to Mouser’s responsive and expert customer service.

“Mouser is a valuable addition to the Taiyo Yuden distributor lineup that will help us reach even further into the global design engineering community,” stated Kazuyuki Oshima, Sales planning & Operation division Operating Officer, TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD. “Their world-class website, along with fast and excellent service will enhance our ability to introduce new products and our latest technologies to an even broader market.”

Mouser’s offering of the TAIYO YUDEN line will provide customers with more innovative options. “Taiyo Yuden products are recognized worldwide for their innovation. It is our goal to give engineers more cutting edge choices to maximize their designs. The incorporation of Taiyo Yuden products into our lineup definitely helps to satisfy that objective,” commented Andy Kerr, Vice President, Passives at Mouser.

» Contact details for Mouser Electronics, Inc.

Avnet Embedded EMEA has developed a microsite to explain the benefits of Microsoft’s family of software for dedicated devices.

The new site, which is now live at www.avnet-embedded.eu/software, details the available products and their suitability for certain vertical markets. Manufacturers will be shown the benefits of Windows Embedded licensing such as extended product availability, lower cost of ownership and specific features unique to the embedded portfolio. The site also hosts videos that demonstrate, step-by-step, how simple building a Windows Embedded image can be.

Nick Donaldson, Marketing Director Software EMEA, comments: “We recognised a need to raise awareness of a set of products that can dramatically improve the profitability of intelligent systems manufacturers. At Avnet Embedded, we decided to build a resource to help identify the best-fit Microsoft platform for them. This microsite is intended to be the first step in a long-term partnership with our manufacturing ecosystem built on delivery of value and continuous improvement. “

» Contact details for Avnet