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 is now stocking 3M connectors and ejectors for CFast cards. These products have been tested to comply with the CFast specification and provide 10,000 mating cycles to deliver high durability and long product life.

These products are now available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

The latest generation flash device architecture developed by the CompactFlash Association (CFA), the CFast card is a small cartridge that contains flash memory chips and incorporates SATA serial storage architecture and performance into a package similar in size to existing CF cards. This allows for faster throughput, lower consumption of power, and hot-swap functionality.

The new N7G24 series board mount header for CFast cards from 3M is available in a low profile configuration or with optional 2mm standoffs that allow the designer to populate the board underneath an inserted card. Integral grounding clips discharge electrostatic charge before the card mates with the connector, thereby protecting its sensitive electronic circuits. Extended guide rails reduce the possibility of misalignment during card installation and prevent the card from “flying” out during ejection. Single-row surface mount co-planar tails allow for higher yields and simplified inspection.

Optional left or right button dual-push ejectors provide a balanced force against the card for smooth and even card removal. A retainer clip is available that clips onto the header to provide a wire latch for robust retention, which is ideal for applications subject to shock and vibration.

CFast is geared toward markets where performance and system downtime are major considerations. Such markets include the embedded computer, industrial, and network communications markets.

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Mouser Electronics, Inc., known for rapid introduction of the newest electronic components and technologies, today announced the presentation of the Best in Class award to those individuals representing our suppliers who performed at the highest level to support ongoing marketing programs and initiatives for 2010.

The awards ceremony was held on August 2, 2010 during the 15th Annual Mouser-Supplier Golf Tournament. Winners of the Best in Class award were selected by Mouser using five criteria: ­–Promoting the product line within Mouser, –Finding solutions to grow Mouser and supplier market share, –Strategic partnering with the Mouser team, –Working together to launch new products, and –Maximizing Mouser’s unique value proposition within their own businesses.
Winners of the Mouser Best in Class award:

Larry Buckley, National Distribution Manager, 3M Electronic Solutions
Canda Carr, General Manager Global Distribution, Tyco Electronics
Ryan Crouch, Corporate Sales Director, Freescale Semiconductor
Anna Greashaber, Marketing Communications Manager, Honeywell Sensing and Control
Scott Johnson, Corporate Account Manager, Texas Instruments
Dawn Manhart, Corporate Distribution Manager, Littelfuse
Steve Nye, Strategic Account Manager, Vishay
Sue Rios, Channel Sales Account Manager, Digi International
Steve Shoemaker, President, Advanced Web Offset
Doug Steele, Global Vice President of Catalog Distribution, Harwin
Cheryl Swaim, Account Executive, KEMET
Caroline Wells, Distribution Sales Representative, Omron Corporation

Glenn Smith, Mouser President and CEO, commented, “It’s a great pleasure to express our gratitude and publicly recognize the winners of the Mouser 2010 Best in Class award. These individuals were incredibly supportive and showed great creativity. Our record growth is due, in large part, to the unwavering commitment of suppliers who help us introduce the newest products and latest technologies. Our commitment to becoming the most preferred distributor of design engineers is strengthened with the help of business associates who champion our mutual goals. Congratulations to each of them on a job well done, and thank you to the companies they represent for sharing these winners with Mouser.”

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USB power source, versatile capabilities make mini pad easy to use on the go

Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry’s broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, announced today it now has stock on the recently-introduced Mini RFID Tracking Pad from 3M.

3M’s Mini RFID Tracking Pad

This sleek and compact portable reader is in stock and available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites. Additionally, this product will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

The Mini Pad offers users appealing aesthetics in a compact 7.25 by 6.5-inch size, making it ideal for mobile applications. Because it is fully powered from the USB port of a PC or laptop, the need for a separate power outlet is eliminated. Fitting easily into a laptop bag, the Mini Pad and laptop affords a user the opportunity to work from virtually anywhere he chooses.

The Mini Pad is ISO compatible, allowing it to be used with a variety of RFID systems, with a number of features enhancing its functionality. User interface lights help quickly confirm a successful transaction or event. The pad’s small size offers user more options with regard to placement of the device. Additionally, its smooth, cleanable surface makes it suitable for many settings, including medical settings.

The 3M Mini RFID Tracking Pad is the first of 3M’s tracking pads to be offered for sale through distribution.

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Arrow UK announces extended Mini-Clamp connector range

Arrow Electronics can now supply an extended range of Mini-Clamp connectors from 3M and is offering customers the opportunity to receive samples of the new additions. Three new series have been introduced: the Mini-Clamp II Wiremount Plug 371 Series, Boardmount Socket 372 series and Wiremount Socket 373 Series. Target applications include factory automation and industrial controls.

A key feature of the range is the use of 3M insulation displacement technology (IDC), which provides higher connection reliability, while at the same time eliminating cable stripping and tinning, as well as the need for repetitive screw-type wire terminations. The IDC termination process enables time savings of up to 80% per connection, compared to manual crimping techniques. No specialist tools are required and terminations can be carried out using just a pair of pliers, helping to reduce the overall cost of wiring projects.

The 3M Mini-Clamp II connectors also have an integrated guiding and alignment feature built into the cover, which provides reliable positioning of the individual wires. Semi-transparent covers allow for visual inspection to check correct wire positioning prior to termination. Polarizing tabs help provide proper mating while latching features help provide a secure connection, even under severe conditions such as mechanical stress and vibration in industrial environments.

The new connectors are available in a 2mm pitch that use colour coding (red, yellow, orange, green, blue and grey) to ensure proper wire usage, wire alignment and retention of the cover.

As well as factory automation and industrial controls, typical environments for these connectors include medical equipment, packaging systems; flow meters; and sensors. They are also suitable for motion test and measurement systems; traffic light and control systems; food and packaging industries; and automotive and metal industries.

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