RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the world’s leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has expanded its comprehensive online library of free 3D CAD product models.  The latest update includes more than 2000 new models from Molex, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of interconnect products, and Omron, a global leader in the production of electronic components. The 3D CAD models from both suppliers are now available to download free-of-charge from the RS website at www.rs-components.com/3D, offering electronics design engineers a simpler, faster route to complete their designs on time.

With the release of an additional 1000 3D models of Molex connectors, encompassing the latest technologies, the range of Molex 3D models available from RS now covers more than 7000 products. Over 1000 3D models of Omron parts have also been added to the RS library, including tactile, pushbutton and DIP switches, as well as flow sensors, micro switches and relays.

The extensive scope of product models available today from the RS library is unrivalled in the industry, with users now having access to over 30,000 certified 3D CAD models of electronic and mechanical components.  Registered users can download a model from the RS website in up to 23 neutral and native CAD file formats, enabling engineers to select the model in their preferred CAD package for mechanical design.  Each model has part number and ordering information attached, aiding the purchasing process and allowing for quick completion of new designs.

Mark Cundle, Technical Marketing Manager for RS Components said, “Producing 3D CAD models can be a time-consuming effort for engineers involved in electronics design. Extending our 3D CAD model range provides our customers with access to the most comprehensive library of online downloadable models in all major CAD file formats, in one place and at no extra cost.  This is an essential part of our support for engineers with reliable technical information and online resources that enables them to find, design-in and buy from one source.”

» Contact details for RS Components

RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the world’s leading high service distributor of electronics and maintenance products, has received the ‘2011 Global Catalogue Distribution Award’ from Molex, a leading global supplier of interconnect products. RS is the first company to be honoured with the award, which Molex introduced this year, in recognition of its outstanding sales performance, technical design support and service excellence.

Commenting on the award, Fred Bell, Vice President of Global Distribution at Molex, said, “The first-rate performance achieved by RS exemplifies the highest service standards we strive to achieve through our global distribution network. Through its exceptional multi-channel service, RS offers excellent flexibility that enables engineers to find, design-in and buy our products, enabling the growth of our business. This award is very well-deserved and we look forward to continuing this strong partnership into the future.”

Chris Page, General Manager Electronics at Electrocomponents, added, “Molex has a reputation for innovation and reliability, with its extensive portfolio of interconnect products for a diversity of applications, and we are delighted to have clinched this award in its inaugural year. These successful results are due in large part to the close relationships our sales, marketing and technical teams have developed with Molex’s product experts. It is extremely rewarding to have this achievement acknowledged in this way.”

Over 4,500 Molex interconnect products are now available to buy direct-from-stock at RS, complete with free, downloadable 3D CAD model formats.

» Contact details for RS Components

Digi-Key Corporation today announced availability of the Molex Incorporated solderless LED array holders.

Molex has simplified the LED mounting process by offering array holders which eliminate the need for hand or SMT soldering. These LED array holders install quickly into fixtures, enabling replacements in the field and allowing for easy upgrades to current applications.

Features of these high-temperature LED array holders include screw-mount attachment method for securing the array to a heat sink, optional snap-lock optics that provide light source adjustment, and compression contacts that will power the array and eliminate soldering during installation. Serviceability is greatly improved by the releasable wire trap. The array’s small form factor, less than 50.00 mm (1.96”) in diameter for ES arrays and 70.00 by 71.00 mm (2.75 by 2.80”) for RS arrays, makes these array holders ideal for use in lamps and small-fixture applications.

» Contact Details for 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 a partnership with Cree, Molex, and RECOM to offer an all-in-one, LED lighting solution based on the Cree XLamp platform.

The Digi-Key CXA2011 XLamp LED lighting kit combines the performance, ease-of-use, and reliability of the XLamp series of LED arrays into a simple, all-in-one solution that takes the mystery out of building LED light fixtures. Digi-Key encourages LED design by offering all the necessary components, including a heat sink, connectors, power supply, and LED array, in a convenient, flexible kit.

“We are excited to partner with Cree, Molex and RECOM in offering this all-in-one LED solution,” said Mark Zack, vice president, semiconductor product, Digi-Key Corporation. “We have accentuated simplicity and flexibility in this kit allowing quick demonstrations, shorter design cycles and making LED utilization more accessible.”

Streamlining the process even further, Digi-Key has created a step-by-step video as part of its Another Geek Moment series on YouTube. The video details just how easy this kit is to assemble with only a screwdriver and the provided components.

» Contact Details for Digi-Key Corporation

Farnell, the leading multi-channel electronics distributor and a business of global Premier Farnell, has enhanced its range of interconnection products by being the first in Europe to offer the complete Molex EXTreme Power series, which includes the EXTreme LPHPower, MicroPower and ZPower ranges. This Molex series is also stocked at Premier Farnell’s Newark business in North America and in Asia-Pacific at element14.

The need for high-current power interconnect solutions in increasingly smaller space continues to be a challenge for design engineers. Molex EXTreme Power connectors offer high-current interconnect solutions with best in class power densities for a wide range of applications. They cover a wide range of current levels, mechanical envelopes, mating terminations, and configuration choices.
Product details of the new connectors can also be found on the global element14 electronics community at http://www.element-14.com/community/docs/DOC-27259/l/molex-extreme-power where engineers can also discuss their applications and needs with others and download detailed technical information. Molex EXTreme Power connectors are available from Farnell for next day delivery.

Commenting on the new agreement, Steve Herd, Head of EMCO Product & Supplier Management, Farnell, said: “Molex have for many years been innovators in interconnection products. The EXTreme Power series successfully addresses the growing number of high current density applications where board space is limited.”

“Molex are delighted to be partnering with Premier Farnell,” said Steve Keep, European Distribution Marketing Manager, Molex. “In Europe, Farnell is the first to market with these new product, and with aggressive global pricing on the EXTreme Power range, it is well placed to address the important European power connector market.”

» Contact details for Farnell

Mouser Electronics, Inc., regarded as a top global engineering design resource for semiconductors and electronic components, today announced it is stocking new product from Molex.

The Molex Stac64™ Automotive Connection System is a 2.54mm (.100″) Pitch, stackable connection system offering a diverse range of circuit sizes. Requiring no custom tooling, the Stac64 system allows OEM and device manufacturers greater design flexibility to support both low-level signal requirements as well as power applications upwards of 30.0A. The Molex STAC64 Automotive Connection System also allows automotive manufacturers to use header assemblies as stand-alone components. The connectors mate to existing wire-harness connectors designed to the USCAR/EWCAP industry footprint.

» Contact details for Mouser Electronics, Inc.

Inaugural award underscores the company’s commitment to its valued channel partners

Molex Incorporated has presented its inaugural 2010 Global Distributor of the Year award to TTI Incorporated, a leading authorised distributor of passive, interconnect, electromechanical and discrete components. The Molex award recognises TTI’s demonstrable financial, operational and executive management excellence during the year.

“This award is an opportunity for us to thank TTI for its outstanding contribution to our distribution network, which exceeded our expectations. From the executive team to branch level management, TTI provides consistent high levels of expertise and energy, while servicing Molex distribution customers globally,” stated Martin Slark, vice chairman and CEO, Molex. “Distribution partners like TTI play a key role in helping Molex not only bring products to customers, but deliver exceptional service and support.”

About the Molex award, TTI CEO Paul Andrews said: “We are honoured to receive this award on behalf of TTI. The recognition rightfully belongs to the talented individuals working worldwide on this team. We look forward to 2011 as we help propel Molex designs and solutions deeper into the global marketplace.”

In 2010, TTI strategically balanced product inventory and sales commitments, while supporting multiple Molex product introductions. TTI and Molex technical engineers have worked close together presenting international training seminars spanning Europe and the Asia/Pacific markets.

The Global Distributor award follows Molex’s presentation of Regional Distributor of the Year awards in the summer to PSG (Asia/Pacific), Arrow and MT Systems (Europe), and the Heilind Electronics (U.S).

» Contact Details for TTI Inc.

Molex extends Avnet Abacus partnership in Nordic region

Avnet Abacus has announced an extension of its distribution agreement with Molex, one of the world’s leading electronic connector companies. The agreement extends the relationship between the two companies to Denmark, Sweden and Finland.

“We made the decision to extend our relationship with Avnet Abacus to the Nordic region based on the very high levels of service and technical support that Avnet Abacus provides to customers,” added Martin Pfeil, Distribution Corporate Account Manager, Molex “Avnet Abacus is highly focussed in providing and supporting Molex interconnect solutions to the European marketplace. We have a stable and very strong relationship with Avnet Abacus and look forward to business growth together in the Nordic region.”

Commenting on the agreement, Alan Jermyn, Vice President of Marketing, Avnet Abacus said “Molex is a world leader with an outstanding reputation for reliable, high quality and competitively priced interconnection products. We are excited about this opportunity to offer the full portfolio of interconnect products to our Nordic customers, and backed by a significant investment in inventory, we are well positioned to support these customers on Molex products”

Avnet Abacus will offer the full portfolio of standard Molex connectors to Nordic customers, including the following products: PicoFlexR, FFC/FPC connectors, MiniFitT, MicroFitT, Modular Jacks, EXTreme PowerT series and memory card connectors.

» Contact details for Avnet

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 Evaldi™ Earphones by Molex are now featured on Digi-Key’s iPhone application.

Customers can now access the newly redesigned Evaldi page from the Digi-Key app on their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch devices and learn more about these noise-isolating earphones that were designed with the engineer in mind. Simply click on the Evaldi tile ad at the bottom of the screen on your mobile device and you will be directed to the Evaldi landing page on Digi-Key’s website.

The new Evaldi landing page, www.digikey.com/evaldi, provides information about the Evaldi earphones including sound quality and specifications. Additionally, customers can view the Evaldi Product Training Module, which provides a basic introduction to the Evaldi earphones and discusses the series’ basic electrical and mechanical specifications.

The Evaldi earphones feature 50mW power handling, 20Hz ~ 20KHz frequency response, 1200mm cable length, and customizable ear pads. The patented technology built into the earphones delivers a premium sound quality, producing a unique “3D” audio experience equivalent to listening to a set of high-end home stereo speakers.

Evaldi earphones by Molex may be purchased through Digi-Key for $19.99. They are available for purchase on Digi-Key’s global websites and will be featured in future print and online catalogs.

» Contact Details for Digi-Key Corporation

Continues its expansion throughout the Nordic Territories

TTI, Inc., the global distributor of Passive, Interconnect, Relay & Switch and Discrete components, has announced that its European franchise agreement with leading connector company, Molex, has been extended to cover Denmark. The agreement gives customers access to Molex’s complete product portfolio via TTI’s broad and deep European inventory & superior logistics programs.

Comments Marc Winfield – Regional Vice President Sales, TTI Europe: “TTI continues to extend its reach into the important Nordic markets. Part of our growth plan saw the extension of the strategically-important Molex franchise into Finland and Estonia during Q1 2010, and we are now delighted to extend the Molex line into Denmark, offering our customers the depth and breadth of product from this market leading brand.”

Continues Kenneth Koch, TTI’s Denmark General Manager: “As our leading Interconnect New Product Introduction (NPI) line, Molex has always been a strong partner of TTI. We are excited at the opportunity to promote Molex’s innovative products within the Danish market, delivering extra value to our customers and offering greater overall solutions.”

Adds Mark Davies, Distribution Corporate Account Manager at Molex: “We are pleased to extend our successful partnership with TTI into Denmark. TTI remains committed to an aggressive NPI program with the Molex range and it is this strategy, combined with their focus on new design-in projects, that will remain the cornerstone of our success together. We believe that TTI’s proactive approach and investment in this strategy will lead to accelerated growth and develop incremental business for both companies in this region.”

» Contact Details for TTI Inc.