The RTC-700 from AAEON is a new powerful slim rugged tablet computer ideal for applications in harsh/severe environments. This tablet computer is sealed to IP-65 specifications, and is built from the ground up to withstand water, dust, vibration and drops.

The RTC-700 features a sunlight readable 7″ WSVGA (1024 x 600) or a 7″ WXVGA (1280 x 800) display with a projected capacitive multi-touch, 400 nits brightness and a 178° wide viewing angle. Li-Polymer high capacity batteries can provide up to 6 hrs. working time.

The RTC-700R is based on the NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2, 1.0 GHz dual core processor with 1GB DDR2 system memory and 16GB eMMC flash memory and supports Android™ v3.2. The RTC-700T supports Windows™ 7 and is based on the Intel® Atom™ Z670 processor with 1GB DDR2 and 16GB mSATA SSD.

The units offer flexible I/Os such as mini USB, mini HDMI, a micro SD card slot, a SIM card slot, RS-232 (optional), and a DC-IN jack. A carry bag and vehicle DC/DC adapter are optional available accessories.

For communication the RTC-700 uses a wireless LAN IEEE 802.11 b/g/n plus Bluetooth 2.1 EDR and can be upgraded with a 3G modem module. Furthermore both versions feature a 5M pixel camera, a built-in speaker and microphone, GPS navigation, G-sensor, light sensor and a 3-axis digital gyroscope (R-version only). The RTC-700 tablet PC is compliant to CE/FCC class B/UL EMC/safety standards and can operate between -20°C to +60°C.

For pricing information contact Texim Europe

Features
• NVIDIA® Tegra™ 2 1.0 GHz Dual Core (RTC-700R)
• Intel® Atom™ Z670 processor (RTC-700T)
• DDR2 1GB SDRAM
• 7″ TFT LCD display
• PCT multi-touch panel
• Li-Polymer high-capacity battery, 6 hours battery life
• Water and dust proof, IP-65 compliance
• Micro SD card slot, 5M pixel camera
• WLAN 802.11 b/g/n , Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
• G Sensor, light sensor, E-compass, GPS navigation
• Android™ v3.2 or Windows® 7 OS

Contact Texim Europe

element14 partners with Raspberry Pi co-founder Eben Upton and modding guru Ben Heck, to highlight the impact of technology on education, makers and innovation at Maker Faire® Bay Area on May 19 – 20 at the San Mateo County Event Center. Leading up to and throughout Maker Faire, makers across the globe are also invited to join the community discussion online at element14 to follow the activities from afar.

“We’re massive fans of Maker Faire; it’s great to see something like this that unites hackers, programmers and developers from different backgrounds. This is a place where you can come for a day’s fun and find yourself educated and inspired, and meet like minds,” said Raspberry Pi co-founder Eben Upton. “It’s great for Raspberry Pi to have a chance to partner with our friends at element14 at this year’s Maker Faire; we’re really looking forward to the discussions and the community’s exchange of ideas. This opportunity to meet people from the maker movement, learn about their projects, and share ideas is what pushes us to create and shape new technology and contexts.”

To help drive collaboration and technology innovation, Raspberry Pi distributor element14, master modder Ben Heck, and Raspberry Pi co-founder Upton will lead several activities during Maker Faire:

• “How a $35 Computer Will Give Students an Appetite for (STEM)” Panel Discussion: Prominent computing minds and educational leaders, including Ben Heck, Eben Upton and Make’s Matt Richardson will team up on May 19 at 1p.m. on the Make Center Stage to discuss the new credit-card sized Raspberry Pi computer and its potential to transform (STEM) – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – in the classroom and foster a new generation of savvy programmers.

• “Raspberry Pi Founder Offers Tips for Programming Super Computer” Demo: Upton will showcase how simple it is to program the affordable computer on May 20 from 11 – 11:20 a.m. on the Make Demo Stage. Attendees to gain valuable insight into the development of the board and its influence on the future of technological innovation.
• “Ben Heck Talks Modding with Makers” Demo: Heck will appear on the Make Demo Stage on May 20 at 5 p.m. to give makers a first-hand look at the art of modding by deconstructing a new version of a 3D printer build featured on element14’s “The Ben Heck Show.” Audience participation and collaboration ideas are encouraged and attendees and fans can also register at element14 to win one of Ben’s builds.

• Join the Discussion: Enthusiasts and technology advocates worldwide can also follow element14 on Twitter for live updates from Maker Faire.
“As a committed supporter of the maker movement and the STEM initiative, we’re pleased to partner with Ben and Eben to bring their expertise and love of innovation to Maker Faire,” said Dianne Kibbey, global head of community, element14.

» Contact details for Farnell

Future Technology Devices Internationa has signed a global distribution agreement with Arrow Electronics, Inc. Under the agreement, Arrow will distribute FTDI’s complete portfolio to customers in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.

“Arrow brings best-in-class engineering and support infrastructure, successful execution and global reach to the connectivity needs of the USB interface market,” said Fred Dart, founder and chief executive officer of FTDI Chip. “Arrow’s strength in design demand support, global supply chain and value-added services will be appreciated by existing and new FTDI Chip users. With the recent launch of our new X-Chip series of USB bridge interface chips, our teams can now engage the market to deliver the X-treme value proposition of these devices.”

“USB is one of the more ubiquitous standards for data transfer, and FTDI Chip helps simplify USB implementation,” said Jeff Eastman, senior vice president of global supplier marketing and asset management for Arrow Electronics. “The FTDI portfolio offers comprehensive USB solutions for existing and new applications, with full compatibility, support and leadership products. FTDI is a solid addition to our line card and we look forward to a productive relationship.”

About Future Technology Devices International (FTDI Chip)
Future Technology Devices International (FTDI Chip) specializes in the design and supply of silicon and software solutions for the Universal Serial Bus (USB). FTDI Chip offers a simple route to USB migration by combining easy-to-implement IC devices with ready-to-use, royalty-free USB firmware and driver software. A wide range of evaluation kits and modules are available to evaluate FTDI Chip’s silicon prior to design-in.

FTDI Chip is a global fab-less semiconductor company with R&D centers in Glasgow and Singapore and regional sales offices in Oregon, USA, Shanghai, China and Taipei, Taiwan.

» Contact details for Arrow Electronics

Digi-Key Corporation today announced the launch of its new website for Israel, www.digikey.co.il.

“Digi-Key’s business model aligns almost perfectly with the needs and demands of a major share of the Israeli market,” said Mark Larson, Digi-Key’s president and COO. “Israel is recognized internationally for its strength in product design as well as its strengths in high mix/low volume production. Digi-Key is highly focused and is the dominant distributor in terms of supporting electronic design engineers in the prototyping and design process. Digi-Key is recognized for its ability to support new product introduction runs and high mix/low volume production.”
“Digi-Key has rapidly grown to become the 5th largest distributor of electronic components in the world,” Larson added. “We have a strong and growing presence in both Europe and Asia. The addition of Israel to our global expansion efforts marks a considerable milestone in Digi-Key’s 40 year history.”

The Israel website can be viewed in both Hebrew and English. Customers placing orders using the Israel website may do so in the local currency, the Israeli Shekel (ILS).
“Digi-Key profiles our inventory to meet worldwide demand and we are excited that the new Israeli website will make the industry’s broadest selection of product for immediate delivery available in local language and currency,” Larson said. “The type of product we are currently selling in Israel is very representative of our overall demand and shipping patterns with emphasis on products ranging from analog and other semiconductors to discrete, passive, and electromechanical products.”

Additionally, www.digikey.co.il has been designed to accommodate and to promote greater ease of use for our customers and greater visibility for our suppliers.
Digi-Key’s Israel website will provide the following features:

• Free shipping on orders over ₪800 (See website for details)
• Local customer and engineering support by calling 1-800-800-335
• A Hebrew/English language toggle option
• Digi-Key’s Parametric Part Search
• Digi-Key’s exclusive Bill of Materials (BOM) Manager
• Digi-Key’s library of PTM® product training modules
• TechZoneSM articles, featured products, videos, and more
• A redesigned homepage that makes it easy to search the website

» Contact Details for Digi-Key Corporation

A new UK company Multitron Ltd has been formed with active support from MENTOR. This new company has the sole objective of promoting the MENTOR brand in the UK and enhancing service levels for MENTOR’s UK customers. As from 1 July 2012 Multitron Ltd will be MENTOR’s sole agent for the UK and ROI.

MENTOR’s Joint Managing Director Mr Wido Weyer comments: “The UK market is proving to be an increasingly important one for MENTOR and these new arrangements will be great for our UK customers. They now have a local company dedicated to MENTOR and able to advise on the use of our broad range of standard components as well being able to draw on the expertise of MENTOR’s R&D engineers to help overcome technically difficult design challenges.”

As an internationally successful corporate group, MENTOR has been setting standards in the technical development and implementation of mechanical, electronic and optoelectronic components for diverse areas of application in the electronics and automotive industries for decades.

The SIM68 from SIMCom is a compact 32-channel GNSS module in SMT package intended for a broad range of OEM applications. The STA8088FG engine integrated in the SIM68 together with the 32 tracking and 2 fast acquisition channels helps to achieve fast time to first fix and improved -148dBm cold start sensitivity. The superior cold start sensitivity allows the SIM68 to acquire, track, and get position fix autonomously in difficult weak signal environment. The receiver’s -162dBm tracking sensitivity allows continuous position coverage in nearly all application environments.

The receiver is optimized for applications requiring high performance, low power, and low cost; suitable for a wide range of OEM configurations including mobile phone, PND, asset tracking, and vehicle navigation products. The metal RF shielding provides protection and allows standard surface mount device pick-and-place process in fully-automated assembly process; enabling high-volume, very cost-efficient production.

SIMCom offers an SIM68 evaluation kit, with an USB V2.0 full speed interface, that allows you to test, try and build your first prototype. For more data, price and delivery contact Texim Europe

Features
• Small footprint: 15 x 13 x 2.4mm, 34-pin LCC package
• 32 tracking & 2 fast acquisition channels
• Compatible with GPS,Galileo and Glonass systems
• High sensitivity:
Tracking: -162dBm
Navigation: -160dBm
Cold start: -148dBm
• Fast TTFF 1s in hot start, 35s in cold start
• High accuracy of 1.5m CEP
• Power consumption: 330mW acquisition, 214mW tracking
• Single 3.3V supply operation
• Operating temperature -40 to +85°C
• Rich set of interfaces:

Applications
• Mobile phone
• Personal navigation devices
• Asset tracking
• Vehicle navigation

Contact Texim Europe

Digi-Key Corporation and t-Global Technology, a leading supplier of advanced thermal management solutions, today announced the two companies have signed a global distribution agreement.
T-Global Technology produces a wide product range for thermal management including interface materials, thermally conductive insulator materials, heat spreaders, thermal greases, thermally conductive gels, flexible absorbent materials, and high performance circuit boards.

“Thermal management is a key component of any engineer’s design,” said Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key’s vice president of global interconnect, passive, and electromechanical product. “Digi-Key is pleased to add t-Global Technology’s line of thermal management products to our line card. We are confident our global customers will look forward to using t-Global products in their designs.”
“Bringing our broad range of specialized thermal management products to Digi-Key’s extensive customer base is an exciting proposition and we are convinced that this will be a mutually agreeable relationship,” said Danbury Collins, t-Global Technology’s general manager.

Advanced thermal management solutions by t-Global Technology are available for purchase now on Digi-Key’s global websites.

» Contact Details for Digi-Key Corporation

Digi-Key Corporation today announced the signing of a global distribution agreement with Infinite Power Solutions, Inc. (IPS), a global leader in manufacturing solid-state, rechargeable, micro-energy storage devices for wireless sensors and other embedded applications.

The THINERGY® Micro-Energy Cell (MEC) product line of solid-state, rechargeable thin-film batteries from IPS serves to address an ever-increasing need for a maintenance-free, embeddable energy storage solution that lasts the life of the application. With near zero self-discharge, MECs provide extremely efficient storage of intermittent and low charge currents typical of ambient energy harvesting applications. Paper-thin and flexible, THINERGY MECs provide unrivaled cycle life and power performance, delivering a safe, permanent and clean power source for today’s electronic devices and systems. Additionally, IPS offers evaluation kits to demonstrate the performance advantages of MECs while reducing development expenditure and speeding time to market.

“Energy harvesting is the wave of the future. Manufacturers are continually searching for alternative energy solutions as a means of reducing maintenance costs and increasing the useful life of their products,” said Mark Zack, vice president for global semiconductor products. “Infinite Power Solutions offers leading-edge, permanently installed energy storage solutions that address the changing needs of the energy harvesting market, and we are pleased to offer their quality products to our customers.”

“We are very excited to work with Digi-Key to increase the reach of our global distribution network for our unique and award-winning THINERGY MEC products,” stated Tim Bradow, VP of Marketing for IPS. “Conventional and often toxic organic wet chemistry batteries are being replaced by longer lasting, eco-friendly, solid-state batteries like our THINERGY MECs. As the industry has seen with other technologies, solid-state solutions always win. It’s inevitable and happening now in the battery space.”

» Contact Details for Digi-Key Corporation

Mouser Electronics, Inc has announced its global partnership with TDK-Lambda, a leading manufacturer of AC/DC power supplies and DC/DC converters.

Mouser’s new agreement with TDK-Lambda provides design engineers with reliable power solutions for their latest designs through Mouser’s fast, convenient ordering capabilities backed by Mouser’s superior customer service. TDK-Lambda’s rapid expansion in the global market reinforces its role as a leading industrial power supply company. TDK-Lambda’s highly reliable products reflect the latest advancements in materials technology, process technology, evaluation & simulation technology, circuit design technology and other core technologies of the TDK Group. Their products play a vital role in many sectors of the industry, including telecommunications, data communications, medical facilities, testing and measurement, rail transport, automotive applications, and LED devices.

“We are pleased to partner with TDK-Lambda to expand our inventory of power supplies,” says Keith Privett, Mouser Vice President of Electromechanical, Power & Test. “Design engineers are always looking for What’s Next on the cutting-edge of technology. Now that Mouser and TDK-Lambda have combined forces, we have the opportunity to supply the design world with just that – the powerful line of products from TDK-Lambda.”

“TDK-Lambda is glad to partner with Mouser,” says Juliet Fajardo, Director of Nat’l Distribution Sales for TDK-Lambda Americas Inc. “With Mouser’s pursuit for great customer service and focus on the newest technologies, we are optimistic about the future of our partnership.”

With its broad product line and unsurpassed customer service, Mouser caters to design engineers and buyers by delivering What’s Next in advanced technologies. Mouser offers customers 19 global support locations and stocks the world’s widest selection of the latest semiconductors and electronic components for the newest design projects.

Mouser Electronics’ website is updated daily and searches more than 8.9 million products to locate over 3 million orderable part numbers available for easy online purchase. Mouser.com also houses an industry-first interactive catalog, data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, and engineering tools.

» Contact details for Mouser Electronics, Inc.

Mouser Electronics, Inc. today announces that the Warwick Racing evGP Team it sponsors from Warwick University, UK, is now gearing up for the prestigious Purdue Collegiate evGrand Prix race in Indianapolis, to be held Saturday, May 12, 2012. The engineering students race an electric vehicle.

The Electric Vehicle Grand Prix (evGP) is an annual international event held by the Purdue University in Indiana, U.S. The event has been publicly supported by U.S. President Obama. In 2011, a team of Warwick University students entered the evGP, achieving an overall finish of 4th out of 30 international collegiate entrants. The team overcame weather problems and technical challenges to place second in the recent April 28th Purdue campus event to qualify for the upcoming Indianapolis Purdue Collegiate evGrandPrix at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“Our aim is to investigate and learn more on the development of future electric vehicle technologies and to design a green, reliable and efficient electric go-kart,” comments project leader Dr. Steve Maggs. “Throughout the process, we are also looking to raise public awareness on eco-friendliness and share our experience with the younger generations.”

“We are delighted to sponsor such an innovative project. Mouser is known as the design-fulfillment distributor, focused on supporting new designs by making new components and technologies easily and immediately available,” say Graham Maggs (no relation), Mouser EMEA Director Marketing and Business Development. “We are also committed to the future of design and sponsor several university and higher education projects. This race in Indianapolis is particularly exciting for Mouser, since we already sponsor IndyCar champion drivers Tony Kanaan and Alex Tagliani.”

With its broad product line and unsurpassed customer service, Mouser caters to design engineers and buyers by delivering What’s Next in advanced technologies. Mouser offers customers 19 global support locations and stocks the world’s widest selection of the latest semiconductors and electronic components for the newest design projects.

Mouser Electronics’ website is updated daily and searches more than 8.9 million products to locate over 3 million orderable part numbers available for easy online purchase. Mouser.com also houses an industry-first interactive catalog, data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, and engineering tools.

» Contact details for Mouser Electronics, Inc.