How to use the element14 Knode
The element14 Knode is an on-line platform for presenting engineering design software, services and solutions. This help document walks the user through a short demonstration on how to get started using the element14 Knode.
What can you do on the element14 Knode?
In the course of creating an electronics product, a design engineer must visit many different sites to gather required technical information and to find hardware and software solutions- from gathering technical specifications, to researching and purchasing hardware and software design tools, finding development kits, and completing system assembly, manufacture and test.
The element14 Knode provides one on-line platform for performing all of those activities. The platform provides information and access to leading engineering design solutions including electronic design software, design and manufacturing services, and development kit solutions.
Unlike generic internet search engines, the element14 Knode helps engineers quickly find relevant design information and the latest technology. Engineers can use the element14 Knode to research, evaluate and procure solutions, software and services. The availability of reliable technical information and solutions speeds the design process by saving time in research, design, development and manufacture of electronic products.
Getting started on the element14 Knode
The element14 Knode is divided into multiple “rooms” which represent different aspects of the electronic design process. Begin by selecting the room that best represents the design function you wish to search.
The rooms available include:
- CAD Tools: Electronic design software for engineers
- PCB Services: Board fabrication and assembly from trusted providers
- Dev Platforms and Kits: Hardware solutions to accelerate the design process
- OS & Stacks: High-quality software and middleware solutions
- Dev Tools: Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), compilers and debuggers
- Test & Measurement: Oscilloscopes, multimeters, signal generators and other test solutions.
Click to enter the room of your choice. Use the search facility in each room to find solutions specific to that design process.
Example: How to use a design room on the element14 Knode
The designer starts a search by entering one of the rooms on the element14 Knode such as the Development Kits room.
Enter your search criteria text in the search box to directly search the database for relevant solutions.
Alternatively, the user may browse for solutions using one of the available selector guides to constrain the search.
Once you have entered a search or made a selection in the selector guide,the other windows in the room will change to reflect solutions relevant to your choices.
The “Learning Center” window shows tutorials, datasheets, demo and evaluation videos and other information about the selected technology.
The “Design elements” window shows available design IP – pre-built code to help speed the design process
The “Forums” window will reflect discussions on the element14 community about this topic.
If there is relevant design information in other rooms, those rooms will also be highlighted in the box at the upper right.
Products of interest can be added to your parts list, and emailed to a friend or buyer, or sent to a shopping cart for purchase.
Getting help on the element14 Knode
The solutions on the element14 Knode are supported by design experts available 24 hours during the business week on the element14 forums.
For example, questions can be submitted to the world’s leading suppliers directly by selecting the “Ask the Expert” button on any page.
The element14 Knode – help us grow your platform for engineering design solutions
The element14 Knode is a new concept to speed design productivity, reduce design risk and improve the user experience in the design process. The element14 Knode combines the power of web search and social media, with a reliable source of technical information from a high-service distributor with access to best electronic suppliers in the industry.
The capabilities of this system are still growing and more rooms and solutions are being added regularly. To get started, select one of the rooms in the element14 Knode and begin searching for technologies to use in your design project. If there is something you see that you think should be changed, or if there is a capability you don’t see here, please let us know. We welcome your feedback. We want you to consider the element14 Knode your platform for engineering design solutions.