element14, an Avnet Community, has launched INSPIRE HER FUTURE, a global celebration recognizing women driving progress across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Women are building, testing, teaching and advancing technology worldwide, yet many of their contributions go unrecognized. INSPIRE HER FUTURE aims to highlight their work, encourage more women to share their experiences and create a global collection of stories that reflect the diversity of the STEM community.

“Women are shaping the future of engineering and technology every day, often without visibility or recognition,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community. “By sharing these stories, we’re creating representation, building connection and helping ensure the next generation sees a place for themselves in STEM.”

The initiative invites women at all stages of their careers, including students, early‑career engineers, makers, educators and experienced professionals, to share their journeys. Submissions may include career paths, projects, challenges, lessons learned and advice for those entering the field.

The celebration centres women’s voices and is open to everyone through nominations and ally participation. Community members, colleagues, mentors and allies are encouraged to nominate women who inspire them through leadership, creativity, curiosity or impact. With permission, selected nominees may be featured or invited to participate.

Selected submissions will be recognised across the Student, Early Career and Professional/Educator categories, with standout contributions featured on the element14 Community and awarded prizes. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of community judges based on quality, insight and impact. Terms and conditions apply.

To submit a story or nominate someone who inspires you, visit https://community.element14.com/p/inspire-her-future.

element14, an Avnet Community, has launched its latest design competition, inviting engineers, makers and technology enthusiasts to develop smart industry projects focused on production monitoring, uptime optimization and product testing.

Selected participants will design and build a prototype or test rig using a kit of components from leading suppliers. Entries will be judged on creativity and the imaginative use of component features.

The challenge centers on adding intelligence to production environments. Example project concepts include miniature production line demonstrations, open‑source conveyor systems, inventory management tools, production line monitoring, predictive maintenance, RFID tracking and quality control solutions.

“To us, smart industry is about applying creativity and practical engineering to real‑world manufacturing challenges,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community. “This challenge gives our members the opportunity to explore industrial innovation while sharing their ideas and learning from one another.”

To be eligible for prizes, participants must document their build process and publish a final project blog on the element14 Community, clearly highlighting the sponsor components used.

The first-place winner will receive a Picade Max and a Braccio Robot Arm. Second place will receive a Picade Max, and third place will receive a Braccio Robot Arm. All participants who successfully complete the challenge will also receive an educational robotic arm construction kit.

Applications are open now through 12 April and participants will have until 21 June to complete and submit their projects.

For more information and to register, visit: https://community.element14.com/on-the-line.

element14's award-winning podcast series Top Tech Voices continues its second season with two thought-provoking episodes examining how technology influences both human wellbeing and planetary sustainability.

The opening conversations bring together neuroscientist Dr. Jack Lewis and environmental innovator Fionn Ferreira — two voices approaching technology from very different, yet equally human, perspectives.

In episode one, Mental Health & Technology: Navigating the Digital Mind, Dr Jack Lewis explores how digital tools are reshaping cognitive health.

Rather than framing technology as inherently positive or negative, Lewis presents a more nuanced view: technology's impact depends on how we use it. While digital tools increase efficiency and expand access to information, excessive screen time can displace the very behaviours that support long-term brain health — including movement, deep focus and face-to-face connection.

Drawing on neuroscience research, Lewis explains how exercise supports memory and resilience by releasing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and how uninterrupted social interaction strengthens neural pathways linked to empathy and understanding. His message is not about rejecting devices, but about using them deliberately.

The episode encourages professionals and organisations alike to consider how digital environments can be designed and managed to support wellbeing rather than undermine it.

Episode two shifts focus to environmental technology, featuring award-winning inventor Fionn Ferreira.

Raised in West Cork, Ireland, Ferreira began investigating microplastic pollution as a youngster after observing contamination along his local shoreline. With limited laboratory access, he built his own scientific equipment — including a spectrometer constructed from a Raspberry Pi, webcam and Lego — to analyse water samples.

His research led to the development of a magnetic method to remove microplastics using specially engineered ferrofluids. The innovation gained international attention and support, including backing connected to initiatives highlighted at the World Economic Forum.

In the conversation, Ferreira discusses the realities of scaling environmental innovation, from laboratory prototype to industrial application. He emphasises that invention is rarely a solo pursuit; meaningful progress requires collaboration, storytelling and persistence.

"Top Tech Voices is about bringing credible, expert perspectives into the conversation around technology," said Rebeca Obregon, President of element14. "These episodes reflect the breadth of innovation shaping our world — from understanding how digital habits affect our brains to developing practical solutions for global environmental challenges. Technology has extraordinary potential, and through this series, we're exploring how it can be harnessed responsibly to deliver meaningful impact."

Together, the first two episodes demonstrate the range of discussions shaping season two of Top Tech Voices. From cognitive resilience in a digital age to scalable environmental innovation, the series continues to explore how technology can address real-world challenges when guided by insight and intention.

Both episodes are now available to stream with new episodes releasing in the coming weeks.

Listeners can watch and subscribe via element14’s YouTube channel.

For more information, visit Top Tech Voices Season 2- Insights from Industry Leaders | element14 India

element14, an Avnet Community, in collaboration with ADI, has launched a new design challenge inviting engineers and makers to develop advanced security and surveillance prototypes.

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype or test rig utilizing ADI’s MAX32630FTHR, a versatile development platform, and Würth Elektronik’s SMD LEDs with an integrated WL-ICLED controller. The challenge encourages creative applications of these components to deliver innovative security features.

Selected challengers will receive a free kit of components, with ADI’s MAX32630FTHR as the core element, to assist in building their prototypes. Each participant will document the build process and final outcome through blogs on the element14 Community platform.

Examples of potential applications include facial recognition door entry systems, voice and face detection, environmental monitoring, crowd sentiment analysis, break-in detection and remote security sentry solutions.

“Through this challenge, we’re inviting our global community to showcase creativity and problem-solving in the field of security and surveillance,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community. “It’s an opportunity for participants to learn, share ideas, and demonstrate how innovative thinking can address real-world safety challenges.”

“We’re excited to collaborate with the element14 Community on a challenge that inspires creativity and problem-solving,” said Stephane Di Vito, ADI Distinguished Engineer, Product Security. “This initiative brings together passionate designers and engineers to explore new ideas and develop solutions that can make security smarter and more effective.”

Prizes will be awarded for the most outstanding projects. The first-place winner will receive a 13-piece SimpliSafe Home Security System and a Multicomp Pro Hot Air Rework Station. The second-place winner will receive the same SimpliSafe system plus a multi screwdriver set, while the third-place winner will receive the SimpliSafe system. All participants who complete the challenge will receive a MultiComp Pro Multimeter Set.

For more information and to register, visit https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/smart-security-and-surveillance/.

This expansion provides engineers with an affordable entry point to the industry-standard PXI platform while maintaining the precision, synchronisation and robust software integration that are hallmarks of NI technology

"Our partnership with element14 continues to be a cornerstone of Emerson’s mission to deliver scalable, high-performance test solutions to engineering teams worldwide," said Brandon Treece, Director of NI PXI Product Marketing at Emerson. "With the launch of our new, affordable NI PXI hardware, we’re making it easier than ever to build adaptable, cost-effective automated test systems—delivering software-driven flexibility, measurement precision, and system scalability to drive innovation forward."

The new hardware suite, optimised for use with LabVIEW, InstrumentStudio, and TestStand, includes:

NI PXIe-5108 Oscilloscopes: 4- and 8-channel options with 100 MHz bandwidth and 14-bit resolution for high-density measurements.

NI PXIe-1081 Hybrid Chassis: cost-effective 8-slot chassis optimised for high-channel-count, low-throughput applications.

NI PXIe-8842 / 8862 Controllers: simplified embedded controllers supporting Windows 11 and NI Linux Real-Time for flexible system integration.

NI PXIe-6381 / 6383 DAQ Modules: first 18-bit PXI Express multifunction I/O devices, offering precise, low-noise voltage measurements.

Anthony Coletto, Vice President, Supplier Management at element14 said: “These new NI PXI modules remove the trade-off between power and price. By lowering the cost of entry, we are helping more engineers deploy the industry’s most trusted synchronisation and software tools for their automated test systems.”

The new NI PXI hardware range is available to order from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America, and element14 in APAC.

element14, a fast and reliable distributor of products and technologies for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair, will participate in the 15th edition of Source India 2026, the comprehensive sourcing platform for buyers and sellers across the entire Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) value chain. The event will take place on 10–11 February 2026 at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai.

At Source India Chennai, visitors can meet element14’s technical and industry experts at Stall No. D65 & D66 in Hall No. 1, where the company will demonstrate cutting-edge automated test and measurement solutions for industrial and automotive applications.

A key highlight of element14’s participation will be the Industrial Automotive Discrete Products – Sensors-to-Software demonstration, showcasing how NI technology can be used to simplify sound and vibration testing. The interactive demonstration is designed to bridge the gap between technical complexity and practical learning, allowing attendees to explore and test solutions in an accessible, hands-on environment. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their slots for the live demo.

Commenting on the participation, Navin Honnavar, Regional Marketing Director APAC at element14, said, ‘’ At element14, we don’t just supply components, we help engineers bring ideas to life. Source India Chennai allows us to showcase how the right combination of technologies, tools, and technical expertise can accelerate the journey from concept to future-ready design. This year, we’re demonstrating solutions that enable smarter development, faster testing, and more confident innovation, and we look forward to working closely with customers to help shape what’s next.”

In addition to the live demonstrations, element14 will also showcase a range of Multicomp Pro products at the stall, including a soldering station, benchtop power supply, spectrum analyzer, and professional tool kits. This further highlights element14’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of industrial automation and control applications.

Visitors are invited to be part of Source India Chennai 2026 and discover the future of electronics with element14 at Stall No. D65 & D66, on 10–11 February 2026, at the Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai.

Event registration: https://sourceindia-electronics.com/registration

element14 has announced a new global distribution partnership with Fulham, expanding access to advanced LED drivers, emergency lighting and intelligent control solutions for customers across EMEA & APAC. The agreement strengthens element14’s lighting portfolio in the region, supporting engineers and buyers across commercial, industrial and architectural lighting applications.

Fulham brings more than 30 years of expertise in LED drivers, modules, emergency lighting and intelligent control systems. Headquartered in the United States, the company operates globally, with manufacturing in India, supply channels in India and China, and a strong presence across Europe. Its portfolio includes indoor and outdoor LED drivers, emergency lighting systems, UV ballasts, and smart control technologies, all designed to meet key international standards, including CE, ENEC, DALI-2, and UL.

Through this partnership, element14 will distribute Fulham’s lighting solutions globally, improving availability and access to future-ready technologies for engineers and buyers worldwide.

The agreement includes Fulham’s core lighting portfolio, including emergency lighting systems, indoor LED drivers, and constant-voltage driver platforms, with key ranges including the HotSpot® Series, WorkHorse® DALI-2 constant-current drivers, and the ThoroLED® Series for architectural lighting, signage, and LED strip applications.

Customer benefits include:

• Broader access to certified, future-ready lighting technologies.
• Global availability through element14’s established distribution network.
• Support for a wide range of lighting applications and form factors.
• Access to Fulham’s deep technical expertise and proven product platforms.

Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director – Onboard Components & SBC, element14, said: “element14 has a strong commitment to adding value for our customers, and this partnership expands both choice and access to innovative lighting technologies. By working with Fulham, we are enabling customers worldwide to source advanced LED drivers, emergency lighting and control solutions through a trusted global distribution partner.”

Antony Corrie, CEO, Fulham, added: “Fulham is extremely excited to embark on this new relationship with element14. The partnership brings together shared values, strong heritage and a commitment to global innovation. element14 in APAC will be selling Fulham’s LED drivers, emergency battery backup solutions, exit signs and UV-C power systems across their global customer base.”

Fulham products are available to purchase via element14’s online store, with the full range and dedicated brand pages rolling out globally.

Photo left to right: Albert Andreev, Commercial Manager Europe Fulham, Mike Fawkes, Director and Investor Fulham, Antony Corrie, CEO Fulham, Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director – Onboard Components & SBC Farnell, and Steve Hallgate, Global Product Segment Lead Power Farnell.

element14 Community has launched its annual holiday competition, inviting members to create electronics projects inspired by the holidays and what they mean to them. Participants can compete for prizes by submitting a write-up detailing how they built their project and demonstrating how it works.

This holiday season, element14 Community is highlighting its curated winter wishlists for engineers and students. The STEM-inspired gift guide includes practical tools, kits and resources to support learning and hands-on projects.

Examples from last year’s competition include an electronic elf, an interactive mini Zen garden and a musical, motion-activated wreath.

Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community, stated, “To us, the holidays are about creativity and connection. This competition gives our members the chance to share what the season means to them while showcasing their engineering skills in fun and innovative ways.”

To enter, participants must submit their project write-up on the element14 Community by 11 January 2026. Projects can be gifts, decorations or party accessories, as long as they include electronic components and reflect what the holidays mean to them.

For more information on how to participate and to see inspiration from past entries, visit the holiday competition page.

To explore holiday wishlists, visit https://community.element14.com/members-area/holidays/.

element14, has launched The DevKit HQ, a new online resource that brings together evaluation boards, development kits, single board computers (SBCs), tools and technical documents in one place.

A recent survey of engineering professionals found that finding the right development kit is a big challenge, with many engineers relying on kits to explore new technologies before starting projects. The survey also revealed that engineers value standard interfaces and extensibility, often combining or modifying multiple kits to build prototypes and proof-of-concept designs.

The DevKit HQ addresses these needs by providing a single destination to discover, compare and select solutions from leading semiconductor and hardware suppliers. The site enables engineers to quickly find the latest development kits and modular solutions by application, along with available demo and application software. Engineers can also easily locate evaluation boards that match a supplier’s product family or series. 

Additionally, the site features each kit’s datasheets, application notes, training videos, reference designs and more. Together, these resources help engineers accelerate design decisions and drive innovation across various applications, including AI, IoT, sensors, wireless, motor control and power management.

The full survey results are available here. The survey was conducted on element14 Community and fielded to 441 respondents between 28 July and 8 August.

“Our mission is to make life easier for design engineers,” said Daniel Ford, Vice President of Sales at element14. “With The DevKit HQ, we’ve created the leading destination where they can search development kits by application as well as explore new technologies, experiment with the latest kits, and move from idea to prototype faster, freeing up more time to focus on innovation.’'

The DevKit HQ is now live at https://uk.farnell.com/devkit-hq , providing a streamlined experience for discovering the latest products, gaining hands-on experience and accelerating time-to-market for new designs.

element14, a fast and reliable distributor of products and technologies for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair, will participate in EFY Expo 2025. The event is one of India’s premier gatherings for electronics innovation, product development, and manufacturing excellence. It will take place from November 21–22 at the Helipad Exhibition Center, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

At Stall No. J-1, Hall No. 1, element14 will present an array of advanced automated test and measurement solutions designed to support engineers, innovators, and manufacturers who are shaping the future of India’s electronics industry.

The highlight of element14's participation is the Industrial Automotive Discrete Products, Sensors to Software demo—a transformative showcase demonstrating how to simplify sound and vibration testing using National Instruments technology.

Attendees will also see displays such as AI-Based People Detection and Tracking using STM32N6570-DK, CO₂ Air Quality monitoring with the Infineon XENSIV Board, and AI Vision with Raspberry Pi. This interactive demonstration is aimed at bridging the gap between technical complexity and practical learning, offering attendees an opportunity to explore and test products in an approachable and insightful manner. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their slots for the demo and gain hands-on experience with these innovative applications.

Navin Honnavar, Regional Marketing Director – APAC at element14, said, “EFY Expo 2025 gives us a great chance to engage directly with engineers and innovators across India. We’re ecstatic to be part of it again this year. We have a strong lineup of technologies from Analog Devices, Infineon, Microchip, STMicroelectronics, Multicomp Pro, NI, Keysight, Weller, TE Connectivity, and Molex—all focused on helping engineers design smarter and build faster. It’s a great opportunity to have meaningful conversations and explore practical solutions with the community.”

In addition to the live demo, element14 will display a selection of Multicomp Pro products, including a soldering station, benchtop power supply, spectrum analyzer, and handheld digital oscilloscope—reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting the evolving needs of India’s electronics design and manufacturing industry.

Join element14 at Stall No. J-1, Hall No. 1 at EFY Expo Gujarat 2025, November 21–22, at the Helipad Exhibition Center, Gandhinagar, and experience the future of electronics innovation firsthand.

Register today to secure your demo slot: https://gujarat-register.efyexpo.com/EventRegistration

element14, a fast and reliable distributor of products and technologies for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair, has launched a single destination for engineers to source high‑performance components and technology solutions for smart manufacturing.

The global Smart Industry campaign showcases how element14’s comprehensive portfolio enables engineers to design and build the next generation of intelligent and automated industrial systems.

From IIoT and robotics to machine learning and predictive maintenance, the campaign highlights technologies that help engineers build smarter systems. It brings together products from element14’s global network of leading suppliers — including Analog Devices (ADI), National Instruments (NI), Arduino, TE Connectivity, Murata, Nexperia, Panasonic, Omega, StarTech, Dwyer, Wurth Elektronik, Traco Power, Molex, Raspberry Pi, TDK, and Yageo — giving customers access to a wide range of solutions that power the transformation to connected and intelligent ecosystems.

“Smart Industry is not just about connecting machines, it’s about unlocking new levels of efficiency, reliability, and innovation,” said Ankur Tomar, Technical Marketing Manager at element14. “Through this campaign, we’re giving engineers one‑stop hub to access the products, insights, and expertise they need to transform their factories into intelligent, future‑ready ecosystems.”

Smart Industry is the second in a six‑part campaign series called Innovative Living, designed to inspire and empower engineers across the industrial and electronic sectors. This edition provides curated content, application insights, and product recommendations to help customers save time, streamline their procurement process, and make confident design decisions as they navigate the rapidly evolving world of industrial automation.

Explore the campaign: https://in.element14.com/smart-industry?ICID=I-HP-LB-SMART-INDUSTRY-APR25-WF3945160

Each year, Nexperia adds about 800 new product types to its range. In 2024, more than 70 new parts for analogue and power management applications alone were released. To support Nexperia’s product expansion, element14 has expanded its SKU range in line with the growing portfolio to better serve engineers worldwide.

Nexperia is renowned for its quality and reliability in discrete components, power, and logic ICs and has made a substantial investment in manufacturing. This includes a $200 million commitment to SiC and GaN technology at its Hamburg, Germany facility. The investment is now yielding results, with a rapidly growing portfolio that includes power MOSFETs, wide bandgap semiconductors, IGBTs, as well as analogue and power management ICs.

Each year, Nexperia adds approximately 800 new product types to its range. In 2024, more than 70 new parts for analogue and power management applications alone were released.

These manufacturing advancements and new product introductions highlight Nexperia’s commitment to advancing production capabilities and meeting future demands, and Farnell’s expansion of Nexperia power products in stock reflects the desire to meet demand.

Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director, Passives and Semiconductors at element14, said,” The importance of leading-edge power products cannot be overstated, and Nexperia provides some of the best—whether they are targeted for automotive, industrial or portable or even wearable applications. We share their goal of ensuring developers can access the exact components they need, when they need them. With comprehensive Nexperia inventory available across the Americas, EMEA and APAC, we are ready to support engineers worldwide.”

Included in the new series available from element14 are:

• Power MOSFETs – Automotive-qualified power MOSFETs, small signal MOSFETs, and application specific MOSFETs from 20V to 100V. These devices provide excellent switching performance and robustness in copper-clip packages (LFPAK, CCPAK) and micro lead package (MLPAK) variants.
• 650V IGBT discretes in H-series (high speed) and M-series (motor drive) options deliver ruggedness, high reliability and enhanced inverter power density for medium and high voltage industrial applications.
• SiC diodes offer temperature-independent capacitive turn-off and zero recovery switching behaviour, combined with an outstanding figure-of-merit (Qc x VF).
• SiC MOSFETs with excellent RDSon temperature stability, fast switching speed, and high short-circuit ruggedness for high-power and high-voltage industrial applications.
• Low voltage e-mode GaN FETs, 650 V e-mode GaN FETs, 40 V bi-directional GaN FETs and 650 V cascode GaN FETs designed for enhanced power density through reduced conduction and switching losses in low- or high-power conversion applications
• Power rectifiers that deliver power density while minimising reverse recovery time and loss

Kinga Czutro, Senior Corporate Account Manager, Distribution at Nexperia said, ”We’re proud to see our power products recognized for their performance across such a wide range of applications. element14’s dedication to availability and support is a key part of helping engineers bring their designs to life, quickly and reliably. This partnership clearly reflects that shared vision.

The new range of power products from Nexperia is now available and shipping from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

element14, a fast and reliable distributor of products and technologies for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair, has announced its participation in Automation Expo 2025, India’s leading exhibition for automation and industrial technology. The event will be held from August 11 to 14 at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Center, Goregaon (E), Mumbai.

At Booth A13–A14, Hall No. 6, element14 will present a hands-on showcase of electronics solutions that power innovation across industries from industrial IoT to embedded systems. Visitors can experience live demonstrations of the NI miDAQ system, explore the latest development tools, and speak directly with element14’s technical experts to discuss challenges, ideas, and real-world applications.

Navin Honnavar, Marketing Director – APAC at element14 said, “Automation Expo is a great space to meet the people behind tomorrow’s innovations. We're looking forward to connecting with engineers, developers, and decision-makers to show how our products and expertise can help bring their ideas to life. Our goal is to support the entire journey, from concept to execution, with solutions that are reliable, scalable, and easy to integrate.’’

Highlights at the element14 Booth:

• Live demos of the latest evaluation boards and automation tools
• Showcase of industrial-grade components and connectivity solutions
• Expert consultations on product selection and design support

Join element14 at Booth A13–A14, Hall No. 6 and discover how element14 is helping engineers design, build, and innovate faster. Register today to secure your demo slot today: https://www.viablesoft.org.in/AutomationExpo2025VD/index.aspx

element14, an Avnet Community, has launched a new global design challenge in collaboration with Würth Elektronik. This new competition invites engineers, makers and hobbyists to develop a prototype or test rig using Würth Elektronik’s cutting-edge SMD LEDs with Integrated WL-ICLED Controller.

The challenge encourages participants to demonstrate the WL-ICLED Controller’s capabilities through applications such as:

• Home appliances
• Industrial control systems
• Smart lighting
• Gaming peripherals
• Decorative lighting
• Smart home monitoring or notification systems

Ten applicants will be selected to receive a free design kit, including a variety of Würth Elektronik WL-ICLEDs, an Arduino Zero, a power supply, and additional accessories to support their builds. All challengers must incorporate WL-ICLED technology into their project and document their progress through a series of blog posts.

Please note that this challenge may require SMD soldering, reflow soldering and PCB design.

Applications are open now through 8 August. Selected participants will have until 26 October to complete their projects, with winners announced shortly after.

To be eligible for prizes, selected challengers must post at least five updates on the element14 Community and a final project blog showcasing their build and the WL-ICLED’s capabilities. Entries will be judged on creativity, technical execution, and effective use of the controller’s features.

For more information on the design challenge and to register, please visit: https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/light-up-your-life/dc/dc/79/light_up_your_life.

element14 is proud to acknowledge a significant milestone for one of its key suppliers, Weller Tools. A leading hand soldering provider celebrates 80 years of innovation led by German engineering based near Stuttgart.  Weller continues to with excellence in consistently setting industry standards for precision, reliability and performance with their soldering and accompanying fume extraction and accessories ranges.

As part of its celebrations, Weller is introducing a special new black edition of its WE1010 soldering station and the new ZeroSmog Shield fume extraction system in keeping with eight decades of innovation and progress in soldering solutions for both enthusiasts and professionals.

The WE1010 Black Edition delivers the same trusted performance and user-friendly operation as the original WE1010 but features a sleek, commemorative black design and 80th anniversary logo. The black design is a nod to the original Weller devices, which were initially made of black Bakelite before later switching to ESD-safe plastics.

The WE1010 has a 70W solder iron with ergonomic handle, toolless hot tip change, an ESD safe station, plus a heat-resistant silicon cable for safe handling. The WE1010 uses ET soldering tips and features a standby mode and password-protected auto reset mode that helps to conserve energy and protect equipment.

Andrew Weatherill, Vice President of Global Product at element14, said, “Weller Tools is the trusted name in hand soldering, rework, and fume extraction. They have led the way in these areas for many decades, and we look forward to following and supporting their innovative ideas and practical results for many years to come.”

The ZeroSmog Shield is engineered to complement Weller’s soldering stations by providing high-efficiency fume extraction, ensuring a cleaner, safer work environment for soldering professionals designed for intermittent use in laboratories, R&D and educational institutes. It comes with an easy to change EPA E10 filter and an integrated work light to indicate the optimal extraction area. This special edition black product underscores Weller’s legacy of innovation, safety and performance in protecting the users health whilst soldering.

Weller Tools Senior Director, Marcel Teller echoed element14’s view adding, “As Weller celebrates 80 years of groundbreaking advancements in soldering, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation. The release of the special black edition WE1010 and ZeroSmog Shield is a tribute to our heritage and a testament to our ongoing dedication to the future of soldering technology."

Weller Tools’ anniversary celebrations will continue throughout 2025 and their industry leading soldering tools can be ordered online from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

element14 has expanded its industrial automation solutions portfolio with the latest offerings from TE Connectivity (TE), a global leader in connectivity and sensor solutions.  Engineers can now access a broad range of cutting-edge products designed to elevate the intelligence, reliability, and efficiency of modern automation systems.

As industrial environments demand faster, smarter, and more connected solutions, TE’s advanced products provide the backbone of high-performance factory automation.

The selection largely comprises the central nervous system of industrial automation systems. From high-speed connectors helping enable 25 Gbit/s data transfer to finely engineered relays that think before they switch as well as advanced sensors and intelligent power solutions, TE Connectivity’s advanced solutions enable machines to communicate, adapt, and deliver.

From designing advanced robotics to integrating high-voltage power systems or industrial IoT scaling, element14’s extensive range of TE Connectivity products helps ensure its customers have access to resilient connections, smart controls, and exceptional reliability.

Standout products from the new range include:

ERNI SMC Connector: This highly reliable and high contact density connector for BtB (Board to Board) and WtB (Wire to Board) with small multiple connectors is available in a wide range of shapes to enable different mating configurations.

Force Guided and RT/RZ Series Relays: The relays are designed for safety circuits in combination with, for example, light curtains, interlock switches, emergency stop switches, and control outputs.

AMPMODU 2mm connectors: The AMPMODU 2 mm interconnection system reliably and economically meets the requirements of today’s miniature, sophisticated electronics. This system is highly suitable for space constrained environments with design features that enable reliable signal transfers in demanding applications.

High Voltage Battery Disconnect Switches: KISSLING High Voltage (HV) battery disconnect switches are robust safety solutions that are now available in multiple versions: 250A (without high voltage Interlock) and 400A / 500A (with high voltage interlock).​

To learn more about the full range of TE Connectivity solutions available at element14, visit Te Connectivity Automation Control | element14 India

Viewers who follow the channel, like the video, and share their ideas in the comments will have a chance to win a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 or a mystery gift. The giveaway runs until June 18, 2025.

Since its launch in September 2022, the element14 Bilibili channel has grown into a vibrant community space for engineers, makers, and students. The channel offers diverse content, including DIY projects, product showcases, and webinar recordings. It serves as a valuable resource for enthusiasts seeking inspiration and practical insights into electronics.

“Posting on Bilibili enables us to connect directly with China’s vibrant engineering and maker community, inspiring creativity and innovation,” said Weidi Zhu, VP Sales Service, APAC. “ We are committed to continuing this journey and supporting our followers with engaging and valuable content.”

Join the celebration by visiting element14’s Bilibili channel, e络盟-易络盟电子, at https://space.bilibili.com/3461571588131509. For more information about element14’s offerings, visit https://cn.element14.com/

element14, a fast and reliable distributor of products and technologies for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair, has announced its participation in EFY Expo Pune 2025, one of the automotive industry’s leading events. The expo will be held from May 15 to 17 at the Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre, Pune. Attendees can visit element14 at Stall No. I-1 to explore its latest offerings.

element14 will present its Industrial Electronics: Sensors to Software demo, a hands-on experience designed to make complex technologies more accessible. This interactive showcase offers attendees the chance to engage with cutting-edge solutions in automotive electronics, electrical systems, and test and measurement tools. Early registration is encouraged to secure slots for this one-of-a-kind demonstration.

“We always look forward to opportunities like EFY Expo Pune, where we can not only showcase our wide range of products but also connect directly with engineers and industry professionals,” said Navin Honnavar, Regional Marketing Director APAC at element14. “This year, we are proud to highlight solutions from our trusted technology partners, including Multicomp Pro, NI, Keysight, Tektronix, Weller, and Metcal. These engagements help us better understand the needs of our customers and provide tailored solutions to meet their requirements.”

The stall will also feature a display of Multicomp Pro products, including soldering stations, benchtop power supplies, spectrum analyzers, and Duratool kits. This lineup underscores element14’s dedication to addressing the evolving demands of the automotive and industrial electronics industries.

Attendees will have the chance to interact with element14’s technical and industry experts to discuss their projects, challenges, and potential solutions.

Join element14 at Stall No. I-1 from May 15th to 17th, 2025, at the Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre, Pune. Register today to secure your demo slot: https://pune.efyexpo.com/register

Keysight Technologies has awarded element14 two prestigious awards for its business expansion and marketing excellence, making it the only European high-service distributor to earn multiple awards from the company in 2025.

Keysight, a global innovation partner providing design, emulation, and test solutions, commended element14 for its exceptional efforts and success in representing Keysight’s products and services in the market.

Kari Fauber, Vice President of Global Partner Sales & eCommerce at Keysight presented the awards to element14 in recognition of the company's outstanding contributions.

Kari Fauber, Vice President Global Partner Sales & eCommerce at Keysight said, “Keysight awarded element14 the Business Expansion Excellence Award in recognition of their results in expanding coverage for Keysight’s products in India. Keysight and element14’s partnership combines element14’s industry-leading reach and strong marketing programs with Keysight’s broad portfolio of distribution products and teamwork at all levels of engagement.”

The Business Expansion Excellence Award recognises element14’s successful expansion into the Indian market during FY24. element14 became an authorized Keysight partner in India, where the company made significant investments, including building dedicated stock for the region, appointing a Business Development Manager (BDM) to spearhead Keysight sales, and executing a comprehensive marketing plan to raise awareness across the Indian market.

element14’s strategic efforts have led to an impressive 25% year-over-year growth in sales of Keysight products in India since the beginning of element14’s FY25.

Andrea Dodini, Senior Director of Global Marketing at Keysight said, “element14 was recognized for Marketing Excellence at Keysight's Partner Executive Forum 2025. Their strong collaboration in launching and creating awareness for the new HD3 oscilloscope, with 14-bit resolution and low noise floor, has significantly benefited customers in the automotive, wireless, aerospace & defense, digital applications, and power analysis sectors.”

The Market Excellence Award highlights element14’s exceptional partnership with Keysight in introducing new product introductions (NPIs), most notably the successful launch of the HD3 oscilloscope. element14's targeted marketing initiatives and remarkable return on investment (ROI) have set the company apart from other partners.

“These prestigious awards from Keysight are a testament to our team's hard work and dedication, as well as the strong partnership we have developed with Keysight,” said Andrew Weatherill, Vice President of Global Product at element14. “Our focuses on customer-centric strategies and our commitment to expanding into new markets have been integral to this success.”

element14 is excited to continue building on this momentum and further strengthening its partnership with Keysight, providing innovative solutions to customers globally.


 

element14 has announced the addition of NXP^® Semiconductors’ all-purpose MCX-series of industrial and IoT microcontrollers to its portfolio; plus new FRDM development boards in a platform that removes limitations to a design engineer’s imagination.

The MCX A series includes the MCX A13x, MCX A14x, and MCX A15x. These are mainstream, easy-to-use MCUs with an innovative power architecture and software compatibility necessary for embedded applications, such as industrial sensors, motor controls, battery or handheld power system controllers, IoT devices and more.

Powered by the Arm^® Cortex^®-M33, the MCX A series are general-purpose MCUs designed to address a wide range of applications with scalable device options, low power and intelligent peripherals. The innovative power architecture is designed to support high I/O utilization and power efficiency with a simple supply circuit in a small footprint.

The MCX C series MCUs are powered by Arm Cortex-M0+ up to 48 MHz and are designed for energy efficiency and cost effectiveness, making them well-suited for a wide variety of applications. Featuring USB and segment LCD options, these MCUs cater to diverse needs, providing flexible and scalable memory and packages.

MCX N series of highly integrated Arm Cortex-M33 microcontrollers are designed for high performance and low power consumption. MCX N includes intelligent peripherals and on-chip accelerators providing multitasking capabilities and performance efficiency. Select MCX N families include NXP's eIQ^® Neutron neural processing unit (NPU) for machine learning applications.

Finally, the MCX W series are secure, wireless MCUs designed for more compact, scalable and innovative designs for the next generation of smart and secure connected devices. The MCX W series, based on the Arm Cortex-M33, offers a unified range of pin-compatible multiprotocol wireless MCUs for Matter™, Thread^®, Bluetooth^® Low Energy and Zigbee^®. MCX W enables interoperable and innovative smart home devices, building automation sensors and controls and smart energy products.

Justin Mortimer, NXP MCU Global Product Marketing Manager said: ““The NXP MCX portfolio is foundational for the future of power-efficient edge devices across industrial and IoT markets. The new MCX MCUs use the improved MCX + FRDM platform to integrate essential features that give engineers the freedom to design without limitation.”

The MCX series is accompanied by NXP’s newly enhanced FRDM development boards, a low-cost, scalable hardware platform supported by the MCUXpresso Developer Experience toolset. Designed to encourage creative freedom, these compact boards promote flexible and rapid prototyping, with industry-standard headers providing easy access to the MCU’s I/Os. With the on-board MCU-Link debug probe and USB-C cable included, engineers can develop, program and debug with ease.

• Comprehensive Software Enablement

The FRDM boards and MCX portfolio are supported by the widely adopted MCUXpresso ecosystem of software and tools to provide an optimal developer experience. Developers can work with either MCUXpresso for Visual Studio Code, the Eclipse-based MCUXpresso IDE from NXP, or with IDEs from IAR and Keil that also offer safety certification. NXP provides drivers and middleware with examples ready to work out of the box for any of these IDE choices, along with additional tools for device configuration, security and specialist applications.

Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director, Passives and Semiconductors at element14, said: “We are thrilled to announce the addition of the NXP MCX microcontrollers to our offerings. The microcontrollers have been designed to cater to a broad range of edge applications and will become a popular choice among design engineers due to its focus on scalability. These additions reflect our commitment to empowering our customers and partners to succeed in the ever-evolving technological landscape.”

The MCX series and enhanced FRDM boards can be ordered online from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

element14 has announced an expanded range of passive product solutions tailored to both engineers and buyers. By offering a simplified and streamlined approach to sourcing passive components, element14 supports engineers in their design journey and enables buyers to enhance their procurement processes.

The expanded portfolio includes solutions from leading suppliers, including Panasonic, YAGEO Group, Kyocera AVX, Murata, Wurth, Vishay, Bourns, TDK and many more. These components address diverse electronic needs, from control systems to analog electronics, and include essential products such as capacitors, inductors, resistors, filters and potentiometers.

Key Highlights include:

• Over 200,000 products in stock for next-day delivery, including 15,000 full reel products at competitive prices
• More than 24,000 new products added in the last 12 months
• Extensive technical resources, covering emerging technologies, battery management, and the role of filters, inductors, and capacitors in modern electronics

Jose Lok, Senior Global Product Category Director –Onboard Components at element14, said, “Our expanded passive product solutions provide engineers with access to the latest innovations, and our buyer-focused platform ensures a smooth, hassle-free component purchasing experience.”

Some of the new products added to Farnell’s passives portfolio include:

•  Vishay P2TC Series SMD Chip Resistors
• YAGEO R41D Series Film Capacitors
• TDK B41231 Series PET Snap-in Aluminum Electrolytic Capacitors
• Wurth Elektronik LHMI SMT Series Power Inductors
• Panasonic L series Polymer Capacitors
• Bourns CRG Series Resistors

All of the new and existing passive component solutions are available now from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

element14 has long recognised that buildings are rapidly becoming smarter and more connected. As design engineers push the boundaries of innovation in automation, surveillance, fire safety, and sustainability, the demand for advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and data analytics continues to grow.

element14 plays a crucial role by supplying the essential components that allow buildings to autonomously handle complex tasks, enabling engineers to transform these innovations into reality.

Customers will now have access to element14’s expanded range of innovative products and solutions from leading suppliers, including Amphenol, ams OSRAM, Analog Devices, Arduino, Emerson, NI, Murata, Panasonic, Power Integrations, Renesas, Raspberry Pi, and TE Connectivity—all available under one roof, enabling the development of smarter and more responsive buildings.

element14, Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community, said, “Our focus is on empowering smart building solutions with a wide range of components tailored to optimise logistics, HVAC systems, environmental controls, and security. We are excited to provide engineers with the tools they need to turn innovative concepts into tangible outcomes."

Some of the key components to support smart infrastructures include:

Analog Devices

• The ADPD188BI integrated optical module for smoke detection; the ADIN2111 low complexity, 2-port Ethernet switch offers low-complexity networking; and the ADuCM4050 ultra-low power ARM Cortex-M4F MCU ensures long-lasting performance in energy-sensitive applications

Raspberry Pi

• AI-Powered RPi 5 Computer is optimised for AI applications, enabling smarter systems. The Compute Module 4 offers a low-cost, production-ready IoT platform, while the Pico 2 delivers powerful edge processing for flexible automation.

Arduino

• The Portenta; Opta and Nicla, are poised to deliver industrial grade sensors for control, edge processing, flexible automation and AI machine learning into existing infrastructures.

Emerson NI

• mioDAQ offers more accurate measurements and simplified user experience. For flexible installation, the DIN Rail Mounting Kit ensures easy horizontal mounting, while the Rack Mount Kit lets securely fit up to two mioDAQ devices in a 19” rack, complete with USB-C cables for effortless connectivity.

TE Connectivity

• The Industrial Mini I/O ensures dependable serial, bus, and Ethernet connections, M8/M12 connectors provide a fast, hybrid solution for future-ready designs, and ERNI SMC connectors offer flexible, high-density connectivity for board-to-board and wire-to-board applications.

For more information and to explore element14’s smart building solutions, visit Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

element14 has announced that it has signed a global distribution agreement with Micro Commercial Components (MCC) that will enable it to deliver highly advanced, discrete semiconductor solutions to industries as diverse as automotive, industrial, consumer and computing.

MCC’s focus is on supreme quality and enhanced features for components such as diodes, MOSFETs, IGBTs, silicon carbide (SiC) products, protection devices, voltage regulators, transistors and power modules – all backed by a well-established global reputation for customer service.

Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director – Onboard Components, element14 Global, said, “We are delighted to partner with MCC, a leading manufacturer known for its exceptional products and global support. MCC consistently delivers shorter lead times, and with its integrated device manufacturing model and diverse production facilities, the company’s ability to swiftly adapt to market demands while ensuring product consistency and availability is truly commendable.”

Ultimately, this partnership will provide element14 developer customers with ready access to more than 10,000 MCC semiconductor components that can enhance their designs, including advanced automotive-grade components, which represent 25% of MCC's extensive portfolio. All are backed by exceptional global support and the supply and quality assurance only an integrated device manufacturer can deliver.

Pamela Cheng, General Manager, MCC, said, “MCC is excited to join the element14 family and the element14 community. element14 is highly respected in the engineering industry, and we look forward to a successful partnership built on innovation and moving technology forward.”

MCC’s extensive range can be ordered online from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

element14 extends its supplier portfolio with the introduction of EDA Technology Company, more often known as ‘EDATEC’. EDATEC’s range of cutting-edge Raspberry Pi-based products and innovative solutions will enhance element14’s existing single-board computers (SBCs) product range.

EDATEC manufactures industrial PCs, HMI panel PCs, AI cameras, and many other Raspberry Pi-based accessories that complement the existing broad range of Raspberry Pi-based devices at element14.

EDATEC's products are designed to meet the evolving needs of diverse industries, offering innovative solutions across a range of applications, including:

• IoT, automation, and AI solutions
• Smart water management and intelligent wind power technologies
• Smart agriculture and intelligent building management systems
• Intelligent warehouse, factory, and logistics management solutions
• Fire monitoring and robotics applications

element14 Head of Single Board Computing, Romain Soreau said, “The founder and core team at EDATEC have been engaged with Raspberry Pi since 2012, including support of the global release and bulk production of the initial Raspberry Pi model and subsequent versions. They are fully equipped to manufacture a wide range of products, including highly complex ones, and we are delighted to be ready to take orders for those who require EDATEC customised solutions.”

EDATEC items can be ordered online from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

 

The sixth and final episode in this series of element14’s “Top Tech Voices” series features William Higham, a renowned behavioural futurist and a sought-after speaker who is a global authority on future business strategy.

Higham’s handbook on consumer trends, The Next Big Thing: Spotting and Forecasting Consumer Trends for Profit, has been a highly influential resource for business strategists worldwide for more than 15 years. His presentations, from Financial Times conferences to Netflix’s 'Future Of' series, have inspired and equipped audiences around the world with forward-thinking strategies.

element14 President, Rebeca Obregon, said, “William’s innovative marketing campaigns for the likes of Sony and Universal highlight his success in helping businesses large and small deliver impactful results. His presentations are well known for connecting with audiences on a personal level, he is joining us at precisely the right moment as we all work to adjust to a new and rapidly evolving technological landscape.”

Higham will guide participants through how trends work, how to spot them, and how to use that knowledge to gain a competitive advantage. More specifically, Higham will discuss

the impact of new technology on consumers and the threats, as well as opportunities, that it creates for businesses

Hosted by award-winning Engineering Strategist Georgia Lewis Anderson, Higham shares his expertise on:

• Technologies expected to have the most significant impact in the long term and how to prepare and adapt for that impact
• AI’s role in reshaping the workforce of the future and how individuals can prepare for a rapidly changing technological landscape
• The role of consumers in driving the demand for sustainable products
• Advancements in connectivity and whether they will continue to impact remote collaboration with a nod to ensuring equitable access to advanced connectivity
• Advancements in cybersecurity and how businesses can protect their sensitive data.
• Biotechnology that could revolutionise healthcare
• The skills that will be most valuable for workers in an evolving, tech-driven economy
• Cultural trends and behaviours that are expected to emerge and take root in the next decade

The sixth episode of Top Tech Voices can be viewed by clicking this link. Up-to-date information about previous episodes in the Top Tech Voices series, further dates, times and topics can also be found via the link.

element14, a fast and reliable distributor of products and technology for electronic and industrial system design, maintenance, and repair, is collaborating with Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) to host an exclusive webinar on March 20, 2025. The webinar will focus on ADI’s latest technological advancements across IoT, industrial, consumer, and healthcare applications.

The session will provide engineers with live demonstrations, expert insights, and a dedicated Q&A session, offering practical knowledge on utilizing ADI’s innovations. A highlight of the event will be ADI’s MCU MAX 326xx series, known for its exceptional power efficiency and reliability, enabling engineers to create advanced solutions for modern electronic designs.

Key highlights of the webinar include:

• Exploration of ADI’s innovations in IoT, industrial, and healthcare technologies.
• Practical applications of ADI’s MCU MAX 326xx series for energy-efficient designs.
• Interactive Q&A session with ADI experts.

Event Details:
Date: March 20, 2025
Location: Online Webinar

To register for the webinar, visit: Webinar Registration Page.

For more information on ADI’s products, visit: ADI Product Page.

element14, an Avnet Community, in partnership with TDK, has launched a new design challenge, inviting engineers, makers, and technology enthusiasts to develop innovative projects utilizing TDK’s waterproof ultrasonic range sensors in real-world applications.

Participants will integrate TDK USSM Plus-FS sensors into a functional project that demonstrates the versatility and accuracy of ultrasonic distance sensing technology. Selected applicants will receive an evaluation kit from TDK, which includes two TDK USSM Plus-FS ultrasonic range sensors, a TDK evaluation board, and a set of sensor connector cables.

Participants are encouraged to explore a range of potential applications for ultrasonic sensing technology, such as object detection, industrial control sensing, human-robot interaction, movement boundary control, conveyor belt monitoring, smart delivery robots, autonomous lawnmowers, and liquid level sensing.

Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community, stated, “This design challenge provides our community with the opportunity to explore the power of ultrasonic sensing technology with hands-on experience in real-world applications.”

Applications are open till 28 March. Once selected, participants have until 16 June to build their projects. Challengers must post their progress including the final project and at least five blog posts before the closing date. Posts that include photos, videos and code samples will be judged more favorably.

The grand prize winner will receive an Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (4^th gen) 128GB and an iRobot Roomba self-emptying robot vacuum cleaner, the runner-up will receive an iPad Mini 10.9 inch 64GB and an iRobot Roomba self-emptying robot vacuum cleaner, and other finishers of the challenge (anyone who completes five blogs and a project with the featured product) will receive a MultiComp Pro Multimeter Set.

For more information on the design challenge and to register, please visit: https://community.element14.com/InReachChallenge.

element14 releases Episode 5 of its interview series, “Top Tech Voices”, featuring Colin Herron, CBE, who will dispel myths that continue to shroud the emergence of electrification, and the adoption of EVs in particular.

Herron is a visiting professor at Newcastle University and Managing Director of Zero Carbon Futures, a company dedicated to developing new low carbon technologies to power the future.

He works with Newcastle University on “Newcastle City Futures”, a revolutionary electricity storage system and other solutions for storing energy from renewable sources, shaving peak energy demand and providing other grid service.

He will appear in a podcast episode titled “The Race to Electrify: EVs and Infrastructure & Power Management: Optimizing for Battery Life and Energy Efficiency”.

element14 President, Rebeca Obregon, said, “Colin’s knowledge about electrification is vast, and he’s not known for pulling his punches when a point needs to be made. His discussion will be entertaining, thought provoking and, in a word, electrifying. This is among the most important and timely discussions we have ever hosted.”

Herron’s expertise is highly sought. After seventeen years with Nissan as an engineer focussed on manufacturing methodology, Herron moved to what was then called the Regional Development Agency. In 2011, he created “Zero Carbon Futures (ZCF)”, eventually moving the company into Newcastle University in 2020. He holds a masters degree in Manufacturing Management and Technology with the Open University in 2000, and earned a PhD from Newcastle University in 2006.

Now a specialist in EV trends who advises large cities and local authorities and a frequent guest speaker, Herron leads the North East office of the Faraday Institution and Battery Alliance. He is currently focussed on developing low carbon vehicle technology and closely monitors all activity in North East England with regard to battery gigaplants and regional battery research groups that deal with the scale up of battery manufacture as well as modelling the EV charging infrastructure requirements of cities and local authorities.

Hosted by award-winning Engineering Strategist, Georgia Lewis Anderson, this episode enables listeners to hear from Herron about:

• How is the infrastructure for electric vehicles evolving, and what challenges remain
• What advancements in battery technology he is currently most excited about
• Best practices for engineers to optimize battery life in their designs
• The current challenges in recycling old batteries, and how they can be addressed
• His views on the market for energy-efficient designs evolving in the coming years
• The future of energy-efficient designs in a rapidly changing technological landscape
• The role of energy efficiency in addressing global energy challenges.

"We are so grateful to Colin for agreeing to share his expertise with our customers,” said Obregon. “I have no doubt that listeners to this episode will come away with a great many more insights – and perhaps altered perceptions – than they had beforehand.”

The fifth episode of Top Tech Voices can be viewed by clicking this link. Up-to-date information about previous episodes in the Top Tech Voices series, further dates, times and topics can also be found via the link.
 

element14 has expanded its industrial and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) offerings to ensure customers have access to a variety of products and solutions from industry-leading suppliers.

To strengthen its portfolio, element14 has formed new partnerships with leading suppliers, including Airotronics, Dwyer, Endress+Hauser, Pickering, Peltec, Siemens, SICK, Trimax, and TKD Kabel. These partnerships add depth and variety to element14’s robust industrial product range.

Customers can now explore a diverse range of industrial solutions spanning over 18 product categories on a newly launched webpage, which serves as a central hub for future industrial product introductions, supplier spotlights and product range expansions.

Andrew Weatherill, Vice President of Global Product at element14, stated, “We are deeply invested in growing and strengthening our industrial MRO range to meet the evolving needs of our customers and the increasing digitization of industrial processes to improve their operations. With over 220,000 industrial products available and ongoing investments in our portfolio, we offer comprehensive solutions across key categories, including electrical, mechanical, and automation. By enhancing our offerings and working with trusted brands, we aim to provide exceptional value and support for our customers' industrial, production, and maintenance needs.”

Farnell is also committed to helping customers navigate the transition to Industry 4.0 through its Industrial Automation & Control Hub. This dedicated resource center provides expert insights, technical articles, and the latest industrial automation solutions to support businesses in optimizing efficiency, connectivity, and smart manufacturing capabilities.

To explore Farnell’s expanded industrial product range and offerings, visit: https://in.element14.com/product-range-expansion

element14, has significantly expanded its range of PUI Audio products. The increased additions from the global innovator and provider of a wide range of audio, haptic, and sensor solutions enhances element14’s distribution portfolio. The new expanded supplier line enables customers to have access to a wider variety of specialised audio components to meet their needs. 

PUI Audio’s mission is to provide the world with the most comprehensive line of high-quality audio components and innovative, customised solutions, by applying its unique design approach and world-class customer care.

Jake Cox, PUI Audio Distribution Sales Manager, said, “PUI Audio has 50+ years of experience in helping its customers find the right product for their application across multiple industries including medical, industrial, security, and consumer. We are delighted to partner with element14 to expand accessibility of our broad range of innovative high-quality audio, haptics, and sensor products.”

PUI Audio’s commitment to quality is evidenced by its policy of 100% in-line testing during various stages of production, followed by 100% end-of-the-line testing. Moreover, before anything leaves the manufacturing facility, there is a final inspection performed by the QA Department. When the product reaches its Dayton, Ohio, headquarters, an additional ANSI standard Z 1.4 sample lot inspection is carried out. As an additional quality control safeguard, all test data is digitally captured to identify and analyse trends, and it is only then that the parts are shipped to customers.

element14 Product Segment Leader for Passive Components, Stephen Marsh, said “PUI Audio is the choice of thousands of audio product customers, from engineers to the world’s leading manufacturers. Exceeding customer expectations with intricate testing, superior customer service, and informed local representatives and engineers is an integral value for PUI  Audio, and reflective of element14’s values to always put the customer first.”

Items from PUI Audio’s entire range of range of audio, haptic and sensor components can be ordered online from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

element14’s popular interview series, “Top Tech Voices” continues in February with a discussion with Toju Duke, recognised worldwide as one of the leading proponents of standardising ethical AI.

Duke is the founder and CEO of Bedrock AI, an AI research, product development, and services company working with the underlying principles of “Responsible AI”.

Entitled “The Rise of AI on the Edge with Distributed Intelligence” the wide-ranging discussion will also include observations on responsible AI, STEM, diversity in AI and Duke’s approach to AI during her time with Google.

element14 President, Rebeca Obregon, said, “Toju really takes the lid off AI and provides key messaging about what we should be doing to ensure a responsible and sustainable deployment of AI technologies in our businesses and, increasingly, personal lives. Her insights are particularly acute and have proven to be crucial to influencing AI design and development to appropriately represent people from under-represented groups as well as reduce the potential harms and risks associated with such systems. I am delighted that she has agreed to share her expertise with our audience in this episode.”

Duke is a popular speaker, author, thought leader, advisor and entrepreneur with more than 18 years’ experience spanning advertising, retail, not-for-profit and tech. She worked at Google for 10 years, most recently as a programme manager for Responsible AI, leading various Responsible AI programmes across Google’s product and research teams.

Duke also founded and is now CEO of Bedrock AI, an AI product and services company focused on AI research, model and product development. In addition, she founded, Diverse AI, a community interest organisation targeted at people who identify with underrepresented groups and want to up skill, join the field or have a sense of community with like-minded people.

Finally, Duke was the UK lead for “Women in AI”, a non-profit global organisation with a mission to drive gender diversity in AI. Her book “Building Responsible AI Algorithms” has been hugely successful and has paved the way for her second book.

Her work has been featured across several national and international media outlets including the BBC, Sky News, El Pais, La Nacion, La Vanguardia, Sifted and others

Hosted by award-winning AI Content and Prompt Engineering Strategist, Georgia Lewis Anderson, among the topics Duke will address, among others in this episode, are:

• AI market trends over the next five years and the most pressing concerns about their development and deployment.
• The resources necessary to engage audiences with AI.
• The most pressing challenges faced by companies interested in implementing AI.
• Identifying what could be the single most transformative AI application of the near future.
• How AI can usefully contribute to sustainability and a reduction in carbon footprints.
• The most critical legislative and regulatory issues facing AI implementation.
• How customers are likely to react to – and interact with - AI.

"Toju is an AI tour de force,” said Obregon. “She is one of those thoughtful and charismatic leaders who have the evidence to support their statements and do so in a way that resonates with truth.

“We want Top Tech Voices to speak directly to the needs of our audience by showcasing insights from top industry leaders. Ultimately, we aim to provide valuable knowledge that helps customers grow, innovate, and ultimately improve their lives and businesses with the information they need to excel in a rapidly changing world.”

This fourth episode of Top Tech Voices can be viewed by clicking this link. Up-to-date information about previous episodes in the Top Tech Voices series, further dates, times and topics can also be found via the link.

element14 shares investment in stock to meet market demand with switches from all leading brands, including its private label Multicomp Pro range.

Switches are crucial in many settings, but the type of switch required is dependent on the speed and demand of a network. For example, enterprise-level businesses may need high-speed switches with uplink ports of 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, or 100 Gbps for data centres. For that and many other reasons, a robust supply of switches is essential to ensure the availability of the most appropriate one for a specific application.

“Whether it’s a toggle, rocker, rotary, pushbutton, ethernet or any other kind of switch, element14 has its customers covered,” said Keith Forbes, Global Product Segment Leader, Switches, at element14. “We have invested a great deal to ensure our switch range from the world’s best manufacturers is available and unbeatable, so we are delighted to announce that we are fully stocked and ready to ship across every brand we carry, including our own Multicomp Pro. This investment reflects our commitment to meet every customer’s requirements.”

element14’s extensive global switch offering is comprised of more than 26,000 products, which all but guarantees the availability of the right switch for the job.

“Switches play a vital role in just about every electromechanical function that occurs today,” said Andrew Weatherill, Vice President Global Product, element14. “We proudly help keep businesses running worldwide by ensuring the availability of these small, but mission-critical devices.”

Switches can be ordered online from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

element14 has announced that it is now stocking the band new microBRICK^® regulator module from Vishay Intertechnology, expanding its power portfolio with the smallest DC/DC regulator module on the market.

micoBRICK is a synchronous buck regulator module with integrated power MOSFETs and an inductor. It can supply 20 A of continuous current at up to 2 MHz switching frequency.

The regulator produces an adjustable output voltage down to 0.6 V from 4.5 V to 18 V input rail to accommodate a variety computing, consumer electronics, telecom, and industrial applications.

The device’s architecture supports ultrafast transient response with minimum output capacitance, and tight ripple regulation at a very light load. The device is internally compensated and doesn’t require an external ESR network for loop stability purposes.

The device also incorporates a power saving scheme that significantly increases light-load efficiency. The regulator integrates a full protection feature set, including output over voltage protection (OVP), cycle by cycle over current protection (OCP), short circuit protection

(SCP), and thermal shutdown (OTP). It also has UVLO and a user programmable soft start.

The microBrick is available in a lead (Pb)-free power enhanced PowerPAK® MLP60-A6C package measuring only 10.6 mm x 6.5 mm x 3 mm.

Rob Burton, Global Product Segment Leader, Power Management, at element14, said, "Developers need to know what they can achieve with Vishay’s new regulator. As the smallest regulator available on the market today, it has the dual benefits of providing high performance within a small, space-saving footprint.”

Tony Callow, Distribution Account Manager, UK & Eire, for Vishay, added, “microBrick is a simple but effective solution to building efficient high-density DC/DC converters, with a wide input voltage range for a huge range of applications. We look forward to growing our market for these devices with the help of element14’s stocking, ordering, and distribution expertise.”

Vishay manufactures one of the world’s largest portfolios of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components, which are essential to innovative designs in the automotive, industrial, computing, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace, and medical markets. Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH).

Vishay’s new microBrick can be ordered online from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

element14 has announced the addition of Roxspur’s extended range of flowmeters, pressure transmitters and thermocouples to its portfolio of world class sensor solutions from TT Electronics, a global provider of engineered electronics for performance-critical applications.

Roxspur is a TT Electronics sensor brand, known primarily for providing complete temperature, pressure, flow and instrumentation solutions for demanding applications across aerospace and defence, industrial and water applications and many others.

As the UK’s premier manufacturer and supplier of flow measurement and control technologies, including variable area, ultrasonic, magnetic, turbine, and laminar flow principles together with a wide array of controllers, displays, gauges, switches and regulators, Roxspurs’ latest additions to Farnell’s stock provide a comprehensive selection of high-quality sensors from which to choose.

Its pressure sensor technology can operate over a wide temperature range, and benefits from  high overpressure resistance capability. Roxspur’s comprehensive portfolio of low-cost OEM ready to use pressure capsules, to fully packaged transducers, and transmitters are specifically designed to operate in the most extreme environments.

One of the UK’s largest thermocouple manufacturers with expertise in the aerospace, glass, steel & energy from waste sectors. The TT electronics thermocouple stocking package with element14 also includes UKAS ISO:17025 calibration over the full recommended working range of each type.

Sarah Priebe, Product Segment Leader Sensors, at element14, said, "We are delighted to expand our TT Electronics range with the addition of the Roxspur offering. This complements our existing stock of TT Electronics’ BI-Technologies and Optek Technology sensor brands to provide a wealth of sensor solutions for virtually any industrial requirement.”

Items from TT Electronics’ Roxspur range can be ordered online from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

element14, an Avnet Community, has teamed up with NXP to launch an exciting new design challenge centered around building automation for smart spaces. This challenge invites engineers and tech enthusiasts to develop innovative solutions using NXP’s FRDM MCX A Series (A15X) development kit.

Ten selected participants will receive the NXP FRDM MCX A15X kit and will tackle a building automation problem. Suggested projects include, but are not limited to:

• Smart Temperature Control System
• Bluetooth Lighting Controller
• Attendance and Presence Monitoring
• Meeting Room Booking System
• CO2 Monitor
• Foot Traffic Monitoring System

Applications are open until 16 December, and the chosen challengers will be announced on 20 December. Participants will then have until 7 March 2025 to complete their projects and document their journey through blog posts on the element14 Community platform.

Challengers will compete for a range of exciting prizes. The grand prize and runner-up winners will receive a Nest Home Automation Kit, CCTV system, and Multicomp Pro Multimeters. To be eligible, participants must share regular updates and document their build process, culminating in a final showcase of their Building Automation Project.

Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community stated, “We're thrilled to join forces with NXP to inspire engineers and tech enthusiasts to push the boundaries of building automation. This challenge provides a unique opportunity to leverage NXP’s advanced FRDM MCX A15X development kit and transform spaces through innovative, practical solutions. We look forward to seeing how participants bring their creative ideas to life, shaping the future of smart spaces.

The online hackathon-style design challenge was officially launched at element14 Community's stand at Farnell’s exhibit within Avnet City during electronica 2024, encouraging attendees to learn more and get involved.

For more information and to register for the design challenge, visit: community.element14.com/SmartSpaces.

**Ends**

element14 has announced the expansion of its comprehensive range of tools and production supplies, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and performance of industrial operations. Customers can now explore an extensive selection of high-quality products from leading suppliers, ensuring seamless operations for their facilities.

For a limited time, element14 is offering a 10% discount on select brands and product categories, giving customers an opportunity to upgrade their production tools and supplies at a reduced cost. This exclusive promotion will expire on Friday, 29^th November 2024.

Key categories featured in element14’s latest selection include chemicals, datacom, ESD protection, fasteners, fume extraction, hand tools, personal protection & safety, soldering equipment, storage cases, and measurement & inspection tools.

Diana Lin, Director, Strategic Sourcing and Technology Solutions at element14, stated, “Our expanded range of tools and production supplies means customers no longer need to look elsewhere. We offer a complete solution to ensure that their facilities run smoothly and efficiently, and with top categories and exceptional quality products from leading suppliers, element14 is the one-stop shop for all your industrial needs.”

To explore element14’s full range of tools and production supplies, including the current 10% discount offer, visit  Industrial tools & production supplies | element14 Australia

element14, an Avnet Community, has launched the “Start a Movement” Design Challenge which will grant 20 engineers the opportunity to build a project of their choosing that features a moving component. Challengers will use the provided Analog Devices TMC5272-EVAL kit and accompanying QSH4218 NEMA 17 stepper motor and PSU to bring their projects to life with automated movement.

Designers are encouraged to let their creativity flow when it comes to how they would like to incorporate moving parts within their projects. Example tasks that can be performed include but are not limited to:

• Movement Control
•  Precise Movement
•  Wearables
•  Personal Portable Devices
• Optical Systems, Lens Control
•  CCTV, Surveillance, Conference Systems Focus/Zoom and Pan/Tilt Control
• Patch and Insulin Pumps
•  Pipettes and Liquid Handling
• Small Printing and Scanning Devices
• Lab and Office Automation
• Space-Constrained Stepper Motor Applications
•  Energy efficient movement control

“Movement capabilities are crucial to all pieces of technology in daily life,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community. “We hope this challenge inspires our members to incorporate more automated, moving parts into their future creations and potentially leads them to design new, cutting-edge innovations.”

Applications are open until 18 October. Once selected, participants will have until 3 December to build their projects. To qualify as completing the challenge, chosen participants must post five blogs or forum posts within the contest site regarding their build process and one project article on the final outcome of their project. Posts that include photos, videos and code samples will be judged more favorably. 

The grand prize winner will receive a KELKART 27.5 Inch Electric Bike, runners-up will receive a Fafrees Electric Bike and other finishers of the challenge will receive a MultiComp Pro Multimeter Set.

To learn more about the “Start a Movement” Design Challenge and to get moving on entering the competition, please visit https://community.element14.com/start-a-movement.

Digilent and NI engineering teaching solutions are now available from element14 to empower educators and researchers with a suite of hardware and software tools to support learning experiences in both traditional and remote learning environments.

Digilent excels in providing affordable and portable devices for learning circuits and digital logic remotely, making them a perfect fit for the recent rise of remote and hybrid learning environments. Their products are lightweight, USB-connected, and cater to the needs of both students and educators.

Digilent’s popular products, like the Analog Discovery 3 and the Analog Discovery Studio, allow students to use a Windows/Mac/Linux machine to become one of many real-world test devices like an oscilloscope, logic analyser, pattern generator, and more. Powered by Digilent’s own WaveForms software, these tools – small enough to fit in a backpack – give professors and students the flexibility to teach or learn in a way that’s best for them.

For those who are looking for a solution for digital logic instruction, Digilent's collection of introductory FPGAs are a welcome start. Boards like the Basys 3 and Zybo Z7 are aimed to put the learning of computer architecture, basic digital functions, and even control and robotics into the hands of students. 

“Digilent's Academic product line provides educators and students with low-cost, fundamental tools and curricula to make engineering technologies understandable and accessible to all," said Jay Wimsatt, Director Product Operations at element14. "We are excited to make these innovative teaching solutions available to our customers, supporting the evolving educational landscape and the increasing demand for flexible learning tools.”

For more information about Digilent Engineering Teaching Solutions available through element14, please visit https://in.element14.com/digilent-academic?ICID=I-HP-LB-DIGILENT-ACADEMIC-MAY-24-WF3632310

element14’s Test and Measurement portfolio is making it easier for professional engineers, educators, makers and hobbyists to purchase a comprehensive range of high-quality oscilloscope solutions.

With prices and feature-sets from an array of makes and models available at a single source, element14 is greatly simplifying the procurement of complete laboratories or test systems.  

With electronic systems in almost all parts of everyday life, oscilloscopes have never been more needed. They are crucial for analysing the multitude of electrical signals that bring any product to functionality. As an essential tool required during the design, verification, and debugging phases of product development as well as for after sales service and repair, element14’s complete offering enables customers to find the right features in each oscilloscope to suit their application.

Customers can take advantage of a range of discounts currently being offered by element14 on products and all oscilloscope solutions are supported with digital delivery of software and upgrades.

Key products in the element14 range include:

• Tektronix New 4 B Series - suitable for educational institutions, embedded designers, and small business owners.
• Keysight Infiniium EXR Series - with a free memory upgrade and software app
• Rohde & Schwarz RTB Bundle - with 35% discount and RTA Bundle - with up to 49% discount

Christelle Mazella, Senior Manager, Test, Tools & Production Supplies, at element14, says, “Our oscilloscope portfolio includes key products from major, global suppliers and gives our customers the ease and flexibility to peruse a range of options and select the right one for them. Tektronix are renowned for providing industry-leading quality and reliability for a wide range of industries, Keysight Technologies are leaders in innovation of ‘scopes for designing, debugging, or performing compliance tests and Rohde & Schwarz offer cutting edge products from top value to top performance that fit every requirement. At Farnell, we’re able to provide something for everyone, all within the same place.”

Customers can now purchase all the oscilloscope products in this market-leading range from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

element14, an Avnet Community, in collaboration with AMD, has launched the “Eye on Intelligence” design challenge. This innovative competition invites participants to design and build an embedded vision project using a development kit based on the AMD Zynq-7000^TM SoC devices.

Embedded vision is increasingly being integrated into various projects, significantly impacting skill sets, technical innovation, and product development. AMD adaptive SoCs and FPGAs are the ideal devices for creating embedded visual intelligence systems. The challenge offers an excellent opportunity for developers to enhance their embedded vision skills by utilizing the AMD Zynq-7000^TM SoC-based development kit.

15 official applicants will receive a Digilent Arty Z7 (P/N 410-346-20) development platform, designed around the AMD Zynq-7000^TM SoC, free of charge. To compete for prizes, participants must blog about their design process and the outcome of their embedded vision project, ensuring the kit is used in the final project. The competition encourages creative use of the FPGA components and innovative applications of AMD’s adaptive SoC technology.

Example tasks for the competition include, but are not limited to, Facial Recognition Signage, ANPR Registration Plate Monitoring System, Object Classification, and Object Sorting System.

"This design challenge is a great opportunity for developers to push the boundaries of embedded vision technology using AMD's adaptive SoCs and FPGAs,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community. “We're excited to see the groundbreaking projects our participants will create and how they will leverage the AMD Zynq-7000^TM SoC to drive advancements in machine learning and AI-powered applications."

The grand prize includes a Multicomp Pro MP720025 Digital Oscilloscope and a Multicomp Pro MP710082 Bench Power Supply, with a combined value of approximately $900. The runner-up prize consists of a Multicomp Pro MP720857 Handheld Oscilloscope and a Tenma 72-2660 Handheld DC Power Supply, valued at around $380. Lastly, the finisher prize is a Multicomp Pro MP781004 Handheld Digital Multimeter.

Applications are open now until 17 July. The 15 selected challengers will have until 25 October to complete their projects and blog entries. Winners will be announced in October 2024.

To learn more about the design challenge and enter the competition, please visit https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/eye-on-intelligence-challenge/.

element14 has announced a collaboration with Würth Elektronik (WE) to highlight the many benefits of high-quality RF components, which play a key role in ensuring reliable wireless connectivity for a huge range of consumer and industrial applications.

 element14 Product Segment Leader for Würth Elektronik, Josh Ahern, said, “This ‘WE connect dots!’ campaign is designed to inspire design engineers to fully appreciate that high quality RF components are ultimately what will enable them to deliver devices that can be counted on to perform at the highest level. It is in their interest to fully explore what WE can contribute to their success.”

The WE product portfolio includes all necessary components for IoT devices such as RF inductors and capacitors; chip and rod antennas; chip filters and baluns; and coaxial connectors and radio modules required for the assembly of any kind of wireless interface.

Chip antennas provide very good performance in a compact design with little design modification. Rod antennas offer performance with value for those who are not as constrained by space limitations. For the very experienced design engineer, PCB antennas are also available for highly miniaturised applications.

Customers can also purchase antenna matching design kit for their antenna selection and matching needs.

As for baluns and filters, WE offers the WE-LPF and WE-BPF multilayer chip low-pass and band-pass filters that feature low insertion loss and high attenuation in the stop-band with guaranteed performance characteristics. The WE-BAL multilayer chip balun is a 2W, low-loss SMT balun with balanced impedance of 50 to 200 Ω, able to operate over a wide temperature range.

Capacitors from the WE range include the low-capacitance, high-tolerance WCAP-CSRF high frequency MLCC; hermetically sealed WE-XTAL crystals (both SMT and THT models); and a wide collection of configurable coax connectors.

RF inductors include compact and small size RF Inductors, WE-MK multilayer ceramic chip inductor and WE-TCI thin film chip inductor, along with the high performance WE-CAIR air core inductor and price-performance balanced WE-KI wire wound ceramic inductor.

element14’s Josh added, “The success of IoT is largely down to robust and reliable RF connectivity, and Würth Elektronik has a depth of expertise that we are proud to make available to our customers.”

For more information about element14, the WE range of RF components and many other Würth Elektronik components, visit Wurth RF Multi-Channel | element14 India

element14 has announced the release of its latest solutions guide which focuses on electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. It is expected to be the definitive resource for all aspects of EV charging station development, from power management to connectivity to security.

The guide recognises the diversity of EV charging station requirements and their respective applications as they rapidly populate areas ranging from residential neighbourhoods and commercial complexes to workplaces, public spaces, and designated corporate fleet charging platforms. Whether a developer is creating a new solution for occasional vehicle charging or innovative quick charge stations for busy travellers on the go, this guide will help them arrive at the ideal EV charging infrastructure for their application faster, and more confidently.

element14 Regional Solutions Marketing Manager, Ankur Tomar, said, “We have devoted many hours of technical expertise into this guide. The entire team of contributors felt it was vital to share their expertise to ensure that all those who are engaging in the development of EV charging solutions were able to get definitive answers that would enable them to make fast, yet highly confident decisions. We believe all of that knowledge, and more, is reflected in its content, making it a useful how-to-guide that incorporates all the relevant technical information too.”

In addition to the new solutions guide, element14 has amassed a huge repository of online information on EV charger solutions hub from details about power distribution units, input protection, connectors and payment security through to microcontrollers, PLCs and everything in between. The library of materials for EVs is readily available with not only practical application and operational details, but detailed individual product information and pricing.

Ankur added, “This is one of the most comprehensive reference resources we have ever complied, and it illustrates the importance we place on EV charging and associated markets. It is an especially valuable source of information for the transition to more efficient energy use.”

element14’s EV solutions guide is available in English language only and can be downloaded here and the EV reference library can be accessed by clicking here.

element14, an Avnet Community, has launched the “Shift It! – Warehouse Automation Challenge” which will allow 15 selected engineers and designers to build a project that would help in automating a warehouse.

Selected participants will receive a bundle of TE Connectors and Arduino Uno Robotics Shields to enable them to build their robotics movement projects. Challengers are tasked with using four or more of the TE Connectivity Products within their designs.

Members can design any project of their liking that would work to automate a warehouse, including schemes such as automatic inventory systems, automatic movement systems, warehouse worker safety systems, automated timesheet systems, and electronic stock taking systems.

“Automation has already changed the way tasks are performed in warehouses and factories, and it will only continue to do so,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community. “We’re excited to offer our Community members the opportunity to experiment with the process themselves and see the potential of robotics for large scale applications.”

Potential participants must apply by June 19. Once selected, challengers must post their progress and final project in at least five blog posts by August 28 in order to compete for prizes such as an Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch, iRobot Roomba Self Emptying Robot Vacuum Clearer and an iPad Mini 10.9 Inch. Anyone who completes their project and the five blog posts will receive the finisher prize, a MultiComp Pro Multimeter Set.

Good use of the TE connectivity components and interesting uses of movement, in addition to blog posts containing photos, videos and code samples will be viewed more favorably in the judging process.

Applications close on June 19 and selected challengers will have until August 28 to complete their projects and blog posts. Winners will be announced in September 2024.

To learn more about the Shift It! – Warehouse Automation Challenge and enter the competition, please visit https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/shift-it-warehouse-automation-design-challenge/

element14 recently conducted an element14 Community poll to assess the industry’s current view on the predicted successor to Industry 4.0, i.e., “Industry 5.0”, which is a concept that asserts that robots and other machines will soon emerge to work comfortably alongside human beings by leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data.

The element14 Community poll results offered a number of useful insights that, overall, appear to indicate that, while Industry 5.0 is a valid concept, it is seen by some as premature.

For example, while a small percentage of respondents claimed that they are already involved in Industry 5.0 initiatives to some degree, a quarter of the respondents don’t see a transition occurring for another three to five years.

However, half of the poll respondents believe that Industry 5.0 is a concept that may never as currently envisaged be fully adopted as it doesn’t fully take into account the realities of Industry 4.0. That’s because Industry 4.0 is still in its relative infancy as manufacturers learn how to scale up and transition their operations to take advantage of the benefits of data analytics, AI, and machine learning. There is still a long way to go with Industry 4.0, but it is getting there relatively quickly.

“We are excited to unveil the findings from our recent element14 Community poll, shedding light on the industry’s perspectives regarding Industry 5.0. While the concept shows promise, our poll reveals a diverse range of opinions, suggesting that its widespread adoption might be premature for some,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community. “With a quarter of respondents projecting a transition timeline of three to five years and others express scepticism about its feasibility, it’s evident that Industry 4.0 remains a pivotal focus for many.”

element14 is proud of its support for Industry 4.0 as the relentless march to digitalisation continues to revolutionise modern industry, and the not-yet so clearly defined industry of the future.

Development engineers who are leading the way in both of these new industrial eras can find everything they need – and more – for their solutions from element14’s vast range of Industrial Automation and Control products from the world’s leading manufacturers, in stock and ready to ship.

**Ends**

element14 has added Weller's five new WXsmart soldering station kits and two new accessories to provide professionals with a smart and safe solution for all their soldering needs.

Each kit comes equipped with Weller's award-winning WXsmart station, along with an array of tools and accessories suitable for various specialist soldering applications.

Ed Smith, Product Segment Leader for Weller at element14 said: “Weller is renowned for its cutting-edge soldering solutions and this latest launch provides an affordable option for all soldering users. These kits cater to a wide range of needs, from precision soldering to repairs and reworks on various applications, as well as heavy-duty soldering tasks. Essentially, there is a WXsmart kit to suit every customer's specific requirements.”

The all-in-one station acts as the brain of the workbench, consolidating all soldering applications in one station. The platform fully supports Smart Soldering 4.0 with intelligent tips and tools, saving cost, time, and space. Weller's Smart Tips offer multiple traceability features thanks to the integrated chip in every soldering tip.

Some of the key features of WXsmart include:

• CONTROL: Total Process Control (TPC) to manage the complete soldering process from tip to station.
• CONNECT: Maximum connectivity to support IoT standards for full traceability, mobile-enabled easy remote control access.
• SAFE: Built-in cyber-security to prevent costly downtimes.
• SMART: The platform fully supports Smart Soldering 4.0 with intelligent tips and tools, saving cost, time, and space. Weller's smart tips offer multiple traceability features thanks to the integrated chip in every soldering tip.

“We have received fantastic feedback from design engineers worldwide on the use of the WXsmart since its launch just over a year ago, thanks to its smart features, traceability, and security. At Weller, we strongly believe that every professional soldering user should have access to this technology. As a result, we are thrilled to announce the release of five new specialist user kits, which are now available for purchase at a discounted price to make them more accessible and convenient," said Marcel Teller, Senior Global Product Manager at Weller.

Weller is the only soldering company in the world that offers an all-in-one smart soldering station.

Customers can purchase the new WXsmart soldering station kits and accessories from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

element14 has been honoured with the prestigious title of Global Distributor of the Year – 2023 by Global Connector Technology (GCT), one of the leading manufacturers of world-class connector and cable assembly solutions for over 30 years.

This accolade underscores element14's commitment to excellence, innovation, and steadfast partnership with industry leaders.

The GCT awards celebrate distributors who have significantly contributed to expanding market reach, driving revenue growth, and delivering exceptional service to customers worldwide. Amidst unprecedented challenges in the industry, element14's dedication and remarkable achievements throughout 2023 stood out, earning them this esteemed recognition.

“We have seen steady development of our business with element14 over the past few years and these efforts really delivered results in 2023, a year that was not short of challenges across our industry," said Richard Clark, Global Distribution Manager from GCT. "The teams at element14 have been very supportive in expanding the GCT product offering, and this delivered best in class results in revenue growth, customer count expansion, and the number of unique parts sold. We deeply value the engagement with element14 and look forward to continuing to accelerate our mutual growth."

GCT highlighted element14's instrumental role in expanding the GCT product portfolio and credited this collaboration for delivering outstanding performance amidst a dynamic business landscape.

Russell Paik, Global Category Director for Interconnect & Electromechanical at element14, said: “Winning the 'Global Distributor of the Year' award from GCT highlights the strong relationship we have built with GCT and customers. We are honoured by this recognition and look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional service and value to our customers worldwide.”

Customers can explore the entire GCT range from Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.

element14 has announced the availability of Gateworks' latest Wi-Fi 6 Development Kit - GW11048-5-A.

Gateworks will showcase their cutting-edge technology kit during the Embedded World 2024 exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany, from 9th to 11th April. element14 has been chosen as the exclusive distributor of the kit, making it the only place where customers can purchase it during the event.

The Wi-Fi 6 Development Kit is designed to facilitate the validation of the Silex SX-SDMAX and SX-PCEAX Wi-Fi 6 radios, providing developers with a seamless out-of-the-box evaluation experience. It delivers ruggedized wireless connectivity for a diverse range of industrial applications, from remote real-time monitoring to predictive maintenance and enhanced logistics.

This latest innovation comes with a pre-loaded Linux system and all the necessary accessories to get started quickly.

Key features include:

• Supports Silex SX-SDMAX and SX-PCEAX Wi-Fi 6 radios (radios not included)
• Includes Venice GW7200 Single Board Computer (SBC) with pre-loaded Linux drivers
• Onboard NXP i.MX8M Mini processor (1.6 GHz quad-core)
• 8GB eMMC flash storage and 1GB LPDDR4 DRAM
• Two Gigabit Ethernet ports and two Mini-PCIe expansion slots
• Multiple connectivity options including MicroSD, Nano SIM, I2C, SPI, and serial ports
• Real-time clock, voltage and temperature monitoring
• Wide input voltage range (8 to 60VDC) with PoE support
• Operates in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C

"We are thrilled to provide Gateworks' WI-FI 6 development kit to our customers. This cutting-edge technology is a game-changer for those seeking to develop and deploy IoT applications and systems. We look forward to seeing its capabilities showcased at the exhibition and support our customers with all their development needs”, said Romain Soreau, Head of Single Board Computing at element14.

In addition to the Wi-Fi 6 Development Kit, element14 also offers Gateworks Corporation's complete line of products for industrial applications.

Gateworks will be highlighting their line of railway solutions at Embedded World, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and safety of rail yards, such as rugged Gateworks Single Board Computers (SBCs) combined with a variety of wireless options such as high-precision GNSS Mini-PCIe cards. These solutions enable capabilities such as centimetre-level accuracy in tracking and monitoring critical data, streamlined yard operations and enhanced customer service for rail operators.

To purchase Gateworks' Wi-Fi 6 Development Kit - GW11048-5-A, visit Farnell in EMEA and element14 in APAC.

element14 has announced that is has substantially expanded its already extensive range of passive component stock with the addition of new arrivals from brand names such as YAGEO, Kemet, Murata, Wurth Electronik and Panasonic.

The passive component market is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. The rising popularity of consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and industrial automation results in more passive components being required in all applications. element14 is committed to stocking a broad range of passives from market-leading suppliers to ensure that critical projects ranging from robotics and IoT to EVs, 5G, and medical devices, can proceed without any delays.

 Weidi Zhu, President of Sales for APAC, at element14, said, “element14 is well aware of the ever-evolving market demands and the need to stay ahead of the curve. With the growing number of applications requiring passive components, such as IIOT, robotics, EV & charging, wearables, and beyond, element14 is committed to being at the forefront of new product introductions and partnering with manufacturers from the point of designing new technologies. Our expanded product range and strong linecard position us well to meet the future demand for smaller and powerful components. We understand that the market can turn quickly, and we are ready to meet the challenge head-on with our expertise and commitment to excellent service.”

Highlights of the extensive element14 range include Kemet’s KC-LINK™ with KONNEKT™ technology surface mount capacitors, R4Y series and C700 series capacitors; Yageo’s VT thin film resistor series; Wurth’s SMT power inductors; Murata’s lead disc ceramic capacitor and, Panasonic’s ERJ-PM8 series anti-surge thick film resistors.

All of these high-quality components are now available from element14, with the added benefits of fast delivery; a variety of packaging options including full reel and re-reel; and full compliance with automotive, aerospace and military industry standards coupled with full product traceability to ensure customers receive uncompromised service.

Simon Leuz, Team Lead Distribution EMEA, Wurth Elektronik said, “Customers and service providers still have substantial stock in their warehouses. Nevertheless, Würth Elektronik has been investing in its supply chain and stock to enable growth. A strong supply chain, good availability and great partnerships will be significant to service customers when the market picks up again. We´re seeing this as a challenge as well as an opportunity. We expect the second half of 2024 to be brighter and better.”

A spokesperson for Murata said: “In terms of stock availability and prices the company is planning to produce generally in line with sales, or to build up inventory. Prices are declining, especially for consumer product parts for smartphones and PCs. The outlook is that in addition to continued price competition in the consumer market, there will be periodic price revisions for automobiles, so Murata expects prices to continue to decline in that sector as well, especially in the EV market. However, the speed of EV body price reductions is expected to subside by the end of 2024. 

"At present, there are several persistent issues impacting global supply chains: some inherent like the scale and complexity of modern components, and some are external, like supply chain and manufacturing disruptions caused by weather events, trade restrictions, and global instability," the spokesperson added. "But there is still widespread innovation and opportunity across the electronics industry. The demand for electronic components will continue to be driven by the emergence of new and exciting technologies like AI, as well as the continuous push for increased digitisation and intelligence across industrial, automotive, and medical sectors."

YAGEO Group’s Director Global Distribution EMEA, Thomas Heel added, “The YAGEO Group is well positioned to secure the supply of high-quality products for tomorrow´s designs. We see a huge interest from design engineers for our new technologies especially in the e-Mobility, Green Energy and Industrial Automation markets.

“We are convinced that the electronic content will continue to increase in the coming years, and that the demand for high grade electronics components will strengthen. It will allow engineers and innovators to make the impossible possible.”

The complete range of passive components can be ordered online from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America.

element14 7is offering customers the opportunity to pre-order BeagleY^®-AI, a new, open-source single board computer (SBC) from BeagleBoard.org that enables developers to jump straight into the creation of an expansive new range of AI applications.

BeagleY-AI is born from BeagleBoard's enthusiasm to expand the growth of the open-source hardware ecosystem, and in the past two years, they've unveiled six new boards that aim to make IoT and AI more accessible.

BeagleY^®-AI is designed to enable users to maximise AI performance in robotics, factory and building automation, test and measurement, medical technology, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and intelligent vision. BeagleY^®-AI delivers the compute power required to develop tasks such as image classification, object detection, semantic segmentation, and many others.

element14 Head of Single Board Computing, Romain Soreau, said, “This is exciting news for all developers. With its competitive price and user-friendly design, BeagleY^®-AI provides a positive development experience using BeagleBoard's tried and tested custom Debian Linux image.”

BeagleY^®-AI features a powerful 64-bit, quad-core A53 processor, multiple powerful AI accelerators paired with C7x DSPs, integrated 50 GFLOP GPU supporting up to three concurrent display outputs and modern connectivity including USB3.1, PCIe Gen 3, WiFi6 and BLE 5.4.  The board is compatible with a wide range of existing accessories that expand the system functionality, such as Power Over Ethernet (PoE), NVMe storage, and 5G connectivity.

The complete range of new BeagleY^®-AI SBC features includes:

• Texas Instruments AM67A SoC: Quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A53 CPU, dual general-purpose DSP, Arm Cortex-R5 subsystem, GPU, video and vision accelerators.
• Memory: 4GB LPDDR4 ; microSD card socket; board identifier EEPROM.
• 3 simultaneous displays: microHDMI, OLDI (LVDS) with touchscreen support; MIPI-DSI with touchscreen support (mixed with MIPI-CSI).
• Debug: 3-pin JST-SH console UART; 10-pin TAG-CONNECT JTAG header
• Rich I/Os: PCI-Express® Gen3; USB-C device port, 40-pin expansion header

BeagleBoard.org’s CEO, Christine Long, said, “We are excited to launch Beagle®Y-AI as a an open-source board. This is an exciting step forward in BeagleBoard's mission to expand the open-source hardware ecosystem. By providing a platform that encourages collaboration and learning, BeagleY®-AI has the potential to empower individuals and professionals to develop open designs and contribute to the broader community.”

BeagleY^®-AI can be preordered online from Farnell in EMEA, element14 in APAC and Newark in North America from launch day on 27 March onwards with shipping starting end of May.

This agreement means Alliance Memory's legacy memory devices will be supplied through element14's long-established distribution network and customer base, enhancing their availability and simplifying the procurement process.

The Alliance Memory product range includes:

SRAM

• A full range of 3.3V and 5V asynchronous SRAMs used with mainstream digital signal processors (DSPs) and microcontrollers
• ·Low-power SRAMs, pseudo-SRAMs

DRAM

• 3.3V synchronous DRAMs (SDR)
• Mobile DDRs, 2.5V single (DDR1), 1.8V double (DDR2) and 1.5V and 1.35V triple rate (DDR3), 1.2V quadruple rate (DDR4/DDR4X) synchronous DRAMs

Flash ICs

• 5V/3.3V/1.8V Parallel NOR Flash
• 1.8V & 3.3V Serial NOR Flash (SPI / DUAL / QSPI / Multi IOs),
• 1.8V & 3.3V SLC Serial NAND Flash (SPI / DUAL / QSPI / Multi IOs),
• 1.8V & 3.3V SLC Parallel NAND Flash (SPI / DUAL / QSPI / Multi IOs)

element14 parent company Avnet is an existing authorised distributor of Alliance Memory products, which means that element14 customers will benefit from Avnet’s existing Alliance Memory ecosystem that delivers design, product, marketing and supply chain expertise for customers at every stage of a product development lifecycle.

Alliance Memory's memory products are designed to meet the customers’ specific needs who require drop-in replacements for discontinued or obsolete memory components. Alliance Memory has earned a reputation for delivering reliable solutions to extend the life of existing systems and equipment without costly redesigns or requalification.

Jose Lok, element14 Global Product Category Director, Semiconductors, said: “This welcome introduction of Alliance Memory’s extensive memory solutions to our global line card will help our customers worldwide to avoid redesign costs when going through end-of-life transitions for legacy products. Alliance Memory has remained finely tuned to market trends and has expanded its DDR3 SDRAMs, eMMC and other product ranges to ensure the demand for these solutions can be met.”

Alliance Memory’s memory solutions are now available from stock at Farnell in EMEA, Newark in North America and element14 in APAC.