Molex Accredited as PROFINET Competence Center for France
July 2010—Molex Incorporated has been accredited as a PROFINET Competence Center (PICC) in France through 2011. The Molex PROFINET Competence Center, which consists of employees of Molex and Testlab, has demonstrated the necessary competence and has the necessary equipment to support PROFINET technology.

Based in Caudebec-les-Elbeuf in Normandy, the Molex PICC has a test laboratory that includes more than 64 PROFINET systems from various manufacturers:

• Hardware PLC and PC-based software PLC

• Input/Output devices

• Multi I/O device software emulator

• Gateway (Proxy) to connect legacy fieldbuses

• Infrastructure products (RJ45/M12 connector, cordsets, Ethernet switch, etc.)

The Molex PROFINET Competence Center is available worldwide for all members of the PROFINET user organization. Molex offers training sessions and workshops, and can assist customers with questions concerning PROFINET.

“This success reflects the many years of experience and development of our engineers in the field of PROFINET,” says Martial Maneche, Molex PROFINET development engineer.

Molex develops software stacks for PROFINET controllers and devices, as well as software engineering tools and Windows-based PROFINET solutions, communication cards and Proxies, IP67 input/output modules, connectors, cordsets, and Ethernet switches.

For further information regarding the Molex PROFINET Competence Center and its activities, contact Martial Maneche at martial.maneche@molex.com.

Sullins Connector Solutions Adds Asia-Pacific Distributors
August 2010—Korea-based K2 Connector Experts and Wings Technology Enterprise Inc. in the Philippines have been named to distribute and stock Sullins and Micro Plastic standard and custom edgecards, headers, and bi-level and CompactPCI™ connectors. In collaboration with Sullins’ operating center in Taipei, Taiwan, these organizations will offer customers engineering and manufacturing services, logistical support, and integrated management services throughout all phases of the product development cycle, from design to production to delivery.

“Sullins is delighted to have named K2 Connector Experts and Wings Technology Enterprise to support customers’ time-to-market and profitability objectives in Korea and the Philippines,” said Wade Harb, Sullins CEO. “In addition to maintaining high stocking levels of Sullins’ interconnects, these distributors’ design and engineering expertise, coupled with first-hand knowledge of local markets, will prove an invaluable asset to EOEMs. The addition of channel partners of this caliber reemphasizes our commitment to serving the Asia-Pacific market.”

M. H. Kim, CEO and president of K2 Connector Experts, said, “Sullins’ connector offering is the ideal extension to our existing lines of quality interconnects. We are eager to introduce their portfolio of connectors and customization capabilities to customers, and develop a strong market for these devices in Korea.”

“We are pleased to be joining Sullins’ global family of distributors and helping them to strengthen their position in this region,” said Luis Martin Harder, CEO and president of Wings Technology Enterprise.

Visit Sullins online.

WAGO IPCs Managing Energy Aboard Largest Solar-Powered Boat
August 2010—WAGO 758 Series IPCs are managing solar energy for Tûranor PlanetSolar, the world’s largest solar-powered boat. Conceived by Raphaël Domjan, a Swiss eco-adventurer and PlanetSolar founder, Tûranor is a catamaran research vessel for solar power utilization. Tûranor will embark on a solar-powered 2011 worldwide tour, with planned stops in San Francisco and New York City. According to PlanetSolar, the 2011 tour will be the first solar-powered circumnavigation by any means of transport.

Gleaming with more than 500 square meters of photovoltaic panels and packing 11 tons of batteries (with chassis), including the 388-volt lithium ion (NCA) battery, Tûranor showcases solar power advancements and sustainable transport. To support the multi-hull ship’s planned average speed of 7.5 knots over 31,069 miles and 140 days, WAGO supplied three 758 Series IPCs with control functionality and electrical components.

WAGO IPCs control the charging for three batteries and 10 Drivetek Maximum Power Pick Trackers (MPPT) via 13 CAN bus couplers. These high-end DC/DC converters improve the PV panels’ solar absorption, which is vital for the fixed, deck-mounted PV panels. This also helps ensure safety for the four-member crew, as Tûranor has no gasoline backups for steering/propulsion. WAGO’s electrical components feature vibration- and thermal-cycling-resistant, gas-tight connections for reliability in harsh marine environments.

Switzerland-based PlanetSolar SA is an international project whose team includes physicists, engineers, boat builders, and a number of environmental protection specialists. The record-making voyage will promote solar power and sustainable development. The €10 million Tûranor is financed by German investor and solar power leader Immo Ströher; his goal is to advance practical usage of solar power for applications such as shipping. Derived from the J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of the Rings saga, the ship’s name, “Tûranor,” translates into “the power of the sun.”

Visit Wago online.

Digi-Key Launches iPhone App for Asia-Pacific Region
August 2010—Design engineers and purchasers in China, India, Japan, and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region can now conduct business with Digi-Key Corporation wirelessly via Digi-Key’s application for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users. Digi-Key’s iPhone application is currently available in English and allows customers to make Digi-Key purchases in local, Digi-Key supported currencies.

“Studies show that China and India are leading the growth of the mobile subscription market and that there are more mobile Internet users in China than in any other country in the world.* With the growth potential in the mobile market, this is the perfect opportunity for Digi-Key to make its mobile application available to our customers in the Asia-Pacific territories,” said Mark Larson, Digi-Key’s president and COO. “Our customers in China, India, Japan, and other Asia-Pacific countries want easy access to information about electronic components. Our mobile app provides that and much more. Created for global business utility, this application will be a useful and essential tool for our customers’ designing, sourcing, and purchasing needs.”

This free application, available in the App Store on iTunes, is the passkey to Digi-Key’s large inventory of electronic components.

Features of Digi-Key’s iPhone application enable users to search for parts, create shopping carts, place orders, access their My Digi-Key accounts, get product specifications, view product photos, learn about new products and new technologies, and more.

To download the Digi-Key application to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to www.apple.com/itunes and browse the business section in the iTunes App Store. Look for the “Digi-Key” application.

*Statistics are from MobiThinking’s Global Mobile Stats report for 2009.

BTC to Distribute Spectrum Advanced Specialty Products’ Connectors
August 2010—BTC Electronic Components Inc. has become an authorized distributor for Spectrum Advanced Specialty Products, a Spectrum Control Business. Under the agreement, BTC will act as a strategic partner with Spectrum for their custom-filtered and specialty connectors used in MIL and high-reliability applications. BTC’s niche is to serve customers who require application-specific connectors that are often non-standard items.

BTC will focus on custom, EMI- or RFI-filtered connectors in the following styles: MIL-DTL-38999, MIL-DTL-83723, MIL-DTL-26482, MIL-DTL-55116, and MIL-DTL-24308. Tubular and planar-style filtered arrays in Pi, LC, T, and C circuits with TVS protection will also be available through BTC.

“Spectrum Advanced Specialty Products’ reputation for superior quality, performance, and industry-leading delivery times is a great addition to BTC’s product offering. We look forward to partnering with Spectrum for the specialty and custom filtered connectors for our customers’ high-reliability applications,” said Keith Filter, BTC director of product management.

Visit BTC Electronics online.

Digi-Key Stocks Assmann DIGITUS FO Patch Cords and NorComp Connectors
July 2010—Digi-Key Corporation now has stock on DIGITUS® Professional fiber optic patch cords from ASSMANN Electronics Inc. DIGITUS fiber optic patch cords are ideal for high data rate systems, including FDDI, multimedia, Ethernet backbones, ATMs, or any network that requires the transfer of large and time-consuming files.

Digi-Key will also stock NorComp’s new line of IP67-sealed D-sub connectors. The IP67 SEAL-D connector utilizes a proprietary sealing technology that maintains the same physical size and footprint as standard D-sub products. This reduces space on new designs and eliminates the need to redesign enclosures and PC boards when implementing IP67 design upgrades.

The IP67 connectors are available in vertical and right angle board-mount versions, as well as a solder cup version for panel-mount cable applications. Standard D-subs are available in 9, 15, and 25 positions. The high-density models are available in 15, 26, and 44 positions.

Visit Digi-Key online.

DC Electronics Appoints Bryan McCreedy as New V.P. and More
July 2010—Bryan McCreedy is the new vice president of sales and marketing at DC Electronics. McCreedy, a 15-year industry veteran, will assume responsibility for all sales activities for the company, including identifying strategic opportunities and building industry relationships.

“Bryan has a clear track record of success and a lot of integrity. We’re excited about the new ideas and energy he brings to DC,” said Dave Cianciulli, president.

Most recently, McCreedy was with the Cleantech Division of Flextronics.

McCreedy says he feels fortunate to be part of the long-standing DC Team. “DC serves fast-moving, fast-growing companies. For its size, the engineering services are incredible. Our ability to produce prototypes and quick-turn, low-volume runs can’t be beat. The company is poised for real growth, and that is exciting for me to be part of.”

DC Electronics has also met all the requirements and passed inspection from an independent certifier to qualify for AS9100B certification. The AS9100B standard was developed to ensure safety and reliability in an industry that demands near perfection. The tough standards demonstrate a manufacturer’s commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

The new registration enables the company to meet strict production standards set by the military and aerospace industry. Director of Quality Leonard Martinez says, “We’ve upgraded our skill sets across the board. Workmanship and soldering techniques are now Class 3. Overlapping Six Sigma processes ensure defect detection happens fast. From process mapping to risk analysis, the new systems really increase our capabilities.”

Newly appointed DC sales V.P. Bryan McCreedy says the AS9100B certification will reassure customers. “It shows DC has the ability to serve very demanding industries. We know how to solve complex problems. If we couldn’t, we wouldn’t meet the AS9100 standards.”

Visit DC Electronics online.