Supply Chain Reaction
What's happening in the electronics supply chain that will change the way business is done? News Editor Suzanne Deffree looks at environmental regulations, RFID, inventory levels, globalization, distribution, and a host of other issues that influence the electronics supply chain.
Do you know enough about LEDs?
The majority of the people who read this blog are components distributors or other members of the electronics supply chain, so I won’t go into a whole repetitive blathering here about how huge the opportunity is for the electronics supply chain when it comes to LEDs or why it’s a long-term opportunity for the overall electronics industry with tremendous growth potential. Why tell you ...... Read More
Comments (0)Comments wanted on 15 possible 'Substances of Very High Concern'
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published proposals to identify chemicals as "Substances of Very High Concern" (SVHC) and is welcoming your comments on these 15 substances by October 15. Anyone can comment on the 15 substances –including lead chromate and diisobutyl phthalate — proposed by EU/EEA Member States and by the European Commission. The comments will be taken into a ...... Read More
Comments (6)IPC shines light on solar industry, forms standards committee
Solar-panel glut or no glut, the IPC—Association Connecting Electronics Industries has formed and has begun work on standards for the polysilicon photovoltaic industry, specifically the assembly of solar panels. The move makes some sense. The industry group has a history of facilitating standards for both the PCB (printed circuit board) and electronics assembly industries. And, as Thomas Ci ...... Read More
Comments (4)Top 25 distributors list: Avnet no. 1, Mouser shows 30% rev gain
To all those who have called me in the last few months, asking when EDN’s Top North American electronic components distributors list would be out: It’s here and it is something to brag about! There’s no way around the fact that 2008 was a hard year on sales, much thanks to Q4. But among the top 25 distributors on our list, 11 reported double-digit 5-year CAGRs (compound annual ...... Read More
Comments (11)Mouser eyes UK, Digi-Key eyes Canada in customer service pushes
Although their businesses here in North America are solid, Mouser and Digi-Key have announced customer support actions that should broaden their respective global reaches. To better assist European-based customers and suppliers, Mouser opened a UK customer support center to match its UK Web site. According to this Electronics Weekly story (EDN’s UK-based sister publication), the distributor ...... Read More
Comments (4)Do you have what it takes to be the first Iron Circuit Designer?
Looking for a competition win to add to your resume? Maybe you just want some bragging rights? This blog has featured distributor design contests before and now I have the pleasure of showcasing one of our own. EDN recently launched its "Iron Circuit Designer Contest" and has invited engineers and techies alike to show off their circuit design skills. The winning designer claims the title of ...... Read More
Comments (1)Avoiding counterfeit components
EDN sister publication Electronics Weekly has a short article live today on how to avoid counterfeit components. The article highlights a new booklet from UK-based COG (Component Obsolescence Group) titled The Counterfeit Electronic Components Minefield. I’m familiar with COG but haven’t seen the booklet, although I am considering purchasing it, as I’m taken in by description ...... Read More
Comments (5)IPC happy with proposed ROHS revisions, are you?
The EC (European Commission) last week released its proposed changes to ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and WEEE (Waste in Electrical and Electronic Equipment), aiming to improve and simplify the environmental regulations. Specific to recycling, the proposed revised WEEE directive sets a new binding target for the collection of electrical and electronic equipment. The current collection ...... Read More
Comments (3)Fairchild notes distributors reduced inventories as it lowers Q4 guidance
Fairchild Semiconductor reduced its Q4 guidance today and made specific note of the electronics supply chain’s distribution link in doing so. “We entered the fourth quarter needing slightly more than 10% fill orders to meet our guidance,” said Mark Frey, Fairchild’s executive VP and CFO, in a statement. “Unfortunately, in the weeks since our Q3 earnings release w ...... Read More
Comments (1)Premier Farnell/Newark's $100K green design competition open
London-based Premier Farnell and its US-based company Newark have opened registration for their "Live EDGE–Electronic Design for the Global Environment" international design competition and are taking an extra student-friendly approach to the contest this year. In short, the competition invites electronic design engineers, students, and hobbyists to use electronic components in the de ...... Read More
Comments (5)REACH update: 'Substitute It Now' Substances of Very High Concern list released
The EU (European Union) environmental NGOs (non-governmental organizations) through the International Chemical Secretariat has released its "Substitute It Now" (or aptly acronymed "SIN") list of 220 chemical substances considered to be possible Substances of Very High Concern under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals). As a reminder, REACH began on June 1, 2007, and aim ...... Read More
Comments (4)Arrowfest coming to a city near you
Arrow Electronics has announced its Arrowfest schedule, kicking off next week in Philadelphia. The annual coast-to-coast technology exhibition for customers and suppliers in part of Melville, NY-based Arrow’s North American components business and is now in its 20th consecutive year. After Philadelphia, Arrowfest travel to a six other US locations and makes one stop in Canada this fall. Eac ...... Read More
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