News I Distribution RS Components unveils DesignSpark, a gateway to online design support design consultants and contract electronics
RS Components has launched DesignSpark, the centrepiece of its initiative to provide an authoritative online design environment for engineers. DesignSpark is an online gateway that provides engineers with reliable information and resources, bringing together design information, user generated reviews and new free-of-charge tools to speed up the design process. Developed in partnership with FreshNetworks, a leader in social media development, the site can be accessed at
www.designspark.com, and is being launched initially in English, German Chinese and Japanese, with further language versions to follow throughout 2010.
According to Glenn Jarrett, Head of Electronics Marketing at RS Components, “DesignSpark cuts through the mass of inconsistently presented design information on
the internet, providing engineers with a reliable gateway to information, reviews and resources they can trust at every stage in the design process. We see DesignSpark as being more than just a website, it provides the electronic engineering community with an environment where they can not only find design tips and reviews that help inform the start of new designs, but also connect with partners, exchange ideas and contribute to a variety of valuable information sources available from across the internet which are relevant for the whole design cycle.”
A major feature of the new site is a library of independent reviews for development kits and evaluation platforms, provided by engineers, for engineers. This feature will allow users to post comments and star ratings for each kit. Initially, it will cover a range of up to 1100
microcontroller, microprocessor, analogue and FPGA development kits, with new kits being regularly added.
DesignSpark also gives users’ access to a dedicated Design Centre, containing technology tips and hints posted by DesignSpark members. The centre will keep engineers up-to-date with the latest design trends, as well as containing links to the range of RS website tools, making component selection and integration into design software packages fast and simple.
The partner portal has been specifically created in order to allow DesignSpark members to connect with companies and individuals who can help provide information, support or resources that will enable faster design development. Featured partners already include a mix of component manufacturers,
Amphenol-Tuchel extends Avnet Abacus relationship
Avnet Abacus has extended its franchise with Amphenol-Tuchel. Under the extended agreement, Avnet Abacus will operate as an Amphenol-Tuchel reseller, supporting and supplying customers, systems integrators and other European distributors for low quantity business. Avnet Abacus will provide full technical support and will maintain a stock profile that supports European market demand. Products covered include the Ecomate series, the C16-3 series and, exclusively in EMEA, the smart card readers series C702 and C703. Stefano Ravera, Distribution Manager at Amphenol-Tuchel, said, “Amphenol-Tuchel connector solutions are designed to meet the needs of demanding and critical applications. Avnet Abacus has demonstrated that it has the technical expertise and the logistical scale to take on the System Distributor role, and deliver
the service that our European customers and partners expect.”
“The agreement gives Avnet Abacus a central place in Amphenol-Tuchel’s channel to the European market.” added Hagen Götze, European Marketing Manager at Avnet Abacus. “Amphenol-Tuchel is the latest franchise to strengthen its relationship with us on a pan- European basis.” Amphenol-Tuchel offers a wide range of
high performance interconnect solutions including industrial, environmental and DIN connectors. It is an independent company within Amphenol headquartered in Heilbronn, Germany. Production facilities are located in Germany, Czech Republic, and mainland China, and the company has ISO 9001 Certification including QS 9000 and VDA standards.
manufacturers, with new partners being added on a daily basis.
DesignSpark also offers free-of charge access for members to a range of design tools, hosted in the Spark Store.
Included in the store is the first of a range of new tools launched by RS, DesignSpark PCB; a fully featured PCB design tool. Visitors simply need to register as a DesignSpark member to unlock the full functionality of DesignSpark PCB.
DesignSpark PCB comes with a component
library that can be extended and shared with other engineers. Details of the components used from the library form the basis of the Bill of Materials generated by DesignSpark PCB. This can then be used to create an order or quotation request through the usual RS web portals.
Earlier this year RS launched three new platforms: Component Chooser – the largest and most extensive parametric search engine of electronic components available; the introduction of 20,000 downloadable 3D CAD models onto its website and a strengthened Embedded Development Platform (EDP) product line which enables rapid prototyping and proof-of-concept through a new partnership with ARM to target microprocessors based on the mbed virtual development environment.
DesignSpark and DesignSpark PCB, are available to any engineer at
www.designspark.com. Users will be invited to register in order to join DesignSpark and have access to thousands of development kit reviews, design centre information and free applications in the Spark Store, as well as connecting with other engineers and online resources supporting new designs.
Avnet Abacus |
www.avnet-abacus.eu RS Components |
www.rswww.com
www.cieonline.co.uk
Components in Electronics July/August 2010 19
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