Sourcing Component obsolescence: ELECTRONICS
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sourcing
ELECTRONICS JUNE 2018
Component
obsolescence:
where old
meets new
ALSO INSIDE: Rail • Power • Internet of Things • Market Watch • Purchasing
AN MMG PUBLISHING TITLE
180405_48HrsP_ELECSRG_UK.indd 1 4/3/18 12:50 PM
Editor's Word
On the cover – June 2018
Component obsolescence: where old meets new
page 25
Contents
04 Introducing Roborep
Industry trends For the last 20-years I’ve worked
Channel continues strong run with a media salesperson (no names
mentioned) who has the nickname
Roborep. It’s a term of endearment
for their love of the media sales
06 process. Their focus, dedication
and subject knowledge is almost
machine-like.
News Which is why I nearly fell off
Tough switches now in stock my seat while listening to a
podcast of Google’s latest Duplex
demonstration. Duplex is described
12
as an extension of Google Assistant
that allows it to carry out natural
conversations by mimicking
human voice. During the demo the
Purchasing assistant helped a woman book
a hair appointment and without
Shortages a thorn in the side forewarning I would not have been
able to differentiate between the two
voices.
32 It was like I was listening to Roborep
V2 but this time it was more robot
than human. If, at this stage, Duplex
Logistics can help someone book a hair
Facilitating the future appointment why not in the future
talk an electronics purchaser through
the buying process or advise an
engineer on component selection.
36 In all the discussions regarding
future automation, the predicted
job losses are not in blue collar
Buyers’ Guide manufacturing applications (the core
All the facts and figures to help you buy of that process took place decades
ago) but white collar managerial
roles.
Issue 156, Vol.14 No.6 Robots are already writing articles
Contact Published 12 times per year
(sports reports I’m told) so I guess
by MMG Publishing Limited my days are numbered. Am I
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: worried? Not really, I’m happy
EDITORIAL CIRCULATION EU Countries £60 Rest of World £90 to take the robot writers on.
Managing Editor: Jon Barrett Circulation Manager: Vicky Leary
jonb@electronics-sourcing.co.uk vicky.leary@electronics-sourcing.co.uk MMG PUBLISHING LTD I’ll secretly develop new robot-
Contributing Editor: Amy Barker Circulation Account Manager: Liz Poole Suite 2, 1-3 Warren Court, Park Road, unfriendly editorial styles that are
amyb@electronics-sourcing.co.uk liz.poole@electronics-sourcing.co.uk Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2QX more interesting and useful, slip in
Editorial & Production: Thomas Smart
thomas.smart@electronics-sourcing.co.uk DESIGN
Tel: +44 (0)1892 613400
Fax: +44 (0)1892 613402
under their radar, and create a new
Editorial & Production Assistant: Ben Kitching Graphic Designer: Jeremy Roberts Printed by: Pensord Press Ltd audience of people who like the
ben.kitching@electronics-sourcing.co.uk jeremy.roberts@electronics-sourcing.co.uk Electronics Sourcing is printed on nostalgia of reading human written
ADVERTISING PUBLISHER
sustainably sourced paper stock
ISSN 2043-9504
words.
Area Sales Executive: Emma Poole Mark Leary © 2018 MMG Publishing Ltd
emma.poole@electronics-sourcing.co.uk mark.leary@electronics-sourcing.co.uk
ELECTRONICS
And the reps? I guess they will get
Director of Sales: Charlotte Morgan
charlotte.morgan@electronics-sourcing.co.uk
Office Manager: Denise Pattenden
denise.pattenden@electronics-sourcing.co.uk
SOURCING
IS INDEPENDENTLY
new jobs selling the next generation
ABC AUDITED
2005/2017 of robots.
Articles appearing in this magazine do not necessarily express the views of the Editor or the publishers. Every effort is made to ensure the
accuracy of information published. No legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from articles / information contained
and published. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
without the written consent of the publishers. Cover image – ©istockphoto.com/photographicsolutionsuk
June 2018 03
Electronic Components Channel
Continues
Strong Run Victoria
freelance writer
in manufacturing,
Kickham is a
specializing
distribution
and supply chain issues
The good times will continue to roll in industrial and electronic segments for the remainder of
2018—especially as automation and IoT trends drive the need for more electronic parts
Industry Trends • By Victoria Kickham
B
uyers and supply chain executives across the the company saw an 8 percent increase in year-over-year
industrial and manufacturing channel remain sales—reaching $4.8 billion. Sales in the Americas fell 4
optimistic about the U.S. economy, which they percent, but sales in Europe, the Middle East and Africa grew
say shows no signs of slowing down in 2018. This 12 percent, and sales in Asia grew 14 percent.
spring’s semi-annual economic outlook from the Institute Automation and the Internet of Things continue to drive much
for Supply Management predicts an average of 6.6 percent of the growth throughout the channel, especially for those
revenue growth for manufacturers this year—1.5 percentage serving industrial sectors. Data from the robotics sector helps
points above the group’s December estimate and 2.5 illustrate the point: The global industrial robotics industry
percentage points above actual revenue growth in 2017. was estimated at $25.68 billion as recently as 2013 and is
expected to reach $40 billion by 2020, according to one recent
“With operating rate at 85.8 percent, an expected capital study. This comes directly from organizations’ desire to control
expenditure increase of 10.1 percent, an increase of 5 percent and automate processes such as testing, assembly, packaging,
for prices paid for raw materials, and employment expected welding, product inspection and painting—factors driven by
to increase by 1.8 percent by the end of 2018 compared to the organizations’ desire to improve quality and meet growing
end of 2017, manufacturing is positioned to grow revenues end market demand.
while managing costs through the remainder of the year,” the
group said in its early May report. At the component level, recent statistics show that the IoT
and connectivity trends in general continue to boost growth.
Earnings reports for some of the industry’s publicly traded Earlier this spring, market researcher IC Insights pegged
distribution companies bear this out, and point to continued growth in the O-S-D market at 11 percent in 2018—its
strong business growth throughout the electronics supply highest rate since 2010—driven by higher demand for
channel. In particular, Arrow Electronics reported a strong first sensors, actuators, CMOS imaging devices, light sensors,
three months of 2018: sales grew 22 percent to $6.9 billion laser transmitters and power discretes across a range of
for the quarter and profit grew 22 percent, to $139.1 million. applications. The researcher estimates the sector will grow 7.3
The distributor cited strength in IoT, industrial automation, percent between 2017 and 2022, “driven by strong demand
and smart cities, homes and vehicles as key business drivers. for laser transmitters in optical networks and CMOS image
This was Arrow’s fifth straight quarter of record results. Sales sensors in embedded cameras, image recognition, machine
in Arrow’s global components business grew 21 percent. vision, and automotive applications as well as the proliferation
Regionally, components sales in the Americas grew 15 of other sensors and actuators in intelligent control systems
percent; Asia-Pacific’s components sales grew 20 percent; and and connections to the Internet of Things (IoT).”
Europe’s components sales grew 32 percent year-over-year.
All of this translates to strong business opportunities across
Avnet Electronics reported solid sales results for the first three the supply channel over the next few months.
months as well. For its fiscal third-quarter ended March 31,
04 June 2018 • www.electronics-sourcing.co.uk
211060-Simply Said-Selection-210x297mm-UK.pdf 1 25/10/2017 15:21
Many distributors
make claims
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
We simply have the largest
selection of products in stock
ORDER CONFIDENCE
WITH
N
ES News
View current
editions online
www.electronics-sourcing.co.uk
Tough switches
now in stock
RS Components has introduced two new series of
switches designed to support intuitive machine
safety control in a variety of industrial applications.
Developed by EAO, Series 61 emergency-stop
switches and Series 45 industrial switches are ideal
for use in harsh environments.
Designed to reliably protect people and
equipment against injury and damage, the Series
61 E-Stop is ideal for use in handheld control units;
alternatively, it can be mounted directly on to a
machine. Featuring a robust build quality that meets
IP69K, with IP67 protection, typical applications
include production and plant machinery, as control panels in a range of industrial
construction and agricultural machinery, as well equipment and devices.
Ideal for use in space critical applications,
the Series 61 also features a fool-proof trigger
action compliant with EN 60947-5-5 and EN
13850, as well as a green indication ring to
Partnering for better air show switch actuation.
Series 45 switches are designed for easy
quality assembly and installation into 22 or 30.5mm
cut-outs and are available in a plastic, shiny
Acal BFi’s new partnership with gas-sensor metal or matt metal finish. Again, robust
specialist, Cubic, will provide customisable construction offers IP69K protection, with a
products and solutions to meet rising air- mechanical life of one million switching cycles
quality-monitoring demands. and reliable switching from 5 to 500V.
Air quality affects everything from local www.rs-online.com
environments to industrial processes,
human health and global climate change. As
such, the air-quality-monitoring market is set
for growth. With its non-dispersive infrared
CO2 sensors, laser particle dust sensors
and indoor and outdoor quality gas-sensor
Creating smarter
modules, Wuhan Cubic Optoelectronics
provides much needed solutions to these
solutions
challenges. TT Electronics has completed its acquisition
As Cubic’s sole European technical of Stadium Group, a supplier of connectivity
partner, Acal BFi can now offer bespoke air- solutions, power supplies, human
quality-monitoring solutions by customising machine interface solutions and electronic
Cubic’s products with sensors from Acal assemblies. With its emphasis on products
BFi. There is also the expertise to add for applications such as smart homes,
wireless technologies, including Bluetooth, industrial robotics and medical equipment,
Wi-Fi and LoRaWAN, enabling fast Stadium brings complementary technologies
wireless deployment of data-critical quality in industries where TT already operates.
monitoring. Chief executive officer, TT Electronics,
Business development director at Acal Richard Tyson, commented: “By combining
BFi, Martin Kemp, commented: “With our power electronics capabilities and
a portfolio of leading gas-sensing and R&D expertise we will drive growth and
wireless technologies and the complete opportunity for the newly enlarged TT
design support to develop custom designs, Electronics. We are committed to providing
Acal BFi is now a leading partner for value, adding engineering solutions and
customers in the air-quality-monitoring outstanding service and working with our
market.” customers to create smarter solutions
www.acalbfi.com together.”
www.ttelectronics.com
06 June 2018 • www.electronics-sourcing.co.uk
YOUR SOURCE FOR GLOBAL FRANCHISE DISTRIBUTION In addition to our supply chain services, cost-saving programs, and inventory solutions, America II provides a wide range of franchise lines for industries ranging from telecommunications, industrial and lighting to healthcare, automotive and military. 44-1462-707070 www.americaiieurope.com A2Efranchise@americaii.com
N
ES News Driving automotive
Now available from TTI, Panasonic’s LP series
power choke coils and ZE series conductive
polymer hybrid aluminium capacitors are ideal
In Brief Distributors enjoy stable for demanding automotive applications.
Rugged LP series power choke coils boast
Oscillators on quick delivery growth inductance stability over a broad temperature
range, with low power losses and a low audible
Euroquartz is offering delivery
of one to two weeks on its Authorised distributors enjoyed a strong finish noise. The products use a metal composite
latest oscillators. The new to the first quarter of 2018 according to the core and are ideal for automotive applications,
EQJF and EQVJF products Electronic Components Supply Network. where high reliability and compact size are
offer phase jitter of 150fs Results for the quarter were at the lower end of necessary. Application examples include
typical, with frequencies the association’s forecast guidance of ten to 16 noise filters for various drive circuitry requiring
ranging from 50 to 2,100MHz per cent growth, yet the outlook remains high temperature operation and peak current
and a choice of outputs positive. handling capability.
including LVPECL, LVDS and ECSN chairman, Adam Fletcher, explained: Combining the advantages of electrolytic
CML differential. High current “Whilst UK customers remain positive about capacitors with those of solid polymer
steering logic differential their business prospects in 2018, the Q1 result capacitors, ZE series hybrid capacitors
outputs are also available for does suggest a slowing in the underlying boast low leakage current and long life,
oscillators up to 700MHz. growth rate. in combination with low equivalent series
www.euroquartz.co.uk “The uptick in inventory levels reported by resistance. These surface mount, ultra-high
members of our Association of Franchised temperature products have a high endurance
EV solutions step up Distributors of Electronic Components is of 2,000 hours at 145°C and are vibration
Inelco Hunter can now further evidence that customer billings are proof up to 30G, making them ideal for a
supply Amphenol’s complete lower than market expectations, but as we broad spectrum of automotive applications
range of electric vehicle move into Q2, I’m confident that the eight including input/output filtering in power
connectors and cables, for to 12 per cent growth range our members converters and voltage regulators, power and
applications from charging forecast will be achieved.” battery decoupling and clock circuitry.
to motor control and power www.ecsn-uk.org www.ttieurope.com
distribution. The EV range
includes power connectors,
signal connectors, rugged
cables and complete cable
harnesses. Products are IP2X
touch-proof as standard,
sealed to IP67 / IP6K9K and
can accommodate shielded
or unshielded cables.
www.inelcohunter.co.uk
Search facilities upgraded
LEM has re-launched its
website with a focus on
providing quick access to
product documentation. The
intuitive new site now features
a technical query facility
and easy to navigate menu.
Currently available in English,
Russian and Japanese, the
site can be accessed via
computer, smart-phone or
tablet.
www.lem.com Powerful transistors ready to ship
Mouser Electronics is now stocking gallium defence and aerospace applications such as
Control fan efficiency
nitride on silicon carbide transistors from Qorvo, radar, communications, navigation and similar
RS Components is now
designed to deliver the high signal integrity and applications.
stocking a new series
of low-cost, credit-card- extended reach essential for L-band avionics and Specifically, the Qorvo QPD1025L is a high-
sized, energy-efficient fan friend or foe identification applications. electron-mobility transistor that supports both
controllers from ebm-papst. Operating with 1.8kW at 65V, the QPD1025 is pulsed and continuous wave operations. The
DCP controllers optimise described as the industry’s highest-power GaN- device offers 22.5dB linear gain and a typical
power consumption by on-SiC radio frequency transistor. Furthermore, power-added efficiency of 77.2 per cent.
providing temperature- the proven reliability of GaN technology www.mouser.com
sensitive speed control, makes it an ideal choice for infrastructure,
while the EC range offers
temperature control for fans
with energy-saving motors.
Both offer a choice of pre-set Receive the weekly electronics e-newsletter for Electronics Purchasing Professionals
temperature profiles and a Looking for Register now to receive your free industry news, components releases, announcements
2m temperature sensor lead,
enabling alarm functions. more news? and develepments within the global electronics supply chain. Register for free at
www.electronics-sourcing.co.uk/newsletter
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08 June 2018 • www.electronics-sourcing.co.uk
See Charcroft at
Rail Live
20–21 June 2018
Stand No W74
Debbie Rowland
Charcroft accepts any challenge Director
debbie.rowland@charcroft.com
It’s simple. At Charcroft, we accept any challenge and go the extra mile to find a solution.
By providing specialist support when you need it most, we help engineers to design more reliable
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• Establishing second-source alternatives for allocated passives • Taking responsibility for delivering a total solution
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• Minimising inventory liability for customers • UK-based manufacture of custom passive assemblies Electromechanical Product Specialist
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Call 01591 610408
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Charcroft: Challenge Accepted
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Roger Tall
Email: request@charcroft.com Tel: 01591 610408 Passive, Hi-rel Semi & Opto Specialist
roger.tall@charcroft.com
Passives, power, interconnect, emech and more
Q&A
Innovation
without delay “”
New markets are
not being driven by
ESUK asked Mouser’s vice president of marketing, EMEA, Graham Maggs, about the traditional electronics
complexities of supporting emerging technology trends in a market dominated by shrinking
product lifecycles companies, so those
involved need
Q How have
purchasing trends
team who can spot emerging
markets and work with a
however, Mouser represents
almost all the first and second different levels of
shifted since you joined
Mouser eight years ago?
range of suppliers to promote
that application.
tier electronic component
names, so we can offer support
Q
alternatives and our website
A) There have been several How is Mouser makes this easy. In the case of
interesting trends. New managing Analog Devices buying Linear
markets, which can all be extending lead-times to Tech, for example, this was
described loosely as internet ensure purchasers are not good for Mouser’s customers,
of things platforms, are not let down? as we added Linear to our
being driven by traditional linecard.
Q
electronics companies, A) When you see lead-times
so those involved need extending beyond a year, it What challenges do
different levels of support. is time to admit that we are you envisage for
It’s important to supply the looking at an ‘allocation’ the electronics supply chain
whole ecosystem and Mouser scenario, however, this is not in the future?
has recognised that by how Mouser operates. Firstly,
stocking more devkits. we hold a huge amount of A) Predictions are always
stock: over 880,000 unique tricky, but it seems a safe bet
Having inventory available supplier part numbers. that over the next 10 years
to sell is also vital. Other Secondly, that stock is freely we’ll see at least one more
companies stock against available for anyone to cycle of shortages and lead-
the forecasts of their top purchase. Glenn Smith, our time extensions, possibly two.
customers, but Mouser is chief executive officer, was Experienced buyers should
continually increasing the quick to foresee and react have tactics in place for
available stock we hold. to the situation and we those by now! Counterfeiting
Product lifecycles are placed orders of more than is always a problem, but if
reducing, so as one project double the normal quantity you buy from an authorised
moves from design to at the end of last year to distributor, which only deals
purchasing, another one is ensure our customers are not direct with component
starting. This means that the disappointed. manufacturers, that issue
Q
stock we hold must be the goes away. Also, be aware
latest technology and again, When a new that when electric and hybrid Vice president marketing, EMEA,
this is different to other product is electric vehicles take off, that Mouser Electronics, Graham Maggs
distributors who can be slow scheduled to launch, what will suck up a huge number
to stock new technology parts happens to ensure stocks of components.
Q
because there is no order keep up with demand?
“”
history. Finally, what
Q
A) A lot of activity! Our advice would you
When a new supplier marketing teams give to readers sourcing
component is work directly with the components who are facing
launched, who leads the franchise to determine the extended lead times? Counterfeiting is
marketing, Mouser or the stock profile and we do no
principal manufacturer? promotion until we have A) Call Mouser! always a problem,
A) We work collaboratively
stock on the shelves because
we don’t want customers to www.mouser.co.uk
but if you buy
with our franchised suppliers, have the negative experience from an authorised
discussing which new parts of waiting.
distributor, which
Q
to stock and how to market
them. Of course, large
‘blue-chip’ companies will
What impact
do mergers and
only deals direct
have experience, but newer, acquisitions have with with component
smaller suppliers with a overlapping product lines?
niche or even disruptive manufacturers, that
technology may need more
guidance. That’s why we
A) Some merger and
acquisition activity has
issue goes away
employ a technical marketing impacted product availability,
10 June 2018 • www.electronics-sourcing.co.ukmicrochipDIRECT offers access to the world’s largest inventory of Microchip products
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© 2015 Microchip Technology Inc. All rights reserved. DS40001752B. MEC2010Eng04/15Purchasing
Shortages are proving to be a
thorn in the side for buyers
Electronics purchasers are employing a variety of tactics and strategies to manage current component shortages
By James Carbone
For the last eight months or search services that include and its F.A.S.T platform
so, many electronics buyers component brokers often (Forward Alert Solutions
have been struggling with have “inventories that have Tool), which is a proprietary
shortages of capacitors, already been consumed or blend of software services
resistors and discrete were ‘bait’ inventories held by and internally developed
semiconductors because of brokers to attract you to their processes which supports MC
strong demand and the lack business,” said Kelly. Assembly and its customers’
of investment in new capacity needs.
by component manufacturers. “These types of services
often do not validate the EMS provider Vexos also
By most accounts, shortages accuracy and timeliness of buys a lot of components
and allocations that began in the reported inventory and from catalog distributors
the third quarter of last year can lead buyers on a wild during shortages, according
will continue through this goose chase that does not to Stephanie Martin, senior
year and perhaps into the produce positive results,” vice president global supply
second half of 2019. Some he said. MC Assembly also for Vexos, based in Markham,
component manufacturers uses other design-for-supply- Ontario, Canada. She said she
have long backlogs and are chain platforms such as can buy thousands of parts
no longer accepting orders. Silicon Expert for inventory from catalog houses noting
As a result, buyers are hard- availability and cross that Vexos does high-mix,
“”
pressed to find parts needed referencing. low-volume manufacturing
for production. and does not need millions
During the current shortages, of parts.
Some are working closely some buyers are turning to
with their component
engineering departments
sources they have not used
before. Some of those sources
To help mitigate shortages,
Vexos’ buyers also work
Independent
trying to determine if there are authorized distributors with the EMS provider’s distributors
are readily available alternate that they do not regularly sales teams, urging them to
parts that can be used in a buy from, or non-franchised provide as much visibility help locate
design that could replace a
shortage component. Other
independent distributors. into how many systems Vexos
will need to build.
hard-to-find
buyers are searching for little Many buyers look to catalog components,
known second- or third- distributors for shortage Martin noted that lead times
tier suppliers in China or parts. Catalog houses usually on every bill of material are carry inventory,
elsewhere in Asia that may
be manufacturing a needed
sell small quantities of
components to engineers for
out over 24 weeks and most
of them have components and offer third-
part. prototype builds. Catalog
distributors such as Mouser,
that are over 40 weeks. “So,
we are pushing back hard
party testing
Most buyers are scouring all Digi-Key, allied and Newark on our program managers,
– Richard Kelly, vice president
the links in the electronics often have a wide breadth of sales teams and going back of supply chain management at
supply chain and using all product. to customers asking for their electronics manufacturing services
the sourcing tools that are best guess forecast so we (EMS) provider MC Assembly
at their disposal, including Solving shortages can get parts on order,” said
online search platforms “At times we utilize Martin.
such as ECIAauthorized. authorized catalog
com, Findchips.com, distributors for solving Going gray
netcomponents.com among shortages,” said Kelly. “Most But getting extended
others. of them not only service forecasts is not enough. Vexos
engineering quantities, but is also buying on the gray
Richard Kelly, vice president production volumes as well market “where we can find
of supply chain management for certain devices.” material although it is drying
at electronics manufacturing up rapidly,” said Martin.
services (EMS) provider He said catalog distributors Vexos has a list of approved
MC Assembly, based in are a very important part of independent distributors that
Melbourne, Fla., said MC Assembly supply chain. have good quality systems,”
such services are helpful, Many are integrated into said Martin.
but can be “redundant to the EMS provider’s supply
each other.” Online parts chain business systems continued on page 14
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www.hirose.com/eu - info@hiroseeurope.euPurchasing
Kelly said that MC Assembly drives up the price for the are shortages, “the top
also buys from a handful of components. most sophisticated OEM
independent distributors. supply chains have
“They help locate hard to find “This is not the best strategy,” strategic partnerships with
components, carry inventory, said Kolodko. “It’s more independent distribution.
and offer third-party testing,” strategic if you go to two or Anyone who doesn’t now is
said Kelly. “At times they three specific sources for the kind of old-fashioned,” said
have what we need. The parts,” from the beginning, Klein.
good ones can vet out market he said.
availability quickly and work Many top-tier OEMs partner
toward meeting our target Some buyers at OEMs with Rand providing not just
price,” he said. and EMS providers have parts during shortages, but
evaluated, audited and critical market intelligence.
The EMS provider has a qualified a handful of Klein said every week she
“”
“precise set of business independent distributors and meets with senior leadership
rules for engagement and developed close relationships at top-tier companies either
risk avoidance” when with them. Global in person or on conference
buying from non-franchised independent distributors say calls and “gives them an
distributors. However, some
of MC Assembly’s customers
such buyers have learned
that independent distributors
overview of the market, the
sectors, the supply chain, The top most
do not allow deviating from
franchised distributors,
can do more than just
provide components during
best practices taking place,
challenges that different
sophisticated OEM
while others allow MC shortages. companies have had to supply chains have
strategic partnerships
Assembly to buy from specific overcome and some of the
independent distributors. They say larger OEMS with solutions,” she said. I’m
“We have partnered with a
sophisticated supply chain
organizations rely on leading
helping set their expectations
so that they can make
with independent
few and avoid buying from independent distributors decisions. It’s very strategic,” distribution
a large number as they to provide visibility and said Klein.
typically are working from flexibility in the electronics – Andrea Klein, CEO of Rand Technology
the same inventory pools,” market. Because of their Rand has been in business
said Kelly. position in the supply chain, for 26 years, but even
independent distributors newer, global independent
However, independent often can give customers a distributors have strategic
distributors are not “our first heads up about emerging partnerships with some
choice in solving shortages. supply chain issues. Such customers. For instance,
We prefer working through issues could include when NewPower Worldwide, based
franchised channels at all certain parts are about to go in Nashua, NH, has been in
times,” said Kelly. into a shortage, an imminent business for just three years,
port closure or worker strike, but has grown in sales to
Providing advice, not just or if a specific supplier may $100 million, said Carleton
parts be at risk because of financial Dufoe, founder and CEO of
While non-authorized sources trouble. Often, independent the company “Our number
for parts may not be the distributors can also suggest of strategic customers is
first choice for many buyers, options to manage such growing and that has been an
they often have hard-to-find situations. ongoing trend,” he said.
parts in stock or know where
they can be found. They can “A global independent Buyers are taking a
“”
also offer advice to buyers distributor can be thought of strategic approach to their
who may be inexperienced as an authorized franchised approved vendor list and to
purchasing components distributor without a line understanding the market,
on the open market. For card,” said Andrea Klein, CEO according to Dufoe. They
example, a buyer may call a
dozen or more independent
of Rand Technology, based in
Irvine, Calif. She said there
are looking for market
intelligence and “want data
Fusion wants to be
distributors and brokers are only about 10 large points when the market is more than just the
looking for a shortage part, global independent good and when it’s not,” he
said Chris Kolodko, sales distributors that can provide said. “go-to guy” when
manager, Americas for Fusion
Worldwide, based in Boston.
visibility into the supply
chain. “That kind of visibility One way NewPower works
there is a shortage.
helps you manage risk and to with customers strategically We want to be truly
Those distributors and make better business is by providing them with
brokers may not have the decisions,” she said. “We market intelligence when part of customers’
parts stock and in turn
call four or five potential
create flexibility for them.” customers are about to go
into yearly negotiations with
supply chain, but it
sources that may have them. Forging partnerships component manufacturers. takes time and work
However, with so many Klein said while some “They want to know what we
people calling about the customers may turn to Rand are hearing about the price – Paul Romano, chief operating officer
parts, it creates an inflated and other independent points with certain for Fusion Worldwide
idea of demand which distributors when there components and where
14 June 2018 • www.electronics-sourcing.co.ukPurchasing
suppliers may be lowering prices electronics market has moved in the high-mix, low-volume regular basis,” said Kelly. Such
or increasing them,” said Dufoe. into a constraint/allocation market (HMLV) market.” capabilities mean buyers have
mode, our capability at locating “knowledge oriented around
He said strategic customers will difficult to find components Kelly noted MC Assembly often specific electronic components,”
audit NewPower to make sure that has translated to a competitive must purchase parts that have including sources for a specific
all the “capabilities that we claim advantage for MC Assembly,” he long lead times because the part that has gone EOL.
are partner embedded, vetted and said. components are based on older
intact from our ISO-certification technology or the parts have “These are the situations where
to all of our quality processes,” He said the EMS provider already gone end-of-life. a seasoned buyer with a creative
he said. Customers that are differentiates itself with its “total aptitude can bring true value
considering partnering with supply chain approach, which “This has required our purchasing beyond tactical execution of an
NewPower want to make sure they integrates experienced buyers, team to develop extreme MRP order sheet,” said Kelly.
will get good quality components state of the art procurement capabilities for searching out
from the distributor. systems and years of experience difficult-to-get components on a
“In today’s world it’s not
enough just being able to detect
counterfeit parts and have good
quality,” said Dufoe. “You have to
have good relationships and you
have to be able to demonstrate
that you can deliver product in
time of need,” he said.
Paul Romano, chief operating
officer for Fusion Worldwide, said
the majority of the independent
distributor’s customers view
Fusion as a strategic partner.
Such customers earmark a certain
amount of their spend for the open
market.
“They use us for inventory and
for information about the market
so they can intelligently plan and
forecast,” said Romano.
He added that Fusion is further
trying to develop strategic
relationships with customers. “We
are trying to show them the value
of all the different value-added
programs,” said Romano. “Those
programs can help them better
manage risks and the bumps and
inefficiencies that occur because
we can see what is happening over
the entire market, not just their
little patch,” he said.
Romano said that not all customers
view Fusion as a strategic partner,
but the “vast majority do because
we very proactively provide them”
with market intelligence and
value-added programs. Fusion
wants to be more than just the “go-
to guy” when there is a shortage.
“We want to be truly part of their
supply chain, but it takes time and
work,” said Romano.
Shortages: a competitive
advantage
While shortages are a thorn in
the side for many buyers, Kelly
believes they are an opportunity
for MC Assembly. “As the
June 2018 15SEMICONDUCTOR MARKET WATCH
Despite growing chip integration,
demand for discretes will rise
However, unit shipments and revenue in 2018 won’t be as strong as 2017 when sales and shipments increased by about 11 per cent
James Carbone
The discretes semiconductor thyristors and IGBTs,” said Andrea was “four times greater than its discretes when the forecast for
market will rise 3.1 per cent Tranchida, director of marketing average growth rate over the last end products slows.
annually over the next five years power and discrete devices for 20 years.” As a result, lead times
and will be less volatile than in STMicroelectronics, based in stretched and prices increased “Purchasers at system makers
the past, according to researcher Geneva, Switzerland. “Demand for some discretes, including cancel purchase orders as soon
IC Insights. is strong across all segments” MOSFETS. The good news for as they think there may be some
especially for power MOSFETs. buyers is demand won’t be as economic slowdown or some
Discretes revenue growth will “We are seeing a relentless robust in 2018 as unit shipments problem in the marketplace,” said
be slow, but steady compared increase in demand and there is will rise about 6 per cent and Lineback. “They will then come
to previous years when revenue not any sign demand is slowing sales 5 per cent. The average back and build up inventories”
would spike upwards one down,” he said. price of a discrete will decline by when demand for their end
year and decline the next. The about 1.2 per cent, said Lineback. systems increases, he said.
worldwide discretes market will The discretes market includes
increase from $24.6 billion in diodes, small signal transistors Slower growth rate That’s what happened last year.
2017 to $28.7 billion in 2022, said and switching transistors, Discrete sales growth will “We saw some of the inventories
IC Insights. power transistors, rectifiers, continue in 2018, although at a being built up last year,” said
thyristors, varactor tuning slower rate, because of healthy Lineback. “We don’t think we’ll
Discretes revenue will grow diodes, and selenium rectifiers. economic growth in different see that going on this year and
despite modest declines in Power transistors is the largest regions of the world, he said. that’s why the growth rate is
average selling prices. The overall product category accounting going from almost 12 per cent
average price for discrete device for 58 per cent of discretes The discretes market is often to 5 per cent. But we don’t see a
from 2017 to 2022 will decline revenue in 2017, according to volatile because many discretes hard fall,” he said.
0.9 per cent from 5.8 cents to 5.6 the researcher. Power transistors are low-cost products and there
cents, the researcher said. include MOSFETs, bipolar power are often multiple sources for In the longer term, “we still
transistors insulated gate them. For the most part, there’s see discretes growing even
Unit shipments of discretes bipolar transistors (IGBT), RF and little concern that discretes will though the common wisdom is
will increase about 4.1 per cent microwave power transistors and be available even if there is a everything is getting integrated
during that time rising from 421.2 Darlington power transistors. sharp increase in demand. onto an integrated circuit,” said
billion in 2017 to 513.8 billion Lineback. Despite the trend
in 2022. Ron Lineback, senior market Buyers will often purchase large towards more chip integration,
research analyst for IC Insights, volumes of parts when there is demand for power discretes will
“We are seeing huge demand said discretes unit demand strong demand for the systems continue and “we are seeing a
across all discrete product lines, increased 11 per cent and sales that their companies build, whole range of new applications
including MOSFETs, rectifiers, grew 11.4 per cent in 2017, which but then cut back purchasing emerging” that need discretes.
By the Numbers
3.1% 448 billion
The compound annual growth rate for discretes through 2022 The number of discrete semiconductors that will ship in 2018
5.6 cents 0.9%
The average selling price for discrete semiconductors in 2022 The average annual price decline of a discrete
semiconductor from 2017-2022
$28.7 billion
The projected size of the worldwide discretes market in 2022
Mouser_DistriMarket_ST_4ads_UK_210x20_2016.indd 1EXCLUSIVELY SPONSORED BY MOUSER ELECTRONICS
“The fact is can’t you cannot build customer segments. However, Unit shipments of discrete
a product without discretes,” he suppliers are adding capacity semiconductor will post slow but stready
said. and after 2018 there should be growth through 2022 when more than
enough capacity in place to meet 513 billion discrete chips will ship
Discretes needed for automotive the requirements of systems Source: IC Insights
One growing customer segment manufacturers over the next five
for discretes is automotive. It’s no years, said Lineback.
secret that electronics content,
including discretes, in vehicles
is increasing in conventional
He noted that there are many
established discrete manufacturers
Discrete unit shipments to post
gasoline-powered vehicles as well for discretes including Infineon, ON steady growth
as electric vehicles and hybrids. Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics,
Rohm, Renesas, Vishay, Nexperia,
Tranchida said “new generation Fuji Electric, Microsemi and
of cars particularly EV and hybrid Toshiba. With demand remaining 513.8
487.5
will boost adoption” of discretes, strong manufacturers should 448.1
475 467.9
Units, billions
especially IGBTs and MOSFETs, increase capacity. In addition, 421.2
said Tranchida. there are growing number of
discrete manufacturers in China
“With EVs it is not just about which could further boost supply.
the car itself. It is also about the
infrastructure that goes around Emerging Asian discrete
the EV,” said Tranchida. He noted manufacturers may help
that fast-charge stations will mitigate the impact on capacity
need to be built “which is an caused by recent consolidation 17 18 19 20 21 22
opportunity for power discretes.” among discrete semiconductor
manufacturers. In recent years,
Other customer segments that Infineon bought International
will drive demand for discretes Rectifier, ON acquired Fairchild higher than silicon,” said Lineback. SiC chips are also better able
include consumer, industrial, and QUALCOMM purchased NXP. Despite the cost, “gallium nitride to handle other disturbances
computer, and communications. is getting a lot of momentum besides heat, including radiation
Consumer is the biggest segment Growth for GaN discretes with most major discretes and intense electromagnetic
for discretes accounting for 26 While consolidation is one trend manufacturers making gallium fields. They can be useful in
per cent of discretes revenue that semiconductor buyers should nitride MOSFETs,” said Lineback. military applications.
followed by industrial, 23 per watch, they should also keep an
cent and automotive, 19 per cent, eye on emerging use of gallium GaN transistors have about one- Because they are more efficient
according to IC Insights. nitride and silicon carbide in tenth the resistance of silicon- and the cost is falling, the GaN/
discretes, according to Lineback. based transistors, according to SiC power transistor market will
For the rest of 2018, buyers can Cambridge Electronics, which grow over the next five years.
expect tight supply and long “Gallium nitride and silicon develops GaN chips. Such lower Sales were just $105 million in
lead times for many discretes, carbide make MOSFETs much resistance results in higher energy 2017 and are forecast to reach
especially MOSFETs because of more efficient, but the problem efficiency and faster switching so $870 million in 2022, which is a
growing demand from multiple is the cost of those materials is that power electronic systems can compound annual growth rate of
be manufactured much smaller. 52.6 per cent, said IC Insights.
Increased energy efficiency GaN/SiC power transistors,
Discretes revenue to grow means computers and data
centers will use less electricity
excluding RF and microwave
power transistors, represented
3.1%/year reducing energy costs. Gallium just 0.8 per cent of total power
nitride transistors used in electric transistor sales in 2017 and are
cars can boost the power output projected to reach 5.5 per cent in
of the car, make it more energy 2022, the researcher said. Total
efficient and lighter, allowing the GaN/SiC power transistor and
28.7 car to drive farther per charge. diode sales were $216 million
($ billions worldwide)
27.5
in 2017. SiC-based diodes have
26.9 Gallium nitride discretes can be been on the market since early
26.7
used in power supplies, wireless last decade, while GaN/SiC power
25.9
charging systems, solar power transistors have been available
24.6 systems in computers and for about six years.
telecommunications equipment.
The bad news for buyers is
Some manufacturers are there are fewer second sources
17 18 19 20 21 22 manufacturing silicon carbide for GaN and SiC discretes than
discretes because SiC devices can silicon products, which might be
sustain higher voltages and holding back growth in addition
currents than silicon. In addition, to the higher cost of compound
The worldwide discrete semiconductor SiC chips can be shrunk in size semiconductor (wide-bandgap)
market will increase from $24.6 reducing resistive losses and technology when compared to
billion to nearly $29 billion by 2022 operate up to 400 degrees C conventional silicon devices, IC
compared to 150 degrees for Insights said.
Source: IC Insights
silicon.
Authorised distributor of semiconductors and
electronic components for design engineers.
9/13/16 11:58 AMEnclosures
Keeping ahead
of expectations
Although the global economy shows signs of improvement,
budgets are still tight, and buyers remain under pressure to
control costs, while also increasing competitive
edge through customization
Over the past five years, including an ingenious According to design manager
CamdenBoss has increasingly one-piece construction. Not at CamdenBoss, Dan
been asked to supply its high only does this aid ingress Smalley: “CamdenBoss is
“”
standard terminal blocks at protection, it also reduces experiencing an increase in
more competitive prices. This the possibility of incorrect demand for both customizing
market-driven request led assembly. ‘off-the-shelf’ products and
directly to the development for completely bespoke
of the CamBlock Plus range, In total, there are three designs. On our standard The IP68 rating
a comprehensive family of
terminal blocks from 2.54
models available: a
waterproof field assembly
products, this can range
from something as simple as means no dust can
to 10.16mm pitch. Designed
specifically to address highly
T-connector, a waterproof
field assembly in-line
different color end caps or
corners to match a customer’s
get into the products,
competitive markets where connector and a three-pole corporate colors, to adding which can also be
cost savings are mandatory,
the range boasts lower prices
waterproof panel mount
connector. Furthermore, the
printing using digital printing
technology, or even LED light submerged under
without the disadvantages of
sacrificing quality or approval
robust CPWP3 range features
an integrated terminal block
pipes, to make the product
look less generic.”
water up to specific
level. design so there are no small pressures
parts that might be dropped. To meet the requirement for
The new CamBlock Plus This makes them ideal for use completely bespoke designs,
2.54mm pitch rising clamp in field wiring applications CamdenBoss has developed
terminal block, for example, where losing parts would an approach called flat
is designed for use in create difficulties. The sheet plastic technology,
applications with limited compact one-piece which allows custom cases
space or for low power construction also supports to be made quickly and cost
Circular connectors include the premium
products and is ideal for ease of installation with effectively. An experienced
CamCirc IP68 multi-pole range
research and development, color-coded screws or
lighting, or fire and security terminals making wiring up
products where space is easy. The inclusion of Braille
at a premium. Described points further ensures correct
as competitively priced, it identification of connections
offers two to 12 poles and is in low light conditions.
UL approved. Development
of more CamBlock Plus Staying with the waterproof
ranges is continuous, with theme, other new releases
products holding UL and VDE include circular connectors
approvals where the industry in the premium CamCirc
deems it appropriate. IP68 multi-pole range, which
are ideal for a multitude of
Tackling harsh applications. A rugged, high
environments quality and high-performance
Thanks to the implementation interconnection solution
of innovative technology from two to over 20 poles,
CamdenBoss has introduced a CamCirc products are
range of water and dust proof designed not to disconnect
products, approved to ingress when the cable is under load
protection IP68. This rating or stress and are color coded
means no dust can get into to ensure correct mating.
the products, which can also
be submerged under water Creating custom solutions
up to specific pressures. Another increasingly
Equipped with this total dust important trend is
ingress protection rating, the customization, whether
CPWP3 range of connectors in terms of functionality,
meets this standard and dimensions, appearance or
offers further benefits construction.
18 June 2018 • www.electronics-sourcing.co.ukEnclosures
“”
The CamBlock Plus range
is designed to address
highly competitive
markets where cost
savings are mandatory
team of in-house design
engineers allows CamdenBoss
to offer this service.
Dan Smalley continued:
“One engineer is assigned to
the project from sample to
production, which helps to Info@ecopacpower.co.uk l www.ecopacpower.co.uk
ensure a smooth and seamless Sales: 01844 20 44 20 l Technical: 01844 20 44 30
customer experience.”
Custom enclosures get tough
These custom enclosures can
Power Supplies
now be made suitable for use in
harsh environments thanks to LED
a joining technique developed
Drivers
by CamdenBoss to ensure that
the enclosures are completely
External
watertight. This enhancement,
capable of offering up to IP68
rating, enables purchasers to
specify custom enclosures in
many more applications than
were previously possible, Enclosed
including outside environments.
Other benefits that can be
incorporated into the range
IP Rated
include anti-microbial, UL
rated self-extinguishing, or
translucent materials.
The ability to offer a one-stop-
shop service that includes
design and customization as
well as an extensive range of
standard products enables
CamdenBoss to cater for a Open
multitude of applications Din Rail Frame
such as broadcasting, military,
energy, marine, food processing,
industrial, automotive,
autosport, medical, oil and
gas, rail, robotics, agriculture
and security. Not only this,
CamdenBoss believes it also
supports its efforts to focus on
Distributor of Power Supplies
providing excellent customer
service.
www.camdenboss.com
June 2018 19Power Products
Medical grade adaptors deliver on flexibility
Luso Electronics is now offering a range of medical grade power
adaptors with various flexible options from Adaptor Technology.
Available in 12 and 20W families, these EN60601-1 certified wall
mount units feature two times MOPP rating. Units require a universal
input of 100 to 240V making them suitable for use globally. They are
DC/DC converters reliably also offered with a variety of plugs including UK, EU, US, Australian and
a ‘changeable’ unit with all versions supplied. Adding to the flexibility,
deliver up to 300W units are available with a range of connectors and custom labelling.
www.lusoelectronics.com
Powersolve’s TZL series high performance DC/
DC converters feature a 2:1 input range and
provide between 60 and 300W from a chassis-
mounting metal cased unit. They are designed for
applications requiring a reliable power source with
a long mean time between failures.
There are 14 models in the series with input
voltages ranging from 18 to 72V DC and outputs of
12 and 24V DC. All models feature 1,500V DC I/O
isolation and offer input reverse polarity protection,
overload and short circuit protection, soft start and
low inrush current.
Manufactured by Tracopower, the supplies meet
international EMC and safety standards and are
fully compliant with the low voltage directive.
www.powersolve.co.uk
Rhopoint June ES AW2018.qxp_Layout 1 08/05/2018 15:57 Page 1
From Power
to Precision
Isabellenhütte low ohmic, precision & power resistors
with excellent long-term stability, high current & pulse
load handling capabilities across the range
Through-hole and surface-mount power resistors available in Robust converters provide efficiency
various packages including 2 and 4-terminal
options for current sensing applications in rail settings
INTRODUCING THE NEW ... XP Power has unveiled a new family of high-power density
BV series of maximum performance,
BVF DC/DC converters for railway traction, rolling stock and harsh
environment applications. Units provide power handling
minimal size, AEC-Q200
AEC Q qualified precision shunt resistors
capability from 50 up to 600W, with all models available in
industry-standard brick formats.
Designed to meet increased demand for on-board
electronics systems, the converters are suitable for a variety
of railway applications, including: drive and power control;
warning and protection systems; video surveillance and radio/
communication systems; access and ticketing machines; as
well as door control and lighting.
All four series in the family are approved to EN50121-3-2
and EN50155 standards for EMC and safety compliance in
railway applications.
PRECISION ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS, PRESSURE Units are said to deliver high efficiency, leading to a
& TEMPERATURE SENSORS, CONNECTORS reduced need for cooling, however, with the addition of
baseplate cooling, the converters can be used in equipment
with sealed housings. This makes them ideal for traction and
rolling-stock environments. An operating temperature range
www.rhopointcomponents.com of –40 to 100°C further enables year-round operation in
Now offering Live Chat on our website diverse and thermally challenging environments.
www.xppower.com
01342 330470
20 June 2018 • www.electronics-sourcing.co.ukYou can also read
