The National Geographic channel’s “Mars” series has entered its second season and has inspired AspenCore’s Special Projects team to delve into the future of space exploration. Our “Road to Mars” report covers the designs, technologies and imagination that drive space research, and the electronics and sourcing infrastructure that support aerospace hardware development. The world’s fascination with Mars continues to fuel space…
As the electronics industry plows through calendar Q4, murmurs of uncertainty around 2019 are surfacing. Analysts say there’s a possibility that demand for electronic components will cool in 2019, and tariffs continue to fuel uncertainty throughout the electronics supply chain. “Semiconductor memory ASPs are going to fall. Semiconductor sales are going to decline. The U.S…
Following a slight cool-down period in July, the nation’s factory activity is running hot. The Institute for Supply Management’s domestic production index, the PMI, grew by 3.2 percentage points to reach 61.3 in August. Any number above 50 indicates expansion. Moreover, the ISM’s leading sub-indexes, new orders and production, surged. New orders registered 65.1 percent, an…
Incidents of counterfeit electronic components dropped dramatically in 2017, according to ERAI Inc., a global organization that monitors, investigates, and reports issues affecting the supply chain. ERAI reported a total of 771 suspect counterfeit and nonconforming parts in 2017, which shows a marked decline from prior years. The organization is cautious, however, about drawing too…
The Avnet Inc. that just closed fiscal 2017 is significantly different from the Avnet of a year ago. Following a rollercoaster ride of M&A, executive turnover and internal-systems challenges, Avnet ended Q4 with sales up 16.1 percent year-over-year. Driven by organic growth of 8.4 percent, Avnet’s Q4 revenue reached of $4.6 billion from $3.9 billion…
It’s been awhile since global distributors have touted their component fulfillment services in lieu of design. However, with some component lead times extending into Q1 2018, OEMs would be “a little more comfortable” with more inventory, said one channel executive. “Customers are largely getting what they want,” Mike Long, CEO of global distributor Arrow Electronics…
It was in April of last year that Phil Gallagher joined TTI Inc. as corporate officer, senior vice president and member of CEO Paul Andrews’ executive staff, acting in the functional role as president, sales and marketing, TTI Americas. Gallagher had just come off a two-year hiatus after leaving Avnet Inc., his employer for 32…
My colleague Bolaji Ojo eloquently outlined the impact Amazon.com is having on the world of electronics. I agree with Bolaji’s analysis 100 percent. But much of the coverage of Amazon in the electronics trade press – including EPSNews – implies that Amazon.com is intentionally targeting the electronics distribution industry. That’s simply not true. Amazon is targeting any market…
Analog Devices Inc.’s realignment of its channel strategy has implications beyond the companies directly involved — ADI and acquisition Linear Technology; and distributors Arrow Electronics Inc. and Avnet Inc. ADI’s move could prompt other semiconductor companies to reconsider their distribution options. A distributor’s supplier roster works a bit like a sports team. If the five-time Super…
SMTC Corporation, a global electronics manufacturing services provider, today announced the appointment of Ed Smith as its interim president and chief executive officer effective February 17, 2017. Smith will also be elected to the Board of Directors of the company. Smith will begin providing services to SMTC Corp. on February 6, 2017 and work alongside the…