Global engineering community invited to develop solutions that enhance wellbeing, safety and quality of life

Leeds, United Kingdom – element14, an Avnet community, has launched a new smart home and healthcare design challenge inviting engineers, makers and technology enthusiasts to design and build innovative prototypes focused on improving everyday living environments and personal wellbeing.

The challenge encourages participants to create a prototype smart home or healthcare system designed to support a happier, healthier person or household. Projects may address physical or mental health needs or introduce intelligent solutions that simplify daily life at home.

Five selected challengers will each receive a free kit of components to support the design and build of their prototype. Participants will document their build process through blog posts and share their final outcomes on the element14 Community platform. Submissions will be evaluated based on creativity, technical execution and innovative use of the provided components.

“Smart home and healthcare technologies have the potential to transform how we live and care for one another,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community. “This challenge encourages our global community to apply their creativity and engineering expertise to develop practical solutions that improve wellbeing, independence and quality of life.”

Examples of smart home and healthcare project concepts include, but are not limited to, open-source health monitoring systems, athletic performance tracking tools, safety and wellbeing solutions for elderly individuals, automated medication management devices, therapeutic platforms supporting mental health, and interactive monitoring or support tools for children.

The first-place winner will receive a prize bundle, that includes a Google Pixel Watch and Philips Hue Outdoor Camera. The second-place winner will receive a Google Pixel Watch and a blood pressure monitor, and the third-place winner will receive a blood pressure monitor. All participants who successfully complete the challenge will also receive an oximeter finger clip.

Applications are open now through 16 August. Selected participants will have until 18 October to complete and submit their projects.

For more information and to register, visit: https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/smart-home-healthcare-challenge.

Newark has announced a new global partnership with Hailo, a pioneering edge artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker, to expand access to high-performance AI solutions for customers worldwide.

Through the collaboration, Newark will offer Hailo’s AI products via their global distribution network, e-commerce platforms, and engineering community, enabling engineers, developers, and enterprises to integrate advanced edge AI capabilities into their edge designs more efficiently and at scale.

“Partnering with Hailo further strengthens Newark’s commitment to delivering leading-edge technologies that help our customers accelerate innovation,” said Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director – Onboard Components & SBC at Newark. “Hailo’s high-performance AI solutions bring powerful edge AI capabilities to a wide range of applications, and we are excited to make these technologies more accessible to customers globally.”

Hailo’s AI processors deliver data centre-class performance for edge devices with exceptional power efficiency. The partnership will support customers in developing next-generation AI applications across industries, including physical AI, smart cities, industrial automation, logistics, automotive, and intelligent retail — helping meet the growing demand for intelligent, connected, and sustainable solutions.

“We’re excited to join forces with Newark to bring our advanced edge AI solutions to more customers globally,” said Jan-Friso Blacquiere, VP Sales EMEA, Hailo Technologies. “With Newark’s strong global presence and online channels, this partnership will empower innovators to realise new levels of AI performance at the edge.”

Customers will have access to Hailo’s AI accelerators, modules, and development kits, supported by design resources, technical expertise, and reliable supply chain services. The collaboration reflects Newark’s ongoing commitment to supporting engineers and businesses with innovative technologies that accelerate product development and time-to-market.

Hailo AI solutions are now available at Newark in North America, Farnell in EMEA, and element14 in APAC.

Global engineering community launches initiative enabling members to review products of their choice

element14, an Avnet community, has launched a new initiative within its RoadTest program, inviting engineers to apply to test and review a product of their choosing.

The initiative allows participants to request any product priced at $175 or less from Newark, Farnell or element14 online stores. Ten selected applicants will receive their chosen product at no cost and keep it in exchange for publishing a review.

Applicants are required to submit a proposal outlining the product they would like to review, why they selected it and the test plan they intend to follow. Submissions should also include a brief overview of the applicant’s background, experience level and familiarity with relevant technologies such as embedded systems, microcontrollers, programming or prototyping.

Applications demonstrating clear alignment between the proposed review and the applicant’s experience, along with creativity and technical depth, will have a greater chance of selection.

Engineers may choose to review a wide range of products, including single-board computers, development and motor control kits, wireless or optical systems and bench equipment such as power supplies, oscilloscopes and soldering stations.

Reviews can take many forms, including evaluating the out-of-the-box experience, benchmarking performance against specifications, conducting cybersecurity testing or assessing durability under demanding conditions.

The enrollment deadline is 30 August. Registration to join the element14 Community is free and required to participate.

In addition, the element14 Community has launched a “Show and Tell” competition to highlight innovative electronics projects. Participants can submit blog posts featuring projects they have created independently, professionally or as part of academic work, supported by photos, videos, diagrams and code. The top 25 submissions will each receive an Arduino Uno Q.

For more information on the RoadTest, visit RoadTest program page. For details on the Show and Tell competition, visit Show and Tell competition page.

Newark has concluded the second season of its award-winning Top Tech Voices podcast series, bringing together leading experts and thought leaders to explore how innovation can improve lives, protect what matters and help solve real human challenges.

Across six episodes, the series examined topics ranging from mental health and sustainability to neurotechnology, human enhancement and the future of urban living. Hosted by Georgia Lewis-Anderson, the season featured conversations with renowned experts:

• Mental Health & Technology: Navigating the Digital Mind – Dr Jack Lewis
• Sustainable Tech: Innovations for a Greener Planet – Fionn Ferreira
• Neurotechnology and Brain Interfaces – Professor Anil Seth
• Biohacking & Human Enhancement: Redefining Our Limits – Dr Julia Jones
• Work–Tech–Life Balance – Dr Anne-Laure Le Cunff
• Smart Cities and Urban Tech: Designing the Future Metropolis – Professor Carlo Ratti

The series has attracted more than 3.6 million views across YouTube and Bilibili and generated over 83,500 hours of watch time, demonstrating strong global interest in discussions focused on the human impact of emerging technologies.

Through conversations spanning neuroscience, sustainability, health technology and urban innovation, the series highlighted how technology can be applied responsibly and purposefully to address real-world challenges and improve everyday lives.

"What made this season special was the diversity of perspectives. We brought together experts from neuroscience, sustainability, health, behavioral science and urban innovation, but a common theme emerged throughout every conversation: technology is most powerful when it helps people thrive. The response from audiences around the world shows that there is growing interest in understanding not just what technology can do, but how it can be applied responsibly and meaningfully in our everyday lives," said Rebeca Obregon, President of Newark.

To further engage audiences, Newark will soon launch an interactive Top Tech Voices quiz on the element14 Community platform to test knowledge of season two's topics and expert insights. Participants will also have the chance to compete for prizes while revisiting key discussions from the series.

Building on the success of its first two seasons, Top Tech Voices continues to provide a platform for expert perspectives on the technologies, ideas and innovations shaping the future, while creating new opportunities for audiences to engage with the conversations beyond the podcast itself.

Watch all episodes from season two, via Newark's YouTube channel or Spotify.

For more information, visit https://www.newark.com/top-tech-voices.

Newark's Top Tech Voices podcast continues its season with two new episodes featuring neuroscientist and founder Dr Anne-Laure Le Cunff and architect and MIT Professor Carlo Ratti.

In episode five, Dr Anne-Laure Le Cunff explores the role of curiosity as a practical tool for navigating uncertainty in modern work and life.

Drawing on neuroscience and her work with global knowledge workers, she challenges traditional ideas of success built on linear planning and control. Instead, she advocates for an experimental mindset — treating decisions as small, testable hypotheses rather than fixed commitments.

Central to the discussion is the concept of "tiny experiments": simple, repeatable actions that allow individuals to test ideas, gather feedback and iterate over time. Rather than relying on willpower or large-scale change, this approach focuses on building sustainable habits through continuous learning.

Dr Anne-Laure highlights the importance of paying attention not just to external results, but also to internal signals such as energy, motivation and emotional response. She also emphasizes the role of workplace culture, arguing that environments that encourage curiosity, openness and experimentation make it easier for individuals to adapt and thrive.

The episode also explores the role of AI as a thinking partner — a tool that can help surface patterns and insights, rather than replace human judgment.

Episode six turns to the future of cities, with Professor Carlo Ratti exploring how data, sensing technologies and design can create more responsive and human-centered urban environments.

Drawing on global projects and research, Ratti examines how cities can adapt to challenges such as climate change, population growth and shifting patterns of movement. From flood mitigation in Venice to the use of real-time data in urban planning, the conversation highlights how "cyber-physical" systems can respond dynamically to local conditions.

A key theme is the role of data in shaping decision-making. Ratti argues that cities can use real-time insights to identify where interventions are most needed, from green space to infrastructure. However, he emphasizes that this must be balanced with strong principles around privacy and trust — including anonymization and transparency about how data is collected and used.

The episode also explores how technology can both support and disrupt public life. While digital tools offer new ways to understand and manage cities, they can also reduce spontaneous interaction and community connection. As a result, Ratti argues that public space must be intentionally designed and protected as a cornerstone of urban life.

“What stands out in these conversations is how progress often comes from small, thoughtful changes — whether that’s experimenting with how we work or rethinking how cities respond to real-world conditions,” said Rebeca Obregon, President of Farnell Global. “Technology plays a role in both, but its value comes from how it is applied in context — supporting better decisions, better environments and ultimately better outcomes for people.”

All episodes of Top Tech Voices are now available to stream. Listeners can watch and subscribe via Newark's YouTube channel or Spotify.

For more information, visit https://www.newark.com/top-tech-voices.

element14, an Avnet Community, has launched a new smart transport design challenge inviting engineers, makers and technology enthusiasts to design and build innovative prototypes focused on the future of electric and intelligent vehicles.

The challenge encourages participants to create a prototype smart electric vehicle or an intelligent system designed for next‑generation transportation, tackling real‑world challenges such as obstacle avoidance, battery optimization, vehicle safety and system efficiency.

Five selected challengers will receive a free kit of components to support the design and build of their prototype or test rig. Participants must document their build process through blog posts and share their final outcomes. Submissions will be evaluated based on creativity, technical execution and innovative use of the components provided.

“Smart transportation is evolving quickly, and hands-on experimentation plays a critical role in turning ideas into practical solutions,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community. “This challenge empowers community members to explore emerging vehicle technologies while sharing knowledge and inspiring innovation across the engineering community.”

Example smart transport project concepts include, but are not limited to:

• Prototype electric vehicles
• Automated or auto-charging EV parking systems
• Battery management and diagnostic systems
• Speed monitoring solutions
• EV safety and redundancy systems
• Traffic management solutions
• Sensor and perception systems
• Navigation and obstacle avoidance systems

Applicants are encouraged to review the example application available on the challenge page to assist with the submission process.

The first-place winner will receive a smart electric scooter, a smart LED bike helmet and a bionic dog robot. Second place will receive a bionic dog robot, and third place will be awarded an off-road unmanned ground vehicle robot. All participants who successfully complete the challenge will also receive a 400A AC/DC Clamp Meter.

Applications are open now through 7 June. Selected participants will have until 16 August to complete and submit their projects.

For more information and to register, visit: https://community.element14.com/ez-ev

Newark has announced the immediate availability of the newly launched PIC32CM PL10 microcontrollers (MCUs) from Microchip Technology. As the latest addition to Microchip’s PIC32C family of Arm® Cortex®-M0+ core devices, the PL10 family is engineered to meet the growing demand for versatile, low-power MCUs capable of handling modern embedded tasks.

The PIC32CM PL10 MCUs deliver the performance of a 32-bit architecture while preserving the low power consumption, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness that developers of 8-bit systems rely on. With pin-to-pin compatibility, these devices provide engineers with a straightforward migration path to upgrade performance without the need for complex, costly board redesigns. They are ideally suited for high-volume applications, including industrial control, building automation, consumer appliances, power tools, and sensor-based systems.

Key Features and Design Benefits:

• 5V Operation with Multi-Voltage I/O (MVIO): Operating from 1.8V to 5.5V, the PL10 features integrated MVIO, allowing simultaneous connection to devices operating at different voltage levels. This eliminates the need for external level-shifters in mixed-voltage systems, significantly reducing Bill of Materials (BOM) costs, saving board space, and simplifying designs in high-noise environments like industrial automation and IoT.

• Core Independent Peripherals (CIPs) with Advanced Touch: Equipped with rich hardware peripherals, a Peripheral Touch Controller (PTC), and a 12-bit ADC, the PL10 executes time-critical, repetitive tasks autonomously. By offloading deterministic tasks from the CPU, the PL10 improves real-time performance, lowers power consumption, and frees up processing headroom—critical for responsive touch interfaces and precise analogue measurements.

• AI-Assisted Development & Broad Toolchain Support: The PL10 is supported by the MPLAB® AI Coding Assistant, providing context-aware code generation and real-time product insights. The devices boast broad third-party tool compatibility, including Microsoft VS Code, IAR Systems, Arm Keil, SEGGER, Zephyr, and MikroElektronika.

“Newark is proud to offer the PIC32CM PL10 MCUs as part of our expanding Microchip portfolio, giving engineers immediate access to these cutting-edge devices with full technical support,” said Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director – Onboard Components & SBC at Newark. “The PL10's pin-to-pin compatibility and broad IDE support make it an ideal choice for designers looking to upgrade to 32-bit performance without redesigning their existing workflow.”

“The PL10 family represents our unified MCU strategy, offering AVR pin compatibility, robust safety compliance, and AI-driven development tools to meet evolving market demands,” said Greg Robinson, Corporate Vice President of Microchip's MCU, WSG, and DevTools Business Units.

He further added, “Microchip is preparing to introduce a range of new microcontrollers over the next 12 to 18 months, spanning from entry-level to AI-capable devices, reinforcing our commitment to a comprehensive MCU portfolio.”

The Microchip PIC32CM PL10 microcontrollers are now available from stock for fast, global delivery from Newark in North America, Farnell in EMEA, and element14 in APAC.

Newark's Top Tech Voices podcast continues its second season with two new episodes exploring how neuroscience, AI and health technology are reshaping the way people think, behave and live.

The latest conversations feature renowned neuroscientist and Professor of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience Anil Seth, and Dr Julia Jones, a neuroscientist, former Olympic psychologist and founder of health‑tech start‑up Validity. Both offer a human-first perspective on the future of innovation.

In episode three, Neuro-tech and Brain Interfaces, Professor Anil Seth explores one of the most profound scientific questions of our time: how the brain creates conscious experience.

Seth describes perception as a “controlled hallucination”, where the brain actively constructs reality by combining predictions with sensory input — challenging the idea of a single, objective experience of the world and explaining why individuals can perceive the same reality in different ways.

The episode also examines the rapid development of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), which are already transforming treatment for conditions such as epilepsy and paralysis. While acknowledging their potential, Seth raises important ethical questions — particularly around accuracy, misuse and the emerging need to protect “privacy of thought” as neural data becomes more accessible.

Reflecting on artificial intelligence, Seth cautions against designing systems to replicate or replace human thinking. Instead, he advocates for technologies that complement human intelligence, warning that over-standardization risks creating a “mental monoculture” that diminishes diversity of thought.

The conversation concludes with a call to engineers and technologists to rethink the brain not as a digital machine but as a dynamic, energy-efficient biological system—a shift that could inspire more sustainable, human-centered innovation.

Episode four, Biohacking and Human Enhancement, turns to the future of preventative health, with Dr Julia Jones offers a grounded perspective on how technology can support long-term wellbeing.

Drawing on more than three decades of research, Jones challenges the growing trend of "extreme optimization" often associated with biohacking. Instead, she advocates for a more sustainable approach focused on extending health span — the number of years people live in good health — rather than simply increasing lifespan.

The episode highlights how behavior change is rooted in neuroscience. Jones explains that forming lasting habits requires consistent repetition over time to physically rewire neural pathways — helping explain why many traditional health interventions fail to deliver lasting results.

She also examines the role of music as a biological tool, drawing on research from elite sport and military environments to demonstrate how sound can regulate mood, enhance performance and support nervous system function — with growing applications in areas such as dementia care. A central theme of the discussion is compassion. Jones argues that modern environments are often misaligned with human biology and that shifting from blame to understanding can significantly improve health outcomes.

Looking ahead, she outlines a vision for health technology that combines data with human connection — using AI to support coaches, personalize interventions and scale engagement, while preserving the accountability and empathy that drive real behavioral change.

"As technology becomes more embedded in how we think, work and live, innovation must remain grounded in human needs," said Rebeca Obregon, President of Farnell Global. "These conversations highlight an important shift — from building technology for efficiency alone, to designing systems that support how people actually think, behave and stay healthy. Whether it's AI or health technology, the opportunity lies in using innovation to enhance human potential."

The latest episodes of Top Tech Voices are now available to stream, continuing the series' focus on human-centered innovation across AI, health and emerging technologies.

Further episodes will be released in the coming weeks. Listeners can subscribe for updates via Newark's YouTube channel or Spotify.

For more information, visit https://www.newark.com/top-tech-voices.

Newark has signed a worldwide distribution agreement with Same Sky, a manufacturer specializing in an ever-expanding range of product technologies including interconnect, audio, thermal management, motion and control, relay, sensor, and switch solutions.

This partnership expands the global availability of Same Sky’s portfolio, ensuring our customers have immediate access to high-performance component technologies. By integrating Same Sky’s technical depth into Newark’s global infrastructure, the collaboration supports high-stakes design challenges in several key sectors:

• Thermal Management for EV Charging: High-efficiency cooling solutions essential for rapid-charging infrastructure

• Audio for Electric Mobility: Reliable audio systems engineered for the unique acoustic demands of electric two- and three-wheelers

• Motion Control in Robotics: High-precision AMT encoders designed for seamless integration into drone payload systems

• Power Efficiency in HVAC: High-reliability power relays optimized for energy-efficient climate control architectures

Gareth James, Product Category Director, Interconnect & Electromechanical at Newark stated, "By adding their solutions to our global stock, we are ensuring our customers have the high-performance components necessary to innovate within a wide range of markets, including EV, factory automation, robotics, HVAC, medical, and more.”

This partnership with Newark strengthens Same Sky’s commitment to expanding regional distribution, inventory availability, and local support for customers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas,” said Dave Carroll, Vice President of Product Management at Same Sky. “By working closely with one of the industry’s leading high-service distributors, we’re improving access to Same Sky solutions and helping engineers move from design-in to production with greater speed and confidence.”

Customers can now browse and purchase Same Sky’s portfolio via Newark in North America, Farnell in EMEA, and element14 in Asia-Pacific.

element14, an Avnet Community, has launched INSPIRE HER FUTURE, a global celebration recognizing women driving progress across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Women are building, testing, teaching and advancing technology worldwide, yet many of their contributions go unrecognized. INSPIRE HER FUTURE aims to highlight their work, encourage more women to share their experiences and create a global collection of stories that reflect the diversity of the STEM community.

“Women are shaping the future of engineering and technology every day, often without visibility or recognition,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community. “By sharing these stories, we’re creating representation, building connection and helping ensure the next generation sees a place for themselves in STEM.”

The initiative invites women at all stages of their careers, including students, early‑career engineers, makers, educators and experienced professionals, to share their journeys. Submissions may include career paths, projects, challenges, lessons learned and advice for those entering the field.

The celebration centers women’s voices and is open to everyone through nominations and ally participation. Community members, colleagues, mentors and allies are encouraged to nominate women who inspire them through leadership, creativity, curiosity or impact. With permission, selected nominees may be featured or invited to participate.

Selected submissions will be recognized across the Student, Early Career and Professional/Educator categories, with standout contributions featured on the element14 Community and awarded prizes. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of community judges based on quality, insight and impact. Terms and conditions apply.

To submit a story or nominate someone who inspires you, visit https://community.element14.com/p/inspire-her-future.

element14, an Avnet Community, has launched its latest design competition, inviting engineers, makers and technology enthusiasts to develop smart industry projects focused on production monitoring, uptime optimization and product testing.

Selected participants will design and build a prototype or test rig using a kit of components from leading suppliers. Entries will be judged on creativity and the imaginative use of component features.

The challenge centers on adding intelligence to production environments. Example project concepts include miniature production line demonstrations, open‑source conveyor systems, inventory management tools, production line monitoring, predictive maintenance, RFID tracking and quality control solutions.

“To us, smart industry is about applying creativity and practical engineering to real‑world manufacturing challenges,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community. “This challenge gives our members the opportunity to explore industrial innovation while sharing their ideas and learning from one another.”

To be eligible for prizes, participants must document their build process and publish a final project blog on the element14 Community, clearly highlighting the sponsor components used.

The first-place winner will receive an Multicomp Pro MP720013 Oscilloscope. Second place will receive a Multicomp Pro MP750511 Waveform Generator, and third place will receive a Multicomp Pro MP3055 Bench Digital Multimeter. All participants who successfully complete the challenge will also receive a Multicomp Pro AC/DC Voltage Clamp Meter.

Applications are open now through 12 April and participants will have until 21 June to complete and submit their projects.

For more information and to register, visit: https://community.element14.com/on-the-line.

Newark's award-winning podcast series Top Tech Voices continues its second season with two thought-provoking episodes examining how technology influences both human wellbeing and planetary sustainability.

The opening conversations bring together neuroscientist Dr. Jack Lewis and environmental innovator Fionn Ferreira — two voices approaching technology from very different, yet equally human, perspectives.

In episode one, Mental Health & Technology: Navigating the Digital Mind, Dr Jack Lewis explores how digital tools are reshaping cognitive health.

Rather than framing technology as inherently positive or negative, Lewis presents a more nuanced view: technology's impact depends on how we use it. While digital tools increase efficiency and expand access to information, excessive screen time can displace the very behaviors that support long-term brain health — including movement, deep focus and face-to-face connection.

Drawing on neuroscience research, Lewis explains how exercise supports memory and resilience by releasing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and how uninterrupted social interaction strengthens neural pathways linked to empathy and understanding. His message is not about rejecting devices, but about using them deliberately.

The episode encourages professionals and organizations alike to consider how digital environments can be designed and managed to support wellbeing rather than undermine it.

Episode two shifts focus to environmental technology, featuring award-winning inventor Fionn Ferreira.

Raised in West Cork, Ireland, Ferreira began investigating microplastic pollution as a youngster after observing contamination along his local shoreline. With limited laboratory access, he built his own scientific equipment — including a spectrometer constructed from a Raspberry Pi, webcam and Lego — to analyze water samples.

His research led to the development of a magnetic method to remove microplastics using specially engineered ferrofluids. The innovation gained international attention and support, including backing connected to initiatives highlighted at the World Economic Forum.

In the conversation, Ferreira discusses the realities of scaling environmental innovation, from laboratory prototype to industrial application. He emphasizes that invention is rarely a solo pursuit; meaningful progress requires collaboration, storytelling and persistence.

"Top Tech Voices is about bringing credible, expert perspectives into the conversation around technology," said Rebeca Obregon, President of Newark. “These episodes reflect the breadth of innovation shaping our world — from understanding how digital habits affect our brains to developing practical solutions for global environmental challenges. Technology has extraordinary potential, and through this series, we're exploring how it can be harnessed responsibly to deliver meaningful impact.”

Together, the first two episodes demonstrate the range of discussions shaping season two of Top Tech Voices. From cognitive resilience in a digital age to scalable environmental innovation, the series continues to explore how technology can address real-world challenges when guided by insight and intention.

Both episodes are now available to stream with new episodes releasing in the coming weeks.

Listeners can watch and subscribe via Newark’s YouTube channel.

For more information, visit https://www.newark.com/top-tech-voices.

element14, an Avnet Community, in collaboration with ADI, has launched a new design challenge inviting engineers and makers to develop advanced security and surveillance prototypes.

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype or test rig utilizing ADI’s MAX32630FTHR, a versatile development platform, and Würth Elektronik’s SMD LEDs with an integrated WL-ICLED controller. The challenge encourages creative applications of these components to deliver innovative security features.

Selected challengers will receive a free kit of components, with ADI’s MAX32630FTHR as the core element, to assist in building their prototypes. Each participant will document the build process and final outcome through blogs on the element14 Community platform.

Examples of potential applications include facial recognition door entry systems, voice and face detection, environmental monitoring, crowd sentiment analysis, break-in detection and remote security sentry solutions.

“Through this challenge, we’re inviting our global community to showcase creativity and problem-solving in the field of security and surveillance,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community. “It’s an opportunity for participants to learn, share ideas, and demonstrate how innovative thinking can address real-world safety challenges.”

“We’re excited to collaborate with the element14 Community on a challenge that inspires creativity and problem-solving,” said Stephane Di Vito, ADI Distinguished Engineer, Product Security. “This initiative brings together passionate designers and engineers to explore new ideas and develop solutions that can make security smarter and more effective.”

Prizes will be awarded for the most outstanding projects. The first-place winner will receive a 13-piece SimpliSafe Home Security System and a Multicomp Pro Hot Air Rework Station. The second-place winner will receive the same SimpliSafe system plus a multi screwdriver set, while the third-place winner will receive the SimpliSafe system. All participants who complete the challenge will receive a MultiComp Pro Multimeter Set.

For more information and to register, visit https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/smart-security-and-surveillance/.

Newark has announced the availability of a new range of NI PXI hardware from Emerson, designed to lower the cost barrier for high-performance automated testing.

This expansion provides engineers with an affordable entry point to the industry-standard PXI platform while maintaining the precision, synchronization and robust software integration that are hallmarks of NI technology

"Our partnership with Newark continues to be a cornerstone of Emerson’s mission to deliver scalable, high-performance test solutions to engineering teams worldwide," said Brandon Treece, Director of NI PXI Product Marketing at Emerson. "With the launch of our new, affordable NI PXI hardware, we’re making it easier than ever to build adaptable, cost-effective automated test systems—delivering software-driven flexibility, measurement precision, and system scalability to drive innovation forward."

The new hardware suite, optimized for use with LabVIEW, InstrumentStudio, and TestStand, includes:

• NI PXIe-5108 Oscilloscopes: 4- and 8-channel options with 100 MHz bandwidth and 14-bit resolution for high-density measurements.

• NI PXIe-1081 Hybrid Chassis: cost-effective 18-slot chassis optimized for high-channel-count, low-throughput applications.

• NI PXIe-8842 / 8862 Controllers: simplified embedded controllers supporting Windows 11 and NI Linux Real-Time for flexible system integration.

• NI PXIe-6381 / 6383 DAQ Modules: first 18-bit PXI Express multifunction I/O devices, offering precise, low-noise voltage measurements.

Anthony Coletto, Vice President, Supplier Management at Newark said: “These new NI PXI modules remove the trade-off between power and price. By lowering the cost of entry, we are helping more engineers deploy the industry’s most trusted synchronization and software tools for their automated test systems.”

The new NI PXI hardware range is available to order from Newark in North America, Farnell in EMEA, and element14 in APAC.

Newark, a global distributor of electronic components, products and solutions, has announced the return of its award-winning podcast series, Top Tech Voices, with the launch of season two.

Following the success of its previous season, Top Tech Voices returns with a renewed focus on how technology serves people — highlighting innovation that improves lives, protects what matters, and addresses real human challenges. The new season brings together leading thinkers, technologists and industry experts for in-depth conversations on the ideas shaping our future.

Episode one, Mental Health & Technology: Navigating the Digital Mind, has been released today and explores the intersection between neuroscience, wellbeing and the digital world. The episode features neuroscientist, author and broadcaster Dr Jack Lewis, who examines how technology can both support and challenge mental health, and what individuals and organizations can do to optimize cognitive performance in an increasingly connected world.

Georgia Lewis-Anderson will once again host the series, guiding discussions across six episodes that cover topics including biohacking and human enhancement, smart cities, work–tech–life balance, sustainable technology, and neuroscience.

“When we launched Top Tech Voices, our goal was to create meaningful conversations that went beyond products and specifications,” said Rebeca Obregon, President of Newark. “Season two builds on that success by exploring how technology can enable people, communities and better outcomes — because innovation matters most when it has a positive human impact.”

Top Tech Voices has been recognized for its thoughtful, insight-led approach to technology storytelling, providing a platform for credible expert voices and balanced discussion. The second season continues this editorial approach, prioritizing real-world insight over promotion and positioning technology as an enabler rather than the headline.

To mark the launch of season two, Newark has also released an introductory video message from Rebeca Obregon, setting the tone for the conversations ahead.

New episodes of Top Tech Voices: Season Two will be released every few weeks. Audiences can follow Newark on social media and subscribe to its YouTube channel to stay up to date and access new episodes as they launch.

For more information, visit https://www.newark.com/top-tech-voices.

Newark has announced a new global distribution partnership with Fulham, expanding access to advanced LED drivers, emergency lighting and intelligent control solutions for customers across North America. The agreement strengthens Newark’s lighting portfolio in the region, supporting engineers and buyers across commercial, industrial and architectural lighting applications.

Fulham brings more than 30 years of expertise in LED drivers, modules, emergency lighting and intelligent control systems. Headquartered in the United States, the company operates globally, with manufacturing in India, supply channels in India and China, and a strong presence across Europe. Its portfolio includes indoor and outdoor LED drivers, emergency lighting systems, UV ballasts, and smart control technologies, all designed to meet key international standards, including CE, ENEC, DALI-2, and UL.

Through this partnership, Newark will distribute Fulham’s lighting solutions globally, improving availability and access to future-ready technologies for engineers and buyers worldwide.

The agreement includes Fulham’s core lighting portfolio, including emergency lighting systems, indoor LED drivers, and constant-voltage driver platforms, with key ranges including the HotSpot® Series, WorkHorse® DALI-2 constant-current drivers, and the ThoroLED® Series for architectural lighting, signage, and LED strip applications.

Customer benefits include:

• Broader access to certified, future-ready lighting technologies.

• Global availability through Newark’s established distribution network.

• Support for a wide range of lighting applications and form factors.

• Access to Fulham’s deep technical expertise and proven product platforms.

Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director – Onboard Components & SBC, Newark, said: “Newark has a strong commitment to adding value for our customers, and this partnership expands both choice and access to innovative lighting technologies. By working with Fulham, we are enabling customers worldwide to source advanced LED drivers, emergency lighting and control solutions through a trusted global distribution partner.”

Antony Corrie, CEO, Fulham, added: “Fulham is extremely excited to embark on this new relationship with Newark. This partnership brings together shared values, strong heritage and a commitment to global innovation. Newark will be selling Fulham’s LED drivers, emergency battery backup solutions, exit signs and UV-C power systems across their global customer base.”

Fulham products are available to purchase via Newark’s online store, with the full range and dedicated brand pages rolling out globally.

Photo left to right: Albert Andreev, Commercial Manager Europe Fulham, Mike Fawkes, Director and Investor Fulham, Antony Corrie, CEO Fulham, Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director – Onboard Components & SBC Newark, and Steve Hallgate, Global Product Segment Lead Power Newark.

element14 Community has launched its annual holiday competition, inviting members to create electronics projects inspired by the holidays and what they mean to them. Participants can compete for prizes by submitting a write-up detailing how they built their project and demonstrating how it works.

This holiday season, element14 Community is highlighting its curated winter wishlists for engineers and students. The STEM-inspired gift guide includes practical tools, kits and resources to support learning and hands-on projects.

Examples from last year’s competition include an electronic elf, an interactive mini Zen garden and a musical, motion-activated wreath.

Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 Community, stated, “To us, the holidays are about creativity and connection. This competition gives our members the chance to share what the season means to them while showcasing their engineering skills in fun and innovative ways.”

To enter, participants must submit their project write-up on the element14 Community by 11 January 2026. Projects can be gifts, decorations or party accessories, as long as they include electronic components and reflect what the holidays mean to them.

For more information on how to participate and to see inspiration from past entries, visit the holiday competition page.

To explore holiday wishlists, visit https://community.element14.com/members-area/holidays/.

element14, an Avnet Community, in collaboration with Molex, has launched a new design challenge inviting engineers, makers and technology enthusiasts to experiment with single pair Ethernet (SPE) and explore its potential benefits for industrial automation.

SPE is an evolution of traditional Ethernet that uses only two wires for data transmission instead of eight, enabling higher speeds, smaller and lighter cables, and reduced installation costs, which are especially valuable in industrial applications.

Participants in the challenge will receive a kit of SPE components, with four selected applicants receiving a Molex SPE Kit free of charge. Contestants must document their experiments or projects in blog posts on the element14 Community, incorporating the kit in their final project or summary. Innovative use of Molex SPE connectors and cables will be a key factor in determining the winners eligible for prizes.

“Molex is excited to collaborate with the talented engineers of the element14 Community on this Single Pair Ethernet design challenge,” said Jennifer Paukert, VP of Global Distribution, Molex. “Advancements in SPE technology offer significant advantages, including reduced wiring costs, space and weight savings and enhanced connectivity across industrial and building automation applications. We look forward to the comprehensive testing and valuable insights that will emerge from this community of innovators.”

“Single pair Ethernet is an exciting evolution of an established technology that has the potential to transform industrial connectivity,” said Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing and element14 Community. “Through this challenge, we hope to inspire our members to explore creative ways to implement SPE in real-world applications.”

The challenge is open to all element14 Community members, and registration is free.

For more information and to register, visit https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/experimenting-with-single-pair-ethernet/.

Newark will participate in embedded world North America 2025 at the Anaheim Convention Center from Nov. 4–6. Visitors can find the company at booth 4039, where they will showcase the latest AI and IoT development kits, host live product demos and conduct hourly hands-on workshops designed to help engineers build Edge AI and cloud-connected applications.

Newark will host live demonstrations highlighting real-world Edge AI use cases, including facial recognition and object detection, showing how quickly engineers can get started with next-generation technologies. Hourly workshop sessions with technology from top suppliers will provide hands-on experience in powering up and connecting Edge AI projects securely. Avnet’s IoT solutions including the /IOTCONNECT platform will also be on display.

“Our team is focused on creating a truly hands-on learning experience for engineers attending embedded world North America,” said Jennifer Skinner-Gray, Senior Director, Supplier Technology Enablement, Avnet. “Through our AI at the Edge workshops and live demos, we’re helping attendees gain the practical skills needed to bring their Edge AI and IoT designs to life, from concept to cloud.”

The booth will also feature Newark’s newly launched The DevKit HQ, an online resource for embedded evaluation boards, development kits and single-board computers. The DevKit HQ is the leading resource where engineers can search development kits by application.

“The DevKit HQ brings together everything engineers need to accelerate their embedded development journey,” said Cliff Ortmeyer, Global Head of Solutions, Newark. “At embedded world North America, we’re excited to show how easy it can be to explore, test and build with the latest AI- and IoT-enabled development kits from leading suppliers.”

Attendees who participate in the expert-led workshops will have the opportunity to take home a free development kit upon completing the session. Visitors can receive a free exhibit hall pass using the code NEWARK25.

For more information or to register, visit www.newark.com/embedded-world.

Newark, an Avnet company, has launched The DevKit HQ, a new online resource that brings together evaluation boards, development kits, single board computers (SBCs), tools and technical documents in one place.

A recent survey of engineering professionals found that finding the right development kit is a big challenge, with many engineers relying on kits to explore new technologies before starting projects. The survey also showed that engineers value standard interfaces and extensibility, often combining or modifying multiple kits to build prototypes and proof-of-concept designs.

The DevKit HQ addresses these needs by providing a single destination to discover, compare and select solutions from leading semiconductor and hardware suppliers.

The site enables engineers to quickly find the latest development kits and modular solutions by application, along with available demo and application software.  Engineers can also easily locate evaluation boards that match a supplier’s product family or series.  

Additionally, the site features each kit’s datasheets, application notes, training videos, reference designs and more. Together, these resources help engineers accelerate design decisions and drive innovation across various applications, including AI, IoT, sensors, wireless, motor control and power management.

The full survey results are available here. The survey was conducted on element14 Community and fielded to 441 respondents between July 28-August 8.

“Our mission is to make life easier for design engineers,” said Richard Diaz, Vice President of Sales at Newark. “With The DevKit HQ, we’ve created the leading destination where they can search development kits by application as well as explore new technologies, experiment with the latest kits, and move from idea to prototype faster, freeing up more time to focus on innovation.

The DevKit HQ is now live at https://www.newark.com/devkit-hq, providing a streamlined experience for discovering the latest products, gaining hands-on experience and accelerating time-to-market for new designs.

element14 Community has launched its annual Halloween design competition, inviting engineers, makers, and electronics enthusiasts to develop innovative Halloween-themed projects. The competition has become a tradition within the community, providing a platform for participants of all experience levels to showcase their creativity and technical skills.

This year’s challenge encourages participants to design and build projects that capture the spirit of Halloween using electronic components. Example submissions could include electronic decorations, zombie defenses, automatic spooking machines, or wearable electronic costumes and props.

The competition will award prizes across multiple categories, including one first-place winner, three second-place winners, and three runner-up winners. Each winning participant will be able to select from a curated set of prize options.

“Each year, our Halloween competition highlights the ingenuity of the element14 Community,” Andreea Teodorescu, Global Director of Product Marketing & element14 community. “It is an opportunity for makers and engineers to share ideas, learn from one another, and celebrate their passion for electronics in a unique and engaging way.”

To qualify, participants must submit a project write-up detailing their design and build process by 9 November 2025. Submissions should be made directly on the official competition page.

The competition is open to both new and long-standing community members, with a focus on creativity, effort, and knowledge-sharing.

For full details and to enter the competition, visit: https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/halloween/b/news/posts/join-the-element14-community-2025-halloween-competition.

Newark, an Avnet company, has signed a new supplier agreement with Altech, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of high-quality industrial automation and control components. The partnership brings Altech’s competitively priced, UL approved products to Newark’s customers across North America.

With over 40 years of industry experience, Altech, delivers reliable, high-performance components across automation, safety and medical markets. Their broad portfolio includes circuit breakers, terminal blocks, disconnect switches, power supplies, cord grips, and enclosures, all of which are now available through Newark.

This partnership strengthens Newark’s offering in the electrical and automation components category, giving customers high-quality, cost-effective alternatives. With a strong reputation for product availability, technical support and compliance, Altech enables engineers and purchasing teams to confidently meet project goals without overspending.

“By adding Altech to our supplier lineup, we’re empowering our customers to make smarter, more efficient procurement decisions,” said Andrew Weatherill, Vice President of Global Product at Newark. “Altech’s proven quality and competitive pricing are a compelling combination, especially in today’s cost-conscious market.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Newark and are excited about the opportunity to work together as a reliable and competitive supplier in the marketplace. Altech has built a reputation for providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions across various industries, and this collaboration with Newark allows us to extend our reach and deliver even greater value to customers,” said Mario Meise, President at Altech. “We look forward to contributing to Newark’s strong portfolio of trusted suppliers and continuing to support their customers with high-quality and competitively priced products.”

To explore Altech’s full product range available from Newark, visit https://www.newark.com/b/altech.

Newark, an Avnet Company, has launched a new hub for on-board components, providing engineers and buyers a single destination to design, source and purchase the building blocks of modern electronics.

The hub offers engineers access to circuit board components, development kits, single board computers and technical resources, including white papers, webinars, videos and design guides. Newark’s inventory spans semiconductor discretes and ICs, passives, relays and switches, board-level connectors, single board computers and development kits, with products from over 2,000 leading manufacturers.

For buyers, Newark simplifies procurement with PunchOut catalogs, search and order APIs and BOM management, as well as services such as free re-reeling, vendor-managed inventory, custom kitting, labeling and product alternatives.

To better serve customers, Newark has increased U.S.-based inventory while maintaining its capability to ship from its UK warehouse within 3–5 working days. This investment ensures faster delivery, greater supply chain reliability and improved access to high-demand components across the Americas. It also reflects Newark’s long-term goal to be the customer’s first and most trusted choice for board-level electronic components.

Newark supports both production and engineering needs with local stockholding, global sourcing capabilities and one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of embedded development kits, evaluation boards and ICs. Full product traceability, including date and lot codes and Certificates of Conformance, ensures customers can purchase with confidence.

“Newark’s new on-board components hub combines our extensive product range with the tools and services that engineers and procurement professionals need most,” said Rebeca Obregon, President of Newark. “With expanded local inventory, faster delivery times and deep technical resources, this hub empowers customers to work faster, smarter and with greater confidence.”

The on-board components hub is available now at https://www.newark.com/board-level-components.

Newark is now distributing connectivity solutions from Digi International, a leading global provider of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity products, services and solutions.

The new relationship is an expansion of Avnet’s existing relationship with Digi and will enhance Newark’s wireless communications portfolio. It will also enable Digi to utilise the “power of one,” which is the combined strength of Newark and its parent company Avnet across the product lifecycle. With Avnet and Newark, customers will be able to find the best solution for their needs around the globe.  

Digi International supplies secure embedded technology and connectivity such as system-on-modules, wireless communication systems, and cloud management software to developers in a diverse range of industries, including education, energy, industrial, medical, retail, smart cities and transportation. In every case, it is committed to ensuring that each customer is provided with precisely the right technology for their wireless connectivity requirements.

Steve Ericson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digi OEM Solutions said, “We are very excited about leveraging the combined power of both Newark and Avnet and look forward to expanding our customer base by leveraging Newark’s expertise and global reach. We have always looked to partner with like-minded companies to ensure our customers have an ecosystem of options that seamlessly integrate, extend value, and bring the future of IoT communications to drive their business.”

Digi’s featured technologies include a range of solutions to support Bluetooth®, cellular IoT, edge computing, Fixed Wireless Access, LoRaWAN®, 5G, Zigbee® Wireless Mesh, and more.

Rebeca Obregon, President, Newark, said, "We are delighted to grow our distribution relationship with Digi and expand our M2M and IoT product offerings. The alliance will enhance our customer experience, and we look forward to further infusing Digi’s excellent range of solutions with our global distribution presence and marketplace knowledge.”

Digi solutions can be ordered online from Newark in North America, Farnell in EMEA and element14 in APAC.  

Each year, Nexperia adds about 800 new product types to its range. In 2024, more than 70 new parts for analogue and power management applications alone were released. To support Nexperia’s product expansion, Newark has expanded its SKU range in line with the growing portfolio to better serve engineers worldwide.

Nexperia is renowned for its quality and reliability in discrete components, power, and logic ICs and has made a substantial investment in manufacturing. This includes a $200 million commitment to SiC and GaN technology at its Hamburg, Germany facility. The investment is now yielding results, with a rapidly growing portfolio that includes power MOSFETs, wide bandgap semiconductors, IGBTs, as well as analogue and power management ICs.

These manufacturing advancements and new product introductions highlight Nexperia’s commitment to advancing production capabilities and meeting future demands, and Newark’s expansion of Nexperia power products in stock reflects the desire to meet demand.

Jose Lok, Global Product Category Director, Passives and Semiconductors at Newark, said,” The importance of leading-edge power products cannot be overstated, and Nexperia provides some of the best—whether they are targeted for automotive, industrial or portable or even wearable applications. We share their goal of ensuring developers can access the exact components they need, when they need them. With comprehensive Nexperia inventory available across the Americas, EMEA and APAC, we are ready to support engineers worldwide.”

Included in the new series available from Newark are:

• Power MOSFETs – Automotive-qualified power MOSFETs, small signal MOSFETs, and application specific MOSFETs from 20V to 100V. These devices provide excellent switching performance and robustness in copper-clip packages (LFPAK, CCPAK) and micro lead package (MLPAK) variants.
• 650V IGBT discretes in H-series (high speed) and M-series (motor drive) options deliver ruggedness, high reliability and enhanced inverter power density for medium and high voltage industrial applications.
• SiC diodes offer temperature-independent capacitive turn-off and zero recovery switching behaviour, combined with an outstanding figure-of-merit (Qc x VF).
• SiC MOSFETs with excellent RDSon temperature stability, fast switching speed, and high short-circuit ruggedness for high-power and high-voltage industrial applications.
• Low voltage e-mode GaN FETs, 650 V e-mode GaN FETs, 40 V bi-directional GaN FETs and 650 V cascode GaN FETs designed for enhanced power density through reduced conduction and switching losses in low- or high-power conversion applications
• Power rectifiers that deliver power density while minimizing reverse recovery time and loss

Kinga Czutro, Senior Corporate Account Manager, Distribution at Nexperia said, ”We’re proud to see our power products recognized for their performance across such a wide range of applications. Newark’s dedication to availability and support is a key part of helping engineers bring their designs to life, quickly and reliably. This partnership clearly reflects that shared vision.

The new range of power products from Nexperia is now available and shipping from Newark in North, Farnell in EMEA and America and element14 in APAC.