Here is some information about Farnell Electronics
Farnell electronics is one of the largest distributors of electronic components and products for engineers, makers and hobbyists in the world. Farnell is based in the United Kingdom and provides access to more than 500,000 products of the leading brands via their online platform and paper flyers. This article will introduce readers to the Farnell electronics catalogue, the full Farnell component range, and how to navigate through the vast options.
Introduction of the Farnell Electronics Catalogue
The Farnell electronics components catalogue could be both in the form of an online catalogue as well as printed catalogue containing product list, datasheets, technical details, stock status, price, and other information regarding the ordering of the product. Categories covered include:
- - Semiconductors: transistors, integrated circuits, microcontrollers, diodes, optoelectronics
- - Passive components: resistors capacitors inductors transformers switches relays
- - Connectors and cabling: Cable assemblies, Circular connectors, I/O connectors, Terminal blocks
- - Electromechanical parts: switch gears, electrical boxes and enclosures, fuses and fuse holders, fans and blowers and knobs and dials.
- - Power supplies: AC/DC converters, DC/DC converters, solar products, batteries
- - Test and measurement equipment: oscilloscopes, function generators, multimeters, spectrum analyzers
- - Tools: implements such as soldering irons, special craft knives, flat head and cross head screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers and crimping tools.
- - Computers and peripherals: Raspberry Pi, Arduino, displays, touch screens, sensors
The online version at farnell.com is an electronic version of the print catalogue although the possibility of making parametric searches and stock checks and an on-line ordering facility are also available. It is also possible for an individual with hobbies and large corporate buyers to buy components through different channels.
Farnell Electronics Components: Range
Farnell has over 500000 items in its inventory, making it one of the largest stocked online stores of electronics and electrical components and accessories of well known brands. Key product categories include:
Semiconductors
Farnell provide Semiconductors ranging from processors and controllers, interface and communication ICs, display drivers, amplifiers, sensors, opto electronics, discretes and modules. Some of the brands that are offered include Analog Devices, Intel, NXP Semiconductors, STM, Microchip, Renesas, Broadcom and Cypress.
Passives
Farnell offers a wide range of passive components including resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, antennas and many others. Some of the prominent market players are Vishay, TE Connectivity, Ohmite, EPCOS, Abracon, Murata, and Taiyo Yuden.
Interconnects
They sell all types of mating products and other accessories such as cable and harness, circular connectors, d-sub connectors and board to board connectors, terminal blocks, IDC accessories, sockets and edges connectors. Some of the major brands in the market are Molex, TE Connectivity, Phoenix Contact, Harting and Wurth Elektronik.
Electromechanical
Rotary switches, pushbutton switches, toggle switches, DIP switches, sensors, indicators and buzzers are only some of the thousands of electromechanical parts that can be purchased from leading manufacturers including EAO, Honeywell Sensing, TE Connectivity, Omron, Panasonic and Schneider Electric.
Enclosures
Farnell offers protective boxes ranging from small junction boxes to a large extensible wall-mount polycarbonate enclosure and even outdoor-rated NEMA enclosure originating from Hammond Outdoor Industrial Products, Ensto, Rolec, Spelsberg enclosure technology, and OKW.
Test and Measurement
Farnell electronics trade test and measurement equipment including handheld digital multimeters, thermal imaging, function generators, waveform generators, LCR meters, RF signal generators, and pc based oscilloscopes by Fluke, Keysight formerly Agilent, Tektronix, PeakTech, UNI-T and BK Precision.
Power Supplies
Some of the power solutions that can be found in Farnell electronics include AC/DC power supplies, DC/DC converters and solar products. Manufacturers associated with the product include Mean Well, TDK-Lambda, XP Power, Renesas, and CUI Inc. Yuasa and Cyclon rechargeable batteries also offered.
Tools
For electronics assembling and working, Farnel has available soldering irons, hot air guns, bench power supplies and hand tools, test probes, magnifiers, fume extractors and other from Apex Tool Group, Metcal, Weller, Duratool and Anton.
Computers and Peripherals
A wide range of accessories such as Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, touch screen displays, interface modules, and prototyping accessories from makers like Adafruit, Pimoroni, Seeed Studio and others to design next generation IoT and embedded systems.
Arduino microcontrollers along with the compatible components such as sensors, motor controllers and prototyping shields enhance the coding speed and electronics prototyping.
Navigating the Farnell Catalogue
Here are some tips for navigating Farnell's vast electronics catalogue to find the desired components and products:Here are some tips for navigating Farnell's vast electronics catalogue to find the desired components and products:
Parametric Searching
You can use other parametric filters such as product type, technology type, features, etc to narrow down to the items with functional specifications. This makes it easier to bring down very long lists in a short span of time.
Keyword Search
If you have the manufacturer or industry standard part number, use the keyword search bar for the quickest lookups. Searches with the actual part numbers have been tested and are accurate to a certain degree, but wildcard searches with a partial part number also suffice.
Side-bar Filters
Once you have your list of search results, the sidebar filters come in handy, especially for selecting based on product characteristics like voltage rating, tolerance, package type, termination style or other characteristics specific to the device type.
Compare Items
When comparing similar devices from different manufacturers, the compare tool can be used to view key specifications next to each other. It allows you to compare 4 items at a time.
It is recommended to check the inventory and lead times.
The catalogue connects with live inventory systems and therefore register and login to see regional/local stock position and lead times to ensure correct build and ordering.
Farnell Design Services
Besides components procurement, Farnell provides PCB assembly, product customization, value-add technologies, and maintenance services to provide customized and full turn-key solutions for specific & individual customer requirements.
In Summary
The Farnell electronics catalogue gives instant access to one of the industries biggest ranges of electronic components, evaluation aids and production requirements. Farnell’s website search tools, parametric filters and custom services can be useful for both first time makers and professional engineers to source standard or modified for prototype to volume production parts.