Abacus Group has published its preliminary results .

Financial highlights include 44% increase in turnover to GBP 257 million (2005: GBP 179 million), and 48% increase in gross profit to GBP 64.7 million before exceptionals (59% increase to GBP 63.9 million after exceptionals). Gross margin at 25.2% increased from 24.4%, before exceptionals (24.9% compared with 22.5% in 2005, after exceptionals) - reflecting Axess and Deltron acquisitions.

Profit before tax, amortisation and exceptionals increased 47% to GBP 11.9 million (2005: GBP 8.1 million).

Commenting on the results, Chairman, Harry Westropp, said: 'The group now has a broader operations base, a wider mix of product and a greater depth of management'.

'The geographical spread has also changed radically during the past year'.

'In 2007 the Abacus Group sales will no longer be dominated by the UK with nearly half the business being overseas'.

'All these factors considerably enhance the opportunities for us going forward as well as delivering a more cost effective and higher margin business'.

Farnell InOne has won recognition from industry leading suppliers at Electronica 2006, the world's leading trade show for electronic components, systems and applications.

Farnell InOne has won recognition from industry leading suppliers at Electronica 2006, the world's leading trade show for electronic components, systems and applications, for its wide range of distribution services and multichannel approach. Awards were won for Web Demand Creation from Epcos; European Catalogue Distributor of the Year from Harwin; Fastest Growing Pan European Distributor Award from Amphenol; UK and Ireland Distributor Demand Creation Award from Panasonic; and Outstanding Performance Award from Sharp. Marianne Culver, Senior Vice President, Global Electronics Supplier Management, Premier Farnell, comments: 'We're absolutely delighted by these awards from so many industry leaders'.

'Working closely with suppliers is extremely important to us and its gratifying to see that our commitment to service excellence is a winning formula'.

IRC's power current sense resistors are expected to gain wide acceptance in the worldwide market as a result of increased thermal management capabilities.

TT electronics IRC Wire and Film Technologies Division's OAR-TP Series open air sense resistor is designed for applications requiring the transfer of heat away from circuits and solder joints. Available in 1W or 3W rating, the resistor is being specified for current sensing, feedback, low inductance, as well as surge and pulse applications. According to David Winkler, product manager for IRC's Wire and Film Technologies Division, the current sense resistor has gained worldwide acceptance because of its narrow footprint and thermal management capabilities.

'The hot spot on the OAR-TP resistor is approximately 0.2 degrees higher than on a typical metal strip chip resistor'.

'This results in an increased thermal path for the OAR-TP, reducing heat transfer into the solder joints and circuits,' said Winkler.

'Because of this, the device is ideal for thermally harsh environments, including automotive and aerospace applications, as well as enclosed, poorly ventilated circuits in applications such as laptop computers'.

The 1W OAR-TP resistor measures just .300in in height, while the 3W device has a height of 1.25in.

Because many power supply designs are already tightly packed at the PC board level, the additional height does not create any profile issues, but rather improves cooling efficiency, Winkler continued.

The OAR-TP Series resistors feature a reduced pitch, or spacing between the leads on the circuit board (with a corresponding increase in the board mounted profile), when compared to the standard OAR Series devices.

The OAR-TP Series resistors are rated for 1W or 3W at 85C, with resistance values from 0.1ohm to 0.005ohm and tolerances down to +/-1%.

The device features TCRs as low as +/-20ppm/C and inductance values in the single-digit nanoHenry range.

Operating temperature range is -40 to +125C.

IRC will also produce devices outside these specifications to meet customer requirements.

A lead-free RoHS-compliant version is available, as is a low inductance version for high frequency applications.

The flameproof OAR-TP Series resistors are constructed of a wire resistive element with welded copper leads to prevent solder wicking, which can change the device's resistance value in the circuit by as much as 30%.

RS Components has gained re-certification to the electrostatic discharge (ESD) management standard ANSI/ESD S20.20 for the third consecutive year.

RS Components gains ESD programme certification for third consecutive year RS Components UK, the distributor of electronic, electrical, electromechanical and industrial components, has gained re-certification to the electrostatic discharge (ESD) management standard ANSI/ESD S20.20 for the third consecutive year. RS is currently the only distributor in Europe certified to ANSI/ESD S20.20 - an achievement recognised by BSI Management Systems, the accredited body appointed to undertake certification on behalf of the Electrostatic Discharge Association of America. As electronic devices have become faster and smaller their sensitivity to ESD has increased to the point where it impacts productivity and product reliability in virtually every aspect of today's electronics environment.

ESD damage costs the electronics industry many millions of pounds a year and as a result effective control measures must be taken during all stages of manufacture, supply and assembly.

RS is committed to raising awareness of ESD issues throughout the supply chain process and providing its customers with the highest possible levels of product quality.

ANSI/ESD S20.20 covers the requirements necessary to design, establish, implement and maintain an ESD control programme for activities that manufacture, process, assemble, install, package, label, service, test, inspect or otherwise handle electrical or electronic parts, assemblies and equipment susceptible to damage by ESD greater than or equal to 100V Human Body Model.

The programme of ESD control at RS includes the following: establishing the ESD threshold sensitivity of products to maintain adequate protection for the increasingly susceptible devices that are processed by RS; understanding suppliers' capabilities in terms of awareness throughout the supply process and establishing that they provide adequate protection for ESD sensitive devices throughout manufacturing, storage and despatch; providing certified ESD Protected Areas (EPAs) including dissipative flooring and work surfaces, personnel and equipment grounding, local ionisation, humidity control, ESD control footwear and garments, and eliminating static generating materials and processes; providing specialised training for staff covering ESD terminology and awareness, ESD protection of susceptible devices and EPA processes and procedures; and specialised packaging: products are packed in high-quality metallised film shielding bags that effectively protect devices from externally generated charge and prevent the build-up of charge caused by movement of devices inside the packaging.

Martyn Green, ESD Co-ordinator commented: 'RS is extremely proud to achieve re-certification to the ANSI/ESD S20.20 standard once again'.

'Suppliers to the Electronics market have a clear obligation to ensure that robust ESD processes and procedures are in place to prevent the risk of damage to sensitive electronic components'.

'Being the only distributor in Europe registered to this standard shows our commitment to listening to our customers and satisfying their needs to the highest possible level'.

Distributors will now be able to offer the full range of PCB interconnects from Bishop and Associates' overall number one ranking connector manufacturer.

Samtec Sudden Service now from TTI Europe A global agreement between TTI Europe - the world's leading authorised specialist distributor of passive, connector and electromechanical components - and Samtec, means that the distributor will now be able to offer the full range of PCB interconnects from Bishop and Associates' overall number one ranking connector manufacturer. Samtec is QS-9000 registered and, like TTI, is privately owned. The company focuses on creating superior capabilities and differentiation within niche products and markets.

The number one ranking in the prestigious Bishop and Associates' 'Customer Survey of the Electronic Connector Industry' is the fourth year in a row that Samtec has achieved this position and is a result of the company's commitment to six Sudden Service principles.

Commented Geoff Breed, TTI-Europe's Director of Supplier Marketing: 'Our branch offices reported that the Samtec line was the connector supplier that would add most value for our customers'.

'Samtec's board level connectors are perfect for our customer base, and their service and sample program is second-to-none in the interconnect world'.

'They also have strong technical teams which will compliment our design activities'.

Added Alan McLean, European Manager at Samtec Europe Limited: 'We believe TTI is a good vehicle to drive sales in Europe, as both our companies share a similar vision and commitment to service'.

'TTI offers a complementary mix of markets, which will help widen our customer base, as well as increasing the market share for both our companies in Europe'.

The Great Yorkshire Bike Ride raised a record-breaking GBP 119,181 this year bringing the 23-year running total for the event to a whopping GBP 1,456,021.

The Great Yorkshire Bike Ride, one of the UK's most successful sponsored cycle rides, raised a record-breaking GBP 119,181 this year bringing the 23-year running total for the event to a whopping GBP 1,456,021. Charities including Childline, Disability Action Yorkshire and Heart Research UK received donations presented by Steven Webb and Paul Jackson on behalf of event sponsor Farnell InOne at the official prize-giving evening on the12th November 2006. The Farnell InOne 25-rider team from the Leeds based distributor of electronic components also won a team sponsorship award for raising a significant amount of money.

A record number of cyclists took part in the ride on 17th June and, fuelled by a delicious lunch sponsored by Farnell InOne, they gamely tackled the 70-mile route.

John Taylorson MBE, founder and event organiser, comments: 'This was a fantastic example of what people can do to a common good'.

'With the help and support of sponsors such as Farnell InOne, we have a great day out, promote cycling, fitness and friendship, show people the best of Yorkshire and raise a stack of cash for our nominated charities'.

'Is there a better way to spend a Saturday in June?'.

Steven Webb, Company Secretary, Farnell InOne, adds: 'Farnell InOne is proud to be associated with the Great Yorkshire Bike Ride, which it has supported through both sponsorship and employee participation for many years'.

NIC Components has introduced six new series of SMT V-Chip capacitors that feature +260C soldering heat ratings.

NIC Components has introduced six new series of SMT V-Chip capacitors that feature +260C soldering heat ratings. The liquid electrolyte, aluminium electrolytic devices are able to withstand the requirements of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) alloy lead-free soldering process. SAC solder alloys have emerged as the industry standard replacement for Sn-Pb solder alloys that were used extensively prior to the implementation of RoHS legislation earlier in 2006.

The new NASE, NAWE, NAWT, NAZK, NAZT and NAZU series, from NIC, provide designers with an extensive choice of devices for use in applications that demand characteristics such as low ESR, wide operating temperature range, small form factors as well as general purpose styles.

Available case diameters for +260C soldering heat rated capacitors are 4, 5, 6.3 and 8mm.

Larger case sizes, 10, 12.5 and 16mm, are rated from +250, +240 and +235C, respectively.

These new series from NIC cover voltage ratings of between 6.3 and 50V DC, and capacitance values from 0.1 to 6800uF.

Load life ratings from 1000 to 5000 hours at maximum rated temperature.

Common SAC solder alloys have a melting point of 217C.

A peak reflow soldering temperature of 12 to 43C above the melting point is typically recommended in order to achieve good wetting and to form a quality solder joint.

The time above melting point should be between 30 and 90s, depending on the application/assembly.

All of the new ranges of parts are supplied in tape and reel packaging for automatic placement and reflow soldering.

RS Components UK has beaten strong competition to win the Environmental Award at the Elektra 2006 European Electronics Industry Awards.

RS Components UK has beaten strong competition from Datec Technologies, Farnell InOne and Samsung to win the Environmental Award at the Elektra 2006 European electronics industry Awards. The judges awarded the trophy to RS in recognition of the work the company has done in preparation for the RoHS Directive, which came into effect in July of this year. As well as providing a host of services to help customers understand and meet with the legislation, the company also worked with over 700 suppliers to obtain product compliance information.

Its range of services includes compliance seminars, an online knowledge centre, and the 'Notify Me' service, where customers are emailed with the compliance status of unconfirmed products.

RS has also kept customers up-to-date by introducing product compliance flags throughout the online order process and the introduction of printable certificates of compliance.

RS was also one of the first companies to achieve the BSI RoHS Trusted Kitemark which stands alongside RS's existing ISO9001 and ESD S20.20 approvals which provide further reassurance for electronics purchasers.

On receiving the award, Richard Eden, RS Components' Market Development Manager, said: 'RS is very proud to have won this award'.

'This is a fantastic achievement recognising RS as the leader in the RoHS arena and its commitment in providing the very best service to meet its customers' needs'.

'Thanks go to our customers, suppliers and staff for their support'.

An independent panel of judges including specialists from Afdec, Envirowise, ISLI, NMI, Qinetiq, Roke Manor Research and The University of Manchester, concluded that the quality of entries this year were particularly impressive and wide-ranging.

The award was presented to RS at the 2006 Elektra European Electronics Industry Awards, held in Munich on 15th November, in conjunction with Electronica.

Passives specialist AVX has produced a ceramic capacitor designed to virtually eliminate the risk of short-circuit failure.

Passives specialist AVX has produced a ceramic capacitor designed to virtually eliminate the risk of short-circuit failure. Flexisafe components are terminated with the award-winning Flexiterm layer to absorb shock and prevent internal cracking resulting from board flexure and temperature cycling damage. In conjunction with this technology, Flexisafe parts are structured with a 'cascade electrode design' to protect the ceramic capacitor from low insulation resistance failure that results from thermal stress, repetitive strike ESD and placement damage.

This cascade design was traditionally used by the company to manufacture its high voltage ceramic capacitors.

Parts are available in 0603 50V to 22nF, 0805 50V to 100nF, 1206 50V to 150nF and 1210 50V to 470nF.

Flexisafe capacitors are recommended for new designs in military/aerospace COTS+, automotive and safety critical designs.

Devices are lead-free and comply with commercial, AEC-Q200 and COTS+ requirements.

Multilayer power inductors are made for high switching frequencies.

TDK has announced the availability of the company's first multilayer power inductors for high switching frequencies. The MLP2520, MLP3225 and MLP3216 feature excellent DC/AC resistance, which results in improved efficiency and standby time, both of which are paramount for battery driven devices. Thanks to their multilayer design, the inductors have a low profile of approximately 1mm, making them ideal for handheld applications.

TDK has designed these products for use as DC/DC convertors in small devices.

The company recognised the need for engineers to reduce the size of their devices, so it turned to its extensive experience in multilayer technology to develop these lower profile power inductors.

The design of the MLP2520, MLP3225, and MLP3216 power inductors make them well suited for small devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, and portable MP3 players.

Furthermore, the ferrite materials used to construct these power inductors are bespoke for this product type.

The inductors also boast excellent mounting strength thanks to SMD chip making.

The components are RoHS compliant and completely lead-free.

The MLP3225, MLP3216 and the MLP2520 are available in three standard heights, with case sizes of 3.2 x 2.5, 3.2 x 1.6 and 2.5 x 2.0mm, respectively.

The MLP2520 has a height of 1mm and resistance of 0.06-0.11ohm, and current ratings of 1100-1500mA.

The MLP3216 has a height of 0.8mm and resistance of 0.12-0.13ohm, and current rating of 1000mA.

The MLP3225 has a height of 1-1.4mm and resistance of 0.13-0.16ohm, and current rating of 900-1100mA.

Europe-wide rebrand creates better synergy between Abacus Group distribution businesses across Europe and provides platform for continued development and growth.

Abacus Group has announced the establishment of a clear and distinctive corporate identity throughout Europe. This Europe-wide rebrand has been implemented to create a better synergy between the group's distribution businesses across Europe and to provide a stronger platform for continued development and growth. The rebranding exercise involved renaming many of Abacus Group's businesses in Europe, and new distinctive yet consistent logos for all its operations.

Abacus Group Chief Executive, Martin Kent, said: 'Our recent acquisitions moved Abacus into the top five component distribution companies in Europe, and we now need to promote the name of Abacus everywhere'.

'I believe very strongly that people buy from people, but increasingly they also buy from scale'.

'A pervasive brand name can add to an excellent business with great local relationships'.

Most Abacus Group Electronic Component Distribution (ECD) companies will now have Abacus as part of their company name.

Abacus Group's three specialist distribution businesses, and the remaining ECD businesses will retain their existing names, but receive a new logo that includes part of the Abacus symbol as a unifying graphic element.

All businesses will be identified as Abacus Group companies on their business stationery and promotional materials.

In the UK, Deltron will be renamed Abacus Deltron and Abacus Polar becomes simply Abacus.

Micromark C and CD becomes just Micromark, and Trident and TDC retain their existing names.

All businesses will adopt a new logo in line with the Group identity.

In Germany, Austria, France and the Netherlands, former Deltron companies have been renamed Abacus Deltron, and in Italy the Group's two businesses are being combined as Abacus ECC.

Axess Technology in France will retain its existing name, but receives a new unified logo and RDI becomes Abacus RDI.

In the Scandinavian region the Deltron and Promax names will be dropped, and the businesses will trade as Abacus.

The exception to this is Deltron Conelec in Denmark, which becomes Conelec and adopts a new style logo.

Compact, fully integrated 125V Boostcap ultracapacitor module provides an easy-to-integrate building block for scalable energy storage and power delivery solutions for electric vehicles.

Maxwell Technologies has introduced a compact, fully integrated 125V Boostcap ultracapacitor module to provide an easy-to-integrate building block for scalable energy storage and power delivery solutions for heavy hybrid and electric vehicles and heavy duty industrial applications requiring up to 1500V. Dr Richard Balanson, Maxwell's President and Chief Executive Officer, said that the new HTM BMOD0063-P125 module is based on 2.7V Boostcap MC3000 power cells and incorporates proprietary balancing, monitoring and thermal management capabilities to ensure industry-leading charge/discharge performance, high reliability and long operational life. 'This high-performance module is designed specifically to satisfy rapidly growing global demand for ultracapacitor-based braking energy recuperation and torque assist systems for hybrid bus and truck drive trains and electric rail vehicles', Balanson said.

'It meets or exceeds transportation industry requirements for watt-hours of energy storage and watts of power delivery per kilogram, and is designed to perform reliably through one million or more deep charge/discharge cycles, which equates to more than 15 years of operational life'.

Michael Everett, Maxwell's Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, said that integrated monitoring capabilities and a highly efficient cooling configuration enable the new module to sustain continuous current of up to 150A with minimal temperature increase in high-temperature environments.

'In addition to managing high current, this module is built to withstand the harsh environments and extremely demanding duty cycles that are typical with heavy transportation applications', Everett said.

'Proprietary design refinements and material science also are significantly reducing manufacturing cost, positioning Maxwell to compete favourably with other energy storage alternatives'.

The HTM BMOD0063-125 is encased in a rugged, splash-proof, IP65-compliant, aluminium chassis, weighs less than 50kg and measures 315 x 425 x 744mm.

Up to 12 modules may be linked in series to deliver a total of us much as 1500V.

Maxwell also offers a complete line of standard 15 to 48V multicell packs and modules, and recently announced a 'quick-turn' programme that offers shipment within 14 days of receipt of a customer purchase order for custom-configured modules for applications requiring up to 540V.

Abacus Deltron has announced the opening of three new offices in Germany, and the addition of 14 distribution technical support and sales professionals to its team there.

Abacus Deltron has announced the opening of three new offices in Germany, and the addition of 14 distribution technical support and sales professionals to its team there. The announcement gives Abacus Deltron a location close to its customers throughout Germany, enabling them to provide world class service at a local level right across the region. The new Abacus Deltron team bring depth of experience in the semiconductor market to the business, broadening the expertise the company offers its German customers.

They will be located in new offices in Dortmund, Hamburg and Kirckheim as well as the existing office in Munich and Stuttgart.

Abacus Deltron operation in Germany and Austria now consists of a team of 87 operating from six offices with one warehouse.

Commenting, Abacus Group Chief Executive, Martin Kent, said: 'Abacus' success is based on having a network of local offices in each country in which it operates, locating technical and commercial support close to the customer'.

'The structure that we now have in Germany reflects that exactly, and provides the right basis for us to move forward and achieve our goal of 5% market share in this significant European market'.

The team will be managed by Juergen Kirtzel, the new General Manager of Abacus Deltron (Germany).

He takes over from Werner Hohmann who has become President of Abacus Deltron (Germany).

This expansion provides Abacus Deltron with a platform to build its current passive and electromechanical business and gain a presence in the semiconductor, wireless and embedded markets.

The team includes Juergen Klimek, a highly respected specialist in the wireless business, who will operate as Wireless Product Manager using his experience as a Business Development Manager as well as his strong technical base.

On the embedded software and displays side, Achim Schneiders brings relevant experience and has been give the position of FAE covering these products.

The newest catalogue from Farnell InOne offers design engineers a much needed snapshot of the latest and best RoHS compliant technology in the industry.

With RoHS still dominating the market place, the newest catalogue from Farnell InOne - the number one source for RoHS compliant products and information - landed on desks across the UK last week, bringing design engineers a much needed snapshot of the latest and best RoHS compliant technology in the industry. The new catalogue, which is printed on FSC approved paper, is uniquely designed to keep design engineers up to date with RoHS compliant ranges and features the most exciting new technology across transistors, soldering equipment, capacitors, power supplies and discrete semiconductor product ranges. In addition, updates on the legislation are also incorporated, such as information on exemptions as well as the latest status on categories 8 and 9 covering medical devices and monitoring and control instruments respectively making it easy for design engineers to work with the new law in practice.

Gary Nevison, MRO Segment, Electronics Market Manager, Europe and Asia Pacific at Farnell InOne comments: 'Our new catalogue has, as always, been put together with design engineers' needs at the forefront'.

'The result is an easy to use tool that gives a clear view of new RoHS compliant products, without having to wade through unnecessary information'.

'Customers can also go online to find RoHS products in seconds and our highly skilled technicians are only a phone call away for specific queries'.

'We enable people to search and find products in the way that suits them best'.

'Our wide range of support services means we're still the number one place to come for RoHS components and information'.