Premier Farnell has launched the element14 knode engineering design interface. According to the distributor, element14 knode supports the complete electronics design flow, from concept to final production, enabling engineers to research, design, develop, and prototype in a single, intelligent environment.
The services offered in the element14 knode v1.0 release include search automation and configuration for project-specific design flows; development platforms and kits; operating systems and stacks; development and CAD tools; PCB services; and test solutions. Via the tool, element14 says that products may get to market more quickly, and by automating the configuration of product design flow solutions, valuable engineering resources can be increasingly focused on application design and IP creation.
The distributor contends that, in the course of creating electronic products, design engineers visit multiple sites to gather relevant technical information and begin assembling the correct hardware and software solutions for their design. Based on an engineer’s initial specification, element14 knode automates relationships with other system-level components to quickly build a custom design flow, whether it be development kits, design tools, operating systems and stacks, intellectual property, or services such as PCB design and manufacture.
Additionally, the element14 knode Learning Center provides a library of rich content to help a user research various technologies, platforms, and associated core components. This includes “How To” videos, application notes, and technical documentation. Forums host discussions in areas ranging from product/technology and applications to design recommendations and technical support, and designers can post questions to subject matter experts from element14’s enhanced technical support team and from suppliers across a number of industries and design environments.
Finally, an engineering-focused alternative to standard search engines, the knode search function helps engineers find relevant design information and the latest technology quicker than ever before. Designers can use the element14 knode to quickly research, evaluate, and purchase solutions, software and services. The search bar allows users to enter keywords by supplier, architecture, or part number, while search results can also be refined using categories and tag filters such as core architecture and silicon manufacturers.
