Avnet
Embedded Capabilities Beyond Limits

Microcomputers are permeating the world. From the software in automobiles to sensors in a toothbrush, chances are that an underlying embedded system is dictating all operations. As the interest in IoT and mobile devices continues to expand, organizations across industries are rapidly recognizing the value of embedded systems to collect data and control industrial products. But the journey for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to come out with a novel embedded application is interspersed with numerous challenges that can unexpectedly appear in the design, integration, or the assembling and testing phase. Organizations can now count on Avnet AVT [NYSE], a pioneer in electronic components and embedded solutions development, to validate and implement optimal technologies. From the time an idea is born through to mass production, Avnet assists OEMs in every step of the way by selecting, sourcing best in class boards, displays, and embedded systems, all supported with a software stack based on Windows and Linux foundations. “Market needs change quickly. Avnet has a long history of adapting to change while staying focused on helping our customers bring new products to market,” says William J. Amelio, CEO, Avnet.

Offering an end-to-end solution in all respects, Avnet not only takes charge of all design needs but also assists a client till the testing and shipping stage. The company builds strong partnerships with all clients and adopts a system level approach when recommending embedded computing components for maximized performance and cost-effectiveness. In case an off-the-shelf model does not fit a client’s criteria, Avnet rises to the challenge and produces custom alternatives to meet precise requirements.

At the onset of every project, Avnet first understands a client’s goals and preferences and suggests resources and a game plan accordingly. “From concept to design through to production, our unique experience combined with the broadest products and services meet our customers’ critical time-to-market needs at every stage of the product lifecycle,” adds Amelio.

Avnet’s selection of board and modules include ARM®, x86, and other major architectures. The company offers unbiased guidance regarding System on Modules (SoM), Computer on Modules (CoM) or a single board computer (SBC) solution. Taking care of a client’s entire spectrum of hardware needs, they even provide flexible embedded server options with customizable white box selections. Delivering best in class solutions, the company also covers all additional components such as enclosures, networking, and memory and storage devices that are required to effectively complete a task at hand.

To achieve a clearer understanding of the company’s unique value proposition, an apt example is that of a smart agricultural equipment manufacturer that benefitted from Avnet’s equipment control solution. The client was on the lookout for a precision agriculture system built specifically to monitor farm equipment that could stand up to harsh environments over an extended lifecycle. Avnet delivered a custom, ruggedized solution, based on embedded system technologies. The system features touch displays that facilitate human-machine interaction (HMI) on tractors and other agricultural equipment while sustaining in severe weather conditions. Without a doubt, this state-of-the-art system sets the stage for the client to enhance their market segment share and pursue increased profitability.

Currently, the company is focusing on next-gen embedded vision technology that can help machines “see” by quickly extracting intelligence from images in real time and under various lighting. In the automotive space, this means that autonomous cars will be receptive to pedestrians in the crosswalk, which will reduce roadside collision. In collaboration with Xilinx, a supplier of programmable logic devices, Avnet churns out innovative all programmable SoCs, thermal cameras, and other software and hardware components that help realize a superior embedded vision design.

Hands down Avnet’s intelligent, efficient design practices and engineered embedded computing solutions make them the only partner an organization needs to turn ideas that no one’s ever heard of into products that the world admires.