Digi-Key Now Stocking RNCS Series of Moisture Proof Precision Chip Resistors from Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

Moisture withstanding performance of tantalum nitride technology with lower cost

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minnesota - May 07, 2009 — Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry's broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, announced today that it is now stocking Stackpole Electronics' RNCS series of passivated Nichrome chip resistors, an ideal low-cost alternative for expensive and hard-to-find tantalum nitride chip resistors.

Digi-Key is stocking the most commonly used values of this series in sizes 0603, 0805, and 1206 packaged on 1K reels. Additionally, these products are available in cut tape quantities. A smaller quantity can also be ordered for same-day shipment on a custom Digi-Reel®. These products are available on Digi-Key's global websites and are slated to be featured in future print and online catalogs.

The RNCS series employs a special manufacturing process to ensure high precision, ultra stable performance, and long life in the harshest environments. In moisture comparison testing, the lead-free and RoHS compliant RNCS series outperformed Nichrome chip resistors and demonstrated the anti-corrosive claims characterized by tantalum nitride resistor products.

To learn more about SEI's RNCS series, a PTM Online... On Demand® product training module entitled "RNCS Series Passivated Thin Film Resistors" is available on Digi-Key's websites. This learning presentation, available in both audio and non-audio versions, discusses the different technologies used for precision surface mount resistors and the benefits of each technology, explains the differences in manufacturing technology used in Stackpole's RNCS series, and compares standard features of nichrome and tantalum nitride.

While other distributors are scaling back on inventory during the current economic turndown, Digi-Key is increasing the number of products it stocks from many of its supplier partners, including SEI, a leading global supplier of resistive components, including thick and thin film surface mount resistors, axial leaded and wirewound resistors, current sense resistors, varistors, inductors, and various power resistors. Digi-Key currently stocks more than 5,550 products from SEI products with approximately 34,000 additional products available as determined by SEI lead-time. The global distribution agreement between Digi-Key and Stackpole Electronics, Inc. was signed in the fall of 2007.

"We are very pleased to add these new Stackpole products to our inventory," said Jeff Shafer, Digi-Key vice president of interconnect, passive, and electromechanical products. "Digi-Key is committed to stocking the products design engineers and purchasing professionals need. Customers can be assured that Digi-Key will have the SEI resistive products they need when they need them."

About Digi-Key Corporation

One of the world's fastest growing distributors of electronic components, Digi-Key has earned its reputation as an industry leader through its total commitment to service and performance. As a full-service provider of both prototype/design and production quantities of electronic components, Digi-Key has been ranked #1 for Overall Performance for 17 consecutive years from among the nation's more than 200 distributors (EE Times Distribution Study/August 2008). Offering more than 1.5 million products from nearly 400 quality name-brand manufacturers, Digi-Key's commitment to inventory is unparalleled. Access to the company's broad product offering is available 24/7 at Digi-Key's top-rated website, www.digikey.com.

About Stackpole Electronics, Inc.

Stackpole Electronics is a privately held company, which began manufacturing resistors in 1828 as part of Stackpole Components Company in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania. Affiliated with Akahane Electronics, Stackpole Electronics is now recognized as a leading global supplier to the world's largest OEMs, contract manufacturers, and distributors. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, Stackpole has warehousing facilities in El Paso and Japan and manufacturing facilities in Japan, Taiwan, and China. Sales offices are located in the United States, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. For more information, visit www.seielect.com.