Digi-Key Supports Parallax's New Semiconductor Division

THIEF RIVER FALLS, MN & ROCKLIN, CA--April 29, 2011: Electronic components distributor Digi-Key Corporation, recognized by design engineers as having the industry's broadest selection of electronic components available for immediate shipment, today announced the availability of electronic components from Parallax Semiconductor.

“Digi-Key supports this expansion from hobbyist focus to full OEM design and production supply chain focus.”

Parallax Incorporated's new semiconductor division was created to provide support for OEMs with volume commercial applications using the company's ICs. Initially the company's chips, such as the innovative Propeller multicore MCU, were primarily used in their own products. Now the company is taking their IC strategy to the next level in response to growing interest from commercial OEMs.

"We believe the engineering community will be pleased with this new addition to Parallax's product line," said Mark Zack, vice president of semiconductor product. "Digi-Key supports this expansion from hobbyist focus to full OEM design and production supply chain focus."

"As our chip sales to outside customers grow, we understand they benefit from our ability to tailor a technology and business relationship that uniquely meets their needs. We want to make it easy for commercial customers to exploit the advantages our chips have to offer. Parallax Semiconductor gives us an organization designed from the ground up to do just that," said Ken Gracey, Parallax Inc.'s vice president.

The new division offers custom design services and turnkey product design and manufacturing, allowing OEMs to speed time to market and to reduce development costs.

Parallax Semiconductor's products are available for purchase now on Digi-Key's global websites.

Digi-Key Corporation focuses on providing customers with superior service, which includes product selection and availability, on-time delivery, and responsiveness. Using leading-edge processes and state-of-the-art technologies, Digi-Key serves a global customer base from its 600,000 square foot facility in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA.

About Digi-Key Corporation

As one of the world's leading totally integrated, Internet-based distributors of electronic components, Digi-Key Corporation has earned its reputation as an industry leader through its total commitment to service and performance. Digi-Key is a full-service provider of both prototype/design and production quantities of electronic components, offering more than two million products from over 470 quality name-brand manufacturers at www.digikey.com. A testament to Digi-Key's unparalleled commitment to service, North American design engineers have ranked Digi-Key #1 for Overall Performance for 19 consecutive years (EE|Times Distribution Study/October 2010). With global sales for 2010 surpassing $1.5 billion, Digi-Key's single location in North America is one of its greatest assets. Additional information and access to Digi-Key's broad product offering is available at Digi-Key.

About Parallax Semiconductor

Parallax Semiconductor (Parallax Semiconductor) is a fabless provider of integrated circuits. The company's unique silicon, proven application know-how and focused service and support help reduce customer's development costs and speed their products to market. Parallax Semiconductor chips are found in innovative products across a wide range of applications including industrial control, renewable energy, medical devices and robotics. Parallax Semiconductor is owned by Parallax Inc., a privately-held company in Rocklin, California. In the company's 22 years of business it has developed a fully modernized manufacturing facility, world-wide distribution network and vibrant user community.