EBV launches custom semiconductors and EBVchips

According to EBV, the new service, in which it collaborates with customers to design its own semiconductors, is the first time a distributor can provide small and medium sized companies with access to customised products. EBV will define its own semiconductors and then arrange for these to be manufactured based on customer requests. The chips will have an original component number assigned by the manufacturer and are also stamped with the manufacturer's logo. EBV will then hold exclusive distribution rights for the component for between three and five years and the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring compliance with specifications. EBV will act solely as a distribution channel for all semiconductors in the range so issues such as liability, warranty, qualification and long term availability are also the responsibility of the manufacturers themselves. EBV Elektronik is, however, the intellectual property owner of the chip. Slobodan Puljarevic (pictured), president and ceo of EBV Elektronik, says that semiconductor manufacturers work very closely with their key account customers, by contrast, contact with small and medium sized companies has so far been maintained exclusively at the distribution level. Puljarevic said: "With EBVchips, we now represent the interface between many thousands of customers and the manufacturer. This takes semiconductor distribution to a whole new level. 2009 was the 'Darwin year' of the semiconductor industry. Anyone who carries on as before and fails to reach the next evolutionary stage with the products and services they offer will find things very difficult in the long run." EBV is now extending its indirect relationship to the product marketing and definition level. Puljarevic added: "When it comes to product marketing, the manufacturers do not have the manpower to look after thousands of customers. In addition, customers cannot generally achieve by themselves the quantities required in order to make a new product attractive for manufacturers."