Bosch and Arrow Electronics extend distribution agreement

Bosch and the global technology solutions provider Arrow Electronics have signed a distribution contract. Arrow now distributes a wide range of Bosch automotive semiconductors on the European market. The two companies already cooperated in North America before.

Electronics experts enhance collaboration

As one of the largest providers of technology products and services in the electronics industry, Arrow distributes semiconductors from almost all leading suppliers. “We are convinced that automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Europe will benefit from our cooperation. In the future, Arrow will offer its customers an even wider selection of high-quality semiconductor components. The procurement of electronic components from different suppliers can now be comprehensively bundled,” says Philipp Schäfer, sales manager at Bosch Mobility Electronics. “Arrow is strong in consulting and has excellent logistics processes. We have already gathered very positive experiences in our collaboration with Arrow in the North American market.” Arrow has been distributing semiconductor components from Bosch there for several years and will now also represent Bosch's entire automotive semiconductor portfolio in the European market – from power semiconductors made of silicon carbide (SiC) to ASIC chips (application-specific integrated circuits) and MEMS sensors (micro electro-mechanical systems). In the future, Bosch products will also be directly and conveniently available through Arrow's online store.

SiC chips: two generations of power semiconductors

Silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors are indispensable for e-mobility thanks to their high conductivity and suitability for high switching speeds. Bosch distributes two generations of its SiC chips via Arrow: the latest generation features optimized switching properties and a very low on-resistance over the entire temperature range. All chips are available both as unpackaged individual chips – so-called bare dies, which are used in high-performance applications such as inverters – and as packaged discrete chips, for example for use in DC/DC converters.

ASIC: from control to safety

At the interface between the microcontroller and peripherals, ASICs and system-on-chips (SoC) provide the required operating voltages, read sensor data, make logical decisions, and control actuators. ASIC components from Bosch are suitable for a wide range of applications, including engine and transmission control, as well as steering, driver assistance, and safety systems. Innovative gate drivers are available to match the SiC chips. They increase efficiency through intelligent control, thereby extending the range of electric vehicles.

MEMS sensors: Bosch among the market leaders

According to the market research institute Yole (Status of the MEMS Industry 2024, Yole Intelligence), Bosch has already held the position of leading MEMS supplier for four years. Every day, the company manufactures more than four million MEMS sensors, which are essential for safety and comfort in modern vehicles. For example, acceleration, rotation rate, and pressure sensors detect motion in adaptive chassis control and ensure that airbags are released at the right moment. A fully integrated Bluetooth low-energy sensor solution for tire pressure monitoring with minimal power consumption is also obtainable from Arrow. In addition, Bosch is expanding the portfolio available from Arrow to include sensors for “road noise canceling” and condition monitoring of machines and equipment. Together with the latest generation of inertial sensors for navigation applications, they contribute to the fact that around one in three of the 20 MEMS sensors installed in a typical vehicle today is from Bosch.