Arrow Electronics Distributes Freescale 32-bit Microcontrollers with Choice of Integrated USB On-The-Go or Fast Ethernet Controller/PHY

MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 18, 2006--The North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: ARW) announced today plans to distribute two ColdFire(R) microcontroller product families, one for USB connectivity and one for Fast Ethernet connectivity, to its OEM customers.

The MCF5222x family provides the first 32-bit microcontrollers with integrated USB On-The-Go and flash memory, and is ideal for system-to-system communication applications. The MCF5223x family marks the industry's smallest form-factor solution for TCP/IP-based networking. These are the first 32-bit microcontrollers to deliver a Fast Ethernet Controller, Ethernet PHY and flash memory in a single-chip solution.

Developed by Freescale Semiconductor, the MCF5222x and MCF5223x microcontroller device families are engineered to ease the design process for Arrow's OEM customers. Any Arrow OEM who designs products that require USB or Fast Ethernet ports for connectivity and communication with other devices or systems may benefit from the features built into these advanced integrated products. Such products include bar code scanning and security systems, wireless control devices, lighting control or healthcare monitoring equipment.

"Freescale's advanced 32-bit microcontrollers will give Arrow customers a step above their competition," said Dave Doherty, vice president of supplier semiconductor marketing, Arrow NAC. "Using these microcontrollers, Arrow OEMs will require fewer parts to build new products and will be empowered to deliver new products to market faster with fewer resources."

"These device families widen the entry point to 32-bit performance by giving design engineers a variety of options for enhanced control, connectivity and security capabilities on cost-effective 68K/ColdFire embedded controllers," said John Sansing, 32-bit operation manager for Freescale Semiconductor. They are the latest solutions in Freescale's controller continuum, which is going beyond bits to provide compatible on-chip peripherals and development tools for easy migration from 8- to 32-bit performance."

Technical seminars on the MCF5223x microcontrollers are to be offered by Freescale beginning in May. These full-day seminars will be held in 100 cities worldwide.

The MCF5223x family is available in sample quantities, with production quantities planned for late 2006. MCF5222x samples are planned for June 2006, with production quantities planned for late 2006.

To speak to an Arrow field applications engineer for Freescale, call 1-800-777-ARROW.

About the North American Components group of Arrow Electronics

The North American Components (NAC) group of Arrow Electronics, Inc. is a leading provider of semiconductors and passive, electromechanical, and connector products, services, and supply chain solutions tailored to serve distinct customer segments with dedicated sales teams. Three primary, customer-focused NAC groups serve these market segments: The Arrow/Zeus Electronics Group targets the aerospace and military markets; the Arrow Electronics Components Group serves local OEM and contract manufacturing customers; and the Arrow Alliance Group focuses on large customers with complex needs.

Arrow Electronics, Inc. is a major global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and computer products.