Bürklin Elektronik Quarterly # 03/2022 Englisch

BÜRKLIN 

QUARTERLY # 03 

2022 

PRODUCT INNOVATIONS 

AND HIGHLIGHTS

TOPIC 

OVERVIEW 

Subscribe to our newsletter now! 

All the news, all the promotions, 

valuable know-how, 

can be unsubscribed at any time! 

DEAR 

READERS 

P. 02 Imprint 

P. 03 Foreword 

P. 04 Trade fair 

Review of the Intertool and 

SPS Parma trade fairs 

P. 05 Bürklin Elektronik 

Summer party 

P. 06-11 Project completion 

Bürklin Smart Online Shop 

P. 12-13 Partnership 

RAY ELECTRONICS 

P. 14-15 Standard enclosure 

Product Highlights 

from HAMMOND ELECTRONICS 

P. 16-17 Modular Industrial Connectors 

Domino modules 

from HARTING 

P. 18-19 USB-C 

Innovations 

from LUMBERG 

P. 20-21 LAPP 

Eight strong brands under one roof 

P. 22-25 Electromobility 

Innovative developments 

thanks to semiconductor technology 

P. 26-31 Interview 

Jürgen Lampert on the 

semiconductor bottleneck 

with MARKT & TECHNIK 

Welcome to the third issue of our Quarterly Magazine in 2022. 

The time has come! Another milestone in our transformation from the first and leading catalogue distributor in 

Germany to a European/international digital distributor based in Munich has been reached. We have started the 

continuous activation of our new Bürklin online shop. In this issue we inform you about the project completion 

as well as the most important innovations and advantages of the new online shop. You can expect a modern, 

cross-platform design as well as many new and further developed functions. Of course, the work on our online 

hop is not finished with the go-live. We will continue to optimise and develop our online shop based on your 

requirements and needs. If you have any questions - we will be happy to help you. Just give us a call. 

In addition to the article about our new online shop, we have again compiled interesting topics for you. We look 

back at our trade fair appearances at two international trade fairs, give you an impression of our summer party, 

take a stand on the semiconductor shortage and present product innovations and highlights. 

You can also find current information about our company and vacancies on LinkedIn. 

Visit us - it‘s worth it. 

Enjoy reading and stay healthy. 

Best regards 

Jürgen Lampert 

CEO Bürklin Elektronik 

IMPRINT 

Editor & Head of Advertising: 

Thomas Hinze-Clausen, Bürklin Elektronik, Head of Marketing 

Layout & Design: Clausen & Partner Munich | Tel.: 089 123 914 63 

Print: Druck & Medien, Kolpingring 3, 82041 Oberhaching-Munich 

Publisher & Address: Bürklin GmbH & Co. KG | Grünwalder Weg 30 | 

82041 Oberhaching | Germany | Tel.: +49 89 55875-0 | 

Fax: +49 89 55875-421 | E-Mail: info@buerklin.com | www.buerklin.com 

Copyright: All articles published in Bürklin Elektronik Quarterly are 

protected by copyright. All rights, including translations, are reserved. 

Reproductions of any kind, whether photocopies, microfilm or recording 

in data processing systems, require the written permission of the publisher. 

It cannot be concluded from the publication that the solution 

described or the designation used is free of industrial property rights. 

Liability: In the event that Bürklin Elektronik Quarterly should contain 

incorrect information, a liability only comes into consideration in case 

of gross negligence of the publisher or his employees. 

Pictures: Cover, P.2, P.4/5, P.6/7, P.8/9, P.10/11, P.18/19, P.22/23, 

P.24/25, P.27, P.28/29, P.30/31, P.32 © iStock by GettyImages; 

P.3 © Jürgen Lampert; P.4/5, P.8, P.10 © Bürklin; 

P.12/13 © Ray Electronics; P.14/15 © Hammond Electronics; 

P.16/17 © Harting; P.19 © Lumberg; P.20/21 © Lapp; 

Some articles have been tra nslated from the original German 

into English 

PS: I would be very happy about your feedback or personal contact. 

My contact details: juergen.lampert@buerklin.com 

2 Bürklin Quarterly 

www.buerklin.com 

3

FAIR REVIEW 

INTERTOOL AUSTRIA 

FAIR REVIEW 

SPS PARMA 

In 2022 Bürklin Elektronik was an exhibitor at Intertool 

for the first time and presented ourselves to the interested 

public for four days. Intertool in Wels is Austria‘s 

largest B2B trade fair for the manufacturing industry. 

From 10-13 May, 250 exhibitors and 10,405 visitors 

experienced how versatile and exciting industrial manufacturing 

and automation technology is at Austria‘s 

largest industrial trade fair. 

SPS Italia is one of the largest international trade fairs 

for electrical automation technology. What makes it 

special is that not only components but also systems 

are presented here. This makes it one of the few trade 

fairs that offers integrated automation solutions. Visitors 

can find all the necessary system components under 

one roof. Bürklin Elektronik was an exhibitor at the SPS 

in Parma for the second time. In addition to interesting 

products and solutions, we presented our activities 

regarding our transformation from the first and leading 

catalogue distributor in Germany to a European/international 

digital distributor to the international audience. 

BÜRKLIN SUMMER PARTY 

TEAMBUILDING 

AND EVENT 

Teamwork, flexibility and creativity, among other things, are the recipe for 

successful businesses. The same applies to building a chain of impulses. 

watch movie 

At our summer party, our employees worked together to create a chain of impulses using building materials such 

as laths, balls, buckets, skittles and much more. All members within a team and across teams worked together 

and created a large domino effect with creative ideas and solutions. The finale was the joint release of the impulse 

chain and at the end of the run the release of a final impulse. Afterwards, the experience was discussed in detail in 

the marquee with delicious food for the palate and throat. 



5

PROJECT COMPLETION 

SMART BÜRKLIN ONLINE SHOP 

OUR NEW 

ONLINE SHOP 

PUTS OUR 

CUSTOMERS 

EVEN MORE IN 

THE CENTRE 

THE CUSTOMER IS THE FOCUS 

AT BÜRKLIN ELEKTRONIK 

The result: Our online shop focuses 

even more on our customers with 

new functions and a clear structure, 

and at the same time convinces with 

a fresh and modern design! With the 

new online shop, we want to increase 

our digital presence and improve the 

buying experience for our customers. 

The establishment of a future-proof 

system landscape is a decisive 

investment in the future and an important 

milestone in the future digital 

transformation of Bürklin Elektronik. 

IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TO ADAPT TO THE NEEDS OF OUR 

CUSTOMERS AND THE RAPIDLY CHANGING REQUIREMENTS 

OF THE MARKET AND DIGITALISATION, WE HAVE DECIDED, 

AFTER STRATEGIC PLANNING, TO RAISE OUR ONLINE SHOP 

TO A NEW LEVEL AND MAKE IT EVEN MORE EFFICIENT 

FOR YOU. 

REALISATION 

SOFT GO-LIVE 

As announced in Quarterly #04/2021, 

we were able to realise our soft golive 

in June 2022. As planned, there 

will be a comprehensive pilot and 

test phase with selected customers 

and suppliers before the system 

changeover. In this phase, we would 

like to take the time to consider all 

valuable customer feedback in the 

project according to their needs. 

At this point, we would like to thank 

all selected customers and suppliers 

who have provided us with regular 

feedback on our new online shop 

since this time! 



7

GRADUAL ROLLOUT 

OF THE NEW ONLINE SHOP 

The technical completion of the new 

online shop in connection with the 

positive feedback from the customer 

and supplier testing enables us to 

gradually make our new online shop 

accessible to all our customers. Over 

the next few weeks, we will gradually 

grant you - dear customers - exclusive 

access to our new online shop and 

the associated added value. 

WE HAVE COMPILED THE MOST IMPORTANT INNOVATIONS AND ADVANTAGES 

OF THE NEW ONLINE SHOP FOR YOU: 

NEW DESIGN AND 

PERFORMANCE BOOST 

IMPROVED SEARCH 

AND FILTER FUNCTIONS 

ADVANCED CUSTOMER 

SELF-SERVICE FUNCTIONS 

The focus is on optimising userfriendliness 

to further improve the 

shopping experience for our customers. 

The optimised design ensures 

intuitive operation on all devices. The 

responsive design not only gives you 

the perfect overview on your PC, but 

also allows you to order flexibly and 

user-friendly via your smartphone or 

tablet. Under the bonnet, of course, 

is power, which ensures fast loading 

times and will make you happy 

With the extended search and filter 

functions, you will find your articles 

easier and faster. This is ensured by 

a search engine-friendly navigation 

structure, a product search and filter 

options that are generated dynamically. 

The result is precise search 

hits! 

The order history, where you can see 

all your orders, is just a small step. 

In future, you will also be able to see 

the current status of your order. The 

customer self-service functions will 

be further expanded in the future so 

that you have all important information 

in one place and are thus always 

flexible and independent. If you do 

need support, our customer service 

is always there to help and advise 

you in the best possible way. 

THE DIGITAL CUSTOMER ACCOUNT PROVIDES 

COMPREHENSIVE FUNCTIONALITIES: 

- Access to the order history of all orders placed 

offline as well as online 

- Insight into the current order status 

with shipment tracking 

- Master data maintenance 

- Management of watch lists and order templates 



9

ALL ADVANTAGES AT A GLANCE: 

“The PIM system Contene 

ensures the methodical flow of 

product information from the 

data origin to the buyer. It links 

the most diverse data sources, 

generates standardised data 

quality and monitors workflows. 

Christian Nitschke 

WE WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS 

OUR SINCERE THANKS TO ALL OUR 

COLLEAGUES 

- thank you for your daily commitment 

on our common path of digital 

transformation! 

Managing Partner 

New functions 

Focus on our customers 

New design / Better usability 

Usable on all devices 

Optimised search and filter function 

Fast loading times 

Improved product data quality 

ASSORTMENT DESIGN AND 

DATA QUALITY 

In the new online shop, we present 

our customers with the entire range 

of DIE GANZE ELEKTRONIK products 

in a user-friendly and comprehensible 

way. A big step in this process 

was the introduction of a product 

information management system 

(PIM), which we reported on in 

Quarterly #03/2021. This makes 

all product information available 

centrally in one place. In addition, 

our product range was expanded 

and re-sorted. Finally, the data 

quality of the product data was 

raised to a new level. 

A BIG THANK YOU 

goes to all our partners who have 

supported us in this project in the 

technical implementation always 

coupled with competent advice. 

With our implementation partner 

Bits & Minds we get the store 

development and the continuous 

optimisation of the search from 

one source! You can find all the 

advantages and innovations of 

our optimised Bürklin search in 

Quarterly #02/2022. 

of T+S Text und Satz 

Verarbeitungs-GmbH 

“Since 2015, we have successfully 

supported Bürklin Elektronik with 

consulting, customisation and 

support for Microsoft Dynamics 

NAV / Business Central. With 

future-proof interfaces to the 

new online shop, we can show 

Bürklin customers the prices 

and availabilities in real time 

analogue to the data in the 

merchandise management 

system. 

Matthes Schubert 

ERP project manager 

at SHB Business Solutions 

“Particularly with extensive product 

ranges and complex requirements 

for different sales channels, 

the ultra-modern Intershop 

Commerce platform can show off 

all its strengths. With maximum 

flexibility and performance, Bürklin 

Elektronik is ideally equipped 

for future growth.“ 

Peter Dietrich 

Vice President Sales for the Germany, 

Austria, Switzerland region: 

“We worked very hard on integrating 

Intershop, ERP, PIM, search, 

cloud and much more, so that 

in the end it becomes an online 

shop. The result is a modern, 

flexible and scalable solution 

that will reliably support purchasing 

in the future. We are very 

pleased that we were able to 

keep our promise in terms of 

deadline and budget, and that 

we are able to accompany 

Bürklin Elektronik on its 

further journey.“ 

Rafael Kubina 

Managing Director 

of Bits & Minds GmbH 

“We hope that our new online 

shop will convince you and wish 

you every success now in using 

the new functionalities as well as 

a great shopping experience at 

Bürklin Elektronik!“ 

Caren Jaeger 

Project Manager Smart Bürklin 

Online Shop at Bürklin Elektronik 

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE 

TO THANK OUR CUSTOMERS 

AND SUPPLIERS: 

Thank you for your trust in us and 

our performance promises. We 

look forward to a long and trusting 

cooperation. 

With the new online shop, Bürklin 

Elektronik has created the conditions 

for further growth and the integration 

of future digital trends. After a 

successful go-live in the summer, 

the aim is to continuously optimise 

and further develop our online shop 

functionally and technically based 

on our customer requirements and 

needs. 

We will soon be starting the continuous 

activation of our new Bürklin 

online shop in the new design and 

with all the added value for our 

customers and suppliers. At the 

same time, our current online shop 

will of course continue to be available 

to you in full until the complete 

activation of the new Bürklin Elektronik 

online shop - we look forward to 

your visit! 

From: CAREN JAEGER 

Head of eCommerce 



11

RAY ELECTRONICS 

REVIEW OF 

32 YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL 

COOPERATION 

Ray Electronics is a supplier in the field of electronic assemblies and 

offers engineering and manufacturing under one roof. 

In 1992, Ray entertainment (now Ray electronics) was 

founded and in 2004, RTI GmbH, which manufactures 

optoelectronic devices and high-power lasers, was also 

founded. Since these devices are very expensive and are 

not produced in large quantities, long waiting times and 

high costs at suppliers characterised the business from 

the beginning. 

Nevertheless, the demand for pilot series or smaller 

quantities is there and we decided to serve exactly this 

niche. From the idea to the finished product. The entire 

production process comes from a single source: circuit 

design, routing, assembly, software creation and 

commissioning. This eliminates the need for lengthy 

developer meetings between electronics engineers, 

programmers, mechatronics engineers and assemblers. 

The customer and Ray Electronics are one team. 

In the meantime, our portfolio has expanded to include 

the planning and sale of photovoltaic systems. This 

was due to the complexity of today‘s systems, which 

can hardly be managed by a classic electrical company. 

Special solutions and intelligent algorithms that run in 

customised programmes are the order of the day here. 

The variety of systems on offer makes it difficult for the 

customer to recognise which is the best and, above all, 

the most qualitatively sensible system for him. 

Due to the variety of different projects, ranging from 

simple terminal boxes to high-performance single-board 

computers, the demand for special components 

as well as standard components is very high. And 

since time is of the essence, our geographical proximity 

to Bürklin is a blessing. Despite careful stock-keeping 

of all standard components, it sometimes happens 

that one or the other roll runs out. Especially when the 

machines we use process over 40,000 components per 

hour. Of course, our machines run 100% CO2-neutral 

with photovoltaics and battery storage. 

We are already personally known to the friendly and 

competent staff in the Bürklin Elektronik Shop. Many 

a hurdle has been overcome for us here. Whether they 

stayed a little longer for us or went into the warehouse 

themselves to speed up the order picking. Roll picked 

up, clamped, on it goes. That‘s how it should be. 

Bürklin Elektronik has a very good network for the 

procurement of special components and has even often 

been able to help out with obsolete components. So 

from the first purchase of a relay in the shop in Munich 

32 years ago until today, we are very happy that the „Yellow 

Angel“ for electronic components exists. 

Karl-Heinz Käs 

Ray Electronics 

laser | lights | electronics 

electronics 



13

HAMMOND ELECTRONICS 

STANDARD 

ENCLOSURES: 

FAR MORE THAN 

SIMPLE BOXES 

Many specialist manufacturers 

produce standard enclosures for the 

electrical and electronics industries 

in a wide range of sizes, designs, and 

materials. The initial choice facing a 

designer is whether to commission 

a custom enclosure for the particular 

project or whether to choose 

a suitably-sized standard one from 

a reputable supplier. If the sales 

volumes are expected to be high, 

then a custom design is often a good 

way to go from the cost point of view, 

although extended lead times, 

particularly at the moment, can 

delay the launch of the product. 

Alternatively, most non-consumer 

electronic products sell in relatively 

low volumes, so modifying a 

standard enclosure is the optimum 

route. The main advantages of 

standard enclosures are that there 

are no non-recurrent engineering 

and tooling charges; distributors 

keep products on the shelf, so the 

time to market is as low as it can be; 

the unit costs are attractive and the 

design has been field proven in many 

different applications. Obviously, 

there may have to be an element 

of compromise in the mechanical 

design of the PCB and other components 

to ensure that they will fit into 

the chosen standard enclosure, but 

providing the enclosure is selected 

at an early stage of design process, 

this will not generally be a problem. 

In many cases, the PCB will be of a 

custom size and shape anyway and it 

is a lot easier to make the PCB fit the 

housing than it is to find a slightly 

differently shaped standard enclosure 

that offers the right choice of 

protection and sealing. 

The four main options used for 

electronic enclosures are die-cast 

and extruded aluminium and polycarbonate 

and ABS plastic. Aluminium 

housings are strong and robust; 

they do not corrode, are electrically 

conductive, have an intrinsically high 

level of electro-magnetic attenuation 

and are easily machined. With 

a suitable gasket fitted between the 

lid and the base, environmental 

sealing to IP68 is readily achieved, 

an increasingly important requirement 

as electronic systems are 

increasingly installed on the factory 

floor. Die-cast enclosures can 

be cast with relatively thin walls, 

although they will always be far 

heavier than the equivalent sized 

plastic moulded one. For applications 

where protection against shock 

damage is important, where EMC is 

likely to be an issue or where high 

temperatures, dust or water are 

expected to be present, the die-cast 

or extruded enclosure is the ideal 

choice. 

Polycarbonate or ABS moulded 

enclosures are lightweight, are good 

electrical insulators, and can be 

moulded to extremely fine tolerances 

to give good detailing on the finished 

product. Both materials have good 

shock resistance and are shatterproof. 

As with die-cast aluminium 

enclosures, environmental sealing 

up to IP68 can be achieved though 

the addition of a suitable gasket 

material between the apertures and 

the body of the unit. Polycarbonate 

offers excellent impact protection, is 

stable over a wide temperature range 

of -20°C to 140°C and is UV-stable, 

allowing it, to be installed outdoors. 

ABS enclosures are more cost effective 

than polycarbonate ones. They 

are better suited to indoor use as 

they have lower resistance to extreme 

conditions and industrial chemicals 

than polycarbonate. 

Von: RUSSELL IRVINE 

Hammond Electronics 

A superficial glance at a moulded 

or die-cast enclosure may give the 

impression that it is a simple box, 

but it is the end result of a great deal 

of design effort and manufacturing 

expertise that has been expended 

to create the most useful and feature-rich 

housing, suitable for use 

in a wide variety of applications and 

environments. Distributors such 

as Bürklin keep extensive stocks of 

standard enclosures on the shelf, and 

are increasingly partnering with their 

manufacturing suppliers to provide 

technical support to their customers 

at the design stage to help specify 

the most appropriate enclosure. 

Work with your distributor and his 

enclosure manufacturer from an early 

stage in the project design cycle to 

tap the wealth of experience behind a 

standard enclosure. 



15

HARTING 

HAN-MODULAR ® 

DOMINO MODULES: 

THE NEXT LEVEL 

OF MODULAR INDUSTRIAL 

CONNECTORS 

LESS WORK, 

LOWER ENERGY COSTS 

The foundation for today‘s industrial 

transformation is formed by basic 

technologies such as interfaces for 

the transmission of power, data 

and signals. 

HARTING is therefore launching 

the Han-Modular ® Domino modules, 

which will take the world of modular 

industrial connectors to the next 

level. They open up new possibilities 

for optimisation, including space 

and weight savings of up to 50%, 

thus reducing the CO2 footprint. 

HARTING presents the Han-Modular ® Domino modules 

as the next development stage of the modular connector. 

The new series primarily meets the industry‘s 

requirements for saving installation space and weight. 

Just as a domino has two separate squares, a Domino 

Module is composed of two “cubes”. The standard 

Han-Modular ® mating face is split in two almost square 

surfaces, in which even larger contacts can be accommodated. 

The Cubes support the configuration of customised 

connectors that are precisely tailored to the requirements 

of a design. Power, signal and data or compressed 

air as well as male and female contacts can be combined 

in one module. Overall, the number of required interfaces 

per unit is reduced. The connection technology 

becomes smaller and more lightweight, more modules 

and module types than before fit into one connector. 

Installers also benefit: With shorter assembly times, 

the overall labour input is reduced. This picks up on the 

megatrend of demographic change and counteracts the 

shortage of skilled workers. The lighter and smaller 

interfaces support decarbonisation. A major rail manufacturer 

has calculated that a train in operation saves 

14,000 EUR in energy costs with every kilo of weight over 

the 40-year service life. The calculation is based on the 

energy prices of 2015; today, the value is significantly 

higher due to the cost increase. 

CONNECTIVITY+ 

HARTING designates products that adapt to social megatrends 

such as sustainability and demographic change as 

“Connectivity+”. The Domino Modules are among them, 

because they help to reduce costs in the assembly and 

operation of machines and systems and to save resources. 

This applies both to production – in order to manufacture 

smaller components, using less material and 

energy – and transports, which benefits from the space 

and weight savings as well as more flexibility. Individual 

assemblies can thus be reused in the sense of the platform 

idea; sustainability is improved. 



17

LUMBERG 

USB-C: THE NEW STANDARD 

IN MANY INDUSTRIES 

For professionals, it is clear that 

USB-C, the 24-poles USB 3.1 Type 

C connector, is triumphant and will 

replace the common 4-pin USB 2.0 

Type A connectors in the short to 

medium term. 

The widely used Apple MacBook with 

Retina display and the Chromebook 

Pixel from Google were the first to 

use USB-C in 2015. The connector 

served as the only interface and 

also as a power supply. Since then, 

USB-C has moved from computer 

applications into almost all industries. 

USB (short for Universal Serial 

Bus) already has a long history. 

It all started in 1996 with USB 1.0 

with a meager 12 Mbit/s today. In 

2000, USB 2.0 was specified with 

480 Mbit/s – still the most widely 

used version today. Since 2014, 

USB 3.1 now allows up to 10 Gbit/s. 

In 2017, USB 3.2 was specified with 

a transfer rate of up to 20 Gbit/s, 

and in 2019 USB 4 was added with a 

data transfer rate of 40 Gbit/s – but 

neither has (yet) become established. 

USB is downwardly compatible 

– but then only to the respective 

weaker performance. 

In the case of the USB 3.1 chassis 

socket type C, it can clearly be said 

that it is a new connector. The advantages 

are obvious: With 24 poles 

– for the first time the transmission 

of several data streams at the same 

time is possible – it is very compact 

– about the same size as Micro-USB 

Type B, which is still known from 

many smartphones and tablets. 

In addition, it is now orientationsafe 

due to point symmetry – at last 

it doesn‘t matter how around it is 

plugged into the device. USB-A and 

Micro-USB have gained a reputation 

over the years for requiring at least 

three insertion attempts until the 

connector is seated in the socket. 

Lumberg offers these variants with 

article number 2436 (01 to 04), 

article 2434 01 with the seal in IP67. 

Lumberg also ensures that type C 

also provides the full range of functions 

of connector type 3.1, since 

„type C“ is initially only an indication 

of the design of the connector and 

not a guarantee of the range of functions. 

Specifically, this means for the 

electrical data in the temperature 

range of -25 °C/+85 °C: 

Contact resistance: 40 mΩ 

(2436 01: 60 mΩ) 

Rated current: 5 A 

(pole-dependent 1.25 A/0.25 A) 

Rated voltage: 5 V 

Lumberg‘s type C surface mount 

connectors (SMT/THR) are designed 

to be angled for the printed 

circuit board. In addition, they are 

also designed for semi-recessed 

installation (mid-mount) on the PCB, 

which enables space-saving applications. 

The connector is also available 

with a seal to the mounting hole in 

IP67 dust-tight and with protection 

against temporary submersion, 

which opens up further application 

possibilities. 

Introduced to connect external 

devices to computers, USB-C is now 

the first choice due to its significantly 

increased capabilities in terms 

of speed and data volumes as well 

as power supply. USB-C will thus 

also clearly establish itself for the 

connection of monitors, for example, 

in the world of machine and automation 

technology, through medical 

technology to the new standard 

interface in automotive technology. 

www.lumberg.com 



19

1. 5. 

LAPP 

EIGHT STRONG 

BRANDS 

LAPP: This name stands for innovative connection 

solutions like no other. Our brand stands for quality, 

customer service and a deep understanding of the 

industries and applications in which our products are 

used. We are the world market leader, supplying 

everything from cable, connectors and accessories to 

fully integrated connection solutions. LAPP products 

are used in production machinery, industrial robots, 

public transport, food processing, alternative energy, 

charging systems for electric vehicles, oil drilling 

platforms and much more. 

1. ÖLFLEX ® – VERSATILE CONNECTING 

AND CONTROL CABLE 

In 1959, ÖLFLEX ® was the very first control cable to 

be designed with colour-coded wires and was at the 

same time the first branded cable in the world. Today, 

ÖLFLEX ® connecting and control cables are some of 

the most widely used in the world, and for good reason. 

2. UNITRONIC ® – INNOVATIVE DATA CABLES 

This is the brand of choice if you want fast, safe and forward-thinking 

solutions for tranferring data. The range 

includes data cables for all electronic applications, from 

tiny cables in coffee machines to those transferring 

huge amounts of data in supercomputers. 

5. EPIC ® – ROBUST INDUSTRY CONNECTORS 

2. 6. 

You will find EPIC ® rectangular or circular connectors 

in any machine and plant engineering or drive technology 

application used for measuring, control, regulation 

or drive. It is a flexible system consisting of casings, 

inserts, contacts and accessories which is perfectly 

suited to any requirement. 

6. SKINTOP ® – THE HANDY CABLE GLANDS 

SKINTOP ® cable glands ensure a secure connection in 

a matter of seconds. The universal systems are simple, 

perfect and easy to install: simply insert the cable, 

close and go. The cable is securely fixed, centred and 

hermetically sealed. 

7. SILVYN ® – ROBUST CABLE PROTECTION 

AND SUPPLY SYSTEMS 

3. 7. 

The universal program of SILVYN ® protection and guiding 

systems perfectly protects cables and conductors 

from dust, moisture, mechanical, thermal, or chemical 

effects. With SILVYN ® CHAIN, the diverse range of cable 

drag chains, we also offer cable protection and guidance 

for dynamic applications. 

8. FLEXIMARK ® – THE CLEAR MARKING SYSTEMS 

3. ETHERLINE ® – ACTIVE NETWORK COMPONENTS 

Ethernet technology-based networks are playing an 

increasingly important role. We therefore offer reliable 

system solutions for network technology. The range 

includes products, software solutions and services for 

total security and availability. 

These sophisticated systems facilitate durable cable 

marking and ensure everything is clear and quick to 

identify. From simple inscriptions, to labelling and 

marking solutions for manual marking right through 

to FLEXIMARK ® software for electronic recognition, 

this range can meet your every need. 

4. 

4. HITRONIC ® – SUPERFAST FIBRE OPTIC CABLES 

Our optical transfer media are unbeatably fast and 

secure when transferring large amounts of data in 

inter-office communication as well as in industry. 

They ensure superfast data transfer which is completely 

free of interference and is protected against 

monitoring. Not even electromagnetic interference 

can affect a HITRONIC ® cable. 

www.lappkabel.de 

8. 



21

ELECTROMOBILITY 

INNOVATIVE 

DEVELOPMENTS 

THANKS TO 

SEMICONDUCTOR 

TECHNOLOGY 

The demand for environmentally friendly alternatives to the combustion engine is increasing. 

The current favourite in the race for sustainable mobility of tomorrow: the electric car. 

DRIVE: OPTIMISED INVERTER 

FOR MORE RANGE 

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: 

SILICON CARBIDE 

In Germany, there are already more 

than 600,000 registered battery 

electric cars (BEVs). Moreover, there 

are just about 566,000 vehicles with 

plug-in hybrid powertrain systems 

registered in Germany (as of 2022). 

The trend is also moving upward. 

This trend is connected to an objective 

for automakers: to improve and 

advance this new kind of driving and 

tailor it to drivers‘ needs. 

One thing is absolutely necessary for 

advancements in the field of electromobility: 

cutting-edge, revolutionary 

semiconductor technology. Because 

without semiconductors, there would 

be no electricity, no e-charging stations, 

and no digital devices, whether 

it be for motor performance, battery 

management, or charging infrastructure. 

Basically, electric cars need more 

semiconductors than vehicles with 

combustion engines. The reason: 

semiconductor technology is particularly 

important for the drive of 

electric models. Whether mild hybrid 

models or fully electric vehicles is 

irrelevant. 

In battery-powered vehicles, the 

drive converter, the so-called inverter, 

plays a key role. Because: the 

more efficient the inverter, the less 

energy is lost on the way from the 

battery to the engine. And that in turn 

means a longer range. It is precisely 

here that most developments can be 

expected in the future. Because the 

range, together with the charging 

time and the price of the e-car, is a 

significant factor in the purchase of 

e-mobiles. 

Expensive but effective: silicon 

carbide (SiC). Carbon atoms are integrated 

into the crystal structure of 

high-purity silicon, and the resulting 

SiC can in turn be used for semiconductor 

components. The result: 

special SiC semiconductor chips that 

provide more range and higher performance 

when used in electric cars. 

In power electronics in particular, 

the use of ICs is expected to result 

in up to 50 percent less energy being 

lost in the form of heat. This, in turn, 

has an influence on the entire electronics: 

through such innovations, 

they can work more efficiently and 

save a lot of energy in the process. 

These surpluses can be used by the 

engine to generate more range. 

Another bonus: Due to the lower heat 

loss of the chips and the possibility 

of using them at significantly higher 

operating temperatures, savings 

can be made on the costly cooling 

systems. And that in turn has an 

influence on the weight of the 

e-mobile - and ultimately on the 

price of the vehicle. 



23

The off-board charger already 

converts the alternating current into 

direct current and only then directs 

it to the e-car. The battery is thus 

charged directly and without an intermediate 

step. On-board chargers, 

on the other hand, are integrated into 

the vehicle and must first convert the 

alternating current from the socket 

into direct current. Only then can the 

battery be supplied with energy. 

SiC components play an essential 

role in the further development of 

effective off-board charging systems 

- such as specially developed SiC 

diodes, MOSFETs and various power 

modules including gate drivers. 

These advanced semiconductor 

components help to further optimise 

the charging process in the future 

to meet the demands of the industry 

and potential customers. The specific 

goals: faster charging, more power 

and more efficiency. 

TREND: ELECTRIC BIKES 

A trend that has already gained 

widespread acceptance in e-mobility: 

the e-bike. Whether motor, batteries, 

sensors, displays, circuits: Electric 

bikes also rely on efficient electrical 

components - and on semiconductor 

components that ensure reliable and 

safe riding. Customers are enthusiastic. 

And thanks to innovations in the 

field of semiconductor technology, 

we can also look forward to even 

more efficient models in this area in 

the future. 

SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS 

AT BÜRKLIN ELEKTRONIK 

AVAILABLE 

Semiconductor components are 

increasingly in demand from both 

industry and private customers. 

Bürklin Elektronik has a large range 

of semiconductors: from diodes and 

power semiconductors to various 

memory ICs, logic ICs and sensor 

ICs, and much more. 

In the online shop, individual products 

and models can be found easily 

and ordered immediately. If you 

have any questions about Bürklin 

Elektronik‘s semiconductor products, 

please contact the experts at Bürklin 

Elektronik at any time! 

EFFICIENT: 

BATTERY MANAGEMENT 

In terms of range, the capacity of 

the battery is of decisive importance 

in addition to the efficiency of the 

inverter. 

A reliable battery management 

system (BMS) monitors and optimises 

the battery and is responsible for 

the performance of the e-car. This 

requires high-quality transistors and 

chipsets that also ensure functional 

safety and accuracy. Special semiconductor 

solutions with power management 

ICs, RTCs and processors 

with software drivers are essential. 

It is precisely these optimised 

semiconductor components that 

will enable the production of even 

longer-lasting and more powerful 

batteries in the future. And this will 

certainly make driving electric cars 

even more attractive. 

CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE: 

FAST CHARGING AT E-CHARGING 

STATIONS 

In addition to the range, the charging 

time of electric cars is also a critical 

issue for consumers. Currently, it 

takes about half an hour to refuel an 

average e-mobile - to achieve 250 

kilometres of range with a charge 

of about 100 kWh. However, many 

electric vehicles still need longer to 

sufficiently charge their batteries - 

too long for many potential buyers 

compared to filling up a petrol tank. 

It is precisely in this area that manufacturers 

want to meet their customers‘ 

demands even better and are 

relying on innovative semiconductor 

technology. For fast charging, direct 

charging via an off-board charging 

system will be the main option in the 

future. 



25

INTERVIEW WITH JÜRGEN LAMPERT 

BÜRKLIN 

ELEKTRONIK 

TAKES A STAND 

ON THE 

SEMICONDUCTOR 

BOTTLENECK 

A conversation with CEO Jürgen Lampert (Bürklin Elektronik) 

and Karin Zühlke (Markt & Technik). 

Cyclical bottlenecks are nothing 

new in the electronics industry. 

However, the current semiconductor 

bottleneck with all its facets marks 

a completely new dimension. What 

are the causes? 

Jürgen Lampert: Due to the advancing 

digitalisation in all areas of life 

in a global world, the demand for 

semiconductors is constantly increasing. 

Megatrends such as AI and 

eMobility are further strengthening 

this demand. In addition, there are 

bottlenecks and supply difficulties 

with raw materials such as copper, 

zinc, aluminium, silicon, substrates 

and wafers. Geopolitical challenges 

such as between China and the USA 

due to import tariffs or the war in 

Ukraine are also leading to rising 

prices and destabilising the market. 

And not to forget: Covid is still making 

a significant contribution to the 

fact that the situation on the market 

will not ease, for example the recent 

lockdown in Shenzhen in Guandong 

province, China‘s high-tech location. 

Many development departments of 

tech companies are located there, 

but also the production of components. 

Hundreds of container ships 

stood outside the closed Chinese 

ports in April, waiting for their berth. 

It is becoming increasingly difficult to 

transport cargo into or out of China. 

Furthermore, we see demand for 

semiconductors increasing by more 

than 20 per cent in 2021. The forecasts 

assume that the market will 

almost double in the next ten years. 

This means that demand is and will 

continue to be much greater than 

the market, resulting in the current 

semiconductor crisis. 

Which product categories 

are particularly affected in the 

semiconductor segment? 

Jürgen Lampert: Basically the 

entire field of semiconductors, such 

as discrete components, microcontrollers, 

programmable logic, memory 

ICs, optoelectronics, to name but 

a few. 

Which industries 

suffer most from the shortage 

and why? 

Jürgen Lampert: In general, the 

shortage affects the entire economy, 

since semiconductors are built in 

practically everywhere. Suppliers in 

the industrial and automotive sectors 

in particular, where 8-inch wafers 

are used, are suffering badly. Here, 

many companies have already had to 

file for insolvency or short-time work. 

Semiconductor manufacturers have 

also shifted their production to other 

areas and customers, especially 5G 

applications, consumer electronics 

and smartphones. This in turn means 

that semiconductor manufacturers 

are dividing resources and priorities 

in semiconductor production among 

diverse segments, which in turn creates 

bottlenecks in a growing market. 

Because semiconductor production 

is complicated and can take several 

weeks, increasing production is not 

readily possible. 



27

What does this mean for 

customers‘ production chains? 

Jürgen Lampert: Currently, many 

production sites are also being relocated. 

This means changed production 

chains, possible production 

stops and even products that have 

to be redesigned. This is necessary 

because customers, both EMS and 

ODMs, are waiting for ordered goods. 

As of today, it is impossible to say 

when the situation will ease again. 

Forecasts assume that the situation 

will even worsen. At the moment, 

there are no signs of a stabilisation of 

availability and prices. Some predict 

an improvement in 2023 at the earliest, 

but depending on the product 

area even not until 2024. 

From our point of view, an important 

strategy for the future is to increase 

production in Europe. In the long 

term, this will reduce dependence 

on Asian production. To date, Europe 

produces less than 10 per cent of 

global consumption. First steps have 

already been taken in this direction: 

Intel is building two chip factories 

in Magdeburg for 17 billion euros. 

Infineon has opened a new high-tech 

chip factory in Villach, Austria, for 

1.6 billion euros in 2021. 

What are the economic 

consequences for the market 

from your point of view? 

Jürgen Lampert: The danger of 

economic damage is great. Often an 

increase in demand causes a shortage 

on the market and thus strong 

price increases. The permanent risk 

of production stops also increases 

the danger of short-time work. In addition, 

there are financial burdens on 

manufacturing companies due to the 

long-term pre-financing of goods, 

claims for damages or contractual 

penalties in the event of delivery 

delays. All of these factors increase 

the risk of insolvency. 

What does the situation 

mean for distribution? 

Jürgen Lampert: We are seeing 

massive delivery problems with 

distributors who have not filled their 

warehouses in time. It is currently 

impossible to predict when outof-stock 

products will be available 

again. This makes disposition difficult 

to plan and results in extreme 

price fluctuations. Some distributors 

currently show neither prices nor 

delivery times. 

Only those who have stocked their 

warehouse well and have bought 

the right products in good time can 

also cover current requirements. We 

at Bürklin Elektronik have several 

hundred semiconductors from various 

manufacturers in stock in large 

quantities. 

Bürklin Elektronik acted with 

great foresight. Frankly asked: 

Was that simply situational 

luck or strategy? 

Jürgen Lampert: We recognised 

early on that our own availabilities 

have a positive influence on our 

business development. Our strategy 

is forward-looking stockpiling and 

purchasing activities based on annual 

quantities with a good supplier 

network, which plays a central role 

here. We conclude call-off orders 

early in many product areas, e.g. 

programmable logic, microcontrollers, 

memory ICs, operational 

amplifiers, voltage monitoring as 

well as interface ICs, in order to 

minimise production downtimes. 

As is well known, high stock 

levels also entail risks... 

Jürgen Lampert: That is correct. 

But we consciously take the risk of 

a „price drop during a recession“, 

which can lead to high inventory 

values and customer cancellations. 

For a long time Bürklin Elektronik 

was regarded on the market as a 

supplier of small quantities. If we 

are talking specifically about semiconductors: 

What delivery quantities 

can the customer obtain from 

Bürklin Elektronik? 

Jürgen Lampert: Customers are 

already increasingly perceiving us 

as a distributor who also supplies 

medium quantities for production 

series. The average order value has 

risen continuously in recent years 

and this year is certainly 30 to 40 per 

cent higher than last year, also due 

to the special market situation. 

How far does Bürklin Elektronik‘s 

delivery radius extend? 

Jürgen Lampert: Our foreign share is 

about 20 per cent. We export worldwide, 

also for our German customers 

at production sites in Asia, except of 

course to embargo countries. 

Bürklin Elektronik was not necessarily 

positioned on the market as 

a proven semiconductor specialist. 

What is your strategy for the semiconductor 

line card in the longer 

term? 

Jürgen Lampert: Customers are 

increasingly perceiving us as a reliable 

and competent supplier in this 

segment as well. We quadrupled our 

semiconductor sales in Germany in 

the first quarter of this year. We are 

even receiving enquiries for semiconductors 

from China. 

We are striving for even more intensive 

cooperation with well-known 

manufacturers such as Microchip, 

Intel, Texas Instruments, Lattice 

Semiconductor, Infineon Technologies, 

Analog Devices, Xilinx, 

Cypress, Silcon Labatories, 

Maxim Integrated, etc., so that a 

long-term source of supply for 

Bürklin Elektronik is guaranteed. 

We are naturally oriented towards 

customer needs and trend applications 

in order to ideally design our 

product portfolio. In this way we 

provide our customers with a high 

level of availability of a wide range 

of semiconductors in the long term. 

However, availability still depends on 

the market situation. 



29

What we don‘t want is to massively 

stock products that are not relevant 

for the customer. At the same time, 

we also focus on keeping our value 

proposition, i.e. our delivery promise: 

Ordered by 6 p.m. and delivered the 

next day in Germany. We don‘t think 

it serves anyone‘s interests if we add 

massive amounts of products but 

at the same time totally dilute our 

delivery promise. 

I am convinced that even in a situation 

like now, there is an opportunity 

to strengthen our brand even further. 

We are convinced that the market is 

developing extremely positively and 

will double in the next ten years. And 

semiconductors ultimately account 

for 65 to 70 percent of electronics 

sales. 

We also take this into account visually: 

our logo has the lettering „All 

Electronics“; this is also a commitment 

to a long-term semiconductor 

strategy. 

To what extent do you still draw on 

resources for semiconductors in 

terms of personnel? 

Jürgen Lampert: We are in the 

process of recruiting a CPO (Chief 

Product Officer) from industry to 

help us further develop supplier 

relationships and also strategically 

realign the semiconductor portfolio. 

What advice do you have for clients 

in 2022 to keep their supply chains 

running as well as possible? 

Jürgen Lampert: Customers with 

long-term contractual commitments, 

a smooth logistics system and clean 

forecasts are the best ones, because 

we were able to take action for them 

at an early stage. Stock build-up is 

hardly possible because everything 

is bought away. In order for us to be 

able to guarantee delivery reliability, 

we ask our customers to work 

closely with us and to plan their 

requirements early on and in the 

long term, as laid down in framework 

agreements, for example. 

Finally, what is your message for 

the current year? 

Jürgen Lampert: A reliable supply 

chain is the key. The euphoria to buy 

components everywhere in the world 

has diminished in view of the current 

situation. I am convinced that we 

have a very good starting position: 

Not least, I see our warehouse in 

the district of Munich, in the heart of 

Germany‘s electronics industry, as 

an advantage and a great opportunity 

for the future. 

The interview was conducted by 

Karin Zühlke 

Markt & Technik 



31

24/7/365 


Our services: 

• Delivery promise: Same day shipping for all orders received by 6pm* 

• Online Shop: buerklin.com 

• Industry-focus line cards of well-known and reliable manufacturers 

• e-procurement solutions: OCI, API, electronic catalogs, EDI 

*Orders of in-stock products that we receive Monday through Friday by 6:00 p.m. 

are usually delivered within Germany on the next working day. 

www.buerklin.com

Bürklin Elektronik Quarterly # 03/2022 Englisch

Erfolgreiche ePaper selbst erstellen

Template löschen?

Als Template speichern?