Press-fit technology is widely applied in multiple automotive applications because it meets the needs of smaller, lighter, more durable components in the latest vehicle designs. The basic principle of a press-fit connection is that a contact terminal is pressed into a printed circuit board (PCB). There are two types of press-fit pins – the solidRead More

In this issue, Bishop & Associates reports on the facts and figures of the connector industry’s largest market sector – automotive. Automotive is the largest market sector for connectors, with 2013 world sales of $10,943 million, or 22.3% of world connector demand. The following table identifies the size of the automotive market by geographic region andRead More

We spoke with Joe Venturella, TTI vice president, transportation business unit, and asked how buyers in the transportation sector can best prepare for 2015. Here are five things to know about the transportation market in the new year. CS: Do you have a general outlook for 2015? JV: We see continued growth in the transportation market segmentRead More

In the next article in the “Connector Basics” series, Ed Bock of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants looks at the attributes of silver and explains why it’s a superior finish for high-current applications. Connector designers have a wide selection of finishes to consider for high-current applications, both noble as well as non-noble metals. It is importantRead More

Power connectors have wide application in the growing electric vehicle market. Producing them via cold forming could deliver multiple benefits, including enhanced part quality and less metal waste. Tighter regulations on CO2 emissions mean that even Formula 1 cars must now be more fuel-efficient – proof, if it were needed, of the inexorable rise of sustainabilityRead More

Binder-USA M12 eight-pin receptacles with right-angled PCB contacts are ideal for industrial network and robot applications.  Binder-USA has extended its range of M12 A-coded four- and five-pin right-angled receptacles to include an eight-pin version. The new receptacles feature a two-piece design that allows for more efficient soldering and assembly to the panel. These connectors are ideally suitedRead More

Mill-Max 2mm pitch spring-loaded connectors offer durability and space savings for board-to-board or device-to-board connections. Mill-Max has expanded its line of spring-loaded products with a 2mm pitch spring-loaded connector. As always, real estate is at a premium in electronic packaging as designers demand tighter-pitch interconnects that deliver high-quality performance. These spring-loaded connectors (SLCs) are an appealingRead More

The Yamaichi FAKRA and HSD connectors portfolio for automotive applications has added a standard I/O series to its product lines. FAKRA connectors are coaxial high-frequency connectors that meet the requirements of DIN20860 and USCAR 17 and 18. They are used in the transmission of a variety of signals, such as shortwave, mobile telephony, GPS, or telematicsRead More

Southwest Microwave high-frequency 1.0mm connectors are the first field-replaceable connectors in that size.  Southwest Microwave introduced a line of 1.0mm DC-to-110GHz connectors. Products in the series include field-replaceable two- and four-hole flange-mount and thread-in connectors, direct-solder cable connectors, and clamp-on end launch connectors, including low-profile and reduced-size low-profile versions. Made in the US and built to Southwest Microwave’sRead More

The GradConn push-push Micro SIM connector offers functionality and cost-effective pricing. GradConn launched a brand new push-push Micro SIM connector, which delivers functionality and cost-effective pricing. Suitable for 3ff Micro SIM cards, the CH03-GB has a 1.50mm profile and measures just .620″ x .676″. The CH03-GB is available with six or eight contacts and includes a card-detectRead More

The electronic content in light vehicles is increasing, just one reason why the automotive market maintains a steady pace. Bishop tracks 12 companies in the automotive market sector. This market has had slow, steady growth over the last four quarters, as measured by these 12 companies’ revenues. In 2013, these companies grew 0.3% year overRead More

Lightweight aluminum wiring can replace heavier copper wires in the wiring harness, but aluminum is a demanding material. TE suggests considerations that could help make aluminum the wiring material of the future. Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity. In the car industry, this lightweight material is in the process of replacing copper in power cables. ThereRead More