Our portable devices would not be possible without proven connector technologies that facilitate miniaturization and connectivity. By Stephen Capitelli, Manager of Product Engineering, Mill-Max Mfg. Corp. Today’s electronics designers are challenged to find the right balance between reliability, suitability, and cost as they specify the components needed to create successful and competitive products. The firstRead More

As growing numbers of hobbyists and makers tinker with today’s technology, more electronics companies are meeting their makers. By Amy Goetzman Technology is everywhere. The Internet of Things (IoT) is touching every aspect of our lives. The line between virtual reality and the real world is blurring. For most users, engagement in this evolution isRead More

This week’s product roundup highlights FFC and FPC connector solutions from top suppliers. I-PEX Connectors’ DW5 two-way FPC and discrete wire connectors can accommodate 0.2mm-thick (±0.3mm) FPC cables or 34AWG discrete wire using the same PCB and receptacle combination, making them ideal for use in a variety of space-constrained portable electronics, including laptop screens. TheseRead More

Aspects including: cost, environment, vibration, connector density, signal integrity, installation methods, and safety requirements should be key factors when specifying signal connections for industrial applications Loreen Katz, Product Marketing Manager – Industrial Field Connectivity, Phoenix Contact USA Where are signals found in industrial and semi-industrial settings? Everywhere. Devices such as sensors, actuators, switches, valves, andRead More

Your ISO quality audit is coming up. We talk to an auditor to find out what to expect at your next inspection. By Jean Thilmany To ease any anxiety that quality managers at connector companies might feel when the auditor is due for a visit, Kevin Russelburg, an ISO 9001:2015 lead auditor, pulls back theRead More

Full Material Declarations provide an effective strategy for environmental data reporting. By Roger L. Franz, Engineering System Analyst, TE Connectivity Since the European Directives, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), were enacted in 2006–7, the number of regulated substances continues to grow. REACH adds new substances roughlyRead More

This week’s product roundup highlights card-edge connector solutions from top suppliers. Omnetics’ Latching Micro-D Card-Edge Surface-Mount (C0) Connectors satisfy all standard performance requirements of MIL-DTL-83513, including shock and vibration. The dual-row connectors are rated for 3A per contact, a minimum of 500 mating cycles, and operating temperatures extending from -55°C to 125°C, and feature aRead More

Summary coverage of upcoming events and recent news from across the connector industry. This month’s topics include: events, awards, partnerships, promotions, personnel, facilities, distribution, associations, standards, and patents. Industry News April 2018 Event News TE Connectivity is exhibiting at SEA-AIR-SPACE 2018 in Maryland this week, where it’s promoting its portfolio of high-performance, space- and weight-savingRead More

Five Things to Keep in Mind When Selecting Cable Protection for Automotive Applications George Sims, Director of Marketing, AerosUSA 1. Sealed or Open System One of the first things to consider when selecting cable protection for automotive applications is whether the cables can operate effectively and reliably with no to minimal protection or whether theyRead More

Autonomous vehicles will need as many as 30 sensors, creating volumes of data. In-vehicle infotainment systems will further increase demand for high-speed networks. Self-driving cars are already on the roads. GM, Ford, Tesla Motors, Toyota, Volvo, Nissan, and other automakers are testing driverless cars and say they plan to release autonomous models within the nextRead More

Products ranging from appliances to vehicles feature crimp contact plug connectors that are hard to access and easy to damage. In the event of a repair, a more durable connector is needed. By Andreas Aigner, Product Development Manager, Würth Elektronik eiSos Although they are really designed for permanent connections, plug connectors with crimp contacts occasionallyRead More

Summary coverage of the latest, new-to-market connector and cable products New Product News Roundup: April 2018 – Part I Interconnects, etc. Smiths Interconnect’s new Eclipta – ECL Series edge-card connectors feature innovative, high-performance, double-ended card contact technology designed to deliver the reliability, serviceability, and affordability demanded by critical, disposable medical applications, like electrophysiology catheters. SinceRead More