We’re introducing a new feature in this issue. “Connectors at Work” highlights a specific application and explains which connectors are most beneficial for system performance. First up, Bob Stanton of Omnetics looks at industrial robots. Industrial robotics are helping to revive automated manufacturing significantly. The development of new end-of-arm (EOA) instruments enables systems that can handleRead More
Idaho-based Melni Connectors was started by an inventor who designed a connector based on a children’s toy. Last week he found himself on the television hit Shark Tank, pitching the idea to potential investors. Inventor Mark Melni didn’t know a children’s toy would leave him swimming with the sharks. Although the connector industry is dominated byRead More
M-style connectors come in various forms and sizes. Binder explains how to specify M-style connectors and the benefits of using an industry-standard connector. M-style connectors are a standard connecting solution for sensors and actuators in industrial network applications. They are designed to withstand harsh environments while providing reliable data and power transmission to automated machinery.Read More
Top-of-rack switching has become the norm in data centers. What does that mean for data center connectivity solutions? With the advent of top-of-rack (ToR) switching and SFP+ direct-attach copper cables, more data centers are able to quickly implement cost-effective 10G-and-beyond connections. ToR designs originally popped up because data center managers ran out of roomRead More
One solution to the signal integrity and reach issues in copper cabling is the use of active copper cable assemblies. Bob Hult takes a look at today’s technology and where it could lead the industry. The long predicted demise of high-speed copper cables continues to be delayed/frustrated by continuing improvements in the technology of data transmission.Read More
Ensure optimal performance in demanding environments with these tips on how to specify industrial fiber optic cable from Kyle Mrkva of Belden. Fiber optic cabling is applicable in any industrial environment where high-speed, high-bandwidth data solutions are needed. It can be used for campus and in-building data backbones to anchor an operation’s Ethernet, andRead More
Bishop & Associates examined the revenues of 11 companies and found the telecom/datacom cable assembly market 2014 sales racked up growth. Bishop tracks 11 companies in the telecom/datacom market sector. This market has shown four quarters of year-over-year growth, as measured by these 11 companies’ revenues. In 2013, these companies grew 0.1% year overRead More
Commonly overlooked when making a fusion splicer purchase, fiber optic cleavers are crucial tools that ensure perfectly smooth fiber ends. Sumitomo Electric Lightwave offers tips on how to choose fiber optic cleavers. The fiber cleaver is a tool commonly overlooked when making a fusion splicer purchase. Just ask any technician who has worked the lateRead More
The assumption that hardwiring will minimize wire installation costs is wrong. Here, Lapp Group explains how connectors lower wiring costs. If you design or build industrial machines, you probably know all about hardwiring. It remains the most common way to bring power and signal to the machine because it offers a perceived savings in installationRead More
Recently we spoke with Ward Williams, chief commercial officer at ProLabs, to learn more about the compatible product market. Q: What are compatible network products? A: Compatible products can include transceivers, direct-attach cables (DAC), active optical cables (AOC), and media converters, among others. Compatibles are designed to work with all manufacturers’ equipment and can beRead More
The Phoenix Contact push-pull Advance data connectors are Variant 14 data connectors suitable for harsh environments. The new push-pull Advance data connectors from Phoenix Contact bring future-proof, high-speed cabling directly to the field. The push-pull connection technology complies with ODVA’s Variant 14. Designed for data rates of up to 10Gb/s, the connectors have IP65/67 protectionRead More
