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The Sumitomo Lynx2 CustomFit MPOQ8 Splice-On Connector is the industry’s first eight-fiber QSFP-40G-SR4 MPO splice-on connector for 40G/100G data center connectivity. Sumitomo Electric Lightwave introduced its Lynx2 CustomFit MPOQ8 Splice-On Connector, the industry’s first 8-fiber QSFP-40G-SR4 MPO splice-on connector that facilitates fast and easy 40 and 100GbE data center and enterprise network connectivity with maximum cost savings. CoupledRead More

To weigh in on the Star Wars versus Star Trek debate, as well as to read the latest industry updates, check out the news briefs for May 12, 2015. AMETEK Electronic Components and Packaging (ECP) launched a new global website that provides a single, easy-to-use web portal for AMETEK ECP’s three principal businesses: ECP-Packaging, whichRead More

For the latest on Ted talks, celebrity engineers, ARINC specifications, open standards, and more, check out the news briefs for May 5, 2015. TE Connectivity’s new PRO BEAM EB16 optical termini has been selected as the design of choice for the new ARINC Project Paper 845 Expanded Beam Standard for Air Transport Aircraft. This decisionRead More

Which is the better option – copper of fiber – in commercial aircraft? Earle Olson of TE Connectivity discusses the benefits of fiber in today’s increasingly sophisticated commercial airplanes.   Commercial aircraft run on information. As aircraft designers embrace the concept of MEA (more electric aircraft) to replace mechanical control systems, embedded computers are evolving to handle increasedRead More

Choosing the right material combinations for a specific application can mean the difference between success and failure. Richard Orstad of Fralock presents a primer on how to specify electrical insulating material.   There are hundreds of decisions required when designing mission-critical electromechanical components. In each of these decisions, choosing the right material combinations for a specificRead More

Products made from plastic are thought of as cheap alternatives, but when it comes to connectors, they are sometimes the smarter option. Trevor Lee of LEMO answers the question: When is a plastic connector the right connector?   Oftentimes, products made from plastic are thought of as cheap alternatives to metal products. This sentiment canRead More

Pure tin plating has been almost universally adopted, but the looming expiration of a critical exemption is poised to bite manufacturers of screw machined contacts. Bob Hult examines the continuing impact of RoHS. Just when you thought the connector industry had bit the bullet and removed all lead from its products, the looming expiration ofRead More

The connector industry is one of the most profitable subsections of the electronic components industry. Bishop & Associates’ Dave Pheteplace looks at 10 years of connector industry income statements.   The connector industry grew to almost $53 billion in 2014. It is one of the most profitable subsections of the electronic component industries. Let’s take a lookRead More

The material used in a connector design significantly impacts its overall performance. Bob Stanton of Omnetics takes a look at how insulator materials affect connectors at work.   The choice of the material of which a connector is made can greatly affect reliability and performance, and often depends on the environment and application in which the connector isRead More

Everywhere you turn, you can find LEDs in almost any lighting form factor, and connections are more challenging than a screw-in light bulb. Andrew Bogaczyk of Phoenix Contact explains how to connect LEDs and why the connection counts.   LEDs continue to dominate the lighting marketplace; everywhere you turn, you can now find LEDs in almost any formRead More

In our continuing series on connector basics, Bill Garver of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants examines the final step of the connector development process: How to successfully launch a new connector product.   In a previous “Connector Basics” article, we discussed how manufacturers must optimize the talents of their employees so that critical needs are addressed to ensure a successfulRead More