Meet the Connector: 3.5 mm Plug-type Connectors 3.5 mm plugs and jacks are widely supported across older and some newer audio/video equipment and consumer electronics. They are also used in some medical peripherals, such as headphones for sonography or audiology equipment. The plugs have three primary configurations that are identified by black bands, called insulationRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights sterilizable and autoclavable interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Sterilizable and Autoclavable Interconnects Bernd Richter GmbH, an Amphenol company, demonstrates its advanced capabilities in the development of hybrid silicone round cables engineered for demanding applications such as endoscopic devices. These high-performance cable systems withstand over 500 autoclave cycles, ensuringRead More

Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. February 2026 Connector Industry News February 2026 Connector Industry News > Award News DigiKey has been ranked #171 on the 2025 list of America’s Top Private Companies by Forbes. This is the fourth consecutiveRead More

Meet the Connector: QSFP Transceivers This high-speed optical transceiver has gone through many iterations and continues to evolve with higher port density and increased data rates. The QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable), defined in the initial Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) in 2006, is a high-speed optical transceiver. It is small and hot-swappable with higher port densityRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights high-speed connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. High-Speed Connectors SV Microwave’s LiteTouch product line offers high-frequency coaxial/surface-mount PCB connectors that are ideal for precision thin substrate mounting and high-speed PCB materials. Standard solderless PCB compression mount connectors may cause trace deformation on thin (<.010) dielectric PCBs, negatively affecting RFRead More

A new architecture brings increased efficiency and lower cost. EV battery technology continues to advance toward the primary goal of fast charging. A new architecture incorporates three trends that address decreased charging times, greater efficiency,  and lower cost. Trend #1: Replacing modules with cell-to-pack connectivity Eliminating the modules and connecting the battery cells directly toRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights FAKRA connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. FAKRA connectors Adam Tech’s FAKRA, HSD, and Mini FAKRA connectors are engineered to meet the demands of today’s high-speed, high-frequency applications. Designed for automotive and transportation environments, these connectors support data, signal, and RF transmission for systems such as infotainment, ADAS, cameras,Read More

Humanoid robots running marathons and performing domestic chores are making an entertaining splash on the internet, but robots that work safely and efficiently alongside people are rapidly advancing from sci-fi novelty to everyday reality. Demand is growing for machines that operate in human-centric environments and perform similar tasks as humans (e.g., open doors, navigate stairs,Read More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights SPE interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. SPE interconnects Phoenix Contact’s M12 hybrid connector for single-pair Ethernet combines data and power transmission in a compact format. The space-saving data element with two contacts enables higher power transmission in minimal installation space. Instead of separate connectors for data and power,Read More

Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. January 2026 Connector Industry News January 2026 Connector Industry News > Award News Hirose’s ZE150HV Series has been selected as a CES Innovation Awards Honoree within Vehicle Tech & Advanced Mobility, presentedRead More

Meet the Connector: MT Ferrules  MT ferrules are key fiber optic components in the system architecture required for today’s higher data rate, high-density, high-precision applications. An MT (mechanical transfer) ferrule is a high-precision, rectangular, ferrule designed to align multiple optical fibers simultaneously. It typically accommodates 12, 24, or more fibers within a single compact interface. The critical elements forRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights Rectangular MIL-spec connectors from leading connector manufacturers and  suppliers. Rectangular MIL-spec Connectors Nicomatic has an extensive range of MIL-Spec rectangular connectors. The CMM Series provides a modular rectangular connector platform that integrates signal, power, and RF contacts within a single interface. Available in multiple sizes and configurations, the CMM range isRead More