Farm country is rapidly becoming the land of automation, with sensor-led crop monitoring systems, drones that strategically apply chemicals, and tractors that navigate fields using lidar guidance. Now robotics built with harsh environment connectivity are replacing human labor in the fields as precision agricultural robots harvest crops. Agricultural robots are beginning to take on theRead More

New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. February 2026 New Connectivity Products  February 2026 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Hirose introduced the compact PO(M2) Series that supports RF performance up to 6 GHz and is engineered to meet the demands of space-constrained, high-density RF systems and advanced electronic devices. The series incorporates aRead More

Meet the Connector: Spade Connector A spade connector, also called an insulated spade terminal, is used to quickly and easily connect or disconnect a wire to a screw, lug, or battery. These simple devices provide tensile strength, thermal conductivity, and resistance to shock and corrosion. They are available with insulated housings, often color-coded, or asRead More

Meet the Connector: IEEE 1394 Connectors IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial bus that supports both asynchronous and isochronous communication between a computer and a peripheral. It is also known as FireWire, a now-retired Apple interface. It has largely been replaced by USB connectors but is still used with older equipment. This low-cost connector isRead More

The smallest satellites fit in the palm of your hand. Larger installations are critical to telecom, datacom, surveillance, and electronic warfare systems. Regardless of size, satellites must be built to withstand the harsh low temperatures of space, the heat and g-forces of launch, radiation and vacuum conditions, and protect the precise instruments inside to deliverRead More

Meet the Connector: IPC-620-Space Addendum IPC/WHMA-A-620 is the global industry-consensus standard for cable and wire harness assemblies; the space addendum pertains to technologies used in space and other extreme harsh environments.  It defines workmanship, materials, process, inspection, and acceptability criteria. The IPC-620 Space Addendum is a specialized supplement to IPC/WHMA-A-620, the industry’s primary standard for the acceptability of cableRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-12520  Currently inactive for new design, this series of center-lock screw coupling, waterproof, polarized, and multi-contact MIL-spec connectors continues to be available for maintenance of existing military vehicles. The MIL-DTL-12520 specification is currently inactive for new design but remains available for maintenance of existing military vehicles. This circular, multi-contact, water-resistant electrical connector isRead More

A variety of new materials and designs are helping connector manufacturers meet the demand for more rugged and water-tight electronic components. Water may be the enemy of electronics, but properly sealed and protected connectors are at work in complex applications such as outdoor weather stations, naval equipment, traffic infrastructure, lighting systems, outdoor screen technologies, andRead More

Meet the Connector: SDI-12G  Connectors SDI-12G (Serial Digital Interface) is a professional digital video interface standard developed by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). SDI-12G connectors are part of the SDI family used in broadcast, production, and high-end video applications such as live sporting, music, and news broadcasts. This circular connector solution is designed toRead More

The industrial and commercial equipment market is undergoing a fundamental transformation as electrification moves from the automotive sector into construction, landscaping, logistics, and maintenance equipment. Small, engine-powered equipment is transitioning to electric power. While the electric vehicle transition is progressing unevenly, with some countries pulling back and others moving forward, the same technology is findingRead More

Meet the Sensor: Quantum Sensors Quantum sensors are a highly complex sensing device that measures physical quantities with extreme precision. They can measure time, temperature, distance, gravity, electromagnetic fields, and more. They use the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum coherence, to measure physical quantities. They range in size and abilities,Read More

New prototyping tools and processes make custom solutions more accessible and affordable. When an off-the-shelf solution won’t do, a custom connector can be created. Advanced design software and manufacturing tools such as CNC and 3D printing enable suppliers to very quickly create sophisticated prototypes of custom connectors. A few years ago, this would have beenRead More