Meet the Connector: XT Connectors XT connectors are a type of high-current connector commonly used in radio-controlled (RC) models, drones, and micromobility modes. The XT connector was originally designed by Amass, a Chinese manufacturer, with a goal of providing an easy to use, compact, and durable connector with a high current capacity and minimal resistanceRead More

Minnesota med-tech innovators with the Mayo Clinic, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, 3M, and others congregated at the annual MD&M regional trade event to explore miniaturization, automation, and bio-compatible technologies. The pacemaker, the mechanical heart valve, and the heart-lung machine for open heart surgeries are among the lifesaving technologies that originated in Minnesota. The state’s reputation asRead More

Meet the Connector: VITA 57.4 FMC+ 57.4 FMC+, the VITA 57.4 standard, provides specifications describing an I/O mezzanine module with connection to an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other device with reconfigurable I/O capability. 57.4 is the latest extension of the FMC (VITA 57.1) standard and defines the FMC+ (FPGA Mezzanine Card) specification, whichRead More

From advanced visors with augmented reality to biometric sensors and real-time data integration, modern pilot helmets are revolutionizing air combat and aviation safety. Early pilot helmets served the sole and essential purpose of protecting the heads of aviators. However, with every decade of aviation history, additional functions and technologies have become integrated into this essentialRead More

Superior performance, longer lifespans, efficiency, affordability, and design flexibility make LEDs the obvious choice for most automotive lighting applications, from headlights and taillights to interior ambient lighting, indicators, and controls. One of the most visible advancements in automotive design can be spotted from a mile away: LED lighting is now in widespread use in vehiclesRead More

As new levels of automation and connected technologies move into the most hazardous environments on Earth, Ethernet-APL is bringing field devices together. Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer), an extension of Ethernet technology, hit the standards scene in 2022 and it’s already accelerating high speed connectivity and real-time data exchange and diagnostics in the process automation industry.Read More

Meet the Connector: Metrical Connectors Metrical connectors, also called M-type connectors and metric circular connectors, are a standardized circular connector that is widely used in industrial applications, including robotics, factory automation equipment, and sensor systems. They are cylindrical in shape and feature a secure locking mechanism in order to ensure connections remain tight in environmentsRead More

Lasting, high quality products begin with high quality connectors. The latest generation of durable, dependable connectors are raising the bar for consumer design innovation. Billions of consumer electronics, from cheap toys to household appliances, are built with inexpensive, simple, and low-quality components. But low quality commercial connectors lack precision in manufacturing, leading to problems likeRead More

With more than a century of R&D in material science, one supplier recounts the rise of a new generation of safer, lighter, more powerful materials for today’s interconnect and electronics designs. Materials science is the foundation of electronic designs. The properties of materials — such as conductivity, flexibility, strength, and thermal stability — are crucialRead More

Meet the Connector: Cable Termination Methods Beyond connectors, a range of termination options exist, from solder to splice. Each method ensures the complete transfer of data and power. Choosing the right one for the application depends on the cable type, operating environment, potential need for future access, and skill level of the assembler. A connectorRead More

Meet the Connector: UMP Connectors UMP (Ultra Miniature Push-Pull) connectors are compact, high-performance connectors designed for applications where space is limited and reliability is crucial. These connectors feature a push-pull mechanism, which allows for easy insertion and removal while ensuring a secure connection. UMP connectors are often used in medical devices, industrial equipment, military applications,Read More

Magnetic and breakaway connectors are highly valued for their quick-connect and quick-release usability. In medical devices, they enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in fast-paced environments. In medical equipment, the use of specialty connector types including push-pulls, keyed and coded interfaces, and magnetic connectors can make a difference in quality of care. There’s a direct connectionRead More