Cabled interconnects could help system designers configure their architectures to achieve greater flexibility, performance, and cost savings. By Lucas Benson, Senior Business Development Manager and Manager of Global Product Management, TE Connectivity Global data consumption is driving faster silicon I/O speeds, from PCIe Gen 3 (8Gb/s) and Gen 4 (16Gb/s) to PCIe Gen 5 (32Gb/s).  Similarly, Ethernet I/O speedsRead More

Most of the connectors used in the small, hand-launched military UAVs typical of swarming drones are very small, lightweight, low-profile, D-shaped, or flat-nano connectors. By Ann R. Thryft Military UAV In a swarm of robots or a natural swarm of ants or bees, all units communicate with each other and act collectively. Swarm robotics looksRead More

The VITA 76.0 connector ensures exceptional signal integrity for high-speed interconnects over maximum cable length on size-, weight-, and power (SWaP)-constrained ground, airborne, and naval platforms. By Mike Southworth, Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, and Ken Braund, Meritec In 2015, VITA adopted the VITA 76.0 standard, “High Performance Cable – Ruggedized 10 Gbaud Bulkhead Connector for CuRead More

The demand for twisted pair differential signal cable has skyrocketed to serve a new generation of high-speed military products ranging from surveillance devices to portable computers. By Bob Stanton, Director of Technology, Omnetics Connector Corporation Twisted Pair Cable for High-Speed Interconnections As high-speed digital circuit design evolves for use in portable and other environmentally challengingRead More

Custom molded connectors and cordsets offer numerous advantages, and many designers find that superior performance comes at a reasonable price. Mark Sweeney, President/COO, Remke Industries Specifying Custom Molded Connectors and Cordsets Molded connectors and cordsets are commonly used with sensors and control devices that require easy disconnect. Molded connector and cordset solutions are widely available, butRead More

In the past 20 years, connectivity has become a defining feature for vehicle performance, function, and experience. By Amphenol RF Rapid Evolution of the Connected Car The automotive industry has seen monumental changes in recent years as the Internet of Things (IoT) has infiltrated nearly every function of cars, from in-vehicle entertainment systems to performanceRead More

Water is the enemy of electronics. Yet equipment ranging from our pocket-dwelling consumer devices to complex military gear has the potential for exposure to moisture. Good seals on cables and connectors can keep it out. Dana Stoica, Global Marketing Manager, ODU-USA, Inc. Hostile environments often expose the weakest parts of electronic systems, and these frequentlyRead More

Silicon photonics products are now on the market. Why are they necessary and what does this mean for interconnect manufacturers? By Neil Shurtz In 1965, Fairchild Semiconductor’s Gordon Moore published his famous paper outlining a future where innovation would allow the number of transistors on an integrated circuit to double every couple of years. Remarkably,Read More

As drones take a larger role in military operations, the pressure is on to reduce size and weight. A new generation of SWaP-optimized connector products will help. By Ann R. Thryft Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are getting smaller and more powerful as the overall miniaturization trend expands across the broad range of military equipment. AlsoRead More

Military and aerospace electronics demand high degrees of system reliability and signal integrity. For these and other applications, precision-machined press-fit pins and receptacles provide an ideal solution. By Stephen Capitelli, Manager of Product Engineering, Mill-Max Mfg. Corp. Sometimes, the products that we take for granted are among the most important. For example, the quality ofRead More

Compact device size is an overwhelming trend in modern electronics, but connectors for compact medical devices must be safe, easy to terminate, and widely configurable, in addition to small in size and extremely reliable. James G. Dunbar, Product Marketing Manager – PCB Connectors, Phoenix Contact USA Innovations are critical in the medical field, and newRead More

Exoskeletons have been around for more than 50 years, but new lightweight materials have spurred growth in therapeutic and rehabilitation products that use compact, rugged connectors. By Caroline Hayes An exoskeleton mimics the insect world’s natural protection. In invertebrates, a rigid external cover protects soft body parts and organs. General Electric and the US armedRead More