Like any aspect of machine vision, cable and connector selection is driven by speed and economy. Customers demand longer, faster, and cheaper cabling solutions, but aren’t always happy about adopting yet another new connector or protocol.   No Silver Bullet for Vision System Connectors The stringent demands of vision systems vary depending on distance, cost,Read More

Connectors that exhibit the rugged, high-reliability performance characteristics required to withstand hazards including shock, vibration, and high mating cycles in harsh industrial applications don’t happen by chance. Design features including contacts, plating materials, and insulators are critical to achieving and selecting rugged industrial interconnects.   Analyzing the Factors that Determine Industrial Ruggedness Levels Contacts, plating,Read More

Connector suppliers are actively working to improve the medical interconnects required to support advanced patient monitoring, diagnostics, and treatment equipment designed to reduce the overall cost of patient care. Such devices span digital stethoscopes, scanners, lasers, and pain management products to neuromodulation implants, probes, and digital displays. The medical industry is enjoying a dramatic increase in theRead More

Reliability, integration, and automation are three of the top trends currently driving the development of next-gen automotive interconnects.   Next-Gen Automotive Interconnects Reliability Proven contact technology in automotive applications is mission critical. Cold-welded connections to a PCB will assure continuous gas-tight interfaces in even the harshest automotive and transportation environments. Press-fit or compliant pin contactsRead More

Autonomous vehicle technology is driving the need for increased speed and bandwidth in electronic connectors.   The Evolution of Automotive Connectivity: Autonomous Vehicle Technology Drives the Need For Both Speed and Bandwidth Automotive electronics have come a long way since the Ford Model T entered the market as the first mass-produced automobile in America moreRead More

As data speeds rise, the need for shielding can also increase. But shielding adds weight, cost, and can reduce flexibility, so it’s important to shield only when it’s necessary.   Determining When to Shield Aircraft Wiring A common question when it comes to designing an aircraft’s electrical wiring interconnect system (EWIS) is which of theRead More

In heavy industries, vibration, temperature extremes, chemicals, and fluids take their toll on electrical systems. Just one small leak or fault in an electrical system can stop farming operations, cripple a military vehicle, or immobilize a fire truck. Harsh environment connectors feature several design elements to help protect connections. These features include durable contacts, watertightRead More

USB Type-C connectors bring bi-directional power and data transmission, simpler connectivity   Since its introduction in the 1990s, Universal Serial Bus (USB) has become a ubiquitous connector protocol, enabling standardized connections between computers and peripheral devices, such as keyboards, printers, and external disk drives. USB connections are now commonly used for smartphones, portable electronics, andRead More

Welcome to the C&K Wearable Devices (Wearables) Applications for the Internet of Things (IoT) product training module. This module will provide an introduction to some of the common switching functions required for wearable devices along with suggested switches for each application. This module will provide an introduction to some of the common switching functions requiredRead More

Welcome to the Amphenol RF High Frequency SMA End Launch Connectors product training module. This module will discuss the basic features and benefits of Amphenol’s high frequency SMA end launch connectors. It will highlight typical applications and review the product offering. Basic technical specifications will be reviewed as well. This module will discuss the basicRead More

Welcome to the Molex Introduction to Heavy-Duty Rectangular Connectors – Part one of five product training modules. This first presentation in a five part series will review the types of applications users would use a Heavy-Duty Rectangular Connector, as well as, covering the four main components for building a complete system. It will also coverRead More

Designing handhelds, wearables, and tomorrow’s smaller medical devices comes with a unique set of design challenges. Engineers and designers are striving to drive size, weight, and cost from their devices, looking critically at every component, including medical device connectors.   Handhelds, wearables and more: Smaller medical devices mean smaller, multi-tasking connectors New technology in connectorRead More