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

From Monitoring to Disease Fighting: Software and Analytics are Revolutionizing Medical Sensors Electronic sensors have been in use in medicine for decades, but their status is currently being elevated from monitoring tools to one of the most powerful sources of data used in disease fighting. This revolution is not being spurred directly by innovations inRead More

Many medical regulations and standards have made risk management a critical element for system and component developers. Factors like creepage and clearance are now important aspects of connector design. Every day, medical device manufacturers get better at managing risk as they respond to international regulatory schemes that impact device design all the way down toRead More

Electronic systems are rapidly expanding into new military and space applications that often require smaller connectors that have higher density. Changes in the electronic equipment prompt the development of connectors and cabling to fit and perform in new environments and packages.   The need for small size and low weight have always been important forRead More

UAVs have been employed by the military for years, and their sophistication is increasing.   Smaller and lighter components are allowing designers to give military UAVs more capabilities, and have brought previously exclusively military technologies like UAV-mounted cameras to consumer drones. As sensor technology gets smaller, lighter, and cheaper, more and more mechanical processes canRead More

The use of measuring devices to monitor and control processes is critical to the smooth operation of large systems, and it is an integral part of the future of the Internet of Things. Considerations include fiber optics, IP ratings, connector materials, and more.   Seven Essentials for Rugged Connectors in Instrumentation Applications The use ofRead More

Industrial and robotic service equipment operates in conditions and applications as varied as the robots themselves. If you want reliable robots, select reliable cable. Here’s how to do that.   Communication Cabling on the Factory Floor Robots in factory automation applications are often exposed to harsh environments and require highly reliable and carefully optimized connectorsRead More

A survey of industry experts underscores the need to develop standard reliability testing protocols for connectors.   Consistently testing the reliability of electrical connectors across types and use cases is a major challenge in the connector industry. Electrical connectors come in many shapes and sizes, and differ in use. In general, the purpose of anRead More