While telecom networks progress beyond 100G, local area and data center networks have more data rate choices than ever before.     The coming of age of Ethernet has brought with it many different networking applications. Carrier Ethernet is embarking on wider adoption along with Ethernet over optical transport networks (OTNs). In the mean time,Read More

In this ongoing series, we look at real-world applications and how interconnects play a role in successful implementations.   The connectors and cables that link software and systems play an integral role in network and enterprise security. For instance, enterprises spend thousands of dollars on the latest lines of security defense, but they’re still vulnerableRead More

Today’s complex operating environments require connectors to offer higher density in a smaller footprint while being more rugged, robust, reliable, and lighter weight. Spring-enabled connector technology offers an array of options to conquer these obstacles.      Circular connectors are crucial to the successful performance of electrical devices across a variety of industries. These small,Read More

Built-in circular connectors save design time and cost in medical equipment systems.   Cell phones, laptop computers, and digital cameras all contain electrical connectors molded into their shells, with cables hidden inside hinges and shells and behind displays to save space, weight, and money. In the same way, medical instruments are designed so that standardRead More

From military to medical, industrial to electric vehicle, circular connectors are a durable, configurable interconnect option that cross a broad range of applications.   Product Roundup INDUSTRIAL@AMPHENOL’s new overmolded cable assembly options are now available in the ecomate product line. The technology offers proven reliability across all applications within factory automation, lighting, measurement and control,Read More

The annual Bishop & Associates’ survey of distributors’ customers is complete, and here’s a peek at the results.   Overall Score on All Questions Click here to read our full report on the 2016 Distributor Customer Survey results.

Choosing off-the-shelf cable as an afterthought comes with big risks, according to Northwire Inc.   Making cable and connector decisions an afterthought and then choosing a quick off-the-shelf option can result in additional costs with negative outcomes for OEMs, contract manufacturers, and product and design engineers. The many risks of choosing a cable assembly not suited specificallyRead More

As the need for smaller cable assemblies continues, speed, precision, and quality control will be hot topics among manufacturers dealing with ultraminiature RF cable assemblies.     The key trend in mobile electronics today is to make products that are smaller, thinner, and lighter, yet mobile electronic devices, such as cell phones, tablets, and portableRead More

We sat down with Bishop & Associates’ Dave Pheteplace to find out how the cable assembly business is faring worldwide and what he expects to see through the end of the year.   Q: How is the cable assembly market shaping up, growth-wise, for 2016? A: We do not expect the market to grow veryRead More

In today’s microwave cable assemblies, it is essential to identify the electrical, mechanical, environmental, and application-specific constraints that affect overall performance, which are impacted by the materials used for cable dielectric and jacketing.   Ensuring high-quality signal stability of cables for microwave applications means evaluating the dielectric and jacket materials for attributes that account for the harshRead More

Considering connectors at the start of the design process results in an optimized LED lighting design.   LED lighting is very different from traditional lighting systems. Modern LED assemblies offer vastly improved power efficiency and longevity, and they can be extremely compact. However, their electronics are much more complex to design than those of incandescent lightRead More

A new direct-plug solution makes connecting LED strips almost as easy as screwing in a light bulb.      Electronics designers and developers are always looking for suitable connection solutions for flexible LED strips. Reliability, functionality, size, and electrical requirements are important considerations in connection systems for electronic assemblies involving LEDs. A new direct-plug solutionRead More