Since the modern automobile was invented, its basic functionality and shape has remained essentially the same. However, the environment in which vehicles operate and the data to which they connect are changing dramatically, and components will play a significant role in the automotive revolution.   The connected car has the power to shake up theRead More

Although there are dozens of standard, off-the-shelf automotive connectors deployed in each new vehicle, the recent integration of evolved electronics in automotive designs has resulted in a rapidly growing population of custom connectors that make complex electric systems communicate effectively.   What we once thought was leading-edge technology is now common in our everyday lives. TakeRead More

To ensure the longevity of your test system, National Instruments explains the six things you need to know about USB instrument control.   With plug-and-play connectivity and the near ubiquity of USB ports on modern PCs and laptops, USB has become a popular choice for controlling standalone instrumentation. As more instrument manufacturers begin to includeRead More

Depicted as “one cable to connect them all,” in reality there will be more than one type of USB-C cable. Mouser Electronics offers a primer on what you need to know about USB Type-C technology.   USB Type-C (USB-C) is a new technology that promises to de-clutter our lives by channeling up to 10Gb/s ofRead More

The increasing complexity of and demands on networks may be solved with USB technology, but to simplify installations, be sure to follow these 10 rules.   As an industrial, medical, laboratory, or field services interface, USB has many benefits that outweigh the risks. However, you can reduce your odds of disaster with simple fixes – likeRead More

High-performance polyamides provide improved reliability and safety in next-generation USB-C connectors.     USB-C connectors will need to carry more power than previous generations in a much smaller form factor, which makes the performance properties of the materials used for holding all the conductive elements together especially critical. Reliability is a key requirement, so theRead More

Every once in a while, rather than seek an expansion of a connector manufacturer’s already-proven product, a customer will request a standard, off-the-shelf product that’s markedly different than the supplier’s current offerings. Tom Anderson of AVX explains how his team approached one such complex challenge.   Finding the right connector for a specific application can beRead More

From electrical requirements to cost to packaging, specifying and developing a custom connector is a complex job from start to finish. Print out our handy checklist as a reference for your next custom connector specification.  

Since more than 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, it’s no surprise it is responsible for an abundance of application failures. To ensure success, improve your risk assessment of off-the-shelf parts and learn how custom designs help navigate complex environmental factors.   Sometimes focusing on hurdle rates, internal rate of return, andRead More

When a custom interconnect solution is required, partnering with a distributor can facilitate the process from early design stages through final delivery.   There is an abundance of off-the-shelf products available for connector and cable harness assembly applications; but where do design engineers turn when they need something custom-engineered for harsh or other unique environments?Read More

The greatest difficulty in deploying RF-over-fiber systems in military applications has been the lack of ruggedized fiber optic connectors capable of meeting the stringent return-loss requirements needed for quality signal transmissions.      Governments around the world are squeezing defense budgets to reduce spending. Defense departments are pushing systems manufacturers to provide increasingly capable andRead More

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are giving light fixtures the ability to transmit data to digital devices, with the goal of turning lamps everywhere into access points. For LED components, this could mean elevation from humble light bulb to essential wireless technology.      LED lighting is finding a new and somewhat surprising applicationRead More