Next up in our “Connector Basics” series, APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants offers advice on when and why you need someone with failure analysis expertise.     Something is not working out in the connector manufacturing process or, worse yet, a connector fails in the field – in either case, the failure should land on theRead More

CAMI Research shares the top five questions to ask about your new cable and harness tester.     When choosing a cable and harness tester, there are five key factors to address with potential manufacturers: 1. Is it PC-based? A PC-based system is operated by an autonomous (rather than embedded) computer. Being independent of embeddedRead More

Oil can inflict molecular damage on the compounds used for cable insulation and jacketing that will ultimately result in cable failure, downtime, and replacement costs. Lapp USA explains how this happens and how to prevent it.     Of all the chemical exposures that can affect the life and performance of electrical cables, oil is oneRead More

At one time, aluminum was the primary material option for heavy-duty connectors, but now plastic is a reliable and viable option.     Over the years heavy-duty connectors have evolved from clunky pieces of heavy metal with contacts to robust, lightweight connectors that can mate with products from other manufacturers. They are also capable of routing signal,Read More

The VFD cable is often an afterthought in the exhaustive research and consultation process to choose an advanced variable frequency drive. Here, Wayne Spence of Amphenol Sine explains why it is critical to the overall system.     The phone rings; your chest begins to pound, and the receiving manager’s voice confirms it’s the moment you’ve longRead More

A good connector design requires attention to the separable interface front end, the permanent interface back end, and the contact retention area. Bill Garver of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants provides a checklist of these design considerations.     There are fundamentally three specific elements of an electrical contact that are used within a multiple-position connector.Read More

In addition to specifying components for a cable assembly, you need the design and production process to promote overall system integrity and be cost-effective.     You probably know the primary benefit of a cable assembly – the ease of connecting and disconnecting systems or equipment either for mobility or expeditious repair and replacement. ButRead More

Press-fit connector technology provides highly reliable, cost-effective connections for harsh automotive applications, according to AVX’s Tom Anderson.     As the electronic content in today’s automobiles continues to increase in complexity, spurred by the frenetic pace of technological advancements, so does the need for innovative interconnect solutions for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic module assemblyRead More

Learn more about the latest lightweight COTS options for mixed-layout connectors from Erich Reichenbach of Reichenbach International.     Connectors for the military should be small, lightweight, rugged, reliable, and versatile as they are exposed to various demanding applications and environments. Here are some suggestions for specifying military COTS connectors. Size, Weight, and Shape By conserving fuel, aRead More

Connectors in the oil and gas industry must withstand high pressure, high temperature, and corrosive environments subject to heavy vibration and occasional shock loading. Materials are the key to ensure connector reliability in harsh environments.   The oil and gas industry demands high reliability in drilling and completion equipment, including electrical connectors used downhole. ConnectorsRead More

Fiber optic cable may be the best way to achieve the effective monitoring and control necessary to ensure efficiency in offshore wind turbines.   One of the major challenges facing power generation from renewable energy sources is continuous and cost-effective operation. In the case of wind turbines, both offshore and onshore, this cost-effectiveness depends onRead More

Demanding requirements for downhole applications start with high pressure and high temperature and go on to encompass many other factors. Here, AMETEK reviews the main considerations for choosing a connector for these harsh applications.   There are few environments that test the extreme functionality of a harsh environment connector more than those found deep down in anRead More