Smart factories are optimizing production methods and output with the help of automation edge controllers and sensors that collect, network, and evaluate data. Networked, intelligent, self-controlling, self-optimizing, and resource-efficient production comprise the smart factory, the central scenario of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Industry 4.0. Manufacturers are facing increasing materials, labor, and energyRead More

Connectivity solutions for medical equipment must be safe, dependable, durable, easy to operate, and meet critical regulatory requirements. Medical connectors are used to transmit data, power, and control signals to a system or piece of equipment that provides patient care in a hospital, clinic, or home health setting. There is more to specifying and choosingRead More

In automated warehouse applications and vehicles, new battery technologies and frequent charging pose unique challenges in the design and specification of the electric powertrain. By Daniel Walldorf, Strategy and Business Development Manager at TE Connectivity As a labor-intensive field, warehouses are dependent upon a workforce to perform tasks ranging from picking line items to managingRead More

The pandemic, geopolitical turmoil, factory slowdowns, and other disruptive factors have impacted the cost of the materials used to make connectors. A conversation with Ron Bishop explains this complicated era. By Connector Supplier and Samtec Inc. Material costs have fluctuated wildly in the past three to four years as COVID-19’s disruptions, tariffs, wars, natural disasters,Read More

Growing interest in robotic soldering within the PCB assembly industry is leading to increased demand for robotic soldering equipment and applications. Learn how this soldering technique can bring production, performance, and cost benefits. Robotic soldering is emerging as a powerful PCB assembly tool. Not only is this method more efficient than hand soldering but itRead More

High-speed, compact, and powerful new connectivity solutions for Industrial Ethernet-based networks make it easy to upgrade existing cabling. The concept behind Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) touches all industries. From process control and automotive assembly to robotics and the food and beverage industry, data collection empowers smart factories, suppliers, and customersRead More

New ruggedized connector solutions reach for the stars with materials and designs that deliver high reliability, flexibility, cost-savings, and meet the strict qualifications for top performance in space. From high vibration and shock during launch, to extreme temperatures, radiation, and electrostatic discharge (ESD), equipment leaving Earth’s atmosphere must endure exceptional rigors, making ultra-high reliability theRead More

With the advancement of cobots, increased safety concerns, and the need to reduce downtime and costs, there is a much greater demand for networking automation in production facilities.  In today’s factory and warehouse environment, the amount of data that needs to be transmitted, collected, analyzed, and stored continues to grow. This trend is creating aRead More

As IoT ecosystems move to support high-density, low latency networks, and continue to incorporate various new features into radios and overall system layouts, there is an even greater premium put on antenna system design.  The Internet of Things (IoT) is helping to create smart environments by linking interconnected devices that can transmit and share dataRead More

Heavy equipment doesn’t work alone. As agricultural and industrial machinery becomes part of connected networks with command centers and other equipment units, system architectures are incorporating CAN and ISOBUS to meet the growing data networking requirements. Controller Area Network (CAN) systems have been used in heavy equipment and industrial machinery applications since the 1990s asRead More

Smaller, more powerful, and connected new device designs call for more antennas, PCB connectors, and other components. The challenge is to make them all fit. Strategic antenna selection and positioning is the first step in preserving performance and reliability. Electronic devices are increasingly utilizing one or more wireless technologies to become connected to the InternetRead More

The pandemic has altered the healthcare ecosystem and stimulated innovations in the medical sector. As a result, doctors and patients have new connected tools to promote health outside of the clinical setting. Medical Trends The COVID19 pandemic has provided us with new insights into the healthcare ecosystem and its impact on society. It has alsoRead More