Niobium and tantalum are refractory metals with a growing role in technology. In the interconnect industry, the importance of these materials is growing as semiconductor nodes continue to shrink. Article Contributed By Materion Niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta) are refractory metals with a growing role across some of the most technically demanding industries in theRead More

Connectivity is crucial for the seamless operation of technologies in industries that operate under extreme conditions. A harsh environment is typically defined by factors such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, corrosive substances, excessive dust, and significant vibration. These conditions can severely impact the performance and longevity of electronic components, making ruggedized connectors essential. Article ContributedRead More

Medical fiber and hybrid connectors are often chosen for bandwidth and EMI immunity, but real service life is shaped just as much by cleaning, handling, strain, and repeated mating cycles. Strategic connector design features help ensure their reliability in real clinical environments. Article contributed by David Kuklinkski,Fiber Optics Solutions Engineer, and Jessica Tropea, Customer SolutionsRead More

A power orthotics startup worked with Würth Elektronik to develop a powerful new solution for the 100 million people living with limited hand mobility. Article Contributed by: Würth Elektronik Würth Elektronik partnered with Mannheim startup Powered Orthotics to engineer a medical-grade wearable solution for the 100 million people worldwide living with limited hand function. Stroke,Read More

Radar, communications, electronic warfare, sensing systems, and other critical and high reliability applications depend on RF subsystems and precision interconnects to ensure mission success. Article contributed by Times Microwave Systems Military and aerospace platforms operate in extreme environments. Aircraft can transition from scorching desert tarmacs to frigid high-altitude flights within minutes. Naval systems must runRead More

As connector form factors multiply and lead-free alloys become the norm, the mechanical transfer machine production is being pushed to its limits. CNC integration offers a solution for high-volume pin and socket production. Article contributed by MIKRON The rotary transfer machine is at the center of connector manufacturing. Capable of cycling through dozens of machiningRead More

The current carrying capacity of a connector is not a fixed absolute value; it is always the result of a thermal consideration. Since insulating materials, contact springs, and plating systems are specified only up to a certain temperature limit, the permissible current must be reduced as the ambient temperature increases. This relationship is exactly whatRead More

Energy storage systems and uninterruptible power supplies have become integral parts of industrial environments. Vehicles and equipment that require power, such as autonomous mobile robots and AGVs, put the focus on power connectors. Article Contributed by JAE High-current connections in industrial equipment traditionally meant bolted busbars or screw-terminal blocks. However, these solutions required assembly time,Read More

From high-speed 5G networks and satellites to connected devices and automotive radar systems, radio frequency systems underpin the essential communication networks shaping our world. Article Contributed by: Shawn Luke, technical marketing engineer for DigiKey RF design demands a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical expertise, and creative problem-solving. Unlike digital systems, where signals are binary andRead More

As electronics shrink and applications grow more demanding, flat cables are emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional round wire bundles, offering superior flexibility, space efficiency, and reliability across industries. Article Contributed By Doug Allen and Brian Wang, JPC Connectivity When designing application-specific cable assemblies, most engineers default to traditional round wire bundles. In manyRead More

From autonomous drones to robotic ground vehicles, AI is increasingly embedded in modern defense systems. While the adoption of AI offers strategic advantages, it also introduces risks, ethical debates, and operational challenges. Article contributed by PEI-Genesis The integration of AI into defense systems is a global trend. At the 2025 Global Summit on responsible AIRead More

Water presents one of the greatest challenges for interconnects. It can enter connections in the form of humidity, submersion, or spray during use or cleaning processes and lead to corrosion that will degrade connectivity and product longevity. Waterproof connectors must be designed in from the start. Article Contributed By Mark Boyadjian, Customer Solutions Director &Read More