While the traditional method of glass-to-metal seal (GTMS) connectors serves as an effective hermetic barrier and electrical insulator for a broad spectrum of medical, automotive, aerospace, military, and low-pressure geophysical applications, advanced thermoplastics developed over the past three decades have proven to be a superior solution for the most extreme operating environments. Within the PAEKRead More

A mainstay of medical device design, silicone jacketing protects cables from the hazards that medical technologies face in clinical care settings. It’s not a perfect material, though. New alternatives address silicone’s common shortfalls. Silicone is a widely used cable-jacketing material for medical device components. Commonly used in medical tools, hospital equipment, and surgical devices, siliconeRead More

Minimizing Electromagnetic Compliance (EMC) is a challenge for designers of digital systems who must pass FCC system tests for radiated emissions. The study of radiated electric field pattern simulations, often used for antenna analysis, helps evaluate the radiation properties of individual interconnects and aid in the selection of properly shielded products. Electromagnetic Compliance By AlanRead More

Insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and noise floor challenge engineers in high- speed systems. New strategies help mitigate these factors and preserve signal integrity. In today’s high-speed electronic systems, achieving optimal system performance requires high levels of signal integrity. However, there are several limiting factors, including insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and noise floor. AtRead More

As bandwidth grows and speeds continue to accelerate, conventional PCB solutions are reaching their limits. Over-the-board cable solutions alleviate heat and signal integrity concerns while allowing systems to reach ever higher performance levels. By Jim David and Vishal Chandrasekar, Amphenol Communications Solutions In today’s data driven world, manufacturers of switch, server, and router hardware areRead More

As we place sensors in more rugged environments and extend their uses beyond flat mounting applications, nano-circular connectors and round cable rise to lead in solution-based design strategies. New data-acquisition and information-monitoring technologies have given rise to a completely new field of high-speed image detectors, material sensors, pressure monitors, and even inertia monitors. Today, drones,Read More

From RAST to SKEDD: Insulation displacement technology (IDT) offers solutions for crowded PCBs, including direct mating, flexible placement, compatibility with numerous cable types, and other benefits.  The international terminal block standard for consumer appliances, RAST (Raster Anschluss Steck Technik or Raster Connection Plug Technology) connectors have been in widespread use since their invention in 1986.Read More

COTS connectors have an attractive price point and availability, but they may not hold up to harsh environment challenges. Rigorous testing helps engineers specify non-MIL-Spec connectors that can provide high reliability. By Brian Niehoff Electronic devices are proliferating in harsh operating environments across every industry. As a result, many OEMs require extensive testing on theRead More

Cold forming miniature metal components provides cost savings, waste reduction, faster processing, and superior finished component quality compared to traditional machining and cutting processes. Cold forming, also known as cold heading or cold forging, is a manufacturing and metalworking process that forms miniature metal components such as connector pins without the use of heat orRead More

Route or fleet vehicles operate near continuously under harsh environment conditions. As electrification expands in this market, it’s critical that connectors can endure the influence of high voltages as well as the rigors of the road. Commercial vehicles operate in uncontrolled environments, subject to heat, moisture, vibration, and dust. For fleet or route vehicles, suchRead More

CAN bus interfaces and modules, with a range of corresponding cable types and connector combinations, serve as the backbone of the CAN communications system. When chosen properly, they deliver performance, cost savings, and reliability. Controller Area Network (CAN) technology first appeared in European luxury vehicles 30 years ago. Since then, CAN technology has become prevalentRead More

Harsh operating conditions and challenging installation scenarios make it important to specify rugged, reliable, and application-specific interconnects for industrial equipment. Industrial Connectors The extreme temperatures and humidity often present in industrial settings place considerable strain on electronic components and can cause equipment to malfunction. Interconnects used in industrial equipment and systems are also subjected toRead More