When a traditional rectangular connector isn’t the right fit for a unique PCB shape, engineers must look for a creative solution. Sometimes that solution is a custom connector that can deliver the needed space savings and the reliability required for mission-critical military applications.  By Jim Murphy, International Sales Manager, Advanced Interconnections Corp. The demand for smaller, slimmer,Read More

Connectors used in automotive applications enable everything from stereo systems to drivetrains. As these systems become more connected, more automated, and more energy-efficient, they require connectors that can deliver high-speed connectivity in rugged, lightweight, and easy-to-install designs. Harsh-environment connectivity has extended to various mobility applications including passenger and racing vehicles. This brings a host ofRead More

Water, dust, and mud present challenging conditions for vehicle and equipment electronics in transportation, agriculture, and other off-road and outdoor operating environments.  Modern industrial operations that feature outdoor installations and equipment depend on resilient and reliable electronic connections to facilitate communications between equipment and operators in harsh environments. Industries such as agriculture, food and beverageRead More

Old solutions and ways of thinking get in the way of truly innovative solutions. As designers of military interconnects look for ways to shrink down products while adding functionality, many are turning to the semiconductor test industry for the new approaches needed to create optimal solutions. “The Psychology of Science” by Abraham Maslow introduces theRead More

In a year of changing market conditions and unprecedented global demand for lifesaving medical technologies, the electronics industry has stepped forward to meet new challenges. The world is facing challenging times stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, including healthcare uncertainties, record high unemployment, and social unrest. These turbulent market conditions are fueling a global economic recessionRead More

The first point of connection is the first opportunity to establish rigorous safety standards for medical technologies used in home healthcare and clinical settings. The base electrical standard for medical equipment, IEC/UL 60601-1, guides the design of safe and effective power supplies. As medical equipment becomes more powerful, more portable, and more accessible to usersRead More

System architects are using over-the-board technologies to extend signal reach and density and achieve high-speed data rates by routing signals through ultra-low-skew twinax cable instead of through expensive, lossy PCBs.  Industry observers have noted that emerging high-speed system requirements of 28Gb/s and 56Gb/s, and now 112Gb/s, are nearing the physical limitations of traditional electronic hardwareRead More

How do you connect two Ethernet cables to each other while maintaining environmental ratings, signal integrity, and data speeds? We examine the capabilities, pros, and cons of five common solutions. By Nate Owens, Product Marketing Manager, Industrial Field Connectivity, and Sam Hartman Product Marketing Specialist, Industrial Field Connectivity, Phoenix Contact USA Industrial Ethernet How doRead More

A new generation of more powerful unmanned aerial vehicles carry a payload that includes sensors, cameras, processors, and other electronics. Small, lightweight connectors help make their missions possible. Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for military use are getting even smaller and more powerful as trends toward miniaturization in modern military equipment extends to the skies.Read More

New battlefield strategies that network dismounted soldiers for “any-sensor, any-shooter” tactics are driving technological changes in digital gear enabled in part by advanced interconnects. By Matt McAlonis, Engineering Fellow, Aerospace Defense and Marine, TE Connectivity, and Franck Kolczak, Senior Business Development Manager-Defense Market, TE Connectivity combat Today’s entertaining real-time-strategy (RTS) games and virtual-reality (VR) headsetsRead More

Applications that reach high temperatures require rugged connectors that can withstand these harsh operating environments. A variety of spring and contact materials should be considered.  The consumer electronics market segment dominates product manufacture. Consequently, vast sums of design, packaging, and reliability criteria are focused on meeting consumer market buying patterns at the lowest possible cost.Read More

Designing for harsh-environment connectivity elicits a number of challenges. This guide will help you ask the right questions to determine the proper rugged connectors for your demanding application. Rugged connectors are built for harsh-environment conditions. Both the internal and external components of rugged connectors are made to withstand challenging environments, including exposure to moisture orRead More