This week’s Product Roundup highlights USCAR-approved interconnects from leading suppliers. USCAR-Approved Interconnects The MX72 squib connector from JAE is a controlled miniature explosive device integrated into an air bag or mechanical retraction system for the SRS. When the sensor detects a collision, an electric current flows through the igniter and the gas generator (inflator) isRead More

Weight, vibration, and temperature are significant challenges in meeting the goals of long range and fast charging in electric vehicles and battery management system design.  Range and charge time are the main concerns of makers and buyers of electric vehicles (EVs) — how to go farther on a single charge and how to charge quickly.Read More

“We’re in the midst of a revolution,” say TE Connectivity’s e-Mobility experts, as automakers make exponential gains in battery performance and electric drivetrain efficiency. The EV battery ecosystem is changing quickly. Automotive OEMs and battery cell and battery pack manufacturers are investing in innovative battery chemistries, new form factors, and interconnects that support charging andRead More

EV batteries are improving and the new interconnect products that support them are optimized to manage the high voltage flow of power throughout the vehicle with great safety and efficiency.  Range anxiety — the fear that an electric car’s battery will run out of power and leave you stranded on the side of the roadRead More

Innovation in electric vehicle technologies — including the integration of new rugged board-to-board connectors — have expanded mileage ranges and decreased charging time. Despite the negative impacts of supply chain issues and the COVID pandemic on the automotive market, EV registrations are rapidly increasing in major global markets. Most car manufacturers have made significant investmentsRead More

Heavy and complex cables present a problem in today’s efficient vehicle designs. As more operational functions move to the screen, automotive display standards help streamline connectivity solutions. Soon, nearly every new vehicle will include at least one screen. Cars built since May 1, 2018, for the North American market feature a mandatory backup camera systemRead More

Automotive Ethernet interconnect solutions need to be miniaturized, lightweight, modular, optimized for high-speed automotive systems, and compatible with automated assembly processes.  Connectivity is enabling safer, greener, and more enjoyable driving experiences. As connected car technologies within vehicles continues to rise in support of these features, so too does the amount of data that has toRead More

European cities are meeting the call to expand the electric vehicle charging network with some creative ideas — and versatile charging connectors — where space is tight. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles has hit several bumps in the road. However, things are changing rapidly; sales in Europe more than doubled in 2021 over 2020,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

The pandemic delayed the release of the Gen3 racing car, but a souped up Gen2 car is ready for the races. In 2022, electric car technologies will make a dramatic impact as automakers introduce the largest ever field of new EVs. But leading the way are the high performance race cars in the ABB FIA FormulaRead More

Improving EV battery technologies, expanding ranges, and growing charging networks are bringing electric automotive technologies into reach for more consumers, requiring development of new electronic connectors. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are moving into the mainstream. This shift is led by government mandates like China’s goal to hit 26 million electric vehicles by 2030, and manufactures’Read More