As automakers increase safety features and efficiency, the electrical systems that power all this new technology must also evolve to ensure performance and user safety. 48V systems are at the heart of this evolution. An increase in safety and infotainment features coupled with demand for range and energy efficiency in gas, hybrid, and electric vehiclesRead More

The world’s foremost microwave conference, the IMS symposium features everything from basic technologies to components to systems, including the newest 0.6 mm connectors, waveguides, and interconnect technologies. The IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium is the world’s foremost conference covering RF through millimeter wave and terahertz. Microwave Week combines IMS with the IEEE RFIC Symposium andRead More

Rated boost current, in which short-term currents exceed the rated continuous current, reduces EV charging times. New innovations in contact technology make it a viable solution. By Joydip Sanyal, a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, Smiths Interconnect Expanding and updating the EV charging infrastructure to deliver ultrafast CCS (combined charging system), particularly along highways and in majorRead More

Meet the Connector: Terminals A terminal is the conductive element that provides an electrical contact point that enables electricity to flow through an electrical circuit. At its most basic level, a terminal is simply a conductive bare wire that is secured through crimping or soldering, often to a terminal block. However, the word terminal isRead More

High power applications require innovative connectivity solutions that address battery performance, battery health, and safety. We asked Shakib Shaikh, product marketing manager-North America, and Swapnil Bhale, lead engineer-new product development at Amphenol Communications Solutions, how connectors contribute to the performance, health, and safety of battery management systems (BMS) in e-mobility applications. What do design engineersRead More

Modern automotive infotainment systems are designed to make driving safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable for drivers and passengers. Automation, AI, IoT, and driverless vehicles are playing significant roles in the development of advanced automotive infotainment systems. Compact, high-speed connectivity solutions that not only have high bandwidth and low latency, but also simplify assembly andRead More

Blade-type connectors handle high power loads with flat, durable conductive terminal blades. Meet the Connector: Blade Connectors  Also referred to as blade-type contacts, blade-type connectors are characterized by flat, conductive, blade-shaped terminals. Blade terminals are an early and ubiquitous connectivity design and are widely favored for their ease of use and power handling ability. TheRead More

Connector suppliers share their thoughts on automotive innovations, the role of interconnects, what they drive, and bumper stickers. This week, we thought we’d try something a little different and sent a short list of automotive-related questions to our suppliers to get their thoughts. We asked about the industry, what interconnects play an important role, andRead More

As advanced driver-assistance systems redefine the driving experience, innovations including software-defined vehicles and high-performance computing are reshaping the automotive industry, with interconnects representing the critical link Most electronic systems deliver and optimize predefined functionality through closely coupled hardware and software elements. Therefore, the perceived natural order of things is for functionality to define the design.Read More

Bishop & Associates’ latest research report, World Connector Market Handbook, details the connector industry performance from 2015 through 2024 and offers a preliminary 2025 and 2030 forecast. In 2024, the connector industry saw sales grow a solid +5.6%. Is the industry expected to continue to grow at such a strong level or will there be aRead More

Meet the Antenna: Shark Fin Antennas Discreet, low-profile shark fin antennas have become an essential part of connected systems in automotive and transportation applications. They may also be called paddle antennas. Typically roof-mounted, they have an aerodynamic and stylish form modeled after a shark’s dorsal fin. The housing contains multiple antennas to receive AM/FM andRead More

EV charging infrastructure is rapidly improving. With strategic design changes, including materials innovations throughout the charging system, it is becoming possible to deliver a recharge in minutes. Significant developments for EV charging are set to unfold in 2025, bringing millions of high-tech opportunities for design engineers, installation workers, and electronics professionals. In 2024, global salesRead More