In the history of electronics, few single initiatives have been so universally embraced as the Matter protocol. Over 200 companies have agreed on a way to seamlessly connect devices in a smart home. One of the defining technologies of the late 20th century was the IoT (Internet of Things). Today, its network of connected nodesRead More

In an era of smart technology, there really is no place like home. Today’s consumer has come to expect both convenience and cost-savings from the new technologies that are reshaping the way people work and live. Fueled by the Internet of Things (IoT), nowhere is this more evident than in smart homes. Powered by computingRead More

Meet the Connector: USB connectors USB gained popularity due to its compatibility with numerous platforms and operating systems, its low implementation cost, and its ease of use. The connectors are available in a variety of shapes and sizes with an array of features. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard developed in the 1990sRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights personal peripheral device connectors from leading suppliers.   Personal peripheral devices Molex compact USB Type-C connectors from Heilind Electronics offer greater PCB savings while enabling high-frequency mating in consumer, data, and other I/O applications. Support for 5.0 Amps of power in plug and receptacles reduces battery-charging time by 64% versus micro-USBRead More

Precision interconnects help deliver the superb audio clarity and exciting video displays that make live events memorable, whether you have great seats or are following along at home. It’s an incredible time to be a live music fan. After a long stretch of closed venues, thousands of musicians, comedians, and other live performers from acrossRead More

Specialty audio connector types each play a different role in creating a full sound. Learn more about the reliable standards and the new connectors that make live entertainment possible.  To be human is to be entertained. It is a necessity, not a luxury. And so, with some Covid protocols in place, live events are back.Read More

You own it. Can you fix it? Not yet. But depending on where you live, electronics repair businesses and hobbyists stand to gain new rights. In many parts of the world, it’s illegal or intentionally difficult to fix your own electronics. That is about to change in some key markets, where independent repair businesses andRead More

Connectors that once were market leaders now are too large for most consumer applications. The next level of refinement in design comes in the form of fine-pitch alternatives. The world of consumer electronic devices has expanded enormously in the last decade. With applications in the leisure market as well as personal healthcare and industry, handheldRead More

Consumers treat USBs roughly — there’s no way around it in the constant cycle of plugging and unplugging, so these ubiquitous connectors are up to the challenge. But as USBs move into even more rugged environments (and into the hands of ever-younger consumers), tough new versions are ready. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is theRead More

Space constraints within small devices create challenges for component placement on the boards. Innovations in ZIF-style flex connectors offer designers a possible solution.   By Jeff Combs, Director of Sales, CE Segment at Hirose Electric USA  Hardware designs for IoT, consumer, modular, and other complex applications often leave limited space for the mating and assembly ofRead More

Durable, user-friendly connectors used in gaming consoles, smartphones, laptops, and other connected devices continue to evolve as consumers become more entwined with technology. If, like me, you are old enough to remember the birth of the computer games industry, you may remember what it was like getting to grips with this new technology. At theRead More

In 2021, the 62368-1 safety standard took effect, requiring that interconnects in AV and ICT equipment provide new levels of protection for users. As digital technologies proliferate in consumer spaces, infiltrating nearly every aspect of life, product safety is a greater priority than ever. Standards are evolving to encompass recent advances made in consumer devicesRead More