Since the modern automobile was invented, its basic functionality and shape has remained essentially the same. However, the environment in which vehicles operate and the data to which they connect are changing dramatically, and components will play a significant role in the automotive revolution.   The connected car has the power to shake up theRead More

Although there are dozens of standard, off-the-shelf automotive connectors deployed in each new vehicle, the recent integration of evolved electronics in automotive designs has resulted in a rapidly growing population of custom connectors that make complex electric systems communicate effectively.   What we once thought was leading-edge technology is now common in our everyday lives. TakeRead More

The latest numbers show that automotive unit volume increased 1% in 2015, and TE tops the list of connector suppliers to the market. The worldwide demand for connectors in the automotive market was $11.8 billion in 2015, down 4% from 2014. North America and Europe consumed 62% of those connectors by dollar volume. Vehicle productionRead More

Depicted as “one cable to connect them all,” in reality there will be more than one type of USB-C cable. Mouser Electronics offers a primer on what you need to know about USB Type-C technology.   USB Type-C (USB-C) is a new technology that promises to de-clutter our lives by channeling up to 10Gb/s ofRead More

The increasing complexity of and demands on networks may be solved with USB technology, but to simplify installations, be sure to follow these 10 rules.   As an industrial, medical, laboratory, or field services interface, USB has many benefits that outweigh the risks. However, you can reduce your odds of disaster with simple fixes – likeRead More

High-performance polyamides provide improved reliability and safety in next-generation USB-C connectors.     USB-C connectors will need to carry more power than previous generations in a much smaller form factor, which makes the performance properties of the materials used for holding all the conductive elements together especially critical. Reliability is a key requirement, so theRead More

From electrical requirements to cost to packaging, specifying and developing a custom connector is a complex job from start to finish. Print out our handy checklist as a reference for your next custom connector specification.  

Since more than 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, it’s no surprise it is responsible for an abundance of application failures. To ensure success, improve your risk assessment of off-the-shelf parts and learn how custom designs help navigate complex environmental factors.   Sometimes focusing on hurdle rates, internal rate of return, andRead More

When a custom interconnect solution is required, partnering with a distributor can facilitate the process from early design stages through final delivery.   There is an abundance of off-the-shelf products available for connector and cable harness assembly applications; but where do design engineers turn when they need something custom-engineered for harsh or other unique environments?Read More

The microQSFP Specification Version 2.0 enables development of new compact transceivers that address future 100G port density, data speed, and system thermal requirements.   The members of the microQSFP (micro Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable) Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) group today announced that it has released the microQSFP Specification Version 2.0, which allows system designers, optical module manufacturers,Read More

The greatest difficulty in deploying RF-over-fiber systems in military applications has been the lack of ruggedized fiber optic connectors capable of meeting the stringent return-loss requirements needed for quality signal transmissions.      Governments around the world are squeezing defense budgets to reduce spending. Defense departments are pushing systems manufacturers to provide increasingly capable andRead More

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are giving light fixtures the ability to transmit data to digital devices, with the goal of turning lamps everywhere into access points. For LED components, this could mean elevation from humble light bulb to essential wireless technology.      LED lighting is finding a new and somewhat surprising applicationRead More