Lightweight aluminum wiring can replace heavier copper wires in the wiring harness, but aluminum is a demanding material. TE suggests considerations that could help make aluminum the wiring material of the future. Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity. In the car industry, this lightweight material is in the process of replacing copper in power cables. ThereRead More

For clients who truly understand the process of cable assembly molding, which can include cost advantages over a fully mechanical approach, the selection of a vendor is the key to procuring a robust and reliable product. While a molded cable assembly can offer significant advantages over a similar product with a mechanical construction, the artRead More

This issue’s “Connector Basics” topic, explained by George Bedorf of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants, is connector manufacturing process validation. Connectors are made from plastic and metal. The selection of these materials, including metal finishing, along with very precise and detailed mechanical parameters, are described on production drawings and related specifications. Connectors that meet all the specified designRead More

Connectors for the nuclear energy industry must be rugged and reliable as they are exposed to extreme chemical, temperature, and radiation conditions. Here are some tips on how to specify nuclear energy connectors. Nuclear energy demands long-term reliable solutions designed for the most severe environments. Connectors for this industry need to be rugged and reliable as they are exposedRead More

Bishop & Associates looked at the 2013 top 10 connector companies and the history of the companies that have held those spots, only to discover a pattern in which the top 10 gain market share. Collectively, the top 10 largest connector manufacturers increased their sales by +4.6% in 2013 versus world industry growth of +2.7%. Total salesRead More

The debate continues but it is clear that by 2017, we will have a standard for 400G Ethernet. Lisa Huff does a reality check on Ethernet data rate progression over the next five years and the connector companies building prototypes for possible 400G solutions. Computer networks are on the cusp of a revolutionary change. Software-defined networking (SDN)Read More

With praise for the lowly modular plug, Bob Hult examines how its elegant design, simplicity of termination, mechanical ruggedness, excellent electrical characteristics, and compact size make it a keeper even after all these years. In a world where many products are calibrated to fail days after the warranty period ends, it is nice to see a device thatRead More

Apple is known for its well-choreographed product introductions, so there was much anticipation as it launched its iPhone 6 and 6 Plus last month. John MacWilliams wonders: Is the iPhone 6 worth the hype? Apple is known for its well-choreographed product introductions, so there was much anticipation as it launched its iPhone 6 and 6 Plus last month. The crowds were still there, butRead More

The quality of the joining processes undergone by some connectors can be a key factor in component performance. The latest article in our “Connector Basics” series by APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants covers the basics of connector soldering. Many connectors and related components are subject to joining processes, which primarily involve soldering. Less commonly used joining processes includeRead More

Dave Pheteplace examines the performance of six companies to determine how the instrumentation market regains ground with strong semiconductor sales. Bishop & Associates tracks six companies in the instrumentation market sector. This market has shown strong improvement over the last three quarters, as measured by these six companies’ revenues. In 2013, these companies grew 1.1%Read More

Cloud computing, smart phones, and LTE services are causing a significant increase in network traffic, as well as bottlenecks in high-end services in data centers. Jon Martens and Bob Buxton of Anritsu explain how to overcome high-speed interconnect challenges with vector network analyzers. Cloud computing, smartphones, and LTE services have caused a significant increase in networkRead More

The existence of copper-coated aluminum cables in the market can present serious problems for the companies using them. In an excerpt from a recent white paper, Fluke Networks describes testing methods to identify copper-clad aluminum cable, and what the future holds for the process. There are growing concerns in the network equipment industry about theRead More