Meet the Connector: IEEE 1394 Connectors IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial bus that supports both asynchronous and isochronous communication between a computer and a peripheral. It is also known as FireWire, a now-retired Apple interface. It has largely been replaced by USB connectors but is still used with older equipment. This low-cost connector isRead More

The inability to supply the demand for energy needed for the exploding growth of AI is known as the Power Wall. This factor could become a significant obstacle to continuing AI advances. The relentless growth of Artificial Intelligence has been the technology topic of 2025. The inability to supply the subsequent demand for energy isRead More

The industrial and commercial equipment market is undergoing a fundamental transformation as electrification moves from the automotive sector into construction, landscaping, logistics, and maintenance equipment. Small, engine-powered equipment is transitioning to electric power. While the electric vehicle transition is progressing unevenly, with some countries pulling back and others moving forward, the same technology is findingRead More

New cybersecurity directives in Europe and the United States will change industrial network design. Managed Ethernet switches are at the heart of this shift, providing the visibility, access control, and redundancy that unmanaged devices simply cannot deliver. By Basma Ahmed, Product Manager-Industrial Ethernet, Weidmuller USA In today’s industrial landscape, cybersecurity for OT networks is noRead More

Single-pair Ethernet enables devices to be connected over distances of up to 1,000 m with a transmission speed of 10 Mb/s via just one cable. SPE continues to evolve, and future advancements will extend that reach and add more advantages. By Andy Schäfer, Product Manager PCB Connectors, Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany The properties of single-pair Ethernet (SPE) provideRead More

What are CO2 Sensors? CO2 (carbon dioxide) sensors measure CO2 to monitor indoor air quality, often as part of an HVAC system. They are also found in medical equipment and various industrial applications. The amount of carbon dioxide in the air is an indicator of the performance quality of the HVAC system. CO2 sensors helpRead More

Much of the computing equipment world — and particularly data centers — dedicated to artificial intelligence workloads have a problem. They eat too much electrical energy, generate too much heat, and consume inordinate amounts of water. Communities that once welcomed the construction of a data center now question whether the local infrastructure can support theRead More

Heat pump technology has emerged as a powerful solution in the push toward energy efficiency for a wide variety of applications. Heat pumps can be utilized in residential and industrial HVAC systems, appliances such as clothes dryers and water heaters, and even electric vehicles. Unlike conventional heating systems that generate heat through combustion or resistance,Read More

Connectors play an outsized role in the performance and longevity of photovoltaic systems. Now, a new generation of photovoltaic systems have been developed to address the unique requirements of the solar industry. By Amphenol Industrial Operations Solar connectors provide the critical electrical and mechanical link between solar panels, inverters, and other components. Their reliability directlyRead More

Meet the Connector: MC4 Connectors MC4, a type of PV connector, allows adjacent solar panels to be easily connected by hand to create a string of panels, but require a tool to disconnect, ensuring that the panels don’t accidently disconnect when the cables are pulled. MC4 is a type of photovoltaic (PV) connector used primarily forRead More

Integrating renewable energy into HVAC systems redefines the landscape of building climate control. Engineers are leveraging renewable technologies alongside advanced heat pumps, smart controls, and hybrid system architectures to achieve greater efficiencies. By Jim Beneke, vice president for Tria Technologies, an Avnet brand Integrating renewable energy into heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems redefinesRead More

Meet the Antenna: GNSS Antennas GNSS antennas receive signals containing positioning and timing data from satellite constellations. They are used in a wide variety of applications from smart transportation and navigation to surveying and infrastructure inspections. GNSS (global navigation satellite system) antennas receive signals from satellite systems: GPS in the United States, Galileo in theRead More