When we integrate electronics into building and architecture environments, the number of connection points is no longer limited to the confines of a product package. By William Garver, APEX Electrical Connector Consultants LLC There are various Levels of Interconnection (LOI) in the electrical connector packaging field. At every interconnection point, at every level, there isRead More

Replacing traditional signaling with four-level pulse amplitude modulation (PAM4) may be exactly the solution the industry is looking for. System design engineers have been dealing with the challenges elicited by ever-increasing data rates for many years. High-speed connector manufacturers have collaborated with their bleeding-edge customers and chip manufacturers to develop cost-effective interconnects that deliver aRead More

A host of variables define a waterproof connector. Here’s how one company helps its customers get exactly what they need. Roy Phillips, Managing Director, Intelliconnect When a customer asks a supplier for a waterproof connector, their exact requirements are often unclear. In fact, many customers find the specific factors involved in waterproofing tech a mystery.Read More

VPX open architecture is shaping new radar and electronic warfare platform designs. By Michael Walmsley, Global Product Manager, TE Connectivity   Today’s military applications detect and track targets at faster speeds and longer ranges using active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which has placed new demands on radio frequency (RF) signal processing. In response, fireRead More

Five AC conditions affect high-frequency connector contact and performance. By Roland S. Timsit, PhD, PE, Timron Advanced Connector Technologies   Many performance attributes of electrical connectors, such as low contact resistance, maximum current, operating temperature, and others, are often described in relation to DC conditions. Under AC conditions, and particularly at frequencies exceeding hundreds ofRead More

Expanding the application of your connector products for global markets doesn’t have to be complex. This roadmap of UL certification considerations will help you simplify the process. By Son Do, Staff Engineer, and Chuck Kurten, Primary Designated Engineer, UL   At first glance, navigating the vast connector market can be intimidating. With hundreds of differentRead More

A survey of industry experts underscores the need to develop standard reliability testing protocols for connectors.   Consistently testing the reliability of electrical connectors across types and use cases is a major challenge in the connector industry. Electrical connectors come in many shapes and sizes, and differ in use. In general, the purpose of anRead More

Tribology is the study of the science and engineering of interacting surfaces that are in relative motion, and includes the associated principles of friction, lubrication, and wear. So how does tribology relate to connector interfaces?   Although connector contact surfaces are usually not intended to be in continual relative motion, often the surfaces do experienceRead More

In today’s competitive market, value-added service providers help manufacturers reduce costs and lead times, while increasing throughput.   The term “value-added services” can encompass a wide range of services, depending on the individual company or industry. However, in every industry, companies that offer value-added services aim to decrease time-to-market, lower costs, and ultimately improve responsiveness,Read More

The model for providing value-add services grew out of the constant changes in product designs and life cycles that are so prevalent in this industry. Whether customers are in the aerospace, transportation, or factory automation markets, their requirements for reliable, high-quality connectors and cable assemblies evolve quickly, and yesterday’s demand can’t always forecast future needs.Read More

Use of VME connectors expands via smaller mezzanine cards, fiber optics, and coax.   Worldwide Standardization Drives Acceptance Changing requirements for faster processing and reduced size/weight, scalability, and power (SWaP) are resulting in newer form factors that include increased use of mezzanine connectors (cards), BGAs, and both larger and higher-density backplane/daughtercard connectors, plus fiber optics andRead More

Rugged connectors are required for applications in a wide variety of settings, from sterile medical facilities to downhole oil and gas rigs. Key considerations for specification include the environment, the function, and the performance requirements.   Rugged Connector Checklist Rugged connectors must be able to function in environments and under circumstances that would challenge typicalRead More