Mil/Aero Articles

Engineering’s Future is AI-Inspired, Human-Led

For many organizations, AI is now starting to move beyond early-stage experimentation and into the realm of quantifiable value creation. Article Contributed By Megan Lampinen, automotive technology writer and future mobility specialist, for TE Connectivity Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global innovation landscape, speeding up the pace of development while improving product quality and operationalRead More

How High-Reliability Connectors Meet the Demands of Satellite Engineering

Satellites must be designed to endure conditions from launch to the complex space environment. High-reliability connectors help these systems operate in various extreme conditions. Article Contributed By iConnexion Spacecraft electronics are held to a standard that few terrestrial systems ever face: years of unattended operation, no possibility of repair, and an environment that actively worksRead More

What is a Speed Sensor?

A speed sensor is an interconnect device that detects the rotational or linear velocity of a moving component and converts that motion into an electrical signal with a frequency or pulse rate that is proportional to speed. The two dominant speed sensor types are variable reluctance (VR) sensors, which generate a self-powered analog signal asRead More

Semi-Rigid Cables are Reliable in Harsh Mil/Aero Environments

Their combination of unique characteristics offers advantages from rugged construction to signal integrity to saving space. Military and aerospace applications often rely on uncompromised signal transmission in challenging environments, making cable selection a high priority. Semi-rigid cables have multiple features that make them an ideal choice. In addition to their solid construction and high reliability,Read More

Fortifying Connectivity: The Essential Role of Ruggedized Connectors in Extreme Applications

Connectivity is crucial for the seamless operation of technologies in industries that operate under extreme conditions. A harsh environment is typically defined by factors such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, corrosive substances, excessive dust, and significant vibration. These conditions can severely impact the performance and longevity of electronic components, making ruggedized connectors essential. Article ContributedRead More

What is an Elastomeric Connector?

Elastomeric connectors are used wherever a solder-free, zero-insertion-force interface is needed between a PCB and a flat or fragile substrate.  Elastomeric Connectors (also known as ZEBRA connectors) feature alternating, parallel layers of electrically conductive and non-conductive silicone elastomer. The elastomeric connector was invented by Joseph Asscher in the early 1970s by Elastomeric Technologies Inc. (ETI)Read More

Built for the Mission: Engineering Interconnects for the UAV Market

Cable and connector assemblies for drones must deliver low weight, high reliability, and serve UAV platforms in both military and commercial markets. The unmanned aerial vehicle market has grown faster than the components designed to support it. For years, UAV designers reaching for high-reliability interconnects had to choose from products originally developed for conventional mannedRead More

Overmolded Cable Assemblies Ensure Optimal In-Flight Signal Integrity

Overmolded cable assemblies help ensure the integrity of mission-critical signal transmission in navigation, data, power, communication, and control systems. Learn how to specify this essential element of primary and secondary flight control designs. Article contributed by Robert Grzib Signal integrity, which measures the quality of an electrical signal, is inarguably the most critical factor toRead More

VITA 90 VNX+ Ratification Locks in the Next Generation Standard

This new standard defines compact, rugged, modular, open systems architecture for high performance embedded computing that supports RF, video, and optical signal applications. In February 2026, VITA 90 VNX+ ratification marked the culmination of nearly a decade of work since the transition from VITA 74 began. The VITA 90 family of standards defines compact, rugged,Read More

What are VME64x Connectors?

Meet the Connector: VME64x Connectors VME64x is a standard for VMEbus ruggedized, high-performance embedded systems in defense, aerospace, industrial control, and medical imaging. A superset to the VME64 standard, VME64x (VME64 Extensions) was adopted by the VITA Standards Organization in 1997. VME64x added many new capabilities, including: a new 160 pin connector family a 95Read More

High Materials Costs Squeeze Connector Manufacturers

The buildout of AI infrastructure and expanding electrification are increasing demand for base metals. Now, unprecedented price increases in the gold, silver, and copper markets are putting pressure on connector manufacturers in a direct challenge to cost structures, pricing strategies, and supply chain resilience. Connector and cable manufacturers are navigating a challenging raw materials environmentRead More

Analysis of the World’s Top 100 Electronic Connector Manufacturers
x