What companies led the connector industry in 2023? In this final article in the four-part series based on the new market research report by Bishop & Associates, we learn about the leading companies by product type. Bishop & Associates’ new 10-chapter research report provides a comprehensive analysis of the world’s Top 100 Electronic Connector Manufacturers,Read More

Meet the Connector: Overbraided Cables Overbraiding adds an added protective layer (or layers) to cables and wire harnesses. The process of overbraiding is designed to be cost effective and versatile. It is accomplished with a wide range of fibers and different braided design configurations to best meet the demands of an application. Fine metallic strandsRead More

Collaborative combat aircraft puts new technology into service faster and more cost effectively by pairing unmanned fighter aircraft equipped with the latest weapons, sensors, and battle management systems with older manned fighter aircraft. The collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) program proposed by the U.S. Air Force teams autonomous (unmanned) aircraft with manned aircraft in an effortRead More

New battlefield strategies and combat systems that network dismounted soldiers for “any-sensor, any-shooter” tactics are driving technological changes in digital gear needing advanced interconnects. By Matt McAlonis, Engineering Fellow, Aerospace Defense and Marine, TE Connectivity, and Franck Kolczak, Senior Business Development Manager-Defense Market, TE Connectivity A joint warfighting concept called Joint All-Domain Command and ControlRead More

In this second article in a series, Bishop & Associates identifies the Top 10 connector companies by region. Note: This article shows 2023 figures. Click here to read Connector Supplier’s most recent Top 10 coverage. Quality, design, electrical, and mechanical engineers, along with purchasing personnel, must identify the best companies with whom to partner forRead More

Meet the Connector: Quadrax Connectors Commonly used in aerospace, military, and industrial applications, quadrax connectors contain four conductors arranged in a quad configuration within a single connector housing, designed to carry high-speed Ethernet or other differential signals with minimal crosstalk. Quadrax connectors evolved from the broader category of coaxial and triaxial connector technologies, which wereRead More

From advanced visors with augmented reality to biometric sensors and real-time data integration, modern pilot helmets are revolutionizing air combat and aviation safety. Early pilot helmets served the sole and essential purpose of protecting the heads of aviators. However, with every decade of aviation history, additional functions and technologies have become integrated into this essentialRead More

MIL-STD-1553 has been incorporated in every type of air, land, and sea vehicle built by the U.S. military in the last half-century. There is something eminently satisfying about a technology that simply works. One of the more enduring standards in the mil-aerospace industry is MIL-STD-1553, which defines the mechanical, electrical, and functional characteristics of aRead More

In the decade since its acquisition by Koch Industries, the Illinois company’s expansion has occurred in tandem with momentous technological changes impacting every market in the electronics industry. Molex CEO Joe Nelligan reflects on this period of transformation and shares his insights on what the future holds. Molex’s rich history dates back to the 1930s,Read More

Meet the Connector: Nuclear Grade Connectors Nuclear grade connectors must be exceptionally reliable and rugged enough to withstand extreme conditions such as chemical exposure, high temperatures, radiation, and seismic activity. Connectors used in the nuclear energy industry must be exceptionally reliable and rugged enough to withstand extreme conditions such as chemical exposure, high temperatures, radiation, andRead More

Computer-intensive applications have stimulated the growth of a large-scale purpose-built AI infrastructure. The connector industry will benefit from the AI evolution due to demands for exceptional speed, reduced latency, and energy efficiency. Artificial intelligence exploded into public awareness on November 30, 2022, with the release of ChatGPT and its influence has grown exponentially ever since. ThisRead More

High quality headers and feedthrough plates assisted in the successful mission to gather information on auroras and high-altitude winds. The results will potentially improve satellites and communication systems. At 12:41 a.m. on November 8, 2023, NASA launched the DISSIPATION sounding rocket from the Poker Flat Range in Fairbanks, Alaska, to determine how auroras heat theRead More