Careful materials selection and specialty outgassing processes help reduce volatile gases present in connected systems. On Earth, our concerns about outgassing center on the impact of particulate chemicals on human health. The synthetic materials in petroleum- and chemical-based products such as plastics, furniture, carpet, paint, and adhesives release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other airborneRead More

The ability of satellites to quickly collect large amounts of data has made them invaluable for communications, GPS, weather applications, and more. Like space technologies, new satellite designs are becoming smaller, even as they provide greater functionality. The world has benefited from the development of orbiting satellites. The research, information, and communications they provide hasRead More

Throwbots, insectoid robots, and other small tactical robotic devices can act as advance teams on missions. These micro-machines can reach hazardous or inaccessible areas to collect and transmit vital information. A soldier with a good throwing arm is a valuable asset in battle. Hand grenades — first invented in the 8th century for use byRead More

Reliable, screw-machined parts help ensure the optimal operation of connectors employed in mission-critical applications. It’s important to select a supplier that understands the unique requirements of this market. High-precision screw-machined parts are critical components of advanced interconnect products. Screw-machined parts include PCB tail pins and sockets, crimp barrel pins and sockets, closed-entry solder cup pinsRead More

The use of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technologies in wildland and municipal firefighting operations is rapidly expanding, and making fire management safer and more effective for teams on the ground. Firefighters on the ground level have an incomplete picture of the challenge they face. In a wildland fire situation, they cannot see the extent ofRead More

Precision-manufactured pins and sockets designed with both MIL specs and applications in mind provide superior reliability and durability in harsh-environment defense applications. These contacts are critical building blocks for military connectors that must perform under pressure on land, at sea, and in the skies above. By Steve Smashey, President, and Mike Conte, General Manager, SOSRead More

New connectors, new materials, new customers, and new technologies are making big impacts in the military and aerospace markets. We spoke to an expert at Amphenol Aerospace to learn more. The events of 2020 provided a sneak preview of the way the connector industry can adapt to serve customers in a rapidly changing and sometimesRead More

Undersea applications for connectors used by the U.S. Navy are expanding. Not only are submarines now joined by unmanned underwater vehicles, but a third emerging category includes devices used in seabed warfare and communications. The undersea environment is one of the harshest that military electronics systems must withstand. Submarines must stand up to constant pressureRead More

The latest generation of high-tech digital cameras has been sized down for small, lightweight military, medical, and surveillance equipment. High-speed miniature interconnect products make it possible to capture and send images in even the most rigorous operating conditions. High-speed cameras, machine learning, and robotics are changing the world for interconnects that support data services toRead More

Multi-port connectors reduce system cost, speed installation time, and improve reliability. As 5G technologies continue to develop for commercial and military use, these important connectivity solutions will have greatly increased utilization. The concept of multi-port connectors has evolved from arrays of discrete coaxes to complex assemblies with multiple coaxial contacts, integrated into a single connectorRead More

Electronics that are subject to harsh military and aerospace operating environments require secure mounting. Several popular specifications give designers options. A few weeks ago, I was discussing work with an engineer friend, and we got onto the subject of connectors that are subjected to high shock and vibration loads. Exciting, I know. It all stemmedRead More

When a traditional rectangular connector isn’t the right fit for a unique PCB shape, engineers must look for a creative solution. Sometimes that solution is a custom connector that can deliver the needed space savings and the reliability required for mission-critical military applications.  By Jim Murphy, International Sales Manager, Advanced Interconnections Corp. The demand for smaller, slimmer,Read More