Incredible advances in processor and memory technology have mandated shrinking all other electronic components from chip capacitors to connectors and the circuitry that joins them. The connector industry has responded to these challenges by introducing new classes of high-density microminiature connectors.   A basic pillar of the electronics industry has been its ability to stuff more functionality inRead More

In this ongoing series, we look at real-world applications and how interconnects play a role in successful implementations.   The connectors and cables that link software and systems play an integral role in network and enterprise security. For instance, enterprises spend thousands of dollars on the latest lines of security defense, but they’re still vulnerableRead More

Compliant press-fit pins are a key achievement in the development of backplane connector technology. Here’s how they work. Compliant pins, waferized connector designs, modular connectors, egg-crate shielding, air-dielectric designs – we can now look back on inventions like these and put them in perspective. It is interesting to see how a real understanding of the technologyRead More

Which country leads the world in mil/aero expenditures? Which connector manufacturer is the military market’s leading supplier? Which OEM leads the market in sales? Bishop & Associates crunched the numbers to find out.   In 2015, the top 10 countries for military expenditures represented 74% of the total worldwide outlay according to SIPRI (Stockholm InternationalRead More

Today’s complex operating environments require connectors to offer higher density in a smaller footprint while being more rugged, robust, reliable, and lighter weight. Spring-enabled connector technology offers an array of options to conquer these obstacles.      Circular connectors are crucial to the successful performance of electrical devices across a variety of industries. These small,Read More

Built-in circular connectors save design time and cost in medical equipment systems.   Cell phones, laptop computers, and digital cameras all contain electrical connectors molded into their shells, with cables hidden inside hinges and shells and behind displays to save space, weight, and money. In the same way, medical instruments are designed so that standardRead More

The annual Bishop & Associates’ survey of distributors’ customers is complete, and here’s a peek at the results.   Overall Score on All Questions Click here to read our full report on the 2016 Distributor Customer Survey results.

Choosing off-the-shelf cable as an afterthought comes with big risks, according to Northwire Inc.   Making cable and connector decisions an afterthought and then choosing a quick off-the-shelf option can result in additional costs with negative outcomes for OEMs, contract manufacturers, and product and design engineers. The many risks of choosing a cable assembly not suited specificallyRead More

At Hannover Messe, we learned that Industry 4.0 is already in practice, and the market for these interconnected products is growing.   As many Europeans focus on challenges such as the migrant crisis, BREXIT, and terrorism in their capital cities, and most Americans follow the presidential election process, the economy, and the Middle East situation, thereRead More

As the need for smaller cable assemblies continues, speed, precision, and quality control will be hot topics among manufacturers dealing with ultraminiature RF cable assemblies.     The key trend in mobile electronics today is to make products that are smaller, thinner, and lighter, yet mobile electronic devices, such as cell phones, tablets, and portableRead More

We sat down with Bishop & Associates’ Dave Pheteplace to find out how the cable assembly business is faring worldwide and what he expects to see through the end of the year.   Q: How is the cable assembly market shaping up, growth-wise, for 2016? A: We do not expect the market to grow veryRead More

In today’s microwave cable assemblies, it is essential to identify the electrical, mechanical, environmental, and application-specific constraints that affect overall performance, which are impacted by the materials used for cable dielectric and jacketing.   Ensuring high-quality signal stability of cables for microwave applications means evaluating the dielectric and jacket materials for attributes that account for the harshRead More