Omnetics’ director of technology looks at the big demands on designs for small and portable devices and how trends in electronics affect connector development. Rapidly changing requirements for product performance and electrical integrity have a significant effect on electronic connector systems. To meet the needs of the new smaller and more-portable electronics in aerospace, defense,Read More

The results of the 2014 Bishop & Associates Customer Survey are in, and in this issue we reveal the 2014 top 10 connector manufacturers for delivery. Bishop & Associates’s Customer Survey asks connector users to evaluate 46 connector manufacturers. A total of 455 of your peers answered 20 questions relating to important issues such as quality,Read More

With more airline passengers demanding in-flight Wi-Fi, system designers need to find a smart solution for converting on-board systems to fiber optics. One of the hottest technology trends relating to cabin electronics in civil aircraft is creating designs that accommodate all the passengers that now want to use their smartphones, tablets, and laptops on board.Read More

Utilizing modern technology to build efficient integrated equipment, electronics manufacturers ensure that the future soldier maintains constant contact to receive crucial, mission-critical information. Here are some big ideas from ITT Cannon for keeping the future soldier connected. With continuing developments in technology, a soldier’s equipment must stay that much more ahead of these advances. UtilizingRead More

In RF and microwave applications, blind-mate connections can be challenging because to maintain a constant and uniform signal between circuit boards or modules, you need specially designed blind-mate connectors. Pasternack’s Steve Ellis explains how to specify coaxial blind-mate connectors. A blind-mate connector is used when access to the connection point is not possible, typically caused byRead More

To honor his former colleague Max Peel, who passed away in April, Dr. Bob discusses gold flash contact finishes and the warning that is Peel’s Law. This article will eventually be about gold flash contact finishes, but it begins with a few words about my colleague Max Peel. Max passed away on April 16 ofRead More

Bishop & Associates conducts a monthly survey on current connector prices and lead times to establish a base line to help forecast price and lead time trends. This is the connector price and lead time report for August 2014. Every month, Bishop & Associates conducts a survey asking personnel to advise what they are experiencing with current connectorRead More

A number of trends are converging so that the industrial market sees an uptick in growth. Bishop tracks 13 companies in the industrial market sector. This market had mixed results, as measured by these 13 companies’ revenues, in the last six quarters. In 2013, these companies contracted 0.6% year over year. In 1Q14, the combinedRead More

Is an extra layer of protection all you need to make an Ethernet cable industrial-ready? Here, Lu Li of Alpha Wire explains the requirements of Ethernet cable for industrial environments. Moving Ethernet from an office environment into the industrial world is not as easy as one might think. The office environment offers its cabling systemRead More

Take a closer look at the effects contactless connectivity technology has had on the industry in this Q&A with TE Connectivity. Q: What market needs drove the development of contactless technology? A: The need for reliable connections in situations where traditional connectivity reaches its limits due to space restrictions, vibrations, dust, and dirt. In oil and gas, forRead More

There are many options when choosing wire processing equipment, so how do you know you’ve made the right choice? Pete Doyon of Schleuniger shares five things to know about your new cut-and-strip machine before you buy it. A lot of time and effort often goes into finding the right equipment for your facility. Purchasing aRead More

Bishop & Associates’ 2014 Customer Survey has been tallied and the 2014 top 10 suppliers for quality, pricing, delivery, and more have been chosen. Read on to see the top 10 suppliers overall as chosen by their customers.  Bishop & Associates just completed the 2014 Customer Survey of the Connector Industry, in which connector usersRead More