The debate continues but it is clear that by 2017, we will have a standard for 400G Ethernet. Lisa Huff does a reality check on Ethernet data rate progression over the next five years and the connector companies building prototypes for possible 400G solutions. Computer networks are on the cusp of a revolutionary change. Software-defined networking (SDN)Read More

With praise for the lowly modular plug, Bob Hult examines how its elegant design, simplicity of termination, mechanical ruggedness, excellent electrical characteristics, and compact size make it a keeper even after all these years. In a world where many products are calibrated to fail days after the warranty period ends, it is nice to see a device thatRead More

Apple is known for its well-choreographed product introductions, so there was much anticipation as it launched its iPhone 6 and 6 Plus last month. John MacWilliams wonders: Is the iPhone 6 worth the hype? Apple is known for its well-choreographed product introductions, so there was much anticipation as it launched its iPhone 6 and 6 Plus last month. The crowds were still there, butRead More

The quality of the joining processes undergone by some connectors can be a key factor in component performance. The latest article in our “Connector Basics” series by APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants covers the basics of connector soldering. Many connectors and related components are subject to joining processes, which primarily involve soldering. Less commonly used joining processes includeRead More

Dave Pheteplace examines the performance of six companies to determine how the instrumentation market regains ground with strong semiconductor sales. Bishop & Associates tracks six companies in the instrumentation market sector. This market has shown strong improvement over the last three quarters, as measured by these six companies’ revenues. In 2013, these companies grew 1.1%Read More

Cloud computing, smart phones, and LTE services are causing a significant increase in network traffic, as well as bottlenecks in high-end services in data centers. Jon Martens and Bob Buxton of Anritsu explain how to overcome high-speed interconnect challenges with vector network analyzers. Cloud computing, smartphones, and LTE services have caused a significant increase in networkRead More

The existence of copper-coated aluminum cables in the market can present serious problems for the companies using them. In an excerpt from a recent white paper, Fluke Networks describes testing methods to identify copper-clad aluminum cable, and what the future holds for the process. There are growing concerns in the network equipment industry about theRead More

Cable designed to be discharge-resistant may be the best way to protect medium-voltage cable insulation from failure and to ensure system reliability. Design engineers must ensure the reliability of solid-dielectric power cable against failures caused by partial discharge (PD), which can be quite a challenging task. Engineers can guard against PD by designing cable toRead More

Read on to learn more about the top connector and cable assembly industry news briefs for October 14, 2014. Fluke Networks is unveiling LinkWare Live, the first cloud-based service that enables contractors, cable installers, and project managers using the Versiv family of certification testers to upload, manage, and analyze certification test results from cabling projectsRead More

The Photonic Systems Manufacturing Consortium enlists participation in a 10-year roadmap for the development and manufacturing capabilities needed to produce low-cost, high-volume, integrated photonic systems. The Photonic Systems Manufacturing Consortium (PSMC), a collaboration of the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) and the MIT Microphotonics Center, is enlisting the participation of key industry stakeholders in its development ofRead More

The Anritsu field analyzer with integrated PIM and line sweep testing capability is the first of its kind. Anritsu Company breaks new ground in field wireless test with the introduction of the MW82119B PIM Master, which combines a 40W, battery-operated PIM analyzer with a 2MHz to 3GHz cable and antenna analyzer, eliminating the need toRead More

Samtec acquires Teraspeed Consulting Group to help meet its ongoing goal of providing true end-to-end signal integrity interconnect solutions to customers. Samtec has acquired Teraspeed Consulting Group, a team of interconnect engineers who provide enabling technology and support in the design and implementation of high-performance systems. Teraspeed Consulting Group will maintain operations under the name TeraspeedRead More