Meet the Connector: VITA 57.4 FMC+ 57.4 FMC+, the VITA 57.4 standard, provides specifications describing an I/O mezzanine module with connection to an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or other device with reconfigurable I/O capability. 57.4 is the latest extension of the FMC (VITA 57.1) standard and defines the FMC+ (FPGA Mezzanine Card) specification, whichRead 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

Superior performance, longer lifespans, efficiency, affordability, and design flexibility make LEDs the obvious choice for most automotive lighting applications, from headlights and taillights to interior ambient lighting, indicators, and controls. One of the most visible advancements in automotive design can be spotted from a mile away: LED lighting is now in widespread use in vehiclesRead More

Smart grids will support new applications that produce and monetize energy, facilitate EV return of energy to the grid, and export renewable-generated electricity to other countries. E-Mobility has grown fast over the past several years, particularly in Europe and Asia, due in large part to Electric vehicle (EV) innovation, favorable regulations, significant investment, and sustainabilityRead More

Meet the Connector: Variable Reluctance Speed Sensors Engine speed and position sensing enhance vehicle performance and safety. Engine management, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction all rely on the accurate measurement of rotational speed. The advancement of this technology is in line with increased demand for high-performance and eco-friendly vehicles. Variable reluctance speed (VRS) sensors measureRead More

As new levels of automation and connected technologies move into the most hazardous environments on Earth, Ethernet-APL is bringing field devices together. Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer), an extension of Ethernet technology, hit the standards scene in 2022 and it’s already accelerating high speed connectivity and real-time data exchange and diagnostics in the process automation industry.Read More

Design is a multi-faceted challenge. Not only are engineers expected to deliver products with higher performance and more features in ever smaller form factors, they must also complete designs in short timeframes to secure competitive advantage. In addition, there is a growing need for designs to be manufactured at high speeds without compromising quality orRead More

Meet the Connector: Metrical Connectors Metrical connectors, also called M-type connectors and metric circular connectors, are a standardized circular connector that is widely used in industrial applications, including robotics, factory automation equipment, and sensor systems. They are cylindrical in shape and feature a secure locking mechanism in order to ensure connections remain tight in environmentsRead More

Lasting, high quality products begin with high quality connectors. The latest generation of durable, dependable connectors are raising the bar for consumer design innovation. Billions of consumer electronics, from cheap toys to household appliances, are built with inexpensive, simple, and low-quality components. But low quality commercial connectors lack precision in manufacturing, leading to problems likeRead More