Meet the Connector: D-Sub Hardware Versatile D-Sub (subminiature) connectors are widely used in military, industrial, and other applications in harsh and rugged environments. For many of these applications, reliability and security are paramount, and they require permanent, secure, shielded connections. Securing and protecting D-Sub and Micro-D connectors requires additional hardware. Many accessories are available forRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights heavy duty connectors from leading suppliers. Heavy Duty Connectors Greenconn’s waterproof connector series is designed for heavy-duty applications in the harshest environments. Featuring IP68-rated sealing, robust PA66 housing, and integrated latch mechanisms, these connectors provide secure, vibration- and shock-resistant wire-to-wire connections. Supporting up to 13A per pin and operating betweenRead More
Electrical functionality, mechanical fit-for-use, and materials are significant considerations when designing endoscopes to meet the needs of doctors and patients. By AJ Born Endoscopes are minimally invasive tools used for diagnostics, treatment, and surgical procedures. High-end systems combine advanced imaging, navigation, and multi‑channel functionality—enabling instrument passage, suction, irrigation, and lens cleaning. To support these tasks,Read More
Water presents one of the greatest challenges for interconnects. It can enter connections in the form of humidity, submersion, or spray during use or cleaning processes and lead to corrosion that will degrade connectivity and product longevity. Waterproof connectors must be designed in from the start. Article Contributed By Mark Boyadjian, Customer Solutions Director &Read More
Meet the Connector: 3.5 mm Plug-type Connectors 3.5 mm plugs and jacks are widely supported across older and some newer audio/video equipment and consumer electronics. They are also used in some medical peripherals, such as headphones for sonography or audiology equipment. The plugs have three primary configurations that are identified by black bands, called insulationRead More
Farm country is rapidly becoming the land of automation, with sensor-led crop monitoring systems, drones that strategically apply chemicals, and tractors that navigate fields using lidar guidance. Now robotics built with harsh environment connectivity are replacing human labor in the fields as precision agricultural robots harvest crops. Agricultural robots are beginning to take on theRead More
Today’s global appliance market is undergoing a structural transition from conventional, analog designs to smart, connected appliances. Article Contributed by Ashish Ainapure, System Architecture Manager and John Marsh, Fellow R&D / Product Development Engineering, TE Connectivity Traditional appliances are typically monolithic in design, relying on centralized control boards, mechanical interfaces, and hard‑wired functionality. The globalRead More
Meet the Connector: QSFP Transceivers This high-speed optical transceiver has gone through many iterations and continues to evolve with higher port density and increased data rates. The QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable), defined in the initial Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) in 2006, is a high-speed optical transceiver. It is small and hot-swappable with higher port densityRead More
A new architecture brings increased efficiency and lower cost. EV battery technology continues to advance toward the primary goal of fast charging. A new architecture incorporates three trends that address decreased charging times, greater efficiency, and lower cost. Trend #1: Replacing modules with cell-to-pack connectivity Eliminating the modules and connecting the battery cells directly toRead More
Flat-wiping contacts are an important design feature in many battery connectors. Learn how they lead to better power transmission and improved connector lifespan. Article Contributed by Peter Resca, Director of Product Management and Marketing, Anderson Power Invented by Anderson Power in 1954, flat-wiping contacts are self-cleaning, self-securing, and deliver many other key advantages for equipmentRead More
The connector industry continues to contract, even as the demand for interconnect products increases. See what acquisitions helped change the connector industry in 2025. Demand for interconnects continues to grow, fueling a continuing wave of mergers and acquisitions that leaves fewer (and now, larger) companies left in the market. In 2025, more suppliers expanded services,Read More
Meet the Connector: Spade Connector A spade connector, also called an insulated spade terminal, is used to quickly and easily connect or disconnect a wire to a screw, lug, or battery. These simple devices provide tensile strength, thermal conductivity, and resistance to shock and corrosion. They are available with insulated housings, often color-coded, or asRead More
