When a traditional rectangular connector isn’t the right fit for a unique PCB shape, engineers must look for a creative solution. Sometimes that solution is a custom connector that can deliver the needed space savings and the reliability required for mission-critical military applications.  By Jim Murphy, International Sales Manager, Advanced Interconnections Corp. The demand for smaller, slimmer,Read More

In 10 years, the automotive experience will be vastly different than it is today. Automotive capabilities, fueling strategies, usage and ownership patterns, and the overall driving experience are rapidly changing, in large part to innovations that begin at the connector level. The automotive industry is undergoing an incredibly dynamic period of innovation that will resultRead More

Connectors used in automotive applications enable everything from stereo systems to drivetrains. As these systems become more connected, more automated, and more energy-efficient, they require connectors that can deliver high-speed connectivity in rugged, lightweight, and easy-to-install designs. Harsh-environment connectivity has extended to various mobility applications including passenger and racing vehicles. This brings a host ofRead More

This is the fifth installment in a series of articles that address leading technology trends that have had a significant impact on the electronic connector industry over the past 20 years. This latest installment in the Technology Trends series by Bob Hult examines the trends and technologies that have pushed copper to the limits and ushered inRead More

New partially and fully autonomous tractors and agricultural equipment leverage the evolution of connected automotive technologies to bring e-mobility to the farm. As engineers race to fulfill OEMs’ desire to be amongst the first to have driverless cars hit the highway, the advanced electronics contributing to these innovations are making their way into other modesRead More

Water, dust, and mud present challenging conditions for vehicle and equipment electronics in transportation, agriculture, and other off-road and outdoor operating environments.  Modern industrial operations that feature outdoor installations and equipment depend on resilient and reliable electronic connections to facilitate communications between equipment and operators in harsh environments. Industries such as agriculture, food and beverageRead More

As government and commercial missions into space become more prevalent, connectivity suppliers are challenged to deliver space-grade connector products that can handle uniquely extreme operating conditions. The joint mission between SpaceX and NASA to send a team of astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) is one of the technology world’s 2020 highlights. In aRead More

The 2019 top 10 connector manufacturers collectively achieved $38.7 billion in annual sales in 2019, which accounted for 60.2% of global connector demand and is up from 2018’s market share of 59.5%. Every year, Bishop & Associates takes a comprehensive look at the connector industry in all of its complexity, evaluating the activities of 750Read More

Old solutions and ways of thinking get in the way of truly innovative solutions. As designers of military interconnects look for ways to shrink down products while adding functionality, many are turning to the semiconductor test industry for the new approaches needed to create optimal solutions. “The Psychology of Science” by Abraham Maslow introduces theRead More

In a year of changing market conditions and unprecedented global demand for lifesaving medical technologies, the electronics industry has stepped forward to meet new challenges. The world is facing challenging times stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, including healthcare uncertainties, record high unemployment, and social unrest. These turbulent market conditions are fueling a global economic recessionRead More

The first point of connection is the first opportunity to establish rigorous safety standards for medical technologies used in home healthcare and clinical settings. The base electrical standard for medical equipment, IEC/UL 60601-1, guides the design of safe and effective power supplies. As medical equipment becomes more powerful, more portable, and more accessible to usersRead More

IPC is known as the premier standards organization in the electronics manufacturing industry. But as the industry faces tariffs, COVID, and other complex challenges, it’s also become a problem-solving enterprise. When John Mitchell became the president and CEO of IPC in 2012, the organization’s focus was on standards development for the electronics assembly industries, withRead More