Humanoid robots running marathons and performing domestic chores are making an entertaining splash on the internet, but robots that work safely and efficiently alongside people are rapidly advancing from sci-fi novelty to everyday reality. Demand is growing for machines that operate in human-centric environments and perform similar tasks as humans (e.g., open doors, navigate stairs,Read More
Dependable connectivity is vital to safe and efficient technologies. However, this can be especially challenging in outdoor environments where exposure to the elements and unpredictable conditions impact the integrity of interconnects. Advances in materials and design help meet performance, safety, and sustainability goals. Article Contributed by Tristan Stubbs, Mechanical Engineer at Bulgin Dependable electrical connectivityRead More
Meet the Connector: IEEE 1394 Connectors IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial bus that supports both asynchronous and isochronous communication between a computer and a peripheral. It is also known as FireWire, a now-retired Apple interface. It has largely been replaced by USB connectors but is still used with older equipment. This low-cost connector isRead More
The inability to supply the demand for energy needed for the exploding growth of AI is known as the Power Wall. This factor could become a significant obstacle to continuing AI advances. The relentless growth of Artificial Intelligence has been the technology topic of 2025. The inability to supply the subsequent demand for energy isRead More
The smallest satellites fit in the palm of your hand. Larger installations are critical to telecom, datacom, surveillance, and electronic warfare systems. Regardless of size, satellites must be built to withstand the harsh low temperatures of space, the heat and g-forces of launch, radiation and vacuum conditions, and protect the precise instruments inside to deliverRead More
For decades, the subminiature push-on connector has been a mainstay of RF applications. However, in complex architectures, the SMP interface had challenges in blind mating situations. A solderless coax connector presents an alternative. Article Contributed by Smiths Interconnect The landscape of high-speed radio frequency (RF) interconnects is continuously evolving, driven by the need for enhancedRead More
In 2025, the global connector industry experienced the strongest year-over-year growth since the industry made its strong comeback the year following the COVID shutdown. Bishop & Associates shares insights on the year that was and the year ahead. Bishop & Associates has just released the updated version of their Connector Industry Forecast. This eight-chapter reportRead More
Meet the Connector: MT Ferrules MT ferrules are key fiber optic components in the system architecture required for today’s higher data rate, high-density, high-precision applications. An MT (mechanical transfer) ferrule is a high-precision, rectangular, ferrule designed to align multiple optical fibers simultaneously. It typically accommodates 12, 24, or more fibers within a single compact interface. The critical elements forRead More
The future of the electronics industry depends on quality STEM education. Connector suppliers experience this firsthand. Learn how components companies support schools and programs in their communities. Engaging kids and college students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is important for ensuring a qualified and motivated workforce in the future. Programs that show studentsRead More
The aerospace and defense industry is being reshaped by the rapid adoption of AI and the industry-wide shift to open standards. With its 2024 acquisition of AirBorn underway, and 2025 acquisition incoming, Molex has been launched into these critical markets and their cutting-edge engineering breakthroughs. Molex has seized new opportunities in the aerospace and defense technologyRead More
Smart textiles facilitate data transmission, conductivity, and sensing while preserving mechanical strength, flexibility, and performance. By infusing conductive fibers and integrated electronic components, new wire sleeve strategies that sense and react to external stimuli enable the development of novel technologies. Thanks to advances in miniaturization, nanotechnology, and sensing arrays, conventional wire protection is evolving. InsteadRead More
Meet the Connector: IPC-620-Space Addendum IPC/WHMA-A-620 is the global industry-consensus standard for cable and wire harness assemblies; the space addendum pertains to technologies used in space and other extreme harsh environments. It defines workmanship, materials, process, inspection, and acceptability criteria. The IPC-620 Space Addendum is a specialized supplement to IPC/WHMA-A-620, the industry’s primary standard for the acceptability of cableRead More
