Data breaches are a billion-dollar problem, wreaking havoc with financial systems, medical records, businesses, and individuals. As supply chains and infrastructure also become increasingly connected, protecting cybersecurity is critical. Strategic hardware selection can help protect networks. Cybersecurity is often portrayed as a white hat hacker at a monitor, scanning code in search of vulnerabilities inRead More

Once again, OFC proved to be the premier showcase of high-performance optical and copper interconnects in communication and network applications. The 2023 edition of the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC) roared back to normalcy after the muting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 11,500 participants from 70 countries accessed the latest advances inRead More

RF/microwave technologies are increasingly used in high-speed digital data exchange applications and the mix of connector and cable technologies is becoming more complex. In the next generation of wireless technology, higher data rates and the accompanying need for high signal integrity will require higher performance capabilities in all RF interconnection.   To meet these highRead More

Meet the Connector: CAT 6 Cable CAT 6 is a twisted pair cable for Ethernet-based computer networks. It is used in phone lines, PCs, televisions, CCTV cameras, and other networking devices. CAT 6 (Category 6) is the standard for the sixth generation of twisted pair cable for Ethernet-based computer networks. Following CAT 5 and CAT 5e, the specifications for CAT 6 are more stringent for crosstalkRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights RF and Coax connectors from leading suppliers. RF and Coax Connector Product Roundup Designed to simplify the connection process, Avnet’s new 6791 series wire-to-board connectors for coaxial cables enable simple termination with one press. Expanding the proven-reliable IDC (insulation displacement connector) from signal/power transmission to high frequency transmission field upRead More

System engineers must balance priorities of reach, thermal management, panel density, backward compatibility, power consumption, multiple sourcing, and cost when selecting optical transceivers. Pluggable I/O transceivers in standardized configurations have proven to be a cost-effective solution to the challenges of creating high-speed optical networks. They have emerged as a leading interface for current and next-generationRead More

Resin materials are widely used in high power connectors to support conductors and provide insulation functions. It is crucial to choose the appropriate resin material to achieve the optimal performance for specific application environments and functional requirements. The continuous growth of data traffic has increased the demand for higher performance and efficiency in the connectivityRead More

As communications applications approach THz frequencies, current 5G and future 6G introduce new RF connectors. Trends for miniaturization, higher frequency, and more RF power push connector suppliers to optimize designs and develop new products to meet industry needs. Most RF coaxial connectors can be used in many different end-use applications and markets. For example, theRead More

Meet the Connector: Backplane Connectors Backplane connectors, or simply backplanes, are a type of board-to-board connector. The name backplane comes from their early use in mainframe computers because they were located against the back of the computer case. Today backplane connectors are generally used in top-of-rack switch applications or hybrid hard drive (HHD) clusters. ExpansionRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights Environmental RJ45 connectors from leading suppliers. Environmental RJ45 Connectors The HARTING RJ Industrial MF series supplied by Heilind is characterized by easy tool-free assembly and a robust metal housing. The highlight of the new RJ45 series is the integrated blades, which shorten the individual strands to the correct length whenRead More

In the past, coherent optics have been cost-effective only in extremely long intercontinental and undersea links. Recent advances have made this solution more accessible to designers looking for ways to increase data transfer speeds, extend channel lengths, and grow system capacity. Designers of high-performance computing and telecommunications equipment, as well as internet service providers, areRead More

Heavy duty connectors are improving levels of reliability, efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability at data centers. Data is at the core of the modern economy, and the cloud is increasingly powering everything, from Microsoft Office 365 to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions. The number of global internet users doubled between 2010 to 2020, and pandemic-inspiredRead More