Hybrid connectors reduce the number of connectors and cables needed for advanced agricultural machinery and other heavy equipment. A single modern hybrid connector can do the work of two, four, six, or even more traditional connectors. Today’s transportation, agricultural, and construction vehicles come feature-rich with computers, GPS systems, and an array of other electronic features.Read More

Onboard technologies, including networks of instruments and high-tech navigation equipment, have prepared boats and ships for the next step: autonomous operation. A proven history of semi-autonomous operation using networked instruments means that the maritime industry is well prepared for the next autonomous phase. Companies like Garmin supply chart plotters and auto-pilots for commercial vessels, cruisers,Read More

Passenger Information Systems technologies that deliver timely and accurate travel information help make commuter rail networks efficient and user-friendly. Reliable and rugged interconnects are an essential link in the network. Passenger Information Systems In today’s sophisticated rail networks, timeliness is designed into the tightly controlled system. That means even the slightest hitch with one trainRead More

For special installations like the Winter Olympics, as well as applications such as vehicles and devices that routinely operate in cold climates, electronics must be ruggedized against low temperatures. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics showcased human endurance in the most extreme cold conditions as athletes performed on ice, in snow, and in frigid air. TheRead More

Route or fleet vehicles operate near continuously under harsh environment conditions. As electrification expands in this market, it’s critical that connectors can endure the influence of high voltages as well as the rigors of the road. Commercial vehicles operate in uncontrolled environments, subject to heat, moisture, vibration, and dust. For fleet or route vehicles, suchRead More

Every lidar application requires connectivity. Choosing the right connectors starts with understanding the environment that the technology will operate in. Lidar technology has grown into a highly competitive and rapidly evolving industry. Its use in vehicle applications has enabled systems like ADAS, autonomous transportation systems, and  diverse applications ranging from traffic management and pedestrian monitoringRead More

As transportation technologies evolve, the connectors that have served the industry well for decades are being joined by a new generation of small, lightweight, versatile, and powerful interconnects.  Many connectors for vehicles that designers and manufacturers rely on have been on the market for decades. Modern cars, light trucks, and motorcycles include legacy connectors throughoutRead More

Online configuration tools are changing the way we specify connectors. 3D modules help designers create the right product for their application. Board-to-board connectors are designed to connect two PCBs with precisely controlled spacing in between. For example, when customizing a pin header, numerous parameters must be considered, such as number of pins, pin length, andRead More

From seed to harvest, a range of digitalized heavy equipment and small electronic technologies are changing the way forests are managed. Around 15 billion trees are cut down each year to meet humanity’s need for lumber, fuel, and paper products, as well as to clear forests for new construction and agriculture. Meanwhile, 1.8 billion newRead More

Also known as shells, backshells, blocks, or bodies, these sub-components are much more than just a simple piece of metal or plastic. Housings are the metal or plastic portions that encompass the raw connector. They may also be referred to as shells, backshells, blocks, or bodies. But let’s not oversimplify things. These sub-components are muchRead More

Battery packs and other attachments used with mobile applications must demonstrate UL certification that coincides with that of the main equipment body. Maximize UL Voltage Ratings in Electrical Devices Power and control devices for transportation applications are designed with specific application voltage ratings in mind. The components used to electrically connect this equipment must alsoRead More

Core rail interconnect innovations have supported transportation industry goals to provide faster, safer, and more comfortable services. By Chiara Pieri, Marcom Manager, Tom Kannally, Product Specialist – Connectors, Riadh Gazdallah, Commercial Connectors Product Manager, Smiths Interconnect The need and desire for faster, safer, and more comfortable rail services has grown significantly in the past twoRead More