Meet the Connector: AOC assemblies Active optical cable (AOC) assemblies were developed to combine the benefits of copper and fiber optic cable assemblies. Copper cable assemblies are known for their ruggedness and reliability, particularly at the connector interface. Copper connectors have multiple points of contact which helps them withstand shock and vibration, and resist damageRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights cable accessories from leading suppliers. Cable Accessories NPG Quick Connect from ABB Thomas & Betts, supplied by RS, allows fast and effective fitting of cable glands without access to the inside of an enclosure, greatly speeding up installation. Features include single piece (no locknut required), fast and simple installation, lowRead More

Failure-proof cable selection is especially important in dangerous or harsh environments where water, sunlight, temperature extremes, chemicals, dust, or other hazards are present. Failure-proof cable selection starts with an evaluation of how the cable will be used and the environmental conditions that surround the application. This is especially important in dangerous or harsh environments whereRead More

Meet the Connector: SC Connector SC fiber-optic cable connectors are widely used in optical network applications, such as internet and cable TV.  The name comes from the shape (square connector), although it is actually a rectangular connector. The name may also refer to standard connector, subscriber connector, or stick-and-click connector. The SC connector features aRead More

For harsh environments, such as avionics and defense, key issues related to high temperatures, vibration, and shock must be considered to maximize the efficiency of optical technologies. For two decades, the need for ever-increasing capacity and speed to move data through our electronic devices has generated the deployment of millions of kilometers of optical fiberRead More

To reduce heat and improve speeds, twinax cable assemblies are replacing PCBs in next-generation datacom equipment. The links inside a switch that connect the quad small form factor pluggables (QSFPs) at the faceplate to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) at the heart of the box have become signal superhighways. The capacity and the number of  I/ORead More

Growing interest in robotic soldering within the PCB assembly industry is leading to increased demand for robotic soldering equipment and applications. Learn how this soldering technique can bring production, performance, and cost benefits. Robotic soldering is emerging as a powerful PCB assembly tool. Not only is this method more efficient than hand soldering but itRead More

High-speed, compact, and powerful new connectivity solutions for Industrial Ethernet-based networks make it easy to upgrade existing cabling. The concept behind Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) touches all industries. From process control and automotive assembly to robotics and the food and beverage industry, data collection empowers smart factories, suppliers, and customersRead More

The new Class 4 UL classification standard was published in August 2022 in Article 726 of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), specifically for Class 4 cables intended for use with fault-managed power systems. These requirements cover 60-250 °C (140-482 °F), single- and multiple-conductor, jacketed cables for use as fixed wiring within buildings. Class 4 Power, alsoRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights wire & cable assemblies for high-temp applications from leading suppliers. Wire & Cable Assemblies for High-Temp Applications Cicoil’s exclusive, patented extrusion process in combination with its patented Flexx-Sil jacketing is at the heart of manufacturing extreme environment flat cables that retain electrical properties and flexibility over a long life. CicoilRead More

Cable accessories and organization tools enhance system performance and design. Cable is an essential part of electronic systems. As sensors and antennas, battery management systems, and edge computing become integral parts of electronic design, cable content is increasing in products for every market. Adding cable, however, brings more weight, volume, and the potential for electromagneticRead More

Space and weight constraints, environmental regulations, and increasingly complex system requirements are inspiring new wire harness products and versatile interconnect alternatives. Automotive wire harnesses come in thousands of varieties. Some modern vehicles contain close to 40 different harnesses, with up to 700 connectors and more than 3,000 wires. Additional variation is required for wire harnessesRead More