As new levels of automation and connected technologies move into the most hazardous environments on Earth, Ethernet-APL is bringing field devices together. Ethernet-APL (Advanced Physical Layer), an extension of Ethernet technology, hit the standards scene in 2022 and it’s already accelerating high speed connectivity and real-time data exchange and diagnostics in the process automation industry.Read More

Design is a multi-faceted challenge. Not only are engineers expected to deliver products with higher performance and more features in ever smaller form factors, they must also complete designs in short timeframes to secure competitive advantage. In addition, there is a growing need for designs to be manufactured at high speeds without compromising quality orRead More

What are metrical connectors? Meet the Connector: Metrical Connectors Metrical connectors, also called M-type connectors and metric circular connectors, are a standardized circular connector that is widely used in industrial applications, including robotics, factory automation equipment, and sensor systems. They are cylindrical in shape and feature a secure locking mechanism in order to ensure connectionsRead More

Lasting, high quality products begin with high quality connectors. The latest generation of durable, dependable connectors are raising the bar for consumer design innovation. Billions of consumer electronics, from cheap toys to household appliances, are built with inexpensive, simple, and low-quality components. But low quality commercial connectors lack precision in manufacturing, leading to problems likeRead More

The cloud of confusion around smart home development was greatly reduced with the introduction of Matter, a new technology standard introduced by the Connectivity Standards Alliance. Learn why Matter matters. The cloud of confusion around smart home development was greatly reduced with the introduction of Matter, a new technology standard introduced by the Connectivity StandardsRead More

What companies led the connector industry in 2023? A new 10-chapter market research report by Bishop & Associates explores the 100 companies that accounted for more than 82% of the industry’s sales. Bishop & Associates new 10-chapter research report provides a comprehensive analysis of the world’s Top 100 Electronic Connector Manufacturers, with detailed statistics thatRead More

IEC 60320 is a set of standards for household appliances that specifies non-locking connectors for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances. Meet the Connector: IEC 60320 Appliance Couplers  IEC 60320 is a set of standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for household appliances and similar general purposes.The standards define the mechanical, electrical, and thermalRead More

Connector customization takes different forms to meet the needs of device manufacturers, designers, and end users. Printing, marking, and keying are forms of customization that get right to the heart of making safe, secure, user-friendly connections. Most technology comes down to having the correct plugs mated to the correct sockets in a way that isRead More

The use of non-standard connectors is more common than most designers think. Many common connectors can be modified to achieve the performance, features, and format needed in high-performance systems. Designers typically try to use standard interconnects in their end products. Most cite availability as to why they stick with standard, off-the-shelf products. However, there are times whenRead More

With more than a century of R&D in material science, one supplier recounts the rise of a new generation of safer, lighter, more powerful materials for today’s interconnect and electronics designs. Materials science is the foundation of electronic designs. The properties of materials — such as conductivity, flexibility, strength, and thermal stability — are crucialRead More

Beyond connectors, a range of termination options exist, from solder to splice. Each method ensures the complete transfer of data and power. Choosing the right one for the application depends on the cable type, operating environment, potential need for future access, and skill level of the assembler. A connector is the best cable termination methodRead More

Connector companies are bringing new technology advances, including AI, to railways in the U.S. and abroad, making them safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective. Much of the current rail infrastructure in the U.S. is based on systems that have been in use for half a century or more, due to the industry’s notable hesitation toRead More