Superior performance, longer lifespans, efficiency, affordability, and design flexibility make LEDs the obvious choice for most automotive lighting applications, from headlights and taillights to interior ambient lighting, indicators, and controls. One of the most visible advancements in automotive design can be spotted from a mile away: LED lighting is now in widespread use in vehiclesRead More

Smart grids will support new applications that produce and monetize energy, facilitate EV return of energy to the grid, and export renewable-generated electricity to other countries. E-Mobility has grown fast over the past several years, particularly in Europe and Asia, due in large part to Electric vehicle (EV) innovation, favorable regulations, significant investment, and sustainabilityRead More

Meet the Connector: Variable Reluctance Speed Sensors Engine speed and position sensing enhance vehicle performance and safety. Engine management, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction all rely on the accurate measurement of rotational speed. The advancement of this technology is in line with increased demand for high-performance and eco-friendly vehicles. Variable reluctance speed (VRS) sensors measureRead More

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

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 connections remain tight in environmentsRead 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

Meet the Connector: IEC 60320 Appliance Couplers IEC 60320 is a set of standards for household appliances that specifies non-locking connectors for connecting power supply cords to electrical appliances. 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, andRead 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 timesRead More