In 2021, we’ll see USB4 begin to appear in computing products and peripherals. The latest iteration of the USB standard will be fast and backward compatible. In the connector world, upgrades usually mean two things: higher speed and more power. This time around, the arrival of a new USB connector also means more compatibility. InRead More

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed medical interconnect providers to create new strategies, capabilities, and products in 2020. In 2021, we predict that those lessons will transfer to new medical devices and care processes, and influence capabilities for other markets as well. Connector companies are adept at aligning their capabilities with the challenging requirements of device manufacturersRead More

In the year ahead, we’ll see AI, IoT and IIoT technologies, cloud computing, 5G communications, blockchain, UAVs, and robotics impact nearly every market. These transformative technologies are becoming more pervasive and more proficient. As we move into 2021, multiple breakthrough technologies are being implemented that will affect our daily lives and shape technological progress forRead More

Longtime industry observer Bob Hult shares his informed opinions, saying that it’s time for all levels of government and industry to recognize that China has become a pragmatic competitor fully capable of disruptive innovation. Doing so may help Western economies better prepare to confront the challenges ahead.  The United States has enjoyed decades of recognition as the world’s economic, technology, and military leader. Innovators including ThomasRead More

The connector world is constantly evolving to support dynamic market trends. Emerging high-speed connectivity products are currently responding to a number of technology trends and, once released to market, will serve, inspire, and enable a multitude of next-gen, high-speed applications for many years to come. As businesses and consumers demand more convenience, mobility, power, andRead More

As the workplace shifts to the home, network security becomes a greater challenge. Hardware authentication, strong encryption, and shielded cabling will become essential in computers and IoT products. The coronavirus pandemic has set the stage for a comprehensive shift in workplace settings and network infrastructures. Significant reorganization of company IT structures are needed as moreRead More

PCI Express is set to release its Generation 6.0 specification in 2021, expanding speeds and bandwidth, and enabling new capabilities needed for cloud-based architectures. A new generation of PCIe connectors is ready now. PCI Express (PCIe) is a popular peripheral bus architecture widely employed in enterprise servers, storage devices, cloud computing equipment, PCs, mobile devices,Read More

The arrival of 5G RF networks will bring safe, reliable autonomous vehicles closer to reality. To make this possible, the integrity of RF transmissions must be protected. 5G RF networks promise to transform the driving experience. The ability to handle high-speed data from multiple sensors within both our vehicles and the urban infrastructure around themRead More

Legacy connectors have served automotive connector systems through many design evolutions. Now, however, as new technologies make it possible to design safer, smarter, and greener cars, a new generation of connectors is needed to serve these systems. Vehicle designers and manufacturers rely on many connector systems that have been on the market for decades. EvenRead More

The automotive market is the largest market for connectivity products. As connected, autonomous, and electric automotive technologies continue to advance, demand for connectors and other key connectivity products continue to accelerate.  The world’s top 10 automotive connector manufacturers ranked by 2019 sales collectively recorded total worldwide sales of $29.1 billion in 2019. The automotive connectorRead More

Electric drivetrains are moving into more off-road categories of recreational vehicles. Snowmobiles, personal watercraft, ATVs, and other powersport vehicles are actively adopting connectivity solutions used in motorcycle, e-bike, and automotive designs. Although the development of electric drivetrains for cars, trucks, and mass transit is well underway, two-stroke-engine powersport vehicles such as snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, andRead More

As new technologies are introduced in transportation, agriculture, and heavy equipment markets, traditional connector choices are being challenged. Are M8 and M12 connectors still the right choice? By Mike Schreiner, DC Solutions Engineering and Market Development Manager, Phoenix Contact USA Should heavy equipment OEMs try to wedge traditional connectors into new digital technologies or shouldRead More