Water presents one of the greatest challenges for interconnects. It can enter connections in the form of humidity, submersion, or spray during use or cleaning processes and lead to corrosion that will degrade connectivity and product longevity. Waterproof connectors must be designed in from the start. Article Contributed By Mark Boyadjian, Customer Solutions Director &Read More
Meet the Connector: 3.5 mm Plug-type Connectors 3.5 mm plugs and jacks are widely supported across older and some newer audio/video equipment and consumer electronics. They are also used in some medical peripherals, such as headphones for sonography or audiology equipment. The plugs have three primary configurations that are identified by black bands, called insulationRead More
Farm country is rapidly becoming the land of automation, with sensor-led crop monitoring systems, drones that strategically apply chemicals, and tractors that navigate fields using lidar guidance. Now robotics built with harsh environment connectivity are replacing human labor in the fields as precision agricultural robots harvest crops. Agricultural robots are beginning to take on theRead More
Today’s global appliance market is undergoing a structural transition from conventional, analog designs to smart, connected appliances. Article Contributed by Ashish Ainapure, System Architecture Manager and John Marsh, Fellow R&D / Product Development Engineering, TE Connectivity Traditional appliances are typically monolithic in design, relying on centralized control boards, mechanical interfaces, and hard‑wired functionality. The globalRead More
Meet the Connector: QSFP Transceivers This high-speed optical transceiver has gone through many iterations and continues to evolve with higher port density and increased data rates. The QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable), defined in the initial Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) in 2006, is a high-speed optical transceiver. It is small and hot-swappable with higher port densityRead More
A new architecture brings increased efficiency and lower cost. EV battery technology continues to advance toward the primary goal of fast charging. A new architecture incorporates three trends that address decreased charging times, greater efficiency, and lower cost. Trend #1: Replacing modules with cell-to-pack connectivity Eliminating the modules and connecting the battery cells directly toRead More
Flat-wiping contacts are an important design feature in many battery connectors. Learn how they lead to better power transmission and improved connector lifespan. Article Contributed by Peter Resca, Director of Product Management and Marketing, Anderson Power Invented by Anderson Power in 1954, flat-wiping contacts are self-cleaning, self-securing, and deliver many other key advantages for equipmentRead More
The connector industry continues to contract, even as the demand for interconnect products increases. See what acquisitions helped change the connector industry in 2025. Demand for interconnects continues to grow, fueling a continuing wave of mergers and acquisitions that leaves fewer (and now, larger) companies left in the market. In 2025, more suppliers expanded services,Read More
Meet the Connector: Spade Connector A spade connector, also called an insulated spade terminal, is used to quickly and easily connect or disconnect a wire to a screw, lug, or battery. These simple devices provide tensile strength, thermal conductivity, and resistance to shock and corrosion. They are available with insulated housings, often color-coded, or asRead More
Humanoid robots running marathons and performing domestic chores are making an entertaining splash on the internet, but robots that work safely and efficiently alongside people are rapidly advancing from sci-fi novelty to everyday reality. Demand is growing for machines that operate in human-centric environments and perform similar tasks as humans (e.g., open doors, navigate stairs,Read More
Dependable connectivity is vital to safe and efficient technologies. However, this can be especially challenging in outdoor environments where exposure to the elements and unpredictable conditions impact the integrity of interconnects. Advances in materials and design help meet performance, safety, and sustainability goals. Article Contributed by Tristan Stubbs, Mechanical Engineer at Bulgin Dependable electrical connectivityRead More
Meet the Connector: IEEE 1394 Connectors IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial bus that supports both asynchronous and isochronous communication between a computer and a peripheral. It is also known as FireWire, a now-retired Apple interface. It has largely been replaced by USB connectors but is still used with older equipment. This low-cost connector isRead More
