Updated: January 2023 Meet the Connector: M-Type Sensor Connectors M-type connectors were originally designed for connecting sensors and actuators in automation equipment and industrial networks. They are now used in a variety of applications, including high-frequency transmission circuits in telecommunications, measurement equipment, robotics, and transportation. The M12 standard was adopted for its reliability and consistencyRead More

Insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and noise floor challenge engineers in high- speed systems. New strategies help mitigate these factors and preserve signal integrity. In today’s high-speed electronic systems, achieving optimal system performance requires high levels of signal integrity. However, there are several limiting factors, including insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and noise floor. AtRead More

As bandwidth grows and speeds continue to accelerate, conventional PCB solutions are reaching their limits. Over-the-board cable solutions alleviate heat and signal integrity concerns while allowing systems to reach ever higher performance levels. By Jim David and Vishal Chandrasekar, Amphenol Communications Solutions In today’s data driven world, manufacturers of switch, server, and router hardware areRead More

Meet the Connector: SMA coaxial RF connectors SMA (Sub-Miniature version A) coaxial RF connectors are single-line, threaded coupling connectors, available worldwide in many versions including termination options, different levels of environmental sealing, and electrical performance. The connector has a characteristic 50 Ω impedance and was originally designed for use from DC (0 Hz) to 12 GHz. This has,Read More

When designing and implementing connectivity solutions for use in space applications, one crucial consideration is the effect radiation will have on electronic connectors and cables. Three separate but interrelated aspects of this come into play: the radiation itself, atomic oxygen, and outgassing. Space is a unique type of harsh environment. Not only is the combinationRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-24308 connectors MIL-DTL-24308 connectors are a high-density rectangular I/O electrical connector in the D-subminiature family (named for its distinctive D-shaped metal shell). Also known as M24308s, these compact, high-reliability connectors feature solid machined contacts and come in a versatile range of classes, mounting options, and layout types. M24308s are available in ruggedRead More

Meet the Connector: FAKRA Connectors   FAKRA connectors have been a mainstay of automotive connectivity for the past two decades. An average connected car contains at least 15 FAKRA connectors, and these versatile connectors are designed into telematics, GPS navigation, entertainment systems, Bluetooth, cellular, keyless entry, climate controls, radio antennas, safety systems, communications applications, andRead More

COTS connectors have an attractive price point and availability, but they may not hold up to harsh environment challenges. Rigorous testing helps engineers specify non-MIL-Spec connectors that can provide high reliability. By Brian Niehoff Electronic devices are proliferating in harsh operating environments across every industry. As a result, many OEMs require extensive testing on theRead More

Meet the Connector: IC Test Sockets IC test sockets are electromechanical interfaces that have evolved to meet the needs of the booming semiconductor industry. They are used initially to perfect the IC design and later to weed out faulty circuits, all to ensure that the ICs in the final product will perform as intended. InRead More

For special installations like the Winter Olympics, as well as applications such as vehicles and devices that routinely operate in cold climates, electronics must be ruggedized against low temperatures. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics showcased human endurance in the most extreme cold conditions as athletes performed on ice, in snow, and in frigid air. TheRead More

Meet the Connector: Terminal Blocks Terminal blocks are connectors used to secure two or more wires to each other (wire-to-wire) or to a PCB (wire-to-board). They consist of an insulated body within a modular housing. Often used in industrial applications, they are appropriate wherever electrical systems need to stay safely connected, organized, and secure. TerminalRead More

Meet the Connector: Push-in Wire Connectors Push-in wire connectors are insulated wire connectors that are used in electrical systems, including commercial and residential lighting, digital signage, and other building electrical systems. They are used in place of traditional twist-on connectors or wire nuts. This connector type is easy to use, enables fast connections, and oftenRead More