Meet the Connector: EMI/EMP Connectors EMI/EMP connectors, also called filter connectors, help protect electric and electronic systems from emitting or receiving disruptive “noise,” including radio frequency interference (RFI), electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic pulses (EMP), voltage spikes, and other radiated emissions that can distort or interrupt a signal. EMI, EMP, and RFI commonly occur in environmentsRead More
To reduce heat and improve speeds, twinax cable assemblies are replacing PCBs in next-generation datacom equipment. The links inside a switch that connect the quad small form factor pluggables (QSFPs) at the faceplate to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) at the heart of the box have become signal superhighways. The capacity and the number of I/ORead More
High-speed, compact, and powerful new connectivity solutions for Industrial Ethernet-based networks make it easy to upgrade existing cabling. The concept behind Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) touches all industries. From process control and automotive assembly to robotics and the food and beverage industry, data collection empowers smart factories, suppliers, and customersRead More
Meet the Connector: LC Connectors LC connectors are small form factor fiber optic connectors designed for making fast connections in high-density applications. They are a miniaturized version of the earlier SC fiber connector (50% smaller) and feature a square plastic housing with a 1.25 mm ceramic ferrule. Like the SC, LCs utilize a push-pull design,Read More
Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-28840 Connectors MIL-DTL-28840 connectors are high-density circular connectors used for harsh environment military applications. Originally developed for the Navy, they are used in shipboard applications for surface craft of all sizes as well as submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles. They are water-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and can endure water pressure while maintaining a secureRead More
Meet the Connector: Board-to-Board Connectors Board-to-board (BTB) connectors are used to transmit signals between printed circuit boards (PCBs). They are made by many connector manufacturers and come in a variety of styles and materials. BTB connectors are among the commonly used connector types. Their evolution has been influenced by their use in an ever-growing numberRead More
Meet the Connector: BNC Connectors BNC connectors are miniature radio frequency (RF) connectors developed for low-frequency applications. This quick-connect/disconnect circular connector features a two-stud bayonet-style locking mechanism that users twist and snap into position. A tactile snap indicates a secure connection; a reverse motion disconnects the connector pair. The BNC connector famously bears the initialsRead More
Real-time communication in industrial processes allows for process optimization and reduction in downtime. It requires reliable connector and cabling solutions that meet the demands of industrial environments while enabling high-speed data transmission and supporting various industrial communications protocols. The evolution of industrial communications has increased the need for intelligence built into field devices, so theseRead More
Meet the Connector: Industrial RJ45 Connectors Industrial RJ45 connectors are essentially an RJ45 Ethernet connector in a protective housing. The standard RJ45 is the most common twisted-pair connector. It is an 8-position, 8-contact (8P8C) modular plug and jack. RJ, or registered jack, is a standardized telecommunication network interface designed to connect telecommunications and data equipmentRead More
Meet the Connector: FFC/FPC Connectors FFC connectors are used to mate ribbon-type flat flexible cables (FFCs) to PCB circuitry in cable-to-board applications. They are also available in cable-to-cable configurations. These connectors have a high-density, very narrow form factor and fit in tight spaces. They are commonly used in consumer applications such as laptops, cameras, computerRead More
Meet the Connector: Wire-to-Board Connectors Wire-to-board connectors bring power and signal to a printed circuit board (PCB) by connecting a group of discrete wires to the board. There are no standard wire-to-board connectors; the various types are specific to the manufacturers who produce them. Wire-to-board connectors can be specified based on several features. These includeRead More
Meet the Connector: Coaxial Connectors (Note: This article focuses on cable-to-cable and cable-to-panel applications.) A coaxial connector has an inner conductor that is enveloped by a concentric conducting sleeve, with the conductor and shield separated by an insulating material; hence the term “coax” or “coaxial” connector. (Not all RF [radio frequency] connectors are coax, butRead More
