Meet the Connector: Terminals A terminal is the conductive element that provides an electrical contact point that enables electricity to flow through an electrical circuit. At its most basic level, a terminal is simply a conductive bare wire that is secured through crimping or soldering, often to a terminal block. However, the word terminal isRead More
The process of ensuring signal integrity is not a precise science. Even the tiniest nuance anywhere along a channel can cause reflections, crosstalk, or prohibited levels of emitted radiation. A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, designers of high-speed digital circuits could quickly verify performance by building a physical “breadboard” prototype. EngineersRead More
Meet the Connector: MIL-C-24231 Connectors MIL-C-24231 specifies standards for the design, manufacturing, and testing of electrical connectors and related components for use in applications where pressure and water ingress are significant concerns, such as harsh underwater environments. MIL-C-24231 is a Navy specification that covers pressure-proof single and multiple cable connectors, plugs, receptacles, adapters, hull inserts,Read More
This article is included in Connector Supplier’s latest e-Book, Braving the Elements, a compilation of expert insights into overcoming the performance obstacles electronics face every day in increasingly challenging environments. Download your free copy here. Manufacturers use the IP rating system to describe the level of protection that their equipment can deliver. IP ratings haveRead More
Meet the Connector: SAS Connectors SAS connectors are used for high-speed, reliable data transfer in high-speed storage applications. SAS connectors are rectangular connectors used for high-speed, reliable data transfer in high-speed storage applications. SAS supports both serial and parallel communication and can be backward compatible with SAS 1.0 and 2.0 devices. SAS is a point-to-pointRead More
Meet the Sensor: Motion Sensors Motion sensors are integrated into electronic devices to detect movement within a specified area. Within a connected system, these sensors can activate an alert or initiate a task sequence in response to that motion. They are widely used in industrial equipment, smart lighting equipment, home or building controls, videogame equipment,Read More
Meet the Antenna: PCB-mount Antennas PCB-mount antennas are integrated directly into a PCB (printed circuit board). Rather than attaching to the PCB as a separate component, the antenna structure is part of the PCB itself. This makes the antenna less susceptible to damage compared to external antennas. Wireless communication applications such as IoT devices, wirelessRead More
Meet the Cable: Subsea Cables Subsea cables (also called submarine cables) are specialized, highly ruggedized fiber optic cables that cross the seabed between land-based stations to carry telecommunications signals. They are the backbone of global internet and data communications and transmit data such as internet traffic, telephone calls, and private data. Subsea optical cables carryRead More
Meet the Connector: Disposable Connectors Disposable single-use and limited-reuse connectors must do the same job as reusable versions, but cost, functionality, and environmental impact play a bigger role in their design. Disposables are largely used in medical applications to maximize patient safety by preventing cross-contamination and infection. They are also used in food processing, researchRead More
Meet the Cable: Ribbon or Flat Cable Ribbon cables, also known as flat or planar cables, feature a row of conductive wires running in parallel within a wide, flat, ribbon-shaped cable substrate. Ribbon cable can be folded and bent, providing great design flexibility. The ribbon cable was invented in 1956 by the Cicoil Corporation (aRead More
Meet the Connector: MIL-STD-1760-compliant Connectors MIL-STD-1760 is a military standard developed in the 1980s out of a need to standardize weapon interface and integration requirements in military aircraft. It defines requirements for electrical connectors that establish a cross-platform interface between the aircraft and its weapons systems, as well as with other stores such as equipment pods.Read More
Ruggedized, heavy-duty connectors are an essential element in remote tower installations. The structure and its electronics must be able to endure continuous outdoor environmental conditions. Heavy-duty connectivity solutions are an essential part of successful outdoor communications infrastructure. Tower Solutions, located in Pine City, Minnesota, a manufacturer of mobile tower platforms for surveillance, communications, tactical support,Read More
