As part of the Connector Basics series, APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants have introduced us to the phases of new connector development and defined the skills needed for each. In this installment, Bill Garver and George Bedorf discuss the required skills for the manufacturing phase of connector development.   In a previous article, it was suggested thatRead More

In the latest installment in our Connector Basics series, Ed Bock of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants looks at the ability of a contact system to operate in spite of external contamination and contact design considerations for long-term reliability.   For those critical electrical contact applications where the consequences of failure are severe and long-term reliability isRead More

OEMs are hopeful the connectors they specify for end-product designs will be reliable and trouble-free for the life of the product. Unfortunately, connector problems may arise. Ed Reynolds of APEX offers his checklist for recovery after a connector problem. All manufacturers of devices that use connectors are hopeful that the specified connectors will be reliable and trouble-free for theRead More

Press-fit technology is widely applied in multiple automotive applications because it meets the needs of smaller, lighter, more durable components in the latest vehicle designs. The basic principle of a press-fit connection is that a contact terminal is pressed into a printed circuit board (PCB). There are two types of press-fit pins – the solidRead More

In the next article in the “Connector Basics” series, Ed Bock of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants looks at the attributes of silver and explains why it’s a superior finish for high-current applications. Connector designers have a wide selection of finishes to consider for high-current applications, both noble as well as non-noble metals. It is importantRead More

This issue’s “Connector Basics” topic, explained by George Bedorf of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants, is connector manufacturing process validation. Connectors are made from plastic and metal. The selection of these materials, including metal finishing, along with very precise and detailed mechanical parameters, are described on production drawings and related specifications. Connectors that meet all the specified designRead More

Connectors for the nuclear energy industry must be rugged and reliable as they are exposed to extreme chemical, temperature, and radiation conditions. Here are some tips on how to specify nuclear energy connectors. Nuclear energy demands long-term reliable solutions designed for the most severe environments. Connectors for this industry need to be rugged and reliable as they are exposedRead More

The quality of the joining processes undergone by some connectors can be a key factor in component performance. The latest article in our “Connector Basics” series by APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants covers the basics of connector soldering. Many connectors and related components are subject to joining processes, which primarily involve soldering. Less commonly used joining processes includeRead More

In the latest installment of the “Connector Basics” series from APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants, Bill Garver takes a detailed look at the engineering phase of new product design. This article is part of the “Connector Basics” series from APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants. In a previous article, we suggested that to ensure a successful connector development process and launch, companies need toRead More

In the latest installment of the “Connector Basics” series from APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants, Bill Garver takes a detailed look at the creative phase of new connector development. This article is part of the “Connector Basics” series from APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants. In a previous article, we suggested that to ensure a successful product development andRead More

You may know molded connectors are a good option for harsh environments, but you may not know what to look for when specifying one in particular. Remke shares five things to know about molded connector construction to help you design your next solution. Remke Industries suggests five criteria to use in evaluating molded connectors for your next design: 1.Read More

To ensure a successful product launch, manufacturers need to optimize the talents of their employees to be sure critical needs are addressed. We continue the “Connector Basics” series with a look at the necessary skills for successful new connector development. This article was contributed by APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants. Successful new product development and releases toRead More