Meet the Connector: Low-PIM Connectors Low-PIM connectors are specialized RF connectors designed to reduce passive intermodulation distortion (PEM) or interference, which can occur when multiple signals interact within a connector. These unwanted frequencies can cause degradation in signal quality and impair performance. Maintaining high signal integrity is critical, as signal distortion caused by intermodulation canRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-83513 MIL-DTL-83515 specifies the requirements for micro-D connectors used in military applications. MIL-DTL-83513 is a detailed specification controlling dimensions, materials, performance, and testing of plastic and metal shell micro-D connectors. This specification applies to micro-D connectors used in military applications, although because of their ruggedness, micro-Ds are also found in many industrialRead More

Meet the Connector: ATEX-, Ex-, and IECEx-approved connectors ATEX-, Ex-, and IECEx-approved connectors are connectivity products that have met the guidelines of specific regional directives on health and safety for highly hazardous, explosive operating environments. These products have been certified by the corresponding regulatory bodies to ensure performance under the specified conditions. ATEX-approved connectors areRead More

Meet the Connector: XLR Connector XLR connectors are a type of electrical connector commonly used in professional audio and video (AV) applications, with limited application in medical video technologies and industrial AV equipment. The name “XLR” stands for “eXternal Line Return.” The XLR is sometimes referred to simply as an audio connector. This circular connectorRead More

Meet the Connector: OSFP Transceivers Data centers support the IT infrastructure needed to run data-intensive applications and their ever-growing demand for storage. From remote work and streaming entertainment to decentralized finance and the connected devices that make up the Internet of Things, the need for 400G technology is here and the leap to 800G willRead More

Meet the Connector: Micro Circular The push to make mil/aero electronic equipment smaller and lighter for easier portability while maintaining its necessary ruggedness requires smaller, lighter, rugged connectors. Enter microminiature and nanominiature circular connectors. Micro or nano circular connectors feature smaller pin and jack diameters and the pins are spaced more narrowly. This reduces theRead More

Meet the Connector: AOC assemblies Active optical cable (AOC) assemblies were developed to combine the benefits of copper and fiber optic cable assemblies. Copper cable assemblies are known for their ruggedness and reliability, particularly at the connector interface. Copper connectors have multiple points of contact which helps them withstand shock and vibration, and resist damageRead More

Meet the Connector: Butt Contacts and High-Current Probes A butt contact is an energizing connector that functions as a high current probe by directly pressing it to an electrical current-carrying surface, according to Globetech, a Tokyo-based supplier of custom connectors for industrial electrical machinery. Traditionally, a screw or a standard contact probe is used toRead More

Those colorful connectors behind our TVs, DVD players, stereo equipment, and gaming consoles have been around for nearly a century. Meet the Connector: RCA Connectors The RCA connector is a type of electrical connector comprised of a male plug (RCA plug) and a female jack (RCA jack) used to carry audio and video signals. ItRead More

Meet the Connector: Circular Connector Coupling Types Circular connectors are a mainstay of applications in every market. They are durable, reliable, and available in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and form factors. This product category is highly diverse, with suitable options for many use cases and environments, yet they are all defined very simplyRead More

Meet the Connector: Single-Pair Ethernet Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) is a single, twisted pair of copper wires that replaces the traditional 2- or 4-pair Ethernet configurations. SPE technology has been developed to bring Ethernet the “last mile” to the factory floor — the sensor/actuator level, specifically monitoring devices at the edge of industrial networks such asRead More

Meet the Connector: FFC (flat flexible cable) FFC (flat flexible cable) is a ribbon-type cable used to connect PCBs. It is typically used in laptops, cellphones, and other high-density electronic applications. FPC (flexible printed circuit) is sometimes used to refer to FFCs, but one important difference is that FPCs incorporate components, while FFCs are typicallyRead More