Meet the Connector: Mezzanine Connectors As electronic equipment became more complex in the 2000s, mezzanine connectors were developed in response to the increasing demand for space on PCBs. These high-speed, board-to-board connectors connect two parallel PCBs in a stacking configuration. Many of these are defined in an industry standard such as the PCI Mezzanine CardRead More

Meet the Connector: Hermetic Connectors Hermetic connectors are completely sealed against ingress of air or liquid using a glass, ceramic, or composite sealing device or material. Hermetic sealing offers the highest level of protection available against air, gases, chemicals, moisture, debris, and other contaminants. It is an essential feature for many harsh environment connectors, particularlyRead More

Meet the Connector: Overmolded Cable Assemblies Connector and cable assemblies that are used in harsh environments, that undergo frequent sanitation procedures, or are subjected to strenuous handling benefit from the protection of overmolding.   Overmolded cable assemblies combine the connector and cable into one seamless piece. The process involves using two or more materials toRead More

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

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

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 A mainstay of automotive connectivity for the past two decades, FAKRA connectors are a variation of subminiature version B (SMB) coaxial RF connectors developed by Rosenberger and standardized by the German Committee of Automobile Manufacturers. FAKRA is an acronym for Fachkreis Automobile or Working Group Automobile. These versatile connectors areRead 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. In nearly every industry and throughout daily life, we rely on electronic devices and the ICs (integrated circuits) that drive them. ICs are tested at every stage of development, from designRead 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

Meet the Connector: M12 Circular Connectors M12 connectors are a metric circular connector product used in industrial automation and other harsh environment applications where compact, rugged, and reliable power, signal, and data connections are needed. One of the most commonly specified connectors in the industrial market, the M12 is considered the backbone of IIoT systemRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-38999 Connectors MIL-DTL-38999 connectors, also called D38999s, are a subminiature high-speed circular connector used for military, aerospace, and other rugged, high-reliability applications. They are rugged and environmentally resistant and feature removable crimp or fixed solder contacts. The 38999 is one of the best-selling connectors in history. The evolution of the 38999 connectorRead More