The new Class 4 UL classification standard was published in August 2022 in Article 726 of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), specifically for Class 4 cables intended for use with fault-managed power systems. These requirements cover 60-250 °C (140-482 °F), single- and multiple-conductor, jacketed cables for use as fixed wiring within buildings. Class 4 Power, alsoRead More
The unique connectivity requirements of the aerospace market continue to motivate ongoing innovation. Minimal size and weight, resistance to shock and vibration, high data rate speeds, and high reliability are critical attributes for even the smallest components in aircraft. The MIL-DTL-38999 series of connectors has been around since the 1960s. Its smaller contacts and higherRead More
Hermetic connectors protect critical electronic systems from harsh environments. Designing in these specialized components requires strategic planning to reduce costs, mitigate risks, increase performance, and maximize longevity. Look up. Millions of hermetic connectors are in the skies above us, creating essential links between cables and electronic circuits in aerospace and defense systems. Found in satellites,Read More
New ruggedized connector solutions reach for the stars with materials and designs that deliver high reliability, flexibility, cost-savings, and meet the strict qualifications for top performance in space. From high vibration and shock during launch, to extreme temperatures, radiation, and electrostatic discharge (ESD), equipment leaving Earth’s atmosphere must endure exceptional rigors, making ultra-high reliability theRead More
Electronic power and signal connectors will play a key role in the exploration, development, management, and distribution of sustainable energy production. A funny thing happened on the way to American energy production independence. Reducing our reliance on not-so-friendly foreign countries for such a critical resource had become a national security priority. Starting around 2009, aRead More
Updated: July 2024 Smart connectivity has grown out of the need for better information gathering. Sensors allow more data than ever to be collected at the source and transmitted to stakeholders where it can be analyzed quickly for decision-making, troubleshooting, maintenance, safety, and other critical functions. Sophisticated sensors are employed to gather and transmit specific,Read More
Across industries, industrial robots and robotics applications are solving problems by going where humans can’t, shouldn’t, or don’t want to go. Today’s industrial robots are tasked with doing more of the work formerly done by people, as well as a variety of jobs that can only be done efficiently through automation. From homes to hospitalsRead More
Industrial rectangular connectors have been a mainstay of heavy-duty and automation applications since the 1950s. Tomorrow’s rectangular automation connectors will look much the same as they do today — on the outside. But inside, these connectors are becoming more powerful, capable, and versatile. The foundational need for proven durability ensures that tomorrow’s industrial rectangularRead 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
EV batteries are improving and the new interconnect products that support them are optimized to manage the high voltage flow of power throughout the vehicle with great safety and efficiency. Range anxiety — the fear that an electric car’s battery will run out of power and leave you stranded on the side of the roadRead More
Innovation in electric vehicle technologies — including the integration of new rugged board-to-board connectors — have expanded mileage ranges and decreased charging time. Despite the negative impacts of supply chain issues and the COVID pandemic on the automotive market, EV registrations are rapidly increasing in major global markets. Most car manufacturers have made significant investmentsRead More
A new age of high-tech farming is changing the way our food is produced. Pest control using drones, embedded sensors that monitor soil conditions, and LED-lit indoor vertical farms all depend on rugged connectors for agricultural equipment. Out of sheer frustration, many farmers are turning to new agricultural technologies such as drones for help fightingRead More
