Featured Articles
  • USB-C Serves Industrial Design with Rugged Variants 

    The USB-C connector has quickly moved from consumer applications into harsh environments. With 20 Gb/s data rates and IP-rated sealed variants, this connector can handle industrial conditions and serve in controllers, robotics, and peripherals for the factory floor. A new class of rugged USB-Cs and cables elevates this ubiquitous interface. It’s been nearly two years sinceRead More

  • The Power of Having Options

    The input/output panel of AI equipment is a prime example of how evolving demands have spawned the introduction of alternative solutions that address bandwidth demand, signal density, field serviceability, energy efficiency, thermal management, and utilization of both copper and fiber optic options. Most people would agree that having multiple choices to solve a problem isRead More

Technology

2021 Connectivity Components: Everything but Connectors eBook

In our eBook collections, Connector Supplier typically shares technical expertise on our central focus, connectors. This time, we are spotlighting everything but connectors. 2021 Connectivity Components eBook A wide range of components and technologies work alongside, around, and inside of connectors to give designers more flexibility, improve system performance, make installation and maintenance easier, andRead More

Smaller DesignCon 2021 Still Worthwhile

The rescheduled, relocated DesignCon was heavily impacted by the ongoing pandemic. However, high-speed innovation appears to be unstoppable. Bob Hult shares his observations on the 26th annual event and new connector products introduced. DesignCon 2021 was unlike any of the previous 25 years’ events. The continuing prevalence of COVID-19 resulted in the rescheduling of theRead More

Five Connectivity Considerations for Ultrasound Imaging Applications

To ensure optimal ultrasound performance over long equipment lifetimes in rigorous operating environments, design engineers should consider five primary characteristics when specifying medical connectors. Sonography, better known as ultrasound imaging, is one of the most utilized and beneficial medical diagnostic imaging techniques. Ultrasound imaging technology has been used to help physicians evaluate, diagnose, and treatRead More

Four Key Device Trends Driving the Medical Connector Market

Trends driving collaboration between medical device and connector manufacturers include increased demand for safety and regulatory compliance, disposable solutions, high-resolution imaging capabilities, and durability. The quality and reliability of electronic equipment for the medical industry is vital, as human life and safety depend on it. This formidable responsibility not only impacts the device manufacturer, butRead More

Rail Connectivity Trends

Despite setbacks related to the pandemic, passenger and cargo rail expansion is continuing around the globe. We examine key trends that are advancing this critical transportation mode and influencing connectors used for rail. The transportation sector took major hits in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted public activities and logistics operations. Consumers backed away fromRead More

Interconnect Solutions Drive the Evolution of Rail Mobility

Core rail interconnect innovations have supported transportation industry goals to provide faster, safer, and more comfortable services. By Chiara Pieri, Marcom Manager, Tom Kannally, Product Specialist – Connectors, Riadh Gazdallah, Commercial Connectors Product Manager, Smiths Interconnect The need and desire for faster, safer, and more comfortable rail services has grown significantly in the past twoRead More

Maximize UL Voltage Ratings in Power and Control Systems for Mobile Equipment

Rail and other connected mobile systems depend on control devices that meet specific UL guidelines. Coordinating components can maximize actual achievable voltage levels. Power and control devices for mobility applications are designed with specific application voltage ratings in mind. The components used to electrically connect these devices to mobile equipment, from elevators to rail systems,Read More

Contactless Connector Solutions Drive Maximum Efficiency

In high-use automation applications, repeated mating cycles can result in wear that compromises connectivity and reliability. Contactless connectors offer a new alternative. By Weidmueller Mechanical connections present challenges in industrial applications that endure repeated mating cycles. When two mating interfaces interact, inevitable wear and friction cause a range of contact-related failures and maintenance issues. AsRead More

The Case for Single-Pair Ethernet in Industrial Applications

An update on activities related to SPE standardization and implementation in industrial and automated applications. Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) promises to revolutionize industrial applications with speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gb/s) over a single pair. Yet there are still questions surrounding standardization and the benefits of SPE when compared to industrial RJ45 and otherRead More

The Race to Smaller, Lighter, Faster Aircraft

The small aircraft marketplace is booming and the push to develop fully electric vehicles is driving design changes that are even trickling back to traditional aircraft. Smaller, lighter, faster — a mantra throughout the electronics industry — certainly applies to the small aircraft market. Growing demand for high-performance, energy-efficient, less-polluting aircraft is propelling the increasedRead More

DFA Reduces the Cost Impact of High-Reliability Connectors in Military and Aerospace Applications

The precision and performance benefits of custom connectors are brought within reach through design for assembly principles. By Advanced Interconnections Corp. Military and aerospace applications specify high-reliability connectors to meet performance requirements that lower-cost commodity connectors cannot provide. One of the ways to offset the additional expense of high-reliability (hi-rel) connectors is to consider howRead More

Testing Integrated Circuits using High-Frequency Interconnect

When an interconnection network is inserted within a transmission line between an IC device and the attaching PCB, the connectors used must provide superior electrical performance while also meeting a range of mechanical requirements. Integrated circuits have transformed electronic device design. Integrated circuits, also called ICs or semiconductor devices, have enabled designers to continually increaseRead More

Analysis of the World’s Top 100 Electronic Connector Manufacturers
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