Connectors should be a central focus for engineers in today’s network-centric and data-intensive markets. Connectivity is the lifeblood of today’s technology-driven world. The term has taken on many dimensions, from reference to the internet and data networks, to home appliances and devices of all sizes. With continuing advances in technology, the connection between parts ofRead More

Check your connectors: A group of phthalates will be restricted by European Union nations starting in July. This directive will impact a variety of plastic electronic products. The environmental compliance directive known as the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is expanding. In 2019, four new substances are being added to the list of materialsRead More

Connector makers are helping automobile makers in their push to make hydrogen fuel cells a clean-energy option for cars. Falling lithium-ion battery prices, continuous hydrogen fuel cell technology advancements, changing consumer preferences, government support for alternative fuel research in China and Europe, and the impact of Elon Musk’s Tesla have converged to make the electricRead More

Connector solutions for automotive LED applications must combine ruggedness, reliability, long-term operation, increased functionality, apex performance, and ease of assembly — and all within a miniature and lightweight package. Automotive lighting uses one of three technologies for the headlamps: LEDs, high-intensity discharge (HID) Xenon, or halogen. LED technology has been disruptive in many markets andRead More

Last week, distributors gathered in Las Vegas for the annual EDS Summit. Here’s what we learned about the electronics industry from their perspective. Plus, results of the Bishop & Associates 2019 survey of distributors. About 80% of electronics designers and manufacturers source the components they need from electronics distributors. That makes this part of theRead More

A new generation of fiber optic cable and high-speed connectivity products is laying the groundwork required to make 5G networks possible. Providers of fiber optic cables, high-speed connectors, and cable management systems are all gearing up to meet the challenges of developing the infrastructure required for 5G network deployment. The impending arrival of 5G networksRead More

Flat flexible cables are sliding into places other cables dare not go and help keep devices cool, light, and fast. In the realm of cables, the usual suspects are round. A cylindrical package is a logical design to surround a centrally positioned conductor within insulation or to encase a bundle of fibers. However, that logicRead More

The worldwide market for cable assemblies continues to grow as new technologies proliferate and reach emerging markets around the world. An upcoming report by Bishop & Associates takes a closer look. The worldwide market for cable assemblies is growing, expanding by 10.8% to $172 billion in 2018. This double-digit growth marks the second-highest growth yearRead More

Businesses are buying more heavy-duty trucks to accommodate changing consumption patterns and interconnect suppliers are designing hardier and more functional heavy-duty connectors to help these trucks endure the rigors of the road. Heavy-Duty Connectors Help Trucks Withstand the Rigors of the Road Our consumption patterns have changed. Instead of going to physical stores to makeRead More

HEV/EV charging system technology presents some of the most dynamic engineering challenges in the current global market. The ongoing quest for greater vehicle range and shorter battery recharging times present exciting challenges to companies in the field. Connector Solutions for HEV/EV Charging Systems, by ODU USA The hybrid electric and electric vehicle (HEV/EV) market hasRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights leading suppliers’ interconnect solutions for cabin and in-flight entertainment (IFE) applications. Interconnect Solutions for Cabin and IFE Applications Nicomatic’s 1.00mm-pitch AMM Micro Connectors are designed to provide high-reliability solutions in the most space-constrained civil avionics, defense and security, and harsh industrial applications. The series features a high-performance, glass-fiber-composite LCP housingRead More

It’s imperative that medical device manufacturers use authentic connectors. Counterfeit connectors and other fake components can pose serious risks to patients, providers, and companies. Counterfeit connectors are always a problem. When they are used in medical devices, they can pose a serious risk of harm or even death to the patients who use them. OutfittingRead More