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

Hyperboloid Contacts Improve High-Density Mil/Aero Rectangular Connectors

Hyperboloid contacts improve contact density, mating force, functionality, and cycle-life in high-density rectangular connectors designed for mil/aero applications. Robert Lascelles, Product Manager – integraMate®, QA Technology Company, Inc.  Rectangular Connectors In mil/aero applications, high-line-count rectangular connectors are often used as the interface between PCBs, between internal subassemblies, at input-output bulkheads, and between the equipment andRead More

Connectors Ace the Space Race

Supremely durable space-grade connectors help us explore the next frontier. By Caroline Hayes Today, thousands of commercial satellites circle the globe to enable the telecommunications needed to implement the Internet of Things. They are also used for navigation systems and research projects, like the European Space Agency’s Galileo global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and Copernicus,Read More

Choosing Connectors for Mil/Aero and Defense Applications

Many manufacturers offer solutions for challenging mil/aero environments with harsh conditions and strict requirements. By Rob Toenies, Product Manager, Newark element14 Connectivity is the lifeblood of today’s technology-driven world. This multifaceted term has many dimensions, referencing technology extending from the internet and data networks to home appliances and devices of all sizes. In the military/aerospaceRead More

The Maker Movement Encourages Tech Tinkerers to Try This at Home

As growing numbers of hobbyists and makers tinker with today’s technology, more electronics companies are meeting their makers. By Amy Goetzman Technology is everywhere. The Internet of Things (IoT) is touching every aspect of our lives. The line between virtual reality and the real world is blurring. For most users, engagement in this evolution isRead More

New Truck Rollouts Make Room for More Connectors

Recent introductions in the work truck market highlight the ongoing rise in electronic features and functions. By Terry Costlow The role of electronic technologies continues to grow in the commercial trucking world. Companies are finding more niches for electrified systems and powertrains in trucks destined for all markets. Several introductions at the recent Work TruckRead More

A Safer, More Sustainable Future for Two-Wheelers

New connector technologies help recreational vehicle markets achieve emissions targets. By Dan Cantrell, Industry Manager, Vehicle Components & Recreation, TE Connectivity Designers need to look carefully for the best interconnect solutions in today’s harness and wiring designs. Emission regulation compliance requirements add complexity and reliability elements to designs. The developing e-bike market creates new connectivityRead More

Formula E Racing Depends on Connectors for High-Speed Thrills

All-electric vehicles scorch the raceway with the help of precision electronics. The electronics world finally has its own high-speed sport. Just don’t blink, or you’ll miss it. Formula E Racing, an electric car racing championship series that features all-electric drive trains and the latest, fastest performance automotive designs, destroys any uninformed notion that electric vehiclesRead More

Critical Requirements for Modern Medical Connectors

Critical requirements for modern medical connectors include: safety, reliability, small size, and high-speed performance.  Kirk Hilbourn, Industry Marketing Manager, JAE Being such a small component in the grand design of any medical device, one may assume connectors to be an insignificant part of medical equipment. However, connectors play an enormous role in the proper functionalityRead More

Battery Connectors Evolve to Stay in Charge

Smaller, more powerful handheld, portable, and wearable devices depend on a new generation of battery connectors. By Jean Thimany While many commercial off-the-shelf battery connectors remain unchanged even after many years on the market, connector companies are creating new battery connector designs to correspond with the increasing computerization and decreasing size of many battery-powered devices.Read More

Selecting the Ideal Spring-Loaded Connector for Portable Applications

Our portable devices would not be possible without proven connector technologies that facilitate miniaturization and connectivity. By Stephen Capitelli, Manager of Product Engineering, Mill-Max Mfg. Corp. Today’s electronics designers are challenged to find the right balance between reliability, suitability, and cost as they specify the components needed to create successful and competitive products. The firstRead More

ISO Quality Audit? No Big Deal

Your ISO quality audit is coming up. We talk to an auditor to find out what to expect at your next inspection. By Jean Thilmany To ease any anxiety that quality managers at connector companies might feel when the auditor is due for a visit, Kevin Russelburg, an ISO 9001:2015 lead auditor, pulls back theRead More

Stay Ahead of Regulations with FMDs

Full Material Declarations provide an effective strategy for environmental data reporting. By Roger L. Franz, Engineering System Analyst, TE Connectivity Since the European Directives, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), were enacted in 2006–7, the number of regulated substances continues to grow. REACH adds new substances roughlyRead More

Analysis of the World’s Top 100 Electronic Connector Manufacturers
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