After more than 50 years of miniaturization, the transistor and Moore’s Law may be nearing their technical and economic limits. However, new innovations in silicon photonics promise to extend the evolutionary timeline into the future. This is the eleventh in a series of articles that review leading technology trends that have had a significant impactRead More
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
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 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
The 2021 International Microwave Symposium presented new coax and waveguide technologies including mmWave connectors. After a virtual year, Bishop & Associates’ David Shaff visited the 2021 show in person. Here’s what he saw. After a year of COVID-19 lockdowns, attendees were anxious to attend the 2021 International Microwave Symposium (IMS) live event, to meet withRead More
The rise of connected car technologies will have enormous implications for the way people and goods travel. This mass exchange of data will create business efficiencies, safer travels, and faster deliveries. But persistent challenges remain before these technologies can be fully implemented. Not so long ago, the only wireless links in a car were theRead More
In a highly successful online format, OFC presents the latest developments in 5G communications, intelligent transportation systems, AI, Industry 4.0, quantum computing, and other high-speed technologies that depend on optical networks. The OFC Conference and Exhibition has been the go-to event for the optics industry since 1979. This forum provides technologists, engineers, product managers, andRead More
The size of computers has dramatically shrunk, from room-sized machines to tiny devices. But the power needed for web-based communications has made huge server facilities essential to support operations. The computer server industry has undergone continuous technology shifts since its inception. We have come a long way from the IBM Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator, knownRead More
Technology advancements and material selection play an important role in the evolution of today’s innovative power, signal, hybrid, copper, and fiber optical cable designs. The trends influencing cable design today begin with material options, extend to performance and capability, and continue to evolve as applications become more demanding. As more powerful and precise connected technologiesRead More
Heavy-duty machinery is essential for a range of energy, infrastructure, and development projects. Today, construction equipment is including more smart technologies and the interconnect solutions in these powerful machines need to facilitate high-level connectivity under rugged conditions. A period of massive construction and redevelopment is about to transform the global built environment. New roads, bridges,Read More
Quantum mechanics technology could not have come at a better time, as traditional chip technology is approaching its technical and economic limits. The bizarre science of quantum mechanics challenges our perception of the physical world. In his 370 BCE dialogue “The Phaedrus,” Plato wrote, “Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceivesRead More
Sensor technologies are bringing incredible new functionality to smart devices and systems. From medical products used to fight the pandemic to sensing devices that animate the IoT, innovation is rampant across industries with the help of this vital product category. The sensor market has expanded exponentially in the past five years as connectivity trends increasinglyRead More
