5G has yet to fully arrive, but low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) activity is already influencing design trends in a wide range of connected products. The number and variety of wireless devices in use across every aspect of society is increasing exponentially, creating new worlds of opportunity for electromechanical component suppliers, not only inside the cellularRead More
The latest DisplayPort connector standard will deliver the higher performance needed for immersive gaming, content streaming, and digital displays, as well as higher resolution and high dynamic range capability. Home cinephiles, video gamers, event projectionists, and designers of videowalls and multiple chained-screen PC displays have reason to rejoice: The long-anticipated update to the DisplayPort audio/videoRead More
The Open19 Foundation has developed a server design solution that makes data center deployment faster, easier, and less expensive. The Open19 Foundation is advancing a new data center design standard that significantly reduces the hardware costs and time required to set up or upgrade a server. This simplified hardware platform consists of three main elements:Read More
Special mil-spec marking, DNA tagging, and other advanced authentication technologies are helping to root out counterfeit connectors and cable. Are 40% of mil-spec connectors counterfeit? We’ve heard the statistic and it’s alarming — but not necessarily true. “The 40% is an average and varies wildly — from 15% to 85%,” based upon survey and programRead More
Mil/Aero specifications strictly govern the design and development of aeronautical and defense electronics down to component-level materials and processes. In many cases, military and aerospace standards are very similar. But connector requirements for military and space flight applications do have some notable differences. Picture yourself in the following situations: mil/aero specifications Your F-16 is loadedRead 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
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
The newly announced USB4 will handle the high speeds and data operations required by connected and automated systems. But first, USB 3.2 is about to make its appearance in the marketplace. USB 3.2 connectors will begin to appear in a variety of devices over the next few months. Announced in late 2017, the latest USBRead More
e-waste, air pollution, and water contamination are toxic legacies of the electronics industry. But new products and projects are aiming to change that, along with five electronics industry sustainability initiatives that guide the next generation of global electronics development. There is no denying it: The electronics industry contributes heavily to pollution. According to the WorldRead More
The Connected Factory Exchange (IPC-CFX) is a new IoT standard that guides Industry 4.0 applications. As Industry 4.0 comes into widespread use, the global trade association IPC saw a need to develop a standard to guide applications that operate within these connected and automated smart factory systems. The new Connected Factory Exchange, or IPC-CFX, isRead More
In a global economy, we see many of the same cars on the roads in Europe and the US. But the electronics packages inside them may differ due to differences in standards for automotive connectors and components. The global automobile market is not constrained by borders, national pride, or even tariffs. On the streets ofRead More
Changing medical standards and regulations add complexity to compliance processes required for products and component destined for the medical market. Medical Standards Regulations can make designing new products more complicated, more costly, and more time-consuming, adding steps that delay time to market. So why do standards organizations keep setting up these road blocks? Because regulationsRead More
