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Sensors Do Some Heavy Lifting in Indoor Agriculture Operations

The loss of dedicated farmland, an increasing population, and the intensification and frequency of severe weather events prompt questions about how and where to grow healthy food efficiently and sustainably. Indoor (or controlled environment) agriculture is gaining traction as a solution. Indoor agriculture provides all the required elements…

Q&A: Connectors and the Importance of DIN Standards

Smaller, Smarter, Sustainable Connectors

What are Conductive Ink Circuits?

ATEX- & EX-Approved Product Roundup

Listing of Market Articles
Sensors Do Some Heavy Lifting in Indoor Agriculture Operations The loss of dedicated farmland, an increasing population, and the intensification and frequency of severe weather events prompt questions about how and where to grow healthy food efficiently and sustainably. Indoor (or controlled environment) agriculture is gaining traction as a solution. Indoor agriculture provides all the required elements…
Q&A: Connectors and the Importance of DIN Standards As electrification expands into harsh environments, design engineers require sealed, high-power interconnects that meet standards for compatibility and safety. Joe Ferris, Market Segment Manager at Anderson Power, explains how the growth of electrification, along with DIN-compliant connectors, will shape the future of electric designs. Where is equipment electrification…
Smaller, Smarter, Sustainable Connectors Miniature connectors encourage eco-friendly electronics production. Article Contributed by: Mark Baptista, Global Strategic Accounts Sales Engineer, PEI Genesis The push for miniaturization across every technology market has been made possible by the miniaturization of electrical components. Growing demand for lightweight, compact parts across automotive, medical, and consumer electronics is reshaping the entire…
What are Conductive Ink Circuits? Conductive ink circuits (CIC) are electrical circuits formed by depositing conductive silver, carbon, or graphene inks onto flexible or rigid substrates such as polymer films, paper, or textiles. These circuits are a lightweight, low-profile, and cost-effective alternative to traditional etched copper printed circuit boards (PCBs) and they make…
ATEX- & EX-Approved Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights ATEX- and EX-approved connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. ATEX- & EX-Approved Connectors Heilind Electronics supplies Glenair connectors for potential explosive zone use, built to IAW IECEx/ATEX standards. These connectors may be used in application areas where flammable gases and vapors are…
OFC 2026: High-Speed Networking in the AI Era Artificial intelligence has become the primary driver of advanced high-speed copper and optical technology and products. The 2026 edition of the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition filled both the south and west exhibition halls of the Los Angeles Convention Center, with some presentations spilling out to nearby…
5G RedCap Bridges the Gap from 4G to 5G This streamlined network makes upgrading to a faster network cost effective for companies that want more than 4G but don’t need all the bells and whistles of 5G. The arrival of the 5G mobile network brought several major improvements including ultra-fast speeds (eMBB), ultra-low latency (URLLC), and massive…
What is a TNC Connector? Meet the Connector: TNC Connectors A threaded variant of the BNC, this RF connector is favored for applications in which vibration or shock is present. TNC connectors are a threaded version of the popular BNC, a circular radio frequency connector used to connect RF cables and devices. Its…
RF & Coaxial Interconnects Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights RF & coaxial interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. RF & Coaxial Interconnects SV Microwave’s SMPM-XT RF interconnects are designed to maintain reliable electrical performance, even when mechanical tolerances vary. These SMPM interconnects accommodate a greater degree of axial tolerance, ensuring repeatable…
April 2026 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. April 2026 New Connectivity Products April 2026 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Neutrik Group Americas partnered with NETGEAR to incorporate its locking etherCON, opticalCON, and powerCON connections into its new M4350-16M4V switch. The NETGEAR M4350-16M4V switch employs industry-standard NEUTRIK locking connectors throughout:…
Advancing RF Circuit Simulation From high-speed 5G networks and satellites to connected devices and automotive radar systems, radio frequency systems underpin the essential communication networks shaping our world. Article Contributed by: Shawn Luke, technical marketing engineer for DigiKey RF design demands a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical expertise, and creative problem-solving. Unlike…
Agricultural Robots Pick with Precision Farm country is rapidly becoming the land of automation, with sensor-led crop monitoring systems, drones that strategically apply chemicals, and tractors that navigate fields using lidar guidance. Now robotics built with harsh environment connectivity are replacing human labor in the fields as precision agricultural robots harvest crops. Agricultural…
The Future of Appliance Electrical Architecture: An Engineering and Procurement Perspective Today’s global appliance market is undergoing a structural transition from conventional, analog designs to smart, connected appliances. Article Contributed by Ashish Ainapure, System Architecture Manager and John Marsh, Fellow R&D / Product Development Engineering, TE Connectivity Traditional appliances are typically monolithic in design, relying on centralized control boards,…
What are QSFP Transceivers? Meet the Connector: QSFP Transceivers This high-speed optical transceiver has gone through many iterations and continues to evolve with higher port density and increased data rates. The QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable), defined in the initial Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) in 2006, is a high-speed optical transceiver. It is…
2026 High-Speed Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights high-speed connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. High-Speed Connectors SV Microwave’s LiteTouch product line offers high-frequency coaxial/surface-mount PCB connectors that are ideal for precision thin substrate mounting and high-speed PCB materials. Standard solderless PCB compression mount connectors may cause trace deformation on…
February 2026 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. February 2026 New Connectivity Products February 2026 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Hirose introduced the compact PO(M2) Series that supports RF performance up to 6 GHz and is engineered to meet the demands of space-constrained, high-density RF systems and…
Three Trends in EV Batteries Advance the Quest for Fast Charging A new architecture brings increased efficiency and lower cost. EV battery technology continues to advance toward the primary goal of fast charging. A new architecture incorporates three trends that address decreased charging times, greater efficiency, and lower cost. Trend #1: Replacing modules with cell-to-pack connectivity Eliminating the modules…
Four Ways Flat-Wiping Contacts Benefit Battery Systems Flat-wiping contacts are an important design feature in many battery connectors. Learn how they lead to better power transmission and improved connector lifespan. Article Contributed by Peter Resca, Director of Product Management and Marketing, Anderson Power Invented by Anderson Power in 1954, flat-wiping contacts are self-cleaning, self-securing, and…
2025 Connector Industry Acquisitions The connector industry continues to contract, even as the demand for interconnect products increases. See what acquisitions helped change the connector industry in 2025. Demand for interconnects continues to grow, fueling a continuing wave of mergers and acquisitions that leaves fewer (and now, larger) companies left in the…
What are Spade Terminals? Meet the Connector: Spade Connector A spade connector, also called an insulated spade terminal, is used to quickly and easily connect or disconnect a wire to a screw, lug, or battery. These simple devices provide tensile strength, thermal conductivity, and resistance to shock and corrosion. They are available…
Product Roundup: FAKRA Connectors This week’s Product Roundup highlights FAKRA connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. FAKRA connectors Adam Tech’s FAKRA, HSD, and Mini FAKRA connectors are engineered to meet the demands of today’s high-speed, high-frequency applications. Designed for automotive and transportation environments, these connectors support data, signal, and RF transmission…
Connector Suppliers Talk STEM The future of the electronics industry depends on quality STEM education. Connector suppliers experience this firsthand. Learn how components companies support schools and programs in their communities. Engaging kids and college students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is important for ensuring a qualified and motivated workforce…
Molex Views New Technology Horizons in Aerospace and Defense The aerospace and defense industry is being reshaped by the rapid adoption of AI and the industry-wide shift to open standards. With its 2024 acquisition of AirBorn underway, and 2025 acquisition incoming, Molex has been launched into these critical markets and their cutting-edge engineering breakthroughs. Molex has seized new…
What's Next for Wire Protection: From Smart Textiles to Sustainable Sleeving Smart textiles facilitate data transmission, conductivity, and sensing while preserving mechanical strength, flexibility, and performance. By infusing conductive fibers and integrated electronic components, new wire sleeve strategies that sense and react to external stimuli enable the development of novel technologies. Thanks to advances in miniaturization, nanotechnology, and sensing…
What is the IPC-620-Space Addendum? Meet the Connector: IPC-620-Space Addendum IPC/WHMA-A-620 is the global industry-consensus standard for cable and wire harness assemblies; the space addendum pertains to technologies used in space and other extreme harsh environments. It defines workmanship, materials, process, inspection, and acceptability criteria. The IPC-620 Space Addendum is a specialized supplement to IPC/WHMA-A-620, the…
Smart Coatings and Nano-Barriers Improve Waterproof Connectors A variety of new materials and designs are helping connector manufacturers meet the demand for more rugged and water-tight electronic components. Water may be the enemy of electronics, but properly sealed and protected connectors are at work in complex applications such as outdoor weather stations, naval equipment, traffic…
Weatherproof Connections for Harsh Agriculture Environments Agriculture has always been a demanding industry, but with the rapid advancement of Agritech, new challenges have emerged. From precision farming and autonomous machinery to sensor-driven irrigation systems, modern agricultural equipment must function reliably in some of the harshest conditions. Extreme temperatures, high humidity, exposure to dirt and…
Protecting Interconnect Components in Aerospace and Space Applications The harsh environment of space exposes spacecraft to extreme temperatures, radiation, atomic oxygen (ATOX), and shocks or vibration due to debris impact. These risks must be considered right from the design phase of electronic devices to ensure that the materials and technologies used in space perform as intended.…
What are Current Sensors? Meet the Sensor: Current Sensors Current sensors detect electric current and generate a signal proportional to that current. The signal, which may be analog or digital depending on the sensor and the application, can be used to display the measured current, stored in a data acquisition system for…
Waterproof and Hermetically Sealed Connectors Product Roundup   This week’s Product Roundup highlights waterproof and hermetically sealed connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Waterproof and hermetically sealed connectors Eaton’s 8D Hermetic MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connectors, available at PEI-Genesis. feature stainless steel housing, glass-fused inserts, and a leak rate under 10⁻⁷ atm.cm³/s for extreme environments. With…
Prototyping Services Bring Custom Solutions Within Reach New prototyping tools and processes make custom solutions more accessible and affordable. When an off-the-shelf solution won’t do, a custom connector can be created. Advanced design software and manufacturing tools such as CNC and 3D printing enable suppliers to very quickly create sophisticated prototypes of custom connectors. A…
Custom Pre-Tinned Connectors Solve the Gold Embrittlement Problem Gold over nickel plating is an excellent choice for signal transmission in RF PCB connectors. However, an excess amount of gold in the solder joint can create a gold-tin compound, making the solder joint susceptible to breakage. A custom solution solves the problem. By SV Microwave Gold over…
What are Wire Strippers? Meet the Connector Tool: Wire Strippers A hand-held wire stripper should have a compact design that is sized to fit comfortably in a hand and has a small profile that can easily be stored and transported. Wire strippers are tools used to remove the plastic insulation from the…
Modular and Custom Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights modular and custom connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Modular and Custom connectors ITT Cannon VEAM MOVE-MOD modular connector series, available from PEI-Genesis, offers a range of evolutionary circular modular connectors with snap-in modules that enable a variety of contact layouts and…
October 2025 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. October 2025 Connector Industry News October 2025 Connector Industry News > Award News Mouser Electronics announced the 2025 recipients of the Mouser Best-in-Class Awards. Winners…
World Sales Top Ten: Selecting a Connector Vendor Bishop & Associates identifies the top 10 companies in world connector sales by geographic region, manufactured products, and markets served. The first article in this annual series focuses on the leading companies by total world connector sales. Selecting your connector company partner can be difficult and complicated. This…
Würth Elektronik, Centech Foster Entrepreneurial Innovation The partnership between Würth Elektronik, an electronic/electromechanical components manufacturer, and a renowned university business incubator helps bring ideas to market. Following a successful first year, Würth Elektronik announced a new two-year commitment to continue its partnership with Centech, a renowned university business incubator based in Montreal, Canada. This…
Electronics vs. the Elements: Mitigating Risk in Harsh Environments This article is included in Connector Supplier’s latest e-Book, Braving the Elements, a compilation of expert insights into overcoming the performance obstacles electronics face every day in increasingly challenging environments. Download your free copy here. Manufacturers use the IP rating system to describe the level of protection that…
What are Gas Sensors? Meet the Connector: Gas Sensors Gas sensors are a category of electronic devices that detect and measure the presence of various gases. Also known as air or air quality sensors, these electronic devices are essential parts of safety systems, industrial operations, and pollution controls, and they identify substances…
Accessories for Rectangular Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights accessories for rectangular connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Accessories for Rectangular Connectors Nicomatic offers a full ecosystem of accessories for rectangular connectors, designed to ensure optimal integration and durability in harsh environments. Compatible with our CMM, DMM, and EMM series, these accessories include backshells, strain relief systems, guiding hardware,…
July 2025 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. July 2025 New Connectivity Products July 2025 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Smiths Interconnect added two new types of data transmission modules to its high density modular and minimodular connector ranges that are easy to assemble, based on the…
Antenna Evolution Leads Connectivity Advancements Faster, smaller, and lighter interconnect technologies are transforming electronics. This evolution isn’t limited to connectors; antenna designs are changing rapidly and leading the way for future transformation. As electronic systems become increasingly compact and powerful, the need for faster, more reliable wireless communication is driving innovation in antenna…
Designing 5G Installations With Innovative RF Interconnects 5G small cell deployments are booming — and redefining the requirements for coaxial cables and connectors. Global connection and data sharing depends on a high performance communication infrastructure that supports 5G and sets the stage for future 6G network connectivity. Next generation technologies, including increased streaming, automation, and…
2025: A Year That Could be Shaped by Economic and Political Uncertainty A new market research report by Bishop & Associates examines 2024 and early 2025 global connector industry performance, and offers a forecast for the future, although it is tempered by a wide range of fluctuating factors. Coming out of a negative year is always difficult and 2024 was…
What are PCB-Mount Antennas? Meet the Antenna: PCB-mount Antennas PCB-mount antennas are integrated directly into a PCB (printed circuit board). Rather than attaching to the PCB as a separate component, the antenna structure is part of the PCB itself. This makes the antenna less susceptible to damage compared to external antennas. Wireless…
Circular Plastic and Soft-Shell Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights circular plastic and soft-shell connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Circular plastic and soft-shell connectors Smith Interconnect’s HyperGrip is a circular plastic, user-configurable, color-coded connector with a push/pull latching design for one-handed disconnect. HyperGrip is designed to meet medical industry requirements for finger-proofing (to IEC 60601),…
June 2025 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. June 2025 Connector Industry News June 2025 Connector Industry News > Event News Waldom Electronics sponsors the official robotics team of Miami Beach Senior High…
Connector Suppliers Invest in DC Power Facilities A growing number of electronics companies are investing in efficient new buildings that integrate DC power networks for resiliency, energy savings, and smart systems integration. Not only do they reap the benefits, but they also gain firsthand experience to share with customers. From office buildings to data centers,…
Robust and Reliable Connectors for Residential Energy Storage Systems Residential energy storage systems (RESS) are one of the growing ways to realize this vision. Designed for use in homes, a RESS stores excess energy generated by renewable sources, such as solar panels, for use on demand when a residence needs it. The All Electric Society (AES) envisions…
High-Performance Battery Contacts for Mobile Electronics PCB real estate is at a premium with most modern electronic devices. Battery connectors with reduced dimensions and innovative spring designs give designers of small electronics more flexibility. When requiring a recharge is an unacceptable constraint for mobile electronics, replaceable battery packs are the only practical option. From…
What is DC Power? Meet the Connector: DC Power Direct current is gaining wider adoption, driven by the rise of renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and battery-powered devices. The race to electrify the world in the late 1800s was essentially a fierce competition between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC),…
Battery Connectors Solutions Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights battery connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Battery connectors Amphenol's SurLok Plus connector available from PEI Genesis is a field installable alternative to common compression lugs. Features include IP67 protection, touch-proof, and RoHS compliance, and RADSOK contact technology. It is designed to…
Connectivity Solutions Stand Up to the Harshest Environments Download your copy today! Learn about design strategies and interconnect products in this expert-informed collection of articles from connector suppliers here. Our first eBook of 2025, Braving the Elements-Connectors Take on Harsh Environments, dives into the many challenges of connectivity in rugged conditions. Today we depend on electronics…
OFC 2025 Looks to the Future with Optical Breakthroughs From data center interconnects and energy-efficient optical networks, this year’s show highlighted advances in coherent transmission systems, photonic integration for AI applications, and intelligent network automation that will reshape global connectivity. The 50th anniversary edition of the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition reflected the enormous growth and…
AyontEX Alloy Chosen for NASA Telescope Mirror Prototype The 1.25-meter mirror manufactured from this high-performance product will be evaluated for performance in space environments. The alloy is integral to optimized optical, thermal, structural, and dynamic mirror performance characteristics. One of Materion Corporation’s newer high-performance products, AyontEX alloy, has been selected for use in a NASA-funded telescope…
Remote Towers Rely on Heavy-Duty Connectors – A Case Study Ruggedized, heavy-duty connectors are an essential element in remote tower installations. The structure and its electronics must be able to endure continuous outdoor environmental conditions. Heavy-duty connectivity solutions are an essential part of successful outdoor communications infrastructure. Tower Solutions, located in Pine City, Minnesota, a manufacturer of mobile…
What are Flow Sensors? Meet the Sensor: Flow Sensors Flow sensors are electromechanical devices used to measure the flow of liquids, gases, or non-Newtonian fluids. Flow sensors use both mechanical and electrical subsystems to measure changes in the fluid's physical attributes and calculate its flow. Optical gas flow meters use laser beams…
Humidity and Moisture Sensors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights humidity and moisture sensors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Humidity and Moisture Sensors PEI-Genesis offers Trafag sensor and control products designed to withstand harsh environments for industries including test benching, hydraulics, engine manufacturing, ship building, railway, OEM machinery, water, and oil &…
Simplifying Connections with Printing, Marking, and Keying Connector customization takes different forms to meet the needs of device manufacturers, designers, and end users. Printing, marking, and keying are forms of customization that get right to the heart of making safe, secure, user-friendly connections. Most technology comes down to having the correct plugs mated to the…
Custom Connectors are Common in High Performance Systems The use of non-standard connectors is more common than most designers think. Many common connectors can be modified to achieve the performance, features, and format needed in high-performance systems. Designers typically try to use standard interconnects in their end products. Most cite availability as to why they stick with…
Charting the Evolution of Materials Science With more than a century of R&D in material science, one supplier recounts the rise of a new generation of safer, lighter, more powerful materials for today’s interconnect and electronics designs. Materials science is the foundation of electronic designs. The properties of materials — such as conductivity, flexibility,…
What are Cable Termination Methods? Meet the Connector: Cable Termination Methods Beyond connectors, a range of termination options exist, from solder to splice. Each method ensures the complete transfer of data and power. Choosing the right one for the application depends on the cable type, operating environment, potential need for future access, and…
Custom Capabilities Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights custom capabilities from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Custom Capabilities Avnet provides connectors and cable assemblies to meet all requirements for electrical and physical characteristics needed to deliver data, power, and signal. This saves you from having to invest in tooling, manufacturing space,…
Rapid Improvements in Battery Technology Enable New Designs Batteries, battery management systems, and battery energy storage technologies have rapidly evolved, alongside interconnects, to make transformative new electronics possible. Batteries are becoming the latest disruptive technology as their size and weight decreases, their performance, safety, and energy density increases, and their prices come down, enabling an increasing…
A Look at Batteries and Battery Energy Storage Systems Batteries have become an indispensable part of modern life, powering everything from TV remotes to electric vehicles. At their core, batteries are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy into electricity. Several battery types dominate the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, including lithium-ion (Li-ion), nickel-metal hydride…
The Rectangular Input/Output Connector Market New from Bishop & Associates, the 2024 Rectangular Input/Output Connector Report takes a close look at sales, markets, products, and the global conditions that will shape the rectangular I/O connector market in the years ahead. Bishop & Associates has released a 221-page, five-chapter research report providing a detailed…
Battery Connector Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights battery connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Battery connectors The KYOCERA AVX 9155 family of battery connectors is designed with reliable and robust gold-plated beryllium copper contacts, reduced assembly time, and assembly process flexibility in mind. These connectors are offered in two to…
What are Memory Modules? Meet the Connector: Memory Modules Memory modules provide temporary data storage for computers and servers. They give laptops or other devices the ability to access and retrieve information quickly for processing tasks. Also known as RAM sticks, memory modules are essentially PCBs mounted with integrated circuits for random…
3D Printing Offers Design Flexibility and Manufacturing Possibilities 3D printing technology is reaching new levels of quality, giving electronics engineers a powerful prototyping and design tool. But is 3D printing ready for component manufacturing? Can you 3D print a connector? Certainly. But is it any good—can you actually use it in a circuit? Increasingly, the answer…
Beyond the Basics: Customer Specific Connectors Every element of a connector contributes to the success of a design. When selecting an application-specific connector or designing a custom solution, consider how each part contributes to system performance and longevity. The quality of the connection points can be one of the most important aspects of electronic…
Bob Hult Says Fiber Optics are Finally Ready for Prime Time On TTI’s podcast the Distribution Download, our interconnect expert Bob Hult discusses the limits of copper and the promise of expanded beam technology, co-packaged optics, silicon photonics, and pluggable transceivers for the next generation of high-performance computing. Few people have followed the evolution of fiber optics for as…
What are 3D-Printed Connectors? Meet the Connector: 3D-Printed Connectors From EVs to drones to autonomous robots and more, electrification is creating a demand for connectors that can be produced quickly and economically in small volumes. Suppliers are filling that need with 3D-printed connectors.[market_ad position="1"] Typically, the process of manufacturing electronic connectors involves…
Prototyping Tools Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights prototyping tools from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Prototyping Tools Amphenol Pcd’s Rapid Part Development (RPD) rapidly designs and deploys production-ready parts using 3D printing technology. RPD expedites part development by 86% at 1/10th the cost of standard part development cycles, providing…
March 2024 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. March 2024 Connector Industry News March 2024 Connector Industry News > Award News Indium Corporation has earned the prestigious Supplier Award in China from Jabil…
Rugged Edge Computing Solutions for Infrastructure as a Service An alternative to traditional IT infrastructure enables organizations to access advanced computing resources in harsh environments or remote locations without investing in proprietary data centers. Interconnects in edge nodes transmit data without the data center. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) allows organizations to tap into scalable, high-speed networks…
Harsh Environment Connectors: Standards vs. Real-World Technical or MIL-Spec standards are often the minimum criteria for compliance. When the real expectation is performance beyond a standard, innovative, faster, and longer-lasting components are needed. Aerospace, defense, and industrial customers continually raise the bar for their performance requirements for rugged duty and harsh environment connectors. Not…
DesignCon 2024 in Review Connector suppliers shared new high-speed solutions for IoT, signal processing, electric vehicles, energy storage, machine learning and AI, photonics, 5G, and other technologies at DesignCon 2024. Cloudy skies and drenching rain failed to dampen attendance and enthusiasm at this year’s edition of DesignCon, held in Santa Clara, California,…
What are Expanded Beam Connectors? Meet the Connector: Expanded Beam Connectors Datacom and telecom systems originally relied on physical contact fiber optic connectors, which worked well in data centers and other controlled, protected locations. As the need for this type of connection extended to rugged environments, such as civil and military aerospace, military…
Fiber Optic Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights fiber optic interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Fiber Optic Interconnects The FO-BD7D optical pluggable outdoor connector from JAE can be assembled onsite. The optical module is embedded in the FO-BD7D plug to address common thermal issues. This also allows field…
Feb 2024 Connector Industry News Feb 2024 Connector Industry News Feb 2024 Connector Industry News > Event News Bel Fuse Inc. marks its 75th anniversary in 2024. Located in New Jersey, Bel has evolved from a fuse business servicing the auto aftermarket to a global supplier of connectors, power supplies, magnetics, and circuit…
Choosing the Right Connectors for High-Speed Factory Automation Networks As automation becomes increasingly prevalent in modern manufacturing, the demand for high-speed factory automation networks is on the rise — and specifying the right connectors for these harsh environments is crucial. [caption id="attachment_42524" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Source: Adobe Stock ID 538643362.[/caption] As automation becomes increasingly prevalent in modern manufacturing,…
Mark Weiser and the Origins of the Internet of Things From smart appliances to industrial automation, IoT technologies enable seamless connectivity. A new biography explores the life and mind of the technologist behind the theory of ubiquitous computing — or as we know it today, the Internet of Things. [caption id="attachment_42527" align="aligncenter" width="250"] Mark Weiser[/caption] The Internet of…
What are Microminiature and Ultraminiature RF connectors? Meet the Connector: Microminiature and Ultraminiature RF Connectors RF (radio frequency) connectors work with radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range. Technology advanced significantly in the 2000s to meet the demand for inexpensive, high-data-rate wireless transceivers. Wire-to-wire, wire-to-board, and board-to-board micro-miniature RF connectors and ultraminiature RF connectors were developed…
Radiation-resistant interconnects Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights radiation-resistant interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Radiation-resistant interconnects The formulation of the patented Flexx-Sil from Cicoil, a Trexon company, enables ultraviolet-resistant cables that withstand exposure to high levels of radiation and ozone with no adverse effects. Cicoil flat cables and flat…
Connectivity Innovation Boosts Battery Performance Our on-the-go society demands wireless connectivity and more power than ever. New technology brings the freedom of battery power to more devices while extending battery life. The proliferation of connectivity has led to increased demand for battery-powered devices that are connected without having to be plugged in. Batteries allow…
Battery Connectors: The Unsung Heroes of BESS Applications Battery energy storage systems have revolutionized the way we store and utilize electrical energy. With the growing need for reliable energy storage solutions, battery technology has become a pivotal player in the global energy landscape. The rise of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, has presented…
Improving Device Reliability with Spring-Loaded Contacts Spring loaded contacts, commonly called pogo pins, are essential in many electronic devices because of their excellent durability, tolerance, and wide range of applications. As the growth of the device market continues, these contacts are finding more use than ever. Spring-loaded contacts or pins, also known as pogo…
What are Compression Connectors? Meet the Connector: Compression Connectors Compression connectors are interconnect devices that rely on pressure to make a secure connection. Compression may occur with the use of a tool; through the turn of a compression nut that is part of the housing, or through another mechanism. A wide variety…
Spring/Pogo Pins Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights spring/pogo pins from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Spring/Pogo Pins EDAC’s spring-loaded contacts maintain connection in environments with vibration to provide stable current flow. Magnets increase the reliability of the connection and provide polarization. Precision machining ensures a high quality, low resistance, compliant…
Test to Perfection: Product Reliability Begins with Rigorous Connector Testing Rigorous testing of every element in an integrated circuit, from connectors to PCBs, is a critical step in the product design process. As more electronics move into complex and high-reliability application environments, the need to measure their attributes and performance, and test their endurance over time and under…
New Socket Solution Optimizes Production Testing of QFN-packaged ICs Advances in semiconductor functionality, density, and chip-level integration are generating new challenges in testing. A test socket solution overcomes the challenges posed by traditional vertical spring probes and cantilever scrubbing contact designs, providing a new level of performance and reliability. Integrated circuit (IC) designers are increasingly migrating to…
Versatile Hybrid Connectors Pass the Sniff Test For Test & Measurement applications, hybrid connectors enable effective and precise testing and monitoring. Learn how a vacuum manufacturer uses its industrial gas “sniffer” device with these versatile interconnects. Hybrid connectors move signal, power, and data — plus one or more other fluidic media such as gas, air,…
What are Test & Measurement Connectors? Meet the Connector: Test & Measurement Connectors As systems become more complex and integrate more functions on a circuit. semiconductor testing has become a particularly significant area for connectors used in Test & Measurement. Test equipment measures the electrical or mechanical properties, performance, and behavior of components or…
Test Sockets Product Roundup Test Sockets RS supplies a wide range of Staubli test connectors to cover all industrial applications. All Staubli couplings adhere to the strict rules of ergonomics, safety, and long-term leak-proof characteristics for more efficient and economical applications. Staubli engineers focus on developing connection solutions, including quick couplings, multi-couplings,…
Building Better Connector Prototypes Because the electronics market moves so quickly, any opportunity to eliminate delays in the production process is crucial. Significantly speeding up the development of prototypes for testing, qualification, and, ultimately, production is a huge advantage for parts suppliers and their customers. Quick Design for Connector Prototypes Customers’ needs…
The Case for Custom RF Connectors To meet the needs of high-frequency and high-performance applications as well as those with smaller, lighter, and more dense packaging, it is often necessary to modify existing connector designs or design completely new connectors. As RF/microwave technologies find increasing use in high-speed digital data exchange applications, the mix…
What are Custom Connectors? Meet the Connector: Custom Connectors Despite the millions of commercial interconnects ready to serve every market and application type, certain situations call for something entirely, or just slightly, new. When off-the-shelf connectors aren’t the right fit for a new application, custom solutions come into play. Because connectors are…
Contacts Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights contacts from leading suppliers. Contacts Avnet offers precision A Series connector contacts from Amphenol Sine Systems designed for increased reliability and reduced cost. Contacts are readily available in a wide variety of materials and plating combinations and can be supplied with a number…
July 2023 Connector Industry News Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. July 2023 Connector Industry News July 2023 Connector Industry News > Award News OMRON recognized Heilind Electronics as 2022 Distributor of the Year – Electronic…
Development Kits Help Makers and Designers Test and Explore New Ideas Development platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi enabled an explosion of creativity among electronic designers at every level. Development kits make it easier to design, build, perfect, test, and manufacture electronic products. In little more than a decade since its release, the tiny British single-circuit computer board known as the…