Transportation

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Connectivity Solutions for Freight Logistics and Optimization

Carrier connectivity extends from the computing resources behind freight optimization and tracking software to IoT systems that keep an eye on the cargo to the heavy-duty interconnects that empower the freight vehicles that move packages, materials, animals, and goods around the world. From connectors to antennas, a full…

How to Specify High-Current Connectors for Industrial Equipment

What are Crimp Terminals?

2026 Battery Connectors Product Roundup

April 2026 Connector Industry News

Listing of Market Articles
Connectivity Solutions for Freight Logistics and Optimization Carrier connectivity extends from the computing resources behind freight optimization and tracking software to IoT systems that keep an eye on the cargo to the heavy-duty interconnects that empower the freight vehicles that move packages, materials, animals, and goods around the world. From connectors to antennas, a full…
How to Specify High-Current Connectors for Industrial Equipment Energy storage systems and uninterruptible power supplies have become integral parts of industrial environments. Vehicles and equipment that require power, such as autonomous mobile robots and AGVs, put the focus on power connectors. Article Contributed by JAE High-current connections in industrial equipment traditionally meant bolted busbars or screw-terminal…
What are Crimp Terminals? Crimp terminals, a solderless connection option, enable the rapid, consistent, and reliable connections that are essential for mass production and high-vibration environments. A crimp terminal is a solderless electrical connector for terminating stranded wire used to join wires and components. The crimp terminal has a metal barrel that, with…
2026 Battery Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights battery connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Battery Connectors DURASWAP is the highly durable swappable docking connector from Amphenol Communications Solutions. These custom battery connector solutions with cable assemblies are offered in two power and six signal configurations. The connectors can carry…
April 2026 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. April 2026 Connector Industry News April 2026 Connector Industry News > Award News Harwin announced its Distributor of the Year Awards, with DigiKey declared the Global…
From Cameras to Connectivity: How AI Is Redefining Transportation TE Connectivity’s CTO shares insights into the growing role of artificial intelligence in sensing, safety, electrification, and next-generation transportation platforms. The impact of AI on transportation technologies is multifold and just beginning to take hold across the multimodal systems that move people and goods around the world. At…
Trends in Harsh-Environment Connectors for Automotive, Truck, and Off-Road Applications By: Rob Iversrud, Senior Product and Category Manager, Waytek As vehicle electrification, automation, and connectivity advance, the demand for more rugged, high-performance connectors in harsh vehicle environments grows. Today’s connectors must handle higher power loads, extreme environmental conditions, and increased data transmission requirements while remaining cost-effective and easy…
O Canada! Connector Suppliers Expand in the Land of the Maple Leaf Advancements in data centers, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and automotive applications are driving suppliers to locate close to this growing customer base. Technology is booming everywhere, but multiple interconnect companies have specifically targeted Canada for expansion in the past year. This is in line with the strong…
What is D-Sub Hardware? Meet the Connector: D-Sub Hardware Versatile D-Sub (subminiature) connectors are widely used in military, industrial, and other applications in harsh and rugged environments. For many of these applications, reliability and security are paramount, and they require permanent, secure, shielded connections. Securing and protecting D-Sub and Micro-D connectors requires…
Heavy Duty Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights heavy duty connectors from leading suppliers. Heavy Duty Connectors Greenconn’s waterproof connector series is designed for heavy-duty applications in the harshest environments. Featuring IP68-rated sealing, robust PA66 housing, and integrated latch mechanisms, these connectors provide secure, vibration- and shock-resistant wire-to-wire connections. Supporting up…
New Micromobility Technologies Empower the Individual The transportation landscape has dramatically changed in many countries as advanced electric bicycles, scooters, and other micromobility technologies help ease congestion and pollution, and empower individuals to travel with ease. The tremendous growth of micromobility in the post-pandemic era is a natural result of the convenience, affordability, sustainability,…
Sealed Solutions: Why IP-Rated Connectors Are Critical in Transportation Vehicles face some of the harshest conditions imaginable. From mud to salt, this equipment requires every component inside to be rugged and reliable to keep systems running smoothly. In today’s transportation industry, vehicles and machinery face some of the harshest conditions imaginable. From navigating muddy construction sites to…
Material Considerations: Cable Assemblies for High-Temperature Applications As more applications involve high-temperature systems, resin manufacturers are formulating more common resins like TPU to survive in higher temperatures. By iCONN Systems Many transportation, marine, medical, and other outdoors applications require equipment rated for sustained performance at elevated temperatures. For transportation applications, heat is generated within the…
Robotaxis: The Evolution from Hype to Reality For some, the ultimate form of mobility is the robotaxi, a fully autonomous ride-on-demand vehicle that relieves passengers of the headaches of ownership. How close is this dream to reality? It has been 100 years since Francis Houdina operated his radio-controlled automobile through New York, barreling down Broadway…
What are Panel Feedthrough Connectors? Meet the Connector: Panel Feedthrough Connectors Panel feedthrough connectors allow electrical signals, data, or power to pass through a panel, enclosure, or bulkhead — in essence providing a connection between the inside and the outside of the system. In harsh environments, they create a secure, sealed passageway to…
Rugged Interconnects Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights rugged interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Rugged Interconnects The Cinch Dura-Con Micro-D connectors available from PEI-Genesis offer a lightweight solution without compromising performance. Built to stringent MIL-DTL-83513 standards, these rugged, high-performance, and compact rectangular connectors are ideal for harsh environments, including…
Commercial Satellites are Driving the Space Economy The market for commercial satellites, and the data they gather, is growing. Uses for the information gained from highly detailed images are as varied as tracking wildfires and comparing how much traffic certain parking lots are getting. Space has long been a proving ground for technology, and while…
Ensuring RF Reliability and Performance for Wireless Communication Wireless communication has become woven into every aspect of our daily lives, making it crucial to design systems with reliable components — and to keep counterfeits out of the equation. From transportation logistics networks and Smart Cities to emergency services and air traffic control, wireless communication continues to…
What are Bullet Connectors? Meet the Connector: Bullet Connectors Bullet connectors are widely used for simple, impermanent electrical connections in automotive and transportation applications as well as HVAC, entertainment systems, and lighting. [caption id="attachment_49544" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Molex bullet connector available from DigiKey, Avikrimp Snap Plug, 18-22 AWG[/caption] Bullet connectors are a simple…
Power Connectors for Transportation Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights power connectors for transportation from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Power Connectors for Transportation Amphenol's SurLok Plus connectors from PEI-Genesis are a field installable alternative to common compression lugs. Features include IP67 protection, touch-proof, and RoHS compliance. The products also contain RADSOK contact…
August 2025 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. August 2025 New Connectivity Products August 2025 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Phoenix Contact offers right-angle M12 connectors for through-hole reflow (THR) soldering processes. Previously, angled M12 PCB connectors required manual assembly and additional drilling to accommodate the snap-hook design.…
Marine Technology: Connectivity Under and Around Water Connectors and cables are integral to many harsh environment applications, but marine technology requires considerations unique to underwater conditions. Nearly three-quarters of our planet is covered by water, and while the marine environment has always been vital for our survival, it has also become valuable to scientific, commercial,…
Advanced Connectors Keep Rail 4.0 On Track Autonomy promises increased efficiency, safety, and sustainability to rail transport systems. Central to this transformation are connectors, which enable seamless data transfer between subsystems. From autonomous navigation and timetable updates to real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance, these connectors are at the center of the intelligent infrastructure driving modern…
What is Subsea Cable? Meet the Cable: Subsea Cables Subsea cables (also called submarine cables) are specialized, highly ruggedized fiber optic cables that cross the seabed between land-based stations to carry telecommunications signals. They are the backbone of global internet and data communications and transmit data such as internet traffic, telephone calls,…
CECC, EN, and EU Interconnects Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights CECC, EN, and EU interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. CECC, EN, and EU Interconnects Eaton’s 8D D38999 Series III connectors, available from PEI-Genesis, are built to meet the performance requirements of military aerospace and other harsh environment applications. The unique anti-decoupling…
June 2025 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. June 2025 New Connectivity Products June 2025 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Schaltbau expanded its Eddicy lineup with a series of compact, high-performance contactors designed to meet the requirements of stationary and mobile megawatt charging level 2 and level…
Connectors Contribute to Safe Railways Safe railways and rolling stock depend on a combination of data-driven design, integration of smart and sustainable technologies, and quality components that are built to perform in harsh railway environments. Protecting passengers, cargo, and communities surrounding rail networks is a critical goal for designers of safe railways. Rail…
Connector Solutions for Off-Highway Vehicle Electrification Challenges Electrification, a process that has been evolving since the discovery of electricity, has become integral across many industries, including industrial, agriculture, and transportation. The transportation transformation extends to off-highway vehicles, encompassing diverse machines like tractors, mining equipment, construction vehicles, and more. These vehicles, designed for terrain beyond conventional…
World RF Coax Connector Report 2025 A new report from Bishop & Associates examines the way in which advanced technologies and expanded applications have created exceptional growth for the RF coax connector industry. Bishop & Associates’ new market research report, World RF Coax Connector Market 2025, explores the market surrounding one of the fastest…
What are Precision RF Connectors? Meet the Connector: Precision RF Connectors Precision RF connectors are used to transmit an RF (radio frequency) signal from one point to another. They are typically used for higher frequencies in test and calibration applications that require high performance. Precision RF connectors are generally broken down into two…
Connectors for Construction/AG Vehicles Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors for construction/AG vehicles from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Connectors for Construction/AG Vehicles PEI-Genesis supplies Amphenol Sine Systems AT Series connectors, an IP68/69K rated (mated), high-performance, cost-effective, thermoplastic solution with superior environmental seals and seal retention capabilities. These connectors are designed for…
Artificial Intelligence Modernizes Railway Systems From predictive maintenance on railcars and tracks to timetable management and Smart City integration, AI and machine learning are transforming modern railways. High-speed trains, electrification, and the integration of artificial intelligence are transforming global rail networks. Two centuries into its evolution, the rail industry is in a period…
Rail Passenger Information Systems Keep Riders Informed The hyper-connected nature of modern railways means that even the slightest issue can affect the overall timetable. To keep riders in the loop, both network and train operators have invested greatly to advance passenger information systems. The hyper-connected nature of today’s sophisticated rail services means that a hitch…
Making Subways Safer with Versatile, Reliable Interconnects Fire protection systems in 27 underground rail stations are currently being updated. Fieldbus couplers and I/O modules from the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM 750 and 753 are playing an important part. Passenger safety is the central focus for the Frankfurt Transportation Authority (VGF – Verkehrsgesellschaft Frankfurt). This mission extends from the…
What are Armored Cables? Meet the Connector: Armored Cables Armored cables are versatile, self-contained conduit-wire systems that can be used in the most challenging applications. The armor is a metal sheath surrounding the cable. It acts as a protective barrier against damage to the insulator and conductors and helps block electromagnetic interference…
ARINC 801, ARINC 810, & Galley Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights ARINC 801, ARINC 810, & Galley connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. ARINC 801, ARINC 810, & Galley Connectors Amphenol Pcd’s APeX galley rectangular connector is reliable and robust. The APeX galley’s overmold technology sets it apart from the rest. It is…
AI-Enabled Traffic Control, where are you? It seems like the effects of climate change are appearing everywhere. Record levels of moisture, drought, and temperature extremes are being recorded nearly every day. Even skeptics are beginning to accept that our climate is changing in detrimental ways. The only issue remaining is if it is a…
Energy in Motion: E-Mobility and the Future of Intelligent Power The variety of applications within E-mobility require connections that perform at cutting-edge high-speeds, as well as endure environmentally rugged conditions to consistently support the signal between a vehicle’s battery and motor. No one knows what safety challenges may arise during travel. Flights can be interrupted by turbulence or…
Connector Industry Mergers and Acquisitions 1950s-2024 Mergers and acquisitions have dramatically reshaped the connector industry. An important new report documents the evolution of these companies and their impact on the greater electronics ecosystem. Mergers and acquisitions, along with product discontinuations, have had a dramatic effect on the connector industry over the last 40 years,…
What are XT Connectors? Meet the Connector: XT Connectors XT connectors are a type of high-current connector commonly used in radio-controlled (RC) models, drones, and micromobility modes. The XT connector was originally designed by Amass, a Chinese manufacturer, with a goal of providing an easy to use, compact, and durable connector with…
Reverse Polarity Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights reverse polarity connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Reverse polarity connectors The Amphenol RF BNC Straight Clamp Plug Reverse Polarity connector from PEI-Genesis is a robust, high-performance solution designed for RG-58 cables and 50 Ohm impedance systems. Ideal for applications in demanding…
November 2024 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. November 2024 New Connectivity Products November 2024 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Molex introduced VaporConnect optical feedthrough modules, a thermal management solution that reduces the time and cost of deploying and upgrading high-performance data centers to meet unrelenting…
Railways Embrace New Technology & Automation Connector companies are bringing new technology advances, including AI, to railways in the U.S. and abroad, making them safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective. Much of the current rail infrastructure in the U.S. is based on systems that have been in use for half a century or more,…
The Role of Connectors in High-Performance Vehicle Systems High-performance vehicle technologies require new electrical design strategies and advanced connectors to meet these challenges. As the transportation world integrates high=performance vehicle technologies into vehicles of all types and transitions to electromobility, the traditional decentralized electrical system architecture is reaching its limits. The complexity and high-speed properties required…
What are UMP Connectors? Meet the Connector: UMP Connectors UMP (Ultra Miniature Push-Pull) connectors are compact, high-performance connectors designed for applications where space is limited and reliability is crucial. These connectors feature a push-pull mechanism, which allows for easy insertion and removal while ensuring a secure connection. UMP connectors are often used…
VG-Approved Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights VG-approved connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. VG-approved connectors The JK06 Series from JAE is a waterproof circular connector developed for railway vehicles and related electronic equipment worldwide. The JK06 Series is designed in accordance with the VG95234, the German circular connector…
Sept 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. Sept 2024 Connector Industry News Sept 2024 Connector Industry News > Event News More than 230 students from 31 universities in seven countries were challenged…
Construction Vehicles Go Electric As the construction industry embraces electrification, OEMs are discovering it’s not as simple as repurposing the technology used in passenger vehicles. Connector suppliers are addressing the unique challenges this shift entails. The off-road transportation sector, which includes construction, mining, and agriculture vehicles, is embracing electrification due to…
Electronic Housings for the Off-Road Vehicle Market Off-road conditions subject electronics to a wide range of stressors. To ensure reliable, seamless integration into off-road vehicles, design engineers should look for special features when specifying housing systems. Electronic housings designed for the off-road vehicle market face a unique set of environmental factors that most electronic…
What’s the Forecast? New Connector Industry Sales Report Bishop & Associates’ latest market research report looks at the future of connector industry sales across regions, markets, and product types. After a year of strong single-digit growth in 2022, no one seemed surprised that connector industry sales would decline in 2023. With industry sales performance based strongly…
What are EWIS Connectors? Meet the Connector: EWIS Connectors EWIS connectors and cables are components used in the Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) of an aircraft. The EWIS represents a unified approach to aircraft wiring design that encompasses all the wiring, connectors, terminals, and related devices necessary for transmitting electrical power and signals,…
Heavy Duty Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights heavy duty interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Heavy Duty Interconnects Avnet supplies Amphenol Sine Systems’ ecomate RM (Rugged Metal) Series of circular, metal connectors that provide an IP67 rating (in mated condition) for transportation and industrial applications, all in a…
Meet the Engineer: When Art and Engineering Collide For Chief Enterprises’ Bounnak Thammavong, creative design is at the intersection of art and product design. So often the worlds of science and art are relegated to separate corners despite evidence that the skills, knowledge, and aptitude for one can inform the other to beneficial effect. (Think: Leonardo…
New Rail Connectors for Energy Distribution for Rail Vehicles A new generation of rail connectors has been designed to handle the hazards of this heavy-duty transport mode. Simple and quick installation and easy maintenance are just as important to keeping things rolling. Rail connectors are undergoing an upgrade as rail networks around the world are expanding quickly…
Navigating the Roads with Fleet Management Technologies Fleets have emerged as integral players in the rapidly evolving transportation landscape, shaping the delivery of goods from factory to destination, and the movement of people around the globe. New fleet management technologies offer visibility and control of moving assets to create cost and logistics efficiencies. From delivery…
What are MIL-DTL-26482 Connectors? Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-26482 Connectors The MIL-DTL-26482 specification outlines the requirements for two series of miniature circular harsh environment connectors. These input-output (I/O) connectors are used to connect systems that require electrical power and signal, such as aircraft, ground vehicles, radar systems, shipboard applications, or mobile power-generation systems.[market_ad…
DIN Rails and Terminal Blocks Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights DIN rails and terminal blocks from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. DIN Rails and Terminal Blocks Altech printed circuit board terminal blocks from Powell Electronics provide highly dependable connections without the need for wire lugs. Choose either tubular screw clamps or box clamps…
News From Hannover Messe 2024 The industrial trade fair showcased new energy and manufacturing solutions with an emphasis on AI and connected technologies as the industrial market urgently tries to put the brakes on carbon emissions. Since 1947, the Hannover Messe trade fair has been one of the world’s biggest and most significant…
Marine Vehicles Embrace Advanced Tech for Diverse Missions Submersible vehicles travel to the depths of the ocean with highly sophisticated electronics on board to gather and transmit data for exploration and scientific research, environmental protection and monitoring, security and defense, and search and salvage operations. The world’s oceans and waterways contain vast amounts of information that…
Six Considerations for Connectors Used in Marine Applications Watercraft engineers must heed the American Boat and Yacht Council standards. Beyond these basics, keep six directives in mind to design reliable connected systems for even the roughest of waters. By Rob Iversrud, Product and Category Manager, Waytek Electrical connectors used in boats and other marine applications must…
EWB Gives Tech Professionals a Chance to Change the World Some of the brightest minds in the electronics world are working with Engineers Without Borders on humanity’s biggest problems, including clean water, sustainable agriculture, energy solutions, and disaster relief. Engineers Without Borders-USA, a non-profit founded in 2002 with regional branches in the UK, Australia, and other countries, connects…
What are GTMS Connectors? Meet the Connector: GTMS Connectors GTMS (Glass-to-Metal Seal) connectors are a specialized electronic connector with a hermetic seal between glass and metal components. They are used in high-reliability applications where electrical connections need to be made in environments that require protection from moisture, gases, or fine particle contaminants.…
Sealed Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights sealed connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Sealed connectors Amphenol LTW Ceres Series connectors are environmentally sealed, IP66 ~ IP68 rated waterproof, rugged, and cost-effective circular connectors, available in plastic and metal shell. Our Ceres connectors provide a comprehensive size range and…
Small and Lightweight Interconnects Inspire the Rise of Personal Electric Vehicles The hottest electric vehicles aren’t cars; an expanding world of personal transport options is changing the mobility landscape in cities around the world, thanks to the design possibilities afforded by powerful miniaturized interconnects. On an increasingly crowded planet, the ability to zip out of clogged traffic, park on…
Connected Skies: Enhancing Aviation Connectivity with Future-Focused Solutions In the aviation world, connectivity and interactivity between various systems includes integrating sensors, devices, and networks to facilitate the exchange of information and enable real-time monitoring, analysis, and decision-making. The rapid advancement of technology has led to increased aviation connectivity and interactivity between various components and systems. This…
Top 10 Connector Suppliers by World Sales See Bishop & Associates 2024 ranking of connector suppliers for more recent data on Top 10 companies. Top 10 Connector Manufacturers in World Sales for 2022 Every year, Bishop & Associates takes a comprehensive look at the connector industry in all its complexity, evaluating the activities of more…
What are Mini-FAKRA Connectors? Meet the Connector: Mini-FAKRA Connectors Mini-FAKRA Connectors are a scaled down version of the popular FAKRA connector that is used in automotive as well as personal electric vehicles (PEVs) and light electric vehicles (LEVs) because of their small size and lightweight, which is especially prized in electric mobility…
Subminiature RF Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights subminiature RF connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Subminiature RF connectors Molex's SMA RF connectors from Avnet are designed for mode-free operation from DC to 18 GHz. The connectors ensure a high degree of mechanical strength and durability. The threaded coupling ensures…
December 2023 New Connectivity Products New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. December 2023 New Connectivity Products December 2023 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Fischer Connectors’ new high-speed connectors and cable assemblies for Ultra High Definition (UHD) provide audio/video data transfer at 18 Gb/s in demanding environments, matching the performance speed of…
Commercial Drones Lift Off with Lightweight Interconnects Small, lightweight interconnects have given a new generation of unmanned aerial vehicles flight instructions for use in delivery, surveying, agriculture, and other industries. Look up, it’s a commercial drone delivering your neighbor’s new toothbrush. Or at least, that’s the dream. The use of commercial drones for delivery has…
Connectors in the Skies: 10 Considerations for Your Search for a Precision Contacts Manufacturer Innovations, market trends, and costs influence aircraft design, but safety and security remain an unwavering commitment. Precision contacts play a crucial role in the connector design process. As the transportation industry rebounds from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, market trends, technology innovations, and cost factors are…
ARINC-Approved Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights ARINC-approved connectors from leading suppliers. ARINC-approved connectors TE Connectivity's ARINC 600 press-fit power and receptacle contacts, supplied by Avnet, allow a complete press-fit receptacle solution that will provide manufacturing cost savings by eliminating the PCB soldering process. They also enable up to 10%…
Small-but-Mighty Connectors Play a Big Role in Rail Safety Billions of electrical connections control various aspects of rail transportation, playing a significant role in global freight and passenger movements. New secure, easy-to-maintain connections help make railways safer. Rail safety depends on multiple factors. Accidents result from human error and track defects, wheels and axles can break over…
Choosing the Best Connector for Analog Sensors Analog sensors gather data needed to track the activities and productivity of equipment, predict maintenance and make repairs, and enable the operations of connected systems. Which connectors should be used to connect these sensors? Analog sensors capture important information about the operations of electronic systems and the world…
What are the Main Coupling Types for Circular Connectors? Meet the Connector: Circular Connector Coupling Types Circular connectors are a mainstay of applications in every market. They are durable, reliable, and available in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and form factors. This product category is highly diverse, with suitable options for many use cases and environments,…
Sensors Make it Plain Sailing for a Smart Ferry A smart ferry equipped with sensors and LoRaWAN gateways can track and monitor passenger comfort and cargo for a sustainable and reliable supply chain. Figure 1 The Stena Line ferry, MV Hollandica is equipped with a dual-band network using Semtech’s LoRa devices in the LongAP Pro gateway. (Image…
10 Common Connectivity Challenges in High-Power Electric Aircraft and How to Overcome Them Design engineers must overcome many connectivity challenges when handling high voltage and high current levels in electric rotorcraft and urban air mobility (UAM) applications. Electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, rotorcraft, and personal air vehicles (PAVs) employ significant amounts of electrical power to enable vehicle takeoff and…
What is ISOBUS? Meet the Connector: ISOBUS ISOBUS specifies a method of interoperability between electronics systems for agricultural and forestry equipment, greatly simplifying the process of connecting equipment from different manufacturers. Also known as ISO11783, this standard specifies a method of interoperability between electronics systems for heavy duty equipment types that…
Interconnect Products by IRIS-Certified Manufacturers This week’s Product Roundup highlights interconnect products manufactured by IRIS-certified manufacturers. IRIS-Certified REP series from Smiths Interconnect is designed for quick and easy mating. The REP panel and cable connectors are a simple, reliable, and highly cost-effective interconnect system for rail applications. A full plastic solution offered in either wire…
Industrial and Commercial Transportation Goes Electric Megawatt charging is on track to boost power and reduce charging times to make electrifying all sorts of industrial and commercial transportation vehicles a viable option. Vehicle makers throughout the industrial and commercial transportation market are embracing e-mobility. Electric versions of semi-trucks, vehicles used in mining and agriculture,…
Robust Fiber Optics are Flying High in Satellites and Low-Altitude eVTOL Aircraft Understanding how different flavors of fiber-optic technologies function in demanding aerospace applications can help designers select the most robust options. UAM (urban air mobility) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft promise a greener, cleaner alternative to ground transport in cities. Constellations of LEO (low Earth orbit)…
What are Bayonet Connectors? Meet the Connector: Bayonet Connector Versatile and secure bayonet connectors are useful for a wide range of markets and applications. Bayonet connectors are a circular connector that delivers a secure and easy to operate connection by turning the locking ring until it latches into the mechanism. This standardized…
Connectors for Rail Applications Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors for rail applications from leading suppliers. Connectors for Rail Applications Smiths Interconnect’s REP series multipole, sealed, plastic connectors, provide a quick and secure connection of embedded equipment across a wide range of applications for rail, such as sensors, brakes, lighting, air conditioning,…
Battery Connectors Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights battery connectors from leading suppliers. Battery Connectors Globetech’s Butt Contact high-current probe energizes electronic devices simply by pressing the coil spring to have contact with the inspection module in the manufacturing of automobile parts, power semi-conductor modules, and other electronic devices. The canted…
Meeting the Connectivity Challenges of AAM & eVTOL AAM and eVTOL designs are being developed and executed quickly. In this start-up environment, suppliers must maneuver quickly to provide solutions. AAM and eVTOL (advanced air mobility and electric vertical takeoff and landing) designs are being developed and executed quickly, yet the strict requirements for safety, reliability, ruggedness,…
Harsh Environments No Longer Derail Reliability of Railroad Crossings New connector technologies help make rail crossings safer, easier to maintain, and more resistant to weather and other environmental challenges. From Boston to Los Angeles and all around the world, drivers experience the frustration of waiting at a railroad crossing for a train to pass. While watching the…
2022 Top 10 Connector Manufacturers The top 10 connector manufacturers collectively achieved $43.185 billion in recorded shipments sales in 2021, an increase of +19.3% from 2020 shipments of $36.211 billion. Every year, Bishop & Associates takes a comprehensive look at the connector industry in all its complexity, evaluating the activities of more than…
Connectors Designed for Commercial Vehicles Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors for commercial vehicles from leading suppliers. Connectors Designed for Commercial Vehicles Lumberg’s Series 72 press-fit connectors are a robust, highly configurable, and space-saving interconnect solution for trucks and commercial vehicles. These modes often move through rough surroundings and have diesel engines that…
Smart, Rugged Connectors for the New Age of Agriculture Technologies A new age of high-tech farming is changing the way our food is produced. Pest control using drones, embedded sensors that monitor soil conditions, and LED-lit indoor vertical farms all depend on rugged connectors for agricultural equipment. Out of sheer frustration, many farmers are turning to new agricultural…
High-Speed Implement BUS for Heavy Equipment Heavy equipment doesn’t work alone. As agricultural and industrial machinery becomes part of connected networks with command centers and other equipment units, system architectures are incorporating CAN and ISOBUS to meet the growing data networking requirements. Controller Area Network (CAN) systems have been used in heavy equipment and…
Hybrid Connectors for Heavy-Duty Transportation Hybrid connectors reduce the number of connectors and cables needed for advanced agricultural machinery and other heavy equipment. A single modern hybrid connector can do the work of two, four, six, or even more traditional connectors. Today’s transportation, agricultural, and construction vehicles come feature-rich with computers, GPS systems,…
Connectors Used in Agriculture Applications Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors used in agriculture applications from leading suppliers. Connectors Used in Agriculture Applications The Buccaneer 4000 Series supplied by Allied Electronics & Automation has been developed to provide excellent sealing characteristics (IP66, IP68, and IP69K) to ensure true environmental protection in harsh conditions,…
What are Inline Splice Connectors? Meet the Connector: Inline Splice Connectors Inline splice connectors are used to connect two physical cables or to split an existing cable into two separate entities while maintaining signal continuity between them. Inline splices are designed to provide a quick and efficient solution to customer wiring requirements. Single…
Onboard Technologies Chart Plain Sailing for Autonomous Shipping Onboard technologies, including networks of instruments and high-tech navigation equipment, have prepared boats and ships for the next step: autonomous operation. A proven history of semi-autonomous operation using networked instruments means that the maritime industry is well prepared for the next autonomous phase. Companies like Garmin supply chart…
Passenger Information Systems Keep Rail Riders Informed Passenger Information Systems technologies that deliver timely and accurate travel information help make commuter rail networks efficient and user-friendly. Reliable and rugged interconnects are an essential link in the network. Passenger Information Systems In today’s sophisticated rail networks, timeliness is designed into the tightly controlled system. That means…
Power Connectors Used in Transportation Applications Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights power connectors for transportation applications from leading suppliers. Power Connectors Used in Transportation Applications Amphenol Sine AT Series connectors supplied by Allied Electronics & Automation are a high-performance, cost-effective solution for use in transportation and other applications. They contain superior environmental seals and seal…
Cold Weather Connectivity For special installations like the Winter Olympics, as well as applications such as vehicles and devices that routinely operate in cold climates, electronics must be ruggedized against low temperatures. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics showcased human endurance in the most extreme cold conditions as athletes performed on ice,…
Route Vehicles: Designing for High Voltages and High Temperatures Route or fleet vehicles operate near continuously under harsh environment conditions. As electrification expands in this market, it’s critical that connectors can endure the influence of high voltages as well as the rigors of the road. Commercial vehicles operate in uncontrolled environments, subject to heat, moisture, vibration, and…
Battery Connectors for Transportation Applications Product Roundup This week’s Product Roundup highlights battery connectors for transportation from leading suppliers. Battery Connectors for Transportation Applications Amphenol ICC offers reliable and robust custom IP67/IP68 connector solutions for e-bikes and swappable battery stations. The Dual Beam contact design for receptacle contacts aids in establishing a reliable electric connection. These…
What are ARINC 600 Connectors? Meet the Connector: ARINC 600 Rack and Panel Connectors ARINC 600 connectors are a standardized rack and panel connector used primarily for avionics applications. This modular packaging standard provides mechanical, electrical, and environmental interfaces between line-replaceable units (LRUs) and racks or cabinets.[market_ad position="1"] The ARINC 600 connector takes…