When counterfeit connectors make it into the supply chain, they can cause big problems in equipment and systems that depend on them. Knock-offs of connectors and other electronic components can cause big problems for purchasers. These parts are often deliberately designed to superficially resemble or imitate premium parts that have been manufactured with more stringentRead More

As the need for bandwidth continues to increase, so does the need for higher data rates and smaller connectors capable of higher densities. What was once 1–3Gb/s moved to 4–8 Gb/s; then we saw the jump to 16Gb/s, then 28Gb/s, and now we are ready for 56Gb/s.   Although the datacom and telecom industries are pushing for higher data rates and smaller connectors capable of higher-density configurations, achieving thisRead More

Medical device designers face some of the biggest challenges in the electronic design industry and some of the most stringent requirements in the world. To both assure safety and hasten time to market, it is paramount for designers to proactively reduce any and all risks associated with medical device designs. Connector Designs for Medical DevicesRead More

The demand for SMA RF coaxial connectors has grown exponentially with the proliferation of wireless applications. We take a closer look at these connectors and the challenges they face in their quest to provide powerful data transmission. A wide range of electromechanical solutions have evolved to facilitate board-to-board connections and power and data transmission. VersatileRead More

Small, lightweight, and known for its high-reliability performance, the nano-D connector is taking the lead in ruggedized portable electronics. Today’s circuits face unprecedented demands. Modern applications subject systems to the rigors of portability in addition to a wide range of environmental hazards as they assist in tasks ranging from skin surface monitoring to deep spaceRead More

Microsatellites aren’t subject to deep-space electronics requirements but the connectors that enable these small devices must still be able to endure rigorous launch conditions and perform in low Earth orbit. Although the vast majority of space missions have been conducted in low Earth orbit (LEO), at altitudes between 99 and 1,200 miles (160–2000km) above theRead More

As rail operators encourage more people to consider public transportation, new connectivity technology is enhancing the customer experience.   From personal internet access via smartphones to instant onboard entertainment options to up-to-date travel information, passenger demands on public transportation continue to increase. These offerings are no longer luxuries; they’re necessities to an industry that isRead More

Solid machined contact manufacturing, which has been in use for more than 70 years, is now being rediscovered for its power density advantages. By Natesh Kannan Gopalakrishnan, Product Manager, Positronic Sometimes, the solution to a new problem is found in time-tested methods, hidden in plain sight. We’re seeing that today in the supply of electricalRead More

Heat, shock, vibration, and radiation are all in a day’s work for the special components that explore worlds beyond our own. by Ann R. Thryft The most mission-critical of military/aerospace systems are the ones that go into space, where they encounter the toughest environments. Mil/aero systems must be tough enough on Earth to withstand theRead More

In critical mil/aero applications, a connector’s dependability begins where the pins and sockets meet: the contact system. By Robert Kleinschmidt, Senior Vice President, Air & Defense Business Unit, AirBorn, Inc. Many electronic systems in the military, defense, and aeronautics industries are designed to excel in some of the harshest environments imaginable. Deep-sea systems must endureRead More

It’s easy to overlook backshells, but they play a critical role in protecting connectors, cables, and overall system reliability. Mike Kahn, Director of Marketing, NorComp Connector reliability is essential to the performance of electronic systems in transportation applications. Off-highway equipment, long-haul freighters, bus and rail systems, and all other modes depend on critical systems includingRead More

Innovative, high-density connectors deliver higher current-carrying capacity and help usher in new levels of performance for electric and hybrid vehicles. By Kirk Nelson, Director of Sales – Automotive, Hirose Electric The continued development of hybrid vehicles (HEV) and electric vehicles (EV) is central to most car manufacturers’ future strategies. One day in the not tooRead More