November 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.
November 2024 Connector Industry News
November 2024 Connector Industry News > Award News
Mohammed Ahmed, Kelly Brandord, and Steven Douglas
Smiths Interconnect’s resistive power dividers stood out among the year’s top innovations, garnering recognition as a “Highly Commended” recipient for the Aerospace Military Defense Product of the Year category at the esteemed Electronics Industry Awards. Smiths Interconnect was honored to be named a finalist in three categories. Its NXS Series connectors and resistive power dividers were both recognized in the Aerospace Military Defense Product of the Year category, while its D04 Connectors were finalist for both the Interconnection Product of the Year and Medical Product of the Year categories.
Waldom Electronics proudly announced TE Connectivity as the recipient of the Global Manufacturer Award at the inaugural Waldom ESG Awards. These first-of-their-kind awards within the IP&E (Interconnect, Passive, and Electromechanical) sector celebrate outstanding efforts in sustainability and responsible practices. The Global Manufacturer Award recognizes TE Connectivity’s significant contributions to minimizing waste and fostering a circular economy. In 2023, TE Connectivity redirected the most value of stock to Waldom through their distributor returns and factory excess, preventing this inventory from ending up in landfills. This effort extended the life of valuable components and reinforced a sustainable supply chain through Waldom’s Green Stock Program.
November 2024 Connector Industry News > Event News
IWCS welcomed attendees to the 73rd annual Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, October 14–17, 2024. Attendees and event organizers reported the 2024 rendition is the first time the atmosphere and program felt truly back-to-normal since the pandemic. The quantity and quality of presentations was strong, the exhibition hall was energetic, and networking and comradery was unmatched. While the content of the papers and presentations in the 14 technical sessions were of extremely high caliber over the four days of the conference, the addition of two in-depth supplemental break-out programs — highlighting the energy transition and advancements in sustainability and recycling — really stole the show. These sessions were created to provide further context and expert commentary for each of the detailed innovations presented during the technical sessions. Read more about this year’s event here and mark your calendar for the 2025 IWCS Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum to be held October 27–30, 2025, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
November 2024 Connector Industry News > Personnel, & Acquisitions News
HEICO Corporation’s Electronic Technologies Group recently acquired 92.5% of Marway Power Solutions Inc. and approximately 88% of MC2 (Mid Continent Controls Inc.). Marway, founded in 1980, is a leading designer and manufacturer of power distribution solutions for mission-critical systems deployed in defense, aerospace, communications, Test & Measurement, and industrial applications on land, air, and sea. Its primary products are power distribution units, power supplies, automatic transfer switches, and related control panels. MC2 is a niche designer and manufacturer specializing in proprietary in-cabin power and entertainment components and subsystems for business jets. Its core products include power outlets, power distribution modules, cabin management systems, multimedia connectivity ports, seat controls, and switch panels.
Waldom Electronics is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Raley as vice president and general manager-Americas. Raley brings over 20 years of experience in the electronics distribution and advanced materials industries. He has held leadership roles at Arrow Electronics and TTI, where he spearheaded strategic growth and business expansion initiatives.
He will lead Waldom’s Americas operations, focusing on business development, strategic planning, and customer growth initiatives.
November 2024 Connector Industry News > Partnership and Distribution News
Menlo Microsystems Inc. (Menlo Micro) announced a new global distribution agreement with DigiKey. Under the terms of the agreement, DigiKey becomes a franchised distributor for worldwide marketing and sales of Menlo Micro’s innovative Ideal Switch products. Unlike traditional electromechanical switches, the Ideal switch leverages a unique combination of semiconductor technology and cutting-edge design, resulting in higher efficiency, reduced size, and a longer lifespan. This benefits a wide range of products in smart energy, home automation, industrial IoT, Test & Measurement, aerospace and defense, telecommunications, consumer electronics, and medical.
Heilind Electronics announced a new global distribution partnership with GCT (Global Connector Technology). GCT’s connector and cable assembly solutions, known for reliability and adherence to stringent industry standards, will now be available through Heilind’s distribution channels. GCT specializes in a variety of interconnect solutions including USB, board to board, SIM card, memory card, and FFC connectors, as well as cables, DC power jacks, modular jacks, and custom designs. Founded in 1988, GCT has been at the forefront of interconnect technology for over three decades. The company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation, being the first to market with Nano SIM technology in 2015 and more recently developing a market-leading USB Type-C connector range that offers mating cycle reliability that is twice the industry standard.
PEI-Genesis is expanding its RF interconnect product portfolio through its partnership with Times Microwave Systems that began in December 2023 when PEI-Genesis was named a global authorized distributor and gained access to the company’s RF and microwave interconnect solutions, including high-performance coaxial cables, connectors, and assemblies for a wide range of applications. With this new offering, PEI-Genesis strengthens its position in the RF space, supplying products from the world’s most widely used RG braided coax provider. As part of this agreement, PEI-Genesis also offers additional Times Microwave Systems products, including fire-retardant cables, space assemblies, tools, and accessories, such as grounding kits and shrink boots.
November 2024 Connector Industry News > New Technical Resources
Molex’s latest industry report, Rewiring the Road: Harnessing the Power of 48V, addresses the momentum of 48-volt electrical system technology, which is poised to fuel major improvements in vehicle performance, efficiency, functionality, and comfort. Molex offers advice for automakers and product design engineers as they navigate the possibilities and pitfalls of transitioning from traditional 12V to 48V electrical systems. By quadrupling system voltage, 48V technology advances automotive features and functionality, including electric turbocharging, regenerative braking, infotainment systems, and battery preconditioning for auxiliary charging. 48V systems boost the efficiency of electrically powered components for more responsive climate control, superior steering responsiveness, and precise engine temperature management. The delivery of higher current and voltage also increases power efficiencies in the critical sensors, actuators, and control units needed for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) while paving the way for fully autonomous driving.
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