Meet the Connector: Terminals A terminal is the conductive element that provides an electrical contact point that enables electricity to flow through an electrical circuit. At its most basic level, a terminal is simply a conductive bare wire that is secured through crimping or soldering, often to a terminal block. However, the word terminal isRead More

Blade-type connectors handle high power loads with flat, durable conductive terminal blades. Meet the Connector: Blade Connectors  Also referred to as blade-type contacts, blade-type connectors are characterized by flat, conductive, blade-shaped terminals. Blade terminals are an early and ubiquitous connectivity design and are widely favored for their ease of use and power handling ability. TheRead More

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 the benefits it affords. However, certain challengesRead More

The first wave of devices based on the Automotive SerDes Alliance Motion Link Ethernet (ASA-MLE) draft specification are coming out now. These devices will become components of critical infrastructure for the next generation of intelligent Software Defined Vehicles. A new automotive SerDes technology standard is rapidly coming into view: the Automotive SerDes Alliance Motion Link Ethernet (ASA-MLE)Read More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights EV charging interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. EV charging interconnects TE Connectivity leverages its deep expertise and cutting-edge technology to present a comprehensive range of electric vehicle charging products. TE’s EV charging products, supplied by Avnet effectively address the challenges faced by engineers and cater to the diverseRead More

Meet the Connector: Busbars A busbar is a metallic strip or bar used to conduct electricity from a power source (such as a transformer or generator) to various electrical loads. “They are a simple, cost-effective way to transfer and distribute current. These are the easiest, most straightforward way. Power in, split it out,” said Waytek’sRead More

For the companies that make and supply them, testing automotive connectors is an important step in their design and production. Electronics make up over 35% of the cost of a modern car, with tens of thousands of electronic components inside each vehicle. If any of them fail to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of theRead More

The interface is now leading a global field of competitors, simplifying the EV charging process and bringing a future single standard into focus. U.S. automakers Ford and General Motors will adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) charging connector as the interface of choice for their upcoming EV models. In the days following GM’s JuneRead More

Meet the Connector: CHAdeMO Connectors The CHAdeMO (CHArge de MOve) EV charging connector, developed by the CHAdeMO Association, is a fast-charging standard interface for electric vehicles. It is primarily used by Japanese automakers, including Nissan, Mitsubishi, KIA, and French companies Peugeot and Citröen. The connector was introduced in 2010 by a consortium of companies, includingRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights headers from leading suppliers. Headers Avnet supplies Molex’s MX150 sealed and unsealed connector system. This field-proven platform offers high-quality, reliable connections in harsh environments to support compact automotive and commercial vehicle applications. With an USCAR interface, class 4 temp ranges (-40 °C to +150 °C), a 22.0 A current rating,Read More

As automotive manufacturing advances, high-speed, press-fit, and other connector technologies evolve to meet current industry demands. Today’s cars are essentially high-end computers on wheels. A decade ago, vehicle electronics centered on basics like power windows, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and satellite radio. Today’s cars contain a full suite of safety, comfort, and convenience features suchRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights FAKRA connectors from leading suppliers. FAKRA connectors Mouser Electronics supplies TE Connectivity’s FAKRA Automotive Connector System, which features an 800VAC voltage rating, 1A current, 50Ω impedance, and a frequency range of DC up to 6GHz. This comprehensive connector system is fully compatible and designed based on the FAKRA RF andRead More