Backplane connectors with large molded housings existed in the late 1980s but were expensive and very difficult to make. True position for all of the pins had to be accurate or the connector could not be placed easily on the boards and mated. Teradyne Connector Systems found a solution. Teradyne Connector Systems (TCS) was a divisionRead More

Chicklets revolutionized automation by increasing the overall speed and efficiency of designing in backplane connectors. The Germans are renowned for developing and enforcing mechanical standards that are used worldwide. German companies developed the DIN 41612 connector family and the Eurocard chassis standards, which remain the basis for many other standards, such as VME architectures usedRead More

The development of the 2mm Metral connector changed the telecom industry forever.   The connector industry is very interesting, in part, because of exciting inventions developed by engineers – some of which have such an impact that the direction of the industry is changed. In the late ‘80s, telecom OEMs were outgrowing the capabilities ofRead More

Increasing demands of growing data volumes force IT professionals to explore better connection options.   Ask five people to define “Big Data” and you are likely to get five different definitions – ranging from broad references about analyzing numerous data sets for patterns and trends, down to very precise specifications for data set size orRead More

New standards and new design concepts are helping embedded systems designers keep pace with increasing demands for mobile capabilities.   Embedded computing systems have always offered a variety of readily available mix-and-match component solutions built around industry standards. But as increasing demands are spurred by more sophisticated mobile applications in imaging, communications, sonar, radar, andRead More

Compliant press-fit pins are a key achievement in the development of backplane connector technology. Here’s how they work. Compliant pins, waferized connector designs, modular connectors, egg-crate shielding, air-dielectric designs – we can now look back on inventions like these and put them in perspective. It is interesting to see how a real understanding of the technologyRead More

Although there are dozens of standard, off-the-shelf automotive connectors deployed in each new vehicle, the recent integration of evolved electronics in automotive designs has resulted in a rapidly growing population of custom connectors that make complex electric systems communicate effectively.   What we once thought was leading-edge technology is now common in our everyday lives. TakeRead More

The latest product announcements for March 28, 2016, cover the breadth of applications from broadcast to wireless access points to electric cars. Artos Engineering launched the PF-11 light-wire prefeeder. Designed for maximum productivity even at high speeds, it provides superior tangle-free feeds of small-gauge loose-coil wire up to 5.5mm (.22 inch) in diameter. The PF-11Read More

Interconnect news for February 19, 2016 features hot new product announcements to ensure speed and reliability.       Connector Manufacturers’ Announcements Aries Electronics named Enterprise Technology as its 2015 Representative of the Year. The award, accepted by Enterprise Technology President, Mark Keating, is based on overall, year-over-year percentage and dollar-growth sales data. Distributor Announcements Digi-Key unveiledRead More

Industry 4.0 is the point where automation, the Internet of Things, wearables, and customization converge.   “Industry 4.0” is still a bit of a buzzword, but it gets closer to realization every day. Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution. In earlier articles, we discussed the first (industrialization), second (mass production), and third (IT integration)Read More

DesignCon 2016 featured 33 interconnect manufacturers, all concentrating on ever-higher speeds and improved signal integrity.   DesignCon 2016 opened in the shadow of preparations for Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium, directly across the street from the Santa Clara Convention Center. With more than 160 exhibitors and 4,800 pre-registered attendees, the exposition and conference continuesRead More

In this issue’s interconnect news, we meet DesignCon’s Engineer of the Year and are introduced to a number of new products from global suppliers.   Eric Bogatin Named DesignCon’s Engineer of the Year DesignCon 2016, held January 19 – 21 in Santa Clara, Calif., recognized Dr. Eric Bogatin of the Teledyne LeCroy Signal Integrity AcademyRead More