Built-in circular connectors save design time and cost in medical equipment systems.   Cell phones, laptop computers, and digital cameras all contain electrical connectors molded into their shells, with cables hidden inside hinges and shells and behind displays to save space, weight, and money. In the same way, medical instruments are designed so that standardRead More

At Hannover Messe, we learned that Industry 4.0 is already in practice, and the market for these interconnected products is growing.   As many Europeans focus on challenges such as the migrant crisis, BREXIT, and terrorism in their capital cities, and most Americans follow the presidential election process, the economy, and the Middle East situation, thereRead More

Read all about the latest product introductions from your favorite suppliers in this week’s new product roundup.      Alpha Wire recently expanded its Coaxial Cable product line under the Alpha Essentials product family to include Micro Coax sizes from 32AWG to 50AWG. With the addition of Micro Coax, Alpha Wire now offers coaxial cableRead More

Since the modern automobile was invented, its basic functionality and shape has remained essentially the same. However, the environment in which vehicles operate and the data to which they connect are changing dramatically, and components will play a significant role in the automotive revolution.   The connected car has the power to shake up theRead More

Since more than 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, it’s no surprise it is responsible for an abundance of application failures. To ensure success, improve your risk assessment of off-the-shelf parts and learn how custom designs help navigate complex environmental factors.   Sometimes focusing on hurdle rates, internal rate of return, andRead More

The SWaP initiative employed by the US military and NASA has helped connector manufacturers focus on improving smaller and lighter connectors, in particular for custom designs.   As we demand our circuits do more and in smaller packages, we still need reliable power and signal transfer. Today’s designers have a number of new tools andRead More

Military tech advancements for 2016 will sharpen situational awareness and expand capabilities for the warfighter.      Across the Department of Defense, many research and development programs are finding it necessary to change direction in order to adapt to budget cuts. Program managers, expected to advance technology while spending less money, are rising to theRead More

Are craft beer and automation compatible? While the beverage industry long ago automated manufacturing and packaging operations, today’s craft breweries pride themselves on the personal touch. Is there a place for factory automation in small-batch brewing?   Over the past fifteen years or so, the American beer market has seen a rapid expansion of smallRead More

The TE AMPSEAL 16 hybrid lever connector system is designed for the harsh conditions in agricultural, construction, marine, and off-highway industries. TE Connectivity Industrial & Commercial Transportation released the AMPSEAL 16 hybrid lever connector system. The heavy-duty, environmentally sealed AMPSEAL 16 hybrid lever connectors are designed to stand up to the harsh conditions of the agricultural, construction,Read More

The Thomas & Betts Ocal Liquidtight Connector with Grounding Ring ensures personnel and equipment safety.   Thomas & Betts’ (T&B) patent-pending ground ring in its new Ocal Liquidtight Connector with Grounding Ring provides a perfectly secure connection for a sustainable ground path to ensure personnel and equipment safety. “If a fault occurs within the wiring in aRead More

At one time, aluminum was the primary material option for heavy-duty connectors, but now plastic is a reliable and viable option.     Over the years heavy-duty connectors have evolved from clunky pieces of heavy metal with contacts to robust, lightweight connectors that can mate with products from other manufacturers. They are also capable of routing signal,Read More

The main markets for subsea and high-pressure connectors require unique designs that mate when submerged, plus fiber optics and hermetic assemblies. When designers think about exotic applications, they might think about deep space. However, these are gentle applications compared to the severe environmental requirements for connectors used in downhole and subsea projects, where temperatures can exceed +250°CRead More