Once again, OFC proved to be the premier showcase of high-performance optical and copper interconnects in communication and network applications. The 2023 edition of the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC) roared back to normalcy after the muting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 11,500 participants from 70 countries accessed the latest advances inRead More

Designing electronics that leave Earth calls for a more thoughtful approach, from specialized materials to high-reliability form factors to close relationships with space agencies and regulatory organizations. Space-grade connectors can go where no man has gone before. Precision-engineered and specifically qualified, these exceptional interconnects are fit to endure the unique harsh environment conditions of lifeRead More

Meet the Connector: Bulkhead Mount Connectors The term bulkhead mount refers to the mounting style of the connector. In this case, it is the method used to attach a connector to a product casing, enclosure, or panel from the front or rear side. Normally, it involves a threaded body or a push-pull device. The connectorRead More

Minimizing size, weight, and power (SWaP) while maintaining performance and reliability is a major challenge for designers tasked with the development of modern-day electrical and computer equipment for the military market. The shift from analog to digital electronics has brought new and improved capabilities in smaller package sizes. What once required a computer, camera, faxRead More

New design, manufacturing, and processing options enable OEMs to achieve a semi-custom connector or cable assembly without the time and costs of a fully custom product. With literally millions of connectors to choose from, in every size, shape, speed, configuration, material, and function, what more could we possibly ask for?Sometimes a new material, a smallerRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights modular and custom connectors from leading suppliers. Modular & Custom Connectors PCI, a Trexon company, specializes in filtered and un-filtered audio and power connectors as well as the manufacture of a wide range of adapters for band and overmold applications. With more custom connectors on current military radio systems thanRead More

Space constraints within small devices create challenges for component placement on the boards. Innovations in ZIF-style flex connectors offer designers a possible solution.   By Jeff Combs, Director of Sales, CE Segment at Hirose Electric USA  Hardware designs for IoT, consumer, modular, and other complex applications often leave limited space for the mating and assembly ofRead More

The Optical Fiber Communication conference presented a hybrid virtual and in-person event packed with the next generation of optical networking technologies and the connectivity solutions needed to support them. The Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) conference and exposition celebrated over 45 years of innovation and progress with the 2022 edition. Recognizing much reduced Covid infection rates,Read More

As bandwidth grows and speeds continue to accelerate, conventional PCB solutions are reaching their limits. Over-the-board cable solutions alleviate heat and signal integrity concerns while allowing systems to reach ever higher performance levels. By Jim David and Vishal Chandrasekar, Amphenol Communications Solutions In today’s data driven world, manufacturers of switch, server, and router hardware areRead More

Specialized test connectors and equipment help new products meet ruggedness, outgassing, and other performance and compliance requirements.  Instrumentation connector technology is evolving to serve higher speeds and bandwidths, RF technologies (including microwave and mmWave), and the analog-to-digital transformation. Test & Measurement and instrumentation processes have become essential to the development and regulation of equipment usedRead More

For special installations like the Winter Olympics, as well as applications such as vehicles and devices that routinely operate in cold climates, electronics must be ruggedized against low temperatures. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics showcased human endurance in the most extreme cold conditions as athletes performed on ice, in snow, and in frigid air. TheRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors used for medical diagnostic equipment from leading suppliers. Connectors for Medical Diagnostics Applications MINIDOCK Series Connectors from I-PEX are optimized for use in rugged docking applications and ruggedized applications with low-insertion-force cable plug terminations, like the cable plug mating end in ultrasound probe assemblies. Ultrasound equipment designers have severalRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights connectors for energy exploration applications from leading suppliers. Connectors for Energy Exploration Applications The RC Power Module from BizLink is an oil and gas assembly that features a high voltage rating of 1000V and a sophisticated design that meets a variety of purposes. The RC Power Module is designed toRead More

Robotics have become essential tools for the military. Miniature connector and cable interconnections specified for military robotic applications can be selected or designed to create a system that can endure unique conditions and hazards while providing reliable performance. Robotics are increasingly essential to military operations. They provide early surveillance information to help commanders plan strategies.Read More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights easy-handling, quick-mating, high-reliability connectors from leading suppliers. Easy-Handling, Quick-Mating, High-Reliability Connectors JAE’s new MX72 Series AK2 squib connectors ensure a fully reliable connection in a single operation. The AK2 type squib (igniter) connector has been adopted as the standard interface for automotive airbag inflators in Europe and North America andRead More

Despite setbacks related to the pandemic, passenger and cargo rail expansion is continuing around the globe. We examine key trends that are advancing this critical transportation mode and influencing connectors used for rail. The transportation sector took major hits in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted public activities and logistics operations. Consumers backed away fromRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights small form factor pluggable connectors (SFPs) from leading suppliers. Small Form Factor Pluggable Connectors (SFP) Smiths Interconnect’s LightVISION 10G VM Series is a range of affordable, reliable, high-performance embedded optical transceivers with bandwidth up to 120 Gb/s. These are well suited for high-bandwidth commercial aerospace systems with the added benefitRead More

Enhanced versions of pluggable I/O connectors are providing a clear migration path from current 40 and 100 Gb/s Ethernet and InfiniBand EDR specifications to 800 Gb and beyond. A spectacular escalation of data rates has been a hallmark of computing equipment over the past 50+ years. The ability to create literally billions of transistors onRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights cable-terminated automotive connectors from leading suppliers. Cable-Terminated Automotive Connectors Lumberg designs and develops several series of RAST connectors that are widely employed in OEM and Tier 1 automotive applications. These field-proven RAST series encompass an extensive range of cable-terminated automotive connectors, including the economical and space-saving 3517-4 connector, which isRead More

Throwbots, insectoid robots, and other small tactical robotic devices can act as advance teams on missions. These micro-machines can reach hazardous or inaccessible areas to collect and transmit vital information. A soldier with a good throwing arm is a valuable asset in battle. Hand grenades — first invented in the 8th century for use byRead More