The smallest satellites fit in the palm of your hand. Larger installations are critical to telecom, datacom, surveillance, and electronic warfare systems. Regardless of size, satellites must be built to withstand the harsh low temperatures of space, the heat and g-forces of launch, radiation and vacuum conditions, and protect the precise instruments inside to deliverRead 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
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
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
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
Reliable, screw-machined parts help ensure the optimal operation of connectors employed in mission-critical applications. It’s important to select a supplier that understands the unique requirements of this market. High-precision screw-machined parts are critical components of advanced interconnect products. Screw-machined parts include PCB tail pins and sockets, crimp barrel pins and sockets, closed-entry solder cup pinsRead More
The use of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technologies in wildland and municipal firefighting operations is rapidly expanding, and making fire management safer and more effective for teams on the ground. Firefighters on the ground level have an incomplete picture of the challenge they face. In a wildland fire situation, they cannot see the extent ofRead More
The connector world is constantly evolving to support dynamic market trends. Emerging high-speed connectivity products are currently responding to a number of technology trends and, once released to market, will serve, inspire, and enable a multitude of next-gen, high-speed applications for many years to come. As businesses and consumers demand more convenience, mobility, power, andRead More
As priorities for deep-space applications change, demand is increasing for low-cost, commercial off-the-shelf connectors that can endure the rigors of space. Deep-space exploration keeps bringing us new information about the sun, the moon, and the planets. For example, data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter recently helped researchers determine that the Moon isn’t dead because itRead More
US Army leaders and their industrial partners are looking at new ways to equip dismounted soldiers with lighter weight, wireless, more capable, and more integrated electronic systems. The goal of a major revamp of the Adaptive Squad Architecture (ASA) is to harmonize both the individual dismounted soldier and the squad as an integrated combat platform,Read More
Elon Musk’s Neuralink project could push innovation in nanominiature connector technology. The tinier the connector, the more powerful it could be in medical brain-machine interface applications. Normally in this publication, we cover topics related to the connector and cable assembly industries, as well as the latest technologies and best solutions for current challenges in electronicsRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights high-reliability connector products for military, aerospace, and industrial applications, amongst others. High-Reliability Connector Products BTC Electronics offers Cinch Connectivity Solutions’ microminiature, rectangular Dura-ConTM Micro-D connectors, which provide rugged, high-reliability, high-density solutions in military and aerospace applications that require maximum performance, minimized space and weight, and proven resistance to high shockRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights connector solutions for future soldier systems, including increasingly mobile and mission-critical command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) equipment, wearables, robotics, weapons systems, and more. Connector Solutions for Future Soldier Systems Newark, An Avnet Company, stocks TE Connectivity’s O.C.H. Micro Circular Connectors for future soldier systems including soldierRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights medical connector and cable products from leading suppliers. Medical Connector and Cable Products LEMO’s REDEL SP self-latching, plastic, push-pull connectors feature an ergonomic grip, several color-coding and keying options, and high resistance to chemicals, shock, and sterilization processes. Ideal for use in medical, automotive, and test and measurement equipment, theRead More
Small, lightweight, and known for its high-reliability performance, the nano-D connector is taking the lead in ruggedized portable electronics. Today’s circuits face unprecedented demands. Modern applications subject systems to the rigors of portability in addition to a wide range of environmental hazards as they assist in tasks ranging from skin surface monitoring to deep spaceRead More
This week’s product roundup highlights small, lightweight, and powerful connector solutions from leading suppliers. SWaP-Optimized Connector Products Fischer Connectors’ UltiMate™ Series connectors and cable assemblies are rugged, compact, lightweight, hermetically sealed, and sealed to IP68/IP69 even when unmated, providing high-reliability solutions for a wide variety of applications with severe environmental, industrial, chemical, and blind-mating conditions.Read More
As drones take a larger role in military operations, the pressure is on to reduce size and weight. A new generation of SWaP-optimized connector products will help. By Ann R. Thryft Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are getting smaller and more powerful as the overall miniaturization trend expands across the broad range of military equipment. AlsoRead More
This week’s product roundup highlights medical connector solutions from top suppliers. Omnetics’ PZN Polarized Nano Connectors are some of the smallest mil-quality, board-to-cable connectors available in the industry. Designed to deliver high-reliability performance in an ultraminiature package available in a variety of wired and board-mount options, the range features a lightweight, low-profile, and extremely ruggedRead More
This week’s product roundup highlights some of the most compact, capable, and lightweight connectors and cable assemblies responsible for enabling the reliable transmission of high-speed data and digital audio/visual signals in an ever-expanding range of applications spanning warfare to web browsing. Ultraminiature Connector Products TE Connectivity’s CeeLok FAS-T rugged, nanominiature circular I/O connectors occupy lessRead More
The growing number of commercial drones creates demand for connectors that enable quick swapping of batteries and storage. By Terry Costlow, Contributing Editor The takeoff of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market in areas beyond defense deployments is opening a solid growth market for connector suppliers that can provide compact, lightweight products to commercial andRead More
