Innovation is happening at warp speed as machine learning, AI, and autonomy come into broad use. Product designers must work closely with component manufacturers to ensure that these enabling electronics meet the requirements of the future.
As small consumer electronic devices infiltrate every aspect of our lives, they endure lots of rough handling and occasional accidents. The connectors that empower these systems must protect functionality and signal integrity when a device is splashed on, spilled on, or even dropped into water. Waterproof USBs are up to the challenge. Consumer electronic productsRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights RAST connectors for home appliances from leading suppliers. Formalized as an international terminal block standard for the home appliances market in the 1980s, RAST (Raster Anschluss Steck Technik, which German for “grid connection plug technology”) connectors typically employ insulation displacement contact (IDC) technology, which eases and hastens installation processes, enablesRead More
As more robots and other connected devices join the factory floor, the challenge is to protect sensitive electronics from dirt, debris, vibration, and other barriers to performance. As the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) continues to expand, it brings more electronic devices to the factory floor. There, they are exposed to harsh environments including dust,Read More
The proliferation of connected technologies is placing new technical demands on industrial connectors. Higher speeds, higher frequency performance, and reduced form factors are required, along with ruggedness, reliability, and immunity against electromagnetic interference. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the wireless interconnectivity of electronic devices ranging from appliances and vehicles to building control systemsRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights Ex- and ATEX-approved explosion-proof connector products for harsh-environment, hazardous-atmosphere applications including industrial, marine, oil and gas, and alternative energy equipment. Ex- and ATEX-Approved Connectors Phoenix Contact offers a range of PCB terminal blocks and PCB connectors with IECEx approval for use in potentially explosive environments, including lighting and building automationRead More
Modern elevators feature a wide variety of electronic nodes, from controls that operate the lift to sensors that count passengers and touchscreen user interfaces. These unique building transport systems function depend on unique heavy-duty industrial connectors as well as small, lightweight, consumer-type products. Today’s connected building technologies manage a wide range of functions, including usage-timedRead More
Summary coverage of upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. February 2020 Connector Industry News February 2020 Connector Industry News > Event News TE Connectivity is showcasing a wide range of connectivity and sensor solutions for topside and subseaRead More
Active optical cables are key components in the high-speed systems needed to handle the exponential increase in data traffic that will come with 5G. Connector companies are helping data centers upgrade with these smart solutions. According to the figure being passed around at DesignCon 2020, only 15% of the 5G infrastructure has been installed soRead More
Connector-adjacent technologies were the key focus of many 2019 acquisitions as companies expanded to a whole-ecosystem approach. Once again, Amphenol led the industry in acquisitions, completing more acquisitions than any other company in the connector, cable, or cable assembly field in 2019. Amphenol has acquired more than 60 companies in the last decade. In fact,Read More
As 5G networks are activated, connected and automated vehicle systems will evolve from emerging technologies into widespread intelligent transportation systems (ITS) that guide the multimodal transport of goods, people, and transportation-related information. The transportation sector is poised to see profound changes as 5G continues its rollout. The fifth generation of wireless networks will provide theRead More
Summary coverage of new-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire and cable, cable assemblies, materials, accessories, tools, development kits, and connector-adjacent technologies, such as sensors and antennas. Supplier names are generally linked to product announcements and product names are generally linked to product pages or datasheets. February 2020 New Connectivity Products February 2020 New Connectivity ProductsRead More
