Limited materials access, ongoing labor shortages, and war are squeezing supply chains and affecting electronics manufacturing. We talk to Ron Bishop about the implications for manufacturers, innovators, and the markets that depend on interconnects. Bishop & Associates has closely monitored the connector industry since 1985. Led by founder Ron Bishop, the market research firm hasRead More
Updated: January 2023 Meet the Connector: M-Type Sensor Connectors M-type connectors were originally designed for connecting sensors and actuators in automation equipment and industrial networks. They are now used in a variety of applications, including high-frequency transmission circuits in telecommunications, measurement equipment, robotics, and transportation. The M12 standard was adopted for its reliability and consistencyRead More
European cities are meeting the call to expand the electric vehicle charging network with some creative ideas — and versatile charging connectors — where space is tight. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles has hit several bumps in the road. However, things are changing rapidly; sales in Europe more than doubled in 2021 over 2020,Read More
From RAST to SKEDD: Insulation displacement technology (IDT) offers solutions for crowded PCBs, including direct mating, flexible placement, compatibility with numerous cable types, and other benefits. The international terminal block standard for consumer appliances, RAST (Raster Anschluss Steck Technik or Raster Connection Plug Technology) connectors have been in widespread use since their invention in 1986.Read More
Meet the Connector: FAKRA Connectors A mainstay of automotive connectivity for the past two decades, FAKRA connectors are a variation of subminiature version B (SMB) coaxial RF connectors developed by Rosenberger and standardized by the German Committee of Automobile Manufacturers. FAKRA is an acronym for Fachkreis Automobile or Working Group Automobile. These versatile connectors areRead More
Meet the Connector: M12 Circular Connectors M12 connectors are a metric circular connector product used in industrial automation and other harsh environment applications where compact, rugged, and reliable power, signal, and data connections are needed. One of the most commonly specified connectors in the industrial market, the M12 is considered the backbone of IIoT systemRead More
The 2020s will be a decade of transformation in every aspect of life. In 2022, we’ll see technology continue to play a role in solving humanity’s challenges. We entered 2021 with the expectation that the COVID-19 pandemic would recede and the world’s people and economies would be on the road to normalcy. Multiple highly effective vaccines became availableRead More
Evolving technologies in the energy, automotive, military, and datacom markets will continue to drive innovation in connectivity. The pace of technological advancement continues in the COVID era. The mRNA vaccines produced to combat COVID-19 are the result of years of development to create other anti-virus mRNA vaccines. Processes now have been optimized so that vaccines can be provided with minimalRead More
As transportation technologies evolve, the connectors that have served the industry well for decades are being joined by a new generation of small, lightweight, versatile, and powerful interconnects. Many connectors for vehicles that designers and manufacturers rely on have been on the market for decades. Modern cars, light trucks, and motorcycles include legacy connectors throughoutRead More
Online configuration tools are changing the way we specify connectors. 3D modules help designers create the right product for their application. Board-to-board connectors are designed to connect two PCBs with precisely controlled spacing in between. For example, when customizing a pin header, numerous parameters must be considered, such as number of pins, pin length, andRead More
The pandemic delayed the release of the Gen3 racing car, but a souped up Gen2 car is ready for the races. In 2022, electric car technologies will make a dramatic impact as automakers introduce the largest ever field of new EVs. But leading the way are the high performance race cars in the ABB FIA FormulaRead More
When the cost and consequences of failure are significant, machined pins and receptacles provide additional reassurance. Machined pin receptacles are precision manufactured solutions that directly contribute to the design of durable, high-reliability connector systems. High-quality, precision-machined pins and receptacles are the very foundation of high-performance connectors used to deliver power and signal in rigorous operatingRead More
