System engineers must balance priorities of reach, thermal management, panel density, backward compatibility, power consumption, multiple sourcing, and cost when selecting optical transceivers. Pluggable I/O transceivers in standardized configurations have proven to be a cost-effective solution to the challenges of creating high-speed optical networks. They have emerged as a leading interface for current and next-generationRead More

As engineers look for ways to improve the efficiency of the data transfer process, PAM4 has emerged as a powerful solution. The ability to double the bit rate without doubling the required frequency allows the use of legacy cables, connectors, and backplanes. We are living in a digital world, but from a computer’s perspective, thereRead More

Two publications, the Bishop Report and Connector Supplier, mark decades of coverage for the interconnect industry. In November 2022, the Bishop Report released its 360th edition, marking 30 consecutive years of publication. This monthly report from Bishop & Associates, founded by Ron Bishop as a market research firm focused on the global connector industry, launchedRead More

In the past, coherent optics have been cost-effective only in extremely long intercontinental and undersea links. Recent advances have made this solution more accessible to designers looking for ways to increase data transfer speeds, extend channel lengths, and grow system capacity. Designers of high-performance computing and telecommunications equipment, as well as internet service providers, areRead More

The ever-increasing demand for greater bandwidth, data density, and reach using less energy has resulted in several new technologies that favor fiber optical channels. Engineers have long recognized the performance advantages of replacing electrical signals with pulses of light. Increased bandwidth capacity and reach, coupled with reduced cable bulk and immunity from external noise, areRead More

Electronic power and signal connectors will play a key role in the exploration, development, management, and distribution of sustainable energy production. A funny thing happened on the way to American energy production independence. Reducing our reliance on not-so-friendly foreign countries for such a critical resource had become a national security priority. Starting around 2009, aRead More

Hyperscale data centers around the globe are in the middle of a foundational transformation that is changing the way data is communicated both internally and externally. Copper cables have traditionally served most network links between servers, routers, and switches. With data centers that are now measured in acres and house several hundred thousand devices, systemRead More

Connector companies demonstrated high-speed, high-performance systems, co-packaged optics, over-the-board cable solutions, and next-generation interconnects at an industry gathering that was nearly normal — except for its April dates.  The 27th edition of DesignCon proved to be the latest example of hope that the world is nearing a new normal post-Covid era. The masks mostly cameRead 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

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

From rabbit ears to streaming sticks and smart TVs, the technologies that bring us broadcast programming expand our access to everything all of the time. This is the 12th and last installment of the Technology Trends series by Bob Hult, a series of articles that review leading technology trends that have had a significant impact onRead More

The rescheduled, relocated DesignCon was heavily impacted by the ongoing pandemic. However, high-speed innovation appears to be unstoppable. Bob Hult shares his observations on the 26th annual event and new connector products introduced. DesignCon 2021 was unlike any of the previous 25 years’ events. The continuing prevalence of COVID-19 resulted in the rescheduling of theRead More