What is multimode cable?   Meet the Cable: Multimode Cable Multimode cable is a type of fiber optic cable designed to carry multiple light modes or paths simultaneously, enabling high-bandwidth data transmission over relatively short distances, commonly used in data centers and local area networks. Optical fibers were first developed in the 1950s and 1960sRead More

Meet the Connector: HSL/High-Speed Link Connectors What are HSL/high-speed link connectors?  HSL/High-speed link connectors are used to facilitate high-speed data communication between different components within electronic systems, such as computers, servers, telecommunications equipment, and other digital devices. The term HSL refers to a broad category of high-speed, high-performance interconnects that are capable of supporting dataRead More

What are MIL-DTL-26482 connectors?                                            Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-26482 Connectors The MIL-DTL-26482 specification outlines the requirements for two series of miniature circular harsh environment connectors. These input-output (I/O) connectors are used to connect systems that require electrical power and signal, such as aircraft, ground vehicles, radar systems, shipboard applications, or mobile power-generation systems. MIL-DTL-26482 (originally MIL-C-26482)Read More

The challenges of space are extreme: Outgassing, UV radiation, vacuum and oxygen conditions, and the unique harsh environment factors of low Earth orbit require careful consideration in component selection. Humanity launched the first rocket into space in 1949 and in the decades since, we’ve sent manned space shuttles, stations, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, probes,Read More

New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. March 2024 New Connectivity Products  March 2024 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Hirose  Electric’s back flip FPC/FFC connector lineup now includes the TF07V Series. This 0.5 mm pitch version with dual contact functionality simplifies flex routing. The space-saving TF07V has a height of only 2.1Read More

Meet the Connector: Expanded Beam Connectors Datacom and telecom systems originally relied on physical contact fiber optic connectors, which worked well in data centers and other controlled, protected locations. As the need for this type of connection extended to rugged environments, such as civil and military aerospace, military ground applications, naval systems, industrial sites, andRead More

Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. Jan 2024 Connector Industry News Jan 2024 Connector Industry News > Award News DigiKey ranked #121 on the Forbes 2023 list of America’s Largest Private Companies. This is the second consecutive year theRead More

Meet the Connector: SMB/SMC Connectors The SMB (Sub-Miniature type B) and SMC (Sub-Miniature type C) coaxial RF connectors were first developed in the 1960s as sub-miniature connectors for fitment on RF cable and equipment. The SMB offers quick connect/disconnect snap-on mating, while the SMC has a #10-32UNF-threaded screw-type coupling mechanism that is suitable for high-vibration,Read More

In the history of electronics, few single initiatives have been so universally embraced as the Matter protocol. This new standard seamlessly connects IoT devices in a smart home, and healthcare devices are next. One of the defining technologies of the late 20th century was the IoT (Internet of Things). Today, its network of connected nodesRead More

Meet the Connector: Test & Measurement Connectors As systems become more complex and integrate more functions on a circuit. semiconductor testing has become a particularly significant area for connectors used in Test & Measurement. Test equipment measures the electrical or mechanical properties, performance, and behavior of components or systems. Connectors of all types are subjectRead More

New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. July 2023 New Connectivity Products  July 2023 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Smiths Interconnect released its highly anticipated space-qualified version of the KVPX connector series. This significant advancement reinforces the company’s commitment to meeting the rigorous demands of the defense & space and commercial aerospace industries.Read More

Meet the Connector: Low-PIM Connectors Low-PIM connectors are specialized RF connectors designed to reduce passive intermodulation distortion (PEM) or interference, which can occur when multiple signals interact within a connector. These unwanted frequencies can cause degradation in signal quality and impair performance. Maintaining high signal integrity is critical, as signal distortion caused by intermodulation canRead More