These interposers are a great alternative to traditional pin-and-socket interconnects in harsh-environment board-to-board or board-to-flex circuit applications. For the vast majority of applications, the pin-and-socket interface remains the contact of choice. Pin-and-socket contacts can be found in just about every application imaginable. But there is another option that should be considered and, in some instances,Read More

The VITA 67 standards define the RF connector modules used in VPX architectures. Learn more about these important standards, including the latest, VITA 67.3. Embedded computing is a critical part of many military and aerospace applications. Along with the proliferation of these applications, the VITA OpenVPX standards have also enjoyed growing popularity with increasing numbersRead More

Meet the Connector: ARINC 600 Rack and Panel Connectors ARINC 600 connectors are a standardized rack and panel connector used primarily for avionics applications. This modular packaging standard provides mechanical, electrical, and environmental interfaces between line-replaceable units (LRUs) and racks or cabinets. The ARINC 600 connector takes the form of a rectangular molded insulator inRead 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

Transitioning to the use of DC power throughout data centers can reduce component count and costs, deliver higher reliability, and improve energy efficiency. It’s no secret that the dedicated use of direct-current (DC) power in data centers results in reduced component counts and costs, greater reliability, and vastly improved energy efficiency. We’re not quite thereRead 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

Also known as shells, backshells, blocks, or bodies, these sub-components are much more than just a simple piece of metal or plastic. Housings are the metal or plastic portions that encompass the raw connector. They may also be referred to as shells, backshells, blocks, or bodies. But let’s not oversimplify things. These sub-components are muchRead More

New optical cables, advanced modulation technology, and improved high-density multi-fiber connectors mean that we may be closer than ever to the Shannon Limit. Copper PCB traces and cables have ruled the world of high-speed data transmission by continuing to find ways to reduce signal attenuation, distortion, and sensitivity to external interference. Long predicted to beRead More

Crimp tools are used to produce a reliable, long-lasting joint between the connector and cable, an essential termination process for optimum connector performance. Here’s how to choose the right one for your application. When a crimp tool is used to terminate a cable with a connector, two crimps take place at the same time. OneRead More

After more than 50 years of miniaturization, the transistor and Moore’s Law may be nearing their technical and economic limits. However, new innovations in silicon photonics promise to extend the evolutionary timeline into the future.  This is the eleventh in a series of articles that review leading technology trends that have had a significant impactRead More

Ethernet is an ideal technology for automotive applications because of its extensive bandwidth, ability to handle high-speed data, security advantages, high reliability, and efficiency. By Chief Enterprises The connected car is a concept that has propelled the automotive industry into the future. The technologies that enable today’s automobiles to communicate with systems in other vehiclesRead More