connector basics

High-Speed Connectors Usher in New Era of Communications Technologies

Inventive humans have always sought better, faster methods of communications. Today’s high-speed communications are enabled by high-speed cabling and connectors that are rapidly evolving to give us connectivity on a level we couldn’t imagine only a few years ago — and that will inevitably be left in the dust by future iterations. For centuries, innovatorsRead More

Waterproof Pogo-Pin Connectors for Portable and Wearable Medical Applications

Small portable and wearable medical technologies give patients and healthcare providers a safer, more flexible tool for collecting vital biometric data and delivering care. These devices handle the harsh operating conditions of the home and clinic with the help of pogo-pin connectors. As the medical world turns to technology to deliver healthcare in new ways,Read More

Design Considerations, Tips, and Techniques for 5G Coaxial Interconnects

The adoption of 5G devices comes with an increase in performance pressures for connector technologies. Miniature coaxial connector products in microstrip and stripline versions are rising to meet stringent performance, space, and cost objectives. By Alan Kinningham, SI Design Team Manager, Travis Amrine, Global Industry Marketing Manager, and Adam Nagao, Signal Integrity Engineer – R&D,Read More

ICM Solutions for 5G Cellular Networks

The arrival of 5G networks compels designers to consider new connectivity strategies, including supporting technologies such as integrated connector modules (ICMs). Designers should consider four key questions when selecting components for 5G applications.  The fifth generation of broadband standard, 5G, will deliver the high speeds, low latencies, and abundant bandwidth needed to open up countlessRead More

Mil-Spec Pins and Sockets Directly Contribute to Rugged, Reliable Defense Connectors

Precision-manufactured pins and sockets designed with both MIL specs and applications in mind provide superior reliability and durability in harsh-environment defense applications. These contacts are critical building blocks for military connectors that must perform under pressure on land, at sea, and in the skies above. By Steve Smashey, President, and Mike Conte, General Manager, SOSRead More

Top 12 Technology Trends: PCIe Specification Roadmap Evolves in Tandem With Increasing Bandwidths

A new generation of the PCIe specification is arriving this year, just in time to keep up with the growing demand for data fueled by 5G, cloud computing, AI, and other data-intensive connected technologies. This seventh installment in the Technology Trends series by Bob Hult, a collection of articles that review leading technology trends thatRead More

USB4 is Coming to a Device Near You

In 2021, we’ll see USB4 begin to appear in computing products and peripherals. The latest iteration of the USB standard will be fast and backward compatible. In the connector world, upgrades usually mean two things: higher speed and more power. This time around, the arrival of a new USB connector also means more compatibility. InRead More

2020 Interconnect Innovations eBook

In this eBook, 29 suppliers with decades of proven experience developing innovative interconnect solutions share in-depth engineering insights and product highlights for our increasingly interconnected world. The articles and products collected here are all aimed at helping designer engineers overcome obstacles and satisfy the unique connectivity demands of new and rapidly evolving applications across virtuallyRead More

Four Key Features to Consider When Choosing Automotive Connector Systems

Legacy connectors have served automotive connector systems through many design evolutions. Now, however, as new technologies make it possible to design safer, smarter, and greener cars, a new generation of connectors is needed to serve these systems. Vehicle designers and manufacturers rely on many connector systems that have been on the market for decades. EvenRead More

New Technologies Force Heavy Equipment OEMs to Rethink Connector Solutions

As new technologies are introduced in transportation, agriculture, and heavy equipment markets, traditional connector choices are being challenged. Are M8 and M12 connectors still the right choice? By Mike Schreiner, DC Solutions Engineering and Market Development Manager, Phoenix Contact USA Should heavy equipment OEMs try to wedge traditional connectors into new digital technologies or shouldRead More

Magnetic Connectors: The Latest in Hybrid Connectivity for e-Mobility Applications

Hybrid magnetic connectors provide the same power and signal capabilities as traditional connectors in a robust, self-aligning, zero-force, self-mating interface designed to address the needs of various e-mobility applications. Hybrid magnetic connectors with self-locating designs offer an innovative alternative to standard mechanical coupling connectors for powering and light electric e-mobility vehicles (LEVs) such as wheelchairs,Read More

The Importance of Manufacturability in New Connector Product Designs

When new or custom connectivity products are the right solution for a design challenge, connector suppliers must meet complex design requirements and develop efficient manufacturing processes to produce high-quality products at a reasonable cost. Manufacturability is a critical consideration in the design of a new connector product. In addition to supply chain factors such asRead More

2026 World Connector Market Handbook 2025-2031F
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