connector basics

Small, Lightweight Connectors Enable Today’s Powerful Optical Electronics

The latest generation of high-tech digital cameras has been sized down for small, lightweight military, medical, and surveillance equipment. High-speed miniature interconnect products make it possible to capture and send images in even the most rigorous operating conditions. High-speed cameras, machine learning, and robotics are changing the world for interconnects that support data services toRead More

PAM4 Signaling Has Become the Preferred Way to Achieve 56+Gb/s Data Transfers

To address performance requirements for next-generation equipment, an ideal solution would be the ability to double the data throughput using legacy hardware. Replacing traditional NRZ signaling with PAM4 is exactly what the industry needs. Design engineers have been dealing with the challenges of ever-increasing data rates for many years. Each iteration of computing equipment requiredRead More

Choosing the Right Board-to-Board Connectors for Your Device

Consider robustness, flexibility, and processing requirements in your design to be confident that you are choosing the right board-to-board connectors for your application. A primary concern for device designers is how to get signal and power to the device in a way that doesn’t interfere with functional goals, such as portability, wearability, or size. ManyRead More

Sensor Technologies Depend on Special Sensor Cables

Although often taken for granted, cable is a critical enabling technology. As connected and smart devices multiply, so does the need for the specialized cables that connect the many types of sensors needed to enable smart and autonomous applications across a broad spectrum of industries. Cables that connect sensors are designed to optimize the performanceRead More

As Demand for Cable Grows, Cable Management Solutions are Expanding

Growing volumes of cable and wire in electronic systems have created a need to create order through cable management accessories such as clips, clamps, tubing, braiding, trays, or more complex integrated connectivity solutions. Demand for cable is growing exponentially as electronic systems and devices expand across every market. As automotive systems add electric and autonomousRead More

Single-Pair Ethernet Helps Industrial Designers Update and Build Systems for Industry 4.0

These simplified, yet powerful SPE connectors will help integrate equipment and buildings into a powerful, data-rich Industrial Internet of Things. The standardization of single-pair Ethernet (SPE) in 2019 enabled designers of industrial architectures to envision new levels of power, data speeds, and reliability for manufacturing facilities, building automation systems, and transportation networks. The IEEE 802.3cg-2019Read More

Five Things to Consider When Specifying RF Connectors for Harsh Industrial Environments

RF connectors that operate in industrial environments must maintain a clean signal under harsh conditions. To specify the right connector, you need to evaluate the particular challenges the application will endure and select a connector that is up to the job.  Understanding the characteristics of the environments in which connectors are to be stored andRead More

Military Programs Use Multi-Port and Cluster Connectors for State-of-the-Art RF Performance

Multi-port connectors reduce system cost, speed installation time, and improve reliability. As 5G technologies continue to develop for commercial and military use, these important connectivity solutions will have greatly increased utilization. The concept of multi-port connectors has evolved from arrays of discrete coaxes to complex assemblies with multiple coaxial contacts, integrated into a single connectorRead More

Choosing the Right PCB Mounting Method for High Shock and Vibration

Electronics that are subject to harsh military and aerospace operating environments require secure mounting. Several popular specifications give designers options. A few weeks ago, I was discussing work with an engineer friend, and we got onto the subject of connectors that are subjected to high shock and vibration loads. Exciting, I know. It all stemmedRead More

Irregular PCB Configurations Require Small Connectors and Creative Solutions

When a traditional rectangular connector isn’t the right fit for a unique PCB shape, engineers must look for a creative solution. Sometimes that solution is a custom connector that can deliver the needed space savings and the reliability required for mission-critical military applications.  By Jim Murphy, International Sales Manager, Advanced Interconnections Corp. The demand for smaller, slimmer,Read More

Top 12 Technology Trends: Copper to Optical Connectivity

This is the fifth installment in a series of articles that address leading technology trends that have had a significant impact on the electronic connector industry over the past 20 years. This latest installment in the Technology Trends series by Bob Hult examines the trends and technologies that have pushed copper to the limits and ushered inRead More

M12 and M8 Connectors: The Perfect Choice for Harsh Environments

Water, dust, and mud present challenging conditions for vehicle and equipment electronics in transportation, agriculture, and other off-road and outdoor operating environments.  Modern industrial operations that feature outdoor installations and equipment depend on resilient and reliable electronic connections to facilitate communications between equipment and operators in harsh environments. Industries such as agriculture, food and beverageRead More

2026 World Connector Market Handbook 2025-2031F
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