GNSS and GPS modules are smaller than ever, enabling them to be designed into moving assets, track individual people or animals, and identify precise locations. Yet these systems require coordination with real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections and other technologies to achieve centimeter-level precision. GPS (Global Positioning System) was the first satellite navigation system to be developedRead More

Approaching the physical limits of traditional silicon chip technology, many predicted we would soon witness the death of Moore’s law. Multi-chip advanced packaging and the rise of silicon photonics offer a path to resuscitation. Not long ago, the consensus among many engineers was that the practical limits of shrinking semiconductor chip features had been reached,Read More

Adding EMI shielding to connectors prevents electromagnetic noise from becoming a problem. Signal speeds in all types of electronic devices have been getting faster and faster as devices from smartphones to medical equipment to automobiles process greater volumes of data. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a type of unwanted noise in an electrical net generated byRead More

What are Push-pull Connectors? Meet the Connector: Push-pull Connectors Push-pull connectors are circular connectors that have a spring-action cylindrical sleeve surrounding — or within — the integral connector housing that self-latches during mating. The connection is released through a squeeze-and-pull, rotate-and-pull, or other specific unlocking action that prevents accidental disconnection. Push-pull circular connectors are availableRead More

Meet the Connector: Busbars A busbar is a metallic strip or bar used to conduct electricity from a power source (such as a transformer or generator) to various electrical loads. Busbars provide connection points for electrical devices, such as circuit breakers, fuses, switches, and other components that are mounted directly onto the busbar or connectedRead More

Meet the Connector: Switch-Rated Plugs & Connectors Switch-rated plugs and connectors are specialized electrical components designed to facilitate the safe connection and disconnection of electrical devices or equipment under load. Unlike conventional plugs and connectors, which may pose risks of arcing or electrical faults during switching operations, switch-rated variants are engineered to reduce the dangersRead More

Common connector types used in medical technologies are also specified for data centers, communications equipment, industrial systems, MIL-aero designs, and other high-reliability, high-performance markets. Every component choice matters in the high-stakes design of medical devices and equipment. The electronic connectors specified for medical technologies aren’t always specific to this market, however. In fact, as medicineRead More

A surgical device manufacturer needed a connector with a mixed configuration of power and data contacts to pair with a 12-foot silicone overmolded cable assembly, making autoclave sterilization difficult. FMLB connectors met the challenge. To choose the best connector for a medical device, a designer must move through a maze of often conflicting requirements. ARead More

The range and expansion of electronic applications today has extended the need for analysis and preparation of circuit designs to survive new operating settings in extreme harsh environments. Navigation electronics that have been employed in automobiles for navigating our city streets are now playing a role in deep space exploration. As technologies move into newRead More

Bishop & Associates is the electronics industry’s best resource for insights into the interconnect industry, including deep dives into key suppliers, products, and markets. See 2023’s full roster of reports. Bishop & Associates has kept a close watch on interconnect industry for more than 30 years, providing connector manufacturers, OEMs, and investors with critical insightsRead More

Guidelines for Connector Specification During Product Design Connectors, unfortunately, may contribute to an unacceptably high product failure rate. One reason for this is that connectors are typically a low priority in the initial design phase of the system. This can lead to a design engineer getting boxed in with limited connector space and access ifRead More

Meet the Connector: Mini-FAKRA Connectors Mini-FAKRA Connectors are a scaled down version of the popular FAKRA connector that is used in automotive as well as personal electric vehicles (PEVs) and light electric vehicles (LEVs) because of their small size and lightweight, which is especially prized in electric mobility applications. Mini-FAKRA High Speed Mini-FAKRA (HFM) connectorsRead More