Meet the Connector: D-sub Connectors D-subminiature connectors, also called D-subs, are a type of electrical connector used for analog and digital video signals, serial and parallel data transmission, and high-reliability applications. The connector is named after its D-shaped metal shell. James D. Cannon, the founder of ITT Cannon, invented the D-sub. The company introduced theRead More

The search for lead alternatives has brought great innovation to metal work for use in electronics. Learn about advanced machining processes that produce high-quality, precision connector components. By Massimiliano Domeniconi, Vice President of Machine Sales, Mikron Corp. A few years ago, when the first stages of the European environmental law RoHS (Restriction of Certain HazardousRead More

What doesn’t break metals makes them stronger. Learn how the strategic application of stress increases strain hardening and strength in metals. Strain hardening is a common method for improving the strength of an alloy. This process, also called cold work and work hardening, uses deformation to increase the strength of the metal. By subjecting theRead 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

Meet the Connector: ATEX-, Ex-, and IECEx-approved connectors ATEX-, Ex-, and IECEx-approved connectors are connectivity products that have met the guidelines of specific regional directives on health and safety for highly hazardous, explosive operating environments. These products have been certified by the corresponding regulatory bodies to ensure performance under the specified conditions. ATEX-approved connectors areRead More

Heavy-duty and safety-critical applications and their interconnect systems must be designed to resist mechanical stress and environmental conditions without degrading power, signal, or data transmission. Four tests help ensure high reliability. Ruggedization methods and processes apply to the entire design, engineering, and manufacturing cycle in the creation of high-performance connectivity solutions. From choosing high-quality materialsRead More

Meet the Connector: XLR Connector XLR connectors are a type of electrical connector commonly used in professional audio and video (AV) applications, with limited application in medical video technologies and industrial AV equipment. The name “XLR” stands for “eXternal Line Return.” The XLR is sometimes referred to simply as an audio connector. This circular connectorRead More

Development platforms like Arduino and Raspberry Pi enabled an explosion of creativity among electronic designers at every level. Development kits make it easier to design, build, perfect, test, and manufacture electronic products. In little more than a decade since its release, the tiny British single-circuit computer board known as the Raspberry Pi and the Italian controller boardRead More

A conversation with Signal Integrity Evangelist Eric Bogatin. As system speeds continue to rise and new product design cycles shrink, the ability to design circuits that have a high probability of meeting system specifications with the first iteration has become a top priority. Signal integrity (SI) analysis has become an integral part of the circuitRead More

Those colorful connectors behind our TVs, DVD players, stereo equipment, and gaming consoles have been around for nearly a century. Meet the Connector: RCA Connectors The RCA connector is a type of electrical connector comprised of a male plug (RCA plug) and a female jack (RCA jack) used to carry audio and video signals. ItRead More

Analog sensors gather data needed to track the activities and productivity of equipment, predict maintenance and make repairs, and enable the operations of connected systems. Which connectors should be used to connect these sensors? Analog sensors capture important information about the operations of electronic systems and the world around them. In smart factories, connected homesRead More

Meet the Connector: Circular Connector Coupling Types Circular connectors are a mainstay of applications in every market. They are durable, reliable, and available in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and form factors. This product category is highly diverse, with suitable options for many use cases and environments, yet they are all defined very simplyRead More