Electric terminal manufacturers utilize a good portion of their engineering resources to develop new products or improve existing terminals for the automotive industry. Sam Francois of ETCO examines the keys to choosing heavy-duty terminals for automotive applications.   Problems within a vehicle’s electrical system have long plagued the automotive industry. One of the most common areas forRead More

Everywhere you turn, you can find LEDs in almost any lighting form factor, and connections are more challenging than a screw-in light bulb. Andrew Bogaczyk of Phoenix Contact explains how to connect LEDs and why the connection counts.   LEDs continue to dominate the lighting marketplace; everywhere you turn, you can now find LEDs in almost any formRead More

In our continuing series on connector basics, Bill Garver of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants examines the final step of the connector development process: How to successfully launch a new connector product.   In a previous “Connector Basics” article, we discussed how manufacturers must optimize the talents of their employees so that critical needs are addressed to ensure a successfulRead More

M-style connectors come in various forms and sizes. Binder explains how to specify M-style connectors and the benefits of using an industry-standard connector.   M-style connectors are a standard connecting solution for sensors and actuators in industrial network applications. They are designed to withstand harsh environments while providing reliable data and power transmission to automated machinery.Read More

Ensure optimal performance in demanding environments with these tips on how to specify industrial fiber optic cable from Kyle Mrkva of Belden.   Fiber optic cabling is applicable in any industrial environment where high-speed, high-bandwidth data solutions are needed. It can be used for campus and in-building data backbones to anchor an operation’s Ethernet, andRead More

Never underestimate the importance of contact/housing retention mechanisms. Serious issues can arise if contacts are not assembled properly or if the retention device is not robust.   Connectors retain their electrical contacts within an insulating housing. Some retention mechanisms are more reliable than others. Serious issues can arise if the contacts are not assembled properlyRead More

New silver alloys address the issues of durability and conductivity through a fundamental difference in crystalline structure. Dr. Bob takes a closer look at nanocrystalline silver contact platings.   Two papers* were published last year that introduced nanocrystalline silver alloy contact platings – one a silver-palladium alloy and the other silver-tungsten. Both papers cite theRead More

Erich Reichenbach of Reichenbach International Inc. offers tips on how to specify connectors for drones, which require versatile, lightweight, and reliable components that perform in demanding environments.   Connectors for drone applications must be small, lightweight, rugged, reliable, and versatile, as they are exposed to a variety of demanding environments. Here are some factors to consider when specifyingRead More

Ed Bock of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants explains how to increase contact performance by pre-stressing to achieve greater strength and expanded dynamic range.   In examining the consequences of residual stress that develop in a contact beam subjected to stresses beyond the material’s elastic limit, we can see how residual stress may be beneficial, or if not properlyRead More

Selecting the right power connector will maximize efficiency in distributed power architectures.   Efficiency is the holy grail of today’s power system architectures. Higher-voltage DC distribution has its advantages and is gaining traction, but the utility of universal AC input with active PFC and attractive full load efficiencies continues to address complex load requirements. ThisRead More

With such a variety of power connectors from which to choose, C2G has put together a short guide to power connectors to make your selection quick and easy.   Power connectors allow electronic devices to connect to available power outlets. Power cables can carry either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). An example of ACRead More

With so many risks in and options for connecting tubing in medical applications, it is important to have a simple and repeatable strategy for selecting the best connector solution. Here are CPC’s four tips for choosing fluid connectors.   Choosing the right fluid connectors can improve patient safety and user convenience while maximizing sealing and flowRead More