As part of the Connector Basics series, APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants have introduced us to the phases of new connector development and defined the skills needed for each. In this installment, Bill Garver and George Bedorf discuss the required skills for the manufacturing phase of connector development.   In a previous article, it was suggested thatRead More

In the latest installment in our Connector Basics series, Ed Bock of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants looks at the ability of a contact system to operate in spite of external contamination and contact design considerations for long-term reliability.   For those critical electrical contact applications where the consequences of failure are severe and long-term reliability isRead More

OEMs are hopeful the connectors they specify for end-product designs will be reliable and trouble-free for the life of the product. Unfortunately, connector problems may arise. Ed Reynolds of APEX offers his checklist for recovery after a connector problem. All manufacturers of devices that use connectors are hopeful that the specified connectors will be reliable and trouble-free for theRead More

Press-fit technology is widely applied in multiple automotive applications because it meets the needs of smaller, lighter, more durable components in the latest vehicle designs. The basic principle of a press-fit connection is that a contact terminal is pressed into a printed circuit board (PCB). There are two types of press-fit pins – the solidRead More

In the next article in the “Connector Basics” series, Ed Bock of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants looks at the attributes of silver and explains why it’s a superior finish for high-current applications. Connector designers have a wide selection of finishes to consider for high-current applications, both noble as well as non-noble metals. It is importantRead More

This issue’s “Connector Basics” topic, explained by George Bedorf of APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants, is connector manufacturing process validation. Connectors are made from plastic and metal. The selection of these materials, including metal finishing, along with very precise and detailed mechanical parameters, are described on production drawings and related specifications. Connectors that meet all the specified designRead More

The quality of the joining processes undergone by some connectors can be a key factor in component performance. The latest article in our “Connector Basics” series by APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants covers the basics of connector soldering. Many connectors and related components are subject to joining processes, which primarily involve soldering. Less commonly used joining processes includeRead More

In the latest installment of the “Connector Basics” series from APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants, Bill Garver takes a detailed look at the engineering phase of new product design. This article is part of the “Connector Basics” series from APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants. In a previous article, we suggested that to ensure a successful connector development process and launch, companies need toRead More

In RF and microwave applications, blind-mate connections can be challenging because to maintain a constant and uniform signal between circuit boards or modules, you need specially designed blind-mate connectors. Pasternack’s Steve Ellis explains how to specify coaxial blind-mate connectors. A blind-mate connector is used when access to the connection point is not possible, typically caused byRead More

In this issue, Bob Hult examines the power conundrum: How to design electronic products that require either very high or very low levels of power.   It seems like every day we hear about how the demand for power continues to soar along with a list of potential solutions: The generation of electrical power withRead More

In the latest installment of the “Connector Basics” series from APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants, Bill Garver takes a detailed look at the creative phase of new connector development. This article is part of the “Connector Basics” series from APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants. In a previous article, we suggested that to ensure a successful product development andRead More

Positronic offers insight into medical connectors’ characteristics and regulations to follow to ensure safety in critical applications. Just as doctors need to pass the medical boards, medical connectors are required to pass many tests to ensure that they meet the stringent standards of safety, performance, and reliability required to work in the medical field. They mustRead More