Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-24308 Connectors MIL-DTL-24308 connectors are a high-density rectangular I/O electrical connector in the D-subminiature family (named for its distinctive D-shaped metal shell). Also known as M24308s, these compact, high-reliability connectors feature solid machined contacts and come in a versatile range of classes, mounting options, and layout types. M24308s are available in ruggedRead More

Meet the Connector: FAKRA Connectors FAKRA connectors have been a mainstay of automotive connectivity for the past two decades. An average connected car contains at least 15 FAKRA connectors, and these versatile connectors are designed into telematics, GPS navigation, entertainment systems, Bluetooth, cellular, keyless entry, climate controls, radio antennas, safety systems, communications applications, and sensorRead More

Specialized test connectors and equipment help new products meet ruggedness, outgassing, and other performance and compliance requirements.  Instrumentation connector technology is evolving to serve higher speeds and bandwidths, RF technologies (including microwave and mmWave), and the analog-to-digital transformation. Test & Measurement and instrumentation processes have become essential to the development and regulation of equipment usedRead More

COTS connectors have an attractive price point and availability, but they may not hold up to harsh environment challenges. Rigorous testing helps engineers specify non-MIL-Spec connectors that can provide high reliability. By Brian Niehoff Electronic devices are proliferating in harsh operating environments across every industry. As a result, many OEMs require extensive testing on theRead More

Meet the Connector: IC Test Sockets IC test sockets are electromechanical interfaces that have evolved to meet the needs of the booming semiconductor industry. They are used initially to perfect the IC design and later to weed out faulty circuits, all to ensure that the ICs in the final product will perform as intended. InRead More

The shift from tin lead to lead-free solder has created an unintended consequence that has experts exploring multiple avenues for solutions. Soldering is the process used to secure connections on a printed circuit board using metal alloys and heat. The two most common types of soldering are reflow and wave. Traditionally, solder was made fromRead More

Meet the Connector: Terminal Blocks Terminal blocks are connectors used to secure two or more wires to each other (wire-to-wire) or to a PCB (wire-to-board). They consist of an insulated body within a modular housing. Often used in industrial applications, they are appropriate wherever electrical systems need to stay safely connected, organized, and secure. TerminalRead More

Meet the Connector: Push-in Wire Connectors Push-in wire connectors are insulated wire connectors that are used in electrical systems, including commercial and residential lighting, digital signage, and other building electrical systems. They are used in place of traditional twist-on connectors or wire nuts. This connector type is easy to use, enables fast connections, and oftenRead More

Meet the Connector: M12 Circular Connectors M12 connectors are a metric circular connector with 12 mm locking threads used in industrial automation and other harsh environment applications where compact, rugged, and reliable power, signal, and data connections are needed. One of the most commonly specified connectors in the industrial market, the M12 is considered theRead More

A new high-density MT-based optical interconnect is coming soon. With up to four MT ferrules accommodating up to 96 optical channels, VITA 87 brings big bandwidth in a small footprint.     The addition of complex embedded systems to the next generation of multi-functional military equipment is driving a new wave of development in associated components. More speed, greater density, and higher levelsRead More

Meet the Connector: 38999 Connector 38999 connectors are a subminiature high-speed circular connector used for military, aerospace, and other rugged, high-reliability applications. They are also known as MIL-DTL-38999 and D38999 connectors. This connectors are ruggedized and environmentally resistant and feature removable crimp or fixed solder contacts. The 38999 is one of the best-selling connectors inRead More

Meet the Connector: NEX10 Compact Low PIM Coaxial Connectors NEX10 connectors are a small, rugged PIM-stable RF coax connector interface primarily used in datacom installations, including small cell (4G and 5G), building wiring architectures, MIMO, and distributed antenna systems (DAS). These connectors meet the complex needs of 5G and MIMO installations in a small, lightweightRead More