Meet the Connector: Backplane Connectors Backplane connectors, or simply backplanes, are a type of board-to-board connector. The name backplane comes from their early use in mainframe computers because they were located against the back of the computer case. Today backplane connectors are generally used in top-of-rack switch applications or hybrid hard drive (HHD) clusters. ExpansionRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights Environmental RJ45 connectors from leading suppliers. Environmental RJ45 Connectors The HARTING RJ Industrial MF series supplied by Heilind is characterized by easy tool-free assembly and a robust metal housing. The highlight of the new RJ45 series is the integrated blades, which shorten the individual strands to the correct length whenRead More

Sleek designs, subtle colors, and hidden locations help connectors blend in when applications need to look good or not be seen at all. A visible connector is easier to mate than a hidden connector. Color coding, accessible positioning, and LEDs help operators make the correct selection in environments where multiple cables and ports are present.Read More

For harsh environments, such as avionics and defense, key issues related to high temperatures, vibration, and shock must be considered to maximize the efficiency of optical technologies. For two decades, the need for ever-increasing capacity and speed to move data through our electronic devices has generated the deployment of millions of kilometers of optical fiberRead More

But what does 2023 hold for connector sales? Bishop & Associates’ Ron Bishop takes a look at the technologies and markets that use connectors to give us some clues about what the year ahead will bring. The final connector industry sales results from 2022 are coming in, and preliminary sales figures for the year showRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights fiber optic connector products for military applications from leading suppliers. Fiber Optic Connector Products for Military Applications Optical fiber cables offered by Axon’ Cable are compatible with a wide range of standardized contacts or connectors, including ARINC801, MIL, ST, FC, and LC connectors. Insulated with materials such as fluoropolymers (ETFE,Read More

Connector companies play a big role in advancing the technology behind electric powertrains and battery management systems. The Formula E race series showcases the progress in the high-performance vehicle market. The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship electric car racing series is a proving ground for electric mobility, advancing the technology for everyday use asRead More

The increasing demand for mobile tactical power and communications capabilities presents new interconnect and cable assembly design challenges. The increasing demand for mobile tactical power and communications capabilities for military use presents new interconnect and cable assembly design challenges. In addition to demanding the utmost in durability and universal connectivity, military requirements make the optimizationRead More

Meet the Connector: ECU Connectors ECU Connectors, also called PCM connectors, are used to connect different types of controllers, particularly in vehicle applications. An electronic control unit (ECU) or electronic control module (ECM) is an embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a car or other vehicle. OneRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights USCAR-approved interconnects from leading suppliers. USCAR-Approved Interconnects The MX72 squib connector from JAE is a controlled miniature explosive device integrated into an air bag or mechanical retraction system for the SRS. When the sensor detects a collision, an electric current flows through the igniter and the gas generator (inflator) isRead More

New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. January 2023 New Connectivity Products  January 2023 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. binder USA expanded its series 707 portfolio with an M5 connector designed for use in exceptionally small spaces. With 360° shielding, the new connector provides reliable signal transmission in industrial environments exposed to electromagneticRead More

The growing use of cluster RF I/O ports is a big contributor to prevailing trends toward more streamlined cell tower assemblies. Affordable 5G cell tower upgrades require antennas that can handle more bandwidth in the same tower slots as their 4G predecessors. To achieve this, the needed number of RF ports per antenna I/O panelRead More