New prototyping tools and processes make custom solutions more accessible and affordable. When an off-the-shelf solution won’t do, a custom connector can be created. Advanced design software and manufacturing tools such as CNC and 3D printing enable suppliers to very quickly create sophisticated prototypes of custom connectors. A few years ago, this would have beenRead More

Collaborative combat aircraft puts new technology into service faster and more cost effectively by pairing unmanned fighter aircraft equipped with the latest weapons, sensors, and battle management systems with older manned fighter aircraft. The collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) program proposed by the U.S. Air Force teams autonomous (unmanned) aircraft with manned aircraft in an effortRead More

Connector customization takes different forms to meet the needs of device manufacturers, designers, and end users. Printing, marking, and keying are forms of customization that get right to the heart of making safe, secure, user-friendly connections. Most technology comes down to having the correct plugs mated to the correct sockets in a way that isRead More

The use of non-standard connectors is more common than most designers think. Many common connectors can be modified to achieve the performance, features, and format needed in high-performance systems. Designers typically try to use standard interconnects in their end products. Most cite availability as to why they stick with standard, off-the-shelf products. However, there are timesRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights custom capabilities from leading connector manufacturers and  suppliers. Custom Capabilities Avnet provides connectors and cable assemblies to meet all requirements for electrical and physical characteristics needed to deliver data, power, and signal. This saves you from having to invest in tooling, manufacturing space, and labor. In the past year, AvnetRead More

Every element of a connector contributes to the success of a design. When selecting an application-specific connector or designing a custom solution, consider how each part contributes to system performance and longevity. The quality of the connection points can be one of the most important aspects of electronic device design. It is critical to strategicallyRead More

The growing benefits and functionality offered by connected or intelligent devices has led to the proliferation of smart connectivity in all sectors. Precision contacts are key to design success. Keys for Selecting an Electrical Contacts Manufacturer for Smart Devices Smart connectivity has become an important function in a vast range of devices. The interconnects thatRead More

Because the electronics market moves so quickly, any opportunity to eliminate delays in the production process is crucial. Significantly speeding up the development of prototypes for testing, qualification, and, ultimately, production is a huge advantage for parts suppliers and their customers. Quick Design for Connector Prototypes Customers’ needs for connector prototypes continue to evolve. ToRead More

To meet the needs of high-frequency and high-performance applications as well as those with smaller, lighter, and more dense packaging, it is often necessary to modify existing connector designs or design completely new connectors. As RF/microwave technologies find increasing use in high-speed digital data exchange applications, the mix of connector and cable technologies included inRead More

Meet the Connector: Custom Connectors Despite the millions of commercial interconnects ready to serve every market and application type, certain situations call for something entirely, or just slightly, new.  When off-the-shelf connectors aren’t the right fit for a new application, custom solutions come into play. Because connectors are often the last consideration in product design,Read More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights AOC/DAC/ACC assemblies from leading suppliers. AOC/DAC/ACC Avnet supplies 3M’s Twin Axial PCIe Extender Assemblies for PCIe 4.0 applications. This family of cable assemblies includes X8 and X16 connectors utilizing 3M Low Loss Twin Axial Cable 85 ohm, 31 AWG, which is ideal for PCIe applications. With their extremely tight bendRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights cable accessories from leading suppliers. Cable Accessories NPG Quick Connect from ABB Thomas & Betts, supplied by RS, allows fast and effective fitting of cable glands without access to the inside of an enclosure, greatly speeding up installation. Features include single piece (no locknut required), fast and simple installation, lowRead More