The USB-C connector has quickly moved from consumer applications into harsh environments. With 20 Gb/s data rates and IP-rated sealed variants, this connector can handle industrial conditions and serve in controllers, robotics, and peripherals for the factory floor. A new class of rugged USB-Cs and cables elevates this ubiquitous interface. It’s been nearly two years sinceRead More
Solid-state lighting (SSL) connectors are interconnects developed for LED (and OLED) illumination products. DigiKey described these products this way: “Products in the solid-state lighting connector family are interconnect products designed and marketed with particular focus on the needs of LED-based illumination applications. In general, this implies a focus on low product and assembly costs, predominantlyRead More
Medical devices require connectivity that is safe for operators and patients, while maintaining signal integrity and performance. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are major concerns for electrical engineers in the design and use of electronic equipment. Any environment with multiple electronic devices has the potential for EMI. In the medical arena, which oftenRead More
An ultrasound cable is a multi-conductor micro-coaxial cable assembly that links an ultrasound transducer or probe to the imaging system. It carries dozens to hundreds of individually shielded signal channels between the transducer array and the console. These assemblies are typically custom-built per probe and imaging-system platform, with channel count, conductor gauge, and connectors specifiedRead More
Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. September 2026 Connector Industry News September 2026 Connector Industry News > Event News DigiKey’s annual Back to School Giveaway, which gives U.S. university students a chance to win a $1,000 DigiKey shoppingRead More
New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. September 2026 New Connectivity Products September 2026 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Würth Elektronik is expanding its WE-MCRI product series with the new 1090HL variant (HL = High Leakage), a coupled inductor specifically designed to improve the performance of SEPIC, ZETA, and Ćuk converters. This unique doubleRead More
A first mate-last break (FMLB) connector is an electrical connector engineered so the ground contact connects before any other pins when mating and disconnects after all other pins when unmating. According to Mill-Max, this ensures that the ground path is established before any other power or signal connections are made, eliminating stray currents that canRead More
Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. August 2026 Connector Industry News August 2026 Connector Industry News > Event News DigiKey and Arduino have launched the Dream Lab Challenge to award a custom lab with professional-grade test equipment to theRead More
A manual service disconnect (MSD) connector is a removable, touch-safe high-voltage connector used to manually break the electrical circuit of an electric or hybrid vehicle’s battery pack. It meets the performance requirements of SAE/USCAR-2 and its high-voltage supplement, USCAR-37. Technicians, first responders, and tow operators pull the MSD before servicing a 60–800V system so thatRead More
A cable tie (also called zip tie, wire tie, or tie-wrap) is a simple engineered fastener commonly used in electronics. It consists of a strap with a row of teeth (a ratchet) on one face and a small housing at one end. When the tail is threaded through the housing, or head, and pulled snug,Read More
MIL-DTL-28748 (formerly MIL-C-28748) is a U.S. military specification that defines rectangular, rack-and-panel electrical connectors with non-removable solder-type contacts or removable crimp-type contacts. It is commonly specified for airborne, ground-support, and shipboard equipment as a compact, high-contact-density, multi-source connector interface that is already proven for severe-environment military and aerospace use. Technical Standard MIL-DTL-28748 was first issuedRead More
Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. July 2026 Connector Industry News July 2026 Connector Industry News > Award News Sager Electronics was named Distributor of the Year for 2025 by EAO, 2025 Americas Distributor of the Year by RECOMRead More
