Humanoid robots running marathons and performing domestic chores are making an entertaining splash on the internet, but robots that work safely and efficiently alongside people are rapidly advancing from sci-fi novelty to everyday reality. Demand is growing for machines that operate in human-centric environments and perform similar tasks as humans (e.g., open doors, navigate stairs,Read More
Meet the Connector: IEEE 1394 Connectors IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial bus that supports both asynchronous and isochronous communication between a computer and a peripheral. It is also known as FireWire, a now-retired Apple interface. It has largely been replaced by USB connectors but is still used with older equipment. This low-cost connector isRead More
Meet the Connector: Hard Metric Connectors Hard metric connectors are a highly standardized, high-density solution for high-speed data and power transmission. The term “hard metric” refers to the exclusive use of standard metric measurements, as opposed to “soft metric” components that use metric dimensions converted from inch measurements. The highly standardized hard metric connectors areRead More
Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. December 2025 Connector Industry News December 2025 Connector Industry News > Award News Weidmuller USA announced that the global Weidmüller Group has earned the prestigious EcoVadis Gold Medal for outstanding commitment toRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights NATO STANAG interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. NATO STANAG Interconnects ITT Cannon’s MKJ Warrior connectors are a reliable interconnect solution that enables critical communication, navigation, and USB data/power for modern soldier applications. The MKJ Warrior Series provides a robust breakaway coupling system qualified to European GOSSRA and NATORead More
New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. December 2025 New Connectivity Products December 2025 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Phoenix Contact’s M17 PRO hybrid connector is the first M17 circular connector in accordance with the IEC standard 61076-2-117. The M17 PRO hybrid combines data, signal, and power transmission in a compact, single-cable solution.Read More
Meet the Sensor: Current Sensors Current sensors detect electric current and generate a signal proportional to that current. The signal, which may be analog or digital depending on the sensor and the application, can be used to display the measured current, stored in a data acquisition system for later analysis, or used for control purposes.Read More
Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. November 2025 Connector Industry News November 2025 Connector Industry News > Event News DigiKey sponsored the 2025 Hackaday Superconference, Oct. 31- Nov. 2, in Pasadena, Calif. The global event brings together hardware hackers, makers,Read More
New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. November 2025 New Connectivity Products November 2025 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. PEI-Genesis offers Trompeter Space-Rated Subminiature RF Connectors from Cinch Connectivity Solutions worldwide. Trompeter connectors have been integral to mission-critical programs, including communications satellites, GPS navigation satellites, and rovers. These high-reliability connectors are specifically designedRead More
Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. October 2025 Connector Industry News October 2025 Connector Industry News > Award News Mouser Electronics announced the 2025 recipients of the Mouser Best-in-Class Awards. Winners are selected using six main criteria: strategicallyRead More
Case Study: The Supply Chain Path Behind Digital Farming Solutions By DigiKey Today’s growers are using innovative technology to combat issues related to rising input costs, climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, and other challenges. Digital farming tools monitor soil moisture, manage fertilizer and watering systems, and strategically guide plant maturation to improve crop yieldsRead More
The Covid-19 pandemic brought about a reexamination of the global electronics supply chain. New strategies were needed to ensure timely access to critical supplies. Now, sensors, the IoT, and AI are helping connector suppliers get products to their customers. During the Covid-19 pandemic, shortages of critical supplies, including electronic components needed for ventilators and otherRead More
