Copper and fiber cabling runs through the grittiest environments and powers the most rugged electronic applications with the help of protective armor. Behold the armored cable! When rugged conditions are at hand, armoring is ready to protect the wires or fibers inside of a cable —and ultimately protect the entire system. This heroic feature isRead More

Many favorable attributes of fiber optic cables are readily acknowledged. However, a bias against using fiber optics in harsh environments remains. Fiber Optic Cables Fiber optic cables carry many times more data than is feasible over copper-based connectivity. This increased bandwidth is necessary for the highest definition video and other data intensive purposes, but theRead More

Meet the Connector: AOC assemblies Active optical cable (AOC) assemblies were developed to combine the benefits of copper and fiber optic cable assemblies. Copper cable assemblies are known for their ruggedness and reliability, particularly at the connector interface. Copper connectors have multiple points of contact which helps them withstand shock and vibration, and resist damageRead More

Connector material selection plays a critical role in ensuring that automotive connectors deliver reliability and performance over the lifespan of a vehicle. The rigors and extremes these systems are exposed to makes it important for designers to consider many factors to specify the right solution. Electronic architectures in emerging automotive designs demand long-life, rugged connectorsRead More

New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. May 2023 New Connectivity Products May 2023 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Hirose Electric has launched the IT14 Series, a stackable ball grid array (BGA) mezzanine connector designed for high-speed and high-density server applications. The hermaphroditic IT14 Series features a self-mating design to eliminate the needRead More

Billions of electrical connections control various aspects of rail transportation, playing a significant role in global freight and passenger movements. New secure, easy-to-maintain connections help make railways safer. Rail safety depends on multiple factors. Accidents result from human error and track defects, wheels and axles can break over time from heavy loads at high speeds,Read More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights modular rectangular connectors from leading suppliers. Modular rectangular connectors  The N Series of mini modular, high-density connectors from Smiths Interconnect offers a variety of combinations in a single connector frame. It employs a do-it-yourself system based on the building block principle, which allows users to select the connector design thatRead More

Industrial communications strategies are shifting in favor of real-time communications at the field device level, with automation engineers and installers preferring single-pair Ethernet-enabled devices to collect field data. Industrial field device infrastructure trends Industrial communications strategies are shifting in favor of real-time communications at the field device level, with automation engineers and installers preferring Ethernet-enabledRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights sterilizable interconnects from leading suppliers. Sterilizable interconnects   Sterile or aseptic connectors must be sealed to allow devices undergoing sterilization processes to protect their electrical functions from pressurized steam, radiation, and chemicals. The highly pressurized steam of autoclaves delivers the heat – 250 °F (121 °C) – to kill microorganismsRead More

New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. April 2023 New Connectivity Products binder USA offers M12 connectors with all external parts – threaded locking ring, housing, and pressing screw – constructed of stainless steel. The cable clamp is constructed of PTFE, the seal is madeRead More

Designing electronics that leave Earth calls for a more thoughtful approach, from specialized materials to high-reliability form factors to close relationships with space agencies and regulatory organizations. Space-grade connectors can go where no man has gone before. Precision-engineered and specifically qualified, these exceptional interconnects are fit to endure the unique harsh environment conditions of lifeRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-83526 MIL-DTL-83526 (M83526) connectors have consistent and predictable optical performance and are rugged enough to withstand military field applications. MIL-DTL-83526 defines circular, environment-resistant, hermaphroditic interface, fiber-optic connectors. The specification details their characteristics, performance, and testing criteria. As expected, fiber optic connectors perform critical communication functions in the military, so they must beRead More