From tiny CubeSats to SpaceVPX satellites, the night sky is full of new constellations. Selecting components that can handle launch stressors, radiation, extreme temperatures, and other space challenges is essential to the mission. In the past three years alone, so many thousands of satellites have been launched into orbit that it’s difficult to gaze intoRead More

High-reliability connectors and cable assemblies play a crucial role in ensuring the functionality and longevity of robotic systems and devices that operate in space, ocean, and downhole environments. Developing robots for deployment in harsh and unforgiving environments, from the depths of the ocean to outer space and everywhere in between, presents a unique set ofRead More

As current space systems advance and new technologies develop, the space industry will evolve drastically over the next few decades. The United States, Russia, and China have major space programs; the EU, India, Canada, Japan, and others are growing their footprint in space; and 80 countries have satellites projects. By 2040, Citigroup expects the globalRead More

Meet the Connector: MTL-DTL-55116 Connectors The MIL-DTL-55116 connector is an electrical connector that has been used for more than five decades to connect audio and radio frequency (RF) devices in military and aerospace applications. It was introduced by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in 1969 to meet the military’s need for robust andRead More

Space deployment involves major engineering challenges. Evaluating risks and potential problems is an essential part of the process when specifying space connectors. Space deployment brings a multitude of major engineering challenges, and an essential part of the component selection process involves correctly specifying space connectors. Before deciding on what high-reliability connectors and cable assemblies toRead More

Meet the Connector: D-sub Connectors D-subminiature connectors, also called D-subs, are a type of electrical connector used for analog and digital video signals, serial and parallel data transmission, and high-reliability applications. The connector is named after its D-shaped metal shell. James D. Cannon, the founder of ITT Cannon, invented the D-sub. The company introduced theRead More

For the companies that make and supply them, testing automotive connectors is an important step in their design and production. Electronics make up over 35% of the cost of a modern car, with tens of thousands of electronic components inside each vehicle. If any of them fail to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of theRead More

Small, lightweight interconnects have given a new generation of unmanned aerial vehicles flight instructions for use in delivery, surveying, agriculture, and other industries. Look up, it’s a commercial drone delivering your neighbor’s new toothbrush. Or at least, that’s the dream. The use of commercial drones for delivery has great potential to reduce the costs, traffic,Read More

Innovations, market trends, and costs influence aircraft design, but safety and security remain an unwavering commitment. Precision contacts play a crucial role in the connector design process. As the transportation industry rebounds from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, market trends, technology innovations, and cost factors are shaping the landscape of new aircraft design.Read More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-83513 MIL-DTL-83515 specifies the requirements for micro-D connectors used in military applications. MIL-DTL-83513 is a detailed specification controlling dimensions, materials, performance, and testing of plastic and metal shell micro-D connectors. This specification applies to micro-D connectors used in military applications, although because of their ruggedness, micro-Ds are also found in many industrialRead More

Few harsh environments are as harsh as oil & gas wells. Connectors and cable assemblies must be tough enough to maintain reliable connections despite extreme high temperatures, severe shock and vibration, fluid corrosion, and more. Micro-Ds and other rugged interconnects play a huge role in today’s oil & gas industry. Since 1859, when Edwin DrakeRead More

Meet the Connector: ATEX-, Ex-, and IECEx-approved connectors ATEX-, Ex-, and IECEx-approved connectors are connectivity products that have met the guidelines of specific regional directives on health and safety for highly hazardous, explosive operating environments. These products have been certified by the corresponding regulatory bodies to ensure performance under the specified conditions. ATEX-approved connectors areRead More