Today’s cars include sophisticated networks that control safety, entertainment, and communication in addition to vehicle performance, and all these systems need to talk to each other. Here, we look at how to specify an in-vehicle network connector.   Today’s vehicles increasingly employ sophisticated networks to control a number of vehicle functions, ranging from engine controlRead More

Installing fiber optic networks in harsh environments, such as on the factory floor, requires special considerations. Here, Berk-Tek explains how to specify water-resistant fiber optic cable for demanding applications.   Fiber optic cables have become an integral part of applications such as data centers, local area networks, telecom networks, industrial Ethernet, and wireless. Each applicationRead More

With even the most common applications constantly evolving, specialized connector designs are required on a regular basis. Here, AMETEK explains the process of how to specify custom circular connectors.   Considering the connector industry’s global sales of more than $50 billion, you would be excused for thinking that a connector design exists for every conceivable application. However, the competitive nature of theRead More

Over the last three decades, a myriad of optical connectors have come and gone, but small form factor connectors are making the choice easier these days. Molex offers tips on how to specify small form factor optical connectors.    In a maturing market, there are clear winners that prove superior and push out competing technologies.Read More

Restrictive connector terminal solutions can be an issue when specifying aluminum wires for automotive applications.   In light of time-to-market issues in the automotive industry, aluminum is the best option for reducing the weight of the electrical distribution system and harnesses. Aluminum has been used in battery and power applications in premium cars for some time.Read More

Choosing the right material combinations for a specific application can mean the difference between success and failure. Richard Orstad of Fralock presents a primer on how to specify electrical insulating material.   There are hundreds of decisions required when designing mission-critical electromechanical components. In each of these decisions, choosing the right material combinations for a specificRead More

M-style connectors come in various forms and sizes. Binder explains how to specify M-style connectors and the benefits of using an industry-standard connector.   M-style connectors are a standard connecting solution for sensors and actuators in industrial network applications. They are designed to withstand harsh environments while providing reliable data and power transmission to automated machinery.Read More

Ensure optimal performance in demanding environments with these tips on how to specify industrial fiber optic cable from Kyle Mrkva of Belden.   Fiber optic cabling is applicable in any industrial environment where high-speed, high-bandwidth data solutions are needed. It can be used for campus and in-building data backbones to anchor an operation’s Ethernet, andRead More

Rectangular connectors are commonly used in automotive applications, but the industry has unique requirements. Phoenix Contact offers tips on how to specify rectangular connectors for automotive applications. Rectangular connectors have long been used in industries where a harsh environment is standard operating procedure. These connectors need to meet a variety of specifications, including a high IngressRead More

As we begin to expand usage of USB 3.0 to reap the many benefits, we must pay attention to how the connectors and cables affect circuit operation. Here, Omnetics’ Bob Stanton explains how to use USB 3.0 connectors and cables.   As we begin to tap into the potential of USB 3.0 speeds that run upRead More

Erich Reichenbach of Reichenbach International Inc. offers tips on how to specify connectors for drones, which require versatile, lightweight, and reliable components that perform in demanding environments.   Connectors for drone applications must be small, lightweight, rugged, reliable, and versatile, as they are exposed to a variety of demanding environments. Here are some factors to consider when specifyingRead More

FCI’s Stephen Smith explains how to specify high-speed backplane connectors so your system will work now as serial data rates increase to beyond 25Gb/s, as well as into the future.    Despite the dire predictions of folks in the optical camp, armies of copper users continue to design systems that can transmit information at dataRead More