Meet the Connector: What is the fieldbus protocol? A fieldbus is a serial bus system used to exchange data between different system components over long distances and under high external load. Fieldbus is a communication protocol used in automation and control systems to facilitate real-time data exchanges between different connected devices and equipment. For example,Read 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

Meet the Connector: Microminiature and Ultraminiature RF Connectors RF (radio frequency) connectors work with radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range. Technology advanced significantly in the 2000s to meet the demand for inexpensive, high-data-rate wireless transceivers. Wire-to-wire, wire-to-board, and board-to-board micro-miniature RF connectors and ultraminiature RF connectors were developed to work in smaller and smaller devices.Read More

Meet the Connector: USB connectors USB gained popularity due to its compatibility with numerous platforms and operating systems, its low implementation cost, and its ease of use. The connectors are available in a variety of shapes and sizes with an array of features. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard developed in the 1990sRead More

Meet the Connector: Compression Connectors Compression connectors are interconnect devices that rely on pressure to make a secure connection. Compression may occur with the use of a tool; through the turn of a compression nut that is part of the housing, or through another mechanism. A wide variety of connector types may be described asRead More

Meet the Connector: Single-Pin DC Connectors This common barrel-type plug is widely used in portable devices ranging from consumer radios to basic medical devices. But it’s not as simple as it looks. The term single-pin DC connector (also called single-pole connector) typically refers to a circular or barrel-shaped plastic connector with one electrical terminal orRead More

Meet the Connector: Custom Connectors Despite the millions of commercial interconnects ready to serve every market and application type, certain situations call for something entirely, or just slightly, new.  When off-the-shelf connectors aren’t the right fit for a new application, custom solutions come into play. Because connectors are often the last consideration in product design,Read More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-32689 MIL-DTL-32689 is a relatively new MIL-spec defines high-density, lightweight circular connectors that are well-suited for military and aerospace applications because of their quick disconnection, tri-start threaded coupling, and environment-resistant features. MIL-DTL-32689 provides multi-sourcing for Mini/Micro-D38999 Series III connectors, miniature versions of MIL-DTL-38999. At about 70% lighter and typically 50% smaller than D38999 connectors with similar contactRead More

Meet the Connector: Low-PIM Connectors Low-PIM connectors are specialized RF connectors designed to reduce passive intermodulation distortion (PEM) or interference, which can occur when multiple signals interact within a connector. These unwanted frequencies can cause degradation in signal quality and impair performance. Maintaining high signal integrity is critical, as signal distortion caused by intermodulation canRead 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

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

Meet the Connector: XLR Connector XLR connectors are a type of electrical connector commonly used in professional audio and video (AV) applications, with limited application in medical video technologies and industrial AV equipment. The name “XLR” stands for “eXternal Line Return.” The XLR is sometimes referred to simply as an audio connector. This circular connectorRead More