Meet the Connector: Heat sinks Heat sinks provide thermal management in electronic or mechanical devices for components that can’t sufficiently dissipate heat to moderate temperature. For example, they are used to cool central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) in computers, with power transistors and other high-power semiconductor devices, and for optoelectronics suchRead More

Meet the Connector: Push-pull Connectors Push-pull connectors are circular connectors that have a spring-action cylindrical sleeve surrounding — or within — the integral connector housing that self-latches during mating. The connection is released through a squeeze-and-pull, rotate-and-pull, or other specific unlocking action that prevents accidental disconnection. Push-pull circular connectors are available in numerous sizes, voltages,Read More

Meet the Connector: Loopback Cables A loopback cable is a diagnostic tool for testing the functionality of a physical port in networking systems. They are used to assess and resolve any issues with a network interface or network interface card (NIC) without linking to an external device. The loopback cable simulates a network connection. ItRead More

Meet the Connector: EN3645 and EN3646 Connectors EN3645 and EN3646 connectors are named for European technical standards (EN). They are similar to MIL-DTL-38999 Series III and MIL-DTL-26482, respectively. They have additional requirements, specifically in terms of performance under lightning strikes and resistance to fluids. Scoop-proof EN3645 connectors were created for broad use in a wideRead More

Meet the Connector: HSL/High-Speed Link Connectors HSL/High-speed link connectors are used to facilitate high-speed data communication between different components within electronic systems, such as computers, servers, telecommunications equipment, and other digital devices. The term HSL refers to a broad category of high-speed, high-performance interconnects that are capable of supporting data rates that can reach multipleRead More

Meet the Connector: QLS Connectors QLS connectors are a type of circular cable connector jointly designed by IMS Connector Systems and Telegärtner to offer a quick-locking alternative for the threaded SMA connector. It is designed for quick and easy mating and unmating without the need for tools. This can be particularly useful in scenarios whereRead More

Meet the Connector: NMD (Network Measurement Division) Connectors NMD (Network Measurement Division) connectors are used specifically in network measurement equipment and setups. The name for these precision connectors was coined by Agilent Technologies, the Hewlett Packard business unit that produced the Agilent 8510A and 8720A analyzers and was spun off in 1999. These connectors areRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-26482 Connectors The MIL-DTL-26482 specification outlines the requirements for two series of miniature circular harsh environment connectors. These input-output (I/O) connectors are used to connect systems that require electrical power and signal, such as aircraft, ground vehicles, radar systems, shipboard applications, or mobile power-generation systems. MIL-DTL-26482 (originally MIL-C-26482) was developed in the1950sRead More

Meet the Connector: VGA Connectors A VGA (Video Graphics Array) connector is a standard interface used to connect a desktop computer, medical monitor, signage display, projector screen, or other video-generating device to a monitor or display screen. The VGA interface is now considered a legacy connector. It was introduced by IBM in 1987 and becameRead More

Meet the Connector: DIN Standard Connectors The German standards organization DIN is behind the quality, safety, and interoperability of electronic components used around the world. The term “DIN connector” refers to a wide range of connectors that adhere to standards set by the Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) or German Institute for Standardization. DIN standardsRead More

Meet the Connector: ARINC 801 ARINC 801 connectors are precision fiber optic, multi-channel connectors and termini designed for harsh environments and high-speed, high-performance data transfer. They comply with ARINC 801 specifications and 38999 Series III standards. They feature removable alignment sleeve retainers and have the advantage of fitting standard D38999 shells. Guide pins simplify installationRead More

Meet the Connector: Busbars A busbar is a metallic strip or bar used to conduct electricity from a power source (such as a transformer or generator) to various electrical loads. “They are a simple, cost-effective way to transfer and distribute current. These are the easiest, most straightforward way. Power in, split it out,” said Waytek’sRead More