Meet the Connector: IPC-620-Space Addendum IPC/WHMA-A-620 is the global industry-consensus standard for cable and wire harness assemblies; the space addendum pertains to technologies used in space and other extreme harsh environments.  It defines workmanship, materials, process, inspection, and acceptability criteria. The IPC-620 Space Addendum is a specialized supplement to IPC/WHMA-A-620, the industry’s primary standard for the acceptability of cableRead More

As system complexity increases and space constraints tighten, a more adaptable solution has become necessary — without compromising the critical electrical performance requirements that make semi-rigid cables the current standard. In the demanding environments of aerospace, defense, and telecommunications systems, reliability is not just desirable, it’s essential. For decades, semi-rigid coaxial cable assemblies have beenRead 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

Many connector companies get their start as family businesses. It’s more unusual for a company to remain in the hands of the founding family after decades of business. Meet Sabrina Brossard, the third generation of the Fischer founding family to lead the group. In June 2023, Sabrina Brossard became president of the board of directorsRead More

Bishop & Associates has tracked the activities of the European connector industry for 41 years. Find out how things went in 2022 and what’s to come in the years ahead. Europe is a vibrant center of great technological innovation. Home to more than 200 connector companies and many more end users of electronic components, it’sRead 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

Circular connectors have represented a major portion of the connector industry for a long time, but new technologies, standards, and product opportunities keep this category fresh. The new World Circular Connector Market Research report by Bishop & Associates details the state of the circular connector. With more than a century of use, circular connectors wereRead More

RF interconnect solutions are critical in mobile 5G communications networks. New solutions help seamlessly power these essential communications networks when traditional networks are disrupted by disaster. 5G technologies deliver high data speeds, ultra-low latency, enhanced reliability, enormous network capacity, and increased availability. Mobile connectivity solutions make it possible to provide essential communications in disaster situationsRead 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

Innovative RF interconnect designs, address specific needs not fulfilled by standard designs such as the SMP connector. The aerospace and defense industries count on dependable, durable RF systems for mission-critical electronics applications such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) systems, SATCOM and communications systems, electronic warfare (EW), missile guidance, and more. These systems must be highlyRead 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. The MIL-DTL-83526 specification 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 theyRead More

Meet the Connector: Spring Probes (Contact Probes) Spring probes, also called contact probes or spring-loaded probes, are an essential component in the testing of electronic components. In Test & Measurement applications, they are used to make contact with test points, connecting the DUT (device under test) with the test equipment. Spring probes are also usedRead More