Updating shipboard communication systems with fiber optics and high-speed technologies requires a bevy of high-performance, specialized connectors for military applications. Advanced communications technologies are a critical focus for naval system developers. As new equipment takes to the seas, connector makers are being asked to provide high-speed components that are simple and easy to use and meetRead More

The possibility of battery-free cell phones poses an existential threat to connector makers — or a new challenge. By Neil Shurtz Ask anyone what the biggest flaw is with their smartphone, and they’ll probably say it’s the battery. Relative to their massively expanded computing power and functionality, cell phones have actually come a long wayRead More

As drones take a larger role in military operations, the pressure is on to reduce size and weight. A new generation of SWaP-optimized connector products will help. By Ann R. Thryft Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are getting smaller and more powerful as the overall miniaturization trend expands across the broad range of military equipment. AlsoRead More

High-performance interconnects that transmit power, data, and signal in military-grade radios, tablets, GPS systems, and headsets are helping military personnel fulfill their duties and get home safely. By Amy Goetzman We’re hearing the term “future soldier” a lot lately. If that sounds like a fancy name for robot, you wouldn’t be entirely off-base; tens ofRead More

Exoskeletons have been around for more than 50 years, but new lightweight materials have spurred growth in therapeutic and rehabilitation products that use compact, rugged connectors. By Caroline Hayes An exoskeleton mimics the insect world’s natural protection. In invertebrates, a rigid external cover protects soft body parts and organs. General Electric and the US armedRead More

As telehealth and telemedicine bring health care to new places, connectors play an important role. As health care costs continue to rise, and many people — particularly those in rural or sparsely populated areas — encounter roadblocks to good health care, consumers are looking for viable alternatives to traditional doctor office visits. One of theRead More

As the Internet of Things expands to link phones, appliances, security systems, and vehicles, manufacturers are looking to one SIM card that can talk to them all. By David Luu, Marketing Manager, GCT Connectors Embedded subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) or embedded universal integrated circuit cards (eUICCs) are integrated SIM chips that cannot be removed fromRead More

Today’s precision farming techniques rely on interconnect technologies. Although agriculture is the world’s oldest and most essential industry, it’s been completely transformed in recent years by modern technologies, many of which depend on electronics. Electronics now play a role in virtually every step of the agriculture process, from weather monitoring to irrigation to storage ofRead More

The Smarter Cities initiative makes connectivity part of the transportation infrastructure. For car commuters, drive time is a period of lost productivity. For those who use mass transit, however, those hours can become part of the workday, enabling employees to flex their schedules, check into meetings from offsite, and communicate with colleagues. All they needRead More

The use of production breaks in aircraft minimizes weight, size, and power consumption. The primary purpose of production-break connectors is to facilitate the ease of installation for long, heavy, complex, multi-leg cable harness assemblies. Without the use of production breaks in the aircraft, it would be virtually impossible to build, repair, or upgrade today’s complexRead More

Trucking industry trends all point to a solid market for high-reliability connectors. Nearly every trend in commercial trucking is fueling increased demand for connectors. The move to hybrid and electric vehicles isn’t limited to automotive. Heavy, long-haul trucks are moving in this direction too, creating a need for high-power connectors. The expanding role of LEDsRead More

The next few years will bring an increasing number of electric cars onto the roads. But not everyone can charge at home. The next few years will bring an increasing number of electric cars onto the roads. But not everyone can charge at home. How are connector companies helping to develop the charging infrastructure neededRead More