From tiny CubeSats to SpaceVPX satellites, the night sky is full of new constellations. Selecting components that can handle launch stressors, radiation, extreme temperatures, and other space challenges is essential to the mission. In the past three years alone, so many thousands of satellites have been launched into orbit that it’s difficult to gaze intoRead 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

This week’s Product Roundup highlights push-pull connectors from leading suppliers. Push-pull connectors Avnet supplies the ix Industrial IP6X Rectangular Push-Pull connector and cable from Amphenol Communications Solutions. The ix provides Cat6A Ethernet connectivity using the IEC 61076-3-124 mating interface and full sealing to IP65, IP66, and IP67 specifications. While intended for use in industrial ethernetRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights D-Sub connectors from leading suppliers. D-Sub Connectors Avnet supplies TE Connectivity’s AMPLIMITE family of D-subminiature connectors. These D-subminiature connectors are the most popular type of input/output (I/O) connectors in use today. Established and proven, they are rugged, easily used, and have been widely adopted in standards for serial communications, telecommunications,Read 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

This week’s Product Roundup highlights waterproof/sealed connectors from leading suppliers. Waterproof/Sealed connectors Quick Lock USB 3.0 connectors by Omnetics Connector Corporation are sealed inside a rugged, battlefield tested and proven IP67 housing to ensure users achieve the highest levels of reliability while meeting USB 3.0 high-speed digital expectations (up to 5.0 Gb/s). These connectors useRead More

Meet the Connector: Micro Circular The push to make mil/aero electronic equipment smaller and lighter for easier portability while maintaining its necessary ruggedness requires smaller, lighter, rugged connectors. Enter microminiature and nanominiature circular connectors. Micro or nano circular connectors feature smaller pin and jack diameters and the pins are spaced more narrowly. This reduces theRead More

The size, weight, and power (SWaP) initiative has helped connector manufacturers focus on improving smaller and lighter connectors. Custom designs help make these goals achievable. Modern electronic design dictates that our circuits do more in smaller packages but we still need reliable power and signal transfer. The military and aerospace sector has been particularly influential;Read More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights overmolded assemblies from leading suppliers. Overmolded assemblies Nicomatic specializes in cable overmolding to provide optimal protection for electronic assemblies. Two overmolding options are available: flexible overmolding made of silicone-based resin and rigid overmolding achieved through low-pressure injection and hotmelt. Nicomatic’s solution follows MIL-STD-83513 performance standards, meets the constraints of severeRead 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

Smaller medical devices need miniaturized interconnects to achieve greater functionality and portability in medical diagnostic, monitoring, and surgical equipment. Patients want home-based monitoring, fewer clinic visits, lower costs, and shorter hospital stays. Physicians want more precise data and mobile care for difficult to reach or underserved regions. These trends have driven demand for compact, portableRead More