Meet the Connector: TNC Connectors A threaded variant of the BNC, this RF connector is favored for applications in which vibration or shock is present. TNC connectors are a threaded version of the popular BNC, a circular radio frequency connector used to connect RF cables and devices. Its 7/16″-28 threads can be tightened to reinforceRead More

From high-speed 5G networks and satellites to connected devices and automotive radar systems, radio frequency systems underpin the essential communication networks shaping our world. Article Contributed by: Shawn Luke, technical marketing engineer for DigiKey RF design demands a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical expertise, and creative problem-solving. Unlike digital systems, where signals are binary andRead More

Cable and connector assemblies for drones must deliver low weight, high reliability, and serve UAV platforms in both military and commercial markets. The unmanned aerial vehicle market has grown faster than the components designed to support it. For years, UAV designers reaching for high-reliability interconnects had to choose from products originally developed for conventional mannedRead More

Meet the Connector: Triax Connectors By adding a third conductor, these high-performance RF connectors work with triaxial cable to increase signal integrity and reduce noise in high-precision applications in busy environments that call for increased shielding. A triax connector (also called a triaxial connector) is a specialized coaxial connector that adds a third conductor — essentially aRead More

DesignCon 2026 opened the 26th edition of this premier technical conference reflecting the incredible advances in technology and products being driven by artificial intelligence. 2025 was an outstanding year for revenue growth in nearly every segment of the computing equipment and component market including electronic connectors which grew 14.7%, according to Bishop & Associates. ExpectationsRead More

For decades, the subminiature push-on connector has been a mainstay of RF applications. However, in complex architectures, the SMP interface had challenges in blind mating situations. A solderless coax connector presents an alternative. Article Contributed by Smiths Interconnect The landscape of high-speed radio frequency (RF) interconnects is continuously evolving, driven by the need for enhancedRead More

Capable of transmitting RF signals from DC to 40 GHz from antenna to receiver, semi-rigid coaxial cables and assemblies ensure optimal performance, reliability, and durability in a broad range of mission-critical military and aeronautical systems. Article Contributed by CDM Inc. Semi-rigid coaxial cables and assemblies ensure optimal performance, reliability, and durability in a broad rangeRead More

A look at the origin, features, and applications that make radio frequency connectors a critical component in military and communications equipment. By PEI-Genesis Radio frequency or RF connectors are specialized components that secure connections between coaxial cables and electronic equipment used in telecommunications, broadcasting, aerospace, military communications, medical devices, and industrial devices. Their primary roleRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-PRF-39012 Connectors MIL-PRF-39012 connectors bring high reliability to a wide range of RF devices and assemblies such as amplifiers, transceivers, filters, antennas, and more. Previously referred to as MIL-C-39012, this standard defines the materials, quality conformance, qualification, and verification for coaxial connectors. As industries continue to adopt high-reliability coaxial cable assemblies, MIL-PRF-39012Read More

Quantum engineers must consider the complex needs of today’s computing systems as well as plan for future needs as performance expectations inevitably scale up. Three areas of consideration help guide component selection. Article contributed by SV Microwave The field of quantum computing is undergoing a rapid evolution with the arrival of new material innovations, softwareRead More

Wireless communication has become woven into every aspect of our daily lives, making it crucial to design systems with reliable components — and to keep counterfeits out of the equation. From transportation logistics networks and Smart Cities to emergency services and air traffic control, wireless communication continues to transform every industry and aspect of lifeRead More

Meet the Cable: Coaxial Cables Their design was first used in 1858 and patented by mathematician Oliver Heaviside in 1880, yet these reliable and cost-effective cables are still widely used to transmit data, video, and voice communication. Today, they are even used for power in certain applications. Coaxial or coax cable is used to transmitRead More