From data center interconnects and energy-efficient optical networks, this year’s show highlighted advances in coherent transmission systems, photonic integration for AI applications, and intelligent network automation that will reshape global connectivity. The 50th anniversary edition of the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition reflected the enormous growth and enthusiasm for the future of optical networkingRead More

Meet the Connector: Precision RF Connectors Precision RF connectors are used to transmit an RF (radio frequency) signal from one point to another. They are typically used for higher frequencies in test and calibration applications that require high performance. Precision RF connectors are generally broken down into two key categories, instrument-grade connectors (IGC) and metrology-gradeRead More

Connector suppliers share their thoughts on automotive innovations, the role of interconnects, what they drive, and bumper stickers. This week, we thought we’d try something a little different and sent a short list of automotive-related questions to our suppliers to get their thoughts. We asked about the industry, what interconnects play an important role, andRead More

Humanoid robots are a subset of general-purpose robots that include large and small robotic arms that have become an essential enabler of factory automation. The development of humanoids that utilize artificial intelligence is now in the process of blurring the line between man and machine. People have been fascinated for hundreds of years with theRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights Twinax cables from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. Twinax cables Avnet supplies 3M Twin Axial PCIe extender assemblies for PCIe 4.0 applications. This family of cable assemblies includes X8 and X16 connectors utilizing 3M Low Loss Twin Axial Cable 85 ohm, 31 AWG, which is ideal for PCIe applications. WithRead More

Upcoming industry events, as well as recent award, partnership, promotion, personnel, facility, distribution, standards, association, and certification news from across the connector industry. March 2025 Connector Industry News March 2025 Connector Industry News > Personnel & Acquisitions News TE Connectivity entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Richards Manufacturing Co. from funds managed by OaktreeRead More

The interconnect industry’s biggest gathering celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Technologist Bob Hult has attended every one of them. Here’s what captured his attention this year. DesignCon 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of this premier technical conference for designers of high-performance chips and printed circuit board systems. An increasing number of attendees are drawnRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights high-speed cable assemblies from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. High-Speed Cable Assemblies Times Microwave’s LMR cable solution from PEI Genesis features a full range of highly flexible, rugged, low loss braided cables designed for optimal performance. These cables are built for durability and ease of use, offering the fastest andRead More

Generative AI, with its massive training workloads, is having a huge impact on a broad range of technologies and related hardware supply chains. It is nearly impossible to avoid hearing about how artificial intelligence has begun impacting nearly every aspect of our lives. Already, AI is being applied to everything from medical diagnostics to judgingRead More

With unemployment rates low and the connector industry continuing to expand, attracting and retaining qualified workers has become difficult. How can new technologies help manufacturers solve this challenge? Unemployment rates remain steady and low in many regions. Meanwhile, the connector industry continues to expand, making it difficult for companies to attract and retain qualified workers.Read More

Meet the Cable: MTP/MPO Cables MTP and MPO cables are critical components in telecommunication networks and high-speed computing environments such as data centers. These optical cables deliver the higher transmission speeds and larger capacity requirements of cloud computing in the era of big data. MTP and MPO cables have similar appearances, but there are severalRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights Fibre Channel connectors from leading suppliers. Fibre Channel connectors Avnet offers Broadcom Fibre Channel kits that facilitate a simple means to evaluate and experience their products. These fiber optic kits contain all the components and tools required to quickly evaluate and access the value of their products within their respectiveRead More