An update on activities related to SPE standardization and implementation in industrial and automated applications. Single-pair Ethernet (SPE) promises to revolutionize industrial applications with speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gb/s) over a single pair. Yet there are still questions surrounding standardization and the benefits of SPE when compared to industrial RJ45 and otherRead More

Integrated connector modules (ICMs) are making it possible to build or upgrade networks to support the higher speeds and bandwidths of 5G and the higher volumes of data traffic that are coming with full implementation. By Bel Magnetic Solutions As the installation of 5G infrastructure continues to advance, more consumers are gaining access to theRead More

In 2021, the 62368-1 safety standard took effect, requiring that interconnects in AV and ICT equipment provide new levels of protection for users. As digital technologies proliferate in consumer spaces, infiltrating nearly every aspect of life, product safety is a greater priority than ever. Standards are evolving to encompass recent advances made in consumer devicesRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights wire-to-board connectors from leading suppliers. Wire-to-Board Connectors Allied Electronics & Automation supplies Molex KK connector systems. The KK connectors are customizable for a variety of power and signal applications. Available in industry-standard 2.54, 3.96, and 5.08 mm pitch sizes, this single-row, wire-to-board, and board-to-board product family is cost-effective and versatile. KKRead More

Careful materials selection and specialty outgassing processes help reduce volatile gases present in connected systems. On Earth, our concerns about outgassing center on the impact of particulate chemicals on human health. The synthetic materials in petroleum- and chemical-based products such as plastics, furniture, carpet, paint, and adhesives release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other airborneRead More

Small, lightweight, and wearable doesn’t cut it for designers of e-textiles. New flexible, conductive fabrics make wearable electronics even more comfortable and connected. The continuous downscaling of connectivity products has opened up new possibilities in the world of e-textiles. In this emerging area of electronic design, engineers have moved beyond small and lightweight wearables that can be attachedRead More

Bob Hult looks at how a commitment to backward compatibility, choice of copper and fiber optic media, and adoption of new signaling protocols have enabled Ethernet to keep pace with increasing bandwidth demands. This is the eighth installment in the Technology Trends series by Bob Hult, a collection of articles that review leading technology trends thatRead More

Sometimes a custom connector design will remain a limited-use product. Other times, it may become a popular proprietary connector. In some instances, the evolution continues and the connector experiences widespread use as a commercial or open-source product. This is the eighth installment in the Technology Trends series by Bob Hult, a collection of articles thatRead More

Connectors that have demonstrated reliable performance in the tough medical market help designers achieve first-pass regulatory approvals. These selections can be invaluable when it comes to successfully balancing stringent regulatory compliance with fluctuating market trends. Design engineers, sales reps, and connector manufacturers all understand the complexity of medical designs and the need for long-term, high-reliabilityRead More

Copper cable beats wireless connectivity for high-speed applications, and fiber optics beats copper for the amount of data that can travel quickly. Consider connector and cable design options and test carefully to select the right components for your high-speed application.  We continue to find new ways to push more and more high-speed data through ourRead More

In 1991, the new Mercedes S-Class debuted as an engineer’s luxury sedan with dozens of innovations, including the first automotive CANbus on a production car. What started in luxury is today indispensable. Cars with internal combustion engines are essentially mechanical devices that, in theory, need little to no electronics to operate. Gasoline engines require sparkRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights rectangular Mil-Spec connectors, as well as a few connectors based on Mil-Spec designs, from leading suppliers. Rectangular Mil-Spec Connectors  ITT Cannon’s D*MM Series MIL-DTL-24308 Class-G D-Subminiature connectors provide rugged power, signal, and data solutions designed for mission-critical harsh-environment applications including military and commercial aircraft, aviation equipment, aerospace launch vehicles, andRead More