Today’s FAKRA connectors perform up to 6GHz and meet the rugged mechanical and environmental requirements of the automotive industry. Higher Frequency RF Adds to System Complexity Vehicles are incorporating an ever-increasing amount of telecommunications technology, ranging from data I/O to safety systems, that involves wireless connectivity for cellular, short range, and broadcast capabilities. These connectedRead More

Connectors associated with automotive applications have recently been a bright spot in the overall connector market, but are likely at the early stage of an incredible growth curve. Bishop & Associates recently reported the global connector market grew 4.1% in 2016 over 2015, while the automotive connector segment expanded by 8.1%, totaling nearly $13 billionRead More

Check out this week’s product roundup for information about some of the latest and greatest high-current and high-voltage connector and cabling products.   High-Current and High-Voltage Connector and Cabling Products Designed to provide a more reliable, cost effective alternative to terminal blocks in high-power applications, including: inverters, energy storage systems, and construction, manufacturing, and powerRead More

Check out this week’s product roundup for information about some of the latest and greatest hermetically sealed connectors.   PA&E’s Hermetic 38999 BMA (Blind Mate Attach) RF/Microwave Connectors deliver high-speed solutions in harsh environment applications. Rated for operating temperatures spanning -65°C to 200°C, the series features industry-standard MIL-DTL 38999/23 Series III shell interfaces with #8Read More

Two conferences highlighted the ongoing changes in wiring, thermals, backplanes, and many more connector technologies. Bob Hult provides the buzz from VITA’s 2017 Embedded Tech Trends forum, and then another look at DesignCon 2017.   Embedded computers have existed in the shadow of much larger computer markets for commercial and communication applications. Unlike general purposeRead More

See below for updates about new product introductions and distribution news.   Product News TE launched new Sliver internal cabled interconnects. Designed to provide one of the most flexible solutions in the market for making I/O connections on the board, this new technology simplies design and helps lower overall costs by eliminating the need forRead More

Check out this week’s product roundup for information about some of the newest and most impactful USB product solutions available.   USB Products TE Connectivity’s USB Type-C connectors offer one of the smallest dual-row SMT footprints available on the market. The compact, splash-proof, mid-mounting receptacles deliver 25% space savings, industry-leading EMI and IP4X-rated ingress protection,Read More

Several trends were apparent at last week’s DesignCon 2017 conference. Foremost among them was the advance of copper solutions that include wiring as an alternative to PCB traces.   DesignCon 2017 opened amid a thoroughly drenched Bay Area, but did not deter more than 5,000 attendees to this premier exhibition of leading edge electronic design,Read More

Technical sessions at DesignCon 2017 in Santa Clara will examine next-generation technologies for speedy, compact connectors, while booths on the show floor will give users a place to see the newest commercial implementations for a broad range of applications.   The soaring demand for more data is putting pressure on connector makers who need toRead More

Interconnect News for January 2017   Events DesignCon will return to the Santa Clara Convention Center January 31 – February 2, 2017. In addition to technical paper sessions, industry panels, product demos, and exhibits from leading industry experts and solutions providers, this year’s conference will offer a range of programming dedicated to the education andRead More

Robots are rolling into new applications, from personal companions to an expanding industrial base. Their complexity and ranges of motion make rugged connectors a pivotal component. Mention robots to most people today and they think in terms of humanoids similar to those featured in movies such as Star Wars and ExMachina. Few would think thatRead More

GM is investing $1 billion in US factories, possibly foretelling a strong market for industrial products. Record setting robot sales also portend growth for connector makers that focus on the severe demands for ruggedized components.   A General Motors plan to invest $1 billion in its US factories may herald an expansion in manufacturing. TheRead More