A cable tie (also called zip tie, wire tie, or tie-wrap) is a simple engineered fastener commonly used in electronics. It consists of a strap with a row of teeth (a ratchet) on one face and a small housing at one end. When the tail is threaded through the housing, or head, and pulled snug,Read More

Simply put, these assemblies ensure the timing of signals so they function together, not against each other. This synchronization is essential in all applications where signal integrity and accuracy are critical. What are phase-matched cable assemblies? Phase-matched cable assemblies are a set of precisely manufactured and tested RF cables with the identical electrical length (phaseRead More

Copper and fiber cabling runs through the grittiest environments and powers the most rugged electronic applications with the help of protective armor. Behold the armored cable! When rugged conditions are at hand, armoring is ready to protect the wires or fibers inside of a cable —and ultimately protect the entire system. This heroic feature isRead More

Once again, OFC proved to be the premier showcase of high-performance optical and copper interconnects in communication and network applications. The 2023 edition of the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC) roared back to normalcy after the muting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 11,500 participants from 70 countries accessed the latest advances inRead More

To reduce heat and improve speeds, twinax cable assemblies are replacing PCBs in next-generation datacom equipment. The links inside a switch that connect the quad small form factor pluggables (QSFPs) at the faceplate to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) at the heart of the box have become signal superhighways. The capacity and the number of  I/ORead More

Growing interest in robotic soldering within the PCB assembly industry is leading to increased demand for robotic soldering equipment and applications. Learn how this soldering technique can bring production, performance, and cost benefits. Robotic soldering is emerging as a powerful PCB assembly tool. Not only is this method more efficient than hand soldering but itRead More

A new market research report by Bishop & Associates examines this essential electronics market to understand its successes and challenges, plus a forecast for the cable assembly industry’s future. The global cable assembly industry continues to expand at a rapid rate. For 2021, Bishop & Associates recorded incredible growth in every major region. In 2022Read More

The new Class 4 UL classification standard was published in August 2022 in Article 726 of the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), specifically for Class 4 cables intended for use with fault-managed power systems. These requirements cover 60-250 °C (140-482 °F), single- and multiple-conductor, jacketed cables for use as fixed wiring within buildings. Class 4 Power, alsoRead More

Connector Supplier’s latest eBook, 2022 High Speed with Signal Integrity, focuses on the challenges and advances that impact the fast-paced world of data transmission. Experts from 11 leading connector suppliers cover connectivity solutions for signal distortion due to impedance mismatch, crosstalk, attenuation, reflection, and switching; the challenges of maintaining signal integrity in harsh environments; andRead More

How one company provides custom interconnect solutions for its customers. In the rapidly changing world of connectivity, engineers and designers are tasked with finding creative connector and cable solutions that meet specific application requirements while also considering factors such as size, weight, cost, and time. Despite the enormous variety of connectivity options available today, designersRead More

Cable accessories and organization tools enhance system performance and design. Cable is an essential part of electronic systems. As sensors and antennas, battery management systems, and edge computing become integral parts of electronic design, cable content is increasing in products for every market. Adding cable, however, brings more weight, volume, and the potential for electromagneticRead More

Space and weight constraints, environmental regulations, and increasingly complex system requirements are inspiring new wire harness products and versatile interconnect alternatives. Automotive wire harnesses come in thousands of varieties. Some modern vehicles contain close to 40 different harnesses, with up to 700 connectors and more than 3,000 wires. Additional variation is required for wire harnessesRead More