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

The reuse of serial communication cable for IP applications depends on various factors. In a series of comprehensive evaluations, Phoenix Contact set out to test various cables to determine the maximum length through which they could enable IP communications when used as an SPE physical layer and create guidelines for cable reuse. Serial communications forRead More

Meet the Connector: Cable Termination Methods Beyond connectors, a range of termination options exist, from solder to splice. Each method ensures the complete transfer of data and power. Choosing the right one for the application depends on the cable type, operating environment, potential need for future access, and skill level of the assembler. A connectorRead More

A consistent infrastructure, from the control cabinet to the field, can create significant added value in terms of efficiency, safety, and flexibility of production and automation processes. Networking automation and control technology is an important aspect of wiring in the field, also known as field wiring. At the highest technical level, this is a smartRead More

Meet the Connector: Lead Wires Lead wires are two small lengths of wire extending from the pole of an electrical component, such as a resistor, capacitor, or semiconductor device, used to connect the component to a circuit or another component. They may also be called hook-up wires, appliance wires, or simply leads. Lead wires predateRead More

The NBASE-T standard was devised to create lower-cost upgrade paths to boost network performance, achieve multigigabit speeds, while using CAT 5 and CAT 6 cabling already in place. There has always been an imperative to move data more rapidly, to simultaneously reduce the amount of time waiting for data and to handle the increasing amountRead More

Fiber-optic splice boxes ensure continuously reliable data transmission in real-time via fiber optics, enabling cloud-based technologies such as the Internet of Things to bring us to a state of ubiquitous computing. In principle, data does not exist on the internet or in the cloud. Instead, computing activities are housed in end devices such as smartphones,Read More

Can signal integrity (SI) performance be improved by using a connector with a paddle card? In a test case, a paddle card with high SI performance is combined with a low connector height to achieve an ideal solution. Infrastructure telecommunications equipment, such as servers and switches, has become increasingly faster for enterprise computing environments. Therefore, signalRead More

A half century after its inception, this ground-breaking technology is still a major player in the evolving world of connectivity. In May 1973, Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center) researcher Bob Metcalfe sent out a memo that outlined a new broadcast communication network to connect computers within a building. His design used coaxial cable, butRead More

With its ability to dramatically transform data transmission in industrial applications, SPE is redefining the future of secure and reliable network communication across diverse industries. Amid the metamorphosis of industrial connectivity, a remarkable innovation is taking center stage: single-pair Ethernet (SPE). With its ability to dramatically transform data transmission in industrial applications, SPE is redefiningRead 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

Failure-proof cable selection is especially important in dangerous or harsh environments where water, sunlight, temperature extremes, chemicals, dust, or other hazards are present. Failure-proof cable selection starts with an evaluation of how the cable will be used and the environmental conditions that surround the application. This is especially important in dangerous or harsh environments whereRead More