Connector basics

Derating Curves for Connectors

The current carrying capacity of a connector is not a fixed absolute value; it is always the result of a thermal consideration. Since insulating materials, contact springs, and plating systems are specified only up to a certain temperature limit, the permissible current must be reduced as the ambient temperature increases. This relationship is exactly whatRead More

What are EDSFF Connectors?

What are EDSFF Connectors? EDSFF connectors are a family of form factors used by Enterprise and Datacenter SSD Form Factor (EDSFF) drives. This high-speed, high-power, enterprise-grade PCIe/NVMe SSD connector standard was developed by the SNIA (Storage Networking Industry Association) to meet the needs of modern data center design with scalability, density, and thermal performance. This interface is optimized forRead More

What is D-Sub Hardware?

Meet the Connector: D-Sub Hardware Versatile D-Sub (subminiature) connectors are widely used in military, industrial, and other applications in harsh and rugged environments. For many of these applications, reliability and security are paramount, and they require permanent, secure, shielded connections. Securing and protecting D-Sub and Micro-D connectors requires additional hardware. Many accessories are available forRead More

Signal Integrity: More Important than Ever

The process of ensuring signal integrity is not a precise science. Even the tiniest nuance anywhere along a channel can cause reflections, crosstalk, or prohibited levels of emitted radiation. A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, designers of high-speed digital circuits could quickly verify performance by building a physical “breadboard” prototype. EngineersRead More

Electronics vs. the Elements: Mitigating Risk in Harsh Environments

This article is included in Connector Supplier’s latest e-Book, Braving the Elements, a compilation of expert insights into overcoming the performance obstacles electronics face every day in increasingly challenging environments. Download your free copy here.  Manufacturers use the IP rating system to describe the level of protection that their equipment can deliver. IP ratings haveRead More

Seven Considerations for Connector Selection for Industrial and Embedded Systems

Seven Considerations for Connector Selection for Industrial and Embedded Systems The nature of industrial and embedded systems has changed significantly in recent years as equipment is afforded less space and operates with tighter tolerances under harsher conditions. These factors, coupled with the increased data volumes from the rise of IoT, mean the integrity and durabilityRead More

The Benefits of Gold Plating on Connectors

Gold plating offers unparalleled durability and corrosion resistance to interconnects. Learn how gold — or a cost-effective alternative — can impact connector selection. Gold plating has a long history of utility in the connector industry due to its highly effective combination of durability, corrosion resistance, ductility, and electrical conductivity. The material offers stability under aRead More

Open Standards Provide a Path to Innovation

Standards related to electronic devices guarantee interoperability and expands market opportunity for high-volume production that reduces cost and encourages collaboration as well as competition to develop the most effective solution. A universe of standards plays a critical role in the complex world we live in. Imagine having different plugs on your toaster and coffee maker,Read More

Non-Magnetic Spring Probe Solutions for MRIs

Using a spring probe grid array allows designers to customize the number of ground pins used to optimize the performance of connectors used in MRI systems, serving specific frequencies/coil designs, saving size, weight, and cost while maintaining the performance of a coax channel where needed. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) systems provide a clear and detailedRead More

Magnetic Connectors: A Game-Changer in Medical Equipment Design

Magnetic and breakaway connectors are highly valued for their quick-connect and quick-release usability. In medical devices, they enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability in fast-paced environments. In medical equipment, the use of specialty connector types including push-pulls, keyed and coded interfaces, and magnetic connectors can make a difference in quality of care. There’s a direct connectionRead More

RTK Increases the Precision of GNSS and GPS

GNSS and GPS modules are smaller than ever, enabling them to be designed into moving assets, track individual people or animals, and identify precise locations. Yet these systems require coordination with real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections and other technologies to achieve centimeter-level precision. GPS (Global Positioning System) was the first satellite navigation system to be developedRead More

Shielded Connectors Improve Electromagnetic Compatibility

Adding EMI shielding to connectors prevents electromagnetic noise from becoming a problem. Signal speeds in all types of electronic devices have been getting faster and faster as devices from smartphones to medical equipment to automobiles process greater volumes of data. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a type of unwanted noise in an electrical net generated byRead More

2026 World Connector Market Handbook 2025-2031F
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