Many manufacturers offer solutions for challenging mil/aero environments with harsh conditions and strict requirements. By Rob Toenies, Product Manager, Newark element14 Connectivity is the lifeblood of today’s technology-driven world. This multifaceted term has many dimensions, referencing technology extending from the internet and data networks to home appliances and devices of all sizes. In the military/aerospaceRead More

Molex examines the benefits of integrated fiber optics vs. copper cable assemblies in mission-critical systems.  Thomas Heller, Account Manager, Aerospace and Defense, Molex The world’s most complex technologies are deployed in critical mission command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. Military and civil aerospace markets cover a spectrum of high-bandwidth fiber optic applications rangingRead More

Critical requirements for modern medical connectors include: safety, reliability, small size, and high-speed performance.  Kirk Hilbourn, Industry Marketing Manager, JAE Being such a small component in the grand design of any medical device, one may assume connectors to be an insignificant part of medical equipment. However, connectors play an enormous role in the proper functionalityRead More

Our portable devices would not be possible without proven connector technologies that facilitate miniaturization and connectivity. By Stephen Capitelli, Manager of Product Engineering, Mill-Max Mfg. Corp. Today’s electronics designers are challenged to find the right balance between reliability, suitability, and cost as they specify the components needed to create successful and competitive products. The firstRead More

Aspects including: cost, environment, vibration, connector density, signal integrity, installation methods, and safety requirements should be key factors when specifying signal connections for industrial applications Loreen Katz, Product Marketing Manager – Industrial Field Connectivity, Phoenix Contact USA Where are signals found in industrial and semi-industrial settings? Everywhere. Devices such as sensors, actuators, switches, valves, andRead More

Products ranging from appliances to vehicles feature crimp contact plug connectors that are hard to access and easy to damage. In the event of a repair, a more durable connector is needed. By Andreas Aigner, Product Development Manager, Würth Elektronik eiSos Although they are really designed for permanent connections, plug connectors with crimp contacts occasionallyRead More

To satisfy evolving application demands, medical imaging interconnects are being designed to deliver higher-speed, higher-bandwidth performance in smaller, lighter, and more rugged form factors capable of higher mating cycles over longer lifetimes. Carl Bunke, ITT Cannon Field Applications Engineer Macro trends, such as an aging population, preventative care, and a shift to less invasive procedures,Read More

Specialized connectors that integrate other components save space and add capabilities. By Julie Carlson, Marketing Manager, LEMO USA Design engineers who create small, portable devices such as those used in medical and military equipment face a challenge: the need to save valuable PCB space. One popular solution is to integrate electronics into a connector. OneRead More

A how-to guide for selecting and successfully implementing high-speed connectors Michael Rock, Engineering Manager – Signal Integrity Products, AirBorn Inc. When designing applications that utilize high-speed interconnects, it’s vital to navigate around all potential speed bumps along the signal’s path. Factors including: stackups, tolerances, via design, trace widths, plating, and copper etching must be understoodRead More

A how-to guide for evaluating and specifying spring probe connectors Gina Prieto, Key Account Director, Smiths Interconnect Connectors that utilize spring probe contact technology offer a number of advantages over those that incorporate other types of contacts, including: enhanced compliance, blind mating, space savings, impressive cycle life (up to 300,000 cycles), and high misalignment tolerances. However,Read More

Opportunities are growing for connectors that can withstand radiation exposure. The term “harsh environment” takes on new meaning when we consider components made for applications that involve radiation exposure. While some of these components must also be able to withstand additional elements, such as ingress by water, chemicals, or particulates, the presence of radiation aloneRead More

Five Reasons to Consider Polycrystalline Ceramic Seals Instead of Glass Seals for Hermetic DC Connectors Rick Kalkowski, Marketing Administrator, PA&E, a Division of Hermetic Solutions Group Advancements in materials give designers new options. Even classic designs such as the venerable DC connector can be updated and improved by considering all available materials. Switching from glassRead More