Consumers treat USBs roughly — there’s no way around it in the constant cycle of plugging and unplugging, so these ubiquitous connectors are up to the challenge. But as USBs move into even more rugged environments (and into the hands of ever-younger consumers), tough new versions are ready. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is theRead More

As we place sensors in more rugged environments and extend their uses beyond flat mounting applications, nano-circular connectors and round cable rise to lead in solution-based design strategies. New data-acquisition and information-monitoring technologies have given rise to a completely new field of high-speed image detectors, material sensors, pressure monitors, and even inertia monitors. Today, drones,Read More

Specialized test connectors and equipment help new products meet ruggedness, outgassing, and other performance and compliance requirements.  Instrumentation connector technology is evolving to serve higher speeds and bandwidths, RF technologies (including microwave and mmWave), and the analog-to-digital transformation. Test & Measurement and instrumentation processes have become essential to the development and regulation of equipment usedRead More

COTS connectors have an attractive price point and availability, but they may not hold up to harsh environment challenges. Rigorous testing helps engineers specify non-MIL-Spec connectors that can provide high reliability. By Brian Niehoff Electronic devices are proliferating in harsh operating environments across every industry. As a result, many OEMs require extensive testing on theRead More

Transitioning to the use of DC power throughout data centers can reduce component count and costs, deliver higher reliability, and improve energy efficiency. It’s no secret that the dedicated use of direct-current (DC) power in data centers results in reduced component counts and costs, greater reliability, and vastly improved energy efficiency. We’re not quite thereRead More

Also known as shells, backshells, blocks, or bodies, these sub-components are much more than just a simple piece of metal or plastic. Housings are the metal or plastic portions that encompass the raw connector. They may also be referred to as shells, backshells, blocks, or bodies. But let’s not oversimplify things. These sub-components are muchRead More

Modular connectors are increasingly popular in data center architectures, where engineers are looking for ways to lower server costs, reduce cooling costs, and optimize power to keep up with the rising data demands of the digital age.  Data centers are surging. So are their energy needs. One large data facility can consume as much electricityRead More

Ethernet is an ideal technology for automotive applications because of its extensive bandwidth, ability to handle high-speed data, security advantages, high reliability, and efficiency. By Chief Enterprises The connected car is a concept that has propelled the automotive industry into the future. The technologies that enable today’s automobiles to communicate with systems in other vehiclesRead More

Trends driving collaboration between medical device and connector manufacturers include increased demand for safety and regulatory compliance, disposable solutions, high-resolution imaging capabilities, and durability. The quality and reliability of electronic equipment for the medical industry is vital, as human life and safety depend on it. This formidable responsibility not only impacts the device manufacturer, butRead More

Core rail interconnect innovations have supported transportation industry goals to provide faster, safer, and more comfortable services. By Chiara Pieri, Marcom Manager, Tom Kannally, Product Specialist – Connectors, Riadh Gazdallah, Commercial Connectors Product Manager, Smiths Interconnect The need and desire for faster, safer, and more comfortable rail services has grown significantly in the past twoRead More

Rail and other connected mobile systems depend on control devices that meet specific UL guidelines. Coordinating components can maximize actual achievable voltage levels. Power and control devices for mobility applications are designed with specific application voltage ratings in mind. The components used to electrically connect these devices to mobile equipment, from elevators to rail systems,Read More

When an interconnection network is inserted within a transmission line between an IC device and the attaching PCB, the connectors used must provide superior electrical performance while also meeting a range of mechanical requirements. Integrated circuits have transformed electronic device design. Integrated circuits, also called ICs or semiconductor devices, have enabled designers to continually increaseRead More