How to Specify

Strategic Connector Selection for Unmanned Military Systems

Drones and other unmanned aircraft play a critical role in military operations. Five key attributes guide military and aerospace designers as they specify interconnects for these systems. The U.S. Army’s vision statement in its 2010–2035 roadmap for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) begins, “Army UAS employed across all tactical echelons supporting Army and Joint operations provideRead More

Single-Action Connectors Simplify Portable Device Designs

Space constraints within small devices create challenges for component placement on the boards. Innovations in ZIF-style flex connectors offer designers a possible solution.   By Jeff Combs, Director of Sales, CE Segment at Hirose Electric USA  Hardware designs for IoT, consumer, modular, and other complex applications often leave limited space for the mating and assembly ofRead More

How PAEK Compares to Glass-to-Metal Sealed Connectors

While the traditional method of glass-to-metal seal (GTMS) connectors serves as an effective hermetic barrier and electrical insulator for a broad spectrum of medical, automotive, aerospace, military, and low-pressure geophysical applications, advanced thermoplastics developed over the past three decades have proven to be a superior solution for the most extreme operating environments. Within the PAEKRead More

Strategic Connector Selection Optimizes Electromagnetic Compliance

Minimizing Electromagnetic Compliance (EMC) is a challenge for designers of digital systems who must pass FCC system tests for radiated emissions. The study of radiated electric field pattern simulations, often used for antenna analysis, helps evaluate the radiation properties of individual interconnects and aid in the selection of properly shielded products. Electromagnetic Compliance By AlanRead More

Innovative Interconnect Solutions to Common Signal Integrity Challenges in High-Frequency, Compact Systems

Insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and noise floor challenge engineers in high- speed systems. New strategies help mitigate these factors and preserve signal integrity. In today’s high-speed electronic systems, achieving optimal system performance requires high levels of signal integrity. However, there are several limiting factors, including insertion loss, return loss, crosstalk, and noise floor. AtRead More

Connectors for Space Applications Require Radiation-Resistance

When designing and implementing connectivity solutions for use in space applications, one crucial consideration is the effect radiation will have on electronic connectors and cables. Three separate but interrelated aspects of this come into play: the radiation itself, atomic oxygen, and outgassing. Space is a unique type of harsh environment. Not only is the combinationRead More

Insulation Displacement Technology Meets SKEDD to Deliver Superior Benefits for Many Industries

From RAST to SKEDD: Insulation displacement technology (IDT) offers solutions for crowded PCBs, including direct mating, flexible placement, compatibility with numerous cable types, and other benefits.  The international terminal block standard for consumer appliances, RAST (Raster Anschluss Steck Technik or Raster Connection Plug Technology) connectors have been in widespread use since their invention in 1986.Read More

How to Source Connectors and Cabling for Industrial Applications

Harsh operating conditions and challenging installation scenarios make it important to specify rugged, reliable, and application-specific interconnects for industrial equipment. Industrial Connectors The extreme temperatures and humidity often present in industrial settings place considerable strain on electronic components and can cause equipment to malfunction. Interconnects used in industrial equipment and systems are also subjected toRead More

Utilizing Solderless Compression Interposers in Harsh-Environment Applications

These interposers are a great alternative to traditional pin-and-socket interconnects in harsh-environment board-to-board or board-to-flex circuit applications. For the vast majority of applications, the pin-and-socket interface remains the contact of choice. Pin-and-socket contacts can be found in just about every application imaginable. But there is another option that should be considered and, in some instances, may be the only option: solderless compression interposers.   Solderless Compression Interposers  Read More

Medical Connectors Need High Precision Medical Contacts for High Performance and Safety

High-performance medical contacts are a critical element in a connector assembly and contribute to the overall performance, safety, and functionality of medical equipment. By Lemco Précision SA Medical Contacts Used in Connectors It’s becoming more challenging to produce medical devices that balance innovation, cost, regulatory compliance, and user-friendliness. To produce effective devices that serve theRead More

Four Key Features to Consider When Choosing Connectors for Vehicles

As transportation technologies evolve, the connectors that have served the industry well for decades are being joined by a new generation of small, lightweight, versatile, and powerful interconnects.  Many connectors for vehicles that designers and manufacturers rely on have been on the market for decades. Modern cars, light trucks, and motorcycles include legacy connectors throughoutRead More

Interactive Design Module Simplifies Customization for Board-to-Board Connectors

Online configuration tools are changing the way we specify connectors. 3D modules help designers create the right product for their application. Board-to-board connectors are designed to connect two PCBs with precisely controlled spacing in between. For example, when customizing a pin header, numerous parameters must be considered, such as number of pins, pin length, andRead More

eBook 2023 The Age of Connected Technology
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