As 5G installations continue to roll out, momentum around the fifth-generation broadband brings design challenges and opportunities in equal measure. The proliferation of data-intensive new technologies that rely on high-speed data delivery means the arrival of 5G connectivity is right on time. These technologies transmit and receive huge volumes of data at speeds we’ve neverRead More

How one company provides custom interconnect solutions for its customers. In the rapidly changing world of connectivity, engineers and designers are tasked with finding creative connector and cable solutions that meet specific application requirements while also considering factors such as size, weight, cost, and time. Despite the enormous variety of connectivity options available today, designersRead More

In equipment destined for the extreme conditions of aerospace, military, medical, and other critical markets, sealing technologies can impact the performance of not just a single connector but an entire system. Sometimes a custom connector with a hermetic seal is the best solution. Commercial aviation and military aircraft markets are undergoing a period of greatRead More

Automotive Ethernet interconnect solutions need to be miniaturized, lightweight, modular, optimized for high-speed automotive systems, and compatible with automated assembly processes.  Connectivity is enabling safer, greener, and more enjoyable driving experiences. As connected car technologies within vehicles continues to rise in support of these features, so too does the amount of data that has toRead More

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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