Meet the Connector: CAT 6 Cable CAT 6 is a twisted pair cable for Ethernet-based computer networks. It is used in phone lines, PCs, televisions, CCTV cameras, and other networking devices. CAT 6 (Category 6) is the standard for the sixth generation of twisted pair cable for Ethernet-based computer networks. Following CAT 5 and CAT 5e, the specifications for CAT 6 are more stringent for crosstalkRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-83526 MIL-DTL-83526 (M83526) connectors have consistent and predictable optical performance and are rugged enough to withstand military field applications. MIL-DTL-83526 defines circular, environment-resistant, hermaphroditic interface, fiber-optic connectors. The specification details their characteristics, performance, and testing criteria. As expected, fiber optic connectors perform critical communication functions in the military, so they must beRead More

Meet the Connector: USCAR-Approved Interconnects USCAR connectors are part of a wide range of interconnect products that meet the specifications of the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), a collaborative automotive research company founded in 1992 to “strengthen the technology base of the U.S. auto industry through cooperative research and development.” Comprised of aRead More

Meet the Connector: SC Connector SC fiber-optic cable connectors are widely used in optical network applications, such as internet and cable TV.  The name comes from the shape (square connector), although it is actually a rectangular connector. The name may also refer to standard connector, subscriber connector, or stick-and-click connector. The SC connector features aRead More

Meet the Connector: ISOBUS ISOBUS specifies a method of interoperability between electronics systems for agricultural and forestry equipment — greatly simplifying the process of connecting equipment from different manufacturers. ISOBUS, or ISO11783, is the standard that specifies a method of interoperability between electronics systems for agricultural and forestry equipment. Technical development of the standard beganRead More

Meet the Connector: DIN Rail Terminal Blocks DIN rail refers to a mounting system in the form of globally standardized long metal strips used to attach electrical and industrial control products in equipment cabinet racks. The DIN Rail itself is a mechanical component support with no connective or conductive capability. DIN stands for Deutsche InstitutRead More

Meet the Connector: Spring Probes (Contact Probes) Spring probes, also called contact probes or spring-loaded probes, are an essential component in the testing of electronic components. In Test & Measurement applications, they are used to make contact with test points, connecting the DUT (device under test) with the test equipment. Spring probes are also usedRead More

Meet the Connector: Backplane Connectors Backplane connectors, or simply backplanes, are a type of board-to-board connector. The name backplane comes from their early use in mainframe computers because they were located against the back of the computer case. Today backplane connectors are generally used in top-of-rack switch applications or hybrid hard drive (HHD) clusters. ExpansionRead More

Meet the Connector: Hyperboloid Contact Technology The hyperboloid contact was invented in 1956 by Francois Robert Bonhomme for railway applications. Connections for lighting and ventilation in train cars were not secure due to the high amount of shock and vibration, which caused frequent interruptions. In the 1960s, as the technology advanced and was patented, companiesRead More

Meet the Connector: ECU Connectors ECU Connectors, also called PCM connectors, are used to connect different types of controllers, particularly in vehicle applications. An electronic control unit (ECU) or electronic control module (ECM) is an embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a car or other vehicle. One side of the connector interfaces with the ECU (orRead More

Meet the Connector: Bulkhead Mount Connectors The term bulkhead mount refers to the mounting style of the connector. In this case, it is the method used to attach a connector to a product casing, enclosure, or panel from the front or rear side. Normally, it involves a threaded body or a push-pull device. The connectorRead More

Meet the Connector: Micro-D Connector The tiny but mighty micro-D connector is half the size of a standard D-sub yet delivers rugged and reliable performance in commercial and military applications.  Micro-D (and nano-D) connectors were derived from D-sub (D-subminiature) connectors in the 1970s. Their compact design led to their early popularity for use in computers.Read More