Technology Trends

OFC 2026: High-Speed Networking in the AI Era

Artificial intelligence has become the primary driver of advanced high-speed copper and optical technology and products. The 2026 edition of the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition filled both the south and west exhibition halls of the Los Angeles Convention Center, with some presentations spilling out to nearby hotel venues. Attendance continues to grow withRead More

5G RedCap Bridges the Gap from 4G to 5G

This streamlined network makes upgrading to a faster network cost effective for companies that want more than 4G but don’t need all the bells and whistles of 5G. The arrival of the 5G mobile network brought several major improvements including ultra-fast speeds (eMBB), ultra-low latency (URLLC), and massive device connectivity (mMTC). Compared to 4G, 5GRead More

Advancing RF Circuit Simulation

From high-speed 5G networks and satellites to connected devices and automotive radar systems, radio frequency systems underpin the essential communication networks shaping our world. Article Contributed by: Shawn Luke, technical marketing engineer for DigiKey RF design demands a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical expertise, and creative problem-solving. Unlike digital systems, where signals are binary andRead More

Built for the Mission: Engineering Interconnects for the UAV Market

Cable and connector assemblies for drones must deliver low weight, high reliability, and serve UAV platforms in both military and commercial markets. The unmanned aerial vehicle market has grown faster than the components designed to support it. For years, UAV designers reaching for high-reliability interconnects had to choose from products originally developed for conventional mannedRead More

VITA 90 VNX+ Ratification Locks in the Next Generation Standard

This new standard defines compact, rugged, modular, open systems architecture for high performance embedded computing that supports RF, video, and optical signal applications. In February 2026, VITA 90 VNX+ ratification marked the culmination of nearly a decade of work since the transition from VITA 74 began. The VITA 90 family of standards defines compact, rugged,Read More

JAE Sponsorship Helps UCI Zotsun Win Its First Award

University students tackle complex engineering challenges in pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and community.  A leading connector supplier is part of the team. Last May, JAE announced its sponsorship of ZotSun, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) solar car project. Both the company and the students involved are reaping the benefits of this partnership. UCI ZotSunRead More

DesignCon 2026

DesignCon 2026 opened the 26th edition of this premier technical conference reflecting the incredible advances in technology and products being driven by artificial intelligence. 2025 was an outstanding year for revenue growth in nearly every segment of the computing equipment and component market including electronic connectors which grew 14.7%, according to Bishop & Associates. ExpectationsRead More

In the Blink of An Eye, From PCIe 7.0 to 8.0

The PCIe 7.0 specification was released in 2025, with speeds of 128 Gigatransfers per second, doubling the maximum rate of PCIe 6.0. PCI-SIG promises to double bandwidth every three years, and last month’s preliminary 8.0 draft release shows that progress is accelerating to meet the high-speed needs of the AI era. In June 2025, PCI-SIG released theRead More

Branch Wiring Simplifies Cabling in Crowded Applications

When there is too much wire and not enough space, branch wiring provides an elegant solution that benefits engineers, designers, manufacturers, and customers. Branch wiring offers engineers and designers a valuable solution for industrial and other applications that require managing lots of wire and cable. Connector Supplier spoke with Nathan Moskal, product manager, and ZacharyRead More

Flexibility and More: Top Nine Benefits of Flat Cable Assemblies

As electronics shrink and applications grow more demanding, flat cables are emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional round wire bundles, offering superior flexibility, space efficiency, and reliability across industries. Article Contributed By Doug Allen and Brian Wang, JPC Connectivity When designing application-specific cable assemblies, most engineers default to traditional round wire bundles. In manyRead More

High Materials Costs Squeeze Connector Manufacturers

The buildout of AI infrastructure and expanding electrification are increasing demand for base metals. Now, unprecedented price increases in the gold, silver, and copper markets are putting pressure on connector manufacturers in a direct challenge to cost structures, pricing strategies, and supply chain resilience. Connector and cable manufacturers are navigating a challenging raw materials environmentRead More

2026 World Connector Market Handbook 2025-2031F
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