Guidelines for Connector Specification During Product Design Connectors, unfortunately, may contribute to an unacceptably high product failure rate. One reason for this is that connectors are typically a low priority in the initial design phase of the system. This can lead to a design engineer getting boxed in with limited connector space and access ifRead More

Meet the Connector: Nano-D Nano-D connectors, along with micro-D connectors, were developed in the 1970s as a variation of D-sub (D-subminiature) connectors. ITT Cannon (formerly Cannon) holds the trademark for the D-sub and its smaller variants, although other companies have since designed their own versions. Like the micro-D and D subs connectors before it, theRead More

Meet the Connector: Mini-FAKRA Connectors Mini-FAKRA Connectors are a scaled down version of the popular FAKRA connector that is used in automotive as well as personal electric vehicles (PEVs) and light electric vehicles (LEVs) because of their small size and lightweight, which is especially prized in electric mobility applications. Mini-FAKRA High Speed Mini-FAKRA (HFM) connectorsRead More

Meet the Connector: SFP (Small form-factor pluggable) An SFP (small form-factor pluggable) is a hot-pluggable transceiver that allows devices to communicate with one another through data transmission. SFPs provide the required optical or electrical reach via copper or fiber optic cables. SFPs transmit and receive data at the same time, eliminating the need for additionalRead More

Meet the Connector: SMB/SMC Connectors The SMB (Sub-Miniature type B) and SMC (Sub-Miniature type C) coaxial RF connectors were first developed in the 1960s as sub-miniature connectors for fitment on RF cable and equipment. The SMB offers quick connect/disconnect snap-on mating, while the SMC has a #10-32UNF-threaded screw-type coupling mechanism that is suitable for high-vibration,Read More

Meet the Connector: M8 Connector Due to their design and functionality, as well as compact size and reliable connectivity, M8 connectors play a crucial role in a wide range of industries, from industrial automation to automotive applications. M8 connectors are commonly used in industrial settings as sensor and actuator connections. With an 8 mm lockingRead More

What is MIL-Approved Wire/Cable? MIL-approved wire, or MIL-spec wire, is any wiring solution that meets the strict standards developed for use in military applications. As with any military specifications, MIL-approved wire is designed for high performance and high reliability in harsh environments, which also makes it an attractive option for many non-military harsh environment applications.Read More

Understanding how connectors are manufactured can help designers and engineers make the right choices for their product designs. Electrical connectors play a huge role in the ability of electronic devices to perform complex functions in a wide variety of applications. Connectors are continually adapting to accommodate technological advances, meet new standards, withstand harsh conditions, andRead More

Meet the Connector: MTL-DTL-55116 Connectors The MIL-DTL-55116 connector is an electrical connector that has been used for more than five decades to connect audio and radio frequency (RF) devices in military and aerospace applications. It was introduced by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in 1969 to meet the military’s need for robust andRead More

Meet the Connector: Microminiature and Ultraminiature RF Connectors RF (radio frequency) connectors work with radio frequencies in the multi-megahertz range. Technology advanced significantly in the 2000s to meet the demand for inexpensive, high-data-rate wireless transceivers. Wire-to-wire, wire-to-board, and board-to-board micro-miniature RF connectors and ultraminiature RF connectors were developed to work in smaller and smaller devices.Read More

Meet the Connector: USB connectors USB gained popularity due to its compatibility with numerous platforms and operating systems, its low implementation cost, and its ease of use. The connectors are available in a variety of shapes and sizes with an array of features. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard developed in the 1990sRead More

Spring loaded contacts, commonly called pogo pins, are essential in many electronic devices because of their excellent durability, tolerance, and wide range of applications. As the growth of the device market continues, these contacts are finding more use than ever. Spring-loaded contacts or pins, also known as pogo pins, are not just the preferred contact,Read More