DSEI 2017 in London Offers a Preview of Defense and Security It will be hard to find a safer place on the planet than London’s ExCeL convention center next week. That’s when Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI), a global gathering of more than 34,000 defense industry professionals from more than 100 countries, takes overRead More
Shielded micro- and nano-sized cables save space and weight in portable electronics. By Bob Stanton, Omnetics Connector Corporation Design teams are constantly demanding higher density connections to increase the functionality of each part of their instruments. The problem is, the amount of space available for the internal wiring systems required to route signals from oneRead More
The petroleum industry relies on rugged, high-temperature connectors to control down-hole drills. By Bob Stanton, Omnetics Connector Corp. Electronic sensor and detector systems in the gas and oil industry have become more versatile and capable than ever before. However, their use in down-hole applications has been limited because temperatures in many new producing regionsRead More
Nano-D connectors rival their larger Micro-D counterparts in portable, high-density, ruggedized electronics By Bob Stanton, Omnetics Connector Corp., www.omnetics.com New military electronics are continuing to embrace more portable, higher-density ruggedized electronics. Rapid deployment of electronic ground troops, hand-launched surveillance drones, as well as geophysical tracking and reporting systems have taken control of the battlespaceRead More
Check out this week’s product roundup for information about some of the latest and greatest ruggedized I/O connector products. Amphenol FCI’s Boltrack™ I/O connectors offer high power delivery capabilities, desirable signal integrity and surge resistivity, EMI shielding, and lightning protection. Ideal for use in a wide range of applications across the industrial, telecom, networking,Read More
Connector suppliers are actively working to improve the medical interconnects required to support advanced patient monitoring, diagnostics, and treatment equipment designed to reduce the overall cost of patient care. Such devices span digital stethoscopes, scanners, lasers, and pain management products to neuromodulation implants, probes, and digital displays. The medical industry is enjoying a dramatic increase in theRead More
Check out this week’s product roundup for information about some of the latest and greatest miniature connector products. Designed to meet rugged requirements for aerospace and defense, test and measurement, oil and gas, marine, and commercial air applications, TE Connectivity’s two-row, nanominiature Nanonics connectors deliver ultra-compact, weight-saving solutions qualified to MIL-DTL-32139. The wired products featureRead More
Joint efforts ensure compatible products from multiple sources The complexity of high-end electronics creates many opportunities for hardware and/or software problems, while pricing and time to market pressures create problems for those tasked with setting up the supply chain. For the connector world, the merger of these trends often means that second sources needRead More
Looking for a high-speed solution for any number of applications? We’ve gathered the latest products from your favorite suppliers in one roundup to make your decision easier. High-Speed Product Roundup Weidmuller introduced a line of RJ45 Ethernet connectors that are the only two-piece Ethernet connectors that do not require any cable stripping or crimping forRead More
Incredible advances in processor and memory technology have mandated shrinking all other electronic components from chip capacitors to connectors and the circuitry that joins them. The connector industry has responded to these challenges by introducing new classes of high-density microminiature connectors. A basic pillar of the electronics industry has been its ability to stuff more functionality inRead More
Space technology for electronic systems has evolved to meet the needs of long-range performance in extreme physical and environmental situations. From launch to deep space travel, the demands can be daunting, considering they cannot fail and cannot be repaired. On August 6, 2015, the world sat still, quietly awaiting word of a Mars landing,Read More
Industry 4.0 is the point where automation, the Internet of Things, wearables, and customization converge. “Industry 4.0” is still a bit of a buzzword, but it gets closer to realization every day. Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution. In earlier articles, we discussed the first (industrialization), second (mass production), and third (IT integration)Read More
For the latest announcements from manufacturers, distributors, event organizers, and others, check interconnect news for January 22, 2016. Connector Manufacturers ABB announced that Franklin Sullivan has assumed the role of executive vice president for its electrification products division in the US. Sullivan also assumed commercial leadership for the division, which runs the low- andRead More
As connectors continue to shrink in size, we wonder how much smaller they can go. Bob Stanton of Omnetics discusses the factors that will enable further miniaturization, as well as what limitations there might be. What’s happening with connector sizes these days? The evolution of connectors in our phones and laptops, the changeRead More
Connector companies are meeting SWaP challenges as we move to mobile and wearable devices, but is there a time or a function when tiny is too small? Electrical connectors just keep getting smaller as companies push size and weight out of their devices. Connector companies have risen to meet the SWaP (size, weight, and power) challengesRead More
Military wearables enhance soldier capabilities, but the next generation of battlefield equipment will require an evolution in connector technology. New wearables, including augmented reality technology and devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT), will not (yet) make the new soldier or airman look like Iron Man, although “Iron Man Suit” is the nickname usedRead More
Ideal for small, rugged applications such as non-industrial robotics, here are some tips for how to specify nano-D connectors. Nano-D connectors are often designed for use in small, rugged robotic applications beyond industrial environments. Within these applications, the emphasis on a smaller and lighter form factor intensifies. A key consideration is whether you can useRead More
To meet the need for higher-speed data collection, transmission, and storage, circular connectors are downsizing to serve changes in instrument and product designs. Omnetics’ Bob Stanton traces the evolution of circular connectors, and forecasts future developments in high-speed systems. Today’s electronic circuitry is changing rapidly to meet our demand for higher-speed data collection, transmission, andRead More
We’re introducing a new feature in this issue. “Connectors at Work” highlights a specific application and explains which connectors are most beneficial for system performance. First up, Bob Stanton of Omnetics looks at industrial robots. Industrial robotics are helping to revive automated manufacturing significantly. The development of new end-of-arm (EOA) instruments enables systems that can handleRead More
Omnetics’ Nano-Strip connectors, at .025″ pitch with high-reliability pin-and-socket systems, offer proven reliability in extreme environments. Omnetics’ high reliability Nano-Strip connectors, with ruggedized insulators and military-quality Flex Pin technology, provide the best and strongest strip-style interconnections in the world. These units have proven signal integrity and reliability in many of the most demanding instruments, including portable electronics for armedRead More
