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

Europe’s preeminent electronic components trade show made a great return after a long pandemic hiatus with exhibits aimed at e-mobility, energy, and future high-speed applications. After four long years, electronica 2022 reconvened to show off a host of new components aimed at an interconnected and sustainable future. Energy solutions, e-mobility, and automation took the focusRead More

Meet the Connector: SCSI Connectors The Small Computer Systems Interface, or SCSI connector, (pronounced “scuzzy”) is a veteran of the small computing world. In the 1980s, this fast I/O connector served as a bus to link computers with components or peripherals such as disk drives. SCSI connectors typically feature two rows of pins in aRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-C-5015/SAE-AS50151 Connectors With nearly a century of service in harsh environment equipment, this connector family has proven performance in military and other rugged electronics. MIL-C-5015 connectors, now formally known as SAE-AS50151, are heavy-duty, medium-density circular electrical connectors with soldered or crimped contacts. This military standard product family is used for digital andRead More

Meet the Connector: PCIe Connectors Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCle), also called PCI Express, is a high-performance and high-bandwidth serial communication I/O interconnect bus standard. Interconnects that meet the PCIe standard include mezzanine and board-to-board connectors, over-the-board solutions, high-speed edge card sockets that support 1, 4, 8, and 16 PCIe links, and PCIe optical cableRead More

Meet the Connector: QMA Connectors The internal construction of the QMA is identical to the SMA and, like that connector, it delivers excellent performance up to 18 GHz and has the same power handling capabilities. The main difference is in the coupling mechanism. Instead of a threaded coupling, QMAs have a snap-on design with aRead More

Meet the Connector: EMI/EMP Connectors EMI/EMP connectors, also called filter connectors, help protect electric and electronic systems from emitting or receiving disruptive “noise,” including radio frequency interference (RFI), electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic pulses (EMP), voltage spikes, and other radiated emissions that can distort or interrupt a signal. EMI, EMP, and RFI commonly occur in environmentsRead More

Meet the Connector: LC Connectors LC connectors are small form factor fiber optic connectors designed for making fast connections in high-density applications. They are a miniaturized version of the earlier SC fiber connector (50% smaller) and feature a square plastic housing with a 1.25 mm ceramic ferrule. Like the SC, LCs utilize a push-pull design,Read More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-28840 Connectors MIL-DTL-28840 connectors are high-density circular connectors used for harsh environment military applications. Originally developed for the Navy, they are used in shipboard applications for surface craft of all sizes as well as submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles. They are water-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and can endure water pressure while maintaining a secureRead More

Meet the Connector: BNC Connectors BNC connectors are miniature radio frequency (RF) connectors developed for low-frequency applications. This quick-connect/disconnect circular connector features a two-stud bayonet-style locking mechanism that users twist and snap into position. A tactile snap indicates a secure connection; a reverse motion disconnects the connector pair. The BNC connector famously bears the initialsRead More

Precision interconnects help deliver the superb audio clarity and exciting video displays that make live events memorable, whether you have great seats or are following along at home. It’s an incredible time to be a live music fan. After a long stretch of closed venues, thousands of musicians, comedians, and other live performers from acrossRead More

You own it. Can you fix it? Not yet. But depending on where you live, electronics repair businesses and hobbyists stand to gain new rights. In many parts of the world, it’s illegal or intentionally difficult to fix your own electronics. That is about to change in some key markets, where independent repair businesses andRead More