Posts

Military Programs Use Multi-Port and Cluster Connectors for State-of-the-Art RF Performance

Multi-port connectors reduce system cost, speed installation time, and improve reliability. As 5G technologies continue to develop for commercial and military use, these important connectivity solutions will have greatly increased utilization. The concept of multi-port connectors has evolved from arrays of discrete coaxes to complex assemblies with multiple coaxial contacts, integrated into a single connectorRead More

New RF Coaxial Connectors Evolve as Emerging Technologies Demand Greater Performance

The IoT, 5G, and advancing technologies across markets have led to smaller, higher performance RF coaxial connectors. There are times when economics and technical advances join to produce major changes in new applications, prompting the next generation of components to provide needed results. Even with the uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the advances promptedRead More

5G Wireless Networks and Connected Cars Advance Interconnect Technology

New connector families have evolved to meet increasing bandwidth and connectivity needs as the rollout of 5G and the era of advanced vehicle technologies approaches. Wireless 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies may eventually affect almost everything we do. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented the mobile broadband standards organization 3GPP from meeting, whichRead More

Strike Counterfeit Mil-Spec Components From the Supply Chain

Special mil-spec marking, DNA tagging, and other advanced authentication technologies are helping to root out counterfeit connectors and cable. Are 40% of mil-spec connectors counterfeit? We’ve heard the statistic and it’s alarming — but not necessarily true. “The 40% is an average and varies wildly — from 15% to 85%,” based upon survey and programRead More

IMS Microwave Week Shows the Impact of 5G

IMS Microwave Week, the world’s most important annual RF and microwave event, demonstrated the state-of-the-art products needed to advance 5G and other high-speed technologies. Bishop & Associates’ director of RF technology, David Shaff, shares his impressions of the show. The IEEE International Microwave Symposium (IMS) Microwave Week is the world’s most important RF and microwaveRead More

Market for RF Connectors Grows to Meet Rapidly Expanding Wireless Demand

As wireless connectivity continues to expand across business, home, industrial, and municipal environments, the demand for RF connectors is growing exponentially. A new market report details the history and forecasts a bright future for this vast product category. By Dave Shaff, Bishop & Associates, Inc. As long as there are wireless systems, there will beRead More

International Requirements Prompt Product Changes and Standardization

A multitude of requirements compel manufacturers to default to worldwide commonality. EU regulations, such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals), the US Dodd-Frank Law (involving Conflict Minerals), and California’s Proposition 65 (currently listing over 800 chemicals that must be flagged), affect composition, processing, costs, and supplyRead More

New Standards Coming for RF Connectors

A host of new requirements and standards are aimed at improving compatibility, performance, and durability in complex designs.   RF Connector and Cable Changes New and updated standards and specifications for RF connectors and cabling are in process. These changes are designed to help interconnect suppliers standardize and better serve their customers in a rapidlyRead More

Ground Transit Evolves with Advanced Interconnect Products

From light rail to school buses, advanced interconnects are enabling cities to relieve traffic congestion, reduce pollution, drive economic growth, and modernize our transit systems.    Public transit is changing. A new generation of vehicles is joining our transportation networks to provide expanded service, meet pollution reduction goals, and connect growing city centers with theRead More

Wireless Communications Protocols and Standards Proliferate

From ZigBee to Z-Wave, plus 802.n options, wireless communications choices seem limitless.   Projected market demand for 5G and other future communications applications is prompting the development of different wireless technologies. Some are in direct competition with each other, and there are overlapping frequencies. Other standards have moved from initial engineering groups, such as IEEE, toRead More

Mil-Aero Industries Eye Carbon Nanotubes as They Target Cost Savings

Ultra-lightweight carbon nanotubes may replace copper wires.   Today’s aerospace and aircraft industries focus on size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C), and cost is now often figured for program or operational life, which may total thousands of dollars per pound. This gives tremendous impetus and justification to accept high-cost new technology to obtain weight savings. Reducing F-35Read More

Vehicles Rely on FAKRA Connectors to Assure Performance

Today’s FAKRA connectors perform up to 6GHz and meet the rugged mechanical and environmental requirements of the automotive industry.   Higher Frequency RF Adds to System Complexity Vehicles are incorporating an ever-increasing amount of telecommunications technology, ranging from data I/O to safety systems, that involves wireless connectivity for cellular, short range, and broadcast capabilities. TheseRead More

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