Posts

VME Connector Applications Continue to Expand

Use of VME connectors expands via smaller mezzanine cards, fiber optics, and coax.   Worldwide Standardization Drives Acceptance Changing requirements for faster processing and reduced size/weight, scalability, and power (SWaP) are resulting in newer form factors that include increased use of mezzanine connectors (cards), BGAs, and both larger and higher-density backplane/daughtercard connectors, plus fiber optics andRead More

Options for Terminating Coaxial Cable

Coaxial/RF cable assemblies comprised $13.5 billion of the $142 billion worldwide market for cable assemblies in 2015. How coax cable and connectors are terminated affects quality and performance, so learn how to choose the right coaxial cable termination options for your application.   Whether it’s ultralight, radiation-resistant sensor cable assemblies in the Mars Rover; aRead More

Special Connectors for a $330B Space Economy

While the night skies and color photos from NASA may present great beauty, the near-earth space environment where satellites orbit presents difficulties for man and equipment. Unique product designs, processing, and testing are required.   “Space” represents a thriving industry with almost unlimited possibilities. The non-profit Space Foundation estimates that the space economy was $330Read More

IMS 2016 Recap: Industry Growth and New Microwave Products

At IMS 2016, 5G and microwave applications dominated, according to our man on the floor, Bishop & Associates’ David Shaff. IMS 2016 or, more appropriately, “Microwave Week,” continues to reflect the growth of wireless technology. Organized by the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technique Society (MTT-S), this year’s IMS began with the RFIC Symposium, continued withRead More

State-of-the-Art Connectors for In-flight Services

Whether it’s ordering a hot snack or using a personal inflight entertainment system, unique connector designs make it possible.   The next generation of aircraft cabin connectors are designed for quick-change/latching, blind-mate, modular application needs, with gasket sealing and multiple contact arrangements ranging from 20 size-22 power contacts to one size-8 power contact. Options includeRead More

New Mil/Aero Connectors Support Cybersecurity and UAVs

Dave Shaff of Bishop & Associates looks at the latest technology advances to solve a range of mil/aero application problems.   New connectors are providing innovative solutions to problems caused by advances in mil/aero technology. Satellite IT security prompts greater shielding, while multi-mode cables offer weight savings for UAVs, and keyed connectors may finally solveRead More

Electrical Basics for Microwave Applications

Here is a sneak peek of Bishop & Associates’ upcoming research report on microwave, RF, and millimeter wave connectors.   Characteristic Impedance The basic definition of “characteristic” impedance is the value of impedance that causes no change in input when used to terminate a long cable, with “long” being one-tenth or longer than the electricalRead More

End Launches Provide Transition from Cable to Test Boards

End launch connectors are intended for critical applications that require high-performance results. Bishop & Associate’s Dave Shaff looks at the technology that drives that performance and offers a primer on specification for particular applications.   End launch connectors are used to transition microwave energy from coaxial to planar transmission-line structures. Test boards, chip demo sets, andRead More

The Promise of Reversible USB Type-C Connectors

The new reversible USB Type-C connectors will replace existing USB types.     The first PCs and related accessories that incorporate the new USB Type-C connectors are now being released. Type-C connectors are covered by the recently updated Standard USB 3.1 (April 3, 2015) from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) and will be used with bothRead More

Downhole and Subsea Applications Require Unique Connectors

The main markets for subsea and high-pressure connectors require unique designs that mate when submerged, plus fiber optics and hermetic assemblies.   When designers think about exotic applications, they might think about deep space. However, these are gentle applications compared to the severe environmental requirements for connectors used in downhole and subsea projects, where temperatures can exceedRead More

Military Wearables Enhance Soldier Capabilities

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

International Microwave Symposium 2015 Wrap-Up

With a record-breaking number of exhibitors, this year’s International Microwave Symposium featured state-of-the-art developments in RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave products.   The International Microwave Symposium presented by the IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTT-S) is the premier International event for microwave theory and practice. In addition to the flagship IMS Conference, “Microwave Week 2015”Read More

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