An extension of the EU exemption known as 6(c) brought relief to the connector industry. Back in 2015, there was a great gnashing of teeth over concern that the European Union would no longer allow the use of lead in certain types of copper contacts. Contacts that are made on precision-screw machines rely on aRead More

In the past 20 years, connectivity has become a defining feature for vehicle performance, function, and experience. By Amphenol RF Rapid Evolution of the Connected Car The automotive industry has seen monumental changes in recent years as the Internet of Things (IoT) has infiltrated nearly every function of cars, from in-vehicle entertainment systems to performanceRead More

Processor and SerDes speeds continue to bump up, putting pressure on input/output connectors mounted on the faceplate. Like investors running to the exit when the market tanks, the I/O panel can quickly become a serious bottleneck that limits communication and slows the system. Computers and their users hate to sit idle while waiting for requiredRead More

More electronics in boats of all sizes means more opportunity for connector suppliers who can provide reliable, waterproof components. We can’t stop watching the evolution of the automotive technologies. The electric drivetrain, autonomous vehicles, and a new crop of enhanced navigation, entertainment, and safety features are unquestionably exciting developments. But while all eyes are onRead More

Summary coverage of upcoming events and recent news from across the connector industry. Industry News February 2018 – Part II Event News  Samtec is showcasing its microelectronics solutions and standardized embedded solutions for XMC, FMC, FMC+, and VNX systems at Embedded World 2018, which is taking place today through March 1 in Nuremberg.  Distinguished Engineer,Read More

Synergy between advanced sensors as well as related connectors and cable assemblies is opening new avenues of growth and profit for the interconnect industry. Electronic sensors are popping up everywhere, and this technology is expected to proliferate logarithmically over the next few years. Sensors act as the eyes and ears of electronic equipment. They areRead More

Connectivity and autonomy in next-generation autos is creating lots of data that will be sent to data centers, fostering a new market for connector makers. The explosion of electronics in vehicles continues to drive solid growth in the market for connectors. Typically, we think of these as harsh-environment connectors that can meet the rigorous demandsRead More

We took names. We analyzed the numbers. Now we’ll share the results. 2016 Top 10 Connector Manufacturers Last month, we provided readers with in-depth, behind-the-scenes insight into the complicated process of engaging with suppliers throughout the interconnect industry and conducting careful analysis of a great deal of hard data to formulate our market reports. BeforeRead More

Few things in the connector industry go back 60 years. The unique collaboration between Avnet and Amphenol is one of them. Radio. That’s where it all began for two of the connector industry’s leading players. Amphenol, an early manufacturer of radio components, was innovating within that industry when a parts distributor named Charles Avnet tookRead More

Smaller connector designs pushed by the cellphone world find a new home in portable and scaled-down gaming devices. Gaming Connectors Evolve For decades, young people have had their first exposure to connectors through gaming equipment. Although the vast array of electronics contained in these systems are hidden within the consoles and peripherals, perhaps no otherRead More

The top 10 connector manufacturers, as a group, achieved $32 billion in annual sales in 2016, or 59.8% of world connector demand. The following table identifies the top 10 as defined by total world connector sales. Table 1 (above) reveals some interesting trends: The top four connector manufacturers are all US-based companies: TE Connectivity #1,Read More

We track the top companies over the decades. This year’s ranking uncovers some new players — and some that we’ve known for along time. Since 1980, there has been a dramatic change in the companies that comprise the top 10. Some companies have moved up in rank, others have moved out of the top 10,Read More