Automotive Ethernet interconnect solutions need to be miniaturized, lightweight, modular, optimized for high-speed automotive systems, and compatible with automated assembly processes. Connectivity is enabling safer, greener, and more enjoyable driving experiences. As connected car technologies within vehicles continues to rise in support of these features, so too does the amount of data that has toRead More
Meet the Connector: EV Charging Connectors As the name implies, EV charging connectors are used to charge electric vehicles. Several types of EV charging connectors currently exist, each with specific characteristics. EV charging connectors (or charging plugs) are available for AC or DC. AC Charging Plugs are either Type 1 or Type 2. Type 1Read More
The automotive industry is the second-largest market for connectors, with increasing production of both conventional and electric vehicles. Bishop & Associates’ new research report explores the products, technologies, supply chain challenges, and other factors impacting the automotive market. The World Automotive Connector Market The automotive market is the center of intense innovation as safety,Read More
Space and weight constraints, environmental regulations, and increasingly complex system requirements are inspiring new wire harness products and versatile interconnect alternatives. Automotive wire harnesses come in thousands of varieties. Some modern vehicles contain close to 40 different harnesses, with up to 700 connectors and more than 3,000 wires. Additional variation is required for wire harnessesRead More
Limited materials access, ongoing labor shortages, and war are squeezing supply chains and affecting electronics manufacturing. We talk to Ron Bishop about the implications for manufacturers, innovators, and the markets that depend on interconnects. Bishop & Associates has closely monitored the connector industry since 1985. Led by founder Ron Bishop, the market research firm hasRead More
Updated: January 2023 Meet the Connector: M-Type Sensor Connectors M-type connectors were originally designed for connecting sensors and actuators in automation equipment and industrial networks. They are now used in a variety of applications, including high-frequency transmission circuits in telecommunications, measurement equipment, robotics, and transportation. The M12 standard was adopted for its reliability and consistencyRead More
European cities are meeting the call to expand the electric vehicle charging network with some creative ideas — and versatile charging connectors — where space is tight. The widespread adoption of electric vehicles has hit several bumps in the road. However, things are changing rapidly; sales in Europe more than doubled in 2021 over 2020,Read More
From RAST to SKEDD: Insulation displacement technology (IDT) offers solutions for crowded PCBs, including direct mating, flexible placement, compatibility with numerous cable types, and other benefits. The international terminal block standard for consumer appliances, RAST (Raster Anschluss Steck Technik or Raster Connection Plug Technology) connectors have been in widespread use since their invention in 1986.Read More
Meet the Connector: FAKRA Connectors A mainstay of automotive connectivity for the past two decades, FAKRA connectors are a variation of subminiature version B (SMB) coaxial RF connectors developed by Rosenberger and standardized by the German Committee of Automobile Manufacturers. FAKRA is an acronym for Fachkreis Automobile or Working Group Automobile. These versatile connectors areRead More
Meet the Connector: M12 Circular Connectors M12 connectors are a metric circular connector with 12 mm locking threads used in industrial automation and other harsh environment applications where compact, rugged, and reliable power, signal, and data connections are needed. One of the most commonly specified connectors in the industrial market, the M12 is considered theRead More
The 2020s will be a decade of transformation in every aspect of life. In 2022, we’ll see technology continue to play a role in solving humanity’s challenges. We entered 2021 with the expectation that the COVID-19 pandemic would recede and the world’s people and economies would be on the road to normalcy. Multiple highly effective vaccines became availableRead More
Evolving technologies in the energy, automotive, military, and datacom markets will continue to drive innovation in connectivity. The pace of technological advancement continues in the COVID era. The mRNA vaccines produced to combat COVID-19 are the result of years of development to create other anti-virus mRNA vaccines. Processes now have been optimized so that vaccines can be provided with minimalRead More
