Mitigating the impact of electromagnetic interference begins at the board level when designing electronic systems for use in complex medical, aerospace, and other environments where multiple technologies operate. Managing electromagnetic interference (EMI) is critical in busy settings where multiple and diverse types of electronic equipment are operating in tandem, such as medical, aerospace, military, andRead More

Connector Supplier marks the passing of one of the electronics industry’s great innovators. Gordon Moore’s foundational theory drove exponential advancements in semiconductor and circuit design, and charted the course for the miniaturization of connectors and other electronic components. Three years before Gordon Moore co-founded Intel Corporation in 1968, he plotted out a prediction for theRead More

The size, weight, and power (SWaP) initiative has helped connector manufacturers focus on improving smaller and lighter connectors. Custom designs help make these goals achievable. Modern electronic design dictates that our circuits do more in smaller packages but we still need reliable power and signal transfer. The military and aerospace sector has been particularly influential;Read More

Meet the Connector: Modular connectors This article refers to configurable modular rectangular interconnect products that allow a customer to incorporate multiple media in one housing or shell. Modular connectors are “build-your-own” interconnect products featuring structural elements that can be selected and configured to meet a specific application’s physical or performance requirements. Examples of modular products includeRead More

RF/microwave technologies are increasingly used in high-speed digital data exchange applications and the mix of connector and cable technologies is becoming more complex. In the next generation of wireless technology, higher data rates and the accompanying need for high signal integrity will require higher performance capabilities in all RF interconnection.   To meet these highRead More

Meet the Connector: CAT 6 Cable CAT 6 is a twisted pair cable for Ethernet-based computer networks. It is used in phone lines, PCs, televisions, CCTV cameras, and other networking devices. CAT 6 (Category 6) is the standard for the sixth generation of twisted pair cable for Ethernet-based computer networks. Following CAT 5 and CAT 5e, the specifications for CAT 6 are more stringent for crosstalkRead More

Designing electronics that leave Earth calls for a more thoughtful approach, from specialized materials to high-reliability form factors to close relationships with space agencies and regulatory organizations. Space-grade connectors can go where no man has gone before. Precision-engineered and specifically qualified, these exceptional interconnects are fit to endure the unique harsh environment conditions of lifeRead More

System engineers must balance priorities of reach, thermal management, panel density, backward compatibility, power consumption, multiple sourcing, and cost when selecting optical transceivers. Pluggable I/O transceivers in standardized configurations have proven to be a cost-effective solution to the challenges of creating high-speed optical networks. They have emerged as a leading interface for current and next-generationRead More

Sleek designs, subtle colors, and hidden locations help connectors blend in when applications need to look good or not be seen at all. A visible connector is easier to mate than a hidden connector. Color coding, accessible positioning, and LEDs help operators make the correct selection in environments where multiple cables and ports are present.Read More

Meet the Connector: Hyperboloid Contact Technology The hyperboloid contact was invented in 1956 by Francois Robert Bonhomme for railway applications. Connections for lighting and ventilation in train cars were not secure due to the high amount of shock and vibration, which caused frequent interruptions. In the 1960s, as the technology advanced and was patented, companiesRead More

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

Meet the Connector: Bulkhead Mount Connectors The term bulkhead mount refers to the mounting style of the connector. In this case, it is the method used to attach a connector to a product casing, enclosure, or panel from the front or rear side. Normally, it involves a threaded body or a push-pull device. The connectorRead More