SDR has brought about a new golden age of radio that can deliver secure, interoperable, and quality broadcast connections even under duress with the help of sophisticated miniaturized and RF interconnects. Software-defined radio has brought one of the earliest forms of wireless communication into the 21st century, giving this traditional format new power and capabilities.Read More

The challenges of space are extreme: Outgassing, UV radiation, vacuum and oxygen conditions, and the unique harsh environment factors of low Earth orbit require careful consideration in component selection. Humanity launched the first rocket into space in 1949 and in the decades since, we’ve sent manned space shuttles, stations, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, probes,Read More

Meet the Connector: Switch-Rated Plugs & Connectors Switch-rated plugs and connectors are specialized electrical components designed to facilitate the safe connection and disconnection of electrical devices or equipment under load. Unlike conventional plugs and connectors, which may pose risks of arcing or electrical faults during switching operations, switch-rated variants are engineered to reduce the dangersRead More

Submersible vehicles travel to the depths of the ocean with highly sophisticated electronics on board to gather and transmit data for exploration and scientific research, environmental protection and monitoring, security and defense, and search and salvage operations. The world’s oceans and waterways contain vast amounts of information that is more easily gathered and studied todayRead More

Watercraft engineers must heed the American Boat and Yacht Council standards. Beyond these basics, keep six directives in mind to design reliable connected systems for even the roughest of waters. By Rob Iversrud, Product and Category Manager, Waytek Electrical connectors used in boats and other marine applications must meet exacting standards, especially when it comesRead More

An alternative to traditional IT infrastructure enables organizations to access advanced computing resources in harsh environments or remote locations without investing in proprietary data centers. Interconnects in edge nodes transmit data without the data center. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) allows organizations to tap into scalable, high-speed networks without investing in onsite data center equipment.Read More

The range and expansion of electronic applications today has extended the need for analysis and preparation of circuit designs to survive new operating settings in extreme harsh environments. Navigation electronics that have been employed in automobiles for navigating our city streets are now playing a role in deep space exploration. As technologies move into newRead More

The hottest electric vehicles aren’t cars; an expanding world of personal transport options is changing the mobility landscape in cities around the world, thanks to the design possibilities afforded by powerful miniaturized interconnects. On an increasingly crowded planet, the ability to zip out of clogged traffic, park on congested streets, and lower transportation costs whileRead More

In the aviation world, connectivity and interactivity between various systems includes integrating sensors, devices, and networks to facilitate the exchange of information and enable real-time monitoring, analysis, and decision-making. The rapid advancement of technology has led to increased aviation connectivity and interactivity between various components and systems. This includes integrating sensors, devices, and networks toRead More

Meet the Connector: Mini-FAKRA Connectors Mini-FAKRA Connectors are a scaled down version of the popular FAKRA connector that is used in automotive as well as personal electric vehicles (PEVs) and light electric vehicles (LEVs) because of their small size and lightweight, which is especially prized in electric mobility applications. Mini-FAKRA High Speed Mini-FAKRA (HFM) connectorsRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights EX-approved interconnects from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers. EX-approved interconnects Avnet supplies Amphenol’s Star-Line EX Series, a hybrid form of the parent Star-Line product line. The series is certified for use in a Zone 1 hazardous environment. Classified facilities such as petrochemical refineries and land/offshore drilling systems are but aRead More

Remote access to maintain electronic systems used in many harsh environments can be difficult or impossible. Strategic selection of interconnects can extend the life and ease the maintenance of this equipment. Electronic systems and equipment used in hard-to-reach locations such as space, mountain-top observatories, deep sea rovers, or inter-continent data links face a common challenge.Read More