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

This week’s Product Roundup highlights rectangular MIL-spec connectors from leading connector manufacturers and suppliers.   Rectangular MIL-Spec connectors Amphenol’s HDB3 rectangular connectors from Avnet incorporate a higher density contact pattern and lower mated height than Amphenol’s standard low mating force rectangular connectors, making them ideal for military applications. They utilize the same durable and reliableRead More

Technical or MIL-Spec standards are often the minimum criteria for compliance. When the real expectation is performance beyond a standard, innovative, faster, and longer-lasting components are needed. Aerospace, defense, and industrial customers continually raise the bar for their performance requirements for rugged duty and harsh environment connectors. Not only must the current requirements be met,Read More

One of the earliest and most popular types of connectors continues to see design refinements and innovations. An examination of the huge circular connector market finds that commercial and industrial types are most specified in MIL/Aero applications. Creative COTS are used everywhere. There is not an industry today that isn’t designing equipment to be smaller, lighter,Read More

American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines are among the companies experiencing pain due to counterfeit parts entering the supply chain. Major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airline, Virgin Australia, Ryanair, and TAP Air Portugal, have had to take more than 100 planes out of service to pursue parts removal based upon theRead More

What is MIL-Approved Wire/Cable? MIL-approved wire, or MIL-spec wire, is any wiring solution that meets the strict standards developed for use in military applications. As with any military specifications, MIL-approved wire is designed for high performance and high reliability in harsh environments, which also makes it an attractive option for many non-military harsh environment applications.Read More

Meet the Connector: MTL-DTL-55116 Connectors The MIL-DTL-55116 connector is an electrical connector that has been used for more than five decades to connect audio and radio frequency (RF) devices in military and aerospace applications. It was introduced by the United States Department of Defense (DoD) in 1969 to meet the military’s need for robust andRead More

IMS 2023, the premier worldwide RF microwave symposium, revealed exponential gains in next-generation interconnects for wireless communications technologies. Take a tour of the highlights with RF expert Dave Shaff. This year’s International Microwave Symposium (IMS) reestablished the event as the premier world level expo for RF through THz technology, engineering, and products. IMS 2023, heldRead More

Space deployment involves major engineering challenges. Evaluating risks and potential problems is an essential part of the process when specifying space connectors. Space deployment brings a multitude of major engineering challenges, and an essential part of the component selection process involves correctly specifying space connectors. Before deciding on what high-reliability connectors and cable assemblies toRead More

Meet the Connector: MIL-DTL-32689 MIL-DTL-32689 is a relatively new MIL-spec defines high-density, lightweight circular connectors that are well-suited for military and aerospace applications because of their quick disconnection, tri-start threaded coupling, and environment-resistant features. MIL-DTL-32689 provides multi-sourcing for Mini/Micro-D38999 Series III connectors, miniature versions of MIL-DTL-38999. At about 70% lighter and typically 50% smaller than D38999 connectors with similar contactRead More

This week’s Product Roundup highlights D-Sub connectors from leading suppliers. D-Sub Connectors Avnet supplies TE Connectivity’s AMPLIMITE family of D-subminiature connectors. These D-subminiature connectors are the most popular type of input/output (I/O) connectors in use today. Established and proven, they are rugged, easily used, and have been widely adopted in standards for serial communications, telecommunications,Read More