Connector basics

Hidden Connectors

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

Hyperboloid Contact Technology is Still Going Strong

From transportation to MIL/Aero to medical and more, hyperboloid contacts continue to be vital in the evolving world of electronics. Francois Robert Bonhomme invented the hyperboloid contact in 1956 in response to the need for more reliable connectors used in railway applications. By that time, rail systems had lighting and ventilation, but due to theRead More

From Phones to Wearables, Device Battery Connectors Deliver Secure Power

As more products go cordless, durability has become an imperative for battery connectors. Batteries enable devices to operate using stored energy instead of a wired connection to an energy source. As more devices that once were wired become available in cordless versions for high-reliability purposes such as medical equipment or industrial equipment, the connectors thatRead More

Sensors Take Center Stage as the Need for Data Grows

Updated: January 2023 Smart connectivity has grown out of the need for better information gathering. Sensors allow more data than ever to be collected at the source and transmitted to stakeholders where it can be analyzed quickly for decision-making, troubleshooting, maintenance, safety, and other critical functions. Sophisticated sensors are employed to gather and transmit specific,Read More

Connect, Network, Evolve: The Intersection Between Reliability and High-Speed Industrial Communications

Real-time communication in industrial processes allows for process optimization and reduction in downtime. It requires reliable connector and cabling solutions that meet the demands of industrial environments while enabling high-speed data transmission and supporting various industrial communications protocols.   The evolution of industrial communications has increased the need for intelligence built into field devices, so theseRead More

Hybrid Connectors for Heavy-Duty Transportation

Hybrid connectors reduce the number of connectors and cables needed for advanced agricultural machinery and other heavy equipment. A single modern hybrid connector can do the work of two, four, six, or even more traditional connectors. Today’s transportation, agricultural, and construction vehicles come feature-rich with computers, GPS systems, and an array of other electronic features.Read More

60-Year-Old SMA Connector Design Still Popular

SMAs represent the most connector sales in the coax connector category. This early, innovative design continues to serve microwave technologies into the 5G era and beyond. Are you familiar with the SMA connector? Bet you don’t know all the hundreds of variations in use. Worldwide, SMAs have the highest dollar sales of all coax connectorRead More

What is a 3-Pin Connector?

Meet the Connector: 3-Pin Connectors While many connectors feature a configuration with three pins, the term 3-pin connector is often used to refer to a simple white nylon pin receptacle with three tin contacts that is typically used in small, low-power computing products, most notably computer fans. The connector and its contacts can be purchasedRead More

Custom, Semi-Custom Configurators, and Surface Treatments Create the Perfect Connector

New design, manufacturing, and processing options enable OEMs to achieve a semi-custom connector or cable assembly without the time and costs of a fully custom product. With literally millions of connectors to choose from, in every size, shape, speed, configuration, material, and function, what more could we possibly ask for?Sometimes a new material, a smallerRead More

What are Configurable Connector Systems?

Meet the Connector: Configurable Connector Systems Configurable connector systems, also called build-your-own, semi-custom, or modular connectors (not to be confused with modular RJ45s), are available from many suppliers as an alternative to costly fully custom connector products. In cases in which an existing connector is close, but not quite right for a particular application, theseRead More

Digital Radio Communication Systems Serve on Air and Land

Secure voice and media communications for emergency services, the military, and aircraft can be achieved with the use of private mobile radio and TETRA systems. Professional mobile radio (PMR) or private mobile radio allows users in the transportation, military, oil & gas, public safety and government, and commercial industries to make direct, person-to-person, secure communicationsRead More

What are SMP Connectors?

Meet the Connector: SMP Connectors Subminiature push-on (SMP) connectors are highly shielded, very small interconnects commonly used in miniaturized high frequency coaxial modules and high data rate applications such as antennas, broadband installations, Test & Measurement, and quantum computing. The product was developed by Gilbert (now Corning Gilbert) in the late 1980s and marketed asRead More

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