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
As personal medical devices follow the path of consumer electronics, product miniaturization has made it easy for patients to integrate these technologies into their lives. Medical machines for hospital settings are also scaling down and becoming available to more facilities. Micro and miniaturized interconnects play a key role in enabling these medical equipment trends. TheRead 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
This week’s Product Roundup highlights RF and Coax connectors from leading suppliers. RF and Coax Connector Product Roundup Designed to simplify the connection process, Avnet’s new 6791 series wire-to-board connectors for coaxial cables enable simple termination with one press. Expanding the proven-reliable IDC (insulation displacement connector) from signal/power transmission to high frequency transmission field upRead More
Innovative RF interconnect designs, address specific needs not fulfilled by standard designs such as the SMP connector. The aerospace and defense industries count on dependable, durable RF systems for mission-critical electronics applications such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) systems, SATCOM and communications systems, electronic warfare (EW), missile guidance, and more. These systems must be highlyRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights bayonet connectors from leading suppliers. Bayonet connectors Teledyne Reynolds’ 1807 high-voltage connectors come in shielded and non-shielded configurations with either bayonet or threaded coupling nuts. Plug kits are available for customer-fabricated cable assemblies using the company’s specified wire. Teledyne Reynolds leads the connector industry worldwide in the design of high-voltageRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights FAKRA connectors from leading suppliers. FAKRA connectors Mouser Electronics supplies TE Connectivity’s FAKRA Automotive Connector System, which features an 800VAC voltage rating, 1A current, 50Ω impedance, and a frequency range of DC up to 6GHz. This comprehensive connector system is fully compatible and designed based on the FAKRA RF andRead More
New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. March 2023 New Connectivity Products March 2023 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Recent additions to binder USA’s M12 portfolio offer new combinations of features – pin count, termination style, locking system, housing materials, and shielding. The company isRead 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
As communications applications approach THz frequencies, current 5G and future 6G introduce new RF connectors. Trends for miniaturization, higher frequency, and more RF power push connector suppliers to optimize designs and develop new products to meet industry needs. Most RF coaxial connectors can be used in many different end-use applications and markets. For example, theRead More
The growing use of cluster RF I/O ports is a big contributor to prevailing trends toward more streamlined cell tower assemblies. Affordable 5G cell tower upgrades require antennas that can handle more bandwidth in the same tower slots as their 4G predecessors. To achieve this, the needed number of RF ports per antenna I/O panelRead More
Meet the Connector: BNC Connectors BNC connectors are miniature radio frequency (RF) connectors developed for low-frequency applications. This quick-connect/disconnect circular connector features a two-stud bayonet-style locking mechanism that users twist and snap into position. A tactile snap indicates a secure connection; a reverse motion disconnects the connector pair. The BNC connector famously bears the initialsRead More
Meet the Connector: Coaxial Connectors (Note: This article focuses on cable-to-cable and cable-to-panel applications.) A coaxial connector has an inner conductor that is enveloped by a concentric conducting sleeve, with the conductor and shield separated by an insulating material; hence the term “coax” or “coaxial” connector. (Not all RF [radio frequency] connectors are coax, butRead More
The well-attended event featured coax and waveguide technology for 220 GHz applications, plus presentations and exhibits on terahertz and quantum technologies. The International Microwave Symposium (IMS), the foremost symposium for high frequency communications, test equipment, and microwave IC/chips, met in person at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver June 19-24 as part of MicrowaveRead More
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
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
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
This week’s Product Roundup highlights coaxial connectors for datacom applications from leading suppliers. Coaxial Connectors for Datacom Applications PEI-Genesis supplies Amphenol RF coaxial connectors used in high performance industries that require extremely reliable connections, such as automotive, broadband, broadcast, medical, wireless, military, aerospace, and industrial equipment. Common applications for Amphenol RF connectors include data transmission,Read More
New-to-market connectivity products, including interconnects, wire, cable, and cable assemblies, sensors, antennas, materials, accessories, tools, and development kits. May 2022 New Connectivity Products I May 2022 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. Harwin has introduced horizontal backshells for its Gecko-Screw-Lok (Gecko-SL) series of lightweight, high-reliability connectors. These backshells ensure a fully EMI/RFI shielded connection for horizontal 1.25 mm pitch board-to-cable connections. Previously Gecko EMI/RFIRead More
Minimizing Electromagnetic Compliance (EMC) is a challenge for designers of digital systems who must pass FCC system tests for radiated emissions. The study of radiated electric field pattern simulations, often used for antenna analysis, helps evaluate the radiation properties of individual interconnects and aid in the selection of properly shielded products. Electromagnetic Compliance By AlanRead More
