Many favorable attributes of fiber optic cables are readily acknowledged. However, a bias against using fiber optics in harsh environments remains. Fiber Optic Cables Fiber optic cables carry many times more data than is feasible over copper-based connectivity. This increased bandwidth is necessary for the highest definition video and other data intensive purposes, but theRead More
Meet the Connector: AOC assemblies Active optical cable (AOC) assemblies were developed to combine the benefits of copper and fiber optic cable assemblies. Copper cable assemblies are known for their ruggedness and reliability, particularly at the connector interface. Copper connectors have multiple points of contact which helps them withstand shock and vibration, and resist damageRead More
The quest for greater performance and functionality in smaller and lighter connectors has sparked some creative customization solutions. Custom connector solutions are usually a last resort, but with the pace of change in the world of technology, off-the-shelf options can’t always keep up. Customization fills a need when the right solution doesn’t exist yet. “ThereRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights overmolded assemblies from leading suppliers. Overmolded assemblies Nicomatic specializes in cable overmolding to provide optimal protection for electronic assemblies. Two overmolding options are available: flexible overmolding made of silicone-based resin and rigid overmolding achieved through low-pressure injection and hotmelt. Nicomatic’s solution follows MIL-STD-83513 performance standards, meets the constraints of severeRead More
Once again, OFC proved to be the premier showcase of high-performance optical and copper interconnects in communication and network applications. The 2023 edition of the Optical Fiber Communications Conference and Exhibition (OFC) roared back to normalcy after the muting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 11,500 participants from 70 countries accessed the latest advances inRead 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
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
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
Single-pair Ethernet technology has been integrated into recent models of automobiles, replacing controller area network (CAN) and other bus systems, with an eye towards a future in which controls, communication, and safety functions will run on Ethernet. Meanwhile, these advantages can also serve industrial automation and automotive manufacturing. Automotive manufacturers have long had access toRead More
Failure-proof cable selection is especially important in dangerous or harsh environments where water, sunlight, temperature extremes, chemicals, dust, or other hazards are present. Failure-proof cable selection starts with an evaluation of how the cable will be used and the environmental conditions that surround the application. This is especially important in dangerous or harsh environments whereRead More
Meet the Connector: SC Connector SC fiber-optic cable connectors are widely used in optical network applications, such as internet and cable TV. The name comes from the shape (square connector), although it is actually a rectangular connector. The name may also refer to standard connector, subscriber connector, or stick-and-click connector. The SC connector features aRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights SC/LC Fiber from leading suppliers. SC/LC Fiber Phoenix Contact offers a portfolio of fiber optic connectors and patch cords. SC connectors feature easy mounting, push-pull technology with an option for a duplex connector for LAN, energy, and industry applications. LC connectors feature high packing density with an option for aRead More
Meet the Connector: PCIe Connectors Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCle), also called PCI Express, is a high-performance and high-bandwidth serial communication I/O interconnect bus standard. Interconnects that meet the PCIe standard include mezzanine and board-to-board connectors, over-the-board solutions, high-speed edge card sockets that support 1, 4, 8, and 16 PCIe links, and PCIe optical cableRead More
To reduce heat and improve speeds, twinax cable assemblies are replacing PCBs in next-generation datacom equipment. The links inside a switch that connect the quad small form factor pluggables (QSFPs) at the faceplate to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) at the heart of the box have become signal superhighways. The capacity and the number of I/ORead 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
Precision interconnects help deliver the superb audio clarity and exciting video displays that make live events memorable, whether you have great seats or are following along at home. It’s an incredible time to be a live music fan. After a long stretch of closed venues, thousands of musicians, comedians, and other live performers from acrossRead More
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
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 II May 2022 New Connectivity Products > Interconnects, etc. TTI Inc. stocks the XW4M and XW4N Series from OMRON. OMRON XW4M and XW4N 3.5 mm pitch push-in pluggable terminal block PCB connectors have a unique connector engagement structure for easy insertion andRead More
This week’s Product Roundup highlights wire and cable assemblies from leading suppliers. Wire & Cable Assemblies The Trexon Engineered Products Division (EP) brands offer a variety of discrete cable and wire harness capabilities that include Cicoil extruded flat cable and cable assemblies, and standard and custom assemblies; EZ Form Cable RF coaxial cable and cableRead More
Consumers treat USBs roughly — there’s no way around it in the constant cycle of plugging and unplugging, so these ubiquitous connectors are up to the challenge. But as USBs move into even more rugged environments (and into the hands of ever-younger consumers), tough new versions are ready. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is theRead More
