Various locking mechanisms are found on connectors including bayonet, latch, lever, push-pull, screw, and snap-in. These represent the more common styles, not an exhaustive list. Locking connectors can support several functions like assisting coupling and uncoupling and improving the environmental ruggedness of the connection in addition to enhancing mechanical performance and preventing accidental uncoupling. This […]
What are the five connector contact termination styles used for?
The five basic connector contact termination styles include solder, press-fit, clamp, crimp, and insulation displacement (IDC). In some cases, there are variations. This FAQ focuses on the termination of electrical signals, not fiber optic termination styles. Selecting the best termination style is important since the terminations provide stable electrical and mechanical connections and need to […]
PCB connector design eliminates tools, creates fast connections
Phoenix Contact introduces the XPC 1.5 connector, the first PCB connector to feature Push-X connection technology. Push-X uses a mousetrap-like design to create fast and tool-free connections for rigid and flexible conductors with or without ferrules. Push-X technology uses a contact spring inside the XPC PCB connector that catches the conductor and holds it securely […]
Spring-loaded pins use gold-plated, brass ball in place of plunger
Mill-Max presents two new Omniball spring-loaded pins, one for low-profile purposes and one that provides greater stroke and higher current carrying capacity. These new pins expand the lineup of Omniball spring-loaded products, broadening their scope of use for interconnect opportunities. Since the introduction of the patented Omniball spring-loaded contacts three years ago, designers have been […]
Retimer supports 800G AECs for generative AI networks
The rise of generative AI and AI/ML technologies is fueling demand for more high-speed connections and, in turn, the push toward 800G connectivity in backend data center networks and applications. This can be optimally addressed using Active Electrical Cables (AECs), but there are numerous design and development hurdles for cable vendors to overcome. To address […]
1400-G3 devices convert USB host connection to RS0232/422/485 serial protocol signals
Legacy serial devices remain commonplace in industrial plants, a situation that is leaving technicians using modern laptops, workstation PCs, or thin clients unable to connect to them for maintenance. Moxa is bringing needed serial port expansion to industrial networks with its UPort 1400-G2 Series of 4-port USB-to-Serial Converters ruggedly engineered for harsh environments. An essential accessory for […]
Integrated connector modules now include 60 W and 100 W PoE versions
Bel Fuse Inc announced the expansion of its single port, 10G, NBase-T, 60W, and 100W power over Ethernet (PoE), MagJack integrated connector modules (ICMs). Suitable for a wide range of uses, such as industrial controllers, video cameras, Wi-Fi access points, or any applications requiring a single port Ethernet connector. The new ICM products are aimed […]
High-speed connectors and cable assemblies for UHD data transfer at 18 Gbit/s
Fischer Connectors has released new high-speed connectors and cable assemblies for Ultra High Definition (UHD) audio/video data transfer at 18 Gbit/s in demanding environments, matching the performance speed of HDMI 2.0. Fischer Connectors’ new UHD solutions are available in the flagship Fischer MiniMax and Fischer Core product lines with 10’000 mating cycles, 360° EMI protection, […]
HDMI connectors now available in Type A receptacle versions
CUI Devices’ Interconnect Group announced the addition of HDMI connectors to its connectors product portfolio. Available in Type A receptacle versions, CUI Devices’ HDMI connectors all conform to the HDMI 2.0 standard. The models offer surface mount, mid-mount SMT, or through-hole mounting styles with horizontal or vertical orientations, giving engineers several options for their audio/video design […]
Design World presents the 2023 LEAP Awards Winners: Connectivity
Now in its sixth year, Design World’s LEAP Awards continue to showcase the best engineering innovations across several design categories. It’s a large undertaking that wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and support of the engineering community. Each year, the editorial team assembles OEM design engineers and academics to create an independent judging panel. Below […]
What is electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)?
EVSEs provide power to charge EV batteries at Level 1 and Level 2 voltage ratings. Electric vehicle (EV) owners rely on electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to charge their batteries efficiently. Often referred to as charging stations or docks, EVSEs provide a reliable and safe connection between EVs, the electric grid, and other energy sources. […]
M12 cable and connector line for industrial applications and harsh environments
Stewart Connector announced the expansion of its M12 cable and connector product line for industrial applications and harsh environments. All of the cables and connectors in the M12 product line are designed for use in rugged spaces and are IP67-rated or above for water resistance and dust protection. Supporting Ethernet data transfer in aerospace, industrial […]
How internal fiber-optic connector designs are advancing
Inside-the-box copper connector and cable IO-Link standards for data centers have been a significant focus of systems product development, particularly within consortia and industry standards groups. Some recent examples are internal 400G and 800G PECFF Top-of-Board, Ethernet, CXL, and the PCIe use of SFF TA 1002/1020 connectors. Other examples include twin-axial cables for memory, storage, […]
What plating options are available for high-power connectors?
Plating options are numerous and tend to fall into four categories: noble metals, passive metals, alloys, and dispersions. The first three categories are well established, while dispersions are just beginning to appear in response to the need for high-power connectivity in electric vehicle (EV) charging and similar applications. This FAQ starts with a brief review […]
M23 wireable connectors feature pin and insert design
Mencom M23 Field wireable connectors are flexible passive devices used for a wide variety of industrial signal and control applications. The “Crimp and Poke” method of wire termination provides a quick solution where pre-molded cord sets are not readily available, or where cabling needs to be repaired. The improved pin and insert designs make using […]
Where are liquid-cooled industrial connectors used?
Liquid-cooled connectors are used in high-current, high-power industrial applications like electrochemical processes, welding, induction furnaces, electric arc furnaces, electrothermic processes, and electromagnets. This FAQ looks at various liquid-cooled cable and connector structures for carrying up to 60 kA. Two keys to optimizing the performance of liquid-cooled connectors and cables are minimizing the resistance in the […]
Flex-circuit-to-PCB connector handles 100 W
Hirose has expanded its miniature hybrid flexible printed circuit (FPC) to a board connector family to simplify mating and provide design flexibility. Combining space savings and a high-power capacity, the BK22 Series connector enables OEMs to reduce the size of portable devices without sacrificing power performance. The BK22 Series connector offers minimized contact resistance that […]
What standards apply to heavy-duty and industrial connectors?
There are numerous standards for heavy-duty connectors (HDCs) and general industrial connectors. An HDC is defined as a rectangular connector that can handle power, data, and signal pins in a single housing and is designed for use in challenging industrial and transportation environments. They are a subset of general industrial connectors. This FAQ does not […]
What’s a heavy-duty industrial connector?
A heavy-duty industrial connector (HDC) is a rectangular connector that can handle power, data, and signal pins in a single housing and operate in harsh environments. While there are also standardized circular industrial connectors, they are not classified as HDCs. HDCs are found in robotics, automation, machine control, power conversion, and motion control applications. This […]
M15-sized power bayonet connector for small- and medium-sized 2-phase motors
binder USA’s new PBC15 Power Bayonet Connector is designed for power supply and signal linking of devices via a single cable. The connector’s size corresponds to an M15 thread, effectively bridging the gap between M12 and M23 for power supply applications. The PBC15 is also designed for easy wiring and installation with a quick-locking system. […]
USB Type C standardization – what you need to know
In a world where technological advancements seem to occur at the speed of light, it’s imperative to stay informed and prepared for the next wave of innovation. The digital landscape is evolving, and at the forefront of this transformation is the imminent standardization of USB Type C in the European Union. This unassuming yet powerful […]
AC mains connectors lock in place
Transtector has released a new line of locking field-termination power connectors. The standard IEC C13 connectors are used to power countless components, enable you to make quick and easy field installations for minimal downtime and lock into place to prevent accidental disconnection. Due to their universal size, these locking field-termination power connectors are proving useful […]
Through-board connectors support large wire gauges and high current ratings
KYOCERA AVX has released the new 9296-11X Series STRIPT vertical poke-home through-board contacts for 12–18AWG wire. The new 9296-11X Series vertical through-board contacts further expand the company’s portfolio of user-friendly poke-home contacts and connectors. This addition brings the portfolio total to 10 series, two of which — this series and 9296-000 Series contacts — can now support larger wire gauges and […]
Space-saving relay modules simplify wiring
Weidmuller USA, a provider of Smart Industrial Connectivity products and solutions headquartered in Richmond, Va., has unveiled the latest innovation in connectivity for use in all types of industry sectors – the TERMSERIES-COMPACT, a versatile all-rounder in terminal-based design. These cutting-edge relay modules are incredibly compact with a width of only 6.4mm and a low […]
Hermetically sealed RF connectors serve mil/aero communications
Pasternack has announced a new series of hermetically sealed RF connectors and adapters designed to meet the stringent requirements of military and defense applications. The hermetically sealed terminal connectors and bulkhead-mount adapters in the series are developed with a variety of BNC, Type N, TNC, SMA, 2.92 mm, and 2.4 mm options. This provides users […]