CUI Devices’ Interconnect Group announced the addition of pogo pins and PCB pins to its connectors product portfolio. The CPG family of pogo and PCB pins offers gold-plated contacts for high reliability as well as a variety of pin sizes and configurations to meet an array of interconnect needs. CUI Devices’ line of pogo pins features […]
RF edge connectors shrink in size, cover DC to 67 GHz
Samtec has released a new line of RF edge launch connectors with a narrow body design that is 33% smaller than traditional edge launch connectors. These connectors are commonly used in a lab setting for high-frequency test and measurement applications, high-speed digital component tests, and evaluation boards. Frequency capabilities are DC to 67 GHz (185-EL Series), […]
PCI serial interface offers configurable RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 ports
Sealevel Systems announces the release of the 7804c PCI Serial Interface with eight field-selectable RS 232/422/485 asynchronous serial ports. The 7804c supports data rates exceeding 1 Mbps for industrial automation and control applications. The range of configurability enabled by the 7804c PCI Serial Interface allows users to implement standard serial COM port requirements via RS-232. RS-422 mode can be used […]
USB proliferation of capabilities and compatibilities
USB4 represents a significant change from past standards from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). It is based on the Thunderbolt 3 protocol. Support of Thunderbolt 3 interoperability is required on all ports for USB4 docks, for downward-facing ports on hubs, and is optional for USB4 hosts and peripheral devices. Like Thunderbolt, USB4 allows tunneling of […]
A guide to USB standards from 1.0 to USB4
The evolution of USB standards has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of modern computing and connectivity. From the basic functionality of USB 1.0 to the enhanced capabilities of USB4, each iteration has brought significant improvements in data transfer speeds, power delivery, and device compatibility. As a result of USB’s rapid advancement, the constantly changing […]
How does OPC UA PubSub data support connector digital twins?
The use of digital twins can be an important factor in maximizing the performance and flexibility of Industry 4.0 factories. Open Platform Communications (OPC) is the interoperability standard for the secure and reliable exchange of data in industrial automation environments. OPC has been expanded to include the unified architecture (UA), standardized as IEC 62541, that […]
How do connectors made with conductive plastics contribute to sustainability?
Basic plastics are electrically insulating, but with the proper additives, they can become conductive. Electrically conductive plastics can be used to replace metal components and improve sustainability in several areas of connector construction. They take less energy to fabricate and are lighter, reducing system weight, a very important consideration in applications like electric vehicles (EVs). […]
Amphenol communication solutions extends high-speed cable product portfolio
Enterprise Server Solution Providers Launches EDSFF, OCP, Power Shelf, and PCIe® DirectAttached® Cable Solutions. Amphenol Communications Solutions is pleased to announce the release of its high-speed cable solutions with options to meet PCIe®, EDSFF, OCP specifications, and power shelf requirements. In close collaboration with the PCI-SIG association, the PCIe®DirectAttached® cable riser solution eliminates PCB trace and vias and […]
How does UCIe on chiplets enable optical interconnects in data centers?
Chiplets enable heterogeneous integration of various process nodes and materials to maximize performance. UCIe is a new die-to-die interconnect standard for high-bandwidth, low-latency, power-efficient, and cost-effective connectivity between chiplets. UCIe is also the first specification to include an interface that is compatible with optical links. Large computing systems needed to support high-performance computing (HPC) applications […]
What are the key design and selection considerations for MIL-SPEC connectors?
MIL-SPEC connectors are designed to operate reliably in challenging conditions and extreme environments. First developed in the 1930s for the US Armed Forces, military standard connectors are now used across multiple industries, from energy and aerospace to maritime and automotive. This article discusses key MIL-SPEC connector design requirements and reviews crucial connector selection criteria. It […]
What is the best copper alloy for connectors in renewable energy and EV applications?
Copper is important in supporting renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). For example, there’s about 5.5 tons of copper used per megawatt (MW) of photovoltaic generation and there’s 183 pounds of copper in an EV, compared with only 48 pounds in an internal combustion engine (IEC) vehicle. Not all copper is the same; there’s a […]
How can carbon nanotubes improve interconnect performance?
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proposed for reducing fretting wear in connectors used in high-vibration environments like vehicles. They can also be used to make contacts with lower contact resistance and higher corrosion resistance compared with silver (Ag) plating, and they have been used to reduce the weight in some shielded cables by 25% or […]
Circular connector range now include M5 types for industrial and automation applications
CUI Devices’ Interconnect Group announced the addition of M5 connector types to its line of circular connectors and circular cable assemblies. The CDM5 family offers a range of male or female jack or plug versions with contact position options of 3 or 4 pins. These M5 connectors and cables are all A-coded to support 1 Gbit […]
Board-to-board connector line expanded to include 0.635 mm pitch versions
Samtec has expanded its successful line of Edge Rate board-to-board connectors to include a higher density mated set that is half the width of previous designs and offers a lower-profile 5 mm mated height (ERF6 & ERM6 Series). ERF6 & ERM6 Series Edge Rate connectors support 56 Gbps PAM4 high-speed, rugged mezzanine applications for industrial, embedded vision, […]
Magnetically attached connectors attach to boards and cables
Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp., Inc. is proud to introduce new Maxnetic connectors available in a variety of termination styles. These connectors provide designers flexibility in choosing the right magnetic connector combination for their interconnect needs. Magnetic connectors are ideal for applications requiring connections to be made quickly and easily such as charging systems for communications equipment; […]
Front-mounted IP67 bulkhead jacks added to panel mount receptacles
Amphenol RF is pleased to expand our versatile SMA product portfolio with additional reverse polarity front mount bulkhead jacks. The bulkhead jacks are engineered to accommodate a variety of micro coax cable types including 0.081 mm, 1.32 mm, 1.37 mm, and RG-178 and are IP67 rated. This makes them ideal for applications in demanding environments […]
Ruggedized USB-C connector withstands harsh mil-aero environments
Amphenol Socapex announces the release of a ruggedized USB Type-C connector, USB3CFTV, based on the MIL-DTL-38999 series III standard. The USB3CFTV is a ruggedized solution designed to withstand harsh environments and demanding applications such as military communications, military planes, aerospace, commercial air, and naval applications. The connector features a Tri start thread coupling mechanism that […]
Interconnect system flies over circuits at 28 Gbits/s
Samtec, Inc. is shipping the Optical FireFly Micro Flyover System, the first interconnect system with the flexibility to use micro-footprint high-performance optical and copper interconnects interchangeably. Consisting of a transceiver, two-piece connector system, and cable, the FireFly Micro Flyover System supports 14, 16, 25, and 28 Gbps designs in x4, x8, and x12 configurations. The […]
Wire-to-board connector line now includes branch connector
Hirose has expanded its low-profile DF51 wire-to-board connector series to include a branch connector. The DF51B Series enables the splitting of the cable into two separate paths. This not only simplifies the design and wiring process but also enables smaller and lighter end-products. Part of the SignalBee connector family, the 2.0 mm pitch DF51B Series […]
Board-to-board connectors pass 16 Gb/sec digital signals
Hirose has expanded its DF40 board-to-board floating connector series to support PCI-ex Gen.4 (16Gbps) and MIPI D-PHY Ver.1.1 (1.5Gbps). The DF40F Series provides high-density mounting, significant space-savings, and high-temperature resistance to 125 degrees for automotive applications. The DF40F Series is most commonly used in in-vehicle sensor applications including cameras, LIDAR, millimeter-wave radar, and more. Simplifying […]
Fiber optical rotatory joints for installation in tight spaces
Orbex Group announces its 700 Series of fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) assemblies, supporting either single- or multi-mode operation with options for wavelengths of 1310 or 1550 nanometers. Both the 1310- and 1550-nanometer options feature an outer diameter of 7 millimeters for installation in tight spaces. Additionally, each FORJ assembly features an insertion loss of […]
What are ZIF and LIF connectors and where are they used?
How low contact resistance is achieved can be a key differentiator between zero insertion force (ZIF) and low insertion force (LIF) connectors. Many LIF connectors have a low contact resistance of about 30 mΩ when mated without needing a locking mechanism. ZIF connectors generally require a locking mechanism to achieve low contact resistance and a […]
Waterproof connectors able to immerse in water to depth of 1.8 M for one hour
Amphenol distributor Inelco Hunter has announced the availability of the Sine Systems’ ecomate Aquarius Fathom Lock Series of waterproof connectors for industrial applications. In a mated condition, the system offers an IP67/69K rating, enabling immersion in water to a depth of 1.8M for one hour. The ecomate Aquarius connectors incorporate the latest technology, offering a […]
Wire-to-board connector now available in SMT version
Hirose has expanded its low-profile DF51K wire-to-board connector series to include a surface mount technology (SMT) version. Compatible with automated assembly processes, including pick-and-place machines, the DF51K SMT Series simplifies the assembly process and saves significant manufacturing time and cost. The compact SMT connector features a center lock design to offer high-density mounting on the PCB. […]
How do the three types of shielded cables work?
The three basic types of shielding for electromagnetic interference (EMI) in cables include strands of braided copper and similar metals, spiral shields, and foil or tape shields. They can be used separately or in combination. This FAQ begins with a review of the three types of shielding, then considers how they are used in combinations […]