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 […]
Exploring the fundamentals of tactile switches
Tactile switches, often overlooked in their simplicity, are the unsung heroes of countless electronic devices, providing the tactile feedback and reliable actuation force that underpin user experience. From the keyboards for laptops to the robust controls of industrial machinery, these unassuming switches enable seamless interaction with the digital world. Despite their simplicity, there are still […]
Miniaturized MEMS pressure sensor incorporates proprietary tech for enhanced EV thermal management
Melexis has introduced the MLX90830, a miniaturized MEMS pressure sensor that incorporates the company’s patented TriphibianTM technology. The sensor is capable of measuring gas and liquid media from 2 to 70 bar. It is factory-calibrated to measure absolute pressure and provides a proportional analog output signal. The MLX90830 is designed to be integrated into the […]
mmWave radar sensor chip and diagnostics-integrated driver chips address functional safety
Texas Instruments has introduced new semiconductors designed to improve automotive safety and intelligence. The AWR2544 77GHz millimeter-wave radar sensor chip is the industry’s first for satellite radar architectures, enabling higher levels of autonomy by improving sensor fusion and decision-making in ADAS. TI’s new software-programmable driver chips, the DRV3946-Q1 integrated contactor driver and DRV3901-Q1 integrated squib […]
Intro to panel mount encoders
In the domain of electrical engineering, panel mount encoders play a pivotal role in precision measurement and control systems, influencing the performance and accuracy of a diverse range of applications. Panel mount encoders fall under the category of rotary encoders. These devices are physically affixed to panels and find primary utility in human interface applications. […]
A comprehensive exploration of IEC 60601-1-8 for medical alarm systems
In the intricate web of healthcare technology, the seamless integration of medical alarm systems plays a pivotal role in ensuring patient safety and the efficient functioning of medical equipment. Due to the mission-critical nature of these medical alarms, it should come as no surprise that additional regulations govern them, specifically IEC 60601-1-8—a standard that delineates […]
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 […]
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 […]
Micro-D connectors series for harsh environments includes removable crimp contacts
Littelfuse, Inc. announced the availability of its latest C&K product — the MDMA Micro-D connector with removable crimp contacts. This unique design innovation allows end users to easily create custom cable harnesses, a feature not currently offered by any other Micro-D connectors on the market. No soldering or shrink tubing is required. (View the video.) […]
The future of better M2M communications requires optimizing interoperability
By Priyank Kishor, global product management leader, TE Connectivity As Industry 4.0 advances manufacturing and production capabilities, factories can better integrate crucial processes, drive greater efficiencies, and access data and insights to improve operations. However, one significant challenge continues to stand in the way of optimizing machine-to-machine (M2M) communications: seamless interoperability and integration. Interoperability in […]
An introduction to pressure sensors
As crucial devices in a wide range of industries and applications, pressure sensors are used to measure the pressure of gases or liquids and can be found in everything from medical equipment and automotive systems to HVAC units and more. While the basic principle of pressure sensors is straightforward (P=F/A), their simplicity ends there. Not […]
Where are liquid cooled connectors and connectors for liquid cooling used in EVs?
Liquid cooled connectors are used for carrying high power levels like those found in extreme fast charging (XFC) EV chargers. Connectors for liquid cooling are more common and used for cooling EV battery packs, cooling XFC EV charging stations, and other thermally demanding applications. This FAQ will review the performance and use cases for liquid […]
Sensor modules target AGvs with wide field of view, VoC features
Inuitive, a Vision-on-Chip processor company, announced today the launch of its latest sensor modules: the M4.5S and the M4.3WN. Designed to easily integrate into robots and drone systems, both sensor modules are built around the NU4000 Vision-on-Chip (VoC) processor and integrate depth sensing and image processing with AI and VSLAM capabilities in order to provide […]
Flash LiDAR supports over-the-air updates for automotive apps
PreAct Technologies, an Oregon-based developer of near-field flash LiDAR technology, announced that its T30P flash LiDAR is now available. Vehicles with software-defined architectures require sensor technology that can support over-the-air updates over the life of the vehicle, and PreAct’s T30P sensor is the only flash LiDAR capable of meeting this requirement. As the industry’s first […]
Board-to-board connectors meet automotive and industrial standards
Interplex has just released its multi-row board-to-board (BTB) connector product with a proprietary snap-in biscuit design allowing multiple connector units to be stacked together. This means interconnections can be appropriately sized while avoiding the need for them to be custom-built. The unique cost-effective approach that Interplex has taken will enable different pin count requirements to […]
In-line jack connector added to industrial product line
Hirose has expanded its ix Industrial connector series to include an in-line jack version. Supporting CAT5e (1 Gbps) and CAT6A (10 Gbps) cabling, the new ix40G in-line jack variation addresses market needs for simpler, space-reducing wiring of equipment across longer distances. In addition to in-line connection, the ix Industrial in-line jack supports panel mounting for […]
An overview of circular connectors and cables
Circular connectors have been utilized for many years as reliable components that can operate in a variety of harsh environments. True to their name, circular connectors are cylindrical-shaped interconnects carrying a wide number of pin options for transferring electrical power, signals, and data. Because of their rugged design, circular connectors and cables are often found […]
Festo wins coveted 2022 LEAP Award
Festo took home a silver medal in the recently completed 2022 Leap Awards. The LEAP Awards celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking products serving the design engineering space. Festo won in the Sensors and Switches category covering equipment feedback devices such as mechanical switches and photoelectric, proximity, reel, and hall-effect sensors. Submissions also included devices […]
Texas Instruments wins coveted 2002 LEAP Award
Texas Instruments took home the gold medal in the recently completed 2022 Leap Awards. The LEAP Awards celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking products serving the design engineering space. Texas Instruments won in the Sensors and Switches category covering equipment feedback devices such as mechanical switches and photoelectric, proximity, reel, and hall-effect sensors. Submissions also […]
Schurter wins coveted 2022 LEAP Awards
Schurter took home the bronze medal in the recently completed 2022 Leap Awards for product innovation. The LEAP Awards celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking products serving the design engineering space. Schurter won in the Sensors and Switches category covering equipment feedback devices such as mechanical switches and photoelectric, proximity, reel, and hall-effect sensors. Submissions […]
Omega Engineering wins coveted 2022 LEAP Award
Omega Engineering won an Honorable Mention in the recently completed 2022 Leap Awards for product innovation. The LEAP Awards celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking products serving the design engineering space. Omega Engineering won in the Sensors and Switches category covering equipment feedback devices such as mechanical switches and photoelectric, proximity, reel, and hall-effect sensors. […]
Piezo driver provides integrated sensing on single chip
Boréas Technologies has introduced the BOS1921, a tiny piezo driver that delivers autonomous operation and sensing for piezo haptic trackpads in a single chip—freeing PC OEMs from the dedicated electronics that other piezo drivers require for force sensing. This advancement reduces bill of materials (BOM) costs by up to 2x, keeps piezo haptic trackpads thin, improves responsiveness, […]
Fully-shielded, board-to-board connector capable of 40 Gbps/lane transmission
I-PEX has released the new NOVASTACK 35-HDH fully-shielded, board-to-board connecter at 1.5 mm mating height and 0.35 mm pitch. This connector combines excellent mating workability with high electrical performance. The NOVASTACK 35-HDH connector can be used in a wide variety of applications, including notebook PCs, automotive cameras, VR headsets, etc. With its 360-degree metal shielded ZenShield design, […]
Connectors added to automotive LED lighting portfolio
Heilind Electronics introduces TE’s ERNI MiniBridge and MaxiBridge connectors. These rugged solutions combine highly compact designs with high current carrying capacity, making them an ideal choice for automotive LED lighting systems. TE’s ERNI MaxiBridge (2.54 mm pitch) and MiniBridge (1.27 mm pitch) cable connector families feature compact as well as electrically and mechanically sophisticated designs, […]
What are the types and uses of position sensors?
Position sensing is a critical function across a wide range of applications, from robot drive chains to conveyor belts in supply chain operations to the swaying of wind turbine towers. It can take many forms, including linear, rotary, angular, absolute, incremental, contact, and non-contact sensors. Specialized sensors have been developed that can determine positions in […]