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.) […]
Modular blocks with tool-free installation simplify in-field operation
Omni Pro Electronics has announced the EBY Electro new EB4862 Series of Easy-Wiring “Screwless” Terminal Blocks. These modular push-button terminal blocks are ergonomically designed, come in 30 positions, and can be color-coded to prevent improper wiring. The blocks are designed with a finger-friendly lever that requires a fraction of the force of other ‘push-button’ terminal blocks. […]
Multi-RF board-to-board connector combines digital and RF signals
Hirose has released a multi-RF board-to-board connector that provides a size reduction of up to 71% compared to conventional designs. With the industry’s smallest width of only 2.2 mm, the BM56 Series supports multiple RF and digital signals with one board-to-board connector. By combining digital and RF signals into a single connector, the BM56 Series […]
Spring-loaded pins and connectors available tight pointed or flat tip plungers
Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp., Inc. announces a new lineup of spring-loaded pins available with either pointed or flat-tip plungers. These new pins expand our extensive offering of spring-loaded products, providing solutions for testing and other specialized connection requirements. Responding to designers’ needs for new and varied spring-loaded interconnect solutions, Mill-Max has expanded its spring-loaded product line […]
Touch-less hidden switch is concealed behind surface
SCHURTER introduces the innovative THS switch series with optical sensor technology that can be concealed behind any surface without the need for mounting holes. A small opening in the user interface is all that is needed to allow the ToF sensor to actuate. Equipment and appliances used in public areas have created a demand for […]
The future of autonomy for on-highway vehicles
Contributed by Lisa Viazanko, Vice President and CTO of Industrial, Commercial Transportation, TE Connectivity The promise of fully autonomous on-highway vehicles has enthralled manufacturers, consumers, and the media alike. The world awaits a future where trucks, busses, and emergency vehicles can be operated entirely by automation and respond to ever-changing environmental and traffic conditions. The […]
Cut splicing time with pins and housings
The Space Splice system from C&K/Littelfuse can reduce the time needed to build cable assemblies with crimps and connector housings. Building custom wiring harnesses is time-consuming, especially when you must splice wires and tie them together. The Space Splice series from C&K/Littelfuse can reduce assembly time in production. Instead of twisting and soldering wires, assemblers […]
Connector family handles 224 Gb/sec digital signals
A set of five connectors that connect board-to-board, board-to-backplane, and board-to-cable connections address signal-integrity issues not present at lower data rates. Every time digital data streams make a speed jump, new problems in physics emerge that did not exist at lower speeds. Now that 224 Gb/sec PAM4 links are in development, engineers must deal with […]
Lever series design for extra-tough connectivity
Mencom introduces the innovative V-TYPE lever for rectangular connectors in response to the increasingly diverse and specialized performance requirements for securing the connections against severe vibration in harsh manufacturing environments. The V-TYPE lever distinguishes itself from other types of levers due to its unique closing mechanism consisting of two hinged elements that are pivoted on […]
LAN connector handles Cat6A PoE Type 4
Platinum Tools announced the launch of the new Cat6A PoE Type 4 Connector (p/n 106260). Additional specifications and features include: Cat6A certified for Patch and Permanent Link; Unshielded twisted pair; IDC Terminal style contacts for a wide range of conductor sizes; Cable tie is included for securing the cable jacket; UL 94V0-rated housing; Phosphor bronze […]
Micro-coaxial cable available with push-on and threaded connectors
Times Microwave Systems introduces its new TF-047 micro-coaxial cable, offering high performance and reliability in a compact footprint. TF-047 is a versatile SwaP-C solution with extensive connector capability. TF-047 is compact and flexible for easy routing in space-constrained areas, with an overall diameter of 0.055 in./1.40 mm, and can support bends as tight as 0.20 […]
Receptacles now fitted with beryllium copper contact clip
Mill-Max Manufacturing Corp., Inc. announces the development of a new minimal insertion length contact, expanding our range of receptacles designed to work with shorter mating leads. The receptacles being introduced here are fitted with a new, beryllium copper contact clip which is characterized by an early engagement contact point, dual entry capability, low contact resistance, […]
What are three key performance needs for HVAC/harsh environment connectors?
Connectors are complex assemblies whose performance is based on interactions of materials with electrical, mechanical, and environmental factors. Extensive testing is required to ensure proper performance and numerous industry standards have been developed for that purpose. This FAQ reviews 13 tests across three key performance indicators for connectors including electrical, mechanical, and environmental considerations for […]
ODU Group launches ODU AMC NP miniaturized quick disconnect connector for soldier systems
With this ODU AMC NP launch, ODU extends its successful portfolio for soldier communications as well as its ability to assist military and defense customers with custom hybrid solutions and multiple value-added services, such as one-to-one engineering support, rapid prototyping and cable assembly integrated. This gives a significant competitive advantage to equipment manufacturers that want […]
How to improve contact reliability and security in HVAC/harsh environments
Contact security and reliability are important considerations when designing heating ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems and other equipment for use in harsh environments, like outdoors or in industrial facilities. Well-established standards like RAST connectors provide a good alternative, but some applications demand more. Challenges include environmental sealing, contact retention, position optimization, and locking power connectors together […]
What are the key tests for HVAC/harsh environment connectors?
Connectors are complex assemblies whose performance is based on interactions of electrical, mechanical, environmental, and materials factors. Extensive testing is required to ensure proper performance, and numerous industry standards have been developed for that purpose. This FAQ reviews 13 tests across three key performance indicators for connectors, including electrical, mechanical, and environmental considerations for connectors […]
What are the top five performance needs for HVAC/harsh environment connectors?
Amid a plethora of performance requirements for connectors used in heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and other harsh environments, five stand out as especially important — ingress protection against dust and moisture (IP rating), extreme temperature operation, balancing mating/unmating forces and contact resistance, retention force and locking mechanisms for robust operation, and safety. […]
Pluggable IO interface technology driving 224G PAM4 cable and connector developments
In this article, we’ll discuss the recent 200+G PAM4 per-lane interconnect developments supported by various consortia, standards bodies, and new product announcements. The latest 2023 Ethernet Alliance Roadmap shows the demand for 200+G per-lane pluggable modules, connectors, copper, and optical cable products by 2025. Based on their chart below and the interface roadmap, several different lane-count versions […]
What’s the difference between needle flame and glow wire testing?
Needle flame and glow wire testing are two approaches to determining the flame-retardant performance of materials like various plastics and the electronic devices that incorporate those materials. Needle flame tests are defined in IEC 60695-2-2, while glow wire testing is defined in IEC 60335 and IEC 60695. UL94 is another material burning test and can […]
What are RAST connectors?
RAST connectors include signal and power designs based on insulation displacement technology. The original specification included a maximum of 12 contacts, but RAST connectors are currently available with 20 or more contacts. They were developed for consumer white goods and have been adopted by various applications, including automotive systems. The RAST connector system was designed […]
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 […]
Converter allows for incorporation of analog sensors and actuators with IO-Link communications
WAGO’s new IP67-rated I/O-Link Analog Converters offer a solid and cost-effective solution for incorporating conventional analog sensors and actuators with IO-Link communications. The 765-2702/200-000 has two 0-10 VDC inputs that are converted to IO-Link for monitoring field-level sensors. The 765-2703/200-000 has two 4-20ma analog outputs while the 765-2704/200-000 has two 0-10VDC analog outputs. Both devices […]
Design software adds 8 million connector models
Nicomatic and SnapEDA are releasing computer-aided design (CAD) models for over 8 million of Nicomatic’s connectors to help engineers bring their designs to life faster. A printed circuit board (PCB) is built with many small components, each of them with special characteristics and features. Previously, engineers had to design CAD models for each of them, […]
RJ-45 receptacle keeps out water, dust, corrosion, and vibration
Platinum Tools is proud to announce the launch of the new Weatherproof Keystone Jack (p/n 745-1). Now shipping, the IP64-rated jack has an MSRP of $15.95. Additional features and specifications include: Designed for both shielded and non-shielded cable; Terminate with any 110 blade and punch-down tool; Rated for Cat6 terminations; For use with RJ45 (8P8C) […]
Why is connector pitch important?
Contributed by Frances Richards Knowing the connector pitch is vital to ensuring compatibility with the wire or cable being connected. When designing a circuit or purchasing either connectors or cables, the connector pitch must be specified to ensure a proper connection. First, let’s define pitch: A connector’s pitch refers to the distance measured from the […]