The new UT grommets from icotek are an innovative solution for the simple and efficient routing of cables into housings with and without plugs. The grommet is U-shaped with slots on one side that allow individual cable with a variable clamping range of 2 mm to be routed safely and tool-less. The diameter range is…
Should servomotor cables be shielded, and if so, why?
Contributed by Frances Richards As with many things in life and engineering, it depends whether you should use shielded servomotor cables. However, in most industrial environments, the answer is a definite yes. Later in this entry, the few instances where unshielded servomotor cables may be appropriate will be discussed. For now, let’s consider some of […]
ABB develops cable protection crafted from discarded ocean fishing nets
An estimated 1 million tons of abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), the equivalent of 50,000 double-decker buses, litter the world’s oceans every year, endangering marine life as a major source of ocean plastic pollution. To help address this dangerous marine pollution, ABB Installation Products pioneered industry-leading cable protection crafted from 50% recycle-based polyamide […]
How mmWaves affect cables, connectors, and PCB traces
Millimeter-wave signals used in 5G networks provide wide bandwidth and high data rates. Signal losses, both over the air and through interconnects, bring design challenges. by Ketan Thakkar, Cinch Connectivity Millimeter wave (mmWave) signals offer engineers countless application possibilities, including ranging, object detection, and mapping. Unfortunately, mmWaves bring numerous design challenges. Not only do mmWave […]
Interconnect product folio expanded to include pogo and PCB pins
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 […]
dataFEED OPC Suite increases application security between
Softing Inc., a global provider of products for industrial automation, IT networks, and automotive electronics, announces the release of dataFEED OPC UA Tunnel, a new method to help customers secure communications between PLCs and business applications. Additionally, dataFEED OPC Suite version 5.30 can now move process data from PLCs to an InfluxDB database for storage.…
New JOKARI cable/wire dismantling and stripping tools from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added new JOKARI cable/wire stripping and dismantling tools designed for the easy removal of cable jackets and wire insulation. These ergonomic tools are available for various AWG sizes and in automatic, heavy-duty, multi-purpose, and precision models. JOKARI self-adjusting stripping pliers provide ease of use, durability, an ergonomic design, and support round cable, flat…
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), […]
5G reliability enters the automated warehouse
The flexibility of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), which use a wireless navigation system to guide them around a facility, is the reason these self-sufficient machines are so popular in warehouse environments. However, 50 AMRs on the floor will overload the traditional WiFi network. That leads to network latency and interrupts communication between AMRs and the…
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 […]
Five things to know about leveraging wireless charging to support DX
Digital transformation (DX) initiatives continue to make headlines. The buzzword is synonymous with improving automation, safety, and efficiency in the manufacturing industry. More facilities than ever are integrating Industry 4.0 technologies such as sensors, IoT, and robots, into their operations to enhance modernization efforts, increase efficiency, and reduce downtime. Here, wireless charging of equipment found…
TOPFLEX 600V VFD cable form AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added the Helukabel TOPFLEX 600V VFD cable designed to handle the power needs of VFDs and limit the effects of electromagnetic interference, helping to prevent costly machine downtime. This cable is available in 16 AWG to 2 AWG sizes with individual class K flexible stranded tinned copper conductors covered with cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE)…
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 […]
AchieVe fiber optic Ethernet patch cables available from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added even more network cabling options to their lineup of Communication products. The new AchieVe brand fiber optic Ethernet patch cables provide reliable low-cost multi-mode fiber connections. These cables contain optical fibers that transmit data signals as light, offering much higher transmission speeds than copper cables, and are naturally immune to electromagnetic interference. […]
Delta showcases wireless charging solutions and machine vision solutions for Smart Logistics at MODEX 2024
Delta, a provider of power management and IoT-based smart green solutions, is showcasing high-efficiency wireless charging systems and smart industrial automation solutions for AGVs, e-forklifts, and conveyors to foster autonomous logistics operations. Key features include a 30 kW Wireless Charging System, which offers up to 95% efficiency for a broad range of industrial logistics vehicles,…
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 […]
AchieVe fiber optic ethernet patch cables from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added even more network cabling options to its lineup of Communication products. The new AchieVe brand fiber optic Ethernet patch cables provide reliable low-cost multi-mode fiber connections. These cables contain optical fibers that transmit data signals as light, offering much higher transmission speeds than copper cables, and are naturally immune to electromagnetic interference.…
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 […]
Belden launches data acquisition and orchestration products for mission-critical environments
Belden announced new products around data orchestration and management and data acquisition and transmission that enable better connectivity, faster speeds, and more power to help mission-critical environments perform at their peak. The data orchestration and management products include: Belden Horizon Console includes enhancements that allow organizations to take greater control of data collection and transfer.…