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 […]
What are the six connector locking mechanisms?
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, […]
Tell igus how you use energy supply systems before February 9, 2024
igus, the German-based manufacturer of motion plastics, announced that applications are now being accepted for the ninth igus vector award. The deadline for applications is February 9, 2024. The igus vector award honors design engineers and project managers worldwide for the creative and courageous use of igus energy supply systems and high-performance cables in unique […]
Murrplastik two-piece flex split conduit from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added EWT-PA series flexible, non-metallic, two-piece split conduit from Murrplastik. This flex split conduit provides an easy solution for routing pre-terminated cables, eliminating the need to dismantle/reassemble the installed connectors. The EWT-PA series conduit consists of dual overlapping tubes that are easy to open yet provide mechanical protection and eliminate unintentional exposure of […]
Expanded cable assembly portfolio connects more soldier digital gear
Fischer Connectors released an expanded set of cable assemblies for the Keystone tactical hub, including three cables for L3 Harris, Silvus and Bittium tactical radios and two device cables for Safran Vectronix’s MOSKITO TI target locator and STERNA True North Finder. Designed to US Army Next Generation Hub (NGH) standards, Fischer Keystone gives dismounted soldiers […]
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 […]
HART Multiplexer Software supports Turck excom and Siemens ET 200iSP Remote I/Os
A growing number of new remote IOs are using Ethernet instead of PROFIBUS to connect to the controller. smartLink SW-HT responds to this trend by providing an Ethernet connection to tunnel the HART commands to the remote IOs. As the only solution on the market, smartLink SW-HT enables the use of remote I/Os from various…
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 […]
Custom cables help keep shipping channels clear
International cable manufacturer and supplier HELUKABEL recently partnered with dredging and marine construction company Callan Marine to power their new General MacArthur dredging vessel. Galveston, Texas-based Callan Marine dredges for both private and public clients throughout the United States to restore and maintain the required depths and widths of main navigation channels, smaller transportation waterways,…
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 […]
Electrostatically dissipative variant added to e-skin flat energy chains
igus has added an ESD variant specifically for highly sensitive cleanrooms to its e-skin flat series. The modular ribbon cable’s new material prevents the chain from becoming electrostatically charged while ensuring it generates no particles, even during fast movements. The modular design with individual pods also allows quick energy supply system filling. In addition to […]
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 […]