Contributed by Horst Messerer, product & sales manager – data, network and bus technology Clear wire identification with different colors is essential for the fast and safe connection of cables and wires. However, conventional marking methods also have disadvantages, such as environmental compatibility, for example. “Pastel B” is an alternative method for marking wire pairs […]
New cable entry frames for the food & beverage
The cable management specialist icotek presents its new cable entry frames KEL-ER-BL. The KEL-ER-BL is a split cable entry frame for cables with and without plugs. Depending on the size, cables with a diameter of 1 to 35 mm are inserted, sealed with IP65 and, at the same, time strain-relieved in accordance with DIN EN…
Mitsubishi launches tool to match system requirements and streamline quoting process
Mitsubishi Electric Automation is proud to launch its FA Integrated Selection tool as a configuration resource for its customers. As opposed to digging through catalogs and manuals to select components that meet system requirements, the tool is designed to do this for customers in a user-friendly way. The FA Selection also allows users to configure…
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 […]
Raspberry Pi adapter board simplifys the integration of the Anybus CompactCom
HMS Networks has launched the Raspberry Pi adapter board, providing industrial device manufacturers with a simplified method to test and evaluate the Anybus CompactCom, a ready-made communication interface that connects devices to any industrial network. While previous adapter boards were designed for testing Anybus CompactCom modules with STM32 or NXP (formerly Freescale) microcontroller platforms, this…
Helukabel TRAYCONTRO 600 flexible control cable from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added the versatile and highly flexible Helukabel TRAYCONTROL 600V control cable that is ideal for industrial control, power, and instrumentation applications. The individual bare copper conductors are stranded for flexibility and are covered with a black PVC/nylon insulation with white numbering for easy identification. A green with yellow stripe ground conductor is also…
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 […]
What are some disadvantages of unshielded twisted pair cable?
Contributed by Frances Richards Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable is comprised of anywhere from two to 1800 unshielded twisted pairs of 100-ohm copper encased in an outer plastic jacket. This widely used data communication cable is most commonly found in local area networks (LANs) for applications such as computer networking, telecommunications, and Ethernet networks. Benefits […]
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 […]
Red Lion’s N-Tron Series NT5000 gigabit ethernet switch series
Red Lion, a global innovator and technology manufacturer that empowers industrial organizations to access, connect, and visualize their data, announces feature enhancements to its N-Tron® Series NT5000 Gigabit Managed Layer 2 Ethernet switches, first released in January of this year. As industries modernize their facilities and digitally transform operations to leverage the power of industrial…
binder USA M12 K and L-Coded overmolded cable components meet UL 2238
binder USA has expanded its 823/824 product series with K and L-coded overmolded cable components satisfying UL 2238 standard for North America. The transmission of electrical power via compact M12 interfaces has become a fundamental requirement. The new 823/824 components provide reliable power transmission to field devices, such as sensors, wireless transmitters, and fieldbus devices.…
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 […]
STRIDE SE3 Ethernet Switches from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added STRIDE SE3 series unmanaged Ethernet switches that offer low-cost networking solutions for industrial applications. Built with a rugged IP30 metal housing, this series offers Fast (10/100 Base-T) and Gigabit (1000 Base-T) speeds, fiber optic connections (ST 100FX, SC 100FX, and SFP ports), and up to 16 ports total. A plastic IP67-rated version…
Mitsubishi’s networking and compatibility capabilities provide cost-conscious machine
Integrated Production Systems (IPS) develops a machine to produce anechoic foam for its customers by incorporating a complete Mitsubishi Electric solution using CC-Link IE TSN networking. Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. is known for the quality, performance, and compatibility of its automation components. Because of this, Womack Machine Supply, Diamond Partner Distributor Elite of Mitsubishi Electric…
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 […]
Position ready-to-install e-chain cable carriers easily, quickly, and accurately
igus has introduced the fast positioner assembly helper tool to its readychain service. Installation downtime is costly for production companies. To simplify and accelerate energy supply system installation for customers, igus offers the readychain® service – pre-assembled e-chain systems with integrated cables, connectors, and components. This turnkey solution from a single vendor delivers quality-checked, harness-filled […]
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 […]
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 […]