Fiber optic connector trends include a proliferation of new and smaller designs and, according to NTT, optical connector standardization activities are one of the most active areas at the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). As of February 2021, IEC SC 86B (Fibre optic interconnecting devices and passive components) published the second largest number of documents in […]
Basics
What’s different about space-rated connectors?
Space-grade connectors are generally spin-offs of military-grade designs. Compared with common commercial connectors, there’s a much smaller variety of space-grade connectors. However, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and COTS+ connectors are increasingly used in cost-sensitive missions such as CubeSats. This FAQ begins with a look at the unique operating conditions in space and how those conditions impact […]
New developments in 212+G per-lane data-center connectors and cables
Several deep-packet inspection chips and test instrumentation applications are using next-generation speed-rate IO application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chips. These chips combine several circuits in one and are customized for a particular use. This is different than what the current server and switch markets are typically using. These developers are experienced with the 200+ per lane […]
How QSFP-DD and OSFP Loopback modules are supporting multiple IO interfaces
IO Loopbacks connect digital data streams to their source without purposeful processing or modification. This serves as a diagnostic test for a device and other nodes in the network infrastructure. The return signal is compared with the transmitted signal. For several generations of electronic equipment, using a short cable assembly, molded very-high-density cable interconnect (VHDCI), […]
Why connector return loss causes signal problems
Return loss can affect insertion loss, the amount of energy that reaches a receiver.
Driving standards: The latest liquid-cooling cables and connectors for data centers
Passive and active direct liquid cooling for modules and chassis immersion implementations are becoming more commonly used to cool high-wattage devices — such as graphics processing units (GPUs) and switch application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). This seems to be driving an expanding fluid connector and cable market with higher-volume units as applications now include hyperscaler and […]
D-sub connectors: Everyone speaks of them incorrectly
You probably don’t know it, but you’ve been referring to most D-sub connectors incorrectly for your entire career.
What is the common impedance of a twisted pair?
Understanding impedance in twisted-pair cables help you avoid signal problems.
The connector is often the EMI problem
It only takes 3µA of current to fail an EMC test, and a connector can produce that much.
Wire and fiber optic geometries offer high-speed cable transmission options
The latest high-speed transmission cables are benefitting from the use of optic-fiber and copper wire options, which are offering unique form factors and customizable solutions. Typically, data-transmission copper wire and optical-fiber conductors are round or cylindrical. The addition of silver plating on the copper conductor facilitates the high-frequency electrical transmission path. Fiber conductors are foundry […]
