One of the breakthrough connectors of the 20th century was the Berg PV contact. Some of you will know that Quentin Berg started Berg Electronics back in 1950. When Berg left AMP to start his own company, one of his key inventions and the basis of the company was the mini PV contact. This new […]
Basics
Taming the vibration monster with a hair-thin wire!
I am always amazed by the creativity of the human mind when confronted by a challenge. In 1960, clever minds at Tecknit, a manufacture of shielding materials, created a unique solution to connect grounding structures to contain EMI (electromagnetic interference.) They formed a fine, hair-thin wire into a disk that, when compressed, connected ground planes […]
An in-depth look at modular connectors
Modular connectors, like those manufactured by ODU-USA, allow different connector modules—fiber optic, coax, power, pneumatic, data and signal—to be inserted into one connector housing. This saves space and reduces the need for hardwiring, thus streamlining design. Key to ODU’s MAC (Modular Attachable Connector) design is the use of the company’s Springtac springwire technology. Developed by […]
What are crimp connectors?
A crimp connector is a type of solderless electrical connector used for terminating stranded wire. Depending on the type, crimp connectors, sometimes called crimp terminals, can be terminated to different configurations of spade-foot connectors, wire splices and screw terminals. The first step in affixing a crimp connector is to use a wire stripper to remove […]
Backplane connectors: What are they and how are they used?
Often referred to simply as a backplane, this special type of printed circuit board is used as a support structure for connecting other PCBs. The backplane connector adds mechanical strength and stability while also acting as a plane for integrating other system components called daughterboards. Daughterboards are connected to the backplane to perform different functions. […]
What are push-pull connectors?
Push-pull connectors are simply connectors that lock, providing a secure mating system in mission-critical applications. According to Steven Lassen, products & applications manager for LEMO USA Inc., they only require an axial force to engage and disengage, thus do not need a rotational force. Common applications include medical devices and equipment, military use on both […]
The basics on mil spec connectors from ODU
In any military setting—be it wearable technology on a soldier or within machines—one of the most desirable attributes is a compact, lightweight and rugged design. That’s the case with connectors used in military equipment, and so these devices just keep getting smaller and smaller and lighter and lighter. Most designs, like those of ODU-USA, evolved […]
The right connector for low-pressure fluid handling: A 3-Step Guide
By Grant Wilhelm, Senior Design Engineer, Colder Products Co. A wide range of products function by transferring liquids or gasses through small-diameter tubing—from patient beds and in vitro diagnostics in the medical market, ink management systems in printers and liquid cooling systems in server racks to condiment delivery in food applications and fuel lines in marine and […]
What are medical connectors
Connections in medical devices encompass a variety of styles, including those that make electrical connections within medical machines and systems, as well as those used to latch and unlatch tubing in medical devices. Connectors are used to transfer power, signal, data or media and can be designed for just one of these operations or as […]
Understanding circular industrial connectors
In the electronics realm, a variety of connectors can be used to transmit power and signals, and carry network and data signals throughout a facility. These multi-pin contact designs are easily installed and removed. Over the years, circular connectors have grown to be some of the most common, as they are more compact and can […]