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 […]
Electronics
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 […]
Reliable high-power management for harsh environments
There are several options when it comes to terminating wires for rectangular connectors. Axial screw termination is one of the most common methods in the industry. This method is suitable for field installation or maintenance because not only is the connection stable and secure, but also either a common slot screwdriver or hex tool is […]
Four types of connectors for robots and drones
Many power and signal connectors are used in robot and drone sub-systems, such as sensors, motion, high-speed wired and wireless communications, and more. As industry 4.0 continues to unfold, more robots and more types of robots are being found in factories, warehouses, and other facilities to increase quality and efficiencies and reduce costs. Robots and […]
What are 1-phase and 3-phase AC power connectors & standards?
Power connectors are primarily designed to ensure a safe and reliable connection of devices to AC mains power, although they are generally specified for AC and DC voltages. AC receptacles and plugs come in various configurations with different blade widths, shapes, positions, and dimensions, designed to make them safe to use and non-interchangeable with different […]
Why and how are medical connectors and standards different?
Medical connectors are different because medical applications are different. Medical systems require high reliability like industrial systems, but they have unique challenges where failure or unreliable operation can be life-threatening. A few examples include: Materials qualified for medical connectors are often specified to prevent bacteria growth and ensure that the connection system withstands sterilization or […]
What’s the status of EV charging connector standards?
Connectors for electric vehicle (EV) charging are both standardized and changing. On one level, EV charging connectors are standardized based on today’s technology limitations. There are standards in major regional markets, including North America, Japan, the European Union, and China. But current charging technologies are power limited. This FAQ begins with a review of EV […]
Mil-spec connectors can be adapted for commercial applications
Cinch Connectivity Systems announced the expansion of the Mil/Aero Circular MD801 Series. The Mil/Aero Circular MD801 is a lightweight, ultraminiature connector with small form factors and high-density capabilities, ideal for aerospace, military, and other harsh environment applications. With the features meeting Military Standard (MIL-SPEC) classifications, this product can also be adapted to accommodate commercial applications. Additional […]
Right-angle BNC designed for pick-and-place assembly
Samtec now offers a 75 Ohm High-Density BNC solution (HDBNC Series) with an exclusive, balanced right-angle design ideal for high volume pick-and-place manufacturing (-BM1D & -BM2D die-cast options). Designed primarily for use in advanced broadcast video equipment, Samtec HDBNC Series was tested to the latest SMPTE 2082 12G-SDI pass/fail specifications, with return loss measurements surpassing […]
A complete guide to modular connectors
First developed in the 1960s and becoming more publicly available in the early 1970s, modular connectors were born out of necessity to provide a more simple, “modular” interconnection system for phone systems, data networks, and low-speed serial connections. During that same timeframe, the FCC developed a registration system for modular connectors, known as Registered Jacks […]
