Space constraints that characterize electric vehicle systems put special demands on connectors that must handle high power and rising data rates. Giorgio Potenza • Harwin There are six main systems directly associated with an electric vehicle (EV) powertrain. They consist of the onboard charger (OBC), the battery pack, the battery management system (BMS) that monitors […]
FAQ
Connectors and cables modernize data centers
Demands for bandwidth-intensive, data-driven services are fueling a rise in compute, data storage, and networking capabilities. These rises put pressure on connectors and cable to deliver data at higher speeds with better signals and less heat.
How are RF connectors shrinking for mmWave systems?
RF connectors for mmWave are shrinking to accommodate higher performance and higher densities in 5G communication networks and devices. This FAQ begins by looking at today’s 4.3-10 coaxial connectors, which were developed to solve the performance issues inherent to the previous 7-16 connectors. It then examines how the technologies unveiled in the 4.3-10 are further […]
Where are miniature connectors for wearables headed?
Miniature connectors for wearables continue to shrink, and they are increasing in performance, carrying higher bandwidth signals and more power. Wearables add functionality, resulting in more components and interconnects in the same size package. Applications range from smartwatches and health monitoring devices to augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) devices, as well as medical and military systems. […]
How are optical interconnects being miniaturized?
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 […]
What connectors are there for woven electronics & e-textiles?
Woven electronics and electronic textiles (e-textiles) are emerging areas of technology. E-textiles are being developed that can monitor physiological conditions, deliver medical treatments, or be used as human machine interfaces (HMIs). Maintaining reliable connections between electronic devices embedded into clothing or other soft materials is challenging. There are issues related to washability and durability, in […]
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 […]
Why connector return loss causes signal problems
Return loss can affect insertion loss, the amount of energy that reaches a receiver.
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.
