Moving from 12 to 48 V systems will reduce vehicle weight through thinner, lighter cables. Tradeoffs include more stringent safety requirements. As vehicles integrate advanced features such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, and electric turbocharging, the limitations of traditional 12 V systems become increasingly evident. To meet these and other power-hungry applications, […]
FAQ
What types of connectors are used in medical devices?
Medical devices of all sizes and types rely on connectors to ensure safe and reliable power delivery, data transmission, and fluid management. Many of these medical-grade connectors are rated for biocompatibility (ISO 10993), environmental sealing (IEC 60529), and electromagnetic interference (EMI) resistance (IEC 60601-1-2). This article highlights various medical connectors, such as implantable devices, card-edge […]
FAQ on cable impedance: 50 Ω versus 75 Ω
The 50-ohm impedance is standard in RF design, while 75 ohms is also used, so it’s important to understand the attributes of each and not confuse them. One of the issues that beginning electronic engineers must grasp is the concept of impedance and impedance matching, especially concerning transmission lines, cables, and connectors. This FAQ will […]
What types of plating are used on connectors?
Connector plating is a thin metallic layer applied to contact surfaces to improve conductivity, corrosion resistance, and durability. Manufacturers use various platings to optimize electrical performance, mechanical reliability, and cost across applications. This article reviews common noble metals used in connector plating and discusses how nickel-based platings improve wear resistance and reliability. It also highlights […]
What are the top EMI/RFI considerations for connector design and selection?
Connectors link multiple electronic components to transmit power and signals across one or many systems. This article details key connector design considerations, focusing on mitigating electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). It also reviews criteria for selecting EMI/RFI-resistant connectors, discusses compliance and standards, and offers technical tips for testing and maintaining shielding. Exploring […]
Where are wet mate connectors used?
Wet mate connectors are used in applications where connections need to be made and broken underwater, such as oil and gas wells, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), marine and oceanographic exploration, aquaculture, and fish farming, underwater lighting and video monitoring systems, and offshore renewable energy. This article reviews several wet-mate options, including gold-plated and niobium-based electrical […]
What types of connectors are used in downhole drilling rigs?
The environment in downhole drilling rigs is harsh. It begins with extremely high pressures and temperatures (HPHT). The connectors in these applications must survive HPHT and corrosive environments and still deliver outstanding electrical and mechanical performance. They must be compact to fit into restricted spaces, handle electrical power, and provide signal interconnects for sensors and […]
What’s a thermal connector?
A thermal connector, sometimes called a cold-end termination, is designed to connect temperature sensors to measuring instruments, like thermocouples or resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). Thermocouples and RTD connectors are used in a wide range of scientific and industrial systems in aerospace, chemical, food and beverage, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and nuclear power generation. Two standard […]
How do the OCP immersion cooling requirements effect connectors?
The Open Compute Project (OCP) is focused on developing scalable computing for cloud data centers, artificial intelligence, and other large-scale computing applications. Immersion cooling can improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of those facilities. So, the interest of the OCP in immersion cooling is not surprising. The OCP immersion cooling requirements define materials compatibility needs […]
What’s an EMC connector?
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) connectors are primarily used in military, aerospace, and industrial applications to provide enhanced protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI). Power and signal connections must have access to the system. Those access points can be weak links in EMC performance. EMC connectors and cabling systems often have features like enhanced shielding, EMI gaskets, cable […]
