These substantial conductors serve a vital role and must meet many conflicting constraints. This part explores additional bus-bar considerations. Part 1 can be found here. Laminated bus bars While some busbars are single conductors and carry only one power rail, there’s an increasing trend towards using laminated busbars, seen in Figure 1. These multilayer units […]
FAQ
Busbars are simple in principle, complicated in practice: part 1
Bus bars appear to be simple and low glamour in comparison to many other active and even passive components, and in some ways, they are. However, they are also sophisticated structures that require an understanding of voltage drop due to conductor resistance, materials science, thermal issues, mechanical joining, insulation, coating chemistry, and electrical safety and […]
What are the important standards for compliance with wire harness-to-PCB interfaces that engineers should know?
When connecting cable assemblies to PCBs, you need more than just a physical connection. These interfaces must meet specific industry standards to deliver minimal performance across different applications. Understanding the right standards for your project is necessary when applying to both consumer electronics and aerospace systems. This FAQ discusses the most common standards for the […]
What are the different types of wearable military connectors?
Many soldier-worn systems integrate advanced sensors and communications technologies into uniforms, helmets, and tactical vests. These technologies rely on rugged, lightweight connectors to link disparate systems, deliver power safely, and ensure reliable data transmission on the battlefield. This article explores the evolution of soldier-worn military technologies and the role of wearable connectors in enabling seamless […]
What is the role of interconnects in continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)?
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) rely on precision electronic components — including specialized connectors and interconnects — to ensure accurate sensing, signal integrity, and reliable data transmission. This article reviews the core functionality of CGMs and highlights the key role of interconnects in these critical medical devices. It also explores how miniaturization drives next-generation CGM design, […]
What type of interconnects and connectors link accelerator cards in AI data centers?
Many data centers are packed with racks of high-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) and tensor processing units (TPUs). These accelerators process massive artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) datasets, executing complex operations in parallel and exchanging data at high speed. This article explores the interconnects and connectors that link AI accelerator clusters together. Scaling […]
The case for vehicle 48 V power systems
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, […]
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 […]
