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 […]
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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 […]
What are the connector challenges in hypersonic missiles?
Connectors in hypersonic missiles need to be small and lightweight and provide robust signal integrity for high-speed connectivity. The challenge is to provide the required performance and durability while enduring extremely high temperatures and high levels of shock and vibration. This article briefly examines the inside of a hypersonic missile and its operating environment. It […]
SMP3 vs. SMPS: why two standards?
The SPM3 and SMPS RF coax connectors are similar but slightly different. They are not entirely interchangeable, so we have two standards. If you research SMP3 and SMPS RF coax connectors, you might conclude that they are the same, completely interoperable, and interchangeable. They are indeed quite similar, with comparable performance specs and dimensions. Both […]
How are EV wiring harnesses different?
Wiring harnesses, sometimes called cable assemblies or cable looms, are used in every corner of the electronics industry, including consumer appliances, commercial devices, robotics and industrial systems, computers and servers, telecommunications equipment, medical systems, aerospace platforms, and of course, trucks and automobiles. However, the wiring harnesses used in electric vehicles (EVs) are among the most […]
Design World presents the 2024 LEAP Awards Winners: Connectivity
In its seventh year, Design World’s LEAP Awards showcase the best engineering innovations across several design categories. This wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and support of the engineering community. The editorial team assembles OEM design engineers and academics each year to create an independent judging panel. Below is their selection for this year’s LEAP […]
How do modular wiring harnesses support zonal architectures?
Vehicle wiring harnesses without a zonal architecture can have over 1,000 wires connecting over a hundred ECUs. They are difficult to fabricate and install, and changes can be difficult and costly to implement. However, using modular wiring harnesses in zonal architectures can overcome those challenges. A zonal architecture places electronic control units (ECUs) in multiple […]
What’s the difference between mini delta ribbon and shrunk delta ribbon cable assemblies?
Mini delta ribbon (MDR) and shrunk delta ribbon (SDR) cable assemblies are both designed to carry video signals as specified in the Camera Link (CL) specification, and they have the same internal connections. MDR and SDR cables are incompatible with the higher speed Camera Link HS (CLHS) standard. CLHS connectors include CX4 and SFP/SFP+. A […]
What are the seven variations of Camera Link Machine Vision connectivity?
Camera Link (CL) standardizes the hardware connection between cameras and frame grabbers. It includes specifications for data transfer, camera timing, serial communication, and real-time signaling. Camera Link variants include base, medium, full, deca, high speed (CLHS), PoCL (power over Camera Link), and PoCL Lite. Camera Link is a serial communication protocol standard maintained and administered […]
What are the most common connector styles used for MV systems?
Machine vision (MV) is an important tool in Industry 4.0, autonomous driving, and other advanced technologies. Various standard data connectors and application-specific vision system connectors support it. MV hardware consists of a camera or other imaging sensor and a computer that analyzes the images. Reliable, high-speed connectivity is required to link them. Examples of standard […]