Circular connector locking mechanisms secure mated connections against vibration, shock, and accidental disconnection. Engineers select threaded, bayonet, push-pull, and breakaway mechanisms based on retention force, mating cycles, and application requirements. This article compares their operating principles and performance tradeoffs to guide connector selection. Operating principles of circular connector coupling mechanisms Threaded couplings use a coupling […]
faq
How adhesives and sealants impact EV connector reliability and service life
Electric vehicle (EV) connectors must operate reliably despite intense vibration, thermal cycling, moisture exposure, and elevated temperatures. Adhesives and sealants applied to connector housings, cable entries, and termination points significantly improve sealing performance, vibration resistance, and mechanical stability. These materials can also introduce long-term failure modes driven by thermal expansion mismatch, chemical aging, and environmental […]
Derating connector current ratings for real-world PCB power designs
Many datasheet connector current ratings are based on test conditions that rarely reflect real-world printed circuit board (PCB) power designs. These values typically represent performance in free air at controlled ambient temperatures, with optimal copper distribution and without the thermal constraints imposed by dense board layouts, enclosures, or altitude. Engineers who apply these ratings directly […]
Diagnostic and monitoring techniques for PoC systems
Power over Coax (PoC) systems, which deliver both power and data over a single coaxial cable, require specialized diagnostic and monitoring techniques. Faults can occur in the cable or within the specialized hardware that injects and extracts power and data. Some PoC protocols, such as the gigabit multimedia serial link (GMSL) and flat panel display […]
Power over coax fundamentals for automotive applications
Power over coax (PoC) works by transmitting both data and power over a single coaxial cable, reducing wiring, weight, and complexity for in-vehicle systems like cameras and high-definition displays. PoC can be crucial for meeting fuel efficiency standards and supporting the growing number of cameras and increasing display sizes and resolutions in modern vehicles. Cabling […]
Beyond the datasheet: how digital tools are reshaping connector engineering
While connectors are essential components of nearly every electronic application, they can be easily overlooked by design teams as they focus their initial prototyping efforts on the critical functionality provided by processors, controllers, and other semiconductors. What’s more, for many engineers, connector design and implementation is often outside, or at best adjacent, to their core […]
MIL-STD-1553B still alive and well: part 2
This final part continues the look at MIL-STD-1553B with an overview of formats and protocols, as well as available hardware and development/debug tools. Formats and protocol Q: What is the basic signal format described by the standard? A: A Manchester code is used to present both clock and data on the same wire pair and […]
MIL-STD-1553B alive and well: part 1
For engineers who are not involved in military/aerospace designs or similar systems requiring extreme reliability, ruggedness, and redundancy, the MIL-STD-1553B connectivity standard may be an unknown or just a vague recollection. Perhaps they came across the standard many years ago, and if they did, it must be obsolete by now, right? Yet that’s not the […]
Addressing zonal architecture challenges in the automotive industry
The automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) and their pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility. Consumers now demand seamless personalization, digital integration, advanced automation, constant connectivity, and environmentally sustainable solutions in their vehicles. To meet these expectations and stay competitive, OEMs must rethink traditional […]
How to manage EMI at the harness-to-PCB interfaces
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) at harness-to-PCB connections creates one of the biggest challenges in modern electronics design. These interface points act as weak spots where unwanted signals can escape your carefully designed circuits, causing system failures. This FAQ discusses four techniques that work in conjunction: shielded connectors, smart PCB layout, proper grounding, and common-mode chokes. When […]
