Now in its sixth year, Design World’s LEAP Awards continue to showcase the best engineering innovations across several design categories. It’s a large undertaking that wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and support of the engineering community. Each year, the editorial team assembles OEM design engineers and academics to create an independent judging panel. Below […]
Connector Tips
HDMI connectors now available in Type A receptacle versions
CUI Devices’ Interconnect Group announced the addition of HDMI connectors to its connectors product portfolio. Available in Type A receptacle versions, CUI Devices’ HDMI connectors all conform to the HDMI 2.0 standard. The models offer surface mount, mid-mount SMT, or through-hole mounting styles with horizontal or vertical orientations, giving engineers several options for their audio/video design […]
Where are liquid-cooled industrial connectors used?
Liquid-cooled connectors are used in high-current, high-power industrial applications like electrochemical processes, welding, induction furnaces, electric arc furnaces, electrothermic processes, and electromagnets. This FAQ looks at various liquid-cooled cable and connector structures for carrying up to 60 kA. Two keys to optimizing the performance of liquid-cooled connectors and cables are minimizing the resistance in the […]
M12 cable and connector line for industrial applications and harsh environments
Stewart Connector announced the expansion of its M12 cable and connector product line for industrial applications and harsh environments. All of the cables and connectors in the M12 product line are designed for use in rugged spaces and are IP67-rated or above for water resistance and dust protection. Supporting Ethernet data transfer in aerospace, industrial […]
What standards apply to heavy-duty and industrial connectors?
There are numerous standards for heavy-duty connectors (HDCs) and general industrial connectors. An HDC is defined as a rectangular connector that can handle power, data, and signal pins in a single housing and is designed for use in challenging industrial and transportation environments. They are a subset of general industrial connectors. This FAQ does not […]
What’s a heavy-duty industrial connector?
A heavy-duty industrial connector (HDC) is a rectangular connector that can handle power, data, and signal pins in a single housing and operate in harsh environments. While there are also standardized circular industrial connectors, they are not classified as HDCs. HDCs are found in robotics, automation, machine control, power conversion, and motion control applications. This […]
How internal fiber-optic connector designs are advancing
Inside-the-box copper connector and cable IO-Link standards for data centers have been a significant focus of systems product development, particularly within consortia and industry standards groups. Some recent examples are internal 400G and 800G PECFF Top-of-Board, Ethernet, CXL, and the PCIe use of SFF TA 1002/1020 connectors. Other examples include twin-axial cables for memory, storage, […]
What plating options are available for high-power connectors?
Plating options are numerous and tend to fall into four categories: noble metals, passive metals, alloys, and dispersions. The first three categories are well established, while dispersions are just beginning to appear in response to the need for high-power connectivity in electric vehicle (EV) charging and similar applications. This FAQ starts with a brief review […]
M23 wireable connectors feature pin and insert design
Mencom M23 Field wireable connectors are flexible passive devices used for a wide variety of industrial signal and control applications. The “Crimp and Poke” method of wire termination provides a quick solution where pre-molded cord sets are not readily available, or where cabling needs to be repaired. The improved pin and insert designs make using […]
Flex-circuit-to-PCB connector handles 100 W
Hirose has expanded its miniature hybrid flexible printed circuit (FPC) to a board connector family to simplify mating and provide design flexibility. Combining space savings and a high-power capacity, the BK22 Series connector enables OEMs to reduce the size of portable devices without sacrificing power performance. The BK22 Series connector offers minimized contact resistance that […]
