Connector Basics

Expert insights, guides, and engineering resources to help you design reliable connections for any application.

Power connector on a circuit board inside a temperature test chamber.

Connector Temperature Ratings: Derating and Material Limits

Understand connector operating temperature, current derating and solder-process limits, and learn which evidence to request before selecting a part.

Connector Basics

Connector Temperature Ratings: Derating and Material Limits

Understand connector operating temperature, current derating and solder-process limits, and learn which evidence to request before selecting a part.

September 28, 20264 min read

Gold spring-loaded contact array positioned above PCB mating pads.

Connector Basics

Pogo Pin Connector Design: Travel, Force and Current

Design reliable pogo pin interfaces by checking working travel, tolerance stack-up, contact force, current, mating pads and cycle-life evidence.

September 25, 20264 min read

Circular industrial network connector and shielded RJ45 plug beside factory equipment.

Connector Basics

Industrial Ethernet Connectors: RJ45, M12 and M8 Compared

Compare RJ45, M12 D-coded, M12 X-coded and Ethernet-specific M8 interfaces by speed, environment, cabling and installation needs.

September 24, 20264 min read

Telecom coaxial and optical cable connectors with a cellular tower in the background.

Connector Basics

Telecom Connector Selection: RF, Fiber, Data and Power

Choose telecom connectors by RF performance, fiber interface, signal integrity, power loading and outdoor installation requirements.

September 21, 20264 min read

Two connector sample sets arranged for engineering comparison.

Connector Basics

Connector Second Sourcing: How to Qualify Alternatives

Build a connector second-source plan with interface checks, electrical validation, production trials and clear approval controls for alternative parts.

September 18, 20264 min read

Legacy and modern connector samples beside organized inventory trays.

Connector Basics

Connector Obsolescence: Last-Time-Buy Planning Guide

Plan connector last-time buys with net demand, stock checks, storage controls and a qualified replacement strategy to reduce production disruption.

September 17, 20264 min read

High-density board connectors on a server backplane in a data center.

Connector Basics

Server Backplane Connectors: A Practical Selection Guide

Select server backplane connectors by interface, channel performance, power, mechanical tolerances and validation requirements for reliable integration.

September 16, 20264 min read