In military aviation, reliable electrical connectivity is vital for the functionality of flight control, weapons deployment, real-time communication, and various other mission-critical operations. Connectors serve as the primary link for transmitting power, data, and signals between these electronic systems, built to support dense wiring configurations, maintain signal integrity under constant vibration, and endure exposure to extreme temperatures and contaminants. Read more >>

Most people are familiar with memory cards, which are small flash drives commonly used in phones and digital cameras. Also known as flashcards, they are able to store media and data files permanently and are intended for primary, portable memory in devices such as phones, cameras, and other handheld equipment. There are many types of memory cards, including Secure Digital (SD) cards, Compact Flash cards, SmartMedia, Memory Stick, and MultiMediaCards, so it can be useful to understand the different uses for each. Read more >>

Potentiometers are a type of three-terminal resistor, featuring an adjustable tapping point that allows a device to act as an adjustable voltage divider with variable potential. Potentiometers can come in various types to accommodate different applications, each differing in its design and functionality. Trimpots, otherwise known as trimmer potentiometers, are specialized potentiometer devices that are used to adjust, tune, and calibrate electrical circuits. As components that are common to a number of electrical applications and systems, it can be useful to have a basic understanding of the trimmer potentiometer. Read more >>

A reed relay is a type of relay that utilizes an electromagnet to control one or more reed switches. Consisting of a reed switch, a coil, optical diode, and connection terminals, reed relays are devices with a low-resistance metallic switch path that provides an inherent isolation between the control voltage operating the coil and the signal being switched. Read more >>

Printed circuit boards (PCB) serve as the mechanical support and electrical connection hub for the communicating electronic components of devices, and they may be assembled together to create multi-board designs. When creating more complex assemblies that contain numerous components and printed circuit boards, it is important that the correct connectors are chosen to facilitate communications, power supply, and more. In this blog, we will discuss how to choose the right connectors for a multi-board design, ensuring that your devices function efficiently and as intended. Read more >>

Electronic assemblies and systems can be complex, containing a variety of parts and components that all work together to provide for operations. Connectors, terminals, and connector assemblies are all critical electrical components to many systems, and some may be unaware of their independent functions, capabilities, and applications. To help you understand the three and further your knowledge on electrical systems, we will discuss each and their individual functions. Read more >>

Printed Circuit Board or PCB connectors are links between components on a conductive path or between pads on the board itself. Certain devices feature more than one PCB and will utilise a variety of equipment to create a connection between the circuit boards. PCB connectors are mounted on the PCB itself and are typically used to transfer signals from one circuit board to another. Because PCBs are not hard-wired to one another and can be assembled later in the production process, these connectors are easy to design and manufacture. Different PCBs have different responsibilities. Because of this, the connector’s ultimate application will determine the SWaP (size, weight, and power) properties used in the PCB design. For example, the connector in your smartphone is much smaller and lighter than the connector in your car. Read more >>

Vishay Intertechnology recently introduced a new high-speed silicon PIN photodiode with an added feature of enhanced light sensitivity. A photodiode is a semiconductor diode that converts light into an electrical voltage. When energy fueled photons are absorbed by the detector, a formation on charge carriers is created; this formation is then separated in the space-charge region, resulting in a photocurrent. Read more >>