Latest Connectors Technical Articles

The distribution of AC currents in real conductors with finite dimensions and circular or rectangular cross-sections is…

The distribution of AC currents in real conductors with finite dimensions and circular or rectangular cross-sections is non-uniform. This article will discuss Faraday's law and how AC currents create eddy currents and current crowding in real conductors.

The Y-factor method simplifies noise figure measurements by allowing the use of variable attenuators in place of a…

The Y-factor method simplifies noise figure measurements by allowing the use of variable attenuators in place of a calibrated power meter. In addition to defining the Y factor, we will discuss noise source uncertainty and fixturing losses that can introduce errors in your noise figure measurements.

This article will demonstrate that the AC current density decreases exponentially into a conductor. It will also explain…

This article will demonstrate that the AC current density decreases exponentially into a conductor. It will also explain why we can assume that the total current has a uniform distribution from the surface down to one skin depth of the conductor.

This article introduces high-frequency conductor losses in transmission lines caused by a phenomenon known as the skin effect.

This article introduces high-frequency conductor losses in transmission lines caused by a phenomenon known as the skin effect.

This article will help you understand losses in high-frequency transmission lines that include traces on PCBs. We will…

This article will help you understand losses in high-frequency transmission lines that include traces on PCBs. We will also investigate how these losses impact signal propagation and the quality of digital signals.

The Y-factor method is a widely used technique for measuring the gain and noise figure (NF) of RF components. This…

The Y-factor method is a widely used technique for measuring the gain and noise figure (NF) of RF components. This article will help you understand the differences between the insertion gain and the available gain, while avoiding potentially significant errors when measuring the noise figure.

Learn about radio frequency (RF) wave propagation and reflection via transmission lines, equations, and example waveforms.

Learn about radio frequency (RF) wave propagation and reflection via transmission lines, equations, and example waveforms.

Learn about the interfaces and connectors used to implement JTAG.

Learn about the interfaces and connectors used to implement JTAG.

Electric vehicle design is a complex concept. Here's a look at the heart of every EV: the battery.

Electric vehicle design is a complex concept. Here's a look at the heart of every EV: the battery.

RPi has done some amazing good in the world, especially for aspiring young engineers, but here's the breakdown on why…

RPi has done some amazing good in the world, especially for aspiring young engineers, but here's the breakdown on why it's probably not what you need for a professional project.

This introductory article will look at some of the most important features of the USB-C standard.

This introductory article will look at some of the most important features of the USB-C standard.

In this project, we'll build circuits for programming two different Atmel microcontrollers and we'll discuss the…

In this project, we'll build circuits for programming two different Atmel microcontrollers and we'll discuss the necessary software setup.

This article shows you two ways to use a Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless to track flights in your area. It also demonstrates…

This article shows you two ways to use a Raspberry Pi Zero Wireless to track flights in your area. It also demonstrates how it can control a 64×64 RGB matrix.

This article discusses the ideas involved in measuring and interpreting the current-voltage curves of solar cells,…

This article discusses the ideas involved in measuring and interpreting the current-voltage curves of solar cells, batteries, and unknown materials.

Need to ventilate a room? This article will show you how I made a relay-operated, GPS-timed fan to vent out the moist air…

Need to ventilate a room? This article will show you how I made a relay-operated, GPS-timed fan to vent out the moist air in my boat's cabin. It is controlled with a PIC16F628A and has an LCD.

In the final installment, we build our light-blade and assemble the electronics into the hilt.

In the final installment, we build our light-blade and assemble the electronics into the hilt.

In part 3, we compile the firmware and build the controller at the heart of the Saber, then do initial testing and diagnostics.

In part 3, we compile the firmware and build the controller at the heart of the Saber, then do initial testing and diagnostics.

A tipping bucket rain gauge, an RF transmitter and receiver, a PICAXE microcontroller, and an LCD can make a great…

A tipping bucket rain gauge, an RF transmitter and receiver, a PICAXE microcontroller, and an LCD can make a great addition to your weather station.

This two-part project will begin by showing you how to create a robot base from a used electric wheelchair. Part 1…

This two-part project will begin by showing you how to create a robot base from a used electric wheelchair. Part 1 creates a simple robot platform for use with remote control. Part 2 will develop a platform for use with and Arduino.