The transformation from analog to digital devices has revolutionized nearly every aspect of modern life. By incorporating digital technologies, sensors and wireless connectivity, OEMs have turned analog products into smart, connected digital products that offer enhanced monitoring, real-time data collection, safety and other advanced functionalities for users. Smart products leverage advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, machine learning and robotics to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience. High-speed connectors are playing an increasingly crucial role in enabling OEMs to develop smarter products across various industries, particularly in automotive, consumer and industrial applications. Connectors facilitate the transmission of large amounts of data at high speeds with reduced latency, which is essential for the implementation of advanced technologies and features.
Supporting Smarter Applications with High-Speed Connectors in Automotive, Consumer, and Industrial Technologies
High-speed connectors are designed to support various communication protocols to meet the increasing demands for faster data transmission across different industries and applications. The key protocols that high-speed connectors need to accommodate for smart devices include:
Key Communication Protocols Supported by High-Speed Connectors
- Ethernet is one of the most widely used protocols for high-speed data transmission in networking applications, industrial automation, and data centers. High-speed connectors support various Ethernet standards:
- 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet)
- 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet)
- Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) up to 1 Gbit/s
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocols are widely used in consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and automotive applications.
- USB 2.0 (480 Mbps)
- USB 3.0 / USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gbps)
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps)
Additional Protocols Supported by High-Speed Connectors
- HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a protocol for transmitting high-quality audio and video signals. High-speed connectors supporting HDMI are essential for display and multimedia applications.
- DisplayPort is another protocol for audio and video transmission, often used in computer displays and professional video equipment.
- SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) is a protocol used for connecting host bus adapters to storage devices. High-speed connectors supporting SATA are crucial in data storage applications.
- PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. Connectors supporting PCIe are essential in computer and server applications.
Specialized and Multi-Protocol Support for Diverse Applications
Specialized Protocols Supported by High-Speed Connectors:
- ARINC 1553 and CAN Bus – Commonly used in aerospace applications.
- SMPTE 3G-SDI – Used in professional video equipment for high-definition audio and video transmission.
Multi-Protocol Support: Many modern high-speed connectors are designed to support multiple protocols simultaneously, providing flexibility for a range of applications:
- Backward Compatibility: For example, USB 3.1 connectors supporting USB 2.0.
- Multi-Functional Capability: Allows a single connector to transmit different types of data, simplifying system design.
Choosing the Right Protocol: When selecting high-speed connectors for specific protocols, key factors include:
- Data Rates: Ensure the connector supports the necessary transmission speed.
- Signal Integrity: Maintain signal quality at high frequencies.
- Environmental Factors: Consider ruggedized options for harsh environments.
Key Considerations When Choosing High-Speed Connectors
Key Factors to Consider for High-Speed Connectors:
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Data Rates
- Ensure the connector supports the required data transmission speed for the chosen protocol.
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Signal Integrity (SI)
- Maintain signal quality at high frequencies. This is often achieved through designs that include shielding (to protect against electromagnetic and radio frequency interference) and impedance matching (to minimize signal reflections).
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Environmental Factors
- Choose connectors that are ruggedized to withstand harsh environments while maintaining compatibility with the required protocols.
Compact Design for Smart Devices
Space efficiency is essential in smart device designs. Connectors should be compact and lightweight to allow for easy integration without taking up excessive space.
Connector Solutions Powering Smart Product Innovations
Enabling Advanced Smart Product Applications with Connector Solutions
Smart products feature connectivity, sensors, data collection, and analysis capabilities to provide enhanced functionality, automation, and user insights. Below are examples of how Hirose’s connector solutions enable the implementation of various smart technologies:
LiDAR is a crucial component in the sensor suite of autonomous vehicles. LiDAR technology is used for driver assistance in autonomous vehicles including obstacle detection & avoidance, mapping & route planning, lane detection, traffic sign & signal recognition, adaptive cruise control, parking assistance and more. LiDAR system designers often select FPC/FFC connectors to reduce cost and save PCB space. Zero insertion force (ZIF) locks are an improvement on conventional low insertion force (LIF) connectors because they are easier to mate and provide a stronger connection. New One Action locking connectors from Hirose come with the latch closed, as the mating operation is completed without the need to open the latch.
ROBOTIC ARMS complete repetitive and precise tasks that enable more dynamic manufacturing environments. Designers are looking to downsize industrial robots, incorporate adjustable high-spec hands, and enhance autonomous operations. Robotic arms typically have limited design flexibility due to narrow spaces. Slim in-line connectors, like the DF62 Series, can accommodate space-constraints and pass smoothly in narrow spaces. In addition, slim in-line connectors enable robotic arms to use sensors in the robotic hand for advanced machine vision.
MEDICAL OEMs continue to integrate new technologies into surgical robotic systems with the goal of developing more specialized and feature-rich autonomous robotic systems. Implementing advanced features including haptic feedback, high-resolution cameras, AI and AR systems require requires reliable, high-speed data transmission for real-time operation of surgical robots. The Active Optical Cable (AOC) Series ensures high-quality, real-time imaging with lightning-fast data speeds, crucial for endoscopic precisionThe FJ Connector Series provides a compact, reliable, and high-performance solution for internal optical connections, enabling the development of more sophisticated and precise robotic surgical systems. Ideal for use within the sealed environments of surgical robots, the connector's ability to be tied with wires makes it easier to integrate into the complex internal wiring of surgical robots like endoscopes.
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