Patent awarded for RFID connector technology
Stratos International (www.stratosinternational.com) has been issued a U.S. patent for a technology that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) for on-device storage of fiberoptic connector and component performance test information. The technology integrates an RFID reader/writer into fiberoptic test equipment, which enables uploading of measured test information to a transponder chip embedded in or attached to the connector. Performance data resides within the transponder for the product lifetime and can be retrieved by any of the company’s RFID-enabled patch panel systems or RFID readers. Designed for high-end networking, the RFID technology could be used to validate test data of performance parameters, such as insertion loss, back reflection and end-face geometry, as well as product traceability information, such as measurement date, operator, and test station identification.
Cable assembly plant opens in Mexico
Axon Cable (www.axoncable.com) has opened Axon Interconex, a new manufacturing facility in Quertaro, Mexico. The plant will manufacture Axolink flat display cables, Micro-D assemblies, and harnesses for use by the automotive, medical, telecom, electronics, space, military and oil industries in U.S, and Canadian markets. The company’s advanced technologies include fabrication of single, hybrid, round, or flat cables using overmolding techniques and EMI protection.
Lockheed contracts for Gore flexible assemblies
W.L. Gore & Associates (www.gore.com) has been awarded a contract to provide its umbilical cable assemblies for the Lockheed Martin A-10’s Precision Engagement Kit. The flexible assemblies, which are designed to withstand the harsh environment of military aircraft, incorporate a Field Replaceable Connector System (FRCS) designed to provide better performance and more reliable store releases (100 guaranteed on every assembly). “Users become very frustrated with reliability issues surrounding the release mechanism [of umbilicals] and the lack of cable flexibility for optimized routing,” says Andy Crook, a defense industry business leader. “The Gore technology, incorporating flexible materials and improved connector technology, enables users to deploy their aircraft with the knowledge that every mission and store release will be successful time after time, without having to replace damaged umbilicals.”
Custom program built to speed delivery
Board-level interconnect developer Sullins Electronics (www.sullinselectronics.com) has introduced a Custom Connector Program designed to provide OEMs and assemblers with fast delivery of specialty products at “off-the-shelf prices.” The company says it is now able to build and ship custom parts in less than a week, and can accommodate order quantities as small as 10 pieces. High-density, high-temperature, high-amp (5-amps max), and bi-level connectors, along with contact row spacing, are designed to the customer’s specifications. Pin-sensitive applications, including those with operating temperature ranges of -65° C to 250° C are stocked in quantity. Sullins says it will also stamp part numbers on specialty connectors, and provide other value-added services.
