How Connectors Play a Key Role in Fueling the Efficiency of Industrial Automation?

Highlights:

• Introduction to connectors
• Promising use cases of connectors across multiple industries
• Latest developments in the sector in 2024

In the semiconductor and electronics industry, connectors play a key role in transferring power and signals between various devices and systems. Technically, they are devices that join several types of electronic circuits. These devices are used in functionalities, including assembling, installing, and supplying power to electrical devices. They are essential components for every electronic equipment used in industrial machinery, consumer electronics, communications, and commercial appliances. Most connectors are removable; however, some are used as permanent electrical joints.

How are connectors essential for various industrial needs?

The connector market has observed significant growth in the past few years due to some leading factors such as rapid urbanization and surge in usage of automation technology. Different types of connectors are used for varied applications in multiple sectors. These devices are widely used in the communication sector to optimize performance in data and network servers, routers, monitors, storage systems, support equipment, and other computer peripherals. VULCON™ and QUIK-LOQ™ circular connectors, and POWER-D and COMBO mixed connectors, are some popular connectors that have showcased prominent use cases in this field.

Moreover, as automation increases and industries have started heavily relying on internet connectivity, several manufacturers have emphasized developing reliable and robust interconnected production and motion control systems. Industrial applications such as automotive manufacturing, food & beverage, semiconductor manufacturing, and process control systems mostly rely on connectors for optimized performance. These particular connectors are engineered with highly reliable contact technologies that enhance operational efficiency and manufacturing uptime. Moreover, there are application-specified industrial connector solutions and matching cable assemblies for industries such as assembly line automation, food & beverage, material handling, and commercial vehicles.

Furthermore, these electronic devices are widely used in the healthcare sector for offering robust transmitting power, data, and control signals to and from medical devices. They are found in several clinical settings like therapeutic equipment, hand tools, and diagnostic equipment such as EEG & ECG machines. Medical connectors are designed to withstand various medical sterilization processes such as autoclave, Sterrad, gamma, and chemical sterilization. In addition, they comprise other features such as good EMI performance, high mating cycle, and quick connect/disconnect capability to meet specific requirements of medical applications.

Nonetheless, specific types of connectors are used in various robotic applications. Industrial robotic devices are electro-mechanical machines that contain multiple computers, hydraulic pumps, multiple motors, and connections to a network. Connectors used in this field are designed to withstand high temperature, moisture, dust, high voltage spikes, shock, and vibration. They are mainly automated material handling and robotic systems.

Snowflake and Microsoft joined forces to launch a new power platform connector

In November 2024, Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, announced its partnership with Microsoft, a multinational technology company. Through this initiative, Snowflake has planned to establish its new power platform connector for the Microsoft power platform. This advanced connector enables bidirectional access between Dataverse, the enterprise data platform for agents, and Snowflake’s AI data cloud. Moreover, it simplifies data interoperability among Microsoft power platform, Dynamic 365, Microsoft’s low-code/no-code services suite, and the Snowflake AI Data Cloud. This further offers developers and business users the ability to build and utilize custom enterprise AI applications using their enterprise data in Snowflake. In addition, through this agreement, the companies together aim to help customers simplify data collaboration, enhance enterprise insights, and harness the power of AI for their unique business needs.

Mobix strengthened its position in aerospace and defense market through J-Mark acquisition

In August 2024, Mobix Labs Inc., a provider of cutting-edge connectivity solutions, announced its acquisition of J-Mark Connectors Inc., a supplier of advanced connectivity solutions. This acquisition has helped Mobix boost its sales strategy and improve gross margins, particularly in the high-demand military and defense sectors. The expertise of J-Mark strengthens Mobix Labs’ position across the globe, boosting its market presence, enhancing customer access, and securing accounts in the aerospace & defense industries. According to Fabian Battaglia, CEO of Mobix Labs, with this agreement, the company aims to utilize J-Mark’s proven success in sales expansion and customer retention, particularly within the aerospace and defense markets. In addition, J-Mark’s expertise in EMI interconnect solutions enables the company to expand its offerings by adding supporting hardware that complements its existing filtered connector products.

The crux

Connectors are notable electronic devices that are broadly used in a wide range of applications across various sectors. They are engineered to offer supreme and reliable connections under various conditions, which is important for maintaining the efficiency and quality of semiconductor production processes.  Moreover, the advancements in IoT and 5G technology are expected to create wider growth opportunities for the industry in the coming years.

To gain more insights into the upcoming advancements in the connector industry, talk to our industry analysts today!

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