Banana connectors are a popular species of electrical connectors which find major use in connecting power amplifiers, speakers, woofers etc. in audio systems. Designed for high power applications, these connectors are known to work at an average of 1000volts and 15amperes. In any audio set up, the connectors are color coded into red and black where red connector holds the live wire while the black one serves as a reference (ground). Except the color coding, there is no structural difference between the connectors. This Insight will give you a sneak-peek inside the assembly of such a connector, along with its external and internal details.  

Belling-Lee connectors are one of the oldest types of coaxial connectors and are still widely used in many countries across the world. Commonly known as PAL connectors or TV aerial plugs, these connectors have been named after the company which designed them Belling and Lee Ltd. Apart from television, these RF connectors are used in radio sets too: why? Easy wiring and installation. This 2 wired coaxial cable connector is available in various modifications- different casings, plating over the connecting nib etc. Even in terms of sizes there are two types: standard and miniature. The structure of these connectors is quite similar to the conventional RF connectors but they have an extra insulation over the tip where the connectors interface with the device. Let’s learn more about the Belling-Lee connector and their internal structure in this Insight. 

VGA connectors are sub miniature D type graphic connectors which are primarily used for connecting CPUs to monitors. The shape of the metal shield of these connectors resembles a “D”, hence the name “D” type connectors. Since their invention in the year 1987, these graphic connectors have come a long way. From interfacing desktop computers to light weight tablet computers, VGA connectors serve aas one of the most inexpensive video interfaces for smart computing devices. It is quite interesting to note that even though these connectors were developed by IBM PC, it was their counter rivals Apple Inc. who preferred these connectors for iPad. An interesting history with a mass applicative scenario, VGA connectors get demystified in this Insight.  

Named after its inventors Paul Neil and Carl Concelman, Bayonet Neil-Concelman (BNC) Connectors gained popularity in high frequency communication applications soon after they were invented. Categorized in terms of their impedance, these connectors keep signals intact and are resistant to signal attenuation. One of the most common known applications of these connectors is in Cathode Ray Oscilloscope or CROs. A CRO distinctly prefers such connectors in order to be interfaced with any device.Apart from various test equipments, these connectors are used in aviation electronics, video interfacing and radio connections. They are usually used for frequencies less than 3GHz.  Made up of alloy (preferably steel), these connectors have a tough structure but a quite simple functioning.  

Serial interfacing is one of the most common protocols to make two electronic gadgets communicate. In such interfacings, the data is sent sequentially and bit bybit. RS232 is one sub type of serial interfacing that was introduced in the year 1932. Available in 9 pin and 25 pin configurations, RS 232 pins allow data exchanges at the maximum of 256kbps. Some well known applications of these connectors include linking modems to computers and other micro controller based UART electronic gadgets. Of course, such an interfacing would require different types of connectors; in this case, RS232 connectors are used. The Insight covers a conventional 9 pin female RS232 connector. Let’s find out the outer and inner details of it.   

With the arrival of cable TV connections, the audio and video signals were started to be transmitted in different wires. The connections needed to be firm so that there are minimum disturbances during signal transmission.  The signals were sent in a differential form through two wired coaxial cables. To connect to a television, a coaxial cable connector is used that ensures thorough linking of the wires and doesn’t let the signal attenuate.How is a connector interfaced with a wire? Being a coaxial connector, how does the connector accommodate two wires? Let’s find out in this article. 

Just like their name, Universal Serial Bus connectors, are unanimously used as a carrier in power and data exchange operations. Developed and promoted by computing giants like Intel, Microsoft, Dell, IBM and NEC, USB interfacing has been highly preferred to connect various computer peripherals. Mouse, keyboard, cameras, printers, scanners, laptop cooling pad, external memory are the prominent few names among a long and increasing list. Apart from computers, USB based connectors have also arrived in television, mobile phone chargers, multimedia players etc. 

A gamer’s motion, a programmer’s voice, a DJ’s instrument and a designer’s brush; a single keyboard plays multiple roles in a computer. Similar is the case of a computer mouse that can make clicks to move a card in solitaire or open a web browser. For a computer buff of the current times, imagining a computer without these input accessories is impossible. Hence, it is utterly needed for these gadgets to tightly connect to the computer 24 x 7. Enabling a good connection are the PS2 connectors that have been in trend since a long time. Invented by IBM PCs, PS2 or personal station 2 connectors have reigned as sole connectors for keyboards and mouse for a long time. Easy manufacturing, ability to link tightly and fewer chances for connection error make it interesting to explore the insides of these connectors. 

A micro switch, also known as miniature snap action switch, is a type of momentary contact switch used widely in automotive, industrial and medical instruments as sensor.  The switch is termed as “micro” on the name of the company who first started manufacturing it commercially. The actuator of these switches often has a hinged wheel placed above a push button. This switch is widely used in control system applications such as a door interlock, safety switches in elevators, vending machines etc. Having a diverse range of engineering applications, micro switches are available in various switch configurations, housing materials, actuator styles etc. 

Every year, technology sector companies invest millions of dollars in R&D to improve their products and release new products. An important part of these products is characterized by the connectors they use. For instance, a computer requires USB and PS2 Connector, a headphone requires TRS connector and a telephone requires RJ11 connector and so on. For high quality professional sounds, XLR connector is widely preferred. The term XLR derives its name from Cannon “X” series (where it was first used). Terms “L” and “R” are derived from latch and rubber used in the connector. 

Rocker switches arepopular among gadgets like computer printers, UPS, SMPS etc. Used solely for the purpose of shifting device operation from ON to OFF, rocker switches can be engaged or disengaged with a small force. Rocker switches are available in various types and sizes depending on the power requirements of the device they are used in. They often come with a light source mounted beneath the actuator to indicate the ON state.Named on their motion like a rocker chair or a cradle, rocker switches present an interesting structure and internal assembly.Let’s find out the internal intricacies that enable the operation of the switch. 

 The best place to find a piano switch is the nearest switchboard one can find. They are available in different sizes, shapes depending on the application and number of switches can be placed on a single switch board. Installing and changing the switch is also quite easy and anyone having a basic know-how about electricity can use these switches.How do these switches handle high electrical voltage inputs? How are the interior configurations of the switch designed? Why they don’t stop in between their motion? Let’s find out some interesting information about these switches in this article  

When it comes to selecting one mode (or state) from multiple modes (or states) to operate a device , rotary switches turn up as one of the most exemplified type of switch. Some well known applications of rotary switches include speed control in fans, speed control in conveyer belts, selecting time, frequency on the CRO, step control of AC/DC drives and electro-hydraulic valves. These switches can be thoroughly customized depending on applications.  But what makes these mechanical switches able to deliver multiple types of outputs? What structure they have to accommodate so many output stages? How are they able to avoid the size and cost trade-off? This article will explore answers to many more interesting questions. 

Among all the secondary and rechargeable batteries that are available till date, NiMH batteries have been a popular name. The concept of commercialized hydrogen based rechargeable batteries was sought in 1960s but inability to store hydrogen in small cells was a big hindrance. In the mid 90s, technological achievement was unlocked and commercial production of NiMH batteries became possible.A single AA standard NiMH cell gives 1.2V of outputs and can serve for an average of 2-3 years. The efficiency of these cells is around 70-80% and remains constant for a long period of time. This is a prominent reason for mass popularity of these cells. 

Momentary rocker switches is a type of rocker switches which come back to their position as soon as the force is removed. They are spring loaded and resemble a rocker chair in their to and fro motion. Not just limited to doorbells, momentary rocker switches are widely used in medical machinery, testing equipments, defense, aerospace etc. As the name suggests they give momentary output.Inside the simple looking switch lies an interesting piece of mechanical engineering. What forces the switch to come back to its original state? Is it because of some magnetic force or does it requires an extra power source?  How the different mechanical components are arranged to make the switch work? 

Ever imagined how quickly the horn of your vehicle responds? Not even a second or two, just push the button and there comes the sound. You put your hand off the button and it’s back to silent mode.   An instant response of these horns is due to what we call “push -button switches”. Push button switches are those which can be made to work with the force of a finger or two.  Not only vehicles but camera, lifts and several other common and uncommon interactions with machines/gadgets involve push button switches applications. But what makes this switch so user friendly? What makes it respond only for the time it is pressed no longer or shorter? How the contacts inside this switch work? 

Some small devices and gadgets become so homogenous in our lives that we forget their importance is indispensible to us. One such electronic accessory is a multi-pin plug adapter. Acting as a single solution to connect multiple gadgets to a single power port, this small electrical equipment can create a big problem when absent.   Although multi pin adapter is a common accessory, a multi pin plug adapter, not many of the users would be aware that what is on the inside of this adapter. Is it a mesh of wires connecting to every port making a complex internal structure? How are the different connections protected from internal short circuiting?  This insight will explore the details of the internal structures and their features of a 3-pin plug adaptor. 

A computer is an assembly of several essential and optional electronic parts such CD drive, motherboard, hard disk etc. Every peripheral has its own power requirement and to serve the same regulated power supplies such as linear power supplies, ferro resonant power supplies and switched mode power supplies, are used.Switched mode power supplies are unanimously preferred as computer power supply units for their small size and high efficiency.  SMPS units dissipate less power by employing a transformer that regulates input voltage and provides constant current to the peripherals attached to the computer. 

Even though several breakthroughs in Chemistry were achieved by them, the Curie’s are known to majority of the world for their revolutionary work on radioactivity. However, it is amazing to know that one of their discoveries has given one of the most common accessories any kitchen has. Not related to radioactivity, this is the Gas Lighter. Based on the principle of piezoelectricity, which is one of the discoveries made by Jacques Curie and Pierre Curie. Piezoelectric lighters are an economic solution to light gas stoves. Ever wondered how does a small force of thumb produces a spark of the order of kilo volts (kV)? Let’s have a look on the insides and working of the lighter in this device dissection article.  

Mosquitoes have been a big problem in urban and rural areas. Carriers of deadly diseases like malaria, dengue and chikungunya, mosquitoes pose a serious health threat to humans. Among the several toxic and non toxic methods that have been devised to keep the mosquitoes away, mosquito repellents are one of the most economic and widely used. Using a simple electrical heater, a refill that contains a liquid which disrupts normal activity of mosquitoes, one can get relieved from these small creatures within minutes.