connector

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.  

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. 

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. 

Today, many of us are in the process of removing their CRT TVs and shopping for the new hype in the TV market –High Definition TVs. And if you happen to be one of them, you surely would have come across the term HDMI. Not only TV, HDMI port is available on home theatres, play stations, HD-DVDs and many others.The difference between a HDTVs and old TVs( also, now known as standard definition TVs) lies in the technology. Older TVs were analog, whereas HDTVs are digital. Older TVs used interlacing, aspect ratio of 4:3 and picture resolution of about 704 X 480 pixels. HDTVs use progressive scanning, aspect ratio of 16:9, picture resolutions up to 1920 X 1080 pixels. In other words, HDTVs use higher refresh rates, wider displays as well as enhanced picture resolution. What this implies is that HDTVs require higher amount of data to be processed and also at a faster rate compared to standard TVs.

Earphones/Earbuds have been assisting mobile gadgets since the invention of walkman. Though they account for hardly a few percentage of the cost of the entire device but their evolution over the time has never been an easy challenge for the engineers. Shape, size, comfort and sound quality are the key parameters while designing an earphone.  From morning walk to making long journeys pleasant, ear phones cannot be kept out of the daily life.Technically speaking earphones falls in the category of transducers that convert electrical energy into sound energy.  Undoubtedly, over the years companies have been adding more and more complex features in the earphones to improve the listening experience of the users.  In this article we will explore more about the earphones.