Little parts, big challenges

Connectors and chip packages must meet a broad range of requirements in automotive electronic systems.

The boom in electronic technologies has focused on the advances of exotic silicon and the benefits of 32-bit processors and other high-end devices. But overlooked technologies such as connectors, passive components, and the packages that house advanced chips are often the make-or-break technology.

These components are minor players in the design cycle, often viewed as necessities that do not need to be examined closely. But designers note that considering these overlooked components can bring significant benefits in performance, reliability, and cost.