AOG Purchasing Blog

Data centers are a pivotal aspect of networking and communication, coming in the form of buildings that house IT hardware, computing services, and computing infrastructure. A major part of data center infrastructure is cabling, that of which ensures proper powering, data transfer, and much more. Such cables may come in various forms, Ethernet and patch cable components acting as the most common. As both serve distinct roles and share various qualities, it can be very useful to have a better understanding of their differences.

Found in nearly all electronic devices, printed circuit boards (PCB) are used to mechanically support and connect various electronic components that employ conductive pathways in an assembly. A simple electronic structure which can be layered to support high-speed circuitry and processing power within a network, PCBs serve as the backbone of electronics and are ideal for connecting parts like semiconductors, connectors, resistors, diodes, capacitors, and radio devices to a larger system. Of the various devices that can be mounted to a PCB for added diversity, PCB relays are applied to printed circuit boards to control certain switches while overseeing leverage across electrical pathways. Below, we will go into detail on a few common PCB relays, highlighting their functions, and further addressing why they are applied.

Connecting wiring is important for numerous electronic applications, ensuring that signals can efficiently be transferred to and from components as needed. When connecting together wires, there are numerous methods that may be used depending on the application, wires, voltages, and various other characteristics. Soldering is a simple and efficient method of connecting wires, often encompassing the attachment of wires with a fusible metal alloy that is melted to the joint. For those concerned with messing up wire connections, soldering can present issues if terminal blocks come loose or if the initial process is carried out incorrectly. Rather than manually soldering together wires with the risk of a failure, the solder sleeve is a component that serves as an alternative option that can electrically and mechanically join wires with ease.

When operating with sensitive electronics or when near electrical appliances, it is highly important that there are electrical protection devices in place to mitigate the risk that volatile electricity presents. In the event that an overload occurs, electrical components can be damaged, individuals can be harmed, and fires may even start from unsafe surges. As such, devices known as fuses and circuit breakers are implemented for the electrical circuits of commercial buildings, homes, and even aircraft. To understand their individual uses and advantages as compared to one another, it is first best to be aware of what each is.

When establishing the circuitry of a system, there are many ways in which wires can be connected to one another. While line splicing often serves as a simplistic method, it has the chance of creating an unsafe connection that may not be able to be repaired or replaced easily. Furthermore, splicing is not optimal when there is a need to connect multiple wires together or create a series of localized connections. In such cases, a terminal block is most often used. Consisting of a simple modular block with clamping mechanisms and conducting strips, such components can allow for the connection of multiple wires in an efficient and organized fashion.

Relays are useful electronic components that are present in many systems and equipment, allowing for remote, high voltage, and current switching. They are very beneficial for many electrical systems as they create the ability to control high voltages and currents with a much smaller voltage or current. They may also serve to protect, regulate, and monitor electrical systems depending on their type. In this blog, we will discuss relays and their functionality in more detail, as well as their various common types.

Whether it is an automobile driving across town or a manufacturing plant producing products, many of the world’s greatest inventions and feats are feasible because of mechanical motion and power transmission that is provided by chain and sprocket technology. With chain and sprocket assemblies, rotational mechanical motion can be harnessed to produce many different functions and serve various applications.