News

17 February 26

Single board computers at the edge: from prototyping to deployment

Single board computers (SBCs) were once associated primarily with education, hobby projects and early-stage prototyping. Today, that perception is rapidly changing. Advances in processing power, conne...Read the full story

17 February 26

The evolution of EV charging infrastructure: from simple chargers to intelligent power systems

Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating across passenger transport, commercial fleets and industrial operations. But while early conversations focused on vehicle range and charger availability, the ...Read the full story

17 February 26

Oscilloscope vs spectrum analyser: differences, uses and how to choose the right instrument

When selecting electronic test equipment, one of the most common questions teams face is whether they need an oscilloscope or a spectrum analyser. Both instruments analyse electrical signals, but the ...Read the full story

12 February 26

Polycarbonate vs steel enclosures: which should you choose?

In industrial and commercial environments, enclosures do far more than simply house components. They protect sensitive equipment, ensure electrical safety, maintain compliance and help extend the life...Read the full story

11 February 26

Retaining our Customer Service Excellence Award

We’re delighted to share that Rapid has once again been recognised for outstanding service - successfully retaining the Customer Service Excellence (CSE) Award and this year achieving an even higher s...Read the full story

11 February 26

Order tracking for every order now available

We’re pleased to announce that full order tracking is now available for every Rapid order, giving you complete visibility and confidence from dispatch to delivery. These improvements ensure you alway...Read the full story

11 February 26

Dramatic improvements to online quoting through Rapid

We’re excited to announce major upgrades to Rapid’s online quoting experience - the biggest enhancement we’ve released so far. These improvements make requesting, amending and accepting quotes faster,...Read the full story

05 February 26

Popular types of transistors (and when to use them)

Transistors are the backbone of modern electronics. From simple signal amplification to high-power motor control and RF communication, the right transistor choice directly affects performance, efficie...Read the full story

05 February 26

Junction boxes: a practical guide to designing reliable industrial connections

Junction boxes are among the most common components in industrial electrical and automation systems - and also among the most underestimated. While they’re often treated as simple enclosures, junct...Read the full story

04 February 26

DIN rails in industrial automation: supporting PLCs, relays and contactors

DIN rails are one of the most familiar components in industrial control panels, and one of the most underestimated. Often treated as a simple mounting solution, DIN rails actually play a critical r...Read the full story

02 February 26

Robotics + automation: 2026 trends manufacturers can’t ignore

2026 marks a clear turning point for robotics and industrial automation. What was once seen as a long-term efficiency play has become a near-term necessity for manufacturers across almost every sector...Read the full story

27 January 26

Spade connectors: a core electrical interface

Spade connectors, also known as spade terminals or FASTON connectors, are one of the most widely used termination methods for low- to medium-voltage electrical connections. Their popularity stems from...Read the full story

23 January 26

Understanding volatility in RAM and SSD markets

If you’ve noticed RAM and SSD prices fluctuating more than usual, you’re not alone. Memory pricing has always been influenced by global supply‑and‑demand forces, but recent market conditions have made...Read the full story

21 January 26

Stepper motors and their importance in modern automation

Stepper motors are a mainstay of precise, repeatable motion control. From 3D printers and CNC machines to robotics and automated packaging systems, stepper motors allow systems to move accurately with...Read the full story

19 January 26

Role of encoders in motion control

Encoders are fundamental sensing components used to measure position, speed, and direction of motion in automation, robotics, CNC machinery, material handling, and test systems. They translate mechani...Read the full story

19 January 26

Video connectors careful specification

Video connectors are a critical interface between source devices, display systems and control infrastructure. While digital standards now dominate, legacy analogue and hybrid formats remain deeply emb...Read the full story

16 January 26

Surface Mount LEDs (SMD LEDs) guide

Surface Mount LEDs (SMD LEDs) are PCB-mounted light sources selected when board area, thermal budget, assembly repeatability, and luminous output must be balanced within defined electrical and mechani...Read the full story

15 January 26

Where thermistors fit in temperature sensing

Thermistors occupy a specific but important position in the temperature-sensing landscape. They are not general-purpose sensors for extreme ranges or harsh environments, but within their optimal opera...Read the full story

14 January 26

Choosing the right HMI for automation systems

Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are the operational link between people and automated systems. They provide a visual and tactile interface for monitoring, controlling, and diagnosing machinery and pro...Read the full story

12 January 26

Flow sensors in modern control systems

Flow sensors are essential components for monitoring, controlling, and safeguarding fluid and gas systems. From industrial process lines to HVAC systems, automotive engines and medical devices, they p...Read the full story

09 January 26

A selection guide for XLR connectors

XLR connectors remain the industry standard for reliable, balanced signal transmission in professional audio, broadcast, stage and increasingly industrial communication environments. Their enduring re...Read the full story


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