GTK has introduced a range of low-cost cable assemblies supporting the IEEE 1394 interface standard, otherwise known as FireWire or i.Link. IEEE 1394 PCB connectors are also available for use on PC motherboards as well as in set-top boxes, games consoles, camcorders, digital TVs and the like.

IEEE 1394 is a high-speed serial bus delivering data transfer rates up to 400 Mbit/s. It is more or less ubiquitous on new PCs for connection to high-speed peripherals. IEEE 1394 allows isochronous data transfer - i.e. simultaneous data 'broadcast' with a guaranteed time slot for delivery - to multiple (up to 63) connected devices. This is critical for video and audio streaming over peer-to-peer networks, which is why the consumer electronics industry is promoting IEEE 1394 as the way to interconnect 'home networks' of next-generation digital devices.

GTK's IEEE 1394 cable connectors are available in 4-to-4-way, 4-to-6-way and 6-to-6-way options. The 4-pin interconnect incorporates two separately shielded twisted-pair transmission lines, while the 6-pin interconnect adds two power conductors for an isolated remote device. The power conductors can carry 1.5 A at up to 40 V.

Both 4- and 6-way end connectors are asymmetrically formed to ensure correct connection, and can be supplied with a retention catch. A range of cable lengths and colours are available. End connectors and PCB connectors can also be colour coded.