What Intercon 1 by Nortech does

Intercon 1 is a specialty cable assembly and interconnect product line operated as a division of Nortech Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ: NSYS), a Minnesota-based EMS provider. Founded in 1978 and positioned as the "premier producer of camera cable and assemblies in the United States," the business designs and manufactures high-flex and high-performance cable assemblies for machine vision and adjacent industrial applications, including CoaXPress (CXP-6 and CXP-12, static and robotic variants), Camera Link, USB (InfiniFlex 2.0/3.0/3.1, Economy USB 3.0), Gigabit Ethernet, Analog Video, and the proprietary Active Optical Xtreme (AOX) hybrid fiber/copper platform. Core technologies are differentiated through JIIA-certified CoaXPress assemblies (precision 75 Ohm impedance, gas-injected HDPE dielectric), an exclusive partnership with Gore for Camera Link High Flex Flat cable, and in-house custom mold tooling and flex testing capabilities (validated at 5M–12M+ flex cycles across product lines).

The business model is hardware-centric with a services overlay: standard catalog products are listed with placeholder pricing (e.g., $10 unit pricing) but most revenue is generated via a quote-based Request-for-Quote system for custom and OEM-spec assemblies, supplemented by professional services for design assistance, prototyping (3–5 day first-article turnaround), and customized flex/lifecycle testing. Go-to-market blends a global authorized distributor network spanning 20+ countries across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific with direct OEM relationships and a regional manufacturing footprint in the U.S., Monterrey (Mexico, AS9100:D certified), and China (expanded in February 2018). Customers are concentrated in industrial manufacturing, medical device manufacturers, aerospace & defense (including reconnaissance applications), and Big 3 automotive production lines — all of whom require cables rated for millions of flex cycles in robotics, clean room, and harsh-environment deployments. Pricing is opaque (no public tiers), and revenue is reported only at the parent Nortech Systems level (~$28–29M quarterly in 2018–2019), so Intercon 1's standalone financial profile is not separately disclosed.

Name

Intercon 1 by Nortech

Legal name

Nortech Systems, Inc.

Website

https://intercon-1.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Intercon 1, a division of Nortech Systems (NASDAQ: NSYS), designs and manufactures high-flex camera cable assemblies and active optical interconnects for machine vision OEMs and industrial, medical, and aerospace customers worldwide, distributed through a global network of 20+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Machine Vision Cable Assemblies

NAICS

Communication and Energy Wire and Cable Manufacturing (33592), Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing (335921), Wiring Device Manufacturing (33593)

SIC

Electronic Components, Nec (3679), Electronic Components & Accessories (3670)

akta.pro primary industry

Cable Assemblies & Wire Harnesses (HDAHAOAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Active Optical Cables (AOC) & Optical Interconnects (HDAFAEAG), Data, Communications & Fiber Optic Cable (IMADAMAD), Wiring Harnesses & Pre-Fabricated Assemblies (IMADAMAN), Cables & Interconnects (USB/HDMI/DP/Ethernet/Thunderbolt) (HDACAHAJ), RF & Microwave Connectors and Coaxial Assemblies (HDAHAOAD)

Keywords

• Machine vision cables
• Industrial cable assemblies
• Active optical cables
• CoaXPress assemblies
• Camera Link interconnects

Headquarters

HQ city

Maple Grove

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Cable Assembly Manufacturing: Design and manufacture of custom and standard cable assemblies for machine vision applications. Revenue is generated through product sales of CoaXPress, Camera Link, USB, Ethernet, and analog video cable assemblies. Products are sold directly to OEMs and through distributor networks globally.
2. Custom Manufacturing Services: Custom cable design, prototyping, and manufacturing services including design assistance, custom mold tooling (Solid Works design capabilities), and in-house machine shop for connector/backshell modifications. First articles for new projects typically delivered within 3-5 days using standard stock components.
3. Flex Testing Services: Customized flex testing services for customers to validate cable suitability for specific applications. Testing includes rolling flex (catrac), torsional motions, and strain relief testing. Provides customers with peace of mind and expected life expectancy data.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Intercon 1 by Nortech designs and manufactures specialized cable assemblies and interconnect solutions for machine vision applications. The product portfolio spans CoaXPress, USB (passive and active optical), Gigabit Ethernet, Camera Link, analog video cables, and fully customizable assemblies. The company also provides custom cable design assistance, prototyping, mold tooling, in-house machine shop modifications, and flex testing validation services for demanding industrial, medical, and aerospace environments.

Product overview

Intercon 1 by Nortech is a manufacturer of specialized cable assemblies and interconnect solutions for machine vision applications. The product portfolio includes six main product categories: CoaXPress cables (CXP6 and CXP12 in static and robotic variants) for high-speed industrial imaging; USB solutions spanning passive cables (Economy USB 3.0, InfiniFlex USB 2.0/3.0/3.1) and active optical cables (Active Optical Xtreme AOX1/AOX2/AOX3, Hybrid Active Optical USB 3.0); Gigabit Ethernet assemblies (Industrial High Flex and Static grade); Camera Link cables (including e-Flex MDR, GORE Camera Link High Flex Flat, High Flex SDR/HDR variants, and IO Cable Assemblies); Analog Video cables (CCMC, CCXC, JAI Pulnix styles in various configurations); and Custom Assemblies for specialized requirements. Services include custom cable design assistance, flex testing, and customizable assembly solutions. The company operates as part of Nortech Systems Incorporated and serves medical, aerospace & defense, and industrial markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Active Optical Xtreme® (AOX™): Ruggedized active optical cables for high-performance connectivity delivering long-distance, high-bandwidth, and ultra-reliable data transmission in demanding environments including defense, medical, and industrial sectors.

Products and services

• CoaXPress 6 (Static up to 60M) JIIA-certified CoaXPress cable assembly with precision 75 Ohm impedance, silver plated copper conductor, and 100% sweep tested cable. Designed for static applications with gas-injected foam high-density polyethylene insulation reducing attenuation.
• CoaXPress 6 Robotic (up to 35M) High-flex robotic-grade CoaXPress cable assembly with HDPE insulation maintaining exceptional electrical properties after 5 million cycles. Features double-braided shield for EMC interference resistance.
• CoaXPress 12 (Static up to 40M) High-speed CoaXPress 12 cable assembly supporting up to 12.5 Gbps transfer rates for professional and industrial imaging applications.
• CoaXPress 12 Robotic (up to 18M) Robotic-grade CoaXPress 12 cable assembly designed for high-flex motion applications with maximum 18 meter length.
• AOX1 – USB-C (Active Optical Xtreme) Hybrid active optical USB-C cable with USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10 Gbps, 240W power delivery, supporting rolling flex cycles of 4M and torsional flex cycles of 500K. Ruggedized design with metal zinc alloy backshell, operating 0°C to 50°C, lengths up to 50 meters.
• AOX2 – USB 2.0 (Active Optical Xtreme) USB 3.2 Gen 2 active optical cable backwards compatible for USB 2.0, supporting custom lengths up to 7.5 meters.
• AOX3 – USB-C (Active Optical Xtreme) Compact active optical USB-C cable with 5.1mm nominal diameter, supporting lengths up to 30 meters.
• Economy USB 3.0 Low-cost USB 3.0 cable supporting high data rate transfers up to 5 Gbps with thumbscrew locking and overmolded interfaces.
• Hybrid Active Optical – USB 3.0 Robotic-grade hybrid active optical USB 3.0 cable combining fiber and copper for power and data transmission. EMI resistant, designed for high-flex rolling (C-Track) applications achieving 7 million+ flex cycles.
• InfiniFlex USB 2.0 High-flex USB 2.0 cable with 10 million+ flex design, dual shielding, small bend radius, and rugged overmold in violet jacket.
• InfiniFlex USB 3.0 Rugged USB 3.0 cable with overmolded interfaces designed for rolling and torsional flex applications, rated for -30° to +80°C.
• InfiniFlex USB 3.1 High-speed USB 3.1 cable supporting up to 10 Gbps with 35mm minimum bend radius, featuring GORE technology designed for cable carrier systems.
• Industrial High Flex and Static grade Gig E Assemblies Industrial Ethernet cables interfacing Gig E and Gig E Vision cameras directly to computers. Exceeds 12 million+ flex cycles in tick tock and rolling torsion testing. Available in High Flex Cat5e, Robotic flex Cat6a, and Static Cat6a variants.
• e-Flex MDR Camera Link Camera Link cable with .352 inch overall diameter and 3.80/5.55 inch bend radius. Features 11 individually shielded twisted pairs with 28 AWG conductor.
• GORE Camera Link High Flex Flat Cables Camera Link assembly featuring Gore Camera Link High Flex Flat Cable with unique Quad construction. Low particulation design for clean room applications, surpassing 5 million flexes.
• High Flex Camera Link and Power Over Camera Link Cable Camera Link certified high-flex cable with right angle options in up, down, left and right orientations for restricted space applications.
• High Flex MDR OR HDR Camera Link Extension Cables Extension cables with plug and receptacle connectors featuring durable overmolded strain reliefs and 4/40 jack nuts for locking through motion and vibration.
• High Flex Power Over Camera Link Cable High-flex Camera Link cable with integrated power delivery capability for cameras requiring power over the data cable.
• High Flex SDR/HDR Camera Link High-flex Camera Link cable in SDR (Mini) and HDR configurations for compact camera interfaces.
• High Flex SDR/HDR Power Over Camera Link High-flex SDR/HDR Camera Link cable with power delivery capability for compact camera applications.
• IO Cable Assemblies Custom and standard Input/Output cable assemblies available for most camera manufacturers in 6, 8 or 12 pin configurations with various connector options.
• Low Profile Right Angle Feed Thru Internal Assembly Lowest profile right angle Camera Link available with overmolded plug interface and pliable ribbon style for flexibility.
• CCMC Style MCS-xx-P Analog video cable designed for Sony medical cameras, transmitting high quality video signals with rugged PVC overmolding.
• CCXC Style VCP-xx-S Controlled impedance 75 Ohm analog video cable with resilient industrial grade PVC overmolding and dependable CCXC connections.
• High Flex CCXC Style Cable MVCP-xx-S Robust high-flex CCXC style cable transmitting high quality 75 Ohm video signals.
• High Flex JAI Pulnix Style MPVCS-xx-P High-flex JAI Pulnix style analog video cable with lengths up to 30 meters.
• JAI Pulnix Style PVCS-xx-P JAI Pulnix style analog video cable providing high quality images with lengths up to 65 meters and industrial overmold.
• Low Profile Right Angle CCXC Style VCS*2-xx-P Low profile right angle overmold CCXC style cable with high flex version available.
• Right Angle CCXC Style VCS*-xx-P CCXC style assembly with unique right angle overmold, right angle on camera end and overmolded straight connector on equipment end.
• Custom Assemblies Fully customizable cable assemblies to meet specific customer requirements for a wide variety of industries and applications.
• Custom Manufacturing Services Custom cable design, prototyping, and manufacturing services including design assistance, custom mold tooling (Solid Works design capabilities), and in-house machine shop for connector/backshell modifications. First articles for new projects typically delivered within 3-5 days using standard stock components.
• Flex Testing Services Customized flex testing services for customers to validate cable suitability for specific applications. Testing includes rolling flex (catrac), torsional motions, and strain relief testing. Provides customers with peace of mind and expected life expectancy data.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5+ million flex cycles for Camera Link certified assemblies
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Northwire, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2018Intercon 1 took over manufacturing of discontinued machine vision cable assemblies for Northwire, Inc. of Osceola, Wisconsin. This partnership expanded Intercon 1's customer base by offering Northwire's machine vision customers responsive service, timely delivery, and competitive pricing on their cable assembly needs.
• Gore Camera LinkcoreTechnology or IntegrationIntercon 1 is the exclusive provider of Camera Link assemblies featuring Gore Camera Link High Flex Flat cable. This partnership provides a non-particulating cable solution that resists abrasion and contamination for clean room applications.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Molex: Molex is a major incumbent connector and cable assembly manufacturer serving industrial automation, medical, and data center markets; while its portfolio is far broader than Intercon 1's, it competes in industrial-grade cable assemblies used in factory automation and machine vision integrations.
• TE Connectivity: TE Connectivity is one of the world's largest manufacturers of connectivity and sensor solutions, including ruggedized industrial cable assemblies used in factory automation, aerospace, and medical applications — a broad incumbent whose offerings overlap with Intercon 1's specialty assemblies.
• Phoenix Contact: Phoenix Contact is a major manufacturer of industrial connectivity, automation, and cabling solutions including M12 and industrial Ethernet assemblies used in factory automation — overlapping with Intercon 1's industrial GigE and factory automation offerings.
• Amphenol: Amphenol is a global manufacturer of interconnect, antenna and sensor solutions including high-speed coaxial and fiber optic assemblies for industrial, medical and aerospace markets — competes broadly with Intercon 1 in ruggedized cable assemblies.
• Belden: Belden is a leading manufacturer of signal transmission solutions including industrial Ethernet, coaxial, and fiber optic cables used in machine vision and industrial automation — a broad incumbent serving overlapping industrial and broadcast imaging customers.

Direct peers

• L-com (Infinite Electronics): L-com produces a broad portfolio of connectivity products including industrial Ethernet, USB, and fiber optic cable assemblies targeted at industrial and machine vision customers — direct overlap with Intercon 1's CoaXPress, USB and GigE product lines.
• Axon' Cable: Axon' Cable specializes in custom and standard cable assemblies for industrial, medical, aerospace and defense applications including high-flex and high-speed interconnects — directly comparable to Intercon 1's custom design and specialty cable assembly business.
• Components Express: Components Express manufactures machine vision camera cables and assemblies including Camera Link, CoaXPress, GigE and USB3 Vision products, directly competing with Intercon 1 in the same niche with overlapping OEM customers and product families.

Emerging players

• Igus: Igus manufactures high-flex chainflex cables designed specifically for cable carrier and continuous flex applications in industrial automation and robotics — directly competitive with Intercon 1's InfiniFlex and robotic CoaXPress high-flex products.

Others

• Cables To Go (C2G) / Legrand: Cables To Go, part of Legrand, offers commercial-grade USB, HDMI and fiber optic connectivity products including AOCs for AV/IT and industrial use — adjacent rather than direct competition to Intercon 1, since C2G's core focus is commercial AV/IT rather than machine vision.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Intercon 1 by Nortech