Stability and contact resistance failure criteria

Specific levels of change in contact resistance are proposed as failure criteria for both power and signal applications. The results presented in this analysis are based on threshold behavior for contact stability. Moreover, the approach taken is to define the criteria according to each application. The basis for signal contact criteria is the stability threshold for intermittent behavior as related to change in contact resistance. In the case of power, the change in voltage drop at rated current is used to establish criteria based on heating and thermal runaway. An analysis and supporting data are provided to validate these recommendations. These criteria are summarized in a single chart where change in resistance criteria is plotted as a function of current. This chart provides a universal method of establishing failure criteria for the spectrum of applications that exist today.