Abstract :
Before introducing any alternative to gold contact finishes for connector contacts, several laboratory tests have to be completed. Such a test program was carried out with Pd finishes, low-carat gold platings, and silver alloy structures, with and without additional electroplated Au layers of 0.1-0.2 μm thicknesses. The connectors were of two types: one used in telecom PCM (pulse-code-modulation) equipment with 20 contact pairs, the other of the Eurocard connector geometry with 32 contact pairs. Combined testing by wear cycling, humidity and SO2 treatments, and applying an ohmic load inside the climatic chambers, is reported. Contact behavior, wear characteristics, and the surface properties of the contacts are studied. Lubrication with a fluorinated composition, giving a liquid-type film on the contact surface, is also investigated
Keywords :
electric connectors; electrical contacts; telecommunication equipment; wear; Ag alloys; Au; Eurocard connector geometry; PCM; Pd; connector contacts; humidity; lubrication; ohmic load; surface properties; telecom connector applications; wear cycling; Connectors; Contacts; Geometry; Gold alloys; Laboratories; Phase change materials; Silver; Surface treatment; Telecommunications; Testing;
