Characteristic of Palladium Gold Sliding Contact for Connectors

The connector characteristics of a new sliding contact with gold-over-palladium electroplatedhave been evaluated in comparison to the conventional contact of gold. Platings in these experiments Were pure gold from an acid bath, pure palladium from an alkaline bath, and nickel for the underplate from a Watts bath. Tests of insertion withdrawal, vibration shock, high temperature, humidity, thermal shock, salt spray, H2S, SO2, and high temperature with electrical load were carried out to evaluate mechanical, electrical, and environmental characteristics of the connectors. The new contacts showed equivalent or superior characteristics to the conventional gold-plated contacts with regard to contact resistance, friction coefficient, wear, and corrosion.