The characteristics of industrial connectors are distinctive, and the reference of their performance parameters is also relatively fixed. This article will focus on the three major parameters of industrial connectors, and introduce their internal performance references in detail, so as to facilitate comparison in use.
1. Mechanical parameters
1. Plugging and unplugging force.
Mating force is an important mechanical property to measure the performance of a connector. The insertion force is divided into insertion force and pull-out force (or separation force), and the requirements for both are different. From the point of view of use, the insertion force is required to be as small as possible, and the pull-out force should not be too small, otherwise the reliability of the contact will be affected.
2. Mechanical life.
Mechanical life is actually a durability index, which is based on a cycle of insertion and a pull-out, and whether the connector can normally complete its connection function (such as contact resistance value) after a specified mating cycle.
It is related to the structure of the contact (positive pressure), the quality of the coating at the contact (sliding friction coefficient), and the dimensional accuracy of the contact arrangement (alignment).
2. Electrical parameters
1. Contact resistance.
High-quality electrical connectors should have a low and stable contact resistance. The contact resistance of connectors varies from a few milliohms to tens of milliohms.
2. Rated current.
Depending on the material and cross-sectional area of the terminal, the larger the cross-section, the smaller the impedance per unit length, the less heat generated by the current, the smaller the temperature rise of the terminal, and the larger the current can be conducted.
3. Dielectric strength.
A measure of the insulation performance between electrical connector contacts and between contacts and housings, which can be on the order of magnitude from hundreds of megaohms to several gigaohms.
4. Electrical strength.
Also known as withstand voltage and dielectric withstand voltage, it is the ability to withstand the rated test voltage between connector contacts or between contacts and housing.
5. Other electrical parameters.
Electromagnetic interference leakage attenuation is to evaluate the electromagnetic interference shielding effect of the connector, which is generally tested in the frequency range of 100MHz 10GHz.
For RF coaxial connectors, there are also electrical indicators such as characteristic impedance, insertion loss, reflection coefficient, and VSWR.
3. Environmental parameters
1. Temperature resistance. Currently, the maximum operating temperature of the connector is 200 °C and the minimum temperature is -65. - Temperature resistance test, temperature cycle test.
2. Resistant to moisture and moisture.
The ingress of moisture can affect the insulation properties of the connector and corrode the metal parts. - Constant damp heat test, alternating damp heat test.
3. Resistant to salt spray.
The connector works in an environment containing moisture and salt, and the surface treatment layer of the metal structure and contact may cause galvanic corrosion, which will affect the physical and electrical properties of the connector. - Salt spray test, corrosive gas test (SO2, H2S).
4. Resistant to vibration and shock.
Vibration and shock resistance is an important performance of electrical connectors, especially in special application environments such as aerospace and railway, it is an important indicator to test the robustness of the mechanical structure of the connector and the reliability of electrical contact. - Vibration test, physical shock test.