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Plating & Common Related Failure Mechanisms:
Introduction

Photo ©1998 AMP INC.

The basic purpose of a connector is to establish a separable connection and to allow a signal to pass from point 'A' to point 'B' without unacceptable distortion or loss. The design of a connector is not simple nor is it "magic". It is a sophisticated material system in which the environments of the application are strongly interactive and complex.

The key application environments that result in such interaction are:

  1. Temperature
  2. Humidity Harsh Environment
  3. Durability (Wear)
  4. Mechanical Disturbance

The essential functional element of a connector is the contact system and is composed of three design-related elements.

Dimensional Configuration: This establishes contact forces, current carrying capacity, mechanical features, all of which are strongly influenced by space and density requirements.

Base Metal: This establishes contact spring rates. It is the basic element through which a signal passes in DC circuits and establishes the bulk resistance of a contact system. All base metals (unprotected) will form electrically disruptive films and oxides that degrade electrical performance.

Contact Finish (Plating): The contact finish protects the base metal. It extensively imparts special properties such as corrosion resistance, signal carrying capacity at high frequency, etc.