Search Results

Temperatures exceeding 125°C can degrade many common types of electroplated finishes used in the electronic connector industry, including hard gold. Diffusion, oxidation and porosity can cause increases in contact resistance leading to subsequent component failure. An electroplated finish for use in high reliability electronic connectors has been developed which can withstand 200°C for more than 2000 hours with no measurable changes in contact resistance. Contact resistance data is presented for several common precious metal finishes, including two palladium-based finishes, shown to be extremely stable at 200°C for at least 2000 hours. The contact resistance was measured at dry circuit conditions according to ASTM B667-92, Standard Practice for Construction and Use of a Probe for Measuring Electrical Contact Resistance, at 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 N (25, 50, 75 and 100 grams) loads.