Many electronics experience a wide range of climates while in operation and storage. Because of this fact, connector humidity testing is used to determine the ability of a product to withstand elevated humidity and cycling temperatures. Humidity testing is conducted in combination with other qualification tests; mating / un-mating, Low Level Circuit Resistance (LLCR), and Insulation Resistance / Dielectric Working Voltage (IR / DWV). What is Connector Humidity Testing? Since … [Read more...]
Is Your Environment Harsh?
Modern electronic devices are getting smaller with every new generation, and as a result, they are becoming more portable. At the same time, the performance of these devices is growing as the demands of consumers become greater. We expect to be able to connect to the internet wherever we go, and so we carry our cell phones, smartwatches and portable devices everywhere. Equipment manufacturers are keen to tell us that our new device will work in harsh conditions, but what does that … [Read more...]
Extended Life Testing for Connectors
They say, "a diamond is forever," but did they really test that or is it just a marketing statement? No need to search for that answer because we all know they didn't. However, in our industry it is important to know what to expect out of a connector, and that is why Extended Life Testing exists. Extended Life Testing tells a system designer what they need to know about a connector set that will be heavily used. This test throws everything but the kitchen sink at it, and who knows, maybe … [Read more...]
A Day In The (Extended) Life: Extended Life Products
Many EOEMs, especially those in the industrial and telecommunications industries, require their connectors be subject to additional, more stringent performance testing beyond the connector’s standard qualification tests. Their applications may require high cycle connectors, exposure to harsh environments, or be expected to perform over a much longer life expectancy than the average connector. High Cycle Connectors Let’s say it another way … few connector sets are subject to 2,500 – … [Read more...]
Gas Tight Testing for Connectors
Gas tight testing falls into the qualification testing that Samtec performs on all products prior to their release. It is not a one and done test, and it uses some of the tests that we have previously discussed as part of the test sequence. As you would probably guess, this test uses a gas to expose any inefficiencies in the system being tested, and the methods behind that will be explored in this blog. What is Gas Tight Testing? Gas tight testing isn't an island all to itself, … [Read more...]
Micro, Rugged Industrial Connectors: Do They Exist?
The Loch Ness Monster? There's that old, grainy picture. Big Foot? I've seen the video. UFO's? Who knows? But micro, rugged industrial connectors? Come on, that's really hard to believe ... But, industrial electronics is Samtec’s largest selling industry sector, and that's because Samtec has a full line of micro, rugged industrial connectors. Applications include factory automation, embedded computing, robotics, monitoring, vision systems, measurement, motion and process controls, and … [Read more...]
An Eye Catching High Performance Test Point System
Samtec Bulls Eye® test point systems are ideal for high-performance test applications because of their compression interfaces, small footprint, and high cycle count capabilities. Bulls Eye is now available in 50 GHz and 20 GHz designs, with a system up to 70 GHz in development. Bulls Eye is a popular product because: The grid design and smaller footprint enables smaller evaluation boards and shorter trace lengths. The high-density array design significantly saves PCB space compared to … [Read more...]
Thermal Shock Testing for Connectors
Thermal Shock testing isn't unique to the connector world, but it does play a big role in the qualification testing that Samtec puts all connectors through before they are released for production. Chances are likely that you thermally shock many items per day and don't give it a second thought unless they break. Some examples of this would be placing a glass cup previously containing ice into a sink full of hot water or rinsing your freshly used frying pan with cold water. Thermal … [Read more...]
Creepage and Clearance and Why We Care About It
Every day Samtec’s Application Support Group answers questions about a connector's mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance. One frequently discussed topic is connector creepage and clearance. Creepage and clearance is ultimately about safety and meeting regulatory standards, regardless of the system design. The ongoing trends to reduce PCB size and increase density become a design challenge when these smaller, denser PCBs incorporate high voltage circuits. Dave Scopelliti, President … [Read more...]
Testing Connectors with Mixed Flowing Gas
Mixed flowing gas might sound like something you would experience at the local pub after a night of free spicy nachos to all patrons. However, in this case, we are talking about a specialized test that was developed in response to dissatisfaction with similar corrosion tests that were commonly used on connectors. Why test for Mixed Flowing Gas? Mixed Flowing Gas (MFG) is used to evaluate a connector's performance under a simulated storage or operating conditions it may experience … [Read more...]
