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...]
Using Nanosecond Event Detection to Identify Effects of Mechanical Shock and Random Vibration
https://youtu.be/Qnl1N3dChnI In the video above, it might not appear that much is taking place, but just like with transformers there is "more than meets the eye." Alright, that was corny, and I am mildly ashamed, but Nanosecond Event Detection for shock and vibration is nothing to be ashamed of testing. Maybe your system operates within highly dynamic environment, and it is important that you don’t experience any interruption in your signal. This is where Nanosecond Event Detection … [Read more...]
Mechanical Shock and Vibration and Your System
Using a connector set that hasn't been tested for mechanical shock and vibration is like getting a tattoo on your face while jumping on a trampoline; probably isn't a good choice. Ok, maybe you are thinking, "I'm an engineer, and everyone knows engineers don't get tattoos." Well if you can't relate with that, then maybe you can relate with needing a connector set that can withstand rough handling, transportation, and conditions that aren't static. What Are We Measuring? Mechanical … [Read more...]
Current Carrying Capacity
It was hot, really hot. In fact, things were getting so bad the walls around us were starting to melt, and just like that it was over; we failed current carrying capacity. That is Current Carrying Capacity (CCC) in a nutshell, well it would be if the parts were failing. Samtec performs this in-house during the qualification testing for all product series. What is Current Carrying Capacity? Current Carrying Capacity (CCC) is used to establish the maximum current carrying capacity … [Read more...]
Insulation Resistance and Dielectric Withstanding Voltage Testing
That’s shocking! Insulation Resistance and Dielectric Withstanding Voltage are two of the qualification tests that Samtec performs in-house during part qualification testing. These tests will ensure that when a connector is used in environmental conditions at the rated working voltage (de-rated from the test voltage) the product will not fail, and there will not be current leakage. Insulation Resistance Testing The purpose of the Insulation Resistance (IR) test is to determine the … [Read more...]
Increasing Broadband Interconnect Characterization
Samtec's Gustavo Blando recently presented "Increasing Broadband Interconnect Characterization" at EDI CON 2018 in Santa Clara, California. A video of the workshop is above, and below is Gus's summary of his presentation. VNA measurements are the backbone of any SI analysis, both for correlation and basic interconnect understanding. As bit rate increases and specs tighten, accurate measurement at higher frequencies is of paramount importance. For convenience, a coaxial style connector is … [Read more...]
Samtec, COTS, and Mil/Aero
When it comes to the Military / Aerospace industries, you probably think of products that are rugged and meant to take abuse. The products used in these industries are required to operate and last in extreme environments, and product testing is as important as the product itself. Because of the extensive testing requirements, the cost of a product can be considerably higher and have a longer lead-time when compared to a commercial version of the same product. Why Samtec for Mil/Aero? The … [Read more...]
Wishing for “Normal” Force
What is normal? Anyone with teenagers has probably been asked to be normal. Perhaps that is due to your “normal” protein intake being when you “snap into a Slim Jim,” or how you consider unpackaged circus peanuts a “normal” handout for Halloween. In either case, one might get your house pranked, and neither are applicable to the topic at hand, normal force. What is normal force? Normal force is a perpendicular force to the surface of contact. To help you visualize this, the free body diagram … [Read more...]
The Effects of Thermal Aging
We all know it when we see it. Perhaps it is the avid sunbather that has spent too many years working on that summer tan, or the hotdog that has made one too many rotations on the gas station warmer. Either way, the result is the same, and aging is clearly visible. Heat and humidity can be fun, but they can also be a fickle mistress that causes irreparable damage. While the visual effects shown in a connector may not be akin to an aged hot dog, thermal aging can also take its toll on … [Read more...]
