Connectors For High Cycle, Harsh Environment Applications
Let’s have a show of hands. If you specify board level interconnects, how many of you require your interconnect system to be rated at 2,500 cycles or more? Most board level interconnect applications require far less than 100 cycles over their lifetime, but obviously there are exceptions. Those exceptions range from 150 cycles to 2,500 to 10,000.
If your application falls into the latter category, you should know about Samtec Extended Life Products (ELP). ELPs are popular Samtec interconnects that are tested to much higher mating cycles, and they pass a nasty 10 year Mixed Flowing Gas (MFG) test.
Many EOEMs, especially those in the telecommunications and industrial industries, require their interconnects pass these more stringent tests. The application may simply require many cycles, or the product may be exposed to harsh environments. But customers frequently want this level of performance for their bench testing. The interconnects in their design typically will not see that level of abuse, but the engineers want to make sure their design is robust. In some ways it’s like power or voltage derating; the designer knows that if the connectors are rated at a certain level, then they will work in their less-stringent application.
EDT and MFG
A product must pass two tests to be ELP certified. First is an Extended Durability Test (EDT), which subjects the interconnect system to a higher cycle count. Note EDT is not a test to failure; rather, we test the interconnects to a set number of cycles and rate the connector at that level. The major stresses in EDT are thermal shock and humidity, and connectors are certified if they experience ≤ 15 mΩ LLCR from the initial value. Click here for an example of an Extended Durability Test.
Second, the product must pass a 10 Year Mixed Flowing Gas (MFG) test, based on EIA-364-1000. Click here for an example of a MFG test.
Again, most interconnect applications do not require this level of ruggedness, but verification is available if necessary. If you need to verify product performance to a specific level, Samtec is willing and able to test to your requirements. For more info about specific testing capabilities, or for more info on ELP in general, contact Samtec’s Engineering Support Group.