Page 20 - 2021 Connectivity Components: Everything but the Connectors eBook

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Gold-plated contacts combine optimal performance characteristics with corrosion and wear resistance. However, gold plating is expensive, and typically is not required on the entire contact. Selective gold plating reduces the amount of gold required without diminishing the functionality of the plated contact. Consequently, it has become a very popular and cost-effective method for capitalizing on the many benefits of gold-plated electrical contacts. Selective gold plating processes are common connector solutions used in harsh-environment and mission-critical applications. Selective-gold-plated contacts are highly durable and help ensure that connectors meet mechanical and electrical specifications including EMC shielding protection, shock and vibration resistance, higher data rates, increased mating cycles, and long-term reliability — all at a fraction of the cost of standard gold-plating processes.
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