Page 36 - 2021 High-Reliability, Harsh Environment Connectivity eBook

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Critical applications, such as medical devices, require the highest connector reliability to cope with temperature extremes, shock, vibration, and other stress factors. For demanding applications like these, two-piece pin receptacles offer multiple internal contact options that allow users to tailor their selections to satisfy specific application demands, including high temperatures and specific insertion and extraction forces, without altering the outer shell housing.
Machined pin receptacles with beryllium copper (BeCu) inner contacts offer superior electrical performance compared to other materials, as well as the highest level of interconnect reliability available today. Precision- machined receptacles with BeCu contacts have proven to be more precise and consistent than one-piece connector technologies in both testing and field conditions. When they’re plated with gold, they also deliver superb electrical conductivity. In addition, the reliability of machined pin receptacles in high-temperature applications can be further improved by using internal contacts made from beryllium nickel (BeNi). These clips easily handle applications where continuous operating temperatures exceed 150°C.
3. Precision
As electronic devices continue to get smaller, higher precision interconnects become a must. Pin receptacles that are precision machined deliver flush-mount solutions that accept a range of mating lead diameters to suit various interconnect requirements while maintaining a zero above-board profile. Precision machining also permits more complex design features to be incorporated in some applications.
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» Mill-Max delivers flush-mount, precision-machined receptacles that accept a range of mating lead diameters to suit various interconnect requirements while maintaining a zero above-board profile. The smallest of the receptacles has a lead acceptance range of just 0.008–0.013” (0.2–0.33mm) in diameter, while the largest accepts 0.045–0.065” (1.14–1.65mm). These receptacles also have an open bottom that allows leads to pass through and are designed to have a minimal overall length, both of which are useful features for low-profile, board-stacking applications.
4. Quality
The quality of an interconnect component is determined by a superior design, the use of performance materials, such as brass and beryllium copper, precision machining with tolerances to ±0.0005” or better, and superior gold- plated finishes. Quality can be tested and verified to conform to one or more industry standards to ensure longevity and dependable service. Additional benefits of high-quality interconnect components include the ability to deliver gas-tight connections, a range of mating interface sizes, long mechanical lifetimes without degradation of insertion/ withdrawal force, and consistent performance under demanding environments and use conditions.
If cost is a primary application consideration, gold plating can be limited to the internal contact, and the outer shell housing of the receptacle can be plated with a more cost-effective and solderable tin or tin-lead compound. This alternative still ensures excellent electrical connection in the receptacle’s most critical area — the internal contact —