Page 55 - 2021 Connectivity Components: Everything but the Connectors eBook

Those requirements may be that the material is UV tolerant, able to withstand sterilization processes, or able to withstand the higher temperatures associated with the reflow soldering process. In addition to the selection of the base material, other options might include custom housing colors, shielding considerations, strain relief, and perhaps the ability to add printing or marking on the housing body itself. These can all help make the connector more user- friendly and a better fit for the application.
Similarly, various attributes can be chosen for the metal components. Considerations may include plating to address specific cycle life or environmental needs, alternative base metals that can reduce cost, selectively loading contacts to assist with creepage and clearance needs, and alternative pin lengths. Some of the basic application criteria that help guide the selection process are whether the connection is for power, signal, or data; the voltage and current; and AWG size of the wires being terminated.
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Fixed single-piece design
The diagram above shows the many aspects that go into a high-quality connector.
1. Pin placement – straight, evenly spaced solder pins for easy placement on PCB.
2. Current carrying bar – quality materials for a low-resistance current path.
3. Quality alloys – selected for performance, based on design. Using similar metals for equal expansion/contraction
in thermal changes prevents loosening of wire termination.
4. Housing design – for performance and production consistency.
5. Captive screws – prevent screws from falling out while in the open position.
6. Spring push-in technology – fast wire insertion, without tools, for solid and ferruled stranded wires, the fastest
termination available.
7. Tapered pin – improves ease of placement on the PCB by preventing contact stubbing.
8. Reakdyn principle – mechanical locking of screw prevents loosening due to vibration or thermal expansion.