Operation of Electronic Connectors in Hostile Environment

1. Electronic connectors operate at high temperature

The metal material and insulating material of the electronic connector determine the working environment temperature of the connector. The high temperature will destroy the insulating material, causing the insulation resistance and the withstand voltage performance to decrease. For metals, high temperatures can cause contact pieces to lose their elasticity, accelerate oxidation, and cause coating deterioration. The usual ambient temperature is -55~100℃, and there may be higher requirements on special occasions.

2. Electronic connectors operate in a humid environment

Relative humidity greater than 80% is the main cause of electrical breakdown. The humid environment causes the absorption and diffusion of water vapor on the surface of the insulator, which easily reduces the insulation resistance to below MΩ. In a long-term high-humidity environment, the electronic connector will physically deform, decompose, overflow the product, produce breathing effects, electrolysis, corrosion, and cracks.

Especially for electronic connectors outside the equipment, environmental conditions such as humidity, water seepage, and pollution are often considered. In this case, sealed connectors are better choices.

3. Electronic connectors are used when the temperature changes suddenly

The temperature sudden change test is to simulate the actual use of the electronic connector in a cold environment and transfer to a warm environment, or to simulate a sudden change in the ambient temperature of a spacecraft or detector. Sudden temperature changes may cause cracks or delamination of insulating materials.

4. Electronic connectors operate in a thin air environment

At high altitudes where the air is thin, the plastic releases gas to contaminate the contact object, and the tendency to produce corona increases, the pressure resistance decreases, and the circuit produces short-circuit faults. When the altitude reaches a certain value, the performance of the plastic deteriorates. Therefore, when using non-sealed connectors at high altitudes, they must be derated.

5. Electronic connectors operate in a corrosive environment

According to the different uses of electronic connectors, in a corrosive environment, you should choose connectors with corresponding metal, plastic, and plating structures. For example, a connector used in a salt spray environment, if there is no anti-corrosion metal surface, the performance will quickly deteriorate. In environments with considerable concentrations, connectors with silver-plated contact pairs should not be used. In hot flash areas, we must pay attention to the important issue of mold.

Sunkye is unique, able to provide turnkey customized solutions and military specification military connector manufacturers for a variety of high-performance applications. Our industry-leading material knowledge, engineering design experience, and testing capabilities are the keys to achieving reliable service in the most extreme environments.

You will find a large number of popular military specifications military connectors, such as MIL-DTL-83513 miniature connector, MIL-DTL-38999 iii connector, MIL-DTL-32139 nanometer connector, MIL-DTL-26482 automotive connector, HTHP Connectors, etc., can be used for standard or custom-configured mil connectors. If you have any needs, please feel free to consult us.