ABSTRACT
Although the basic function of connectors is to provide electrical interconnections to complete the circuit, a large number of non-electrical factors determine the type of connector or connection system used. To begin with, mechanical requirements such as size, shape, impact, mounting, and mating and unmating force and frequency need to be considered. In addition, environmental requirements such as temperature, temperaturecycling, humidity, contaminants (solid, liquid, and gaseous), shock and vibration, and sealing further complicate the design and selection process. The electrical requirement often goes beyond circuit voltage and current. Many applications also require contact resistance, terminal impedance, polarity, and insulation level. To satisfy these often contradictory requirements, connection technology has evolved into a sophisticated engineering discipline. The challenge to the connection engineers is to design the lowest-cost products that meet all requirements, which in reality often work at cross-purposes.
