Plating Thickness

The conductor plating thickness may be determined through several methods called out in the EN3475 test method. These include: Optical Chemical Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Atom Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) When contacting Lectromec about this test, please identify if there is a preferred method for your application. Read more

Detailed Discussion of MIL-STD-1353 (Part 2): Nickel and Gold Plating

July 12, 2021 Laura Wishart

Plating materials used on electrical connectors are imperative to the connector maintainability and dependability throughout its service life. In the last article on MIL-STD-1353, we discussed Tin as a plating metal, its restrictions in practical use, and the potential of whisker formation which can lead to destructive arcing or short circuit events. Here, we discuss the use of gold and nickel as plating metals and their effectiveness when used together.

Detailed Discussion of MIL-STD-1353 (Part 1): Tin Plating

April 21, 2021 Laura Wishart

The mating of the electrical wiring interconnect system (EWIS) is a non-trivial task. Between the functional requirements (the correct number of pins, sizing of contacts, etc.), there are also the performance requirements (operational environment, corrosion resistance, impedance matching, etc.). This is then further complicated by installation requirements (sizing), maintenance requirements (mating/demating cycles), and regulatory requirements (limitations of materials that can be used). Obviously, adding a connector to a wire harness is not a five-second activity. This article looks at the MIL-STD-1353 specific requirements for tin usage in aircraft connectors. Read more

Plating Continuity

Nearly all metals will oxidize and deteriorate over time. Plating copper conductors with a non-reactive metal to environmental factors is an excellent means of increasing the longevity of conductors. It is therefore essential that the plating method is such that when the source is drawn though a die, the plating material remains uniform and continuous. […] Read more

Plating Adhesion

Composite connectors (Class J and M) provide the benefit of a lightweight construction with limited drawbacks. To verify the connector plating in high temperature operation conditions, the plating adhesion test is performed. For this test, the connector under evaluation is immersed in oil at its operational temperature. It is then quickly cooled to room temperature […] Read more

Does a Connector’s Plating Type Impact Performance?

August 23, 2017 Michael Traskos

Design and installation of an aircraft’s electrical system has been made significantly easier with the adoption of modular harness design. This design pattern allows for discrete wiring sections to be designed and fabricated; this is only possible with the reliable performance of connectors. The connector-ization of harnesses has led some OEMs to build platforms where […] Read more

Adherence of Plating

Some wire insulation types have a well-defined accelerated aging processes, whereas others have a rather non-active one in terms of standard aging (heat, strain, and humidity). This procedure provides a vetted process for assessing the age degradation process for polyalkene wire. The life cycling of polyalkene wire is a three-step process that starts with placing […] Read more

Insertion Loss and Attenuation

March 14, 2024 Michael Traskos

Insertion loss and attenuation are similar concepts, but one is assigned to a single component (insertion loss) whereas the other is assigned to generalized performance (attenuation). In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences of these concepts and how proper testing of each can ensure reliability in signal transmission. Read more

Voltage, Current, and Thermally Rating Connectors

September 13, 2023 Michael Traskos

While electrical component qualification is nothing new to the aerospace industry, the emerging trend toward full aircraft electrification requires every component to be electrically connected; for most equipment, this means incorporation of electrical connectors. Weight, cost, reliability, and performance are the four most common elements initially considered in connector selection, but the finer details of electrical connectors use must also be considered. Here, we discuss how one might go about qualifying an electrical connector, specifically, to address its voltage, current, and thermal limitations. Read more

Copper Hookup Wire

August 15, 2023 Michael Traskos

Aerospace standards like the ASTM B470 or the ASTM B355 provide specific performance characteristics of electrical wire conductors. This article discusses some of the test methods covered in these standards and how their implementation ensures acceptable quality in the development of aerospace wire. Read more

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