Rugged Interconnects for Harsh Environments eBook

action of salt over time. Stainless steel connectors offer more corrosion resistance and support higher operating temperatures than those made with less robust base materials, like brass. High-performance coatings, such as zinc-nickel, offer optimal performance for connectors employed in industrial, military, aerospace, and other harsh-environment applications due to their inherent resistance to corrosion. White bronze plating is commonly used in telecommunication applications because it doesn’t tarnish and thus maintains its connection longer. A suitable off-the-shelf connector may not already exist in the finish needed for a particular application. Many connector manufacturers offer customization options and can apply a bespoke finish to an otherwise suitable design.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE COATINGS, SUCH AS ZINC-NICKEL, OFFER OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE FOR CONNECTORS EMPLOYED IN HARSH- ENVIRONMENT APPLICATIONS DUE TO THEIR INHERENT RESISTANCE TO CORROSION.

The body of this N-type jack is made of stainless steel for a more robust, corrosion-resistant finish.

INTERCONNECT FINISHES THAT PROTECT AGAINST CORROSION Choosing an application-specific finish for a connector to be used in a harsh environment will help prolong the component’s life. For instance, connectors that will be continually exposed to seawater in a marine environment will need to stand up to the corrosive Micro BNC Plug Insertion and Extractor Tool for use in applications in which connectors are closely mounted. This tool fits into a slot on the back of the connector body for simple insertion and extraction.

THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT RUGGEDIZED CABLE ASSEMBLIES PLAY IN CONJUNCTION WITH HARSH ENVIRONMENT CONNECTORS For harsh environments, ruggedized cable assemblies form an important part of the total interconnect solution. Harsh environment RF connectors can be attached to armored cable, which offers protection from cable damage while simultaneously protecting and reinforcing the cable connection. Heavy-

39

Powered by