What makes a perfect connector
Connectors can cause unacceptably high product failure rates. One reason for this is that connectors usually have lower priority during the initial design phase of the system. If proper connector design is not considered early in the design process, this can lead to design engineers being limited to limited connector space and access. Connectors are becoming more and more stringent on system requirements, especially for higher speeds, faster rise times, and higher density requirements. Once a connector is selected and designed into the system, it is often difficult to change it due to space constraints and limited access.
If you can buy the perfect connector, what features will it show? Several factors immediately come to mind: 1. zero resistance, 2. radio dielectric breakdown, 3. zero signal distortion, 4. zero insertion force, 5. infinite holding force, 6. zero pull force, 7. zero size, 8. Parts cost, 9. Zero application fee, 10. Meet all required attributes of the application, well, this is not a perfect world and there is no perfect connector.
All true connectors are a compromise of the ideal product, with thousands of options to choose from. The goal is to choose the best connector for a given application. So how do you get started? Initially, the responsible engineer needs to determine and document the design specifications of the product. A specification can be defined as a description of the physical and functional characteristics of a connector and the cost required. Ideally, requirements should be expressed numerically in appropriate units and appropriate limits. Essentially, a specification is a statement of the attributes of a connector that a user wishes to purchase.
The specification has two basic functions: One is to communicate with potential suppliers. Another purpose is to provide standards so that connectors can be compared between manufacturers. The requirements of these specifications can come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to the following: sales, marketing, standards, security approval agencies, and system functional requirements.
Sales and marketing departments usually provide input about the aesthetics of the connector, including texture, color, size, etc., based on customer preferences. These attributes are mainly related to products that users can see at level 5 and above. The sales and marketing team should also provide launch and production forecasts for the next few years, which will determine whether the new custom product is financially sound or if it must be an off-the-shelf connector.
Product standard requirements usually also apply to Level 5 and above, and have been put in place to ensure the interchangeability of various connector supplier products. Three of the many standard interfaces are USB, RS-232, and RJ-45. These documents need to be reviewed to ensure compliance. Safety approval agencies specify connector requirements, such as the spacing between live and live metal parts of different polarities; flammability requirements; keeping enclosures in contact; insulation resistance between contacts; such bodies include the Canadian Standards Association ( CSA) Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and European Standard VDE Agency.
There are identifiable levels of interconnect (LOI), and each level may have specific unique requirements. Levels zero to four are levels internal to the device and are usually paired and mated by skilled manufacturing personnel who are familiar with connectors and better at handling smaller and sometimes fragile connectors. Experience has shown that the centerline spacing of internal connectors is getting smaller and smaller. At levels 5 and above, these interconnects are usually handled by users who are less familiar with connectors, so robustness is a required feature. These products require excellent polarization, retention, introduction and stress relief capabilities.
Once the design specifications are established, you need to get a quote for a specific connector and fully understand the design goals and constraints to make the most reliable choice. Assuming connectors are often the cause of the highest system failure rates, this person should have a good understanding of connector types and various connector vendors. That person should be an industry expert. Individuals as component engineers must participate in the specification and selection process. Component engineers are more common in the industry, mainly in large companies. It seems that this function has been lost and more general entrusted to generalists wearing many hats than experts required for this activity.
All true connectors are a compromise of the ideal product, with thousands of options to choose from. The goal is to choose the best connector for a given application. So how do you get started? Initially, the responsible engineer needs to determine and document the design specifications of the product. A specification can be defined as a description of the physical and functional characteristics of a connector and the cost required. Ideally, requirements should be expressed numerically in appropriate units and appropriate limits. Essentially, a specification is a statement of the attributes of a connector that a user wishes to purchase.
The specification has two basic functions: One is to communicate with potential suppliers. Another purpose is to provide standards so that connectors can be compared between manufacturers. The requirements of these specifications can come from a variety of sources, including but not limited to the following: sales, marketing, standards, security approval agencies, and system functional requirements.
Product standard requirements usually also apply to Level 5 and above, and have been put in place to ensure the interchangeability of various connector supplier products. Three of the many standard interfaces are USB, RS-232, and RJ-45. These documents need to be reviewed to ensure compliance. Safety approval agencies specify connector requirements, such as the spacing between live and live metal parts of different polarities; flammability requirements; keeping enclosures in contact; insulation resistance between contacts; such bodies include the Canadian Standards Association ( CSA) Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and European Standard VDE Agency.
There are identifiable levels of interconnect (LOI), and each level may have specific unique requirements. Levels zero to four are levels internal to the device and are usually paired and mated by skilled manufacturing personnel who are familiar with connectors and better at handling smaller and sometimes fragile connectors. Experience has shown that the centerline spacing of internal connectors is getting smaller and smaller. At levels 5 and above, these interconnects are usually handled by users who are less familiar with connectors, so robustness is a required feature. These products require excellent polarization, retention, introduction and stress relief capabilities.
Once the design specifications are established, you need to get a quote for a specific connector and fully understand the design goals and constraints to make the most reliable choice. Assuming connectors are often the cause of the highest system failure rates, this person should have a good understanding of connector types and various connector vendors. That person should be an industry expert. Individuals as component engineers must participate in the specification and selection process. Component engineers are more common in the industry, mainly in large companies. It seems that this function has been lost and more general entrusted to generalists wearing many hats than experts required for this activity.
The component engineer oversees the connector selection process, fully understands the design specifications, and ensures that the product meets or exceeds the requirements. This person knows the suppliers in the industry and understands the advantages and disadvantages of each manufacturer. The engineer will not approve the use of the connector in the system until all specifications are met or exceeded, and the person is fully responsible for the performance and reliability of the product.
评论
发表评论