Electrical Contact Resistance of Connector Response to Mechanical Vibration Environment

Abstract

Contact resistance is an important barometer for service life and reliability of electrical connectors, which are widely used in electrical and electronic system. Long and harsh mechanical vibration stress would result in the function failure of electrical contact. In this article, the electrical contact resistance (ECR) of a typical connector is accurately recorded in real time with the four-wire method under mechanical vibration environment. Furthermore, the relationship between the ECR and vibration stress (including frequency and acceleration) is investigated explicitly. To better understand the physical mechanism of the ECR fluctuation and degradation, the vibration transmission path and associated dynamic response model of the connector are built. Finally, the main influencing factors on the ECR under mechanical vibration stress are summarized systematically.