TRIBOR - An innovative coating system for electrical contacts and connectors

摘要

The miniaturization of components with subsequent increase in local contact forces, constantly growing security levels, enhanced environmental loads and operating conditions (friction and wear, temperature, corrosion) and finally issues of cost reduction have triggered research for alternative solutions for applications where standard gold systems technically or economically fail. Within the different available alternatives, the TRIBOR system is making use of the beneficial interaction of a modified nickel base coat and a thin layer of 0.15 μm gold. Showing outstanding performance particularly at high mating cycles and under corrosive conditions, TRIBOR is able to meet most requirements for electrical contacts and connectors. The different components in the TRIBOR system are non-magnetic and therefore offer improved performance levels for RF-applications by means of intermodulation phenomena. In addition to its functional benefits, the reduction of applied gold thicknesses within the TRIBOR system enables to reduce overall costs to large extent.