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beam will not properly mate with the
socket.
Samtec uses brass components on
some connector products, but they
are for options what don’t bend or
require movement, like the weld
tabs on a micro edge card socket.
(See Figure 2)
Beryllium Copper
Beryllium copper, while more
expensive thanmost contactmaterials,
provides the best combination of
mechanical and electrical properties.
Once formed and hardened, BeCu will
retain its shape under a wide variety
of conditions. And because BeCu
springs back after cycling, it’s a great
pin material for miniature connectors.
So BeCu is good for rugged and high-
cycle applications, and it’s good for
micro connectors.
Phosphor Bronze
Phosphor bronze is stronger
than brass and has better spring
properties. But, its spring properties
aren’t as good as BeCu, so it is
not frequently used in micro pitch
connectors. Phosphor bronze
is well-suited for bigger contact
systems with longer beams with
more deflection (see Figure 3).
What Plating Option Do
We Recommend?
Choosing the right plating is critical
to the success of a connector system.
Plating affects the connector’s
performance, life cycle, quality,
and cost. Designers frequently ask
what plating finish we recommend?
There are numerous considerations
to take into account, but the best
plating finish is whatever meets your
Connectors & Cables
Special Edition
Figure 1:
Plastic accounts for a greater percentage of the
total connector cost in a micro pitch interconnect.
Figure 2:
Brass is commonly used in connector
options that do not requre movement. See the weld
tab (bottom right) on this micro edge card socket.
Figure 3:
Phosphor bronze is
well-suited for contact systems
with longer beams
New-Tech Magazine Europe l 43