Crimped connectors are extensively present in EEE systems because of their good performance and easier installation at reduced dimensions. Due to the key role played, they are required to have high durability even under harsh operating conditions. In the case of unexpected/early failure, a thorough diagnosis and deep understanding of the main failure causes are the starting point to preclude future occurrences and improve the system’s reliability. Therefore, the present post gathers the main failure mechanisms in crimped connectors and indicates some the characterization tools used for the suitable failure analyses.
IEC Electropedia
Failure mode:
Manner in which a failure occurs. A failure mode may be defined by the function lost or other state transition that occurred.”
Failure mechanism:
Process that leads to failure. The process may be physical, chemical, logical, or a combination thereof.”
Failure cause:
Set of circumstances that lead to failure. A failure cause may originate during specification, design, manufacture, installation, operation or maintenance of an item.”
Due to their functionality, large contact resistance in excess of the threshold indicated by the specification and/or abnormal heating are the main failure modes of any type of connector. According to the literature 1-5, typical failures in crimped connectors can be ascribed to one of the following factors.
- Stress relaxation (Creep and recrystallization)
- Under/over crimping
- Galvanic
- Pore corrosion
- Surface contamination
Typical failures in Crimpred Connectors
Improper Degree of Compression in Crimped Connectors
Corrosion/Contamination in Crimped Connectors
