Testing & Reliability

Connector reliability must be considered from the initial concept to the final application. The reliability of a connector is evaluated in several ways. A new design is critiqued by experienced personnel and then subjected to a series of engineering developmental tests with iterative design modifications. When the abbreviated tests show good results, a design is then selected and tooled. After the product is available from production tooling, qualification testing is conducted with a menu of tests that simulate the intended application.

Early insight into the reliability of a new design is enhanced by review with an independent outside source. APEX has vast experience in the testing and reliability of connectors.

WHY APEX:

• Obtain an independent and impartial evaluation
• Identify problem areas early in the process
• Utilize expert design of test procedures
• Gain experienced evaluation of test data
• Apply recommendations for design improvements

APEX TESTING AND RELIABILITY TECHNIQUES:

• Physical electrical, mechanical, and environmental tests
• Simulated model analysis
• Approval agency testing
• Design of experiments (DOE)
• Coordination of outside laboratory testing

EXAMPLES OF APEX TESTING AND RELIABILITY:

• Critiqued major telecom back-plane testing
• Designed a test sequence for a medical instrument
• Recommended testing to compare connector types for laptop computers
• Developed a test fixture to evaluate automotive connector ergonomics
• Designed a wear experiment and conducted durability tests
• Coordinated the environmental evaluation of a connector at an external lab