Careful selection of materials and special outgassing processes help reduce volatile particles present in the connection system.

        On Earth, volatile chemical particulate matter poses a hazard to human health. Synthetic materials in petroleum and chemical products, such as plastics, furniture, carpets, paints and adhesives, emit volatile organic compounds and other chemicals. Known as outgassing or outgassing, VOC emissions are usually highest in new or just-installed products, but some VOCs can be released over the life of the material, or by exposure to specific light conditions, temperature, radiation or released during cleaning. Exposure to some volatile organic compounds can be a factor in cancer, autoimmune diseases and other health problems.

      In enclosed indoor environments with a large amount of electronic equipment, such as data centers, indoor air pollution from gaseous polymers, adhesives, and epoxy resins can be high. These VOCs can cause corrosion or contaminant build-up in components or instruments, reducing performance reliability. They can also affect instruments used in scientific research, and sterility in medical applications. Mirrors, lenses and sensors in particular can be obscured by condensation and build-up of volatiles. When volatile organic compounds build up on the connector face or contacts, the connector is affected, reducing signal quality. IP-rated sealed fittings to prevent gas evaporating may be helpful. In closed conditions, the use of air filtration systems can also mitigate organic volatilization.

      In space, however, gas volatilization cannot be controlled. In the high vacuum of space, plastics in electronics and other materials expand and release gases that affect high-reliability electronic components used in devices such as satellites and spacecraft. Polymers respond to changing temperature or radiation conditions, and atmospheric conditions in low Earth and outer orbits can accelerate the movement of airborne particles.

       Cable assemblies used in space applications must have low outgassing. The Times Microwave system selects non-polymeric materials to ensure minimal gas emissions during spaceflight.

        "When a satellite is launched into the atmosphere, the materials inside the satellite will relax and release gas, depending on the conditions of the atmosphere," said Maria Kalia, senior program manager at Times Microwave Systems. For satellites or equipment used in space missions , often with multiple instruments and optics, such as lenses. If large amounts of condensable gases are released through the electronics, they can obstruct the line of sight of the optics and cause critical instrumentation to fail."

       NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and other organizations have established guidelines to limit emissions from components used in space applications. "All plastics will outgas to some extent," Kalia said. One of the most stringent standards used in the aerospace industry is ASTM E595-15, which defines the test conditions required for the amount of outgassing a material will generate. It is measured at a certain The amount of gas that condenses after a certain time at a temperature. This standard also defines acceptable levels of outgassing in space applications, thus guiding material selection for components. By adhering to this standard, suppliers assure customers that these materials will A certain amount of gas is emitted within the allowable range."

       When specifying a connector or any other component for a space application, engineers need to identify all materials. If a material is defined as unacceptable by NASA or other relevant guidelines, it may have to be replaced with a part made of that specific material, Kalia said. With RF applications requiring higher frequencies, low loss is a key requirement for most interconnect components. Changing the connector design will affect the transmission of frequency waves from the coaxial layer into the interface. As engineers specify materials for space applications, all electrical designs must be scrutinized. Simulation tools like CST software are used to review technical performance. These tools will provide engineers with the information they need to fine-tune the design until it meets not only outgassing requirements, but also electrical performance requirements.

Cinch's CIN::APSE line includes custom fluxless, high-density stacking connectors and jumpers developed for space applications. They meet NASA's outgas levels as specified by ASTM E595.

"All materials in the assembly, from polymers to adhesives, inks and epoxies, should be reviewed prior to confirmation," said Brad Taalas, product manager at Cinch Connectivity Solutions. Components are usually cured by curing in a special exhaust oven. This process exposes the polymer to a specific temperature for a predetermined period of time, forcing the gas to leave inside the mold. As the substance is ejected, it releases tiny air bubbles , the release changes the mechanical structure of the part. Cinch uses the oven Dura-Con micro-Dsub and CIN::APSE to customize the stacking connector wire. Curing the assembly helps ensure it maintains its integrity in a real operating environment.”

       PEI-Genesis extracts volatile organic compounds from space-applied components in a special vacuum oven. After this process, make sure the components meet the applicable standards. Companies that specialize in components used in space and other high-reliability environments may have internally vented vacuum ovens. Other companies may outsource the venting process to specialized laboratories that can bake and test new components and provide detailed performance measurements. Guaranteed delivery of jet or low outgassing products to the customer.

      "Once all components are properly designed, manufactured, assembled and tested, they need to be shipped from the cleanroom to the end user," Rodriguez said. "These components are usually packaged in specially designed electrostatic discharge bags. These bags include A humidity indicator. Since the production process is controlled, any humidity changes introduced during transport can be measured. This change should be traceable.”

Axon cable manufacturing is equipped with a hot chamber that aids in the volatilization of the harness gases and ensures performance in the end application.

Axon designs and manufactures ESA and space-grade cables, small connectors, satellite connectors, and more. Sandrine Helmant, Marketing Program Manager at Exxon Cable, said: "We are very knowledgeable about the space market application requirements and have gas emissions in the interconnect design from the outset. We select the cable for Materials such as thermoplastic, polyimide, or teflon with low outgassing properties. The same approach is used for the materials used for inserts and seals in our connectors. The choice of materials involved in the manufacturing process can also be limited Outgassing. For example, encapsulation processes used to make busbars, etc.”

Axon cables are used for power distribution in communications satellites and ground-based weapon systems. Materials for this cable are carefully selected to minimize volatile gases.

       Helmant said the company closely monitors material obsolescence and conducts reviews to validate new materials as products and guidelines change frequently.

        Electronics face extreme and challenging conditions in space and other high reliability operating environments. But suppliers can take many steps to face the VOC challenge.

         The "Kinghelm" trademark was originally registered by the Golden Navigator Company. Golden Navigation is a direct-selling manufacturer of GPS antennas and Beidou antennas. It has a very high reputation and reputation in the Beidou GPS navigation and positioning industry. Its research and development products are widely used in bds satellite navigation and positioning wireless communications, etc. field. The main products include: RJ45-RJ45 network, network interface connector, RF connector patch cord, coaxial cable connector, type-c connector, hdmi interface type-c interface, pin header, SMA, fpc, FFC Antenna connector, antenna signal transmission waterproof connector, hdmi interface, usb connector, terminal terminal line, terminal board terminal block, terminal block, radio frequency rfid label, positioning and navigation antenna, communication antenna antenna cable, glue stick antenna suction cup antenna, 433 antenna 4G antenna, GPS module antenna, etc. Widely used in aerospace, communications, military, instrumentation and security, medical and other industries.

       This content comes from the Internet/Shenzhen Connector Industry Association. This website only provides reprints. The opinions, standpoints and technologies of this article have nothing to do with this website. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it!