When choosing a USB connector, there are many factors to consider, among which environmental parameters are one of the most important factors, including temperature, humidity, air pressure, etc. The usage methods of USB connectors vary under different environmental conditions. Using them in spaces with high temperature and humidity can greatly reduce the service life of the interface. Below, we will introduce some tips for using them in extreme environments.

1. The metal and insulation materials of USB connectors in high-temperature environments determine the working environment temperature of the connectors. High temperature can damage the edge material, causing a decrease in insulation resistance and withstand voltage performance; For metals, high temperatures can cause contact pairs to lose elasticity, accelerate oxidation, and cause coating deterioration. The usual ambient temperature is -40~80 ℃, which may be higher in special occasions.

2. Wet environment

Relative humidity greater than 80% is the main cause of electrical breakdown. The humid environment causes the absorption and diffusion of water vapor on the surface of insulators, which can easily reduce the insulation resistance to below the M Ω level. Long term exposure to high humidity environments can cause physical deformation, decomposition, and escape of substances, resulting in respiratory effects, electrolysis, corrosion, and cracking. Especially for USB connectors outside the device, it is often necessary to consider humid, water permeable, and polluted environmental conditions, in which case sealed connectors should be selected.

3. Temperature rapid change environment

The humidity surge test simulates the actual use of USB connectors in cold environments to warm environments, or simulates the rapid temperature changes in the environment of space vehicles and detectors. Sudden temperature changes may cause cracks or delamination of insulation materials.

4. Thin air environment

At high altitudes with thin air, plastic emits gases that contaminate the contact pairs, increasing the trend of corona generation and decreasing voltage withstand performance, leading to short circuit faults in the circuit. When reaching a certain value at high altitude, the performance of plastic deteriorates. Therefore, when using unsealed connectors at high altitudes, it is necessary to reduce the rating for use.

5. Corrosive environment

According to the different corrosive environments in which USB connectors are used, choose connectors with corresponding metal, plastic, and coating structures, such as those used in salt spray environments. If there is no anti-corrosion metal surface, the performance will rapidly deteriorate. In environments containing a considerable concentration of SO2, connectors with silver plated contact pairs should not be used. In hot and humid areas, mold is also an important issue.

Is it necessary to use high-quality USB connectors when designing electronic products?

The problem is often encountered by many USB system designers, and it is also a misconception because the importance of connectors is often underestimated in design, and cheap but poor quality connectors are used. Although this may seem to save costs, the subsequent maintenance costs are considerable. Low quality connectors can cause USB system malfunction, product recalls, product liability cases, circuit board damage, rework, and repair, ultimately leading to user loss. I believe this is not what companies want to see. Therefore, when designing USB products, do not underestimate the importance of connectors, and choose a high-quality and suitable USB connector.