Skip to main content Accessibility help

We use cookies to distinguish you from other users and to provide you with a better experience on our websites. Close this message to accept cookies or find out how to manage your cookie settings.

Close cookie message
×
Hostname: page-component-5cf477f64f-r2nwp Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-04-08T05:00:10.164Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

12 - Interconnecting, wiring, and cabling for electronics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 June 2012

I. R. Walker
I. R. Walker
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Get access

Summary

Introduction

Among the most common problems encountered when dealing with electronic items are those caused by faulty contacts, connectors, wires and cables. For example, bad solder joints are among the most frequent causes of failures in electronic devices in general. In any given electronic system, the most unreliable components will be its connectors and cables. (Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the number of connector problems that occurred during the Apollo space program was greater than that of all other problems combined.) More specifically, faulty connectors and cables are an important source of trouble in experimental work, in the form of unreliable measurements and wasted time.

Information on this subject is widely dispersed. The purpose of the following chapter is to bring together knowledge about these mundane but troublesome items from some of the various scattered sources.

Some contact, connector, wire, and cable problems are:

  1. (a) excessively high or low resistances, or complete open or short circuits,

  2. (b) noisy contacts (perhaps in the form of 1/f noise),

  3. (c) production and reception of electromagnetic interference (including crosstalk between nearby wires and cables),

  4. (d) leakage currents over insulators in high-impedance circuits,

  5. (e) noise produced as a result of cable vibrations in high-impedance circuits (“microphonics”),

  6. (f) nonlinear I–V characteristics of poor-quality contacts (i.e. they can become non-ohmic – this may lead to interference with sensitive measurements due to rectification of electromagnetic noise in the environment, and also signal distortion),

  7. (g) reflections on cables at radio (and particularly microwave) frequencies, owing to impedance mismatches,

  8. (h) arcing and corona discharge at contacts, and in cables and connectors, at high voltages,

  9. […]

Type
Chapter
Information
Reliability in Scientific Research
Improving the Dependability of Measurements, Calculations, Equipment, and Software
 , pp. 413 - 486
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2011

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Ulrich, R. and Schaper, L., IEEE Spectrum 40, #7, 27 (2003).CrossRef
Horowitz, P. and Hill, W., The Art of Electronics, 2nd edn., Cambridge University Press, 1989.Google Scholar
Akin, K. D., Connector Specifier 15, 26 (1999).
Hobbs, P. C. D., Building Electro-Optical Systems: Making it all Work, John Wiley and Sons, 2000.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ekin, J. W., Experimental Techniques for Low-Temperature Measurements: Cryostat Design, Material Properties, and Superconductor Critical-Current Testing, Oxford University Press, 2006.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Lee, M., in The ARRL RFI Book, Hare, E. (ed.), The American Radio Relay League, 1999.Google Scholar
Low Level Measurements Handbook, 6th edn, Keithley Instruments, Inc., 28775 Aurora Road, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, 2004. www.keithley.com
www.youtube.com
video.google.com
www.curiousinventor.com
www.astro.umd.edu/~harris/docs/WellerSoldering.pdf
Smith, H., Quality Hand Soldering and Circuit Board Repair, 4th edn., Thomson Delmar Learning, 2004.Google Scholar
Moore, J., Davis, C., Coplan, M., and Greer, S., Building Scientific Apparatus, 3rd edn, Westview Press, 2002.Google Scholar
,ECSS Secretariat, ESA-ESTEC Requirements & Standards Division, Space Product Assurance: The Manual Soldering of High-Reliability Electrical Connections (ECSS-Q-70–08A), ESA Publications Division, 1999.
Strauss, R., SMT Soldering Handbook, Newnes, 1998.
Vianco, P. T., Soldering Handbook, 3rd edn, American Welding Society, 1999.Google Scholar
Hansen, M. and Anderko, K., Constitution of Binary Alloys, 2nd edn, McGraw-Hill, 1958.Google Scholar
Marshall, J. L., in Solder Joint Reliability, Lau, J. H. (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1991.Google Scholar
Judd, M. and Brindley, K., Soldering in Electronics Assembly, 2nd edn, Newnes, 1999.Google Scholar
Kolyer, J. M. and Watson, D. E., ESD from A to Z: Electrostatic Discharge Control for Electronics, 2nd edn, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1999.Google Scholar
Indium/Copper Intermetallics (application note), Indium Corporation of America, 1676 Lincoln Avenue, Utica, NY, USA. www.indium.com
,Totoku Electric Co., Ltd., 1–3-21 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan. www.totoku.com
Schwartz, B. R. and Gaschnig, G. R., in Handbook of Wiring, Cabling, and Interconnecting for Electronics, Harper, C. A. (ed.), McGraw-Hill, 1972.Google Scholar
Bulwith, R. A., Circuits Assembly 9, #4, 36 (1998).
High-Voltage Terminations, in Inspection Pictorial Reference, NASA Workmanship Standards. workmanship.nasa.gov/
Budnick, J., Bertuccio, T., Kirk, K., et al., IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference 1991, Vol. 2, pp. 974–978.
Keister, F. and Varga, E., in Handbook of Wiring, Cabling, and Interconnecting for Electronics, Harper, C. A. (ed.), McGraw-Hill, 1972.Google Scholar
Electrical Design Guidelines for Electronics to be used in Experimental Apparatus at Fermilab, Electronics/Electrical of the Particle Physics Division, December 22, 1994. http://gate.hep.anl.gov/thron/elec_docs/ElecDesignGuide.html
Ekman, L., in Space Vehicle Mechanisms: Elements of Successful Design, Conley, P. L. (ed.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998.Google Scholar
Kindell, C., Kingham, T., and Riley, J., in Electronic Engineer's Reference Book, 5th edn, Mazda, F. F. (ed.), Butterworths, 1983.Google Scholar
Smithells Metals Reference Book, 6th edn, Brandes, E. A. (ed.), Butterworths, 1983.
Metals Handbook – Ninth Edition; Volume 6 – Welding, Brazing and Soldering, American Society for Metals, 1983.
Slade, P. G., in Electrical Contacts – Principles and Applications, Slade, P. G. (ed.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1999.Google Scholar
Braunovic, M., in Electrical Contacts – Principles and Applications, Slade, P. G. (ed.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1999.Google Scholar
Atherton, D., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 38, 1805 (1967).CrossRef
Cardwell, D. A. and Ginley, D. S., Handbook of Superconducting Materials, CRC Press, 2003.
Fuchs, F. J., Electronic Production, 10, #4, 10 (1981).
Fuchs, J., Printed Circuit Assembly, 3, #7, 42 (1989).
Walker, I. R., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 66, 247 (1995).CrossRef
,Indium Corporation of America, 1676 Lincoln Avenue, Utica, NY, USA. www.indium.com
Cruise, A. M., Bowles, J. A., Patrick, T. J., and Goodall, C. V., Principles of Space Instrument Design, Cambridge University Press, 1998.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Smith, E. N., in Experimental Techniques in Condensed Matter Physics at Low Temperatures, Richardson, R. C. and Smith, E. N. (eds.), Addison-Wesley, 1988.Google Scholar
Denny, H. W., Grounding for the Control of EMI, Don White Consultants, Inc., 1983.Google Scholar
Department of Defense Handbook: General Guidelines for Electronic Equipment, MIL-HDBK-454B, 15 April 2007. www.assistdocs.com
Ott, H. W., Noise Reduction Techniques in Electronic Systems, 2nd edn, John Wiley & Sons, 1988.Google Scholar
Pease, R. A., Troubleshooting Analog Circuits, Butterworth-Heimann, 1991.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Mardiguian, M., EMI Troubleshooting Techniques, McGraw-Hill, 2000.Google Scholar
O'Connor, P. D. T., Practical Reliability Engineering, 4th edn., Wiley, 2002.Google Scholar
Yager, T. A. and Nixon, K., IEEE Trans. Components, Hybrids, Manuf. Technol. CHMT-7, #4, 370 (1984).
Abbot, W. H., in Electrical Contacts – Principles and Applications, Slade, P. G. (ed.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1999.Google Scholar
Davis, G. and Jones, R., Sound Reinforcement Handbook, 2nd edn, Hal Leonard, 1989.Google Scholar
Comizzoli, R. B., Crane, G. R., Fiorino, M. E.et al., J. Mater. Res., 12, #3, 857 (1997).CrossRef
Herrmann, C., Miller, P. J., and Prather, W. D., 21st Annual Connectors and Interconnection Technology Symposium, Int. Inst. Connector & Interconnection Technol., 1988.
Microwave Connector Care, HP Part No. 08510–90064, April 1986, Hewlett Packard Company (now Agilent). www.agilent.com (Another, more accessible source of information on the care of microwave connectors is: Operating and Service Manual, Agilent Technologies 85131E/F/H NMD-3.5 mm – f – to 3.5 mm Flexible Test Port Return Cables, February 2008, Agilent Part Number: 85131–9009. http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/85131-90009.pdf)
Dobkin, D. M., RF Engineering for Wireless Networks, Newnes, 2004.Google Scholar
Harper, C. A., Passive Electronic Component Handbook, McGraw-Hill, 1997.Google Scholar
Timsit, R. S., in Electrical Contacts – Principles and Applications, Slade, P. G. (ed.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1999.Google Scholar
Comizzoli, R. B. and Sinclair, J. D., in Encyclopedia of Applied Physics – Volume 6, Trigg, G. L. (ed.), VCH Publishers, Inc., 1993.Google Scholar
Antler, M., in Electrical Contacts – Principles and Applications, Slade, P. G. (ed.), Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1999.Google Scholar
Guttenplan, J. D., in Metals Handbook – Ninth Edition; Volume Thirteen – Corrosion in the Electronics Industry, ASM International, 1987.
Shields, H. C. and Weschler, C. J., HPAC Engineering, May 1998, p. 46.
Shawlee, W., Defense Daily Network, August 1, 2000. www.defensedaily.com
,Positronic Industries, Inc., 423 N Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO, USA. www.connectpositronic.com
Ellis, N., Electrical Interference Technology: A Guide for Designers, Manufacturers, Installers and Users of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Woodhead Publishing Limited, 1992.Google Scholar
Williams, T., EMC for Product Designers, 2nd edn, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1996.Google Scholar
Mazda, F. F., Discrete Electronic Components, Cambridge University Press, 1981.Google Scholar
Information from: ,Brush Wellman Inc., 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA. www.brushwellman.com
Mroczkowski, R. S., in Electronic Connector Handbook, Mroczkowski, R. S. (ed.), McGraw-Hill, 1998.Google Scholar
Shawlee, W., Aviation Today, July 1, 2003. www.aviationtoday.com
Barnes, J. R., Robust Electronic Design Reference Book – Volume I, Kluwer, 2004.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Watt, F., in Handbook of Reliability Engineering and Management, 2nd edn, Ireson, W. G., Coombs, C. F., Jr., and Moss, R. Y. (eds.), McGraw-Hill, 1996.Google Scholar
Suhner RF Connector Guide, Huber+Suhner AG, 9100 Herisau, Switzerland. www.hubersuhner.com.
Mayer, M. and Schröder, G. H., IEEE Electrical Insulation Mag. 16, #2, 8 (2000).CrossRef
Reason, J., Power 123, #9, 73 (1979).
Naidu, M. S. and Kamaraju, V., High Voltage Engineering, 2nd edn, McGraw-Hill, 1996.Google Scholar
Perkins, J. R., in Handbook of Wiring, Cabling, and Interconnecting for Electronics, Harper, C. A. (ed.), McGraw-Hill, 1972.Google Scholar
Dove, S., in Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3rd edn, Ballou, G. M. (ed.), Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002.Google Scholar
Whitlock, B., in Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3rd edn, Ballou, G. M. (ed.), Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002.Google Scholar
Fause, K. R., J. Audio Eng. Soc. 43, 498 (1995).
Leo, W. R., Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments: a How-To Approach, 2nd edn, Springer Verlag, 1994.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
,Loctite® 243; Henkel Corporation; www.henkelna.com
Grau, T. G., IEEE Trans. Components, Hybrids, Manuf. Technol. CHMT-1, #3, 286 (1978).CrossRef
Tomal, D. and Widmer, N. S., Electronic Troubleshooting, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill, 2004.Google Scholar
Krieger, P., in The ARRL RFI Book, Hare, E. (ed.), The American Radio Relay League, 1999.Google Scholar
The Yamaha Guide to Sound Systems for Worship, Eiche, J. F. (ed.), Hal Leonard, 1990.
Ahmad, S. and Smithers, B. W., Shielding and Ageing Effects with Flexible Coaxial Cable, IEEE 1985 International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility (Cat. No. 85CH2116-2), 1985, pp. 287–295.
Ballou, G. M., in Handbook for Sound Engineers, 3rd edn, Ballou, G. M. (ed.), Butterworth-Heinemann, 2002.Google Scholar
Fischer, E. G. and Forkois, H. M. in Shock and Vibration Handbook, 4th edn, Harris, C. M. (ed.), McGraw-Hill, 1996.Google Scholar
Stearns, T., in Electronic Connector Handbook, Mroczkowski, R. S. (ed.), McGraw-Hill, 1998.Google Scholar
Morrison, R., Grounding and Shielding Techniques, 4th edn, John Wiley & Sons, 1998.Google Scholar
Lee, P. and Conley, P. L., in Space Vehicle Mechanisms: Elements of Successful Design, Conley, P. L. (ed.), John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998.Google Scholar
Payette, L. J., IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, 2, #3, 29 (1986).CrossRef
Devaney, J. R., Hill, G. L. and Seippel, R. G., Failure Analysis Mechanisms, Techniques, and Photo Atlas – a Guide to the Performance and Understanding of Failure Analysis, Failure Recognition & Training Services, Inc., 1983.Google Scholar
Walker, I. R., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 75, 1169 (2004).CrossRef
Cunningham, C. R., Hastings, P. R. and Strachan, J. M. D., Cryogenics 35, 399 (1995).CrossRef
Croop, E. J., in Handbook of Wiring, Cabling, and Interconnecting for Electronics, Harper, C. A. (ed.), McGraw-Hill, 1972.Google Scholar
Wilson, M. N., Superconducting Magnets, Oxford University Press, 1983.Google Scholar
Gerstle, D., Reliability, Maintainability, & Supportability 8, #2, 2 (2004).
Godwin, E. F., in Handbook of Wiring, Cabling, and Interconnecting for Electronics, Harper, C. A. (ed.), McGraw-Hill, 1972.Google Scholar
General Specification for the Design and Testing of Space Vehicle Wiring Harnesses (Military Specification) – DOD-W-83575A (USAF), December 22, 1977.
Takano, E., Electrical Contacts – 2000. Proceedings of the Forty-Sixth IEEE Holm Conference on Electrical Contacts, 169 (2000).
Maul, C., McBride, J. W., and Swingler, J., IEEE Trans. Comp. Packag. Technol., 24, #3, 370 (2001).CrossRef
Moll, K. W. and McCarter, D. R., Electronic Packaging and Production 16, #6, W29 (1976).
,Fluke Corporation. www.fluke.com

Save book to Kindle

To save this book to your Kindle, first ensure [email protected] is added to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List under your Personal Document Settings on the Manage Your Content and Devices page of your Amazon account. Then enter the ‘name’ part of your Kindle email address below. Find out more about saving to your Kindle.

Note you can select to save to either the @free.kindle.com or @kindle.com variations. ‘@free.kindle.com’ emails are free but can only be saved to your device when it is connected to wi-fi. ‘@kindle.com’ emails can be delivered even when you are not connected to wi-fi, but note that service fees apply.

Find out more about the Kindle Personal Document Service.

Available formats
×

Save book to Dropbox

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Dropbox.

Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

Available formats
×