In board-to-board connector applications, plating wear is a common issue that leads to reduced mating cycles and degraded signal integrity. It is usually caused by frequent plugging/unplugging or environmental factors such as high temperatures and vibration. To address this, repair techniques mainly focus on restoring the conductivity and wear resistance of the plating. Common methods include re-plating, application of protective coatings, and localized laser repair.
Re-plating involves removing the old layer through chemical or mechanical means and depositing new material, suitable for severe wear scenarios. Protective coatings involve applying conductive polymers or nanocomposite materials directly onto the worn area to enhance surface protection. The table below outlines the main repair methods and their applicability:
Repair Method | Description | Applicable Scenarios |
Re-plating | Completely removes old plating and re-applies gold or nickel | Severe wear or large-area damage |
Protective Coating | Applies conductive, wear-resistant coating over worn spots | Light to moderate wear |
Laser Repair | Uses laser technology to precisely repair localized areas | High-precision or small-area issues |
Proper implementation of these techniques can effectively reduce increased contact resistance and signal loss, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the connector.