Abstract: The present invention relates to use of an enhanced performance ultraconductive copper composite cylindrical conduit. The ultraconductive copper composite cylindrical conduit has enhanced RF conductivity.

Abstract: A layered plating stack which includes an underlying plating layer formed on a substrate; an intermediate plating layer; an outer plating layer; and at least one strike layer of noble metal. The noble metal of the strike layer is a different metal than the metal of the intermediate plating layer. The layered plating stack with the strike layer maintains contact resistance of below 25 mohms when tested under a load of at least approximately 30 grams after 1 or more days of exposure to a gaseous environment which includes Cl2, NO2 and SO2. The layered plating stack with the strike layer also maintains a contact resistance of below 25 mohms when tested under a load of at least approximately 30 grams with a wipe of at least approximately 0.1 mm after exposure to a gaseous environment which includes one or more of H2S, Cl2, NO2 and SO2.

Abstract: A separable connector interface includes at least one electrically conductive element with a metal polymer composite deposited thereon. The metal polymer composite has conductive particles dispersed within a protective binder.

Abstract: Electrical connector includes a housing, signal contacts, and ground shields. The signal contacts are coupled to the housing and positioned for mating with mating signal contacts of a mating connector. The ground shields are coupled to the housing and at least partially surround the signal contacts to shield the signal contacts. The ground shields are plated with a ground-material composition along one or more contact segments of the ground shields that come into compression engagement with one or more other conductive members. The ground-material composition includes a tin-nickel (Sn/Ni) alloy plating layer. The signal contacts are plated with a signal-material composition that is different than the ground-material composition.

Abstract: Electrical connector includes a housing and a mating array having a plurality of signal contacts and a plurality of ground contacts that are coupled to the housing. The signal contacts and the ground contacts are positioned for mating with signal conductors and ground conductors, respectively, of a mating connector. The ground contacts are plated with a ground-material composition and the signal contacts are plated with a signal-material composition. The ground-material composition is configured to cause a first low-level contact resistance (LLCR) while mated with the ground conductors during operation. The signal-material composition is configured to cause a second LLCR while mated with the signal conductors during operation. The second LLCR is less than the first LLCR during operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of an enhanced performance ultraconductive copper composite cylindrical conduit. The ultraconductive copper composite cylindrical conduit has enhanced RF conductivity.

Abstract: Electrical connector includes a housing, signal contacts, and ground shields. The signal contacts are coupled to the housing and positioned for mating with mating signal contacts of a mating connector. The ground shields are coupled to the housing and at least partially surround the signal contacts to shield the signal contacts. The ground shields are plated with a ground-material composition along one or more contact segments of the ground shields that come into compression engagement with one or more other conductive members. The ground-material composition includes a tin-nickel (Sn/Ni) alloy plating layer. The signal contacts are plated with a signal-material composition that is different than the ground-material composition.

Abstract: Electrical connector includes a housing and a mating array having a plurality of signal contacts and a plurality of ground contacts that are coupled to the housing. The signal contacts and the ground contacts are positioned for mating with signal conductors and ground conductors, respectively, of a mating connector. The ground contacts are plated with a ground-material composition and the signal contacts are plated with a signal-material composition. The ground-material composition is configured to cause a first low-level contact resistance (LLCR) while mated with the ground conductors during operation. The signal-material composition is configured to cause a second LLCR while mated with the signal conductors during operation. The second LLCR is less than the first LLCR during operation.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting corrosion in metal components such as electrical contacts, comprising providing a component, wherein the component includes a first metal layer; a second metal layer deposited on the first metal layer; at least one additional metal layer deposited on the second metal layer; and an electrically active contact region on the uppermost layer of the at least one additional metal layer; and forming a defect in the component in at least one predetermined location around the electrically active contact region, wherein the defect passes through the at least one additional metal layer to expose the second metal layer, through the at least one additional metal layer and second metal layer to expose the first metal layer, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A composite formulation and composite product are disclosed. The composite formulation includes a polymer matrix having metal particles, the metal particles including dendritic particles and tin-containing particles. The metal particles are blended within the polymer matrix at a temperature greater than the melt temperature of the polymer matrix. The tin containing particles are at a concentration in the composite formulation of, by volume, between 10% and 36%, and the dendritic particles are at a concentration in the composite formulation of, by volume, between 16% and 40%. The temperature at which the metal particles are blended generates metal-metal diffusion of the metal particles, producing intermetallic phases, the temperature being at least the intermetallic annealing temperature of the metal particles.

Abstract: A composite formulation and composite product are disclosed. The composite formulation includes a polymer matrix having metal particles, the metal particles including dendritic particles and tin-containing particles. The metal particles are blended within the polymer matrix at a temperature greater than the melt temperature of the polymer matrix. The tin containing particles are at a concentration in the composite formulation of, by volume, between 10% and 36%, and the dendritic particles are at a concentration in the composite formulation of, by volume, between 16% and 40%. The temperature at which the metal particles are blended generates metal-metal diffusion of the metal particles, producing intermetallic phases, the temperature being at least the intermetallic annealing temperature of the metal particles.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a carbon nanotube (CNT) conductor, a terminal terminated to the CNT conductor, and a conductive intermediary electrically coupled to the CNT conductor and the terminal to enhance an electrical connection between the CNT conductor and the terminal. Optionally, the terminal may have a crimp barrel that receives the CNT conductor. The electrical connector may include a second CNT conductor where the terminal splices the CNT conductor and the second CNT conductor together.

Abstract: An electrical connector has a carbon nanotube (CNT) conductor, a terminal terminated to the CNT conductor, and a conductive intermediary electrically coupled to the CNT conductor and the terminal to enhance an electrical connection between the CNT conductor and the terminal. Optionally, the terminal may have a crimp barrel that receives the CNT conductor. The electrical connector may include a second CNT conductor where the terminal splices the CNT conductor and the second CNT conductor together.

Abstract: A conductive member includes a metal substrate and a carbon-based substrate (CBS) network applied to the metal substrate. The CBS network includes a framework of fibers and particulates embedded in the framework that provide cathodic protection for the metal substrate. The particulates may penetrate entirely through the framework. The particulates may be iron particulates. The particulates may be metal particulates having a higher corrosion potential than the metal substrate. The CBS network may be a yarn, a sheet, or a tape. The CBS network with the particulates may be applied by coating or plating the metal substrate with the CBS network.

Abstract: An electrical conductor includes a metallic substrate having a surface and an organic compound coating deposited on the surface. The organic compound coating may comprise a graphene coating, a carbon nanotube (CNT) coating or a blended graphene/CNT coating. The organic compound coating defines a separable interface of the electrical conductor configured to be mated to and unmated from a mating conductor. The organic compound coating is electrically conductive. The organic compound coating has a lower friction coefficient than the surface of the metallic substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for switching electrical signals are provided herein. In some embodiments a smart switch is provided, the smart switch may include a switch having a wipe capability; a monitor coupled to the switch for monitoring a performance characteristic thereof; and a controller configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch between closing cycles thereof in response to the monitored performance characteristic. In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided having a smart switch disposed therein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for switching electrical signals are provided herein. In some embodiments a smart switch is provided, the smart switch may include a switch having a wipe capability; a monitor coupled to the switch for monitoring a performance characteristic thereof; and a controller configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch between closing cycles thereof in response to the monitored performance characteristic. In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided having a smart switch disposed therein.

Abstract: Columns comprising a plurality of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes can be configured as electromechanical contact structures or probes. The columns can be grown on a sacrificial substrate and transferred to a product substrate, or the columns can be grown on the product substrate. The columns can be treated to enhance mechanical properties such as stiffness, electrical properties such as electrical conductivity, and/or physical contact characteristics. The columns can be mechanically tuned to have predetermined spring properties. The columns can be used as electromechanical probes, for example, to contact and test electronic devices such as semiconductor dies, and the columns can make unique marks on terminals of the electronic devices.