Skip to content

APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants, LLC

We provide help on all connector and connector related issues: design, failure analysis, manufacturing, expert witnessing, etc.

  • Home
  • About Us
    • APEX Connector Experts Bios, Page 1
    • Connector Experts FAQs
    • Connector Consultants Experience
  • Areas of Expertise
    • Connector Engineering & Design
    • Connector Technology
    • Connector Manufacturing Engineering
    • Connector Business Development
  • Links
  • Overview Presentation
  • Questions & Answers
  • News & Publications
  • Contact Us

Apex: News & Updates

Contact Interfaces – How They Work

ByWilliam Garver, Principal Consultant, Jon Fortuna, Senior Consultant, Ron Locati, Senior Consultant June 5, 2022June 9, 2022

It may be obvious that any component added to a circuit path makes a contribution to the overall resistance of that path. This is certainly true of a set of mating connectors having a separable interface. However, the elements making up that contribution may not be so obvious. Each of the mating connectors includes three […]

Read More Contact Interfaces – How They WorkContinue

Fretting Corrosion of Tin Contacts — A Growing Problem in the Automotive Industry

ByJoseph Haimovich, PhD, Senior Consultant November 23, 2020June 9, 2022

Nov 23, 2020 Fretting Corrosion of Tin Contacts — A Growing Problem in the Automotive Industry Tin and tin-based finishes are less expensive contact finish solution compared to precious metals, but it comes with its own set of problems. This paper is a concise review of the current problems with use of the tin finish […]

Read More Fretting Corrosion of Tin Contacts — A Growing Problem in the Automotive IndustryContinue

APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants is open for business

ByAPEX posted May 19, 2020November 30, 2021

APEX EIC, LLC Statement Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic Situation To comply with State COVID-19 guidelines APEX experts are currently working from home. You may contact us as normal, either by phone, by email, or through this website’s Contact Us page. Until these restrictions are lifted we cannot have face-to-face meetings. In the interim we can […]

Read More APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants is open for businessContinue

APEX Does it Again!

ByAPEX posted February 21, 2017November 30, 2021

APEX consultants have once again been named as inventors on a patent granted for work done for a client.The patent for CONNECTORS FOR ELECTRICALLY ACTIVE GRID was issued to Worthington Armstrong Venture. As is common, all patents resulting from APEX work are assigned to the APEX client commissioning the work. APEX consultants are listed as […]

Read More APEX Does it Again!Continue

Another educational presentation by APEX posted

ByAPEX posted August 10, 2016November 23, 2021

Aug 10, 2016 New educational presentation by APEX posted Apex Electrical Interconnection Consultants, LLC (APEX) continues to publish short educational presentations using the available social media channels, specifically the YouTube. The presentation by George Bedorf (APEX Principal Consultant) on problem solving (here is the link to it “Problem Solving 8D”) was posted on 8/5/13 and […]

Read More Another educational presentation by APEX postedContinue

Connector Supplier article #25: Patent Litigation Concerns and Considerations

ByRon Locati, Principal Consultant June 10, 2016November 23, 2021

Jun 10, 2016 Patent Litigation Concerns and Considerations If you are feeling secure because an exclusive design or end product contains various unique and patented components, you may want to think again Patent infringement litigation is on the rise. Companies are increasingly willing to enforce their patents, as noted by the following news clips: “The […]

Read More Connector Supplier article #25: Patent Litigation Concerns and ConsiderationsContinue

Connecor Supplier article #24: Navigating the Connector Design Review Process

ByWilliam Garver, Principal Consultant June 10, 2016November 23, 2021

Jun 10, 2016 Navigating the Connector Design Review Process There are usually several Design Reviews conducted throughout the New Product Development cycle for electrical connectors. These reviews occur when the product is ready to pass from one of the several development phases to another. The primary purpose of a design review is to evaluate the […]

Read More Connecor Supplier article #24: Navigating the Connector Design Review ProcessContinue

Connector Supplier article #23: CCSI: Connector Crime Scene Investigation

ByJoseph Haimovich, PhD, Senior Consultant March 25, 2016November 23, 2021

Mar 25, 2016 CCSI: Connector Crime Scene Investigation Failure analysis investigation requires at least two ingredients: experts and technical means. This article briefly touches on the current expert situation in the US, particularly the effects of globalization. It also describes some of the technical methods used in failure investigation, starting with simple inspection, often aided […]

Read More Connector Supplier article #23: CCSI: Connector Crime Scene InvestigationContinue

Connector Supplier Article #22: Connector Design Checklist

ByWilliam Garver, Principal Consultant December 30, 2015November 23, 2021

Dec 30, 2015 Connector Design Checklist There are fundamentally three specific elements of an electrical contact that are used within a multiple position connector. A multiple position connector for this purpose is defined as one which contains a molded plastic housing and a series of contacts that are attached to wires or printed circuit boards […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #22: Connector Design ChecklistContinue

Connector Supplier Article #21: Managing Connector Design Changes

ByGeorge Bedorf, Principal Consultant December 30, 2015November 23, 2021

Dec 30, 2015 Managing Connector Design Changes There are many possible motivations for considering and implementing changes to the design of a connector. Typically these would include: •Enhance performance when requested by a specific customer or the general marketplace. (Competitive performance) •Solve an unexpected problem with the connector design that was found after release of […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #21: Managing Connector Design ChangesContinue

Connector Supplier Article #20: Single Mode Connector Attenuation Estimation

ByRandy M. Manning, Senior Consultant October 16, 2015November 23, 2021

Oct 16, 2015 Single Mode Connector Attenuation Estimation Using Monte Carlo Simulation An optical fiber connector is a mechanical component that transfers light between two fibers or between a fiber and an active device such as a transmitter or receiver. A connector is intended to easily mate and un-mate repeatedly over its service lifetime. A […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #20: Single Mode Connector Attenuation EstimationContinue

Connector Supplier Article #19: How to Successfully Launch a New Connector Product

ByWilliam Garver, Principal Consultant September 14, 2015November 23, 2021

Sep 14, 2015 How to Successfully Launch a New Connector Product Release/Launch, is a very critical phase in the process, but it is the one that is often overlooked or not recognized for the importance it contributes to a total process. This article will address the skills needed that may be used to facilitate this […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #19: How to Successfully Launch a New Connector ProductContinue

Connector Supplier Article #18:The Importance of Contact/Housing Retention

ByRon Locati, Principal Consultant, and Ed Reynolds, Principal Consultant July 18, 2015November 23, 2021

The Importance of Contact/Housing Retention Connectors retain their electrical contacts within an insulating housing. Some retention mechanisms are more reliable than others. Serious issues can arise if the contacts are not assembled properly, or if the design of the retention device is not robust. This paper focuses on user-installed contacts, and addresses the importance of […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #18:The Importance of Contact/Housing RetentionContinue

Connector supplier Article #17: Increase Contact Performance by Pre-Stressing

ByEd M. Bock, Jr., Senior Consultant July 18, 2015November 23, 2021

Jul 18, 2015 Increase Contact Performance by Pre-Stressing In this short discourse we discuss the consequences of residual stress that had developed in a contact beam that had been subjected to stresses beyond the materials elastic limit. We intend to show that residual stress may be beneficial, or if not properly configured, may actually be […]

Read More Connector supplier Article #17: Increase Contact Performance by Pre-StressingContinue

Connector supplier Article #13: Connector Manufacturing Process Validation

ByGeorge Bedorf, Principal Consultant June 25, 2015November 23, 2021

Jun 25, 2015 Connector Manufacturing Process Validation Connectors are made from plastic and metal. The selection of these materials, including metal finishing, along with very precise and detailed mechanical parameters, are described on production drawings and related specifications. Connectors that meet all the specified design requirements are manufactured and tested to validate the connector performance. […]

Read More Connector supplier Article #13: Connector Manufacturing Process ValidationContinue

Connector Supplier Article #16: Required Skills for the Manufacturing Phase of Connector Development

ByWilliam Garver, Principal Consultant, and George Bedorf, Principal Consultant June 23, 2015November 23, 2021

Required Skills for the Manufacturing Phase of Connector Development This article highlights not only the skills needed but also some tools that may be used to facilitate the process. Individuals having broad experience in manufacturing and materials management disciplines are needed in this phase. By this time, the product design is well documented and the […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #16: Required Skills for the Manufacturing Phase of Connector DevelopmentContinue

Connector Supplier Article #15 – Contact Design Considerations For Long-Term Reliability

ByEd M. Bock, Jr., Senior Consultant May 12, 2015November 23, 2021

May 12, 2015 Contact Design Considerations For Long-Term Reliability For those critical electrical contact applications where the consequences of failure are severe and long-term reliability is paramount, reliance is customarily placed on noble metal finishes. Gold is by far the noble metal finish of choice. Gold, of the proper thickness and with an appropriate underplate, […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #15 – Contact Design Considerations For Long-Term ReliabilityContinue

Connector Supplier Article #14 – Silver: A Superior Finish for High-Current Applications

ByEd M. Bock, Jr., Senior Consultant May 12, 2015November 23, 2021

May 12, 2015 Silver – A Superior Finish for High Current Applications Connector designers have available a wide selection of finishes to consider for high current applications, both noble as well as non-noble metals. The choice would consider performance as well as cost aspects. Failures of high current contacts are somewhat distinct from those of […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #14 – Silver: A Superior Finish for High-Current ApplicationsContinue

Connector Supplier Article #12 – Basics of Connector Soldering

ByJoseph Haimovich, PhD, Senior Consultant April 22, 2015November 23, 2021

Apr 22, 2015 The Basics of Connector Soldering Many connectors and related components are subject to joining processes, which primarily involve soldering.The quality of these processes can be a key factor in component performance.The article covers basics of soldering, such as conditions necessary for solder to wet the substrate.It discusses interaction of solder with substrate […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #12 – Basics of Connector SolderingContinue

Connector Supplier Article #11 – The Engineering Phase of New Product Design

ByWilliam Garver, Principal Consultant April 22, 2015November 23, 2021

Apr 22, 2015 The Engineering Phase of New Product Design In a previous article, it was suggested that to assure a successful connector development and launch, companies need to optimize the talents of their employees to assure that critical needs are addressed. It was suggested that the New Product Process consists of four specific phases, […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #11 – The Engineering Phase of New Product DesignContinue

Connector Supplier Article #9 – Necessary Skills for Successful New Connector Development

ByWilliam Garver, Principal Consultant March 20, 2015November 23, 2021

Mar 20, 2015 Necessary Skills for Successful New Connector Development Successful new product developments and product release to the market requires that a company recognize and implement a structure to optimize the talents and skills of the staff and in creating an effective organization to assure that the critical needs are addressed. The new product […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #9 – Necessary Skills for Successful New Connector DevelopmentContinue

Connector Supplier Article #8 – Why Even Minor Increases in Contact Resistance Matter

ByEd M. Bock, Jr., Senior Consultant March 20, 2015November 23, 2021

Mar 20, 2015 Why Even Minor Increases in Contact Resistance Matter When a contact is mated, only a relatively small area is actually touching.All of the current must flow through this small area – the actual contact interface.Because the current is constricted to flow through this zone of contact, the resistance associated with this current […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #8 – Why Even Minor Increases in Contact Resistance MatterContinue

Connector Supplier Article #10 – The Creative Phase of New Connector Development

ByWilliam Garver, Principal Consultant March 20, 2015November 23, 2021

Mar 20, 2015 The Creative Phase of New Connector Development In a previous article, it was suggested that to assure a successful product development and launch, manufacturers need to optimize the talents of their employees to be sure that critical needs are addressed. It was suggested that the new product process consists of four specific […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #10 – The Creative Phase of New Connector DevelopmentContinue

Connector Supplier Article #7 – What Do Connectors Really Cost?

ByC. Edward Reynolds, Principal Consultant December 8, 2014November 23, 2021

Dec 8, 2014 What Do Connectors Really Cost? Did you ever buy the lowest cost item, only to find out that the cost to use or own it was much more than you had expected? Quite often that is the case with connectors. Connectors are frequently selected based on purchase price without fully considering the […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #7 – What Do Connectors Really Cost?Continue

Connector Supplier Article #6 – Who Owns Connector Selection Responsibility?

ByC. Edward Reynolds, Principal Consultant November 6, 2014November 23, 2021

Nov 6, 2014 Who Owns Connector Selection Responsibility? Many times when there are field problems with a product that tie to a specific connector, the question is asked: “Who selected that crappy connector in the first place?”The answer is often not who selected the connector in the first place, but who selected it in the […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #6 – Who Owns Connector Selection Responsibility?Continue

Connector Supplier Article #5 – How to Select a Connector Supplier

ByGeorge Bedorf, Principal Consultant November 6, 2014November 23, 2021

Nov 6, 2014 How to Select a Connector Supplier Once several manufacturers’ connectors have been evaluated for a specific application, it is likely that the ultimate selection will be made from at least three or four manufacturers and maybe more if the connector is an industry standard.It then becomes necessary to establish a method to […]

Read More Connector Supplier Article #5 – How to Select a Connector SupplierContinue

Connector Supplier Article #4 – How to Specify and Select a Connector

ByGeorge Bedorf, Principal Consultant October 17, 2014November 23, 2021

Oct 17, 2014 How to Specify and Select a Connector Electrical connectors are mechanical components that serve an electrical function.In addition to carrying electrical current at a specified voltage, connectors either enable interconnection of components during the assembly process or enable the user to easily disconnect and reconnect different parts of the equipment. http://www.connectorsupplier.com/specify-and-select-a-connector/

Read More Connector Supplier Article #4 – How to Specify and Select a ConnectorContinue

Connector Supplier Article #3 – Does Today’s Connector Industry Lack Experts?

ByRon Locati, Principal Consultant October 17, 2014November 23, 2021

Oct 17, 2014 Does Today’s Connector Industry Lack Experts? The connector industry has witnessed significant erosion of its talent base in recent decades.Because this has occurred bit by bit over a long period of time, few may have noticed how the industry has changed. http://www.connectorsupplier.com/todays-connector-industry-lack-experts/

Read More Connector Supplier Article #3 – Does Today’s Connector Industry Lack Experts?Continue

Connector Supplier Article #2 – Do You Know Basic Connector Attributes?

ByWilliam Garver, Principal Consultant August 29, 2014November 23, 2021

Do You Know Basic Connector Attributes? Connectors, unfortunately, may contribute to an unacceptably high product failure rate. One reason for this is that connectors are typically a low priority in the initial design phase of the system. http://http://www.connectorsupplier.com/apex-on-how-to-specify-connectors-in-new-product-designs/

Read More Connector Supplier Article #2 – Do You Know Basic Connector Attributes?Continue

  • Apex: News & Updates

Contact Information
2408C Park Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone: 717-540-4330
Email Us

Home | About Us | Areas of Expertise | Overview Presentation | Links | Contact Us | Site Map

© 2021 APEX Electrical Interconnection Consultants LLC, All Rights Reserved
2408C Park Drive Harrisburg, PA 17110-9303 | Phone:717-540-4330
Email:aeic@connectorconsultants.com

Disclaimer and Privacy Statement