Should connector pins be gold plated or silver plated?

For connector products, the electrical conductivity of the contacts determines the fundamental performance of the connector. In general, the smaller the cross-sectional area of ​​the pin, the greater the resistance and the worse the electrical conductivity. On the premise of not changing the structure of the connector, in order to reduce the resistance of the interface and achieve a better transmission effect, the pin is generally electroplated to improve the conductivity. Among them, gold-plated and silver-plated are very common. The conductivity of silver ranks first in the metal element, and the welding performance is good. However, silver has poor chemical stability and is prone to oxidation. If the air contains halides and sulfides, the surface of the silver layer will quickly change color, destroy the appearance and reflective properties of the connector, and change the electrical properties. As the environment gets worse and worse, there will be more and more halides and sulfides in the air, and silver plating will become less and less feasible. Gold's electrical conductivity is second only to silver. However, the chemical properties of gold are much better than those of copper and silver. Gold is almost insoluble in other acids and alkalis, and does not react with any gas. Gold is used as the contact coating of the connector. Except for the poor price, the others are almost perfect. So the main factor affecting gold contact connectors is cost. If the durability of the connector is more required, the pin pin is generally gold-plated. Gold-plated and silver-plated connectors are widely used in our life and production, no matter what process is used, it is fundamentally to produce better quality connector products. TXGA is a leader among connector manufacturers, providing customers with connector products and technology-oriented customized services with high-quality products, considerate services and reasonable prices. Purchase connectors and enter TXGA [Product Center].