What metal material is adopted for the inner conductor of coaxial switches
1. Phosphor Bronze (Phosphor Copper)
- Widely used for internal contacts (Contact A) and male/female pins – excellent combination of mechanical strength and conductivity.
- Gold plating applied to prevent oxidation and enhance insertion/withdrawal lifespan.
- Maintains low contact resistance for reliable RF connections.
2. Beryllium Copper (BeCu)
- Preferred for elastic contact parts (e.g., Contact B) requiring high fatigue resistance and structural resilience.
- Maintains consistent pressure against mating connectors over thousands of cycles without losing shape or conductivity.
- Ideal for spring‑like structures inside coaxial switches.
3. Gold / Silver Plating for High‑Frequency
- Silver‑plated copper or pure gold applied to base metals where minimizing attenuation is critical.
- Reduces surface resistance at high frequencies, ensuring minimal insertion loss.
- Delivers optimal signal integrity in demanding communication environments.
4. Alternative Alloys & Base Metals
- Brass: Cost‑effective and adequately conductive for standard center pins.
- Aluminum alloys: Used in lightweight designs or aerospace applications where weight reduction is a priority.
- Trade‑off: Premium alloys (BeCu) offer superior elasticity/longevity; standard brass provides economical solution for general‑purpose RF routing.