MIL-DTL-21617B
6.3 Tin whisker growth. The use of alloys with tin content greater than 97 percent may exhibit tin
whisker growth problems after manufacture. Tin whiskers may occur anytime from a day to years after,
and can develop under typical operation conditions on products that use such materials. Conformal
coatings applied over top of a whisker-prone surface will not prevent the formation of tin whiskers. Alloys
of 3 percent lead have shown to inhibit the growth of tin whiskers.
6.4 Definitions. For purposes of this specification, the following definitions apply:
6.4.1 Insert. A connector insert is that part which holds the contacts in their proper arrangement and
electrically insulates them from each other and from the shell.
6.4.2 PIN. PIN is a new term encompassing previous terms used in specification such as part
number, type designator, identification numbers etc.
6.4.3 Pin. A connector pin is a male contact. It is normally connected to the "dead" side of a circuit.
6.4.4 Plug. A connector plug is that portion of the connector assembly that is normally "removable".
The plug will be provided with socket contacts.
6.4.5 Receptacle. A connector receptacle is that portion of the connector assembly, which is normally
"fixed", that is, rigidly attached to a supporting surface. It will be provided with pin contacts.
6.4.6 Shell. A connector shell is the outside case into which the insert and contacts are assembled.
6.4.7 Socket. A connector socket is a female contact. It is normally connected to the "live" side of a
circuit.
6.5 Environmentally preferable material. Environmentally preferable materials should be used to the
maximum extent possible to meet the requirements of this specification. As of the dating of this document,
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is focusing efforts on reducing 31 priority chemicals. The
list of chemicals and additional information is available on their website at
https://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastemin/priority.htm. Included in the list of 31 priority chemicals are
cadmium, lead, and mercury. Use of these materials should be minimized or eliminated unless needed to
meet the requirements specified herein (see section 3).
6.6 Subject term (key word) listing.
Aluminum
Air leakage
Cadmium
Coaxial contacts
Contact separation
Gold
Lead
Nickel
Solder cup
Test prod
Tin
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