WHAT ADVANTAGES EXIST WITH BIFURCATED OR REDUNDANT CONTACTS?
“Redundant” refers to having multiple contact spots for the same contact interface. This offers advantages to overcome harsh surface conditions imposed by dust, adverse films and surface corrosion. Two or more contact springs may be used in parallel for bifurcation. One example where this applies is in high current density applications (i.e. power supplies). With bifurcation, contact normal force may drop substantially, and as a result is often not recommended.
