Overview
ISO 10599-2:1997 specifies the characteristic values, performance requirements and test methods for coaxial aerial (antenna) connectors used on car radios mounted in road vehicles. It is Part 2 of the ISO 10599 series and complements ISO 10599-1 (Dimensions) by defining environmental, mechanical and electrical performance criteria and the associated test procedures.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test class: Connectors conform to test class 40/085/04 (meaning lowest operating temperature −40 °C, highest +85 °C, damp-heat duration 4 days) as referenced to IEC/ISO environmental test methods.
- Contact resistance: Maximum contact resistance limits are specified-centre contact and outer contact: 20 mΩ (milliohms).
- Mechanical forces and endurance:
- Requirements for engaging, separation and withdrawal forces are defined (minimum and maximum ranges are specified in the standard).
- Mechanical endurance test: specified number of mating/unmating cycles (example in the standard: 50 operations) with defined operation frequency and dwell times.
- Environmental tests: Includes cold, dry-heat and damp-heat steady-state tests (referencing IEC/ISO environmental testing standards and procedures).
- Soldering test: Soldering conditions are specified (reference to IEC 169-1), e.g., use of a size B soldering iron for the soldering test.
- Test equipment and gauges: Dedicated gauges for outer sleeve and centre sleeve and the set-up for measuring contact resistance are defined (figures and dimension tables referenced).
- Test plan: Independent test sequences (initial examination, environmental sequences, mechanical endurance, contact resistance verification) are specified; each sequence uses multiple plug/socket pairs and acceptance criteria.
Applications and who uses this standard
ISO 10599-2 is used by:
- Automotive OEMs and vehicle electronics engineers specifying antenna connector performance for car radios.
- Automotive radio and antenna manufacturers and suppliers to ensure interoperability and durability.
- Connector designers and test laboratories for developing, validating and certifying coaxial aerial connectors.
- Procurement and quality assurance teams enforcing compliance with vehicle electromagnetic and mechanical requirements.
Practical benefits include improved connector reliability under temperature and humidity extremes, repeatable electrical performance (low contact resistance), and compatibility across vehicle and radio manufacturers.
Related standards
- ISO 10599-1 - Coaxial aerial connector dimensions (Part 1)
- IEC 169-1:1987 - Radio-frequency connectors - general requirements and measuring methods
- ISO/IEC 68 series - Environmental testing methods
- ISO 2768-1 - General tolerances (linear/angular)
Keywords: car radio connector, coaxial aerial connector, antenna connector, contact resistance, mechanical endurance, environmental testing, ISO 10599-2.