Overview
ISO 20860-2:2009 defines the test procedures for 50 Ω impedance radio frequency (RF) coaxial connectors used in road vehicles. Part 2 complements ISO 20860-1 (dimensions and electrical requirements) by specifying how male and female vehicle RF connector assemblies - connector plus cable or PCB mounting - shall be prepared, inspected, tested and documented to ensure reliable in-vehicle RF communication (antennas, telematics, GPS, cellular modems, infotainment and V2X systems).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test sample preparation and documentation
- Samples must match production dimensions/materials in ISO 20860-1 and be prepared with manufacturer-recommended tools/processes.
- Unique labeling and central storage of test reports and calibration records per ISO/TS 16949.
- Visual inspection
- Pre- and post-test inspections (lighting/RAL colour checks, magnification and photographic records).
- Electrical tests
- Contact resistance (micro-ohmmeter; limits: max 20 mV open-circuit voltage, max 100 mA test current; defined sample counts).
- Insulation resistance (megohmmeter detecting ≤25 µA leakage at 500 V d.c.).
- Dielectric withstand voltage, return loss (VSWR), insertion loss, and RF leakage (screening effectiveness) are specified to validate RF performance.
- Mechanical tests
- Gauge mechanical pull, mating/unmating forces, polarization/coding effectiveness, and mechanical pull tests to ensure connector robustness.
- Environmental tests
- Vibration and mechanical shock (per IEC 60068 series), thermal shock, temperature/humidity cycling, high-temperature exposure to simulate automotive environments.
- Test sequencing
- Defined test sequence plans ensure consistent progression of electrical, mechanical and environmental tests using the same samples where applicable.
- Pass/fail intent
- Tests are intended to validate normal resilience; samples should not be overstressed beyond intended limits.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
- Automotive OEMs - validate connector designs used in vehicles for regulatory and quality assurance.
- Connector and cable manufacturers - design verification, production qualification and supplier audits.
- Test laboratories and QA engineers - implement standardized RF, mechanical and environmental test programs.
- Tier‑1 suppliers and system integrators - ensure reliable antenna, telematics, infotainment and V2X interfaces across vehicle platforms.
Related standards
- ISO 20860-1 (Dimensions & electrical requirements)
- ISO/TS 16949 (automotive quality management)
- IEC 60068 series (environmental testing)
- IEC 60169-10 and IEC 60512 (RF connector and connector test methods)
Keywords: ISO 20860-2:2009, 50 ohm impedance, radio frequency connector, road vehicles, test procedures, VSWR, insertion loss, contact resistance, RF leakage, automotive RF connectors.