Review of electrical switch design factors for high reliability space and weapons applications

In order to improve the design of electrical switches for a particular type of operations, the designer must be aware of the physical and chemical phenomena which may be expected to affect their operation during their predicted life. He should be aware of the sources of contamination and he should design for contaminant exclusion or control, for cleaning, and for decreased sensitivity to contamination. The selection of contract materials and geometry should be consistent with the application, the switch design must be consistent with the circuit parameters, and the test procedures must be specified for the design.