Kelvin Contact Pins
The industry standard for high-current precision measurement.
Why We Built The LPK Series
In 1995, the market for Kelvin contacts faced a critical gap. Engineers needed a solution that offered precise orientation, high current handling capabilities, and secure vertical retention—features that simply didn't exist in a single product.
Tooltronics responded by developing the LPK series. Our innovation was the "Obround" insulator—a unique injection-molded design specifically engineered to prevent rotation and eliminate the need for unreliable adhesives.
We didn't stop at the insulator. While competitors settled for 0.012" thickness, we upgraded our contact material to 0.015" Beryllium Copper, allowing for superior durability and a robust 15-30 Amp current rating.
Each contact features a gold over boron nickel finish to ensure optimal conductivity and long-term reliability. The LPK Series comes standard with a 6/6 Nylon insulator, with an optional Ultem™ 1000 insulator available for higher temperature applications.
P/N LPK-100
Standard Precision
P/N LPK-125
Wide Spacing
High-Performance Kelvin Contacts for Demanding Applications
LPK Kelvin Contacts are engineered for superior performance in test socket applications where precision and reliability are critical. These contacts ensure accurate and repeatable measurements by utilizing a four-wire (Kelvin) connection, effectively eliminating the influence of lead and contact resistance. The LPK-100 and LPK-125 series are designed to handle high current loads, making them ideal for testing a wide range of electronic components.
LPK-100 vs LPK-125: Key Differences
| Feature | LPK-100 | LPK-125 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Rating | 15 Amps | 15 Amps |
| Typical Applications | General purpose testing | High-density testing, fine pitch devices |
| Size | Smaller form factor | Larger form factor, potentially greater durability |
What is a Kelvin contact and why is it important?
A Kelvin contact, also known as a four-terminal sensing or four-point probe method, is a technique used to measure electrical resistance more accurately than a two-terminal measurement. It eliminates the resistance of the test leads and contact resistances from the measurement, providing a true representation of the device's resistance. This is crucial for accurate testing and characterization of components, especially those with very low resistance.
What materials are LPK Kelvin Contacts made of?
LPK Kelvin Contacts are typically constructed from high-performance materials like beryllium copper or hardened steel alloys which are selected for their excellent conductivity, durability, and resistance to wear. Specific material compositions will vary based on the specific model and application requirements.
What is the operating temperature range for LPK Kelvin Contacts?
The operating temperature range for LPK Kelvin Contacts typically spans from -40°C to +150°C. Please refer to the specific datasheet for the exact temperature range applicable to your chosen model.
Need a Custom Solution?
Tooltronics specializes in custom engineering. Contact our team to discuss your specific testing requirements.
Contact Engineering