EN 2591-204:1996

Overview

EN 2591-204:1996 is a CEN aerospace-series test method that specifies how to measure the duration of discontinuity across a pair of mated contacts in the microsecond range. Intended to be used together with the general EN 2591 series, this standard focuses on detecting and quantifying brief contact interruptions that can affect electrical and optical connection elements in aerospace systems. The method is relevant for high-reliability environments where short-lived contact breaks (contact bounce, micro-interruptions) can compromise system performance.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope: Measurement of contact discontinuity duration for a pair of mated contacts in the microsecond time domain.
• Measurement focus: Precise detection and timing of short interruptions (microsecond-range) between contacts; applicable to both electrical and optical connection elements described in the EN 2591 series.
• Test relation: Designed to be applied in conjunction with the base EN 2591 requirements - this part provides the specific technique for microsecond discontinuity measurement.
• Technical emphasis: High time-resolution measurement, repeatable test procedures, and clear definition of the discontinuity parameter to be measured (duration of interruption).
• Documentation and reporting: Test results should be recorded in a manner consistent with EN 2591 series practices so they can be compared against design or procurement acceptance criteria.

Applications

EN 2591-204 is practical for scenarios where very short contact interruptions can cause failures or degraded performance:

• Connector and contact manufacturers validating designs for aerospace use.
• Avionics and aerospace system engineers assessing interface reliability for high-speed digital signals, control circuits, and sensitive sensors.
• Test laboratories and production quality teams performing acceptance testing, batch inspection, and end-of-line verification.
• Maintenance and troubleshooting teams diagnosing intermittent faults linked to contact discontinuities.
• Certification and regulatory bodies reviewing test evidence for component qualification.

Using EN 2591-204 helps prevent intermittent failures, improve signal integrity in microsecond-sensitive systems, and ensure compliance with aerospace reliability expectations.

Related Standards

• EN 2591 (series) - general requirements and test methods for elements of electrical and optical connection (EN 2591-204 is a part-specific method).
• National adoption note: adopted as SIST EN 2591-204:2001 in Slovenia.
• ICS classification: 49.060 Aerospace electric equipment and systems.

Keywords: EN 2591-204, discontinuity of contacts, microsecond range, aerospace connector test, CEN standard, test methods, mated contacts, contact discontinuity measurement, avionics reliability.