This generic specification is applicable to connectors of assessed quality designed for use in direct current and analog and digital applications for frequencies essentially below 3 MHz and in digital applications requiring higher data rate frequencies. This generic specification shall be used in conjunction with the basic specification EIA-364 Electrical Connector Test Procedures.

Connectors especially intended for applications at frequencies exceeding 3 MHz are not covered by this generic specification. Where the connector covered has additional application at frequencies in excess of 3 MHz such as high speed digital logic, the special requirements and tests should be defined in the Detail Specification.

This specification allows a manufacturer to follow a "third party product or capability approval" procedure, or "supplier declaration of conformity" procedure.

Connector families

Families of connectors covered by this specification include, but are not necessarily limited to the following types:

a) Printed Board Connectors

b) Rectangular and Trapezoidal Connectors

c) Circular Connectors

Connector families shall be described in sectional specifications that will reference this generic specification. Blank Detail Specifications, from which a Detail Specification may be developed by filling in the relevant performance data, will reference the applicable sectional specification. In lieu of blank Detail Specifications, the sectional specification may provide instructions for the preparation of detail specifications.

Order of precedence

In the event of conflict between this generic specification and/or a sectional specification and the Detail Specification, the requirements of the Detail Specification shall prevail (provided the requirements of the Detail Specification are not considered to have diminished the requirements mandated by the sectional or generic specifications).

Object

The object of this specification is:

a) to define a uniform numbering system to be used for all connectors standardized by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA).

b) to define a uniform quality assessment system.

c) to define uniform qualification test sequences.

d) to provide consistency for connectors by specifying terminology, symbols, test methods and other necessary information.