Reliability evaluation of CAN-bus connectors with tailored testing

Controller Area Network (CAN-bus) is a default solution for digital control in machinery. The CAN-bus structure uses connector components to extend cabling and join subsystems. The connectors are IP-classified, so they tolerate humidity and particle ingress. Ingress protection also provides durability against other stress factors. Usually, connectors are exposed to multiple stress factors, but the stress levels are durable. In mining applications, however, stress levels can be high, and other factors become significant, so IP classification does not necessarily indicate sufficient durability. Tailored testing can be used to identify suitable components for a specific purpose. In this study, the actual stress factors of an underground mine drill were used in tailored tests. The results showed significant differences in reliability between connector models with the same IP code. The ranking of the components varied depending on the stress factors used. This highlights the importance of using actual operating conditions when evaluating reliability.