DoubleTree Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA
October 4-6, 1999
Sponsored By:
The Components, Packaging, and Manufacturing Technology Society of
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

Chairman - Robert Malucci, Molex, Inc.
Vice Chairman - Chi Leung, AMI DODUCO
Finance Chair - Gerald Witter, Chugai USA, Inc.
Technical Program Chairman – Philip Wingert, Degussa Corporation
Technical Program Vice Chairman – Ed Smith III, J.M. Ney Company
CPMT TC1 Electrical Contacts Chairman - Gerald Witter, Chugai USA, Inc.

1999 Holm Technical Program Committee
Program Chairman - Philip Wingert, Degussa Corporation
Vice Chair - Ed Smith III, J.M. Ney Company
Members –
William H. Abbott, Battelle Columbus Division
Neil Aukland, New Mexico State University
William Balme, Checon Corp.
Milenko Braunovic, IREQ
Steve Cole, Litton/Poly-Science
Henry Czajkowski, Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley Co.
George Drew, Delphi Packard Electric Systems
Engelbert Hetzmaanseder, Eaton Corp.
Guenther Horn, Advanced Metallurgy, Inc.
Pat Lees, Technical Materials, Inc.
Chi Leung, General Motors Research Labs
Bob Malucci, Molex Inc.
Richard Moore, C&K Components
Michael Myers, Handy & Harman
John Shea, Cutler Hammer Technical Ctr.
Paul Slade, Cutler Hammer Inc.
Ed Smith, J.M. Ney Company
Gerald Witter, Chugai USA, Inc.

1999 Operating Committee
Robert D. Malucci, Chair
Chi Leung, Vice Chair
Guenther Horn, Past Chair
Philip Wingert, Program Chair
Ed Smith III, Program Co- Chair
Gerald Witter, Finance Chair, TC-1 Chair
Chi Leung, Publicity Chair
Paul Slade, Intensive Course Director, and
US Representative for the International Conference

1999 AwardsCommittee
John McBride, Chair
Paul Slade
Roland Timsit

1999 Awards Nominating Committee
John Shea, Chair
Pat Lees
Guenther Horn

1998 Prize Paper Award Committee
John Shea, Chair
Pat Lees
Xin Zhou

1999-2000 Associate Editors CPMT
John McBride
Milenko Braunovic

To provide a forum for presentation and discussion of the latest developments in the field of electric contacts and the application of recent advances in materials and processes in electric, electronic and telecommunication equipment.

For Whom
Practicing designers, engineers, physicists and research scientists—those new to the field and those experienced.

The ’99 Holm Conference will include excellent papers authored by some of the outstanding technical people in this field. The international contributors come from USA, England, Germany, Japan, China, France and Austria. These papers, as a group, will provide the attendees with up-to-date information on a wide range of subjects that makes this conference so attractive to the practicing engineer.

Additionally, the ’99 Holm Conference will make it possible for any attendee to discuss personally, with any author, either additional details concerning the work presented by the author at the conference or any subject related to the author’s field of expertise.

Background
The Holm Conference began in 1953 as a forum for the discussion of electrical contact phenomena and related fields. In 1968, the conference was named the Holm Conference in honor of Dr. Ragnar Holm. Dr. Holm, whose contributions to the field of electrical contacts span 50 years and form the foundation of the electrical contacts field, was the inspiration and guide of the Conference from its inception until his death in 1970.

In addition to the Annual Conference, the Conference Organization regularly conducts an intensive one-week course on contacts and participates in the biannual International Conference on Electrical Contracts.

Registration payments:
Checks are to be made out to IEEE HOLM in U.S. Funds. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are also accepted. Please mail you payment along with the enclosed registration form to:

IEEE Holm Conference
IEEE Travel & Conference Management Services
445 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331
or fax to
732.981.1203

Welcome Reception
All conference attendees are invited to register early and attend a welcome reception on Sunday, October 3^rd from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the DoubleTree Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA.

The Conference meets this year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at the DoubleTree Hotel where meeting facilities are well suited to the Conference sessions and other activities. The hotel is offering special rates of $132.00 for single and double occupancy to Conference attendees. Rates are subject to 12% sales tax. Tax is subject to change. To make a reservation, please call the DoubleTree at 412-281-3700 or fax at 412-227-4505. Identify yourself as part of the IEEE Holm Conference on Electrical Contacts in order to receive the special group rate. The special rate is valid until 17 September 1999, and reservations received after this date are subject to space and rate availability.

Special Discounted Air Fares
Special discounted airfares for the Holm Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on October 4-6, 1999 have been negotiated with Continental and US Airways. Continental Airlines is offering an 10% discount off the lowest available super-saver fares, and a 13% discount off coach fares. US Airways is offering a 5% discount off the lowest available super-saver fares and a 10% discount off coach fares. If booked 60 days in advance, both airline carriers are offering an advanced booking incentive that increases the discount by an additional 5%. Where super-saver fares or Saturday night stays are not applicable, both Continental and United are also offering zone fares. Discounted airfares are also available on other airline carriers. Please call IEEE Travel Services for availability. Some restrictions apply and airfares are guaranteed to be the lowest available at the time of ticketing. Special rates have also been negotiated with Avis rental car company.

Travel arrangements using the designated air carriers, or the carriers of your choice can be made through IEEE Travel Services by calling (800) TRY-IEEE, (800-879-4333) within the US and Canada. Outside of the US and

Canada, call (732) 562-5387 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST. Monday through Friday. Or, you may visit our new on-line travel service web site at www.ieee.org/travelonline. This secure site offers simple and convenient service through which you can search, reserve, and ticket your travel anytime, anywhere.

You may also fax requirements to the IEEE Travel Service at (732) 562-8815. When faxing, please be sure to include your travel dates, departure and return times, and phone and fax numbers. A Travel Counselor will contact you promptly.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

The DoubleTree Pentagon City National Airport Hotel is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at 1000 Penn Avenue.

Flying
If you are flying into Pittsburgh International Airport, a shuttle is available to DoubleTree Hotel. The cost of this shuttle is $12.00 one way and $20.00 round-trip. Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to the lower level "Ground Trnasportatio". To your right you will see a sign for Airlines Transportation Company. Transportation leaves twice hourly. The local telephone number is 412-471-8900.

Train or Bus
If you are traveling into Pittsburgh via Amtrak or GreyHound Bus Line, both are conveniently located directly behind the DoubleTree Hotel on 11^th Street.

Driving
If arriving by your own transportation and wish to park at the hotel, the DoubleTree Hotel Pittsburgh offers daily, overnight and Valet Parking. At present the daily parking rate is $15.00 for self parking (this does not include in and out privileges) and $20.00 per day for Valet Parking (includes in and out privileges).

DIRECTIONS

From the North
Take 79 South to 279 South. Follow the signs to 579 South and cross the Veterans Bridge. Take the Seventh Avenue exit and go down ramp to Stop sign. Go straight and turn right at the second traffic light onto William Penn Place. Go to the next light and cross over Liberty Avenue. The main drive-way is on the immediately right.

From the South
Take 79 North to the Pittsburgh exit. Follow 279 North through the Fort Pitt Tunnels and across the Fort Pitt Bridge into the city. Follow the signs to Liberty Avenue. Once on Liberty Avenue, continue straight to 10^th Street and turn left. The main entrance is on the immediate right.

From the East
Follow the PA Turnpike (76 West) to exit 6 (Monroeville exit). Follow 376 West into the city. Take Exit #3 (Grant Street). Go down the ramp onto Grant Street and continue straight to 11^th Street and turn left. Go one block and turn left on Penn Avenue. Go one more block and turn left again onto 10^th Street. The main entrance is on the immediate left.

From the West
Take the PA Turnpike to Exit #3 and get on 79 South. Pick up 279 South and follow directions from the North above.

Dinner at the History Center
The Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center is the new home of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania. Through many services and programs, the Historical Society helps visitors learn about Western Pennsylvania’s past and its people. Dedicated to preserving, protecting, and understanding the history of Western Pennsylvania families, workplaces, and communities, the Historical Society has served the area since 1879.

The History Center is housed in the renovated Chautauqua Lake Ice Company warehouse built in 1898. The 160,000 square-foot brick building is supported by thick wood posts and beams connected by heavy iron braces. Vaulted brick ceilings on the first level were designed to support tons of ice brought into the building by railroad car.

This evening attendees will walk the short distance between the hotel and the History Center (approximately 2 ½ blocks). The Changing Exhibits Galleries is the location for this evening’s function. Located on the 4^th floor of the museum, four large exhibit galleries provide the settings for changing historical exhibits on a variety of topics. New exhibits are installed in the galleries on a regular basis. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore various sections of the museum on a guided tour.   A buffet dinner will be set in the Changing Exhibit Galleries (if participation is over 50 attendees, the location will change to the Discovery Place on the 3^rd floor) for all to enjoy. An open bar serving premium brands has also been included in this evening.

History: The Ragnar Holm Scientific Achievement Award was created by the 1971 Holm Conference Steering Committee in honor of the memory of Dr. Ragnar Holm, the founder of the modern science of electrical contacts. This award is to be granted to the living scientist or engineer who has made significant contributions to the theory or practice of electrical contacts, or for work in related technologies which is directly applicable to contacts. In considering a person’s work and selecting a recipient preference will be given for: a. Nominees that have made contributions to the technology over many years, b. the originality and scientific importance of contributions, and c. achievements that have found a high degree of practice. Provided worthy candidates are found, the Award will be granted annually.

Eligibility: Any person may be nominated for this award regardless of IEEE membership. Members of the IEEE Holm Awards and Nomination Committees are not eligible to be considered for the award while serving on these committees. Nominations are not accepted for personas deceased. Candidates must have made contributions to the electrical contact field for a period spanning at least ten years.

Nominator Eligibility: Any person may nominate a candidate for this award, with the following exception: members of the award committee.

Nomination Support Materials:

Endorsers: At least two letters of endorsement are required. One is from the nominator and the others are from the endorses selected by the nominator. Endorsers should be in a position to substantiate the candidate’s contributions by providing explicit detail from personal knowledge. The nominator is responsible for submission of the letters of endorsement.

Candidate Personal Data/Education/Work: "Name", provide complete name of candidate, not initial. "Personal", Provide date and place of birth, and citizenship. "Education", list year and exact degree and institute. "Society Memberships", list various professional society affiliations. Under society activities list officers and major committee work. "Professional History", list present occupation followed by previous career experience. Indicate positions held, years, and briefly explain each responsibility.

Technical Accomplishments: "Technical Publications", such as books, papers, reports, and standards are to be listed in chronological order giving authors names, title, book, journal, or proceedings. "Patents", should be listed by date, number, title, and country or origin. Documentation authentication "Development of Products or processes", may be listed for items not covered by patents. "Technical Presentations", such as keynote addresses or courses developed by the candidate should also be listed.

Significant Contributions: Describe the candidate’s outstanding contributions in terms of specific items. Provide a short paragraph to each one including a general description of the item, the degree of originality and creativity, and importance of the work to the electrical contact field and the time period over which the contribution was made. Also state cases or examples of practices which were developed or modified through contributions of the candidate.

Forward Nominations To: IEEE Holm Nominations Committee, c/o IEEE Holm Conference, Marie Leonardis, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey 08855-1331

Nomination Deadline: August 13, 1999

Sponsored by:
The Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology Society of the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

Coffee Break Sponsors
(preliminary list)
Brainin Advance Industries, Inc.
Checon Corporation
Chugai USA, Inc.
Contact Technologies Inc.
Culter-Hammer, Vacuum Interrupters
Degussa Corporation
Delphi Packard
Handy & Harman
J.M. Ney Company

With cooperation from
ABB Corporate Research
AMI DODUCO
AMP Global Technology
Battelle Laboratories
Beijing University of Posts and Telecom
C&K Components
Canadian Electricity Association
Case Western Reserve University
ConnNtext Associates
Daimler-Chrysler Research and Technology
Checon Corporation
Chugai USA, Inc.
Cutler Hammer Technical Ctr..
Cutler Hammer Inc.
Degussa Corporation
Delphi Packard Electric Systems
Deringer Mfg. Company
Eaton Corporation
FCI-Joint Research Center
Group Sylea
Hebei Technology University
Hyogo University
Institute of Electronic Materials Technology
Institut de recherce d’Hydro-Quebec
Joint Stock Company
J.M. Ney Company
Keio University
Laboratoire de Genie Electrique de Paris
Litton/Poly-Scientific
MB Interface
Metalor Electrotechnic
New Mexico State University
Molex Inc.
Nippon Institute of Technologh
Olsson Consulting AB
Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley
Rockwell Science Cener
Scheider Electric
Swedish Institute for Metals Research
Technical Materials, Inc.
Technical Univerisyt of Lodz
Tohoku University
Ulyanovsk State University
University of Southampton
University of Rennes
University of Southampton
Wieland-Werke AG

8:15am-
Introduction and Opening Remarks
Robert Malucci, 1999 Holm Conference Chair

8:30am - 10:00am
Session 1: Low Current Arching I
Chair: John McBride
Co-Chair: Guenther Horn

1.1 Dynamic Welding of Silver Contacts Under Different Mechanical Bounce Conditions, Gerald Witter and Z. Chen, Chugai USA Inc.

10:00am – 10:30am
Coffee Break

10:30am – 12:00pm
Session 2: Invited Presentation - Low Voltage Switching Arcs, Dr. Werner Rieder, Institute of Swithing Devices and High Voltage Technology, Vienna, Austria
Chair: Philip Wingert

3:00pm – 4:30pm
Session 4: Power Connectors
Chair: Ken Hinohara
Co-Chair: Henry Czajkowski

4.1 Further Studies of Different Contact Aid Compounds for Aluminum-to-Copper Connections, Milenko Braunovic, MB Interface

4.2 Environmental Degradation of Utility Power Connectors in a Harsh Environment, Roland S. Timsit, B.W. Callen, and P. King, AMP Global Technology; B. Johnson, AMP Power Technology; W.H. Abbott- Battelle Laboratories

4.3 Failure Analysis on Bolt-Type Power Connector's Application, Ji-Gao Zhang and Guo-Ping Luo, Beijing University of Posts & Telecommunications; Jian-Guo Lu, Hebei Technology University

4.4 Analysis of Field Failures of Aluminum-Copper Pigtail Splices Made With Twist-On Connectors, Jesse Aronstein

10:30am – 11:30am
Session 6: Tutorial - Micromelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) – Dr. Mehran Mehregany, Case Western Reserve University
Chair: Philip Wingert

11:30am - 1:30pm
AWARDS LUNCHEON

1998 IEEE Holm Conference Erle Shobert Prize Paper Award
Daniel Hyman and Mehran Mehregany
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio
for
"Contact Physics of Gold MicroContacts for MEM Switches"