Contact
Customised. Suitable for industrial use. Developed on the basis of over 50 years’ practical experience in test technology.
SOMA Connect develops bespoke test adapters and contact solutions – manual, semi-automatic or integrated into automated test systems.
Test adapter with test DNA:
SOMA Connect
Our contact solutions draw on decades of experience in the industrial sector. Thanks to our expertise in the manufacture of test adapters and in industrial test technology, we combine a deep understanding of test processes with comprehensive expertise in contact technology and connectors.
In both automated and manual test systems, the way the device under test (DUT) is contacted plays a key role in determining whether measurement results are reproducible and test sequences remain stable. A test adapter must therefore do more than simply hold the DUT mechanically: it must be compatible with the DUT’s geometry, its electrical specifications, the cycle time, the environment and the existing test system.
Typical factors that should be taken into account as early as the concept phase
- Reproducible mating and contact behaviour throughout the planned service life.
- Coordination of the mechanical design, contact configuration, test sequence and interface with the test system.
- Appropriate design for current, voltage, signal quality, EMC requirements and environmental conditions.
- A service and spare parts concept for subsequent operation.
- Documentation, testing and acceptance in accordance with the agreed requirements.
Our products and solutions
Test adapters and test connectors for all requirements – reliable, precise and robust.
SOMA Connect develops test adapters and test connectors that meet all requirements – reliable even with high mating cycles, robust in industrial environments, precise in terms of electrical and mechanical specifications, and easy to maintain during continuous operation. Designed for development, laboratory use, series production, end-of-line testing and many other fields of application.
Our strength:
First-hand expertise in test technology
For decades, SOMA GmbH has been synonymous with bespoke test technology solutions for industry. We design test adapters with the application in mind – drawing on our understanding of test processes, system integration and the requirements of industrial test technology.
What our experience in test technology means for you
- A practical understanding of real-world test processes
- Practical design, tailored to adapters, test systems and test fixtures
- Design with a focus on service life, maintainability and cost-effectiveness
- Testing and validation possible using our own test processes or test set-ups
- Experience with high-voltage, power and functional testing
- Documentation, acceptance reports and derating analysis as required
Areas of application for our test adapters
SOMA Connect develops contact solutions for demanding testing tasks across a range of industries and testing scenarios.
After-sales, spare parts & maintenance
Documented designs, clear spare parts structures and components that remain available in the long term ensure investment security throughout the entire product life cycle. Maintenance and service data can be provided digitally – for example, via a QR code located directly on the test adapter.
What companies should look out for when selecting test adapters
Choosing the right test adapter is an investment decision that affects quality, availability and engineering effort. The following checklist will help you compare requirements in a structured way.
Checklist for selecting a supplier
| Criterion | Why it matters | How SOMA Connect delivers |
|---|---|---|
| Contact repeatability | A prerequisite for reproducible measurement results. If the contact drifts, the test result may also drift. | Documented design, validation of mating behaviour and testing as required (e.g. derating curves). |
| Mating cycles / service life | High cycle rates and frequent contact increase wear on contact elements and guides. | Application-specific design, suitable contact components and service-friendly construction. |
| Voltage and current range | Particularly relevant for high-voltage, power and e-mobility applications. | Design in accordance with specific electrical requirements and safety considerations. |
| Interface compatibility | Existing test systems should be able to continue to be used. | Integration via defined interfaces, documented pin assignments and coordination with existing test equipment. |
| Engineering support | The design covers mechanical and electrical aspects, test sequences and interfaces. | SOMA takes charge of the design, including test system logic, thereby reducing the workload on your engineering team. |
| Prototype lead time | Long development times delay product launch. | Rapid prototyping through additive manufacturing and modular design. Specific deadlines following concept approval. |
| Production readiness & scalability | The transition from prototype to series production must remain manageable. | Manufacturing in Germany and, where required, via SOMA Czech Republic – depending on quantities and requirements. |
| Documentation | Audit readiness, traceability and maintenance depend on thorough documentation. | Acceptance reports, documented design and derating curves as agreed. |
| After-sales & spare parts | Once delivered, maintenance, spare parts and short lead times are key. | Documented designs, defined spare parts structures and QR-based service documentation enable maintenance, spare parts supply and upgrades to be implemented efficiently. |
| Supply reliability | Supplier failure or a shortage of spare parts can disrupt production operations. | Part of the KOSTAL Group – a stable corporate foundation, an international structure and 50 years’ market presence. Long-term availability guaranteed. |
Reference projects in the field of test adapter construction
Our test adapters are developed as part of specific projects in development, series production and test system integration. Here is a selection:
Automotive suppliers
Zollner: Refurbishment of contacting solutions
SOMA has refurbished and optimised existing contacting solutions for Zollner Elektronik AG. Background: Standardised adapters had to be adapted to new test variants – whilst maintaining interface compatibility with the existing test system.
Result
Reduced time-to-production through the use of reusable components and a documented design.
Test system integration
FlexCube: Contacting solution for modular test system
The SOMA FlexCube test system places particular demands on the test adapter: it must accommodate different test variants whilst ensuring reproducible contact behaviour in series production. SOMA has developed and validated the solution and integrated it into the test system.
Result
Reproducible, reliable functional tests across a wide range of variants.
E-Mobility 800V+
Drive controller test system for e-mobility applications up to 800 V+
SOMA has developed high-voltage and high-current contact systems for drive controllers in the 800 V class for a fully automated test system. The connectors have been designed to meet electrical requirements of up to 1 kV / 1 kA and incorporate EMC-compliant designs, 4-pole measurement concepts, active temperature control and integrated media connections.
Result
Reproducible contact connections for sophisticated high-voltage components in an automated test process.
We would be happy to provide further references from the switchgear industry, photovoltaic inverters and industrial electronics during a personal meeting, provided that confidentiality agreements allow.
From concept to series production:
Contacting with test technology expertise
We support the entire lifecycle of a test adapter – from the initial enquiry right through to the supply of spare parts. Structured in five steps, with transparency at every stage.
Step 2
Concept design
We will present you with a draft concept – depending on your requirements, this may include standard components, customer-specific elements or flexibly manufactured parts, for example produced using 3D printing. Once you have approved the concept, we will agree a firm delivery date with you.
Your benefits at a glance
Reproducible tests
Documented design, acceptance test reports and optimised contact configuration ensure consistent measurement readings. Your test adapter delivers from the very first DUT. No run-in period, no surprises.
Less engineering work for you
We take care of the design, including test system logic, from contacting right through to the interface. Your team saves time and can focus entirely on the product and the test process.
Faster time-to-production
Proven concepts from high-voltage and power electronics testing speed up your commissioning process. You benefit from tried-and-tested solutions, avoid unnecessary development iterations and start series production sooner.
A single point of contact for the entire test system
From contacting, through the test adapter, to the complete test system: a single technical concept, a single point of contact and our responsibility. No need to coordinate between multiple suppliers.
Strong support from the KOSTAL Group
With SOMA Connect, you benefit from the expertise of SOMA GmbH and the industrial environment of the KOSTAL Group. In conjunction with KOSTAL Kontakt Systeme, this results in expertise in test technology, contacting and industrial manufacturing.
What this means for you
You are buying from a partner backed by a corporate group, with expertise in test technology and a long-term focus. Delivery reliability, spare parts supply and protection of your investment are secured for the long term – even if other suppliers come under financial pressure.
❯ ISO 9001 certified ❯ 50 years’ experience in test technology (SOMA)
❯ 80+ years’ experience in connectors (KKS) ❯ KOSTAL Group
Your benefits
- Expertise in contact and connector technology
- Understanding of industrial and automotive quality requirements
- Access to tried-and-tested technologies, materials and manufacturing expertise
- Alignment with series production standards and documented processes
- Ability to supply internationally within the group
Frequently asked questions about
test adapters and test connectors
A test adapter is an industrial device that electrically connects an electronic device under test (DUT) – such as a printed circuit board, assembly or control unit – to a test system. Signals, voltages and loads are applied to and removed from defined points in a reproducible manner via integrated test connectors, spring-loaded pins or customised contact elements.
Copy URL to clipboardA test connector (or test plug) is the individual electrical contact point for the device under test. A test adapter is the complete assembly comprising the mechanical components, the receptacle and the integrated test connectors. SOMA Connect develops both components – as a coordinated unit.
Copy URL to clipboardA test fixture holds and positions the DUT mechanically. A test adapter additionally establishes the electrical contact between the DUT and the test system. SOMA Connect develops both as a coordinated unit.
Copy URL to clipboardThey make contact with populated printed circuit boards at defined test points, for example for ICT, functional testing or end-of-line testing. Depending on the application, spring-loaded contact pins, bed-of-nails fixtures, customised connector layouts or manual or automatic feeders are used.
Copy URL to clipboardManual test adapters are devices in which the device under test is inserted and connected manually. They are particularly suitable for development, laboratory work, small-batch production or specialised measurements.
Copy URL to clipboardIn-line test adapters are test adapters integrated into a production line that make contact with DUTs whilst the production process is underway. They are designed for high cycle rates, short contact times and robustness in continuous operation – typical of end-of-line testing in high-volume production. The design requires particular attention to be paid to mating cycles, wear behaviour and the service concept.
Copy URL to clipboardThe design depends on the application. SOMA has project experience in high-voltage and power testing; specific voltage and current values are determined jointly during the requirements analysis.
Copy URL to clipboardYes. The design can be tailored to existing interfaces, connector layouts and test procedures. The aim is to make the best possible use of existing investments.
Copy URL to clipboardThe development time depends on the complexity, quantity and interfaces. Once requirements have been clarified and a concept established, we typically deliver prototypes within a few weeks – a process accelerated by additive manufacturing and modular design. We agree specific, binding deadlines following the concept phase.
Copy URL to clipboardSOMA Connect is a business division of SOMA GmbH and part of the KOSTAL Group. This enables us to combine over 50 years’ experience in test technology with the expertise in contact technology of KOSTAL Kontakt Systeme – an established connector manufacturer with over 80 years’ experience in the automotive sector and nine international sites.
Copy URL to clipboardTalk to us about your test requirements
Whether it’s a single test connector, a complete test adapter for series production or integration into an existing system – we look forward to taking on your challenge. Discuss your requirements with our engineers now!