Silver has the highest conductivity of any metal, and at high frequencies the signal travels along the surface of the conductor. A silver-plated surface reduces insertion loss and keeps signal performance strong, which is critical in telecommunications, aerospace, [...]
It depends on the application. Silver offers higher conductivity at a lower material cost. Gold offers superior resistance to corrosion and tarnish, making it the better choice for harsh environments and low-force contacts.
The silver layer should be thick enough to carry the signal entirely within the silver, typically several times the skin depth at the operating frequency. Exact thickness depends on the part, the frequency, and the governing specification.
Silver plating is widely used in telecommunications, aerospace, defense, power generation, and electrical distribution, anywhere conductivity and heat management are critical.