How to reduce the likelihood of electronic wire harness damage? Here are 5 points to consider!

How to reduce the likelihood of electronic wire harness damage? Here are 5 points to consider!

Electronic wire harness is an important component that connects electrical components in electronic devices. It consists of numerous small wires that need to pass through various mechanical parts. Therefore, improper installation or inadequate maintenance of the wire harness can lead to damage and disrupt the normal operation of the equipment. Here are several methods to reduce the likelihood of electronic wire harness damage:

1.Conduct rigorous inspections before installation: Prior to wire harness installation, a thorough inspection should be conducted to check for any breaks, wear, insulation damage, or other issues, ensuring that the wire harness meets the required quality standards.

2.Maintain cleanliness around the wire harness: The environment surrounding the wire harness should be kept clean to prevent contamination from dust, grease, and other impurities, which can potentially cause damage or aging of the wire harness.

3.Proper arrangement of the wire harness: The wire harness should be arranged in a reasonable manner to avoid unnecessary bending, stretching, and other operations that may subject the wire harness to excessive tension, leading to damage.

4.Use high-quality wire harness materials: The quality of the wire harness materials is a critical factor affecting the lifespan of the wire harness. Therefore, when selecting a wire harness, it is important to choose high-quality materials and avoid using inferior ones.

5.Use appropriate tools: When repairing or replacing the wire harness, it is essential to use appropriate tools and avoid excessive force or improper methods that may cause damage to the wire harness.

 In conclusion, maintaining cleanliness, properly arranging the wire harness, choosing high-quality materials, and using appropriate tools can effectively reduce the likelihood of wire harness damage and prolong the lifespan of electronic devices.

What factors should be considered when selecting electronic wire harnesses?

With the continuous development of electronic devices, electronic wire harnesses, as an important component of electronic devices, have also received increasing attention. Choosing the right electronic wire harness has become a concern for many consumers. This article will introduce the factors that need to be considered when selecting electronic wire harnesses.

  1. Specifications and dimensions

When selecting electronic wire harnesses, the first factor to consider is the specifications and dimensions of the harness. Different specifications and dimensions of electronic wire harnesses are suitable for different types of devices, so it is necessary to choose the appropriate harness based on your own device. Choosing an incompatible wire harness specification and dimension can affect the normal operation of the device.

2.Material

The material of electronic wire harnesses is also an important factor to consider when making a selection. Commonly seen materials for electronic wire harnesses in the market include PVC, nylon, polyester, etc. Different materials have varying durability, compression resistance, temperature resistance, and other performance characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the appropriate material for electronic wire harnesses based on the device’s operating environment and requirements.

3.Color

The color of the electronic wire harness is also a factor to consider. Different colors of wire harnesses can be used for different occasions. For example, black wire harnesses are commonly used in automotive electronic devices, while colorful wire harnesses can be used in household electronic devices. Therefore, when selecting electronic wire harnesses, it is important to choose the suitable color based on personal needs.

4.Manufacturer

When purchasing electronic wire harnesses, it is important to select manufacturers with a good reputation, high production technology, and craftsmanship. The manufacturer’s quality control and after-sales service can have an impact on the quality and lifespan of the wire harness. Therefore, choosing well-known brands and reputable manufacturers can ensure the quality and lifespan of electronic wire harnesses.

In conclusion, when selecting electronic wire harnesses, multiple factors need to be considered, such as specifications and dimensions, material, color, and manufacturer. It is recommended to choose the appropriate electronic wire harness based on the requirements and operating environment of the device. Additionally, selecting reputable brands and manufacturers will help ensure the stable operation of electronic devices.

D-SUB Connector Introduction: What You Should Know About D-Sub Connectors!

The interface shape of D-SUB connectors resembles an uppercase “D,” which is why this type of connector is commonly referred to as D-SUB. These connectors are used for analog or digital interface signals and can be found in various applications in our daily lives, such as printer cables and monitor cables.

D-SUB connectors are available in different types, including DB solder-type, DBH plug-type, DML crimp-type, DMS straight-type, DMR right-angle board-mount type, DMRH right-angle board-mount type, 57S straight-type, 57BR right-angle board-mount type, DRB pin-type, HDC ultra-thin type. Additionally, there are DVI series, VGA series, DR series, HDR series, SCSI series, and high-current series connectors. Among these, the VGA series and DVI series are the most commonly used D-SUB connectors.

The connector housing of D-SUB connectors is available in five different sizes, and each housing size can have two different pin configurations. Standard housing sizes have 2 rows of pins, while high-density housing has 3 rows of pins.

D-SUB connectors are relatively large in size and can appear heavier compared to newer connectors. As a result, it can be challenging to connect and disconnect these connectors in tight spaces. However, right-angle adapters can rotate 90 degrees without damaging the connector, helping to effectively utilize D-SUB connectors in cramped spaces.

The pins inside the housing of D-SUB connectors are exposed, making them susceptible to bending or breaking. To prevent pin damage, it is recommended to use D-SUB plug or socket protective caps to safeguard the pins when not in use. Additionally, gender changers and socket savers can help reduce stress on the connectors caused by frequent plugging and unplugging.

What is a coaxial cable?

1.Basic structure of the cable

A cable with a simple structure and a conductor wrapped with a layer of coating is called an electronic wire. The cable with multi-layer structure, the center conductor is wrapped with an insulating layer, the outer conductor and the outer layer are called ultra-fine coaxial cables. The outer conductor of the coaxial cable plays the role of electromagnetic shielding, and the electrical signal transmitted through the central conductor is not easily affected by external electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic noise).

2.What is Micro Coaxial Cable?

The size of the center conductor used in the coaxial cable adopts the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard, and the larger the AWG number, the smaller the size of the center conductor.
In general, coaxial cables with an outer diameter (OD) of 1 mm or less are referred to as “micro-coaxial” cables. Ultra-thin coaxial cables are widely used for signal transmission between internal module boards of personal computers, tablet computers, smart phones and other equipment, as well as signal transmission between precision instruments such as medical, industrial, automotive and aviation.

Why is ultra-fine coaxial cable the preferred choice for high-speed applications?

1.Characteristics and Applications of Ultra-fine Coaxial Cable

With the increasing use of high-speed internet and high-capacity storage devices, it has become easier for us to enjoy high-quality images and videos on consumer products such as personal computers, tablets, and smartphones. The amount of information that needs to be processed in these devices has dramatically increased, and the signal speeds (transmission standards) within the devices are becoming faster.

Cables and FPC/FFC (Flexible Printed Circuit/Flexible Flat Cable) are primarily used as jumper connections for signal and power transmission between module boards in devices. The choice between cables and FPC/FFC is determined to some extent by the signal speed (signal transmission standards) and transmission distance.
The above-mentioned coaxial cables include ultra-thin coaxial cables and twin-core cables.

With the increasing signal transmission speed in recent years, the application of ultra-thin coaxial cables in jumper devices has become increasingly widespread.

2.The signal transmission advantages of ultra-thin coaxial cables.

The signal transmission characteristics are influenced by several parameters, including impedance, insertion loss, return loss, and crosstalk. Here are some key reasons why ultra-thin coaxial cables are generally considered to have signal transmission advantages in high-speed signal transmission.

2.1Reduce return loss: The center conductor, insulation material, and outer conductor of ultra-thin coaxial cables are properly matched, resulting in stable performance at a specific impedance. The matched and stable impedance results in low return loss.

2.2Reduce insertion loss: Compared to FPC/FFC, ultra-thin coaxial cables can ensure a larger cross-sectional area of the center conductor when matching a specific impedance, thereby minimizing insertion loss to the maximum extent possible.

2.3Improve shielding performance: The outer conductor plays a role in electromagnetic shielding, thereby reducing the susceptibility of the electrical signals transmitted through the center conductor to external electromagnetic waves (electromagnetic noise). Additionally, the shielding effect of the outer conductor helps reduce crosstalk between signals.

3.Mechanical advantages of ultra-fine coaxial cables.

The reason for commonly using ultra-fine coaxial cables is their higher flexibility compared to shielded FPC/FFC, allowing them to maintain stable electrical characteristics even when bent.

Flexible ultra-fine coaxial cables are suitable for devices with rotating shafts where cables need to be routed within the device, such as in laptops, tablet hinges, and moving cameras on drones. With the increasing demand for applications including high-definition cameras and displays, along with faster signal transmission speeds, ultra-fine coaxial cables that combine high-speed signal characteristics with mechanical advantages have become the preferred solution.

Why did you choose the I-PEX automatic latch FFC connector?

1. Principle of self-locking mechanism

1.1 During homework, only one step is required to complete, effectively improving production efficiency. The self-locking design is also suitable for using automated assembly processes.

1.2 The self-locking mechanism can reliably lock the grooves of the FFC, thereby maximizing the retention force and preventing the FPC from falling off due to pulling and vibration.

When the 1.3 FPC is inserted into place, you can hear and feel the “click” sound emitted by the connector, thereby avoiding the problem of embedding caused by inadequate insertion.

2. High speed transmission

The connector adopts innovative terminals and shielding cover, making high-speed transmission possible.

4+Gbps: EVAFLEX ® 5-SE-G HT, EVAFLEX ® 5-SE-G VT

8+Gbps: EVAFLEX ® 5-VS

10+Gbps: EVAFLEX ® 5-HD

16+Gbps: EVAFLEX ® five

3. High temperature resistance

We offer a variety of products that can operate in high-temperature environments, which are particularly suitable for automotive applications.

-40 ℃~+105 ℃: EVAFLEX ® 5-VS

-40 ℃~+125 ℃: EVAFLEX ® 5-SE, EVAFLEX ® 5-SE-G HT, EVAFLEX ® 5-SE-G VT

How to choose micro-coaxial connectors?

Have you ever been confused about how to choose the right micro-coaxial connector for high-speed transmission?

— There are many factors that can make selecting a connector challenging. To help you make a more informed decision, this article provides some examples of how you should choose the most suitable connector for your current application.

Have you ever encountered the following question, “I want to choose a micro-coaxial connector, but how do I make the decision?”

The decision you make will have a significant impact since connectors are vital electronic components that directly affect the performance of your equipment. Choosing the wrong connector may result in the inability to achieve the desired performance.

Is there a recommended method for selecting micro-coaxial connectors? If you follow the steps below, the selection process can be relatively smooth.

1.Specify the Transmission Standard.

Different devices and components adhere to different transmission standards. Before selecting a connector, determine the signal you need to transmit. The transmission speed is determined by the transmission standard. Here’s an example of how to choose a connector for the USB4 standard:

2.EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) Mitigation Measures.

What is Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)?

When a signal is transmitted, it emits noise to the surrounding environment (Electromagnetic Interference or EMI) while being influenced by noise from the surrounding environment (Electromagnetic Susceptibility or EMS). This noise generated by the signal can have adverse effects on the performance of peripheral devices. Similarly, the transmission of the signal can be negatively impacted when environmental noise interferes with it.

Our ZenShield® technology helps prevent environmental noise from affecting the signal within the connector and prevents the noise generated by the signal from affecting external components. This shielding technology allows for greater freedom in placing other electronic components and facilitates high-density installations, which is a trend in circuit board assembly.

If you’re facing noise-related challenges, here is an example of EMC shielding (ZenShield®) solution.

3.The required number of pins.

The next step is to determine the necessary pin count for your application. Choosing a larger pin count requires a larger connector, which takes up more space on the PCB. This also increases the cost. Here is an example of how to choose a 40-pin connector:

4.Connector size description.

The connector size is expressed in terms of height, pitch direction, and depth direction. Among them, the most common limitations are height and pitch size.

Why is the maximum mating height of a connector important?

The receptacle of a micro-coaxial connector is mounted on a PCB and then mated with a mating cable assembly. If the mating height is too high, it may interfere with the device casing, preventing the casing from being installed as intended.

Here is an example of how to choose a connector with a maximum height of 1.2 mm.

What is pitch?

Pitch refers to the distance from the center of one terminal pin to the center of the next terminal pin.

Why is pitch important?

For micro-coaxial connectors, the pitch determines the maximum outer diameter of the cable that can be used. It limits the available space between the pins.

Example 1: A 10-pin connector with a 0.5 mm pitch, compatible with a maximum cable outer diameter of 0.5 mm.

Example 2: A 10-pin connector with a 0.4 mm pitch, compatible with a maximum cable outer diameter of 0.4 mm.

The larger the cable diameter, the lower the loss, resulting in better transmission performance.

However, a larger cable diameter also takes up more space, resulting in thicker wire bundles.

Here is an example of how to choose a connector with a 0.4 mm pitch:

5.Deciding on the cable size

What is AWG (American Wire Gauge)?

As shown in the diagram below, AWG is a numerical representation of the center conductor diameter. The higher the AWG number, the smaller the diameter.

Imagine water flowing through a pipe. The wider the pipe, the more water can flow through it. The same principle applies to cables. The larger the diameter of the center conductor, the more current can flow through it.

The traditional belief is that you should always use thicker cables. However, as mentioned earlier, the cable size used with the connector is also limited by the connector spacing.

What is cable impedance?

In the cable size table above, the cable’s outer diameter varies based on impedance.

If we once again compare signal transmission to water flow through a pipe, smooth flow of water is disrupted at points where the pipe diameter suddenly changes.

Similarly, if the signal travels through an impedance mismatched path, reflections occur due to these disturbances. Impedance matching between the circuit board, connector, and cable is necessary for transmitting signals with minimal reflections.

If there is a mismatch in characteristic impedance (as shown in the diagram below), transmission losses occur.

When there is a match in characteristic impedance (as shown in the diagram below), transmission losses can be reduced.

For many common applications, the characteristic impedance of the signal transmission path is specified as 50 Ω. However, it may vary as impedance is determined by each respective transmission standard organization. For example, USB4 specifies a characteristic impedance of 42.5 Ω.

To minimize losses during high-speed transmission, it is crucial to select a cable that closely matches the desired characteristic impedance for the application. Here is an example of how to choose a #40 AWG ultra-fine coaxial cable:

You can also choose the size of the discrete cable.

6.Confirm the insertion and removal direction
The placement of the connector on the PCB, PCB dimensions, and other factors may vary depending on the customer and application. As a result, the required orientation of the connector can also differ.
Here is an example of how to choose a horizontal mating connector:

Therefore, you can search for CABLINE by executing steps (1) to (7) ®- CA II.

Have you selected the appropriate connector in the following order?

I-PEX is an expert in high-speed transmission connectors, and we design various types of connectors based on customer use cases to achieve optimal transmission performance.

The key factors for achieving efficient sealing in hermetic connectors are as follows:

As an essential component in modern manufacturing industries, hermetic connectors play a crucial role in various application scenarios. Hermetic connectors are a specialized type of connectors designed to provide excellent sealing capabilities, ensuring efficient operation of fuel, gas, and liquid systems. This article will explore the importance of hermetic connectors and introduce key factors that ensure efficient sealing.

1. Importance of Hermetic Connectors Hermetic connectors play a crucial role in many important applications. For example, certain mechanical systems require high-precision hermetic connectors to maintain high levels of vacuum, thereby improving the effectiveness of research or other experiments. The automotive and aerospace sectors demand excellent hermeticity to protect fluids and gases within the engines, enhancing fuel efficiency and performance. Moreover, sealing systems in various high-tech applications, such as semiconductor equipment, rely on efficient hermetic connectors to maintain tight connections both internally and externally, ensuring proper operation.

2. Ensuring Efficient Hermetic Connectors: Key Factors

2.1 Process Control The first step towards achieving efficient sealing is to ensure the machining precision and surface quality of hermetic connectors. During the manufacturing process, it is necessary to ensure the appropriate flatness and smoothness of the internal and external surfaces of the connectors. Additionally, deformation during the processing needs to be controlled, and dimensional and shape compatibility between the internal and external surfaces of the connectors must be ensured.

2.2 Material Selection Material choice also significantly impacts the performance of hermetic connectors. The connector materials should possess good sealing properties and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, ensuring the reliable stability of hermetic connectors is essential. Therefore, materials with thermal conductivity and resistance to expansion are utilized to guarantee stable performance under varying temperatures and pressures.

2.3 Design Structure Optimization The design structure of hermetic connectors is a critical factor in achieving efficient sealing. For instance, the sealing structure inside the connector must comply with specifications and standards and be equipped with appropriate sealing elements such as O-rings and threaded sealing components to ensure a tight connection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hermetic connectors play a vital role in many high-tech and industrial applications, ensuring efficient operations. The key factors for achieving successful sealing in hermetic connectors include controlling the manufacturing process, selecting suitable materials, and optimizing the design structure.”

What is a Micro Coaxial Cable Connector?

1.Micro coaxial connector 

The ultra-thin coaxial cable connector is mainly used to connect digital signals between module boards through the differential transmission mode of the ultra-fine coaxial cable. For proper signal transmission, the center conductor that transmits the signal needs to be connected to the signal circuit on the PCB board through the terminals of the connector. The outer conductor of the cable needs to be electrically connected to the PCB board through the metal part of the connector – the shell. The electrical connection between the outer conductor and the PCB board through the connector shell is called “grounding”.

2.Preparation process of ultra-fine coaxial male seat harness

The main process of wire harness preparation:

2.1.Prepare for Cable Assembly

2.2.Install the cable assembly onto the male body assembly and solder the exposed wires to the male signal terminals

2.3.Positioning lock assembly (or lock) male seat part

2.4.Cap the male housing and solder the required areas to complete the male harness

Firstly, the ultra-fine coaxial cables undergo pre-processing for ease of harness assembly. The pre-processed cables are referred to as cable assemblies. This pre-processing simplifies the cable soldering process for the connectors and enhances the stability of the harness quality. It is done before the cable is soldered to the connector.

The outer conductor of the cable is soldered to the connector housing, enabling electrical connection between the outer conductor of the cable and the PCB board for achieving good grounding characteristics.

3.Cable assembly types

Generally, the following cable types can be used for cable assemblies (depending on the cable harness manufacturer):

3.1.All of them are ultra-thin coaxial cables:

Only ultra-thin coaxial cables are used. Cable assemblies can utilize different cable diameters (with potential size limitations).

3.2.Ultra-thin coaxial cables/electronic wire hybrid:

Ultra-thin coaxial cables are used for signal transmission, while discrete wires are used for power supply.

3.3.Grounding plates and grounding fingers:

However, the difficulty of cable harnessing increases, and besides reducing the number of cables used, the electrical characteristics of the harness will be improved.