Category: CABLE

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.

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.

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.

The adverse effects of current overload on electronic wire harnesses.

An electronic wire harness is a common component in electronic products, consisting of numerous small wires and connectors that interconnect electronic components to form a circuit. Current overload refers to when the current in a circuit exceeds the limits that the wires or electronic components can withstand, resulting in detrimental effects on the electronic wire harness.

Firstly, current overload can cause overheating of the wires and connectors within the electronic wire harness, leading to oxidation and damage. This can result in short circuits, open circuits, and even component failure. In extreme cases, current overload can also lead to fires in the electronic wire harness, posing serious safety hazards.

Secondly, current overload can impact the lifespan and reliability of the electronic wire harness. The damage to wires and connectors within the harness increases the circuit’s resistance, generating more heat in electronic components and thereby shortening their lifespan. Additionally, current overload can lead to poor contacts within the electronic wire harness, resulting in signal transmission issues and reducing the overall reliability of the electronic product.

Therefore, to prevent the adverse effects of current overload on electronic wire harnesses, certain measures need to be taken.

Firstly, when designing the electronic wire harness, consideration should be given to its current-carrying capacity. Appropriate wires and connectors should be selected to ensure the proper functioning of the electronic wire harness.

Secondly, when using electronic products, it is important to avoid prolonged use of high-power devices that exceed the circuit’s current limits, as this can have detrimental effects on the electronic wire harness.

Lastly, regular inspections should be conducted to identify any wear and tear, breakage, or poor contacts in the electronic wire harness. Prompt repairs and replacements of damaged components should be carried out.

In conclusion, current overload has adverse effects on electronic wire harnesses, leading to circuit malfunctions and reduced reliability of electronic products. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the design and use of electronic wire harnesses and take necessary measures to ensure their proper functioning.

What is IDC cable? What material is it made of?

IDC stands for Insulation Displacement Connection, which involves placing the wire above a slot and using pressure to push the wire into the slot. The insulation on the wire is pierced, allowing the conductor to enter the contact, thereby establishing a connection with the connector. Compared to other methods like crimping, IDC has a lower likelihood of connection errors since it does not require stripping the insulation from the wire and inserting it into a predetermined connection device.

The insulation materials used in IDC ribbon cables can be classified into two categories, each of which includes various compounds and mixtures.

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Currently, the majority of insulation materials used in the industry are compounds made from synthetic rubber polymers and synthetic material compositions, providing specific physical and chemical properties. The following are two advantages of the materials used in IDC cables:

1. Thermoplastic Insulation Materials:

These materials offer good electrical performance and relatively low cost. Due to their thin insulation thickness, they exhibit excellent electrical characteristics. They are widely used as insulation materials, especially in high-voltage lines. In comparison to thermosetting insulation materials with similar electrical properties, thermoplastic insulation materials can be manufactured in smaller sizes.

2. Thermosetting Insulation Materials:

These materials have the property of being stretched under mechanical force and returning to their original state once the force is removed. Thermosetting insulation materials are less susceptible to heat softening.

I hope that by sharing the above information, it will enhance everyone’s understanding of IDC ribbon cables.