Under the background of the increasing slimming and integration of electronic products, the ultra-fine coaxial cable (micro coaxial cable) has become the first choice for high-end electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, drones, and medical imaging equipment due to its excellent signal transmission performance and wiring flexibility. The choice of conductor material directly affects the signal quality and reliability of the cable. So, how does the conductor material of the ultra-fine coaxial cable affect the signal transmission? This article will analyze it in detail.
The manufacturing process and common specifications of ultra-fine coaxial cable bundles
Extremely thin coaxial cable束 is commonly used for devices with very high requirements for signal integrity, and the manufacturing process and specifications of its conductor part directly determine the signal performance and flexibility of the cable束.
Conductor manufacturing process:
• Structure: The inner conductor is generally made of a single bare copper wire or a twisted multi-strand fine copper wire.
Surface Treatment: Plating is carried out according to application requirements, commonly including:
• Silver Plating: Enhances high-frequency signal transmission capability, with excellent anti-oxidation properties.
• Tin Plating: Enhances corrosion resistance, suitable for medium and low frequency environments.
Nickel Plating: Resistant to high temperatures and oxidation, suitable for high-temperature environments.
Manufacturing Process:
• Drawing: To draw coarse copper rods into micrometer-level fine copper wires.
• Intertwined: Multiple fine strands are twisted together at a specific pitch to enhance flexibility and tensile strength.
Coating treatment: Complete silver, tin or nickel plating online to improve conductor performance.
Common conductor specifications:
Fine coaxial beam usually adopts a single strand or multi-strand braided structure.
A thinner single-line diameter results in lower signal attenuation, higher flexibility, but increased manufacturing difficulty.
The influence of conductor material on signal quality
Conductivity performance
Copper without plating and silver-plated copper have the best conductivity, which can effectively reduce resistance, minimize signal loss and delay.
Tin-plated copper is the second choice, suitable for medium and high-speed signals, but with slightly higher loss in high-frequency environments.
High-frequency signal attenuation
High-frequency signals are affected by the skin effect, with the current mainly transmitted along the surface of the conductor.
Silver-plated copper, due to its high conductivity and thermal conductivity, can significantly reduce high-frequency signal attenuation, and is suitable for high-definition camera module groups and 5G射频antennas.
Antioxidant property
Silver-plated copper and tin-plated copper have good anti-oxidation properties, which can extend the service life of wire harnesses and are suitable for high-temperature and humid environments.
Copper is prone to oxidation, which may affect signal stability over a long period of use, but it is cost-effective and suitable for common consumer electronic devices.
Flexibility and reliability
The copper alloy material has the best flexibility, suitable for micro spacing wiring and frequent bending environments, but with slightly higher signal loss.
Three, suggestions for line selection
Pursuit of ultimate performance and high-frequency signal stability → Silver-plated copper
→ Bare copper, tin-plated copper
High demand for ultra-fine wire diameter and flexibility → copper alloy
When selecting ultra-fine coaxial cable assemblies, the material of the conductor has a significant impact on the signal performance of the ultra-fine coaxial cable assembly, especially in high-frequency, long-distance, and complex environments. Conductivity, surface treatment technology, and antioxidant ability directly determine signal integrity and equipment reliability. It is necessary to first understand the application scenarios and then start with the conductor material to find the most suitable solution. In the high-frequency era, the material and specification of the conductor directly determine the signal performance and application potential of the cable assembly.
We have been focusing on the design and customization of high-speed signal cable harnesses and ultra-fine coaxial cable harnesses for a long time, committed to providing stable and reliable high-speed interconnect solutions. If you have any related needs or want to learn more, please contact: Manager Yin.
18913280527 (WeChat number)。
