In modern consumer electronics, medical equipment, automotive electronics, and high-definition signal transmission devices, there is a seemingly insignificant type of cable material - ultra-fine coaxial cable (Micro Coaxial Cable) - that silently supports the high-performance operation of equipment. Don't look at its thinness like hair, but its internal structure and material combination are very important. These "small" differences determine the signal quality, stability, and lifespan of the entire cable assembly. Today, let's take a deep dive into: How meticulous is the material selection of ultra-fine coaxial cable assemblies?
What is a micro coaxial cable (Micro Coaxial Cable)?
In simple terms, an ultra-fine coaxial cable is a type of coaxial cable with an extremely small diameter (about 0.2mm to 1.2mm), compact in structure, and capable of carrying high-frequency signals.
It is widely used inside high-density devices such as smartphone display modules, laptop screen cables, medical endoscopes, drone cameras, and handheld tripods.
Core characteristics:
Strong anti-interference ability
Fast signal transmission speed
Excellent bending performance
Small in size, saves space
Basic Structure of ultra-fine coaxial cable
A complete ultra-fine coaxial cable is typically composed of four layers: Inner Conductor → Insulation → Shielding → Jacket. The material selection for each layer will have a critical impact on the performance of the entire cable assembly.
Material selection is meticulous and layer-by-layer decomposition
Conductor material
Responsible for signal transmission, it is the "information channel" of the entire line.
Common materials:
• Bare Copper: Excellent conductivity, moderate price.
Silver-Plated Copper: Higher frequency performance, strong anti-oxidation ability, often used in high-end medical and imaging equipment.
Tinned Copper (Tinned Copper): Lower cost, good for welding, suitable for general application scenarios.
High-frequency imaging and medical-grade equipment commonly use silver-plated copper, while mobile phones and notebook camera modules often choose bare copper.
Insulating material
Isolation of signals, prevention of leakage, and enhancement of signal stability.
Common materials:
FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene): high-temperature resistance, flame retardant, low dielectric constant, suitable for high-frequency applications.
• PFA (perfluoroalkoxy vinyl ether): Excellent high-frequency characteristics, strong resistance to chemical corrosion.
• PE (Polyethylene): High cost-performance, suitable for general environments.
In the high-frequency field, FEP is the preferred choice; while PE can be used for ordinary electronic devices to control costs.
③屏蔽层材料
Function: Shield against external electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring signal purity.
Common forms:
Silver-plated copper woven mesh
Tin-plated copper woven mesh
Copper foil + woven composite structure
For high-definition signal transmission and medical imaging equipment, the anti-interference effect of silver-coated copper braided + aluminum foil composite shielding layer is the most ideal.
④ Outer sheath material
Function: Protect the internal structure, enhance the wear resistance, bending resistance, and environmental adaptability of cables.
Common materials:
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): soft, wear-resistant, environmental friendly, suitable for micro-wires.
• FEP: High temperature resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, suitable for harsh environments.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Economical and practical, meeting general requirements.
If you prioritize bend resistance and environmental protection, it is recommended to choose TPU; in high-temperature environments, FEP is recommended.
Why is the material of ultra-fine coaxial cables so important?
Signal transmission performance: The quality of the conductor and insulating layer determines the transmission speed and signal loss.
Interference resistance: The shielding layer structure affects the stability of equipment operation.
Environmental resistance: The material's high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance are related to the product's lifespan.
• Processing performance: Softness and weldability affect production efficiency and yield.
Extremely thin coaxial cables, although with tiny dimensions, are the key connecting components behind many high-performance devices. Different application scenarios, signal frequency bands, and environmental requirements determine the different combinations of conductors, insulators, shields, and sheaths. It is these seemingly "insignificant" details that build the stable and efficient operation foundation for the intelligent devices we rely on in our daily lives.
I am Kunshan Jie Kang Fu Precision Electronics. 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 interconnection solutions to our customers. If you have any related needs or would like to learn more, please contact: Manager Yin.
18913280527 (WeChat number)。
