In today's rapidly advancing era of high-speed transmission and device slimming, how to achieve reliable and stable electrical interconnection in limited space has become an important challenge for electronic engineers. Micro coaxial cable (micro coaxial cable) is widely used in smartphones, laptops, wearable devices, drones, and medical electronics due to its high-frequency performance, flexible structure, and excellent signal integrity. As the core component of connecting these cables, miniature connectors must reach an extremely high level in terms of size, shielding, and electrical performance.
This article takes I-PEX's miniature connector 20373-R32T-06 as an example to discuss its structural characteristics and the current carrying capacity of extremely thin coaxial cables, and provides practical references for engineering design.
I-PEX 20373-R32T-06: Specifically designed for micro coax applications
I-PEX (First Precision) has been long focused on the research and development of high-frequency, high-speed, and high-density connectors, among which the 20373-R32T-06 belongs to the CABLINE-SS series, a PLUG terminal for board-to-line connections. This series features a 0.4 mm micro-space and a 1.85 mm ultra-low height, making it highly suitable for compact devices. It supports high-speed interface protocols such as eDP HBR3, USB 3.1 Gen2, PCIe Gen4/5, Thunderbolt 3/4, and boasts 360° EMI shielding, low crosstalk, and stable high-speed signal performance, making it suitable for products with strict requirements for structure, EMI, and high-speed characteristics.
Two, the current carrying capacity of extremely fine coaxial lines
When designing micro coax applications, in addition to signal performance, current carrying capacity is also a key consideration. According to the official data of I-PEX, the CABLINE-SS series can be matched with micro coax cables of different AWG specifications, and the maximum current carrying capacity per contact is as follows:
1. AWG 42: about 0.24 A
2. AWG 40: approximately 0.25-0.30 A
3. AWG 36: approximately 0.35-0.40 A
4. AWG 34: Up to 1.00 A (Limited to a few contacts)
It can be seen that commonly used ultra-fine coaxial cables with AWG 42-46 can usually carry only about 0.2-0.3 A. If a higher current is required (such as over 0.5 A), a thicker AWG wire (such as AWG 36/34) should be chosen, and high current transmission at a large number of contact points should be avoided to reduce the risk of heat accumulation.
In addition, the actual carrying capacity will be affected by the following factors: connector material, cable length, equipment heat dissipation capability, and whether multi-point parallel connection is adopted. Comprehensive evaluation must be made in the design phase, considering the whole machine environment.
Three, the structural advantages of ultra-fine coaxial cables
Micro-coaxial cable is composed of a central conductor, insulation layer, multi-strand metal shielding, and outer sheath. This structure ensures the integrity of high-frequency signals while also having certain current carrying capabilities. I-PEX recommends that the minimum bend radius should not be less than 6 times the diameter of the wire to avoid impedance changes, shielding damage, or reduced contact reliability due to excessive bending. Rational cable usage helps maintain its electrical and mechanical stability.
As a representative connector for miniature high-speed applications, the I-PEX 20373-R32T-06 is characterized by its compact mechanical structure, excellent signal performance, and stable current support capability, which can efficiently match various specifications of micro coax cable. In practical applications, engineers should carry out an overall evaluation based on current requirements, wire gauge, thermal dissipation conditions, and structural limitations to ensure the safety, stability, and reliability of the whole machine system.
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Suzhou Huichengyuan Electronic TechnologyLong-term focus on the design and customization of high-speed signal cable harnesses and ultra-fine coaxial cable harnesses, committed to providing stable and reliable high-speed interconnection solutions. If you have any related needs or want to learn more, please contact Manager Yin:
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