Extremely Fine Coaxial Cable and Fiber Optic: The Coexistence Approach for High-Speed Interconnection

With the release of the Thunderbolt 5 interface, high-speed data transmission technology has ushered in a new upgrade. People are concerned about a question: In the future high-speed interconnection scenarios, will the extremely thin coaxial cable (micro coaxial cable) be completely replaced by fiber optics? To answer this question, it is necessary to analyze the advantages and limitations of the two transmission media.

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Advantages and limitations of extremely fine coaxial lines

Extremely thin coaxial cables are widely used in notebooks, tablets, docking stations and other products due to their compact structure, good shielding performance, and controllable cost. They offer stable and reliable short-distance transmission. However, with the increase in speed, their bandwidth is limited, signal loss increases, and they are prone to interference in complex electromagnetic environments. Additionally, frequent bending or plugging and unplugging requires attention to mechanical reliability. These factors make optical fibers an increasingly viable alternative solution.

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The potential advantages of fiber optics

Optical fiber transmission has the advantages of low loss, long-distance transmission, strong anti-interference ability, and large bandwidth expansion. In data centers, server interconnections, and high-end communication equipment, optical fiber has become mainstream, providing an ideal solution for high-speed, long-distance, and high-reliability applications.

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The difficulties and coexistence trends of fiber replacement

Fiber optics still faces challenges in the micro cable assembly field, such as high cost, complex structure, non-uniform standards, and vulnerability to micro-bending. In short-distance, cost-sensitive, or space-limited scenarios, coaxial cables remain the mainstream; fiber optics take the lead in long-distance, high-speed scenarios; some applications may adopt a hybrid optical-electrical solution, using fiber optics in the core link while still using coaxial cables within the equipment. Both are more likely to complement and coexist in the future, rather than completely replace each other.

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Extremely thin coaxial cables will still be the mainstay in short-distance and internal equipment applications, while optical fibers will play a significant role in long-distance and high-end fields. Both will work together, jointly promoting the development of high-speed interconnection technology.

I amSuzhou Huichengyuan Electronic Technology, long-term focused 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 related needs or want to learn more, welcome to contactManager Yin: 18913280527 (same as WeChat)。