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Flexible data cable materials for high speed, coaxial, HDMI, type C (USB C), and lightning cable

Various kinds of cables are applied to mobile devices for different usage. Examples include a quick charge cable for your iphone with a lightning connector on one end and a type C connector on the other end. An android tablet uses a USB 4.0 cable to charge power, and to connect to the computer. A Macbook uses a coaxial cable for its dock because it requires high speed for everything that's connected from the dock, such as HDMI for high resolution data transmission. These cables might look the same from outside but there are structural differences that you should be aware of when ordering your cables.

1. Fiber optic cable
A fiber optic cable is assembled like an electric cable, but with one or more optic fibers to carry light. It uses light to transmit a large amount of data which enables it to have more bandwidth. Currently, if you want fast speed and flexibility, we recommend coaxial cables.
The high-speed data is stable and not affected or slowed down because of congestion.


2. Coaxial cable
A coaxial cable uses electricity to transmit data from one place to another. It is a copper cable built to block signal interference using a metal shield and other components. It has concentric layers of insulating material and electrical conductors to make sure the signa is enclosed within the cable. This construction also prevents electrical noise fro interfering with the signal. 
TV companies can use coaxial cables in connecting satellite antenna facilities to client businesses and homes. You can also use them in telephone companies to connect telephone poles to central offices.

3. High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
The HDMI interface sends high-resolution digital video and sound through a port to a different device. It uses a HDMI connector and one cord. It basically transmits digital content from a computer or TV cable box to a different computer, TV or projector.


4. Type C (USB C)
USBs help you to connect any device to a computer. Since 1995, there have been various generations of these cables.


The first generation was the USB 1.0. It was released in 1995 and could transfer data at 1.5 Mbps. It was updated to the USB 1.1 which has speeds of 12 Mbps.


The second generation, USB 2.0, released in the year 2000 and had speeds of 480 Mbps. This cable had plug and play capabilities and made the USB flash drive even more popular. It was compatible with previous USB versions but had no speed advantages over them.


The USB 3.0 with speeds of 5Gbps was released in 2008. Compared to previous cables, It could transmit data in two directions. The third generation cable could perform both download and upload duties at the same time. It was also compatible with USB 2.0 ports and had similar speeds. The USB 3.1 was released in 2013 and could transmit data for up to 10 Gbps while the USB 3.2 was released in 2017 and managed 20 Gbps.


The USB-C is the most recent type of USB connector and is currently the main stream option. It is symmetrical with a flattened oval shape. The cable doesn’t have a plastic plate and can be connected in any orientation. Charging devices and transferring data is a lot faster compared to USB-A.


5. Lightning cable
The lightning cable is also known as the lightning connector. It is used on Apple devices such as iPads, iPhones and iPods to connect to host computers, cameras, external monitors and USB battery chargers. It functions just like a normal USB cable. The European Union has prohibited the use of lighting cables in mobile devices. Apple devices that are to be sold in the EU region will be required to have the type C cable.
 

Different formats of wire conductors and why Maeden's tinsel wire conductor stands out

There are different types of materials that transmit electrical energy. Some of the frequently used types of conductors include:
Copper: This is widely used as conductor material. It has high thermal and electrical conductivity, malleability and ductility. Copper has a high melting point, and a lower resistance to wear and corrosion.
Copper-covered steel: combines the strength of steel with the conductivity and corrosion resistance of copper. Copper-covered steel wires have a great flex life and breaking strength.
High strength copper alloys: These allow for huge reductions in weight and size. They are perfect because they have a higher resistance to corrosion and can be used for computers and aerospace wire and cable applications.
Aluminum: Because it is a metal, aluminum is a great electrical conductor. The atoms of metals allow electrons to easily move between them. Aluminum, like copper, is highly conductive, though not as strong. It also has a higher thermal expansion coefficient.

The Maeden tinsel fiber conductor stands out from other wire conductors because of its unique characteristics. The wire undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it can withstand the most stressful conditions. Maeden tinsel wire is highly resistant to abrasion, heat, wear and chemicals. 
 

What is a single stranded conductor?

Wire gauges are available in different standard sizes. The sizes are shown with a gauge number. A wire can refer to a bunch of strands put together.

A single stranded conductor is also known as solid wire or solid-core wire. It has one piece of metal wire, and is cost-effective to manufacture.
You can use a single stranded conductor for devices that need little wire flexibility, like in wiring breadboards.

 

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What is a multi stranded conductor?

A multi stranded conductor has a bunch of small wires forming one thick conductor. They are more malleable when compared to single strand conductors with the same thickness. You can use them when you want a higher metal fatigue resistance.

What is a Tinsel fiber conductor?

Tinsel fiber is made when you wrap strands of thin metal foil around a fiber. The foil is extremely thin, increasing the bend radius imposed on the foil as compared to its thickness. This makes the wire conductor more resistant to metal fatigue. The core gives it a high tensile strength and maintains flexibility.

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Different materials used for EMI wire shielding material and why Maeden's tinsel wire conductor stands out 

EMI Shielding is done in electronic devices and equipment that need protection from signal disruption from surrounding devices. This disruption is caused by electromagnetic signals transmitted from other sources.


Electromagnetic interference can come from both man-made and natural sources. It leads to data loss, temporary disturbances and sometimes even system failure. To prevent this, you should consider EMI shielding. EMI disrupts electronic devices, systems and equipment. Using EMI Shielding in these devices helps to protect them from electromagnetic signals. It also helps to prevent signal generation from surrounding components. Some of the materials used in EMI wire shielding include:

 

  1. Metal wires

  2. Metal screens

  3. Metal foams

  4. Particle-filled silicones


These materials are thin and flexible. They are able to deform under various pressures which are applied when sealing. However, compared to the single strand conductor, the Maeden’s tinsel conductor is the better EMI wire shielding material. Shielding requires material that is light, durable and flexible. The Maeden’s tinsel wire conductor is heat and wear resistant, chemical resistant and durable.

The differences between single strand, tinsel foil, and tinsel wire

A single strand wire has one piece of continuous metal wire, tinsel foil is a sheet of conductive material and tinsel wire is made when you wrap many strands of thin metal foil around a flexible core. 

The differences between cable wrap, spiral shield, and braided shield

Cable wrap is used to bundle cable wires together and protect them from damage and external factors.
Spiral shield: a wire wrapped in layers around insulated conductors in a spiral manner
Braided shield: is a kind of shielded cable. It has a tightly woven lattice that is made to cover the shielded cable assembly.

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Different types of wire filler

Wire filler is the material placed inside multi-conductor cables. It takes up the extra space left by wires and gives the wire core a defined shape. Wire filler is usually used to create a shape and provide strength for the cable. Some materials used as wire fillers are Para-Aramids and PET. At Maeden, we are now using fiber as wire filler. It is a great option and offers our cables with shaping and makes them stronger.

A cable jacket is the outermost layer of the cable. Its main function is to protect the conductor core and insulation from external dangers like chemical erosion. The material you choose to use on a cable depends on the environment the cables will be in. Factors like flexibility, temperature and mechanical strength should be considered. There are two kinds of jackets, including:

 

  • Braiding jacket: A braided jacket involves a wire being meshed or weaved over twisted conductors. It is flexible and extremely durable. It also gives the wire a nice outer appearance.

  • Extrusion jacket

  • The material used in extrusion jackets depends on the requirements for the cable performance and budget. An extrusion jacket is made by converting plastic raw materials into a continuous profile.

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