Having the right components in place is essential for getting a job done, and with many connector types available it’s important to know the distinctions between the various options.
A top concern for shielded cable assemblies involved in the transmission of data are electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI). The slightest disturbance could decrease signal quality, cause data loss, or completely disrupt the signal, resulting in equipment failure.
Shielded cable assemblies feature shielding, which is a layer of insulation (containing electrical energy) that is wrapped around an electrical cable to prevent the cable from emitting or absorbing EMI/RFI. iCONN Systems specializes in various types of shielding, but the most commonly used methods include “foil shielding” and “braided shielding.” Here is a direct comparison of foil shield vs. braided shield to help you decide which is best for your product. Keep in mind, when you partner with iCONN, we will help guide you on every detail of your shielded cable assembly construction to ensure the right fit for your application.
Scour the web for a reliable interconnect solutions provider, and you’re sure to turn up dozens of manufacturers, each with a catalog of turnkey solutions to meet your application needs. While many product lines offer the performance and reliability to align with your specifications, there are certain situations that warrant a customized connector and cable assembly solution — especially if standard parts fail to meet the demands of an application.
Customizing a connector and cable assembly gives product teams a variety of options for how to enhance the performance of a solution. However, the benefits go far beyond performance alone.
Cable assemblies are designed to either transmit power, data or signals. To ensure that solutions perform according to the specifications of the intended application, a variety of cable assembly tests are performed during the manufacturing process. Tests can vary depending on the type of cable and the priority level of the application—the more mission-critical the equipment, the more rigorous the testing.
A wiring harness is a tightly configured bundle made up of individual wires — each with its own protective outer-jacket. This bundle can be dropped into an electrical system to significantly simplify and expedite the installation process instead of placing each wire one at a time. Due to their compact formation, wiring harnesses reduce movement and abrasion, prevent short-outs, and can extend the lifespan of an electrical assembly compared to an assembly of individual wires. However, despite numerous benefits, wiring harness problems can arise.
Wire harness, cable assembly, cable harness, wiring assembly... these words get used interchangeably, but are they considered the same thing? The technical answer is no. Wires and cables perform a similar function but in different ways. Likewise, so do assemblies and harnesses. For this reason, terms like wire harness, cable harness, and cable assembly must not be used to describe the same solution.
So, as your premier cable assembly manufacturer, we want to provide you with industry-leading knowledge about electrical cable assemblies and more. With that in mind, discover the essential information that product teams and engineers should know about the key differences in these equipment types.
This is the first in a six-part series as we take an in-depth look at how NiobiCONNTM performs in various applications and can provide solutions no other connector can.
Few things contradict as strongly as water and electricity. Nonetheless, electrical engineers have found ways to conquer Earth’s aquatic frontiers, but not without shouldering the tremendous risks, responsibility, and challenges of working in some of the most damaging and dangerous environments on the planet. Fortunately, electrical components have evolved significantly to enhance the safety and efficiency of underwater power and signal systems. Arguably one of the most noteworthy advancements is the development of an electrical connector that prefers the ingress of water.
Far more goes into the manufacturing of overmolded cable assemblies than meets the eye. Paired with the countless suppliers who claim to be “the best” resource for your electrical needs, it’s easy to understand why so much misinformation circulates the internet regarding the cost, parameters, and importance of overmolded cables. Today, we’re addressing four of the most frequently-referenced misconceptions and setting the record straight so that your development team can make the right choices moving forward.
When a product doesn't meet requirements, reengineering provides an alternative solution. That’s because few things are more frustrating to an engineer than when one piece of an assembly throws off an entire project. This frustration is especially acute when a client complains that the piece they received from that company is subpar. It also hurts a product, and company reputation, when they get complaints from their customers about delays, poor quality or cost overruns.
