Why ultra-fine coaxial cable束has become the preferred choice for high-speed MIPI interfaces? Comprehensive analysis of core advantages

With the rapid development of camera module, display interface, and intelligent sensors, MIPI (CSI-2, DSI, C-PHY, D-PHY) has become the mainstream high-speed serial interface standard. However, traditional FPC, twisted pair cables, or active cables generally have problems such as large crosstalk, high loss, limited distance, and inflexible wiring in high-frequency transmission, which are difficult to meet the modern electronic devices' requirements for bandwidth, reliability, and layout flexibility. The ultra-thin coaxial cable (Micro Coaxial Cable) has gradually become the most recommended transmission medium for MIPI interfaces with its excellent signal integrity and mechanical properties.

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Signal Integrity: The Core Challenge of High-Speed MIPI

MIPI interface transmission rates are as high as several Gbps, and the electrical performance of the cable directly determines image quality and data stability. The extremely thin coaxial cable assembly has a complete coaxial structure, which enables it to have low insertion loss, low attenuation, and better impedance consistency, significantly reducing signal reflection and echo in high-speed transmission. Compared with FPCs without shielding, the miniature coaxial cable has stronger suppression capabilities for crosstalk and EMI, effectively maintaining the integrity and eye diagram opening of differential signals. Whether it is the high-speed serial signal of C-PHY or the differential signal structure of D-PHY, Micro Coax can provide a more stable signal characteristic, making it an ideal medium for MIPI high-speed links.

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Section 2: Flexibility and Lightweight Advantages of Spatial Wiring

Modern equipment tends to be thinner, lighter, and more compact, which requires extremely high internal wiring space. Extremely thin coaxial cables have small diameters and light weights, allowing for flexible arrangement in compact structures such as camera modules, wearable devices, drones, and IoT products. They have high flexibility, can adapt to dynamic environments such as moving mechanisms, rotating modules, and hinge structures, and maintain stable performance during repeated bending. Compared to FPC, they have a higher degree of freedom in wiring, are not restricted by fixed wiring structures, and make the connection between the camera and the mainboard more expandable and tolerant of assembly variations.

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Three, enhance the distance extension capability and connection reliability

MIPI signals are sensitive to distance, and ordinary FPCs often experience eye diagram closure and increased error rates over longer transmission paths. Micro Coax, due to lower attenuation and a more complete shielding structure, can maintain signal integrity over longer distances, significantly enhancing the layout freedom between modules and mainboards. In terms of reliability, extremely thin coaxial systems are usually paired with specialized high-speed miniature connectors (such as I-PEX, JAE, etc.), making the entire link have consistent impedance and better mechanical locking structures, improving vibration resistance and long-term stability. Although Micro Coax is relatively expensive, its performance advantages far outweigh the cost investment in high-end imaging, high-speed data transmission, and professional-grade equipment.

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As the MIPI rate continues to advance towards 6Gbps, 10Gbps, and even higher, signal integrity has become a key factor in determining device performance. Extremely thin coaxial cables, with their low loss, strong shielding, high flexibility, and excellent long-distance capabilities, have become the mainstream solution and even the only viable stable choice for high-speed MIPI interfaces.

I amSuzhou Huichengyuan Electronic Technology,Long-term focus on the design and customization of high-speed cable harnesses and ultra-fine coaxial cable harnesses, providing customers with high-reliability high-speed interconnect solutions. Welcome to contactManager Zhang: 18913228573 (same number on WeChat)。