Best Practices for Cable Management
Optimizing cable performance in high-data-rate (HDR) and high-speed applications is growing in importance. The good news is that it is possible to easily avoid common cable issues that negatively impact performance. For optimal installation, the appropriate length cables should be routed in an organized fashion, and cables should be bent and twisted properly. While it is important to check individual product data sheets for specific information on best-handling practices, mating procedures, static cable minimum bend radius, dynamic flex ratings, etc., a recent white paper from Samtec aims to outline best practices for cable management in high-data-rate applications.
Tips for Cable Management
Available for immediate download on the Samtec website, “Cable Management in High-Data-Rate Applications” covers the following topics: bending cable, twisting cable, cable sleeves, slack, and cable labels.
For example, the image to the left outlines considerations for a “good” cable bend vs a “bad cable bend.” Note how the “good” bend keeps the conductors at consistent lengths. The “bad” version bends the cable along the length of the connector, which causes the interior conductors to travel different distances.
So what is the best way to route cable along the length of the connector? The answer is to bend and twist the cable, but this needs to be done in a very specific way. Specifically, you should bend the cable in the “good” direction first, then make a 90degree twist along the length of the connector. This is easier to achieve when the cables are loosely held instead of bunched together.
More Tips
The white paper contains several more tips for optimal cable routing and for avoiding putting stress on the connector. For example, at the cable exit, it is good practice to let the cables splay out. This way a tight bend radius can be achieved without putting stress on the connector.
Resources
Samtec’s high-speed board-to-cable and Flyover® cable systems provide innovation for next generation architectures with industry leading support, in-house manufacturing, and customization capabilities to create a solution for any application. Samtec cable management experts are available to assist with your cable management challenges. You can reach Samtec application engineering at [email protected]. Other resources include the Samtec High-Speed Cable Solutions Guide, and the Samtec High Speed Cable Solutionator. You can also access the Samtec Cable Data Sheets, 3D Models, and Evaluation and Development Kits online.
Also See
Cable Assembly Considerations for Electrical Designs – The Samtec Blog
Why Use Flyover Cable Systems? – The Samtec Blog
New Cable Management System Improves SI, Thermals – The Samtec Blog
