USB-C PD type cable. Suitable suppliers in Europe. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hp23
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2024, 12:06:29 pm
content: Hi all, 1st post...I have a product that is close to finalising, but I'm having trouble locating suitable cable. For background, this is a 14,000 lumen Flarm controlled unit for airborne conspicuity (in Europe, this is a GPS + 868MHz relative location device that signals the presence of other aircraft). The main unit employs a buck-boost converter for driving the LEDs (8 in total) at a 44Khz PWM. PWM peak current is approximately 6A, but the duty cycle and flash rate sees a wire rating of less than 3A. This needs to be connected to the LED flasher unit that is attached to the Glider plexiglass canopy.I've been searching for a suitable cable to connect the main board that is screened & contains 2 x < 17AWG (>1.15mm2 diameter cables), with the other 3 being of smaller diameter (they are for 3v3 sensing and indicating functions). It would be ideal if the 2x<17AWG were independently screened. Yes, I have a heap of pre-compliance testing to do (shame that the EMC option on my DSA815-TG ran out…).A number of suitable cables have emerged since the USB-PD standard came on the scene, but the usual suppliers (Digikey, Mouser, etc.) don’t seem to stock any. I’ve scoured the internet, including AliExpress to no avail.Any thoughts?

author: Veteran68
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2024, 03:37:57 pm
content: So when you say "<17AWG" you mean bigger than 17AWG, i.e. 16AWG? You mention >1.15mm diameter so I assume that's what you mean.That exact photo you posted is on the Amazon listing for the USB-C pigtails I bought. Have you tried these?https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B24WHS4H/They're only 20AWG on the power lines but rated for 100W (20V@5A), which might be okay at a 6A peak, limited duty cycle. Nearly all other pigtail options I found were 22AWG for power. I don't know that I've seen a higher gauge than 20AWG in a USB C pigtail.Another option of course would be to buy complete USB-C cables rated for >100W and cut off one end. You can find tons of USB-C cables rated for 240W, but hardly any mention actual conductor size so without testing a few, it would be a crapshoot.And do you actually need the USB-C female end?

author: hp23
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2024, 05:23:23 pm
content: Thanks, I'm starting to realise that this is my only option. As the PWM is typically 40% to 80% depending on the severity (LED's intensity increases as does the flashing freq.) This type of cable probably fits the bill best. It has no screen on it though & I am worried about the pre-compliance for CE. [EDIT: Has a screen, just seen the reviews section)You're right AWG17 or bigger. AWG has always been a bit confusing as a standard.This kind of leads me onto a second question. Break-away connectors. If the canopy is ejected mid flight, then the connector would need to gracefully separate. USB-C PD I imagine would be perfect for this application. I have never seen a USB-C connector used in a non-USB-C application & people don't read manuals. Would you take a chance on this?

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2024, 04:15:07 am
content: Tripp-Lite brand cable with USB-IF certification have been good upon evaluation. COM resistance is very low, probably like 15AWG equivalent, with an 18-20AWG VBUS conductor.

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 26, 2024, 05:11:25 pm
content: I misremembered about the wire gauges.Attached photo of Tripp Lite U040-C1M-C-5A. VBUS was ~24AWG, but COM/GND conductors are probably 15-16AWG equivalent. Was still the lowest voltage drop of several cables tested. The shield/braid termination to the connector shell was also done quite well (crimped).