Application No.

-07

Study of Cables and Connectors

1.Introduction: -
Cables
A cable, also known as a cord, plug, or connector transmits power or data between devices or
positions, which is covered in plastic by one or more wires. A power cable and data cable are
the primary types of computer cables. The cable that creates communication between devices
is known as a data cable. For instance, DVI, HDMI, or VGA are all the data cables that are
used to attach to the computer monitor and enable it to display an image or picture on the
computer monitor. The USB>/a>, SATA, CAT5, and IDE/EIDE cables are other popular
examples of data cables. A cable that powers the device is known as a power cable. For
instance, inside the computer, a Molex-style cable and the power cord that attaches to
computer.
Different Types of Cables
HDMI cable
HDMI is a type of computer cable that has the potential to transmit audio and video signal with
the original quality of images. It stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface, which can
send crystal clear images. The use of HDMI cable is to connect electronic devices such as TVs,
cable boxes, HDTV, Projector, media streamers, DVD players, and more.

Figure 7.1 HDMI Cable

DVI cable
DVI cable is a video display interface, which is used to connect the video card and LCD
monitor and stands for Digital Visual Interface.

Figure 7.2 DVI Cable

VGA cable
Another kind of computer cable is VGA cable that is developed by IBM and introduced in
1987. It stands for Video Graphics Array or Video Graphics Adapter, which is used to link the
monitor and the CPU of a computer and transfer video signals. HD televisions also use the
VGA cable, 256 colors are shown if the resolution is lowered to 320 x 200; however, it offers
640 x 480 resolution color display screens. In modern times, it is common to find VGA cable
and connector with computers, even TVs, and projectors. However, DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
cable, and connector are becoming the reason to replace VGA cable. The picture of the VGA
cable is shown below.

Figure 7.3 VGA Cable

Connectors
An electronic system is a hierarchical interconnection network that enables communication
among different electronic devices. Several interconnects are required for the signal
transmission and power distribution needed to ensure proper functioning of electronic devices.
Electrical connectors are classified into three types based on their termination ends: board-to-
board connectors, cable/wire-to-cable/wire connectors, and cable/wire-to-board connectors.
Board-to-Board Connectors
Board-to-board connectors are used to connect PCBs without a cable. The board-to-board
connectors can save space on cables, making them suitable for systems with limited space. The
PCBs can be connected using connectors in parallel or perpendicular configuration.
Wire/Cable-to-Wire/Cable Connectors
Wire-to-wire connectors connect two wires, as the name suggests. One end of the connector is
permanently connected to the wire. The other end of the connector forms a separable interface.
The permanent connection can be made using either crimping or insulation displacement
contact (IDC).
Wire/Cable-to-Board Connectors
A wire-to-board connector, as the name suggests, connects a wire/cable to a PCB. The wire
connections are similar to the one used for wire-to-wire connection, and the board connections
are, for the most part, press-in or soldered two-piece connectors; although, some card edge
versions remain in use.[1.]
2.History: -

Table 7.1 History of Cables and Connectors[2]

Year Event
The first widely used fiber connectors include the NEC D4 and the AMP
1980
Optimate. Popular in the early to mid-80s in telecommunication networks.
The first generation of Ethernet cables Category 1 (CAT1) cables, which were
1983
officially introduced around 1983
The VGA (Video Graphics Array) video connectivity port was introduced by
1987
IBM
1990 Media Interface Connector (MIC) also known as FDDI (Fibre distributed D

1990 Video cable Component RCA, an upgrade to composite, is developed.

Firewire was first developed by Apple in 1995, which supports PnP (plug and
1995
play) devices.
HDMI 1.0 is developed as a collaboration project between multiple tech
2002
companies.
Apple discontinues Mini- and Micro-DVI and begins implementing Mini
2008
DisplayPort in its place.
3.Available Technologies in Field: -
Technology Trend #1: High-speed connectivity solutions will support 5G networks and faster,
ultra-high-bandwidth, lower latency signals.
As 5G networks continue to roll out, high-speed connectors and cables are needed to support
this infrastructure and the substantially higher data rates it will carry. Powerful new
technologies will be made possible by this instantaneous connectivity. Network equipment and
remote radio and active antenna systems will bear the brunt of this activity. The promise of
high-speed connectivity will have an especially profound impact on markets such as
automotive, transportation, and test and measurement. The connector industry has been ahead
of this demand, and several companies have already developed next-gen high-speed solutions.

Figure 7.4 semtec’s firefly technology

Samtec’s FireFly™ Micro Flyover System™ is an inside-the-box, mid-board optics

interconnect solution with performance to 28Gb/s and a future path to 56Gb/s. It is designed to
allow copper or fiber optics to use the same high-performance connector system.

Technology Trend #2: Miniaturized connectors and high-density contacts conserve space
and weight to support prevailing cross-market trends towards portability and
wearability.
Trends favoring portability, mobility, and wearable devices continue to influence every market.
To make these compact designs possible, connector suppliers are delivering miniaturized form
factors with higher contact densities. The latest generation of connectivity products conserves
space and reduces weight without compromising functionality. This trend has fueled a boom
in wearable devices, which has brought great flexibility and more user-friendly designs to
medical, consumer, and military markets.[3.]
 Figure 7.5 Corporation’s connectors and cable assemblies

4.Working and Basic Concepts: -

VGA cable working One end of the VGA cable is attached to the port in the graphics card on
the computer motherboard, and the other to the port in the display device. When the computer
is running, the video card transmits video display signals via the VGA cable, which are then
displayed on the display device.
There are five distinct HDMI connector types, including Type A, B, C, D, and E. The most
commonly used connector is Type A (standard) which is 13.9 mm × 4.45 mm, and has 19 pins.
The functions of Type A are listed below.

1. Watching Movies from a Laptop on your TV

The most popular function of an HDMI cable is to browse video content from your Laptop on
your TV. A TV unquestionably provides a better viewing experience and this type of cable
allows you to watch your desired video on your TV at any time.

2. Connecting Soundbar to your TV for better sound

A Soundbar needs to be purchased separately, powered independently and connected to the TV
via its HDMI interface using a HDMI cable to boost the sound quality.

2. Connecting a Streaming Box to your TV

Services such as Netflix, Apple TV+ and Prime Video, are gaining more popularity for
entertainment. All of which use the HDMI interface to connect to one's existing TV.[4.]
5.Study on Various parameters: -
Speed
The VGA has a maximum bandwidth of 3.96 Gbit/s, while VGI has 9.9 Gbps.
The High Speed HDMI Cable is designed and tested to handle video resolutions of 1080p and
beyond with support up to 10.2Gbps bandwidth, including advanced display technologies such
as 4K@30Hz, 3D, and Deep Color.
AirMax VS2® High-Speed Backplane Connector
AirMax VS2® connectors provide a migration path from AirMax VS® for speeds up to
20Gb/s, providing a margin of safety for typical 802.3ap system performance with the
flexibility of an open pin field design. The connectors leverage AirMax VS® and VSe® design
features and technology to achieve improved signal integrity and mechanical attributes
compared to AirMax VS® connectors.
Aptera™
The Aptera™ connector meets difficult electronic packaging challenges with a high-speed
interconnect designed specifically for space-constrained areas without impeding airflow.
Aptera's™ pin assignments are not predetermined, providing more flexibility when it comes to
PCB routing design. It features low crosstalk that supports 6.25Gb/s data rates.
Performance
The most important reason to have properly managed cables is that it directly relates to the
performance and lifespan of your computer.One of the key factors when it comes to PC
performance is good airflow. The computer needs to be able to draw in cool air from the front
of your computer case and then remove the hot air out the rear. This is what allows all hardware
components to keep cool and not overheat.When components such as your graphics card and
processor get too warm their performance drops. This drop in performance leads to a slower
computer and less frames per second when gaming.The issue with poor cable management is
that by having all of your cables scattered about in your computer case it restricts how much
air can flow through the case. Cool air may get in through the front but the cables limit how
much hot air is going to be exhausted, leading to hot air staying inside the case.By not
exhausting the hot air out efficiently, and by restricting how much cool air can pass over your
hardware components this means that the hardware all gets hotter and performance
drops.Another issue that is made much worse with poorly managed cables is dust. Dust is one
of the most annoying things when it comes to computers. Dust comes in via the intake fans and
can settle inside the computer, and most annoyingly inside all of the nooks and crannies of your
hardware.By having cables all over the place, this means that dust has more places to attach
itself to which leads to a much larger dust buildup then would have happened if the cables were
out the way. This increased amount of dust means that once again airflow is compromised.[5.]
6.Market Study: -
Cables and Connectors: Market Segmentation
Cables and connectors are transmission mediums that are used to transmit data along a channel
while transferring information from source to destination. They are increasingly used in
electronic devices to enable their efficient functionality. Moreover, cables and connectors find
their applications in industries like automotive, aerospace, and oil and gas, among others.

The major types of cables and connectors are:

Internal
External
The market can be broadly categorised on the basis of its product types into:

HDMI Cable and Connectors

USB Cables and Connectors
VGA Cables and Connectors
DVI Cables and Connectors
CAT5/CAT6 Cables and Connectors
Others
By end use, the market is divided into:

Automotive
Commercial
Oil and Gas
Energy and Power
Aerospace and Defence
Others
The EMR report looks into the regional markets of cables and connectors like North America,
Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.
The Advent of the 5G Technology to Drive the Growth of the Cables and Connectors
Industry
The advent of the 5G technology is increasing the demand for high-speed cables and
connectors, which is predicted to propel the market growth. With the increasing applications
of the 5G technology in various industries ranging from construction and medical, the demand
for cables and connectors offering high efficiency, security, and reliability is surging, hence
bolstering the market growth. As the evolution of wireless infrastructure is escalating the use
of high-quality cables and connectors, the market is poised to witness robust growth in
upcoming years.

The increasing cost-effectiveness of innovative connectors is augmenting the growth of the

market. The growing demand for customised cables and connectors to optimise the
performance while meeting diverse application requirements of devices is predicted to propel
the market growth. Moreover, the development of connectors with automated disconnection
capacity to prevent injury or damage while providing frequent disconnection for automation
equipment is aiding the industry growth. The growing popularity of robots, drones, and smart
wear, among others, is also increasing the demand for connectors with automated
disconnection capacity, which is expected to bolster the market growth in upcoming years.

Key Industry Players in the Global Cables and Connectors Market

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global cables and
connectors market, looking into their capacity, market shares, and latest developments like
capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions:

1.Axon Cable S.A.S.

2.Amphenol Corporation
3.Sumitomo Electric Wiring Systems, Inc.
4.Fujitsu Limited
5.Nexans Group and Others.[6.]

7.Future Advancement: -
Five Future Trends In Cable Technology
1 - Trend towards intensified networking and miniaturisation
This means that an increasing volume of data has to be transmitted at increasingly fast speeds
- something familiar in offices for years is now moving into the factories. Continuous increases
in the performance of microchips is not only driving digitalisation but also - in conjunction
with efforts to improve resource efficiency - is resulting in a move towards increasingly smaller
and more compact products and devices.
2 - Connectors instead of direct wiring

A TV set today, a vacuum cleaner tomorrow - on the same production line. Industry 4.0 means
that production is becoming more modular and flexible. Individual production modules are
exchanged or rearranged in next to no time. This has consequences for the connection
technology.
While electrical connections were previously fixed, soldered installations that were
subsequently not touched for many years, today’s flexibility calls for connectors that can be
disconnected thousands of times and still create a reliable contact.
Connectors are also becoming more modular. They combine contacts for high currents - for
drives for example - with Gigabit speed data connections and in some cases even with
pneumatics or hydraulics. Everything is easy to configure and can be reassembled again and
again, for example if a machine is upgraded.

3 - Trend towards system solutions

Figure 7.6

Industry 4.0, Internet of things, open innovation processes: the tasks facing machine builders
are growing remorselessly. This makes it even more important for companies to concentrate
on their core competences. These do not normally include assembling cables - shortening
cables, attaching connectors and creating complete energy chains.

4 - DC replacing AC

AC’s days are numbered. On the one hand, photovoltaics generates direct current, which is
converted into alternating to be fed into the network and, on the other hand, an increasing
number of electronic devices (TVs, computers, smartphones, LED lights etc.) demand direct
current, which first has to be rectified from the AC network.This raises the question of whether
it still makes sense to use AC. The conversion involves huge energy losses - numerous power
stations could be shut down if DC voltage networks were to be installed in industry and
households.
5 - Coexistence of cable and wireless

These days, wi-fi is almost ubiquitous in households, while wireless technology for data
exchange is also gaining its adherents in factories. Wireless technology is generally cost-
effective and offers great flexibility when systems are modified.However, this does not mean
that cables will no longer be used, as some people are predicting. On the contrary: advancing
electrification and networking in factories will, if anything, require even more cables to
guarantee the high transmission rates.[7.]

8.Conclusion: -
These days, USBs are everywhere, even though they all function differently and have various
uses. Smartphones, tablets, music players, and smartwatches all share USB cables.
Connectors are essential to the creation of electronic projects and equipment. It’s important to
use the right connector for the right application. Creating effective and affordable products is
crucial for safety, PCB, and product manufacturing.
As a result, manufacturers have created various customized electrical connectors specifically
designed for a given purpose or product. However, some connectors are so versatile that they
are almost always found in the electrical products we use daily.

9.Indian Contribution: -
India cables and connectors market was estimated at INR XX in 2021 and is forecast to
reach a market value of INR XX by 2032, growing at a CAGR of X%.
For the purpose of this market research report, Cables are defined as electrical conductors
where each cable wire is isolated from each other, connectors on the other end are electro-
mechanical tools required for the connection of electrical terminations. Connectors are made
of jacks and plugs, also known as male-ended and female-ended plugs. Connectors are the
input-output connectors that form the interface needed to connect electronic devices with
cables assistance. Cable & connectors is one of the main components used by many companies
in India to transfer data and provide high-end connectivity among the terminals. Cable and
connectors are further used in diverse industries such as defense and aerospace, Oil & gas,
defense, automotive, manufacturing, and IT and telecommunication for having an efficient and
reliable point to point connection. The market for cables and connectors in India is rapidly
growing, owing to the rising demand for higher bandwidth and reduced signal strength. The
market for cable connectors will continue to boom in India over the next years due to digital
transition deadlines worldwide, high performance, reliable connectivity, and cables and
connectors efficiency.
Data transmission cables and connectors in India are in high demand owing to the
investments made by the government to improve its network infrastructure.
Connectivity within India has improved decently as a result of India’s investment in cables and
connectors. A project dubbed "BharatNet" launched in 2017 completed by the end of the year
at an estimated cost of $1.08 billion. The project increased the use of cables and connectors
across nations. The telecom industry, TV-on-demand, video services, and online gaming all
require high bandwidths. When compared to wireless communication, wired transmission
offers higher bandwidth, enhanced reliability & agility, and greater security. The Ethernet
technology used in wired networks can offer 100Mbs of bandwidth, while the wireless
technology can offer 11Mbps.
India Cables and connectors Market Research Report Analysis Highlights
• Historical data available (as per request)
• Estimation/projections/forecast for revenue and unit sales (2022 – 2032)
• Data breakdown for application Industries (2022 – 2032)
• Integration and collaboration analysis of companies
• Capacity analysis with application sector breakdown
• Business trend and expansion analysis
• Import and export analysis
• Competition analysis/market share
• Supply chain analysis
• Client list and case studies
• Market entry strategies adopted by emerging companies[8.]

10.Refrences: -

[1.] “Introductory part” Available at: https://www.javatpoint.com/what-are-the-computer-

cables On 10/11/2022.
[2.] “History” taken from: https://www.aflhyperscale.com/wp-
content/uploads/2020/06/History-of-Connectors-v2-1.pdf On 10/11/2022.
[3.] “Technologies” Available at: https://connectorsupplier.com/five-technology-trends-
driving-new-connector-designs/ On 10/11/2022.
[4.] “Working and Basic Concept” Available at:
https://www.elprocus.com/types-of-cables/ On 10/11/2022.
[5.] “Study of Cost Speed and Performance” Available at:
https://www.amphenol.com/products/connectors-high-speed On 10/11/2022.
[6.] “Market Study” Available at: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/cables-and-
connectors-market On 10/11/2022.
[7.] “Future Advancement” Available at: https://e.lapp.com/in/news/new-products-and-
trends/trends/five-future-trends-in-cable-technology On 10/11/2022.
[8.] “Indian Contribution” Available at: https://www.marketdecipher.com/report/india-cables-
and-connectors-market On 10/11/2022.