Cable Design – Component Change Impact
Designing a cable can require extensive research. Wire, cable and components have to meet the electrical and environmental specifications of the system and its application.Fortunately, detailed information is readily available for every component as it pertains to electrical performance and material composition enabling the designer to verify and validate their component selections.
What about the dimensions of the components?
Mechanical design and investigation can be equally as critical in the assembly of a cable. These dimensions often do not appear on the drawing because they do not affect the functionality of the cable but they do have an effect on the ability to build the cable.
The most common oversight I have seen in cable design is lining up diameters of cable(s) and connector accessories like backshells, adapters, shrink and boots. Mechanical compatibility often will not be noticed until the build of a prototype or first piece.
What effect does a component change have?
The two factors that have the largest impact in changing a component are the timeline to implement the change and the potential cost impact of the change.
Lead-time
You will most likely be faced with a lead-time on component delivery and this will have an effect on your delivery schedule.
Cost Impact
Along with the change in price of the new component, you may not be able to cancel the current components that are already on order.
Solution
If you have the capability, build a prototype in house to verify component compatibility before outsourcing an assembly. If you require the assistance of a cable house to build a prototype, factor in the timeline required to build a prototype and validate the assembly before going to production.
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