LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology has become indispensable in fields like autonomous driving, industrial mapping, and environmental monitoring. Its ability to generate high-precision 3D point clouds relies heavily on stable, low-distortion signal transmission— a critical task performed by micro-coaxial cables. Unlike standard cables, micro-coaxial cables are engineered to address the unique constraints of LiDAR systems, making them a non-negligible component in ensuring measurement accuracy and long-term reliability.
1. The Core Role of Micro-Coaxial Cables in LiDAR Systems
LiDAR operates by emitting laser pulses and analyzing the reflected signals to calculate distances. Micro-coaxial cables facilitate this process by handling two types of critical transmissions, while overcoming space and interference challenges:
- Laser Signal Transmission: They carry high-frequency electrical signals that control laser emitters (e.g., 905nm or 1550nm wavelength lasers) and transmit the weak reflected signals from detectors to signal processing units. Their shielded structure minimizes signal loss, ensuring the LiDAR can accurately distinguish small distance differences (down to millimeters in precision).
- Power & Synchronization: LiDAR systems, especially mechanical or MEMS-based models, require synchronized power supply to rotating components or scanning modules. Micro-coaxial cables deliver stable low-voltage power while transmitting timing signals, preventing desynchronization that would distort point cloud data.
- Space Optimization: LiDAR units (e.g., automotive roof-mounted sensors) have limited internal space. Micro-coaxial cables, with diameters as small as 0.3mm, fit into compact layouts without interfering with optical components like lenses or mirrors.
2. Critical Technical Requirements for LiDAR-Grade Micro-Coaxial Cables
Not all micro-coaxial cables are suitable for LiDAR. The technology’s high precision and harsh operating environments (e.g., temperature fluctuations in vehicles or outdoor dust) impose strict performance standards:
- Impedance Matching: LiDAR signal circuits typically require 50Ω or 75Ω impedance. Mismatched cables cause signal reflection, leading to measurement errors (e.g., false distance readings). High-quality micro-coaxial cables maintain impedance consistency within ±3Ω across their length.
- Low Signal Attenuation: At the high frequencies LiDAR uses (often 100MHz to 2GHz), signal attenuation must be minimized. For example, a 1-meter micro-coaxial cable should have an attenuation of less than 0.5dB at 1GHz to preserve the weak reflected signals from distant objects.
- Mechanical Robustness: Mechanical LiDARs with rotating scanners subject cables to repeated bending (up to 10,000+ cycles). Micro-coaxial cables need a flexible dielectric (e.g., PTFE) and durable outer jacket (e.g., FEP) to resist fatigue and avoid conductor breakage.
- Environmental Resistance: LiDAR systems in autonomous vehicles or outdoor mapping face extreme temperatures (-40℃ to 85℃ for automotive use) and moisture. Cables must withstand these conditions without degradation— for instance, maintaining stable performance after 1,000 hours of high-temperature aging tests.
3. Selection Guidelines for LiDAR Micro-Coaxial Cables
When choosing micro-coaxial cables for LiDAR, aligning specifications with application scenarios is key. Here are practical considerations:
- Prioritize Application-Specific Performance: For automotive LiDAR, select cables compliant with AEC-Q200 (the automotive electronic component reliability standard) to ensure resistance to vibration and temperature shocks. For industrial LiDAR used in dusty factories, opt for cables with IP67-rated jackets to prevent particle ingress.
- Verify Connector Compatibility: LiDAR modules often use miniaturized connectors (e.g., SMA, MMCX, or board-to-board connectors). Ensure the cable’s termination (crimped or soldered) matches the connector type to avoid signal gaps at the interface.
- Evaluate Long-Term Reliability Data: Request manufacturer testing reports, such as bending life cycles (minimum 5,000 cycles for static LiDAR; 20,000+ for rotating models) and signal stability over 5 years of use. Avoid cables that only meet short-term performance benchmarks.
4. Future Trends: Micro-Coaxial Cables for Next-Gen LiDAR
As LiDAR evolves toward higher resolution (e.g., 200+ channels) and lower cost, micro-coaxial cables are adapting too:
- Lower Loss Materials: New dielectric materials (e.g., low-Dk PTFE composites) are reducing attenuation further, enabling longer cable runs in large-scale LiDAR arrays (e.g., for airport mapping).
- Integration with Optical Fibers: Hybrid cables (combining micro-coaxial conductors and optical fibers) are emerging for LiDAR systems that need to transmit both electrical signals and laser light, simplifying wiring in multi-sensor setups.
- Miniaturization: Next-gen micro-coaxial cables (0.2mm diameter or smaller) will support ultra-compact solid-state LiDARs, which are critical for integration into automotive bumpers or smartphone-based LiDAR (e.g., for AR applications).
Choose FRS: Your Trusted Partner for LiDAR Micro-Coaxial Cables
When precision and reliability matter, FRS’s micro-coaxial cables are engineered specifically for LiDAR challenges. With 15+ years of experience in high-frequency cable manufacturing, FRS offers:
- Customization: Tailor impedance (50Ω/75Ω), length, and jacket materials to match your LiDAR’s unique design (e.g., automotive-grade, industrial, or aerospace use).
- Strict Quality Control: Every cable undergoes impedance testing, attenuation measurement, and environmental aging tests, meeting AEC-Q200 and IEC 61196 standards.
- Fast Delivery: Our factory maintains a stock of common LiDAR cable models, with custom orders shipped in as little as 7 days— ideal for accelerating your LiDAR product development cycle.
For LiDAR systems that demand uncompromised signal integrity, FRS’s micro-coaxial cables are the reliable choice.
Would you like me to expand on any section of this article, such as adding technical test data for FRS cables or explaining impedance matching in more detail? I can also generate a technical specification sheet for FRS’s LiDAR micro-coaxial cables to support your procurement or design work.
