Image from iStock
Automotive cables and connectors form the backbone of modern vehicular systems, facilitating communication and energy transfer. For B2B sourcing professionals, understanding these components is crucial to making informed decisions in procurement.
Automotive cables
Automotive cables are integral to a vehicle's electrical system, responsible for transmitting electrical power and signals across various components. They are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, vibrations and exposure to chemicals.
Power cables transmit electrical energy, while signal cables convey data between various electronic modules. Selecting the appropriate cable type is essential to ensure optimal functionality and safety in a vehicle's electrical system. In addition to functionality, durability, flexibility and resistance to external factors should be considered.
HSD cables: High-speed data cables are increasingly vital in modern vehicles, which rely heavily on advanced electronic systems. They facilitate rapid data transfer between various components, enabling efficient communication and control of infotainment systems, driver assistance and autonomous driving technologies.
Common types include Ethernet, USB and MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) cables. For sourcing the right products, factors such as bandwidth, shielding, compatibility with existing systems and cost-effectiveness are important considerations.
Wire harnesses: Automotive wire harnesses organize and protect the various cables and wires within a vehicle. They serve as the vehicle's central nervous system, connecting different electrical components and ensuring efficient power and data transmission.
Wire harnesses are typically customized to meet the specific needs of each vehicle model, taking into account factors such as the number of components, the complexity of the electrical system and the vehicle's layout. This ensures a neat and organized arrangement of cables, reducing the risk of damage and interference.
RF cables: RF cables facilitate wireless communication and signal transmission in various automotive applications, including GPS systems, radio antennas and wireless communication modules. Their ability to transmit high-frequency signals makes them indispensable in today's connected vehicles.
Connectors
Automotive connectors ensure reliable and secure connections, enabling efficient power and data transmission. Types include pin, blade and socket connectors. Sourcing them should be based on material quality, design compatibility and ease of installation.
Fakra connectors: These are specialized automotive connectors widely used for their ability to support high-frequency applications, including GPS, satellite radio and camera systems. The design of Fakra connectors includes a unique locking mechanism that ensures secure connections, even in high-vibration environments. Factors for sourcing Fakra connectors include frequency range, compatibility with existing systems and cost-effectiveness.
Terminals: Essential components that facilitate the connection of cables and wires within a vehicle's electrical system, there are various types, with crimp, solder and screw terminals being the common ones.
Battery terminals provide the primary connection point between the battery and the vehicle's electrical system, while bullet terminals provide additional support.
Sourcing automotive components from China
One of the primary advantages of sourcing from China is cost-effectiveness, which allows businesses to obtain high-quality components at competitive prices. Additionally, Chinese manufacturers often offer customization options, enabling businesses to source components tailored to their specific needs. However, buyers must ensure that the manufacturers meet international quality standards and adhere to regulatory requirements.
To ensure successful sourcing from China, B2B professionals should consider factors such as supplier reliability, product quality and shipping logistics.
HSD cable
Company: Dongguan Hundu Electronic Co. Ltd
Dongguan Hundu ’s HD-PO-142 is a high-speed data automotive cable with a stranded or solid conductor. It has an outer insulation made of rubber, silicone, PE, PVC or PU and an A-coded to B-coded connector. This UL-listed product can be made according to buyer-specified wire gauge, color and length.
MOQ: 1,000 units
Lead time: 28 to 45 days
50ohm RF cable
Company: Dongguan Jinluomen Electronic Technology Co. Ltd
The HD-002 from Dongguan Jinluomen is an RF cable for automotive use. It is available in RG-178, RG-174 or custom types in any length and has SMA connectors. This UL-listed unit has DC to 3GHz or 0 to 6GHz gain, 50ohm impedance, 50W maximum input power and 45 to 85 C temperature range.
MOQ: 50 units
Lead time: 3 to 14 days
RoHS-compliant automotive terminal
Company: Dongguan Kinggold Industry Co. Ltd
Dongguan Kinggold’s model KG07-108G is a customized automotive terminal. It can be made using aluminum, brass, copper, zinc, bronze, stainless steel or steel and can have a polished, plated, sandblasted, powder-coated, anodized or hot dip galvanized finish. This metal part is RoHS-compliant.
MOQ: 100,000 pieces
Lead time: 15 to 20 days
Automotive-use bullet terminal
Company: Dongguan Taihe Hardware Products Co. Ltd
Dongguan Taihe provides automotive metal parts such as model Manufacturer Hardware-2563. This bullet terminal may be made of aluminum, brass or copper, with the supplier capable of designing and making the stamping die and tooling.
MOQ: 1,000 pieces
Lead time: 18 to 20 days
Custom automotive wire harness
Company: Meizhou DST Precision Industrial Co. Ltd
Model AW-01 from Meizhou DST is a UL-listed automotive wire harness that can have custom connectors, wire gauge and cable length. It is made using automatic wire cutting, stripping, measuring and test equipment.
MOQ: 100 units
Lead time: 15 to 30 days
Fakra connector
Company: Shenzhen Sinrui Technology Co. Ltd
Model Fakra Connectors 001-3315 from Shenzhen Sinrui is a right-angle RF connector for use in signal transmission applications in vehicles. It is designed for PCB mounting and is made of nylon 66 and PBT.
MOQ: 1 piece
Lead time: 7 to 28 days
