Cable and Harness Design
Cable and harness design is a critical discipline within signal integrity engineering that addresses the challenges of transmitting electrical signals through flexible, often complex assemblies of wires, cables, and connectors. Unlike the controlled environment of printed circuit boards, cable harnesses must maintain signal integrity while accommodating mechanical movement, environmental stresses, electromagnetic interference, and space constraints. As data rates increase and systems become more complex, the design of cable harnesses requires careful consideration of electrical performance, mechanical reliability, and manufacturing practicality.
Modern harness design encompasses multiple engineering domains including electrical signal analysis, electromagnetic compatibility, mechanical engineering, thermal management, and manufacturing processes. Whether designing simple point-to-point connections or complex branched harnesses for aerospace, automotive, or industrial applications, engineers must balance competing requirements for performance, weight, cost, reliability, and serviceability. This discipline has become increasingly sophisticated as systems demand higher bandwidth, tighter EMC compliance, and greater reliability in harsh environments.