44 AWG Micro Coaxial Cable
44 AWG micro coaxial cable bridges the gap between the industry-standard 42 AWG (0.48 mm) and catheter-grade 46 AWG (0.30 mm). At 0.38 mm OD, 44 AWG delivers approximately 20% smaller bundle diameter than 42 AWG at equivalent channel count — the difference that enables 256-channel bundles in ergonomic probe handles and 512-channel matrix arrays in clinically acceptable form factors.
44 AWG is the standard choice for 3D/4D volumetric ultrasound probes, high-density TEE transducers, compact bronchoscope cables, and any application where 42 AWG bundle OD exceeds the available space but 46 AWG cost premium is not justified.
We stock 44 AWG in solid and 7-strand configurations. Phase-matched bundles are produced on 3–5 week lead time.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| AWG | 44 |
| Conductor diameter | 0.051 mm ± 0.002 mm |
| Conductor material | Silver-plated CuAg |
| Construction options | Solid / 7-strand / 19-strand rope-lay |
| Dielectric | ePTFE (Dk ≈ 1.45) |
| Cable OD | 0.28 mm ± 0.02 mm |
| Impedance | 50 Ω ± 2 Ω |
| Capacitance | ≤ 110 pF/m |
| DC resistance | ≤ 3,490 Ω/km |
| VoP | ≥ 78% |
| Shield | Foil 100% + Ag braid ≥ 82% |
| Loss at 10 MHz | ≤ 1.0 dB/m |
| Loss at 20 MHz | ≤ 1.5 dB/m |
| Flex life — 7-strand | > 500,000 cycles at 25 mm radius |
| Flex life — 19-strand | > 1,000,000 cycles at 20 mm radius |
| Temperature | −40°C to +200°C (PFA) |
Bundle OD Advantage — 44 AWG vs. 42 AWG
| Channel Count | 42 AWG Bundle OD | 44 AWG Bundle OD | OD Savings | Practical Impact |
| 64 | 5.4 mm | 4.3 mm | 0.2 | Enables smaller endoscope insertion tube |
| 128 | 7.2 mm | 5.8 mm | 0.19 | Compact portable probe handle |
| 192 | 8.5 mm | 6.9 mm | 0.19 | Ergonomic convex probe |
| 256 | 9.6 mm | 7.8 mm | 0.19 | 3D cardiac probe — fits standard handle |
| 512 | 13.7 mm | 11.2 mm | 0.18 | Matrix array — practical handheld form |
At 256 channels, the difference between 9.6 mm (42 AWG) and 7.8 mm (44 AWG) is the difference between a bulky probe handle and a standard ergonomic design. At 512 channels, 44 AWG is essentially mandatory — 13.7 mm at 42 AWG is too large for a handheld probe.
Cost and Performance Tradeoff — 44 AWG Position
| Factor | 42 AWG | 44 AWG | 46 AWG |
| Cost per meter | Baseline | +40–60% | +120–180% |
| Bundle OD (256 ch) | 9.6 mm | 7.8 mm | 6.2 mm |
| Capacitance | 95 pF/m | 110 pF/m | 125 pF/m |
| DC resistance | 2,195 Ω/km | 3,490 Ω/km | 5,580 Ω/km |
| Loss at 10 MHz | 0.8 dB/m | 1.0 dB/m | 1.2 dB/m |
| Availability | Stock | Stock | MTO 4–6 weeks |
| Yield | > 99% | > 98% | 92–96% |
| Best for | Standard probes | 3D/4D high-density | Catheters (IVUS/ICE) |
44 AWG is the smart choice when 42 AWG bundle OD is too large but 46 AWG cost premium is not justified. The 40–60% cost increase versus 42 AWG buys 20% bundle OD reduction with minimal signal quality impact.
Application
3D/4D Volumetric Ultrasound Probes: 256–512 channel matrix array probes for real-time volumetric cardiac and OB imaging. Phase-matched ±0.5%.
High-Density TEE Probes: 64–128 channel transesophageal probes where miniature form factor is essential. Bundle must fit within swallowable probe shaft.
Compact/Portable Ultrasound: Handheld and tablet-connected devices where probe cable weight and bulk must be minimized.
Bronchoscope Camera Cables: 4–16 core bundles in 3.5–6.2 mm insertion tubes. 44 AWG achieves 1.4–2.4 mm bundle OD.
High-Frequency Linear Probes: 8–18 MHz MSK/vascular probes where lower capacitance per unit length (compared to 42 AWG at equivalent bundle OD) provides marginal SNR advantage at higher frequencies.
ICE Catheters: 64-channel bundles at 4.3 mm OD — borderline for 10 Fr ICE catheters. For tighter fit, 46 AWG is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose 44 AWG over 42 AWG?
When bundle OD must be minimized — typically for 256+ channel probes, compact/portable devices, TEE, or bronchoscope Applications where 42 AWG bundle diameter exceeds available space. If 42 AWG fits your form factor, it offers lower cost and lower attenuation.
Is 44 AWG stocked?
Yes — solid and 7-strand with ePTFE dielectric. Ships within 1 week. 19-strand and phase-matched bundles are MTO at 3–5 weeks.
Can 44 AWG be phase-matched to ±0.5%?
Yes. ±0.5% is our standard for 3D/4D probe Applications at 44 AWG. The tighter tolerance versus ±1.0% adds approximately 10% to assembly cost due to narrower bin sorting.
What is the signal quality impact of 44 AWG vs. 42 AWG?
At 10 MHz over 2 m: 42 AWG total loss = 1.6 dB; 44 AWG = 2.0 dB. The 0.4 dB difference is within beamformer gain adjustment range — clinically insignificant for all standard ultrasound imaging modes. At 20 MHz: 42 AWG = 2.4 dB; 44 AWG = 3.0 dB — still well within receiver dynamic range.
Need 44 AWG for high-density probes or compact medical devices? Stock available for bulk reel. Phase-matched bundles in 3–5 weeks.
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Applications
Ultrasound Probe & Transducer
Modern 3D ultrasound probes contain 128–512 piezoelectric elements requiring precisely matched electrical path lengths for accurate beamforming. Multi-core micro coaxial cable provides per-channel shielding with phase-matched construction, serving as the core interconnect for GE, Philips, Siemens, and Mindray platforms.
Medical Endoscope Camera
Endoscope insertion tubes of 2–4 mm diameter must transmit HD/4K video while enduring 1M+ flex cycles. Using 42–46 AWG stranded conductors, OD achieves as small as 1.2 mm, supporting HD-SDI and 4K LVDS signals while meeting ISO 10993 biocompatibility requirements.
Robotic Surgery Cable
Robotic surgery arms must carry imaging signals, electrosurgical RF power, motor drive currents, and fiber optic illumination through ±270° articulating joints — all within a single hybrid assembly. Micro coaxial elements serve as the signal core, qualified to 5 million torsional flex cycles.
NDT Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT / TOFD)
Weld inspection and corrosion mapping in petrochemical, nuclear, and aerospace industries use PAUT and TOFD — requiring 16–256 core, phase-matched ±1%, 50 Ω micro coaxial bundles with industrial PUR/FEP/PTFE jackets, compliant with ASME V and EN 583-2 standards.
MRI-Compatible Device Cables
The MRI bore presents three electromagnetic environments requiring all metals to pass ASTM F2503 ferromagnetic assessment. Non-magnetic silver-plated copper alloy conductors meet 1.5T/3T MRI safety requirements for MRI-guided interventions, coil connections, and CT detector array interconnects.
Semiconductor / Industrial Robotics / Aerospace
Semiconductor wafer AOI inspection, industrial robot joint routing, and aerospace sensor arrays all demand high-density, fine-gauge cables with tight impedance control and signal integrity — areas where micro coaxial cable delivers unmatched performance in high-frequency transmission, channel isolation, and compact construction.