Hirose DF38 Series Micro Coaxial Cable Assemblies & Custom Wire Harnesses

Custom DF38B-30P, DF38-32P and DF38-40P Cable Assemblies | 30-Pin, 32-Pin and 40-Pin Micro Coaxial Solutions

PrecisionCoax specializes in manufacturing custom micro coaxial cable assemblies, ultra-fine coaxial wire harnesses, and high-density cable interconnection solutions for electronic equipment.

We provide custom cable assembly manufacturing services using Hirose DF38 Series connectors, including DF38B-30P-0.3SD, DF38-32P-0.3SD and DF38-40P-0.3SD micro coaxial cable plugs.

The Hirose DF38 Series features an ultra-compact 0.3 mm contact pitch and a 1.5 mm mated height, making it suitable for electronic equipment with limited installation space.

Our manufacturing services support customized cable lengths, micro coaxial wire specifications, pin assignments, grounding structures, shielding configurations, and opposite-end connector combinations.

Whether your project requires a DF38-32P-0.3SD cable assembly, a DF38-40P-0.3SD micro coaxial harness, or a custom DF38 connector-to-connector cable solution, PrecisionCoax can review your drawings and provide a manufacturing quotation.

1. What Is the Hirose DF38 Series?

The Hirose DF38 Series is a compact board-to-fine coaxial cable connector family developed for high-density electronic interconnections.

With a 0.3 mm contact pitch and a 1.5 mm mated height, DF38 connectors provide a space-saving connection solution for electronic devices requiring multiple fine coaxial signal channels.

The series incorporates several features designed to improve electrical connection reliability and electromagnetic compatibility.

Key Features of Hirose DF38 Connectors

• Ultra-fine 0.3 mm contact pitch
• Compact 1.5 mm mated height
• 30, 32 and 40 contact configurations
• Micro coaxial cable termination
• Enhanced shielding and grounding connections
• Multi-point ground contact design
• Four-point mechanical locking structure
• Effective mating length of 0.4 mm
• Nickel barriers to help prevent solder wicking
• Durable metal-shell plug construction
• RoHS-compliant and halogen-free materials

The metal shells on the plug and receptacle connect through multiple grounding contact points to provide improved shielding performance.

A four-point locking structure helps maintain a secure mechanical connection during operation.

These characteristics make the DF38 Series suitable for compact camera systems, drones, imaging equipment, and other electronic devices requiring high-density micro coaxial connections.

2. Hirose DF38 Series Connector Models and Part Numbers

The Hirose DF38 Series includes several plug configurations, PCB receptacles, and separate metal cover components.

For custom micro coaxial cable assembly manufacturing, the most important components are the fine coaxial cable plugs.

2.1 DF38B-30P-0.3SD Micro Coaxial Cable Plug

Part Number: DF38B-30P-0.3SD

The DF38B-30P-0.3SD is a 30-contact micro coaxial cable plug designed for compact cable-to-board connections.

It is suitable for custom 30-channel micro coaxial cable assemblies where space-saving construction and reliable grounding are important.

Typical manufacturing options include:

• 30-contact micro coaxial cable termination
• 42–46 AWG compatible micro coaxial cables
• Custom overall cable length
• Customer-defined pin mapping
• Shield and grounding configuration
• Custom opposite-end connector
• Protective cable wrapping or sleeving

2.2 DF38-32P-0.3SD Micro Coaxial Cable Plug

Part Number: DF38-32P-0.3SD

The DF38-32P-0.3SD is a 32-contact fine coaxial cable plug.

It is designed for applications requiring a compact 32-channel connection between a PCB and a micro coaxial cable assembly.

Its 0.3 mm contact pitch allows multiple signal channels to be integrated into a small connector footprint.

Custom cable assembly options include:

• 32-position micro coaxial cable harness
• 42 AWG, 44 AWG and 46 AWG cable options
• Customized cable length
• Pin-to-pin wiring configuration
• Shielding and grounding arrangements
• Custom opposite-end termination

The DF38-32P is particularly relevant for compact electronic systems, imaging devices, and drone camera interconnections.

2.3 DF38-40P-0.3SD Micro Coaxial Cable Plug

Part Number: DF38-40P-0.3SD

The DF38-40P-0.3SD is a 40-contact micro coaxial cable plug designed for higher-density signal connections.

It supports compact multi-channel cable assemblies where installation space and conductor routing are important considerations.

PrecisionCoax can evaluate custom DF38-40P cable assemblies with:

• 40-contact micro coaxial cable termination
• Compatible 42–46 AWG micro coaxial wires
• Custom cable length and tolerance
• Customer-specified pin mapping
• Shield and ground termination
• Customized opposite-end connectors
• Protective sleeving and cable wrapping

3. DF38 Series PCB Receptacles

In addition to the cable plugs, the DF38 Series includes matching PCB-mounted receptacles.

These components are mounted directly onto printed circuit boards and provide the mating interface for DF38 micro coaxial cable plugs.

The main receptacle models include:

These receptacles are used in electronic equipment requiring compact board-to-cable connections.

DF38 Receptacle Applications

• Drone camera PCB connections
• Industrial imaging equipment
• Compact display electronics
• Embedded computing devices
• High-density electronic control boards
• Miniature camera modules

Important: DF38A receptacles are PCB-mounted components, not cable-terminated connectors. The matching plug and receptacle must be selected according to the official Hirose mating specifications.

4. DF38 Metal Cover and Assembly Accessories

The DF38 micro coaxial cable plug requires a separate metal cover for cable assembly.

The metal cover is an important component of the finished connector structure and should be included when planning a complete DF38 cable assembly.

Common metal cover part numbers include:

These metal covers are used during the assembly of the fine coaxial cable plug.

The cable shield, grounding structure, and metal cover must be properly assembled according to the manufacturer's termination recommendations.

5. DF38 Series Connector Part Number Reference

The following table summarizes the main DF38 connector models and associated components.

Additional DF38 variants include:

• DF38-30P-0.3SD(51): 30-contact plug with embossed tape packaging specification.
• DF38-32P-0.3SD(51): 32-contact plug with embossed tape packaging specification.
• DF38-40P-0.3SD(51): 40-contact plug with embossed tape packaging specification.
• DF38AJ series: receptacle configuration for plug conductivity testing.
• DF38J series: plug configuration for receptacle conductivity testing.

The DF38J and DF38AJ test configurations are intended for connector inspection applications rather than ordinary production cable-to-board connections.

Packaging suffixes such as (51) are ordering and packaging designations, not different contact configurations.

6. DF38 Micro Coaxial Cable Specifications

The DF38 Series is designed for fine coaxial cable termination.

Selecting the appropriate micro coaxial cable is essential for reliable connector assembly, signal transmission, and mechanical performance.

Compatible Micro Coaxial Wire Sizes

The Hirose DF38 Series specifies compatible micro coaxial cable sizes from 42 AWG to 46 AWG.

The final cable selection should consider the cable's outside diameter, dielectric thickness, conductor structure, shielding construction, and termination requirements.

The connector manufacturer's recommended cable preparation dimensions must also be followed.

Cable Preparation Requirements

The DF38 Series uses an extremely fine termination structure.

Important cable preparation considerations include:

• Inner conductor pre-soldering
• Accurate insulation stripping
• Outer shield preparation without protrusion
• Correct ground bar positioning
• Laminated tape preparation
• Consistent conductor spacing
• Accurate cable alignment during termination

The cable jacket diameter is specified at a maximum of 0.3 mm in the recommended preparation drawing.

Because of the 0.3 mm contact pitch, cable preparation and soldering require precise manufacturing processes.

7. Hirose DF38 Series Technical Specifications

The following table summarizes important technical characteristics of the DF38 connector family.

Current Rating by Wire Gauge

According to the Hirose DF38 technical catalog:

These are connector ratings under the manufacturer's specified test conditions. Actual finished cable assembly performance depends on the complete electrical and thermal design.

8. Custom Hirose DF38 Micro Coaxial Cable Assembly Manufacturing

PrecisionCoax provides custom micro coaxial cable assembly manufacturing services using compatible Hirose DF38 connectors.

Our manufacturing services are designed for customers requiring fine-pitch cable assemblies, customized wiring configurations, and compact electronic interconnections.

8.1 Custom Cable Length

We manufacture DF38 micro coaxial cable assemblies according to customer-specified cable lengths.

Available configurations can be evaluated based on:

• Overall cable length
• Cable routing requirements
• Individual wire length
• Cable bending radius
• Installation space
• Mechanical tolerance

8.2 Custom Pin Mapping

We support customer-defined pin assignments and wiring configurations.

Possible configurations include:

• 1:1 pin mapping
• Custom signal assignment
• Ground wire allocation
• Mixed signal and ground configurations
• Customized opposite-end connector mapping

All pin assignments are checked against the approved wiring diagram before production.

8.3 Custom Micro Coaxial Cable Selection

Depending on the project requirements, we can evaluate suitable 42 AWG, 44 AWG and 46 AWG micro coaxial cable specifications.

Cable selection can consider:

• Characteristic impedance
• Conductor material
• Dielectric material
• Shielding structure
• Outer diameter
• Flexibility
• Operating temperature
• Electrical transmission requirements

8.4 Shielding and Grounding

The DF38 connector incorporates metal shielding and multi-point grounding features.

The cable assembly must be manufactured with an appropriate shield termination and grounding structure to maintain the intended EMI protection.

8.5 Custom Opposite-End Connectors

A DF38 cable assembly can be designed with different connector configurations at the opposite end.

Depending on the application, possible combinations include:

• DF38 to another micro coaxial connector
• DF38 to a different fine-pitch connector
• DF38 to a custom cable termination
• DF38 to a compatible PCB-side interconnection

The final configuration depends on electrical requirements, mechanical compatibility and customer drawings.

9. DF38 Cable Assembly Applications

The compact structure of Hirose DF38 connectors makes them suitable for electronic equipment requiring high-density micro coaxial cable connections.

Drone and UAV Camera Systems

DF38 connectors are particularly relevant to compact drone electronics and camera systems.

Applications may include:

• UAV camera signal cables
• Drone imaging interconnections
• Gimbal camera cable assemblies
• Compact video transmission harnesses
• Internal micro coaxial connections

Industrial Camera and Machine Vision

Industrial imaging equipment often requires compact signal cables connecting camera modules with image-processing boards.

DF38 micro coaxial assemblies can be evaluated for:

• Machine vision cameras
• Industrial imaging modules
• Compact optical systems
• High-density image signal connections

LCD and Display Electronics

DF38 connectors can be used in compact display-related electronics requiring multiple fine coaxial signal channels.

Potential applications include:

• LCD module internal connections
• Embedded display electronics
• Compact display controller boards
• High-density signal interconnections

Medical Imaging Equipment

Fine micro coaxial cable assemblies can be evaluated for compact medical imaging equipment and specialized electronic modules.

Applications may include imaging control electronics, miniature camera systems and internal signal connections.

Final suitability must be confirmed against the equipment's electrical, mechanical and regulatory requirements.

Embedded Computing and Electronic Devices

DF38 cable assemblies can also be considered for embedded computing platforms, compact electronic devices and specialized control systems where PCB space is limited.

10. DF38 Micro Coaxial Cable Assembly Quality Control

Manufacturing DF38 cable assemblies requires precise handling because of the extremely small contact spacing and fine coaxial conductors.

PrecisionCoax can provide quality inspection according to customer requirements.

Our inspection procedures may include:

Connector Inspection

• Part number verification
• Connector orientation
• Contact condition
• Metal cover installation

Cable Inspection

• Cable length measurement
• Wire gauge verification
• Cable routing inspection
• Outer jacket condition

Electrical Testing

• Pin-to-pin continuity testing
• Short-circuit testing
• Wiring and pin mapping verification
• Shield continuity testing
• Ground connection inspection
• Insulation testing when specified and appropriate

Assembly Inspection

• Solder joint visual inspection
• Cable preparation inspection
• Connector locking inspection
• Overall dimensional inspection

For high-speed signal applications, additional electrical performance tests can be specified according to the project requirements.

11. How to Order a Custom DF38 Cable Assembly

To receive a quotation for a custom Hirose DF38 micro coaxial cable assembly, please provide the following information:

1. Hirose connector model: DF38B-30P, DF38-32P or DF38-40P.
2. Opposite-end connector model.
3. Required cable length.
4. Micro coaxial cable specification: 42 AWG, 44 AWG or 46 AWG.
5. Pin mapping or wiring diagram.
6. Grounding and shielding requirements.
7. Required quantity.
8. Assembly drawing or reference sample, if available.

If you only have the connector part number and cable length, our engineering team can review the available information and discuss the remaining technical requirements.

We support prototype development and production orders according to approved specifications and component availability.

12. Frequently Asked Questions About Hirose DF38 Cable Assemblies

What is a Hirose DF38 cable assembly?

A Hirose DF38 cable assembly is a custom micro coaxial cable harness using a DF38 Series plug connected to a matching PCB receptacle or another compatible termination.

It is designed for compact electronic equipment requiring high-density signal connections.

What is the pitch of the Hirose DF38 connector?

The Hirose DF38 Series has a 0.3 mm contact pitch and a 1.5 mm mated height.

How many pins are available in the DF38 Series?

The DF38 Series includes 30-pin, 32-pin and 40-pin configurations.

What is the difference between DF38B-30P and DF38-32P?

DF38B-30P-0.3SD is a 30-contact micro coaxial cable plug, while DF38-32P-0.3SD is a 32-contact version.

Both are designed for fine coaxial cable termination.

What is the difference between DF38-32P-0.3SD and DF38-40P-0.3SD?

The main difference is the number of contacts.

DF38-32P has 32 contacts, while DF38-40P has 40 contacts. Both feature a 0.3 mm contact pitch.

What AWG micro coaxial cable is compatible with DF38 connectors?

The DF38 Series supports compatible 42 AWG, 44 AWG and 46 AWG micro coaxial cables.

The actual cable outside diameter and construction must meet the manufacturer's termination requirements.

Does the DF38 plug require a separate metal cover?

Yes. The DF38 fine coaxial cable plug requires a separate metal cover for assembly.

The appropriate cover should be selected according to the connector contact count.

What is the difference between DF38P and DF38A?

DF38P refers to the cable-side plug, while DF38A refers to the PCB-mounted receptacle.

The plug terminates the micro coaxial cable, and the receptacle is soldered onto the printed circuit board.

Can DF38 connectors be used for drone camera cables?

Yes. Hirose identifies drone applications for the DF38 Series. Its compact size and micro coaxial cable interface make it suitable for evaluating drone camera and internal imaging connections.

Can you manufacture custom DF38-32P-0.3SD cable assemblies?

Yes. PrecisionCoax can evaluate custom DF38-32P-0.3SD micro coaxial cable assemblies according to cable length, wire specifications, pin mapping, opposite-end connector and production quantity.

Can you manufacture DF38-40P-0.3SD cable assemblies?

Yes. We provide custom cable assembly manufacturing services and can review DF38-40P-0.3SD projects based on engineering drawings and technical requirements.

Can you provide DF38 cable assembly prototypes?

Prototype manufacturing can be evaluated according to connector availability, cable specifications, assembly complexity and required quantity.

13. Request a Custom Hirose DF38 Cable Assembly Quotation