Technical Reference · HIROSE-DF36
Hirose DF36 Compatible Interface
Custom Micro-Coax Cable Assemblies Compatible with Hirose DF36 Connectors
For fine-wire micro-coax programs where the BOM, drawing, or sample already locks the Hirose DF36 connector system
EDPcable manufactures custom micro-coax assemblies for BOMs, drawings, or legacy parts that specify Hirose DF36. Release still requires the full part number and variant, both mating references, pin count, wire gauge, shield and ground definition, vertical-mating clearance, route, and revision. DF36 is a 0.4mm-pitch low-profile family, but DF36 and variants such as DF36A are not assumed interchangeable; moving routes also require a customer-defined bend and motion test plan.
Quick Links
QUICK ACCESSStart with the sections closest to the project structure, interface requirements, and validation scope.
Hirose DF36 Compatible Project Overview
Once a fine-pitch vertical-mating interface like DF36 is locked, review centers on how variant version, pin count, wire gauge, and route space combine — not on whether a micro-coax assembly can be built at all.
| NO | Review Item | Typical Range or Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Typical Interface | Hirose DF36 series (including variants such as DF36A) or the DF-family fine-pitch interface specified in the customer BOM |
| 02 | Series Reference Parameters | 0.4mm pitch, vertical mating, low profile; commonly paired with fine-gauge micro-coax; final values follow the original-maker catalog and the customer drawing |
| 03 | Typical Programs | UAV gimbals, surveillance and action-camera modules, small hinge devices, compact high-speed signal paths |
| 04 | Key Inputs | Full part number and variant, mating side, pin count, wire gauge, shield grounding, bend radius and route space |
| 05 | Boundary Risk | DF36 and variants such as DF36A are not interchangeable by default; vertical mating constrains assembly direction and loading |
| 06 | Release Basis | Customer-confirmed drawing, BOM, sample, mating reference, and version boundary |
Compatibility Review Inputs
Use these items as first-round review inputs so the discussion does not rely on the page label alone.
Provide the full connector series, variant suffix, BOM, or legacy-part photos.
Provide the mating side, pin count, wire gauge, and shield-grounding requirements.
Describe the bend radius, motion pattern, retention points, and local space.
State the project stage, sample quantity, pilot quantity, and target lead time.
For legacy replacement or multi-model platforms, state the applicable version boundary.
Connector Compatibility Boundary
The easiest traps in DF36 projects are variant boundaries and assembly direction: the series name matches, but DF36 and variants such as DF36A differ in structural details, and the vertical-mating structure has its own demands on assembly loading and removal space. The conditions below should be walked through one by one before quotation and sampling.
| NO | Review Item | Why It Matters | Suggested Input |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Full part number and variant | Variants such as DF36 / DF36A differ in structural details and cannot be assumed interchangeable by series name | BOM, drawing, purchasing part number, or clear photos |
| 02 | Mating-side interface | Wire end and board end must be reviewed against the actual mating relationship, and the vertical-mating alignment needs confirmation | Mating connector model, board-side position, or a sample |
| 03 | Pin count and wire gauge | The pin-count and wire-gauge combination drives bundle diameter, flexibility, and the termination process path | Pin count, AWG, signal requirements |
| 04 | Shielding and grounding | Shield handling and grounding on fine-gauge micro-coax directly affect EMI behaviour | Shield structure, grounding-point definition, system-level EMC conditions |
| 05 | Bending and route space | Repeated bending and twisting in gimbal and hinge scenes decide cable structure and life expectations | Bend radius, motion pattern, route sketch or 3D space |
| 06 | Version boundary | When several models share one series, define which versions the sample represents | Platform versions, replacement scope, legacy-part differences |
Customer Pain Points
Connector-led micro-coax projects tend to run into the same pain points. The early confirmations below keep them from surfacing after sampling.
| NO | Customer Pain Point | Risk from the Connector-Model View | Confirm Early |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Product design issues | The series name is locked but the variant or mating does not match, so the sample cannot fit the hinge space | Full part number, mating side, route space |
| 02 | Product quality issues | Termination and shield handling drift in bending scenes and intermittent signal faults appear in volume | Wire gauge, shield-grounding plan, first-article confirmation |
| 03 | After-sales issues | Several models share one series with different variants, and field replacements do not match | Platform versions, batch labels, release records |
Connector-Compatibility Visuals
IMAGES · 01
Non-branded DF36-compatible connector review scene: low-profile micro-coax board connector and fine coaxial cable end beside a separate mating-reference connector and a digital caliper
Hirose DF36 Compatibility Matrix
DF36 selection is bounded by Hirose's exact plug, receptacle, position count, micro-coax range, mating geometry, and handling instructions. Series-level values are screened again at the chosen part number.
| NO | DF36 Field | Manufacturer Series Data | Harness Release Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Contact pitch | 0.4 mm vertical-mating micro-coax family | Confirm exact DF36 suffix |
| 02 | Positions | 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, or 50 options | Select one complete mating pair |
| 03 | Cable range | AWG 42 through AWG 46 listed by series | Verify wire against plug specification |
| 04 | Mated geometry | Standard and space-saving depths share family branding | Check exact height and enclosure depth |
| 05 | Rated current | Series page lists 0.25 A | Apply only to specified contact and conditions |
| 06 | Mating life | Series page lists 30 cycles | Do not convert to harness flex life |
| 07 | Shield structure | Metal shell and series grounding features | Define shell and ground-contact termination |
| 08 | Application review | Medical and other high-reliability uses require Hirose consultation | Record supplier review when applicable |
First-Party Engineering References
- Hirose DF36 official series page
Primary source for DF36 pitch, positions, cable range, geometry, ratings, handling documents, and P/N list.
DF36 Assembly Failure-Mode Review
The highest DF36 risk is assuming that any plug, receptacle, wire size, or depth within the series can be mixed. The exact mating pair governs tooling and installation.
| NO | Failure Mode | DF36-Specific Cause | Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Mating incompatibility | Standard and space-saving variants are mixed | Verify manufacturer mating relationship |
| 02 | Wire termination damage | AWG or construction falls outside selected plug data | Approve exact cable before termination |
| 03 | Enclosure interference | Mated depth or removal path was not modeled | Check installed height and extraction clearance |
| 04 | Shell ground discontinuity | Ground spring or shell path differs by variant | Release variant-specific grounding detail |
| 05 | Cable pull damage | Connector is unmated by pulling micro-coax wires | Follow Hirose handling method |
| 06 | Rating misuse | A series current or temperature rating is treated as a finished-assembly guarantee | Bind each rating to the exact part number, BOM, and test condition |
DF36 Harness Verification Plan
Verification preserves Hirose component identity while proving the supplier-terminated cable, pin map, shell treatment, installed clearance, and project channel.
| NO | Verification | Method | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Part identity | Match DF36 plug, receptacle, suffix, and positions | Incoming and BOM record |
| 02 | Cable compatibility | Compare AWG and construction with plug specification | Approved termination matrix |
| 03 | Termination | Magnified conductor, dielectric, shield, and solder review | First-article inspection |
| 04 | Pin mapping | Continuity and shorts against released assignment | Electrical test file |
| 05 | Mating and lock | Mate to approved receptacle without cable pulling | Functional fit record |
| 06 | Installed geometry | Check depth, exit, bend, and removal access | Device-fit approval |
| 07 | Channel performance | Test the exact DF36 pair, cable BOM, pin map, and length using the agreed channel or system method | Record protocol or mode, fixture or endpoints, reference planes, environment, sample scope, result, and acceptance criteria |
Engineering Capability
Engineering review fixes the DF36 variant, mating, route, and motion boundary before release.
Engineering Capability
Confirm full part numbers, variant, mating side, vertical assembly direction, and removal clearance rather than relying on the DF36 name.
For moving routes, define bend radius, motion path, retention, fixture, cycle target, monitored circuits, and failure criteria before testing.
For legacy or multi-model programs, identify which connector and platform revisions each approved sample represents.
Quality and Verification Highlights
Inspect termination, shield and ground handling, connector alignment, and route geometry against the released drawing.
Flex results apply only to the specified bend radius, motion, fixture, cycle count, monitored circuits, and sample scope.
First-article, inspection, and batch records trace to the same complete part reference and revision.
Evidence Chain
Variant and mating confirmation records
Fix the full connector reference, mating side, and current version boundary as the sample-review basis.
Route and structure review records
Record wire gauge, shielding, bend zones, and motion conditions so samples stay aligned with the installed environment.
Sample and batch tracing
Keep sample confirmation, shipment labels, and batch files pointed at the same released version.
Files, Records, and Brand Boundary
Credibility in a DF36-compatible project comes from traceable drawings, samples, and version records — not from unverified brand-authorization wording.
Connector reference records
The customer-specified series, variant, and mating relationship are recorded for later repeat orders.
Sample confirmation and inspection records
Sample confirmation plus appearance, continuity, and key-dimension checks correspond to the current version.
Batch labels and shipment files
Batch labels, carton marks, packing details, and agreed accompanying documents are supported.
Brand boundary note
Hirose and DF36 identify the customer-specified interface family only; EDPcable does not claim to be Hirose's agent, authorized assembler, or official partner.
Certifications / Records Visuals
IMAGES · 04
Micro-coaxial assembly document-control scene with records and labels secondary to the harness
Micro-coaxial controlled record scene with compact harness sample foreground and document support
Micro-coaxial batch traceability archive with fine connector lot labels and cable sample visible
Micro-coaxial released-sample approval folder beside shielded harness and compact module mockup
FAQ
Can you build micro-coax cable assemblies compatible with Hirose DF36 connectors?
Yes, after the full part number, variant, mating side, pin count, wire gauge, shield and ground plan, route, and revision are confirmed. Compatible manufacturing does not imply Hirose authorization.
Are DF36 and DF36A interchangeable?
Not by default. Confirm structural and mating differences from the full part number, original-maker catalog, board interface, and customer drawing.
How is this page different from the 0.25mm Pitch micro-coax page?
Use this page when DF36 part numbers and variant mating are fixed. Use the 0.25mm page while pitch, wire gauge, or connector family is still being selected.
What should we prepare early for repeated-bending scenes like gimbals and hinges?
Provide the motion path, bend radius, speed, cycle target, retention points, test fixture, environment, monitored circuits, and failure criteria.
Can you supply original-maker connectors or authorization files?
No Hirose authorization or agency claim is made. Original-part requirements belong in the BOM; delivery follows the confirmed materials and drawings.
Trademark and Brand Notice
Hirose is a trademark of Hirose Electric Co., Ltd.; DF36 identifies its connector series. EDPcable independently manufactures compatible cable assemblies and claims no agency, authorization, distribution, or official cooperation. Compatibility and delivery follow the complete part numbers, customer-approved drawings, materials, samples, and revision boundaries.