In Episode 18 of No Dumb Questions, we explain the concept of “picks” in braided cables and how they influence overall cable performance.
“Picks” (sometimes spelled “pics”) refer to the crossover points in a braided cable where individual wire strands or carriers intersect. These are quantified in picks per inch (p/i), which is determined by counting the number of crossover points within one linear inch of the braid.
The picks per inch measurement directly affects a cable’s mechanical and electrical characteristics. A higher p/i generally results in a denser braid. This increased density significantly improves shielding effectiveness against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can also increase the cable’s overall current-carrying capacity, depending on the base materials. When designing a custom cable, engineers carefully determine the optimal picks per inch to balance EMI shielding, mechanical flexibility, and manufacturing cost for the specific application.
Key Technical Takeaways
- Definition: Picks are the physical crossover points where strands or carriers intersect in a braided cable.
- Measurement: Measured in picks per inch (p/i), representing the number of crossovers in a single linear inch.
- EMI Shielding: A higher picks per inch yields a denser braid, which improves protection against electromagnetic interference.
- Current Capacity: Higher braid density can also increase a cable’s current-carrying capacity, alongside material choices.
- Engineering Tradeoffs: Picks per inch must be optimized to balance shielding effectiveness, mechanical flexibility, and overall cost.
We’ve got more! Coming up next, Episode 19: How do you determine bend radius?
Episode 18 Transcript – What are Picks and How are They Measured?
Welcome to No Dumb Questions
Welcome to another episode of there are No Dumb Questions. The only dumb question is the question not asked. Today’s question: What are picks? How are they measured? And how do they affect cable design?
Defining Picks and Picks Per Inch (p/i)
Picks refer to a point in a braid where the carriers or the strand cross over at a given point. These are commonly measured in picks per inch, where you count the number of times that the crossovers happen in a linear inch of the braid.
How Picks Affect EMI Shielding and Current
Picks per inch can affect the braid in many different ways. Shielding effectiveness can be improved with higher density or higher picks per inch, which increases the ability to prevent against EMI or electromagnetic interference.
Current carrying capacity can also be affected by picks per inch. Higher picks per inch usually indicate higher density in the braid, which will increase the current gain capacity. However, materials and braid design also play a big factor in this performance.
Balancing Braid Design Factors
Designers will choose the picks per inch based upon your needs for your application, balancing factors like shielding, effectiveness, flexibility, and cost.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them for you.