Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2026
From: Michael Rangen
Subject: Re: MIST interface status

Hi Dan,
I've explored a few options since my last email.
 *  Display port
     +  The latching feature is attractive
     +  Industry standard, easy to get
     +  4x differential signalling lines, could all be sent in one direction
        from MIST to DK
     +  Ultimately too big
 *  USB-C 3.0 full spec
     +  probably small enough
     +  cables are very vendor dependent...
         o 
            https://global.lttstore.com/products/ltt-truespec-cable-usb-type-c-to-c
         o 
            https://voyager.lumafield.com/project/94fca565-4370-49d8-a5de-797de7c1c188
     +  well made cables have 8 coaxial lines for 4x differential signal lanes
     +  doesn't have a latching feature

I considered your reluctance for IDC cables, I agree they're imperfect.

image.png

But I do like the way the conductors are at least kept at a constant
spacing, because the cable is unified.

image.png

You have a good point that individually crimped or soldered wires
would be more reliable than IDC, but I don't like the way the cables
can spread apart.

image.png

I know there's be reluctance for flat flex cables, but the Molex
Easy-On product line seems to have addressed those issues.
 *  Latching connectors with push-button release
 *  No insulation displacement, crimping, or soldering required - just gold
    contacts from the FFC cable to the gold contacts inside the connector
 *  Very low height
 *  I have experience designing extremely large flex pcbs, so a custom cable is
    not unreasonable for me

This product video really sold me on this being a viable option,
please check it out.

https://www.digikey.com/api/videos/videoplayer/smallplayer/6238282475001?hidebanner=true

image.png

Digikey Part:

https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/molex/2004850430/13591586

I've added it to my design so you can see it in comparison to the
other parts.

image.png

image.png
image.png

Please let me know if you think this would be acceptable.

Thanks,
Mike