TFCAB - ThunderFly Pixhawk Compatible Cabling System
TFCABxxyy01 cables are high-quality silicone cables designed for avionics applications in Pixhawk-based drone systems. These cables ensure reliable connectivity, enhanced mechanical resistance, and reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI). Each cable type follows a structured color-coding scheme to ensure easy identification and reduce connection errors.
Available Cable Variants
ThunderFly offers three main cable types:
- I²C Cables: Used for I²C bus communication.
- UAVCAN Cables: Designed for CAN bus communication.
- UART/TELEM/SERIAL Cables: Used for serial data transmission.
Each cable type is available in different lengths (15 cm, 30 cm, and 45 cm). All cables use JST-GH connectors for robust and secure connections.
I²C Cables
The TFCABxxI2C01 series is optimized for I²C communication, featuring twisted design to minimize internal cross-talk and capacitance. This ensures reliable data transmission in avionics environments.
Specifications
- Lengths: 15 cm, 30 cm, 45 cm
- Connector Type: JST-GH
- Number of Pins: 4
- Designed for: I²C bus
Pinout and Color Coding
| Pin Number | ThunderFly Color | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Red | VCC (5.4V) |
| 2 |  Yellow | SCL |
| 3 |  Green | SDA |
| 4 |  Black | GND |
Cable Twisting
- 10 turns per 30 cm for SCL/VCC and SDA/GND pairs.
- 4 turns per 30 cm for the combined cable.
UAVCAN Cables
The TFCABxxCAN01 series is designed for UAVCAN communication, optimized for EMI resistance through specific cable twisting.
Specifications
- Lengths: 15 cm, 30 cm, 45 cm
- Connector Type: JST-GH
- Number of Pins: 4
- Designed for: CAN bus
Pinout and Color Coding
| Pin Number | ThunderFly Color | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red | VCC (5.4V) |
| 2 |  White | CAN_H |
| 3 | Yellow | CAN_L |
| 4 | Black | GND |
Cable Twisting
- 10 turns per 30 cm for GND/VCC and CAN_L/CAN_H pairs.
- 4 turns per 30 cm for the combined cable.
UART/TELEM/SERIAL Cables
The TFCABxxUART01 series is used for serial communication, connecting autopilots and peripherals. UART cables do not support networking and must be connected directly.
Specifications
- Lengths: 15 cm, 30 cm, 45 cm
- Connector Type: JST-GH
- Number of Pins: 6
- Designed for: Serial (UART, TELEM, etc.)
Pinout and Color Coding
| Pin Number | ThunderFly Color | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red | VCC (5.4V) |
| 2 | White | TX |
| 3 | Green | RX |
| 4 |  Blue | CTS |
| 5 | Yellow | RTS |
| 6 |  Black | GND |
Important Notes
- UART cables should be kept as short as possible to minimize EMI interference.
- Twisting is not recommended for UART cables to prevent increased cross-talk.
- Straight-through wiring: Ensure that RX/TX and RTS/CTS are properly swapped in devices.
Where to Buy
TFCAB cables can be purchased from ThunderFly’s Tindie store or via direct email inquiry at sale@thunderfly.cz.
For additional details, visit the ThunderFly website.