A Good RFQ Produces a Better Design and Quotation

A custom USB-C to Pogo Pin cable is not defined by connector names alone. The supplier needs to understand the device, mating structure, electrical system, installation space, user workflow and validation requirements.

Providing the correct information at the beginning reduces repeated questions, shortens drawing confirmation and makes the quotation more accurate.

1. Describe the Product and Application

Explain what the end product is and how the connection will be used. For example:

• barcode scanner charging and data dock;
• rugged tablet workstation;
• portable medical or diagnostic device;
• POS terminal or payment accessory;
• wearable charging and synchronization module;
• industrial controller or programming fixture.

State whether the connector is internal or external, who will operate it, how often it will be docked and whether the environment includes vibration, dust, moisture, cleaning or temperature variation.

2. Provide Mechanical Information

The most useful inputs are:

• 2D drawing with critical dimensions;
• 3D model or STEP file;
• device sample or reference photo;
• available installation envelope;
• connector location and mating direction;
• permitted cable or FPC routing path;
• housing material and fixing method;
• required magnetic alignment or mechanical guide;
• target working stroke and tolerance information when known.

If the design is not finished, provide the available space and intended user action. Goochain can propose a preliminary connector concept for review.

3. Define Data Requirements

Do not write only “USB-C.” Confirm:

• USB 2.0, USB 5Gbps or USB 10Gbps requirement;
• host and device connector/controller capability;
• whether data and charging operate simultaneously;
• typical file size and transfer workflow;
• cable length or FPC path;
• any firmware, diagnostic, video or image-transfer needs;
• whether the project requires throughput testing, eye-diagram measurements or other validation.

For high-speed projects, review whether a round cable or FPC is more suitable and freeze the major channel geometry before final validation.

4. Define Power Requirements Separately

Provide the required input voltage, normal current, peak current, charging protocol if applicable, thermal limits and power-pin allocation. Data rate and charging capability are separate specifications.

If USB Power Delivery is required, state the required profiles and system architecture. Do not assume that a Type-C connector or a 10Gbps data path automatically provides a specific charging wattage.

5. Provide the Pinout or Signal List

List every required function, including:

• high-speed USB pairs;
• USB 2.0 signals when used;
• power and ground;
• identification, detection or control signals;
• UART, CAN, RS232, RS485 or other project-specific interfaces;
• reserved contacts.

Goochain can assist with the physical Pogo Pin arrangement, but the customer or system owner should confirm the device-level electrical definition.

6. Choose Round Cable or FPC

Use a round cable for external movement, longer routing and conventional strain relief. Use FPC for thin structures, defined internal routing and compact integration.

Current Goochain options include a USB-C to 16-pin magnetic Pogo Pin round cable and a USB-C to Pogo Pin FPC cable. The final choice should follow the mechanical and electrical review.

7. Define Materials and Appearance

Specify any requirements for:

• cable jacket material, color and flexibility;
• cable outer diameter;
• FPC outline, layer construction and reinforcement;
• connector housing material and color;
• contact plating requirement;
• magnet arrangement;
• overmold and strain relief;
• logo, label and packaging.

Material requirements should reflect the application. Medical, industrial, retail and consumer products may have different cleaning, flexibility, wear and documentation needs.

8. Define Testing and Acceptance Criteria

Agree on what will be tested and how the result will be accepted. Possible items include:

• dimensions and appearance;
• continuity, short circuit and contact mapping;
• charging voltage/current and temperature;
• USB enumeration and sustained data transfer;
• high-speed signal measurements when required;
• mating, alignment and pull/release behavior;
• cable flex, strain relief or FPC bend checks;
• environmental or reliability tests;
• sample report, inspection report or project-specific records.

The test configuration should identify the host, device, sample revision, cable length and fixture.

9. Provide Quantity and Project Timing

State the prototype quantity, expected pilot quantity, annual forecast and target schedule. Tooling, materials, validation and production planning depend on the expected volume and design maturity.

If the project is still exploratory, say so. A concept evaluation has different deliverables from a production-ready RFQ.

Recommended RFQ Template

Goochain Development Flow

1. Requirement and drawing review
2. Connector and cable/FPC proposal
3. Pinout and drawing confirmation
4. Prototype and mechanical fit check
5. Charging and data validation
6. Revision closure and pilot build
7. Production controls and mass production

Conclusion

A complete RFQ allows the engineering team to evaluate mechanical fit, electrical performance, validation and production at the same time. For a custom high-speed project, send the available drawing, pinout, data and power requirements, installation space and quantity.

Goochain can then propose a custom high-speed Pogo Pin connector solution and a development plan appropriate for the device.

CTA: Send Your Drawing and RFQ Requirements