1. Two Different Connector Ecosystems
HSC/HSL and FAKRA may all appear in automotive camera-related cable assemblies, but they are fundamentally different connector ecosystems. FAKRA is a coaxial RF connector designed for antenna feeds and adapted for some camera applications. HSC and HSL are compact digital data connector systems designed for high-speed serial links — LVDS, USB, GVIF, and camera interfaces.
The most important thing to understand: these connectors are not interchangeable. An HSC plug will not fit into a FAKRA receptacle. A FAKRA cable cannot be substituted for an HSL cable. The correct connector is determined by the mating interface on the ECU, camera module, or display — not by choice.
All trademarks and connector names are used for identification only. Veycord is not affiliated with the original connector manufacturers.
2. FAKRA: 50 Ω RF Coaxial Connector
FAKRA is a standardized automotive RF connector under DIN 72594-1 and USCAR-17/18. It features:
- Coaxial structure: Center pin (signal) + outer shell (ground/shield) — a true 50 Ω RF coaxial interface
- 14 color-coded mechanical codes (A-Z): Each code has a unique internal keying geometry
- Snap-on secondary locking: Prevents accidental disconnection under vibration
- Primary applications: GPS, AM/FM, DAB, satellite radio, cellular antennas, and some analog/digital camera links
- Frequency range: DC to 6 GHz (standard variants)
When you look into a FAKRA connector, you see a single center pin surrounded by the outer shell — the classic coaxial connector appearance. This is the easiest way to visually distinguish FAKRA from HSC/HSL connectors.
3. HSC / HSL: Shielded High-Speed Data Connectors
HSC (Amphenol) and HSL (TE Connectivity) are compact shielded high-speed data connector systems. Unlike FAKRA's coaxial design, these connectors typically use:
- 0.50mm pitch terminals: Small square or blade terminals — not a coaxial center pin
- Multiple contact positions: Pin count varies by part number (4-position is common, others exist)
- Mechanical coding/keying: Color-coded or mechanically keyed housings to prevent mismating
- Supported protocols: LVDS, USB 2.0, GVIF, IEEE 1394, digital camera serial links — depending on the specific connector series and vehicle platform
When you look into an HSC or HSL connector, you see multiple small terminals arranged in rows — not a single center pin. This is the key visual difference from FAKRA.
4. Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | FAKRA | HSC (Amphenol) | HSL (TE Connectivity) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplier | Standardized under DIN 72594-1; available from multiple connector manufacturers | Amphenol | TE Connectivity |
| Connector type | 50 Ω RF coaxial | 0.50mm shielded data interconnect | 0.50mm shielded data interconnect |
| Terminal system | Center pin + outer shell | 0.50mm square terminals | 0.50mm pitch terminals |
| Typical applications | GPS, AM/FM, cellular, satellite radio; some camera links | LVDS camera, USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 | USB 2.0, LVDS, GVIF, camera, display |
| Coding options | 14 standard codes (specific letters, not A-Z) | Mechanical keying — varies by series | Up to 6 color-coded |
| Visual ID | Single center pin visible | Multiple small terminals visible | Multiple small terminals visible |
5. How to Identify Which Connector You Have
- Look into the mating face: A single center pin = FAKRA (coaxial). Multiple small terminals = HSC or HSL (data connector).
- Find the part number: Molded into the connector housing. Compare against the supplier datasheet (FAKRA supplier datasheet, Amphenol for HSC, TE for HSL).
- Check the color/mechanical coding: FAKRA has 14 standard color codes (not A through Z — only 14 specific letter codes are defined). HSL has up to 6 color codes. HSC coding varies by series — check the supplier datasheet.
- When in doubt, send us a photo: A clear photo of the connector face and any housing markings allows us to identify it and confirm availability.
6. When to Request an Adapter Cable (and When Not To)
An adapter cable connects two different connector families — for example, HSC on one end and FAKRA on the other. These are sometimes needed in legacy system integration, but come with trade-offs:
- Each additional connector adds insertion loss and creates an impedance discontinuity in the signal path
- Adapter cables are a workaround, not a design target — if you are designing a new system, match the connectors end-to-end
- For replacement or service applications, an adapter cable may be the only practical solution when the ECU and camera have different connector families
To request an adapter cable, provide the exact part numbers for both connectors, the pin assignment for each end, the signal type, and the application. We will evaluate feasibility and provide a recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are HSC and FAKRA the same type of connector?
A: No. FAKRA is a 50 Ω RF coaxial connector (center pin + shell). HSC/HSL are shielded high-speed data connectors with 0.50mm terminals. Different ecosystems, different interfaces, not intermateable.
Q: Can I use an HSC cable in place of FAKRA?
A: No. Different mechanical interfaces. An adapter cable is technically possible but adds insertion loss. Better to match the connector to the mating interface on the ECU or camera module.
Q: Which is better for cameras?
A: Neither is universally better. The correct connector is determined by the mating interface on your camera module or ECU. Match the connector to the device — do not choose a connector and then try to find a matching device.
Q: How do I tell if it is HSC, HSL, or FAKRA?
A: Look into the connector. Single center pin = FAKRA. Multiple small terminals = HSC or HSL. Check the part number on the housing. When in doubt, send us a photo for identification.
Q: Can you make adapter cables?
A: Case-by-case evaluation. We need the exact part numbers for both connectors, pin assignment, signal type, and application. Adapter cables add insertion loss and impedance discontinuities. Adapter feasibility also depends on the signal type and impedance requirement. Use only when there is no alternative.
What to Send for an HSC / HSL / FAKRA Cable Assembly Quote
Provide the connector part numbers (both ends), pin assignment or sample cable, signal type, cable type and length, installation zone, and test requirements.
For a detailed specification checklist, see HSC / HSL Camera Cable Assemblies for Surround View Systems.
Not Sure Which Connector You Need?
Send us a photo of the mating connector face, any housing markings, and the application details. We can help identify the connector and recommend the correct cable assembly.
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