IPC/WHMA-A-620: The Gold Standard for Cable and Wire Harness Quality

When you're sourcing or building high-performance cables, quality is essential. That’s where IPC/WHMA-A-620 (often shortened to IPC-620) comes in. The most widely recognized standard for cable and wire harness assemblies, IPC-620 defines exactly what "high quality" means in this industry.

Whether you're working with SlimSAS, HD MiniSAS, MCIO, or custom assemblies, IPC-620 is the benchmark that ensures every cable you touch performs reliably, consistently, and safely.

What Does IPC-620 Cover?

The IPC-620 standard is a collaborative specification from IPC and WHMA (the Wire Harness Manufacturers Association). It outlines the acceptability requirements for cable and wire harness assemblies, including:

• Crimping and soldering standards
• Conductor preparation
• Connector and terminal assembly
• Strain relief and insulation integrity
• Shielding, sleeving, and bundling
• Visual acceptance criteria for Class 1, 2, and 3 builds

It’s not just about appearance—it’s about ensuring that assemblies meet the mechanical, electrical, and environmental demands of your application.

Why IPC-620 Matters in High-Speed Cabling

High-frequency, high-density cables like SFF-8654 SlimSAS, SFF-8644 HD MiniSAS, or MCIO interconnects require precise assembly techniques to maintain signal integrity. Even small deviations—like over-crimped terminals or exposed shielding—can introduce impedance mismatch, EMI, or outright failures.

An IPC-620-certified build ensures:

• Clean, repeatable electrical contact
• Reliable signal performance at high data rates
• Longevity and resistance to field failure
• Consistency across manufacturing runs

IPC-620 Classes: What You Need to Know

• Class 1 (General Electronic Products): Basic functionality, consumer-level quality
• Class 2 (Dedicated Service Products): Used in business or industrial equipment where long life and performance are important
• Class 3 (High Performance / Harsh Environment): Demands the highest level of reliability—used in aerospace, defense, and critical medical systems

At Data Storage Cables, we build to Class 2 and Class 3 IPC-620 standards, depending on the product and application.

Build with Confidence

Whether you’re ordering standard cable assemblies or need a custom harness built to exact specs, IPC-620 certification ensures you’re getting verified workmanship and proven reliability.

Want cables that meet IPC/WHMA-A-620 Class 3 standards? Contact Data Storage Cables to learn more about our high-performance manufacturing process and quality assurance systems.