Starlink 3 Cable

Starlink's third-generation cables are divided into two major categories: Standard third-generation cables (Gen 3 Standard Cable) and Mini third-generation cables (Gen 3 Mini Cable). The core difference lies in the power supply protocol and functional positioning: The standard cable uses the PoE protocol to simultaneously transmit data and power, while the Mini cable focuses solely on DC power transmission (without data function). The following is the detailed working principle:
I. Working Principle of Standard Third-Generation Cable (Gen 3 Standard
1.1 Core Architecture and Transmission Mechanism
The Standard third-generation cable is a composite cable with an RJ45 interface anda proprietary PoE power supply protocol. It achieves parallel data and power transmission through 8-core twisted-pair cables and serves as the core connection link between the third-generation standard starlink terminal (Standard V3/REV4) and the router/power adapter.
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Starlink Terminal (phased array antenna) ←RJ45→ Third-generation cable (8-core twisted pair) ←RJ45→ Power adapter/third-generation router
↓ ↓ ↓
48V power input +2 pairs of data transmission power, 2 pairs of data transmission 48V power conversion +2.5Gbps data exchange
1.2 Key Technical Details
PoE power supply mechanism
It adopts the proprietary 48V PoE protocol (a non-universal PoE + standard) to provide a stable 65W (48V/1.3A) power supply
Power is transmitted through twisted-pair 1-2/3-6 wire pairs, optimizing line loss and adapting to long-distance deployment
It is equipped with built-in overcurrent/overvoltage/short-circuit protection to prevent power fluctuations from damaging the terminal
Principle of Data Transmission
The remaining 4-5/7-8 pairs transmit 2.5Gbps high-speed data (Cat6 standard), meeting the peak download requirement of 475Mbps for Starlink
Support automatic negotiation to adapt to the best data rate between the terminal and the router
The multi-layer shielding design reduces electromagnetic interference and ensures signal stability
Plug-and-play process
After the cable is connected, the terminal and the power adapter automatically complete the PoE protocol handshake
Negotiate power supply capacity (65W standard) and data rate (2.5Gbps)
The terminal starts the power management module and begins to work normally
The data link is established synchronously to achieve bidirectional transmission between satellite signals and routers
Ii. Working Principle of Mini 3 Mini Cable (Gen 3 Mini
The Mini third-generation cables are divided into two types: DC-TYC Type (Type-C to DC5521) and DC-DC type (dual DC5521 interface). Both only transmit power and have no data function (data is independently transmitted by antenna Wi-Fi).
2.1 Working Principle of DC-TYC Type (Type-C to DC5521
It is powered by the PD protocol and is compatible with portable PD power supplies (such as USB-C chargers and power banks). The core is to achieve voltage negotiation and stable transmission through the Type-C interface.

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PD power supply (USB-C interface) → Type-C male connector → 18AWG copper core → DC5521 female connector → Mini Starlink terminal
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
The PD protocol handshake +20V output low-loss power transmission interface converts 20V/5A(100W) power input to drive the antenna
Key features
PD protocol automatic negotiation: Stably adjust the output voltage of the PD power supply to the 20V required by the Mini terminal
Power transmission only: No data channels, focus on power supply, and reduce conversion losses
Portable compatibility: Supports a 20000mAh PD power bank, suitable for 72 hours or more of outdoor use
2.2 Working Principle of DC-DC Type (Dual DC5521 Interface
It adopts pure DC transmission and is compatible with 12V/24V vehicle batteries, off-grid DC power supplies and other scenarios. The core is direct power transmission + voltage compensation.
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Dc power supply (12V/24V) → DC5521 male connector → 18AWG copper core → DC5521 female connector → Mini Starlink terminal
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Boost module (12V→30V/24V→30V) low-loss power transmission interface matches 20V stable power input (after line loss compensation)
Key features
No protocol dependency: Direct transmission of DC power, more stable connection, and no compatibility issues
18AWG thickened copper core: Four times thicker than a regular USB cable (28AWG), with power loss less than 8W at a 10-meter length
Long-distance adaptation: In combination with the boost module, it can achieve stable power supply of over 30m (requiring a 30V boost to compensate for line loss)