Abstract: Optimization of electromagnetic characteristics of the second generation high-temperature superconducting yttrium barium copper oxide(YBCO) tape in the energized conductors of stacked degaussing cables was investigated. An electromagnetic model was constructed based on Maxwell's classical electromagnetic theory, and the relevant parameters were input on the simulation platform. By inputting relevant parameters into the simulation platform, the influence of tape arrangement and electromagnetic structure on the cable's current-carrying performance was analyzed using magnetic field distribution cloud diagrams and cross-sectional views of magnetic flux density modulus. The magnetic field distribution characteristics of two typical stacking configurations, parallel and staggered, were compared through simulation. The advantages of the staggered stacking arrangement were validated against experimental data, confirming the reliability of the simulation model. Subsequently, a staggered stacking conductor structure was adopted, and multiple layers of superconducting tapes were wound to further enhance the critical current of the high-temperature superconducting degaussing cable. After optimization, the critical current of the cable increased from 3.7 kA to 4.2 kA, representing a 13.5% improvement. The research results could provide a theoretical foundation and a technical pathway for engineering design of YBCO-based degaussing cables.