Abstract: Superconducting cable is a revolutionary technology in the field of power transmission, in order to make use of the superior performance of the second-generation high-temperature superconductor rare earth barium copper oxygen strip to manufacture high-current cables that can achieve high current carrying capacity and high efficiency in long-distance transmission, high-temperature superconducting cables of different configurations are studied. In this paper, the structural characteristics of typical high-temperature superconducting cables are systematically sorted out, and their topological design, electromagnetic characteristics and manufacturing process are systematically compared and reviewed. It provides valuable reference and guidance for future commercial research such as grid transmission and controlled nuclear fusion.