GORE™ PHASEFLEX® Microwave / RF Test Assemblies

Introduction
Performance and Ruggedization
Cable Description
Connector Options

Introduction

GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assemblies combine the electrical advantages of our expanded PTFE dielectric with an integrated environmental protection system. These ruggedized assemblies provide excellent durability while remaining exceptionally lightweight and flexible and are the cost-effective solution for various general-purpose test applications.

Some of the most popular assembly configurations are available for purchase online.  Non-standard length assemblies are also available. For more information, including lead time for non-standard lengths, please contact us.

All GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assemblies are phase and amplitude stable with flexure, flexible, crush resistant, and torque resistant. Gore also offers versions operating up to 110GHz. Information about standard options operating to 67 GHz is available below.

DC - 67 GHz Assemblies

GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assemblies provide power handling capability with low phase change, which is important in any calibrated system. Phase matching is available for configurations operating from DC to 67 GHz. Replaceable interface options are available on the 18 GHz cable (part number EJ). Off-the-shelf assemblies are available to ship within 48 hours for standard configurations in 24, 36, and 48 in. lengths.

Typical Applications

• Production testing
• Antenna range
• Thermal vacuum chambers
• Long Reach
• High-power testing

GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assemblies are intended for production test applications or applications where the test area is not located in the vicinity of the equipment. GORE PHASEFLEX microwave test assemblies are also well-suited for VNA setups where high-power measurements that use couplers and attenuators are performed.

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Performance and ruggedization

Not all applications require the precision of Gore VNA microwave test assemblies, but phase and amplitude stability are still essential for proper performance. For these types of applications, we offer GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assemblies. They provide accurate and repeatable measurements while limiting time-consuming calibrations between measurements.

Phase stability with flexure

Flexibility

GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assemblies are highly flexible, yet do not suffer from the performance degradation associated with flexing semi-rigid and traditionally designed flexible assemblies. The internally ruggedized design allows for a 1 in. (2.5 cm) minimum bend radius without affecting cable performance. Springback for GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assemblies is virtually zero.

Ruggedization

In testing, we flexed GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assemblies 90°, then reverse-bent them 180°. The stranded center conductor cables performed beyond 100,000 cycles (200,000 bends). The same assemblies were then torqued 50,000 times, 25,000 clockwise applications and 25,000 counterclockwise applications. The assemblies still met specification.

Ruggedized features

• Torque-resistant
• Crush-resistant (250lb/linear inch)
• Tight bend radius (minimum 1 in./2.54 cm)
• Wide temperature range
• Ergonomic strain relief boot
• Stranded center conductor
• Abrasion-resistant
• Chemically inert and resistant
• Lightweight fiber-braided jacket
• High connector-pull strength

Testing

Prior to shipment, we test every GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assembly for return loss, insertion loss, phase stability, and loss stability up to its maximum operating frequency. Our rigorous testing methods simulate worst-case conditions.

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Cable description

GORE™ PHASEFLEX® microwave test assemblies incorporate the patented, internally ruggedized design for DC to 67 GHz applications. An assortment of connectors mate with network analyzer systems and devices under test, providing a mode-free, broadband coaxial measurement link from DC to the maximum frequency. Various standard connector options are listed below.

EJ Microwave test assemblies

• Replaceable interface and adapters as connector options
• Ruggedized 7 mm and precision 3.5 mm connectors
• Mate with the test ports on network analyzers
• Mode-free broadband coaxial measurements to a maximum frequency of 18 GHz
• Standard assembly lengths of 24, 36, and 48 in.
• Custom assembly lengths available with longer lead time

EK Microwave test assemblies

• Precision 3.5 mm connectors
• Mate with the test ports on network analyzers
• Mode-free broadband coaxial measurements to a maximum frequency of 26.5 GHz
• Standard assembly lengths of 24, 36, and 48 in.
• Custom assembly lengths available with longer lead time

EL Microwave test assemblies

• Precision 2.92 mm (K style) connectors
• Mate with the 2.92 mm test port on network analyzers
• Mode-free broadband coaxial measurements to a maximum frequency of 40 GHz
• Standard assembly lengths of 24 and 36 in.
• Custom assembly lengths available with longer lead time

EM Microwave test assemblies

• Precision 2.4 mm connectors
• Mate with the 2.4 mm test port on network analyzers
• Mode-free broadband coaxial measurements to a maximum frequency of 50 GHz
• Standard assembly lengths of 24 and 36 in.
• Custom assembly lengths available with longer lead time

EN Microwave test assemblies

• Precision 1.85 mm (V-style) connectors
• Mate with the 1.85 mm test port of network analyzers
• Mode-free broadband coaxial measurements to a maximum frequency of 67 GHz
• Standard assembly length of 24 in.
• Custom assembly lengths available with longer lead time

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