• Home
• Products
• Industries
• Careers

• About Gore
• Technologies
• Contact Us

• Home / Products / Cables & Cable Assemblies / Microwave - RF Cable Assemblies / Microwave / RF Cable for Test Applications /

VNA Microwave / RF Test Assemblies

Gore's VNA Microwave Test Assemblies provide the ultimate in performance for precision test applications with frequencies through 67 GHz where the cable is subject to constant and/or highly repetitive movement. Applications include vector network analyzers and similar precision test equipment. GORE® VNA Microwave Test Assemblies feature extremely precise phase and amplitude stability when flexed and provide the highest accuracy and the greatest time interval between recalibrations.

• Please note: Gore's VNA Microwave Test Assemblies are available in 3 lengths: 25 inches, 38 inches, and 48 inches. If other lengths are required, we recommend using GORE® PHASEFLEX® Microwave Test Assemblies.

Features and Benefits

Gore's VNA Microwave Test Assemblies incorporate a unique armor system that provides a high degree of flexibility and low spring-back, ensuring long flex life. These assemblies employ ruggedized, test-port style connectors for direct attachment to the VNA test ports, allowing use of adapters compatible with test ports for the best durability and stability. These assemblies are modular and can be refurbished cost-effectively even after 100,000 operations.

Typical Applications

• Vector network analyzers
• Testing in lab environments
• Critical measurements

Assembly Cross Section

1. A standard test interface is available for many configurations from 18 - 67 GHz.
2. A knurled metal spacer provides a large gripping area to make assembly connection easy.
3. An anti-skid band helps prevent the assembly from being moved accidentally when testing components on a smooth surface.
4. A strain-relief boot prevents forces affecting the internal cable-to-connector termination.
5. An abrasion-resistant polymer braid covers a flexible armor casing.

Performance and Ruggedization

Gore cables provide accurate, repeatable measurements, extending the time interval between calibrations. They remain electrically stable when flexed, easily withstanding the rigors of typical bench testing procedures.

Phase Stability With Flexure

Ruggedization

Assemblies were 1) flexed 90 degrees, to their auto-limiting bend radius, 2) reverse-bent 180 degrees for more than 100,000 cycles (200,000 bends), 3) torqued 50,000 times-25,000 clockwise applications and 25,000 counterclockwise applications-and still met specifications. Our assemblies can withstand 40 lb (18 kg) of accidental pull without permanent degradation of electrical characteristics and up to seven lbs. (3 kg) of pull during normal use without exceeding electrical stability specifications.

Ruggedization Features

• Ruggedized connectors
• Torque resistance
• Crush resistance >800 lb/linear inch
• >100,000 flexures at minimum bend radius (2.25 in./5.72 cm)

Flexibility

GORE VNA microwave test assemblies have an auto-limiting bend radius of 2.25 in. (5.7 cm). Spring-back is virtually zero unless the auto-limiting bend radius is intentionally violated. Gore cables are extremely flexible and very limp. Draped over a finger, for example, an assembly will assume a 180-degree arc near the restricted bend radius.

Testing

Prior to shipment, every GORE VNA microwave test assembly is tested for return loss, insertion loss, phase stability, and loss stability up to its maximum operating frequency. Rigorous testing methods simulate worst-case conditions.

Connector Types

The pictures below illustrate an example of each connector type and description. The photos representing 3.5mm, 2.92mm, 2.4mm and 1.85mm connectors are of 3.5mm connectors; however, all connectors are of similar general appearance and will mate to analyzers and cables within the same connector family.

Ruggedized port socket Part Numbers: 0HA, 0BS, 0BN, and 0CN

Ruggedized DUT pin Part Numbers: 0HB, 0HR, 0BM, and 0CM

DUT socket Part Numbers: 0HC, 0HQ, 0BL, and 0CL

Precision N Pin Part Number: 0AH

Precision DUT Socket Part Number: 0AL

7mm Hermaphroditic Part Number: 0HD