Overview

SIGNAL INTEGRITY WITH FLEXURE

Continuous improvements in avionics keep driving the military to update aircraft with cables that can transmit more data faster on digital networks. These aviation cables must also survive the most difficult conditions without breaking or failing, whether it’s constant flexing during installation or severe vibration during flight.

Gore offers a premier quadrax version for copper-based IEEE 1394b FireWire data links. GORE FireWire Cables are proven to transmit uninterrupted high-fidelity signals for interconnect solutions up to 30 m (100 ft.) at S400 data transfer rates in all aircraft environments.

Using a diamond-shaped eye mask test with minimum receiver sensitivity specified by IEEE 1394b, we evaluated the signal integrity of our cable before and during flexure. As expected, it passed the eye mark with plenty of margin, showing that greater transmission length is possible. Even after we wrapped it around a mandrel 20 times, our cable still maintained reliable signal integrity.

During routing, aircraft maintainers can easily flex and tightly bend our cables in complex, tight systems without worrying about damage, failure or replacement costs.

LIGHTWEIGHT BUT DURABLE
Gore’s smaller-scale FireWire cables

Smaller-scale dimensions

This innovative quadrax design that we originally invented is about 40% smaller than dual twisted pair constructions. On average, GORE FireWire Cables are proven to save as much as 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs.) per aircraft, delivering weight savings hard to achieve with alternative designs.

Even though these cables are smaller in scale, they still provide a protective barrier against tough maintenance and flight conditions thanks to our engineered fluoropolymers that add strength and a double-braided shield that safeguards wires.

Construction of Gore FireWire Cables
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Engineered fluoropolymer jacket

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Double-braided shield

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ePTFE binder

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Silver-plated copper/SPC alloy conductor

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FEP filler

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Color-coded composite dielectric

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Durable, highly flexible materials of GORE FireWire Cables.

Applications

The reliable signal integrity with flexure at higher data rates makes GORE FireWire Cables the premier copper-based IEEE 1394b solution for a variety of applications, like:

  • avionics digital networks
  • flight control
  • HD streaming camera/video systems
  • mission systems

Our cables can also be terminated with a variety of leading high speed aerospace and defense connector systems and backshells, like ARINC and MIL-STD-38999 with size 8 and 22D contacts.

Features & Benefits

GORE FireWire Cables are engineered with unique features that make them more durable against challenging environmental factors and aircraft conditions, including:

  • original inventor of smaller quadrax design
  • temperature- and abrasion-resistant materials
  • chemically inert materials

For system architects and engineers, these defense aerospace cables offer several benefits that ensure lifelong performance in aircraft, like:

  • high fidelity signals up to 30 m (100 ft.) at S400 data rates
  • around 40% smaller than dual twisted pair constructions
  • lightweight design saves more than 5.2 kg (11.5 lbs.) of weight per aircraft 
  • protective barrier against complex routing and harsh mission conditions
  • easy routing in tight systems from proven flexure and small bend radius 
  • compatible with a variety of high-speed connector systems and backshells

Technical Specs & Drawings

These values demonstrate the electrical, mechanical and environmental performance of GORE FireWire for defense aircraft.

Elec./Mech./Environ. PropertyValue
Signal Transmission Speed Mb/sUp to 400
Standard Impedance Ohms110 +6/-4
Typical Operating Voltage V< 15
Nominal Velocity of Propagation %80
Nominal Time Delay ns/m (ns/ft)4.10 (1.25)
Capacitance pF/m (pF/ft)36.1 (11.0)
Typical Skew Within Pair ps/m (ps/ft)3.5 (1.1)
Dielectric Withstanding Voltage Vrms
  Conductor-to-Conductor
  Conductor-to-Shield

1500
1000
Jacket MaterialEngineered Fluoropolymer
Jacket ColorWhite (Laser Markable)
ConductorSilver-Plated Copper or SPC Alloy
Conductor Color CodingBlue/Orange, Green/Red
Dielectric MaterialExpanded PTFE/PTFE
Temperature Range °C-55 to +200

Download our data sheet for more cable characteristics, performance data, qualifications and part numbers. Also, fill out a short form for instant access to drawings.

DATA SHEET DRAWING

Get Samples or Buy

Proven flexible and reliable in transferring S400 data rates, install GORE FireWire Cables in your aircraft rather than wasting time and money replacing other cables that don’t perform as expected. Evaluate our quadrax design in your application by requesting a pre-qualified sample, which is complimentary.

When you’re ready to buy, contact a trusted distributor for in-stock availability. If you’re unsure about the compatibility of our aerospace cable in your exact application, give us a call today so we can help you navigate the requirements.

SAMPLES PURCHASE CONTACT US

Resources

Recent News

Press Release

W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES TO PRESENT NEW MOSA PAPER AT GVSETS CONFERENCE

Posted August 11, 2023

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) will present a new Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) technical paper at the Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering & Technology Symposium & Modernization Update (GVSETS) on Tuesday, August 15, in Novi, Mich.

Event

Meet Gore at the Paris Air Show

June 19, 2023 - June 25, 2023

Visit our Booth 2C-C358 to see GORE® Cables and Materials that have been proven and trusted over time in fighter jets, rotorcraft and passenger airliners. Reserve your time slot now for a 1-on-1 discussion to talk with us about your latest airframe and aviation system developments.

Event

Visit Gore at the Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit (AAAA)

April 26, 2023 - April 29, 2023

Stop by Booth 1023 and ask to see our demonstrations to watch how GORE® Cables and Materials perform reliably before and after installation and over time. We’re also eager to hear about your latest airframe and aviation system developments and talk with you about our solutions to ensure mission performance and aircrew protection for FARA, FLRAA and enduring fleet.

Press Release

W. L. Gore & Associates Expands High-Speed Data Transmission Capabilities

Posted April 18, 2023

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) announced today its new Cat8 ethernet cable for use in aerospace and defense platforms. The new Cat8 ethernet cable allows for four times the high-speed data transmission previously possible.

View all News & Events

FireWire is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.


FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY

Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.