Resource Library

The importance of a microwave cable assembly’s shielding effectiveness cannot be understated. Across defense, civil, and aerospace applications, it impacts the system performance of the aircraft and could impede upon data transmission capabilities.

When it comes to long-length microwave coaxial assemblies, their phase/loss stability and repeatability, as well as shielding effectiveness, have historically not been well documented. This is largely due to the low demand for these types of assemblies and lack of standardized testing procedures. Published by W. L. Gore & Associates, White Paper: Phase Stability, Loss Stability and Shielding Effectiveness of Long Length provides some much-needed insights into this type of equipment to help operators, engineers and manufacturers find the right extended-length solutions.

From MPDigest.com, August 2014.

By Robert John, Product Manager, W. L. Gore & Associates

Measurement uncertainty has a direct impact on the reliability of test instruments. To determine if there is a quantifiable difference in measurement uncertainty between the TDR and VNA, W. L. Gore & Associates performed a series of experiments, initially testing six cable assemblies in controlled conditions on each instrument.

The environments in which microwave cable assemblies are being used today are becoming more challenging with exposure to such conditions as extreme temperatures, chemicals, abrasion, and flexing. Additional challenges include the need for smaller, lighter packaging for cable systems that last longer and cost less.

Resulting from a lack of strict adherence to IEEE287 General Precision/Laboratory Precision Connector specifi cations (GPC / LPC), the OSP connector type is not generally considered to be suitable for calibration kit use.

Featuring Keith Cuthbert, Application Engineer and Steve Peterson, Sales Associate

Designed for test applications that depend on accurate, repeatable measurements, W. L. Gore & Associates offers GORE® PHASEFLEX® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies, which provide excellent mechanical durability and electrical performance. Our RF cable assemblies not only feature a rugged construction that prolongs service life, but they also offer high phase and amplitude stability for high-density and modular test applications at an affordable price. To optimize the performance of the assembly even further, they can also be paired with Gore’s available connectors.

Gore provides high-performance cable assemblies with significant mechanical and electrical advantages for high-flex applications in aerospace and defense, spaceflight, semiconductor, and test and measurement environments.

Reprint from MICROWAVE JOURNAL®