For Immediate Release
March 27, 2022

Times Microwave Systems Introduces New XtendedFlex^® 178 High Flex Coaxial Cable

Consistent Electrical Performance During Continuous Flexure
for Applications Including Robotics and Industrial Automation

WALLINGFORD, CT — Times Microwave Systems, the preeminent brand in innovative RF and microwave interconnect assemblies, cables, and connectors, announces the release of XtendedFlex™ 178, its new continuous flex coaxial cable. Designed for plastic cable drag chains, the XF-178 cable is ideal for applications requiring constant motion and flexibility, such as robotics and industrial automation technologies in large distribution centers.

With its innovative design and unique material composition, the XtendedFlex 178 delivers optimal bend movement and consistent electrical performance during continuous flexure. Constructed with a unique combination of materials, including a stranded silver-plated copper-clad steel center conductor, FEP dielectric, tin-plated copper braid, and a rubber jacket, the cable is both flexible and durable to survive the rigors of millions of flexures.

Additionally, Times Microwave Systems’ thorough performance testing has proven the XtendedFlex 178’s reliability. Using a rolling flex tester robot, the cable was subjected to one million flexes and maintained low insertion loss and VSWR specifications while preserving mechanical flexibility. The cable continued to perform well even after five million flexes, as shown in this video below.

“The XF-178 combines flexibility and performance, making it a highly reliable option for industrial automation applications. This new product builds on our unparalleled legacy of designing, manufacturing, and testing high-performance coaxial cable assemblies for ultra-demanding applications, including aerospace, medical, military and defense, space, and more.”

-Kevin Moyher, Product Manager at Times Microwave Systems

The XtendedFlex 178 is the first cable introduction in the new XtendedFlex product line. As the industrial automation landscape continues to grow and become increasingly sophisticated, the XtendedFlex family will evolve to include a wide range of industrial automation applications, including autonomous vehicles such as skid loaders, as well as unmanned technologies such as electric vertical takeoff vehicles, drones, and more.

The XtendedFlex 178 is available now as a complete, tested assembly with connectors (TC-178-SM, TC-178-SM-RA), with significantly shorter lead times than similar products, thanks to Times Microwave Systems’ global footprint and extensive distribution network. For more information, visit XF-178 | Times Microwave Systems to see the XtendedFlex™ 178 in action, visit XtendedFlex™ 178 Flex Test.

For media & PR inquiries:
Joana Rodrigues
Marketing Manager
[email protected]

About Times Microwave Systems

Times Microwave Systems, a business unit of Amphenol Corporation, is a pioneering brand of innovative RF and microwave interconnect assemblies, cables, and connector designs. We have more than 70 years of industry experience in designing and manufacturing high-performance coaxial cables, connectors, assemblies, and custom solutions for ultra-demanding applications, including aerospace, avionics and airframe, land mobile radio and public networks, medical, military and defense, industrial, quantum computing, radars, railway, space, test and measurement, wireless infrastructure and 5G, and more.