Don’t Overlook the RF Connector
Broadband Wireless Don’t Overlook the RF Connector Technical Primer: Using
As systems demand higher frequency, the coaxial cable assembly becomes a crucial component of the system
Low Loss
Signal loss through a length of coaxial cable is primarily a function of two elements: length and frequency. The longer the length of a coaxial cable, the more signal is lost. The higher the frequency of the signal passing through the coaxial cable, the higher the loss over a given length. Coaxial cable loss is normally specified in dB loss per 100 feet of cable. Signal loss for coaxial cables depends on length and frequency. Crucial to many systems, low loss cables should help ensure high fidelity.Additionally, when a signal transitions from a circuit board to the connector, it is imperative to minimize reflections as much as possible. At higher frequencies, imperfections in the transition from a coaxial connector to a circuit board structure become more apparent. If not appropriately designed, these imperfections can cause parasitic and spurious signal responses. They manifest in either return loss or insertion loss, spikes, and magnitude increases, all of which are undesirable.
As systems demand higher frequency, the coaxial cable assembly becomes a crucial component of the system. There is less and less room for manufacturing variations. A very repeatable, low insertion loss cable that functions throughout the desired frequency range should be used to ensure high fidelity. Similarly, the board-level product should be matched to the circuit board at the launch to ensure low return loss.
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Related Products
MaxGain® MilTech® PhaseTrack® Semi-Rigid SiO2 SpaceFlight StripFlex TFlex
MaxGain Assemblies
MaxGain® is an ultra-low loss, flexible microwave coaxial cable with a full range of connectors available as fully tested custom cable assemblies.
Miltech Assemblies
Our MILTECH® family of hermetically sealed flexible RF and microwave transmission line assemblies is listed in the Qualified Products Database (QPD) by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and optimized for commercial, military, and other demanding applications. MILTECH features a proprietary application of a spiral flat strip braid that results in a cable assembly with superior phase stability without sacrificing flexibility
PhaseTrack® Assemblies
PhaseTrack® cable assemblies are designed for applications demanding minimal phase change over temperature. All PhaseTrack cables use a proprietary TF4™ dielectric that does not have the abrupt shift in the phase that occurs with solid- or tape-wrapped PTFE-based products under normal room ambient temperature conditions.
Semi-Rigid Assemblies
Semi-Rigid cable assemblies are optimized for phase performance under harsh enviroments. They are available in sizes commonly used in most in-box applications and are compatible with many connectors.
SiO2
The SiO2 semi-rigid cable assemblies are used in applications demanding the ultimate in phase tracking performance and extreme environments.
SpaceFlight
The SpaceFlight product line embodies the critical requirements necessary for reliable performance in space. Our proprietary material conditioning and vacuum testing of assemblies ensure outgassing is minimized to meet NASA standards ASTM E‐595.
StripFlex
The StripFlex shielding system consists of an inner silver-plated flat ribbon braid, a spirally applied and overlapped composite aluminum tape interlayer, and an overall silver-plated round wire braid.
TFlex
TFlex is a lighter-weight, flexible alternative to semirigid coaxial cable assemblies. Its durable external jacket provides excellent protection in corrosive environments and its flexible construction eliminates the need for hand or precision machine bending.
InstaBend
InstaBend® are flexible, coaxial microwave assemblies designed for interconnects between RF circuit cards, modules and enclosure panels. The cable can be bent very closely behind the connector, simplifying cable routing.
Micro Coaxial Cables
TF-047 is a versatile micro-coaxial cable ideal for high-density applications.
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