LOW LOSS CABLE PAG. 1 INTRODUCTION Following many requests we received regarding the need for low-loss custom cable assemblies, we have set up a special production of high performance coaxial cable assemblies with the following features: The cables are assembled only by customer specifications even for a single piece with fast delivery time. The main feature is the low attenuation considering the diameter of only 5 mm: 0,44dB/m at 2.4GHz 0,79dB/m at 6GHz 1,15dB/m at 10GHz 1,8dB/m at 18GHz For example, these attenuation values are similar, or even better, to those of RG213 and 214 cables ( 10 mm) and significantly better than the various foam low loss cables with the same size such as LMR 240 or semirigid and handyform 141 series. (See comparison chart) Optimal operation up to 18 GHz, usable up to 25 GHz. Cables are assembled exclusively with straight SMA m and/or N m. Very good impedance matching with low Return Loss, example with SMA m connector: RL 30dB at 2GHz RL 24dB at 10GHz RL 18dB at 18GHz. Excellent shielding, 90 db up to 18 GHz (thanks to the double shield). Excellent flexibility and bend radius up to 30 mm. Very robust connection between cable and connector because it is the most fragile part of the cable, obtained with the combination of two shrink tubes with high sealing glue. All the cable assemblies will be tested in our lab with a network analyzer. The cable is mounted with particular connectors with longer blocking ring and the external shank to guarantee a better mechanic strenght and so a longer lasting in time. APPLICATIONS Measurement cable for anechoic chamber and connection to external instruments, connection between antennas and front-end or microwave radio links, connections between measurement antennas on vehicles, for lightweight applications (only 45g / m) and above all for medium/high lenghts thanks to its low attenuation. When working with microwave frequencies attenuation becomes quite high so even using high performances cables like UT141 or Multiflex 141 ( 3,6 mm) may introduce some attenuation on size over one meter long. This cable with a diameter of only 5,4mm has a typical attenuation of 1.15 db/m at 10 GHz, this is the reason why we suggest to use it for applications with lenghts over 1 m at microwave frequency and up to 15-20 m at lower frequencies. The low attenuation is gained thanks to a mixed dielectric, polyethylene-air, in fact by injecting air (or inert gas) attenuation is improved in coaxial cables. These cables are particularly suitable to replace bigger types (like RG 213 and 214 with 10 mm) that in some cases they can make some troubles in wiring or to pass in small openings. As said abouve we underline the fact that this cable with a diameter of only 5,4 mm has a better attenuation value than bigger RG213 and 214. (See comparison chart)
LOW LOSS CABLE PAG. 2 Connection cable for antenna mounted on vehicles, mainly used as link for radio channels monitor, interference and electromagnetic fields research. Connection cable between dish antenna and down-link/up-link station or microwave radio link for fixed and mobile applications. Connection cables between instrumentation and climatic chamber. Long connection cables between intrumentation and anechoic chamber.
LOW LOSS CABLE PAG. 3 MOUNTING Long shank and ferrule to move away the cable bending point that have to be as far as possible from the connection to the connector central pin, this increase the durability of the cable assembly First internal polyolefin shrink tube (with glue to avoid external contamination and improve sealing) very thick > 3 mm on diameter, with 4:1 shrink ratio to improve strenght Second external shrink tube to improve sealing PE light blue external sleeve Cu-Sn tinned copper braid for improved flexibility Al-PES aluminum foil with 100% shielding SPE polyethylene foam (polyethylene loaded with air) to decrease losses Cu-Ag silver plated copper, single wire conductor to decrease losses
LOW LOSS CABLE PAG. 4 typical return loss value of 3 different 1m long cables with 3 different assemblies typical insertion loss value of 1m long cable
LOW LOSS CABLE PAG. 5 SPECIFICATIONS Impedance 50 Ω ±2 External diameter 5.4 mm Capacity 82 pf / m Velocity factor 82% Signal delay 4.1 ns/m Test voltage 1 KV Temperature range -40 C / + 85 C External color Blue Bending radius 30 mm static - 90 mm continuous Return Loss see diagram Typical attenuation db / m 150 MHz 0,09 db 450 MHz 0,17 db 900 MHz 0,24 db 1.3 GHz 0,30 db 2.4 GHz 0,44 db 6 GHz 0,79 db 10 GHz 1,15 db 18 GHz 1,8 db 24 GHz 2,2 db (approximate value) Comparison of the attenuation between different types of cables