Low-loss and semi-rigid RF and microwave cable assemblies

Cable assemblies for high-reliability, high-frequency applications need, by definition, to be of the highest quality in terms of the cable itself, the connectors and, most importantly the termination (assembly) of the connectors to the cable. Intelliconnect cables can be waterproofed to IP68 and offer special features including phase matching and ruggedised assemblies for use in harsh environments.

Applications are very varied and include medical, satcoms, military, aerospace, space, general microwave communications, test and measurement, research, rail traction, oil and gas and marine.

Roy Phillips, MD of Intelliconnect says:"While a few applications still exist for high volume cable assemblies, the majority are now low-volume, custom designs for specialised products or systems and require close cooperation with system design engineers. Such products do not suit offshore manufacture, and working with a UK-based cable assembly manufacturer such as Intelliconnect has many advantages for end users."

The most common types of high reliability RF cable assemblies are available from Intelliconnect.

Conformable or hand-formable cable assemblies are used in applications that require the cable to be formed at the time of installation without the need for bending tools. Comprising a tin-soaked copper braid, the cable stays in place after bending. There is no major degradation of electrical performance when cables are formed into shape, and standard semi-rigid cable connectors may be used.

Low-loss phase-stable flexible microwave cable assemblies are designed to meet some of the highest specifications required by industry. Available in a variety of sizes and performance specifications, these cables can, in general use, operate up to 70GHz and beyond, and can be armoured internally or externally for rugged applications.

Semi-rigid cables are made using a solid metal outer conductor (usually copper or aluminium) which can be bent into shape as required. Generally, overall performance figures are improved using a solid outer conductor and they are typically available in 0.047", .085", 0 .141" and 0.250" diameters. Standard semi-rigid cable assemblies are generally of copper construction, offer low-loss, low-VSWR performance, are phase stable and can be phase matched. Phase matching of a cable assembly is essential when connecting to multi-channel receivers as individual channels are required to match and track each other over the frequency of operation.

Semi-flexible cables offer a lighter, more flexible alternative to semi-rigid types and enable cable to be flexed. Although there is a slightly reduced performance compared with semi-rigid, it benefits from being able to use standard semi-rigid cable connectors and is typically available in 0.085" and 0.141" diameters.

Triaxial cables are primarily used where there is a requirement to reduce noise levels in systems and provide an isolated ground. Used extensively in medical applications such as radiation detection and dosimetry as well as broadcast applications, triaxial (or triax) cable provides greater bandwidth and interference protection than coaxial cable.

Other cable harness types include high-performance broadband, flexible, low-loss LMR cable used in applications where conventional RG cables are unsuitable, and cryogenic cables from Intelliconnect's specialist division, CryoCoax. Offering solutions with capabilities to withstand temperatures to 2K and below, cable types include niobium titanium, cupro nickel, stainless steel and beryllium copper assemblies which operate up to 40GHz.

Intelliconnect (Europe) Ltd is the largest UK-based manufacturer of RF, microwave, waterproof and cryogenic connectors and cable harnesses suitable for applications including wearable technology, medical, telecoms, satcoms, military, aerospace, space, general microwave communications, rail traction, oil and gas and marine. Intelliconnect also manufacture the Pisces range of waterproof RF connectors, coaxial adaptors to facilitate inter-series connection and gender change etc. dust-caps and offer value added services. For more information go to www.intelliconnect.co.uk.