Triple-Shielded Cable Assemblies Cut Losses

Feb. 26, 2009

To provide superior RF isolation, a line of coaxial test cable assemblies are triple shielded. Compared to RG-style cable, a stainless-steel outer braid claims to provide higher pull strength and lighter weight. The cable assemblies typically exhibit voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of 1.30:1 at 26.5 and 40.0 GHz and 1.25:1 at 18 GHz. At 26.5 GHz, amplitude stability is less than 0.1 dB for 200 flexes (180 deg. in one place around a 2-in. radius). The 50-Ohm 32027, for example, boasts 70.3-percent velocity, 29.2 pF capacitance, and a bend radius of 2 in. Weight per 100 ft. is at least 2.8 lbs while the connector pull test was measured at 50 lbs. Its sibling, the 50-Ohm 32026, flaunts 76-percent velocity and capacitance of 27.2 pF with a 2-in. bend radius. Weight per 100 ft. is at least 4.2 lbs.

About the Author

Nancy Friedrich

RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense, Keysight Technologies

Nancy Friedrich is RF Product Marketing Manager for Aerospace Defense at Keysight Technologies. Nancy Friedrich started a career in engineering media about two decades ago with a stint editing copy and writing news for Electronic Design. A few years later, she began writing full time as technology editor at Wireless Systems Design. In 2005, Nancy was named editor-in-chief of Microwaves & RF, a position she held (along with other positions as group content head) until 2018. Nancy then moved to a position at UBM, where she was editor-in-chief of Design News and content director for tradeshows including DesignCon, ESC, and the Smart Manufacturing shows.