How Does Smiths Interconnect Add Value to Your RF Semi-Rigid Cable Assemblies?

PublishTime： 2023-09-16 Article Source：Smiths Interconnect blogs

Having the proper guidelines in place for your RF semi-rigid cable assembly helps minimize cost, improve electrical performance, and increase reliability.

When designing a semi-rigid cable assembly, the complexity of the project can be very costly. Having proper guidelines in place can improve performance, increase reliability, and decrease the cost of most Semi-Rigid Cable Assemblies.

Minimize bend radius changes throughout the cable - single bend radius is best practice
Keep all bend radius under 180 degrees - radius bending causes change to the geometry of the tubular component and adds additional stress to the cable
Avoid bends directly behind connectors - allow as much straight length available prior to connecting cable to connectors
Prevent multiple cable bends near each other - can generate crosstalk or interference in data transmission
Do not exceed the bend radius defined for each type of cable - bend radius is the safe value that can prevent the cable from damaging or degrading its performance
Maintain loose mechanical tolerance (Smiths Interconnect’s recommendation is +/-0.01” and +/-5 deg.)
Large bend radius is preferred over small bend radius for best performance and reliability

In addition, most RF semi-rigid cable suppliers would request:

Frequency band
Cable and connector styles
Any electrical limits - insertion loss and/or phase match tolerance
Bend configurations
Drawings (full scale), 3D Models or STP files if available

Semi-Rigid Cable Assemblies

High frequency RF cable assemblies are available with a wide variety of flexible and semi-rigid cable types with space orbit qualifications and are well-suited for Satellite Payloads (GEO/MEO and LEO constellations), Deep Space Probes, Ground Antenna Networks and Space Robotic Systems. Semi-Rigid cable assemblies are available with either a copper or aluminum jacket, available with a selection of different platings and offer in 4 different diameters:(.047”, .085”, .141” & .250”).

Features

Mode Free Operation 60 to 65 GHz
Superior Shielding Effectiveness
Phase Matched Sets Available (standard tolerance is ± one degree per GHz)
Light Weight & High Vibration Resistance
Stainless Steel Connectors Available
On-demand Solutions According to Customer Specifications
Subjected to Extensive Space Qualifications

In summary, cables assemblies might not be the most expensive parts of your RF system, but they can certainly cause a drop in performance, with consequent direct and indirect (reputational) costs if guidelines are not followed when designing them. Decades of experience have positioned Smiths Interconnect well – both in designing and delivering state of the art RF cable assemblies and harnesses specifically engineered to support the trends and technologies of the future.

For additional semi-rigid cable support please view our on-demand webinar: 5 Challenges RF Cables Face in the Space Market

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