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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