Connecting With the Lowest Insertion Loss
Applications in the Test+Measurement, defence, instrumentation and space markets demand microwave cables with many new requirements like low loss, lowest phase change in relation to temperature, flex life, etc. New developments of cables are designed not only for today, also for the future with its growing challenges.
In recent years, the requirements in defence, Test+Measurement, instrumentation and space markets have undergone major changes, and have become more demanding. For example: vibration, shock, the lowest phase change in relation to temperature, rf-leakage, moisture, chemical resistance, weight, etc are of enormous importance in defence technology. In the T+M market requirements such as flexlife, small phase change vs. bending and torsion, high loss stability in the case of bending and shaking, etc have priority.
To better meet the specific market needs, major initiatives have the goal of designing future products; each with a market focus. This meant nothing less than providing the tailor-made solution for each target group.
SUCOFLEX 400 revolutionary
Thanks to a new, extruded ultra low density PTFE dielectric, with a dielectric constant (εr) of 1.26, the microwave cable generation SUCOFLEX 400 from HUBER+SUHNER has what is currently the lowest insertion loss overall. Despite the high air proportion, however, the proven mechanical stability and reliability of the extruded dielectric has been preserved.
Another highlight of the very low dielectric constant is that CW power capability has been increased together with a very significant improvement in phase stability vs. temperature, which is an enormous advantage in applications such as phased array antenna systems and helps to simplify adjustment on radars.
These new cables have been developed for applications on the ground for defence technology, medical and space measurement technology applications, where the lowest loss, high performance and best phase stability vs. temperature and vs. bending, an excellent return loss and mechanical stability are of the utmost importance.
Diverse applications
Microwave cable assemblies with lowest loss are the ideal solution for different applications. In defence technology, it is primarily used in tactical and strategic communications and in electronic warfare (radar systems, etc). Phase-matched cable assemblies are in particular required in radar applications. Some companies offer complete relative or absolute sets of phase-, time-delay- or amplitude-matched cable assemblies. The special characteristics of those new cable assembly families make it equally the preferred solution for thermal vacuum tests in satellite components or entire satellites, as well as for applications in medical systems such as high frequency ablations of cancerous ulcers or connections between high frequency generators and probes.
SUCOFLEX 400 products have been tested in accordance with the relevant MIL specifications and standards and are as a result suitable for all kinds of ground applications in defence technology. The products will be subjected to a special TVAC test programme for thermal vacuum applications.
Unique centre-piece
SUCOFLEX 400 products are identical in design with the familiar SUCOFLEX 100 products. These have been regarded for over 20 years as extremely reliable and stable and are used in all kinds of applications. Only the new ULD – PTFE dielectric, the centre-piece of every microwave cable, has been completely redesigned and as a result has improved the electrical behaviour of the new cable. The connectors, likewise developed by HUBER+SUHNER, have been ideally adjusted to the cable in order to preserve the excellent return loss (VSWR) on the assembly.
Company Center: Huber & Suhner AG
