Cables accommodate higher frequencies in automotive and 5G
Test cables that address the higher frequencies required for automotive systems and 5G have been announced by Times Microwave Systems. The Clarity 70 test cable is stable up to 70GHz with low attenuation, reports the company. The cable also has steel torque, crush and overbend protection with abrasion resistance without compromising flexibility, says Times Microwave.
“5G and other advanced technologies have introduced new testing challenges in terms of repeatability, reliability, and reproducibility,” said John Muzzio, applications engineer at Times Microwave.
The Clarity 70 cable design includes an ergonomic, stainless steel protective barrel strain relief and a hex coupling nut. The Clarity 70 is the latest addition to Times Microwave Systems’ Clarity series. It meets the needs of many applications including the higher frequency ranges of 5G bands. The test lead offers a very repeatable, low insertion loss cable that functions throughout the desired frequency range to ensure a high-fidelity measurement.
Tight phase control is a further parameter for optimising system performance in 5G smart antennae. Clarity 70 offers a phase stable cable assembly that uses a microporous PTFE dielectric, coupled with a helically wound metallised interlayer to maintain flex, phase, and amplitude stable test assembly.
Another characteristic of test systems is that they are also connected and disconnected often, and typically move from module to module. With high frequencies, this could require recalibration every time a module or cable is moved. Clarity 70 was designed with a long flex life to withstand extensive handling and can be moved around on a test bench, either in R&D or in a production environment. This helps to reduce the amount of recalibration required while maintaining stability.
Times Microwave Systems provides 1.85mm connectors as standard with the Clarity 70. The connectors are designed to handle frequencies to 70GHz. There are three 1.85mm connector types, male, female, and ruggedised female for use with vector network analysers.
Times Microwave Systems (TMS) supplies RF and microwave interconnect assemblies, cables, and connector designs. The company is a division of Amphenol. The company has more than 70 years of experience in the industry and offers the most comprehensive suite of products on the market.
TMS’ portfolio addresses defence, medical, telecommunications, precision tests, and space applications. In-house engineering and manufacturing capabilities enable the company to deliver RF products that meet the most demanding requirements, including customised solutions in product design, installation, regulatory compliance, and performance improvement, with global manufacturing capabilities across six sites around the world. As a manufacturer with fully integrated design, production, assembly and testing capabilities, Times Microwave can deliver RF interconnect solutions from conception through testing and production.
