Micro-Coax has introduced AccuPhase, 70 GHz test cable assemblies for testing environments that demand consistent electrical performance and mechanical reliability in a compact form. The assemblies are designed for microwave applications and incorporate materials and construction techniques to improve signal integrity and durability.
At the core of the design is the use of ARACON ® braid in the outer shield, described as unique to this type of cable assembly. This shield is paired with a helically wrapped, silver- plated copper outer conductor and an ultra- low- density PTFE dielectric. Together, these elements are intended to deliver stable radio- frequency performance across a wide operating range while maintaining structural strength under repeated use.
The cable’s construction includes a silver- plated copper- clad steel center conductor manufactured to ASTM B-501, and a silver- plated copper outer conductor built to ASTM B- 298 standards. Surrounding these components is an inner jacket made of Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), compliant with MIL-DTL-17 Type IX specifications. Additional protection is provided by an outer braid armor composed of high-strength, high-conductivity copper-alloy wire, silver-coated and manufactured to ASTM standards.
Further reinforcing the assembly is an internal spring armor constructed from high-conductivity copper-alloy wire, along with a vapor barrier made from silicone adhesive PTFE film. The outer jacket uses Nomex ® and AquaDIELECTRIC materials, contributing to the cable’s resistance to environmental stresses.
The cable assembly operates across a temperature range of -65 °C to + 165 °C, making it suitable for demanding laboratory and test conditions. It is designed with a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms and complies with RoHS requirements. Physically, the cable has a diameter of 0.186 inches (4.72 mm) and a weight not exceeding 17.3 grams per foot (56.8 grams per meter). Its minimum static bend radius is specified at 1 inch (25.40 mm), supporting flexibility in confined setups.
Durability is addressed through a flex-life specification of 200,000 cycles in a snake-style motion, indicating resilience under repeated bending. The cable uses a single-strand center conductor, and its electrical design includes a velocity of propagation rated at 80 percent. Shielding effectiveness is specified at a minimum of 90 dB between 1 and 18 GHz when connectors are shielded.
Additional electrical characteristics include a capacitance of 25.00 pF per foot (82.02 pF per meter) and a cutoff frequency of 70 GHz. The cable also supports a corona extinction voltage of 1500 VRMS at 60 Hz and a dielectric withstanding voltage of 5000 VRMS at the same frequency. Insertion loss stability is limited to a maximum change of 5 percent.
The AccuPhase 70 test cable assemblies are ideal for use in test laboratories and other controlled environments where consistent RF performance and mechanical robustness are critical. The design emphasizes a balance between electrical precision and physical resilience, addressing the needs of high-frequency measurement applications.