Technical Note: GORE® Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Type 4L
Technical Information, United States
Commonly used in the industry, standard semi-rigid cable assemblies can lead to avoidable issues. For one, they are stiff and difficult to route in confined spaces, potentially leading to frequent cable failure. They are also challenging to replace, often resulting in costly configuration drawings and cumbersome, time-consuming installation procedures.
That's where W. L. Gore & Associates' cable assemblies make all the difference. GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Cable Type 4L are extremely small at 0.047 in. and flexible, providing reliable performance and surviving routing in tight spaces. Because we prequalify and test all of the products we offer, these microwave/RF cable assemblies were thoroughly evaluated by Gore, and this is what we found.
Testing that Proves Greater Flexibility with Stable Performance
To evaluate the flexibility and signal integrity of GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Type 4L, Gore ran rigorous testing to determine whether performance changed or remain stable, especially in terms of insertion loss and VSWR.
Using a performance network analyzer (PNA), we tested our 12-in. assembly for a baseline. Next, the midpoint of the assembly was flexed at a 90-degree angle around a mandrel set to a 0.10-in. radius. Its performance was recorded, and upon returning the assembly to its initial straight position with the PNA normalized, the test was repeated next to the connector. The results showed that GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Type 4L accomplish the following:
- Maintain low insertion loss and reliable VSWR up to 18 GHz during flexure
- Maintain electrical and mechanical integrity when flexed next to the connector (a common failure point for semi-rigid assemblies during installation)
- Maintain a consistent impedance of 50 ± 1 ohms that meets industry standards with a tighter tolerance
Using scientifically proven materials and unique cable designs, GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Type 4L have shown to outperform alternatives by providing greater flexibility with stable performance.
Reliability across Several Applications
The proven flexibility of GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Type 4L enables them to withstand the rigors of handling and installation. What’s more, they deliver reliable signal integrity for longer service life, have a high-density construction for more durability and accrue lower total costs when compared to alternatives, making them an ideal replacement for semi-rigid assemblies. Further, GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Type 4L feature a tight bend radius as small as 0.10 in., offering easy routing in very small configurations such as:
- Antenna arrays
- Backplane interconnects
- Between-the-box connections
- Board-to-board systems
- Environmental test chambers
- Evaluation boards
- Inside-the-box systems
- And more.
How to Order GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Cable Type 4L
To learn more about GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Type 4L, contact a Gore representative today. Alternatively, utilize the GORE® Microwave/RF Assembly Calculator online tool, which helps you calculate insertion loss, VSWR and other parameters of our cable assemblies. Also utilize the GORE® Microwave/RF Assembly Builder online tool, which allows you build an assembly that’s right for your exact needs and request a quote.
When you’re ready to purchase GORE Microwave/RF Assemblies, General Purpose Type 4L, contact us or an authorized distributor.