Data Sheet: GORE^® Ethernet Cables (Cat5e, Quadrax) for Aerospace & Defense

GORE Ethernet Cables (Cat5e, Quadrax) for Aerospace & Defense are manufactured with an engineered fluoropolymer outer jacket, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) binders and a braided shield. Completing this multi-layered design are color-coded composite dielectric around silver-plated copper alloy conductors and ethylene propylene (FEP) filler. This pioneering cable geometry, which Gore initially invented, delivers several advantages when compared to alternative designs, including:

Gore’s dual differential pairs transmit continuous bi-directional, high-speed signals in a variety of aerospace and defense applications. Their performance is reliable up to 100 MHz at lengths up to 70 m (230 ft.) using size 24 AWG and 50 m (164 ft.) using size 26 AWG.

In airborne and defense land applications, positioning two of our Ethernet Cat5e cables side by side achieves Ethernet 1000BASE-T performance, giving engineers unrivaled flexibility and peace of mind about their systems’ abilities.

GORE Ethernet Cables (Cat5e, Quadrax) for Aerospace & Defense are lightweight and roughly 40% smaller than dual twisted pair constructions. This unique design equates to easier routing, especially in tight spaces, as well as weight savings of more than 5.0 kg (11 lb.) on aircraft like the fifth-generation F-35.

Gore’s tested and pre-qualified Ethernet quadrax cables adhere to Cat5e protocol requirements in advanced avionics and vectronics, as well as other strict aerospace and defense industry standards, including:

• Flammability: ABD0031 (AITM 2.0005); BSS7230; FAR Part 25, Appendix F, Part I
• Toxicity: ABD0031 (AITM 3.0005); BSS7239
• Smoke Density: ABD0031 (AITM 3.0008B); BSS7238; FAR Part 25, Appendix F, Part V
• Ethernet Networks: AFDX/ARINC 664, Part 7
• Environmental Testing, Jacket and Marking: ANSI/NEMA WC 27500
• Ethernet 10G BASE-T / 1000BASE-T (2 cables): IEEE 802.3
• Test Methods for Insulated Electric Wire: SAE AS4373™ (Contact Gore for available data)

GORE Ethernet Cables (Cat5e, Quadrax) for Aerospace & Defense are compatible with leading high-speed connector systems and backshells, including ARINC and MIL-STD 389999 size 8 contacts from manufacturers like Amphenol® and Glenair®. Contact the manufacturer for exact part numbers, tooling information or termination instructions. Typical applications include:

• Avionics & vectronics digital networks
• Box-to-box systems
• Digital video interface (DVI)
• Ethernet backbone
• Flight & propulsion control
• HD streaming camera & video systems
• Mission systems
• Radio, radar & communications systems
• Tactical links
• Vehicle management systems

Laser stripping is the preferred method to prepare our Ethernet quadrax cables for your aviation or military application. Thermal stripping and sharp mechanical strippers are suitable as well.

Known to perform without failure over the life of the aircraft (defense or commercial) and military vehicle, Gore’s Ethernet quadrax cables meet high-speed Cat5e protocol requirements. For prototyping and evaluation in your specific application, complimentary samples for this product and our other high-speed data cables are available with short lead times based on in-stock availability. When you’re ready to order, reach out to a trusted distributor to purchase one of the following part numbers:

• GSC-03-84608-00
• GSC-03-84820-00

To learn more about this product and how our other aerospace and defense solutions can benefit your application, contact a Gore representative today.

Amphenol is a registered trademark of Amphenol Corporation.
Glenair is a registered trademark of Glenair, Inc.