Test & Measurement

Before electronic products are launched to market, they must be thoroughly tested to guarantee they’ll perform as promised — whether used in aerospace, spaceflight, defense, semiconductor, telecommunications or consumer electronics. The RF assemblies attached to test equipment are crucial to precise measurements and manufacturers' confidence in product performance.

But not all RF cables are up to the test. For instance, poorly constructed cables can get damaged when frequently handled, flexed, connected and disconnected from test systems. They can also get damaged after exposure to harsh testing environments, like labs and vacuum chambers replicating extreme spaceflight conditions.

High-tech electronic systems, like in military aircraft and passenger airliners, are also requiring faster speeds, increased bandwidth and higher frequencies in the 5G and mmWave range. These electronics call for more complex test equipment, putting even more pressure on microwave cable performance. All of these issues can lead to skewed, inaccurate test data and recurring cable replacements.

That’s where Gore comes in with standard and custom high-performance solutions proven to solve all these issues. GORE^® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies give manufacturers the confidence to know they can always trust the results.

What differentiates our solutions is their rugged, flexible construction that can withstand the most demanding test environments. We conducted a study that showed using our test assemblies 4 times a day delivers over 100,000 uses for almost 7 years. But competitor cables can only be used 100 to 300 times for around 2.5 months. And if our cables are used 25 times a day, they’ll last for over 13 months, while competitor cables have to be replaced after a little over 12 months.

Our high-performance solutions are proven to perform reliably over the life of test equipment — reducing time and money for repairs, replacements, retesting and recalibration.

Our portfolio begins with GORE PHASEFLEX Microwave/RF Test Assemblies, commonly referred to as the “purple cable.” This prized version is internationally recognized for delivering precise, repeatable test measurements from DC to 110 GHz. They’re the only internally rugged solution with the highest flex life performance available today. These assemblies are ideal for high-bandwidth bench-top test systems, 5G test equipment, portable analyzers, space lab test environments, plus more.

For general purpose test applications, GORE Microwave/RF Test Assemblies bring reliable electrical performance from DC to 70 GHz with the lowest RF leakage. They offer more flexibility and the smallest bend radius in the industry. Our RF cables are ideal for semiconductor wafer test load boards and system-on-chip (SoC) automated test equipment (ATE), among other test applications.

Finally, GORE VNA Microwave/RF Test Assemblies have set the industry standard through 70 GHz. They’re an essential component of vector network analyzers (VNAs) used across several industries. For instance, consumer electronics that involve cell towers, portable devices and gaming systems. Our test assemblies guarantee the highest accuracy and the greatest time interval between calibrations of any test assembly on the market today.

After designing and building electronic products or systems, testing their performance shouldn’t introduce complications or delays. GORE^® Microwave/RF Test Assemblies are proven across markets to deliver measurement accuracy and repeatability combined with durability and longevity, so you can always trust the results.

Use our RF Cable Builder to design a test assembly that meets your application needs and get a quote from us. If you need to determine the insertion loss, VSWR and other parameters of our test assemblies, use our RF Calculator.

Alternatively, contact a trusted distributor to order our assemblies. Or, contact a Gore specialist to learn more about our portfolio and how our solutions can help you overcome test issues and improve results.