The SUCOFLEX 404 and 404D cable assemblies were launched in summer 2011 and the next step in the roadmap of the SUCOFLEX 400 cable family comes with the introduction of the new 18 GHz cable assembly versions of the SUCOFLEX 406 and 406D, which cover the upper limit of the diameters for very low loss cables in this class. Following the tradition of the new SUCOFLEX 400 cable family strategy, the company aims to continue to set new standards for microwave cable assemblies, particularly in markets like test and measurement, space and defence and instrumentation.
In all these applications, minimal electrical losses, as well as a high level of phase stability in a broad temperature range, are vital. Following a period of intensive development, the SUCOFLEX 406 and 406D meet these extremely high requirements. A new dielectric process technology, similar to the SUCOFLEX 404, significantly improves the electrical properties of the product. Further highlights are its excellent return loss properties and the good phase stability versus bending.
Low Insertion Loss
The construction of the SUCOFLEX 406 and 406D (shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively) is a solid silver-plated copper wire center conductor, encased by an extruded and expanded ultra low density PTFE dielectric. Responsible for the shielding is a wrapped silver-plated copper tape, covered by a silver-plated copper braid. The cable is jacketed with Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP). For the 406D, an impregnated aramid yarn is used as a ruggedization for higher mechanical strength.
Figure 1 The SUCOFLEX 406 is 8.35 mm in diameter.
Figure 2 The SUCOFLEX 406D is 8.70 mm in diameter.
In particular, the extruded and extended ultra low density PTFE dielectric is responsible for the loss performance of SUCOFLEX 400 products. With a dielectric constant of εr = 1.26, the SUCOFLEX 406 is claimed to deliver the lowest insertion loss currently available in its class.
Another highlight is the CW power capability that has been increased together with a very significant improvement in phase stability versus temperature (shown in Table 1). This is a great advantage in applications such as phased array antenna systems and also helps to simplify the adjustment of radars.
The new SUCOFLEX 406 cable assemblies have been specifically developed for defence ground systems, as well as for space measurement and instrumentation applications. In this market, low loss, high phase stability versus temperature/bending and mechanical stability is the key to success.
Applications
The SUCOFLEX 406/406D cable assembly is suitable for different applications. In defense technology, its main use is in tactical and strategic communications, electronic warfare and radar systems. Phase-matched cable assemblies are often required for radar applications. Complete sets of phase-matched, time-delay-matched or amplitude-matched SUCOFLEX 406 cable assemblies are available. Also, the special characteristics of the new cable assembly family are likely to make it the preferred solution for all industrial applications where lowest loss is crucial for customer specific installations.
Roll-Out
The roll-out of SUCOFLEX 406 and 406D products for selected markets will start with straight male N and TNCA connectors, which will be available by the beginning of 2013. The SUCOFLEX 406/406D including TNCA straight male connector is suitable for 18 GHz and covers MIL-STD-348/313-3. During the course of 2013, the SUCOFLEX 400 product portfolio connector range will be extended and followed by additional thinner cable versions with the lowest losses for frequencies up to 40 GHz, as well as additional connectors, jackets and armor versions for all kinds of applications.
The continuously growing SUCOFLEX 400 family builds on a similar design as the familiar SUCOFLEX 100 products, which have proved their reliability and stability for a wide range of applications for more than 25 years. The connectors have been tuned to the cable in order to preserve the excellent return loss (VSWR) characteristics for the assembly. Current and future RF-systems for defense, space and other industrial applications must comply with the highest requirements; consequently it is essential for the connector components to meet the highest standards.
HUBER+SUHNER AG,
Herisau, Switzerland
+41 71 353 4111,
info@hubersuhner.com
www.hubersuhner.com