Smiths Interconnect, a leading provider of technically differentiated electronic components, subsystems, microwave, optical and radio frequency products, announced the release of the SpaceNXT™ QT Series of flexible coaxial cable assemblies, ideal for a variety of commercial space designs. 

The QT Series is part of Smiths Interconnect’s SpaceNXT™ initiative to create an entire range of high performance, high reliability space products that eliminate the customer’s need to undertake extensive qualification processes. The QT Series also responds to the customers’ demand for cable assemblies with more consistent electrical performance over higher frequencies, larger temperature extremes and across higher volumes.

The SpaceNXT™ QT Series offers improved phase stability over a wide range of temperatures found in space environments whilst meeting all NASA/ESA outgassing specifications when tested per ASTM E595. It is equipped with ETFE radiation resistant jacket materials. This combination enables customers to enjoy the benefits of lower cost of ownership while improving system performance.

“Currently, customers have limited choices when it comes to phase stable assemblies for commercial space applications. The products offered in the market can often come with either high reliability and a high price tag plus long lead times, or at a lower cost with lower reliability.” said Tullio Panarello, vice president and general manager of the Fibre Optics and Components Business Unit at Smiths Interconnect. “The SpaceNXT™ QT Series fits the market demand for readily available products at a lower cost of ownership while maintaining the high reliability standard our products are known for.”

The SpaceNXT™ QT Series is offered in 0.065” (1.651 mm), 0.100” (2.54 mm) and 0.160” (4.064 mm) cable diameters which cover key performance characteristics at various frequency bands from DC to 50 GHz. 

The cable assemblies are built using a foam dielectric material which has much better attenuation than solid PTFE found in “RG” type cables and stabilizes phase change with orbital temperature changes. They are offered with standardized testing sequences, reducing delivery times and overall cost of ownership. 

All products have passed design verification, are assembled in a controlled environment, and are rigorously tested per customer and industry application requirements.