1. SK, what led you to start Swift Bridge Technologies?

SK: Back in 2012, the opportunity presented itself when I was approached by one of my customers asking if we would be able to support a need of theirs. We quickly realized we had all of the capability required to do so. My co-founder and I started Swift Bridge Technologies (SBT) with the intent of not only supporting this customer need but further developing and enhancing RF cable technology.

2. With so many companies offering RF/microwave cable assemblies, what's your value proposition for potential customers?

Dalibor: We launched this company to focus on high performance RF cable assemblies operating at frequencies above 40 GHz. There are many competitors below 40 GHz; however, the competition begins to thin above 40 GHz. The higher the frequency, the fewer competitors. SBT is not only competitive on price, but our lead times of three to four weeks for standard RF cables distinguishes us in the market. Our RF cables meet and exceed the performance of our competitors. We appreciate the custom design challenges that OEM test equipment manufacturers bring to us, allowing us to utilize our decades of experience in the test and measurement (T&M) market to help them realize their product ideas.

3. Tell us about the range of cable assembly products you offer?

Dalibor: We offer both standard and custom RF solutions, which support the majority of precision RF connectors covering the frequency range of DC through 70 GHz. Our standard RF products include five product families:

• ExpressRF is our most affordable option, ideal for someone looking for an inexpensive solution
• FastEdge offers value, flexibility and performance
• DuraWave is a ruggedized solution designed to perform in harsh environments
• FastEdge and DuraWave PS versions guarantee certain phase stability values.

These standard products utilize N type, high performance SMA, 3.5, 2.92, 2.4, 1.85 and 1.0 mm connectors. At present, we are finishing development on a 1.0 mm to operate through 125 GHz.

For our custom assemblies, we incorporate unique cable designs with mechanical enclosures and hybrid cables with both RF coaxes and discreet wires.

4. Are you building a catalog of products or more interested in custom assemblies? Are you targeting any applications or geographies?

Dalibor: SBT is interested in both custom and catalog products. Catalog products allow us to respond more quickly and utilize the already developed components to configure them for custom solutions. Our RF cables assemblies are well-suited for spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, oscilloscopes and production test sets. The Digi-Key platform allows us to reach the global T&M market with our standard products.

5. Where are your design and manufacturing operations? Why there?

Dalibor: Our facilities in the U.S. and Malaysia are each located in a high technology hub. The U.S. design center is located in the “Silicon Forest,” and the Malaysia facilities are located in Penang, the “Silicon Valley of the East.” Because of this, our team in Malaysia is able effectively to support high-tech business sectors located in the country, along with the south Asia and southeast Asia markets.

6. Describe the facility and capabilities of your cable assembly manufacturing center in Malaysia.

SK: The Malaysia manufacturing facility is capable of producing both RF cable assemblies and non-RF cable harnesses. Our advantages are lower labor costs and short lead times. There, we are also able to test RF cable assemblies through 125 GHz. The manufacturing center in Malaysia has mirrored manufacturing processes as used in the U.S. design center. This simplifies migration of product manufacturing to Malaysia. SBT Malaysia is certified to ISO 9001:2015 as well as the IATF 16949:2016, which also allows us to support the automotive and electric vehicle market.

7. Your facility in Malaysia also does “box building.” Describe the capabilities and scope of the projects you can take on.

SK: The Malaysia manufacturing facility has the capability to build sub-module assemblies such as electrical equipment panels, I/O power supply panels, fan modules, etc.

8. What trends are you seeing in the market, and how are they leading your product development and manufacturing capabilities?

Dalibor: All sectors of the electrical and electronics industry are requiring higher frequencies, higher bandwidth and higher density. SBT is responding with investment into developing multi-channel, higher density interconnect solutions with the ultimate goal of providing a higher performance solution at a lower cost to the customer. Our R&D is focused on developing IP in alternative materials for higher frequency signal transmission, with the aim to solve some of the challenges with current state-of-art materials and manufacturing processes.

9. How can potential customers interact with SBT to discuss their requirements?

SK: Customers can contact both SK and Dalibor for direct discussion for any new opportunities using contact information available on our website. Standard RF products can be directly purchased through the Digi-Key e-commerce platform.

10. Tell us about your backgrounds.

Dalibor: Prior to joining SBT, I was the product development engineering manager for T&M products at TE Connectivity. Prior to that role, I held various manufacturing engineering roles for both T&M and medical cable assemblies. Those years were formative in understanding and instituting design for manufacturing into the product development process. My education in chemistry and background in materials engineering have proven to be instrumental in directing our R&D efforts to reinvent the coaxial cable.

SK: Prior to starting SBT, I was the regional sales manager and global key account manager at TE Connectivity for the largest global OEM in T&M. I was also the southeast Asia cable assembly development manager responsible for all of the RF and mixed LF cable assembly business. During my 20 years in TE, I have served as field service engineer, product application engineer and sales engineer. My education includes an MBA and a diploma in electronics technology.