As wireless communication technologies continue to advance, demands on test and measurement applications are evolving rapidly. Cable and connector innovations now play a pivotal role in maintaining the precision and reliability required for modern testing environments. Looking ahead, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into test and measurement processes is set to drive significant advancements, enabling smarter and more efficient systems. Additionally, the ongoing expansion of 5G and IoT is expected to generate new testing challenges, requiring cutting-edge solutions to ensure higher carrier frequency and data rates. With the evolution of these technologies, sophisticated testing will become increasingly essential to validate and sustain the reliability of these interconnected systems.
The rapid rollout of 5G has transformed the landscape for test and measurement equipment. The higher mmWave frequencies central to 5G deliver faster data speeds and introduce challenges such as increased sensitivity to flexure and mechanical stress. This could affect system development and device performance characterization phases, where precision and repeatability are critical. It may also include the commissioning of the complete system and ongoing monitoring within a production test environment. To address these complexities, test setups must rely on robust, high-precision cabling and interconnects.
At the higher mmWave frequencies, “phase and amplitude performance that endures” is a statement that the cabling and interconnects must fulfill, particularly in the test and measurement environment. At these frequencies, interconnects are very small, meaning that connector design can be a challenge. In addition, the transmission signal becomes more sensitive to cable bending and temperature changes, resulting in an environment that requires phase-stable cables. Key to these test setups are high performance interconnects that establish dependable connections across a range of devices and components. The choice of connectors is influenced by the specific instrument, its application requirements and the electrical and mechanical performance characteristics. This emphasizes the importance of tailored interconnect solutions in modern test environments.
Figure 1 Junkosha cable assemblies with connectors with J-mark.
Junkosha, a pioneer in high performance interconnect solutions, has once again demonstrated its commitment to meeting the industry’s rigorous demands with the recent launch of its proprietary connector designs. Integrated into its microwave/mmWave coaxial cable assemblies, these new connectors are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of next-generation high speed, high-capacity communications systems. Figure 1 shows examples of these assemblies designed for wide temperature ranges while being slim and durable.
Accuracy is crucial, especially at mmWave wavelengths where instances of flexure and mechanical stress can affect the accuracy of results. Junkosha’s integrated approach to cable and connector design addresses these challenges, enabling reliable and repeatable measurements under demanding conditions. Junkosha’s branded connectors mark a significant expansion of the company’s capabilities. Featuring 80 unique types, each adorned with the “J mark” emblem symbolizing Junkosha’s quality promise, these connectors are engineered to complement the Junkosha microwave/mmWave coaxial cable assemblies. Designed with a safety-lock mechanism for enhanced durability and a multi-lock system for ease of use, the connectors ensure robust signal integrity and operational reliability in high frequency environments.
Advancements in 5G leverage higher mmWave frequencies where cabling and interconnect solutions must be robust to withstand the rigor they are subjected to in any given scenario. Junkosha’s innovations are poised to play a pivotal role in enabling the high speed, high-capacity networks of the future. The Junkosha Microwave/mmWave Coaxial Cable Assembly MWX7 Series, known for the lowest phase and amplitude deviation and best linearity over temperature and flexure, is already an industry benchmark. Coupled with the addition of proprietary connectors, these assemblies promise consistent performance in testing and calibration. Developed with EPTFE tape-wrapped dielectric technology, the MWX7 Series delivers consistent phase and amplitude stability in response to temperature and mechanical fluctuations. Furthermore, the cables offer reduced phase and amplitude drift from mechanical fluctuations, supporting repeatable results. As a result, Junkosha provides some of the industry’s best phase and amplitude stability across its MWX7 Series of RF cables. This ensures reliable, repeatable results for applications ranging from aerospace and defense to autonomous vehicle development. Figure 2 shows examples of the MWX7 phase-stable cable assemblies with various cable diameters and terminating connectors measured at 18.5 GHz.
Figure 2 MXW7 series of cables.
Figure 3 Phase stability versus temperature at 18.5 GHz.
The demand for mmWave frequencies continues to grow every year, driven by diverse applications ranging from space and defense to emerging commercial markets such as autonomous vehicles. Achieving reliable system performance at higher mmWave frequencies requires interconnect solutions that deliver consistent phase stability. This is particularly critical in test and measurement environments, where precise and repeatable performance is essential to validate and optimize system designs. Figure 3 shows phase stability performance versus temperature for several diameters of the MXW7 series of cables, measured at 18.5 GHz.
Leveraging its expertise in fluoropolymer processing and high performance cable manufacturing, Junkosha’s move into connector design reflects a strategic response to the escalating demands from the microwave and mmWave markets, driven by 5G, AI and data center growth. All of these require advanced interconnect solutions capable of supporting high speed and data-heavy workloads. By offering both high performance cables and precision-engineered connectors, the company is positioned to address the diverse needs of industries navigating the transition to higher frequencies and data-intensive applications.
As 5G continues to drive innovation, Junkosha’s integrated interconnect solutions provide customers with more options. They address diverse industry requirements with a combination of high performance cables and precision-engineered connectors to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s sophisticated systems. Through continuous product development and customer collaboration, Junkosha remains at the forefront of enabling innovation for the connected world of the future.
Junkosha
Irvine, Calif.
www.junkosha.com/en