Friday, September 23, 2011

Selecting the best Microwave Coaxial Cable

When the first is connecting up various microwave components and systems, one of the most challenging questions is selecting the best coaxial set up. SMA cables can be found which cover exactly the same frequency range however the cost can vary from $10 to $200. This information will attempt to explain tradeoffs in the option of various cable devices.

Once the system engineer first selects a connector type, he'll consider many variables. When the frequency is below 6ghz, mcx, mmcx, bnc's work fine. For greater wavelengths, SMA's, 2.92's, 2.4's. For high energy the connector of preference may be the may be the 7/16 or SC. In hooking up to those ports, plugs are a choice, but they must be a last measure VSWR interactions occur with every microwave coaxial plugs. Then when one buys a cable for interconnects, attempt to always employ exactly the same connector as what you are connecting up. Also use exactly the same grade of connector around the cable as around the system brass SMA to brass SMA, stainless SMA to stainless SMA.

So the best idea cable for you personally application, the $10 or $200 one? Think about these tradeoffs:

Brass SMA's continue for 100 interconnects stainless SMA's continue for 500 interconnects. Greater listed fittings are very well worth an elevated investment to have an application with lots of mates/demates, while less expensive fittings might be fine when one really wants to connect something once. Observe that suggested torque can differ even just in a connector series once the material changes avoid using 8 in-pounds on brass SMA's! Microwave test cables uses stainless SMA's.

Armor: safeguards the cable from abuse, significantly boosts the cost, & is frequently needed for outside programs.

Phase stability: In phase matched up systems, premium cables can be found with little phase change over temperature, or little phase change because the cable is bent.

VSWR and Impedance precision: 2:1 VSWR cables can be found and cheap, 1.25:1 continue to be reasonably listed, 1.05:1 will definitely cost! Tight VSWR takes a raw cable with very precise impedance, quality fittings to keep 50 ohms, & precision set up from the connector towards the cable, frequently needing shims/spaces/special tools.

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