GORE PHASEFLEX
®
®
MICROWAVE/RF TEST ASSEMBLIES
Reduce total cost of test with durable, reliable performance
For test applications that require precise, repeatable measurements,
GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies provide excellent
phase and amplitude stability with
fl
exure. The rugged, lightweight
construction of these assemblies delivers reliable performance
with longer service life and reduced equipment downtime, which
results in lower costs for testing in laboratory, production, and
fi
eld test environments.
Typical Applications
• Bench-top testing
• High throughput RF production
testing
• Portable analyzers
• Test rack systems
• Vector network analyzers (VNAs)
• Scalar network analyzers
• Antenna ranges
• Anechoic chambers
• Nearfield scanners
• Wireless telecommunication
module testing
• Electromagnetic compliance
testing
• Automated test equipment
Benefits of GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies
• Consistent, repeatable measurements with stable
electrical performance up to 110 GHz
• Longer service life with durable construction that resists
crushing, twisting, and kinking
• Enhanced phase and amplitude stability with
fl
exure
and temperature
• Increased throughput and reduced downtime with
durable and reliable performance
Courtesy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Rugged Construction Delivers Longer Service Life
With an internally ruggedized construction, GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies maintain measurement repeatability
while withstanding demanding conditions such as continuous
fl
exing, temperature cycling, broad temperature ranges, and
frequent connect and disconnect. The consistent performance and
reliability of these test assemblies increases the interval between
time-consuming calibrations of the test system, which in turn
increases throughput, and reduces the total cost of test.
Unlike conventionally designed RF test assemblies, GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies maintain excellent
phase and amplitude stability with
fl
exure. The unique cable
construction allows a small bend radius without affecting
performance (see Figure 1). Some cables have a minimum bend
radius as small as 0.5 inches.
GORE PHASEFLEX
®
®
MICROWAVE/RF TEST ASSEMBLIES
GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies offer excellent
electrical and mechanical performance (see Tables 2 and 3 for
product specifications). Assemblies are available in 12, 24, 36, 48,
and 60 inch lengths. These predetermined lengths correspond to 0.30,
0.61, 0.91, 1.22 and 1.52 meters. Special Purpose Test Assemblies
are also available (see Tables 4 and 5 for product specifications).
Features for GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies
include:
• torque, crush, and kink resistance
• abrasion resistance
• dust/moisture resistance
• performance over a wide temperature range
• chemical resistance
• high connector pull strength
Table 1: Test Assemblies with Guaranteed Phase
and Amplitude Stability with Flexure
1
Gore
Cable
Type
0U
0T
0D
0Z
0F
1
Phase Stability
with Flexure (±˚)
Typical
Value
2.0
3.0
5.0
6.0
8.0
Maximum
Value
4.7
6.6
9.6
11.8
15.6
Amplitude Stability
with Flexure (± dB)
Typical
Value
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
Maximum
Value
0.15
0.15
0.15
0.15
0.10
Precise and Repeatable Measurements
The exceptional phase and amplitude stability of GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies ensures accurate and repeatable
measurements. Although all of these assemblies exceed
specifications for phase and amplitude stability, additional
testing is performed on assemblies using cable types 0U, 0T,
0D, 0Z, and 0F to guarantee their phase and amplitude
performance with
fl
exure (see Table 1 for typical and guaranteed
performance). While all other cable types (0Y, 0H, 0X, 0S, 0Q,
0P, 0M, 0W, 0R, 0K, 0G, CX) do not under go this guaranteed
stability testing, phase and amplitude stability performance is
incorporated by design.
The maximum value for guaranteed phase and amplitude stability was established using
the following test method. The assembly was terminated with a short circuit and tested
on a calibrated system. The VNA was normalized. A mandrel of 57 mm (2.25 in) radius was
placed adjacent to the left or right side of the assembly, approximately at its midpoint. The
assembly was coiled 360° around the mandrel and held in this position for one full sweep.
Maximum deviation over the frequency range of analysis was recorded. The assembly
was then returned to its initial straight position, and the VNA was normalized again. The
mandrel was placed on the opposite side of the assembly and the test was repeated. All of
the assemblies above are tested using this test method.
Phase Matching
Upon request, phase or time delay matching can be specified for
GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies with frequencies
through 67 GHz. Gore can provide absolute and relative time delay
matching to sub-picosecond tolerances. According to the perfor-
mance requirements of the application, cable assemblies may be
specified to meet absolute or relative matching values.
•
Absolute match:
One or more assemblies having a specific time
delay or phase length target value ± some tolerance value. This
type of specification allows replacement or addition of individual
cables in a matched set.
•
Relative match:
Two or more assemblies whose time delay or
phase length fall within a specified match window. Relative
matching ensures consistent matching within a set of cables, but
an assembly from one set may not necessarily be matched with
cable assemblies in another set.
Figure 1: The anatomy of
GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies
Braided jacket
Outer binder
Braided strength member
Crush member
Inner jacket
Inner braid
Electrical shield
ePTFE dielectric
Center conductor
Table 2: Test Assembly Specifications up to 18 GHz
1
Gore Cable Type
Maximum Frequency (GHz)
Typical VSWR
Typical Insertion Loss (dB)
Impedance (Nominal) (Ohms)
Guaranteed Phase and Amplitude Stability
Typical Phase Stability (degree)
2
Typical Amplitude Stability (dB)
2
Dielectric Constant (Nominal)
Velocity of Propagation (Nominal) (%)
Shielding Effectiveness (dB through 18 GHz)
3
Time Delay (Nominal) ns/cm (ns/in)
Center Conductor
Overall Diameter mm (in)
Nominal Weight g/m (oz/ft)
Minimum Bend Radius mm (in)
Typical Flex Cycles
4
0Y
3
1.05:1
0.48
75
No
±0.5
0H
18
1.19:1
2.15
No
±2.0
0X
18
1.19:1
1.13
No
±2.0
0S
18
1.19:1
1.36
No
±2.0
0U
18
1.19:1
1.36
50
Yes
±2.0
0Q
18
1.22:1
0.80
No
±8.0
0P
18
1.24:1
1.00
No
±6.0
0M
18
1.28:1
0.75
No
±15.0
Electrical Properties
< ±0.05
1.4
85
> 100
0.04 (0.103)
Solid
Stranded
Solid
Stranded
Stranded
Solid
Stranded
Solid
7.5 (0.295) 5.3 (0.210) 7.7 (0.305) 7.7 (0.305) 7.7 (0.305) 10.2 (0.400) 10.2 (0.400) 10.7 (0.420)
144.4 (1.55) 68.9 (0.74) 147.6 (1.6) 147.6 (1.6) 147.6 (1.6) 275.6 (2.96) 275.6 (2.96) 295.3 (3.17)
25.4 (1.0)
50,000
44.6 (250)
12.7 (0.5)
100,000
33.5 (187)
25.4 (1.0)
50,000
25.4 (1.0)
100,000
25.4 (1.0)
100,000
38.1 (1.5)
10,000
38.1 (1.5)
15,000
38.1 (1.5)
10,000
Mech./Env. Properties
Temperature Range (
˚
C)
Crush Resistance kgf/cm (lbf/in)
-55 to 125
44.6 (250)
Table 3: Test Assembly Specifications up to 67 GHz
1
Gore Cable Type
Maximum Frequency (GHz)
Typical VSWR
Typical Insertion Loss (dB)
Impedance (Nominal) (Ohms)
Guaranteed Phase and Amplitude Stability
Typical Phase Stability (degree)
2
Typical Amplitude Stability (dB)
2
Dielectric Constant (Nominal)
Velocity of Propagation (Nominal) (%)
Shielding Effectiveness (dB through 18 GHz)
3
Time Delay (Nominal) ns/cm (ns/in)
Center Conductor
Mech./Env. Properties
Overall Diameter mm (in)
Nominal Weight g/m (oz/ft)
Minimum Bend Radius mm (in)
Typical Flex Cycles
4
Temperature Range (
˚
C)
1
2
3
4
0W
26.5
1.17:1
1.43
No
±3.0
0R
26.5
1.17:1
1.71
No
±3.0
0T
26.5
1.17:1
1.71
Yes
±3.0
0K
40
1.30:1
2.65
50
No
±5.0
< ±0.05
1.4
85
> 100
0.04 (0.103)
Solid
0D
40
1.30:1
3.35
Yes
±5.0
0Z
50
1.26:1
3.78
Yes
±6.0
0F
67
1.30:1
5.84
Yes
±8.0
Electrical Properties
Solid
Stranded
Stranded
Solid
Solid
Solid
7.7 (0.305) 7.7 (0.305) 8.0 (0.315) 6.1 (0.240) 6.1 (0.240) 6.1 (0.240) 5.8 (0.230)
147.6 (1.6) 147.6 (1.6) 147.6 (1.6) 98.4 (1.05) 101.7 (1.1) 101.7 (1.1) 88.6 (0.95)
25.4 (1.0)
50,000
100,000
100,000
-55 to 125
50,000
44.6 (250)
20,000
20,000
-55 to 75
20,000
Crush Resistance kgf/cm (lbf/in)
The electrical specifications in this table are based on a 0.91 m (36 in) assembly length and maximum frequency with straight connectors.
When cable is wrapped 360˚ around a 57 mm (2.25 in) radius mandrel.
Per MIL-STD-1344, method 3008.
When bent ± 90˚ at a radius that is twice the minimum bend radius, test assembly performs reliably through the stated
fl
ex cycles.
GORE PHASEFLEX
®
®
MICROWAVE/RF TEST ASSEMBLIES
Special Purpose Test Assemblies
GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies include two
special purpose test assemblies —18 GHz assemblies for high
throughput production test applications; and
fl
exible, ruggedized
110 GHz assemblies for benchtop testing (see Tables 4 and 5 for
specifications). Connector and length configurations specific to
these assemblies are available (see Tables 6 and 7).
The unique construction of these assemblies includes:
• Flexible, robust strain-relief boots
• Easy grip, quick-turn connectors; eliminating the need for a torque
wrench
• Durable, highly
fl
exible, small diameter cable construction
GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies are engineered
to withstand the frequent torque, bending, and shaking common
to test and manufacturing
fl
oor environments. These assemblies
demonstrate excellent stability performance (see Figure 2).
GORE
®
PHASEFLEX
®
Microwave/RF Test Assemblies provide reliable
electrical and mechanical performance for high throughput
production test applications (see Table 4).
High Throughput Production Test Assemblies
Gore high throughput production test assemblies are engineered
specifically to reduce total testing costs in production test
environments. Their stable performance ensures precise and
repeatable measurements, reducing the risk of testing errors
and the need for time-consuming troubleshooting and system
calibration. These test assemblies increase throughput on the
manufacturing line by eliminating the need to use a torque wrench.
Figure 2: Typical Amplitude Stability
with Flexure and Shake
1
0.080
0.060
0.040
Amplitude (dB)
0.020
0.00
-0.020
-0.040
Table 4: High Throughput Production Test
Assembly Specifications
1
Gore Cable Type
Maximum Frequency (GHz)
Typical VSWR
Typical Insertion Loss (dB)
Impedance (Nominal) (Ohms)
Typical Phase Stability (degree)
2
Typical Amplitude Stability (dB)
2
Dielectric Constant (Nominal)
Velocity of Propagation (Nominal) (%)
Shielding Effectiveness (dB through 18 GHz)
3
Time Delay (Nominal) ns/cm (ns/in)
Center Conductor
Overall Diameter mm (in)
Nominal Weight g/m (oz/ft)
Minimum Bend Radius mm (in)
Temperature Range (
˚
C)
Crush Resistance kgf/cm (lbf/in)
Connector Retention N (lbf)
6
1.08:1
1.20
50
±0.5
±2.0
< ±0.05
1.4
85
> 100
0.04 (0.103)
Solid
5.3 (0.210)
65.0 (0.70)
25.4 (1.00)
-55 to 125
33.5 (187)
> 267 (> 60)
0G
18
1.27:1
2.19
1
-0.060
-0.080
0
2
4
6
8
10 12 14
Frequency (GHz)
16
18
20
Data is based on a 1 m (39.4 in) assembly.
Mech./Env. Properties
Electrical Properties
1
2
3
The electrical specifications in this table are based on a 1 m (39.4 in)
assembly length at 6 GHz and 18 GHz.
When cable is wrapped 360˚ around a 57 mm (2.25 in) radius mandrel.
Per MIL-STD-1344, method 3008.
110 GHz Test Assemblies
Gore’s 110 GHz ruggedized cable assemblies can be
fl
exed,
formed, or repositioned without damage while providing excellent
stability with
fl
exure and temperature, while maintaining excellent
insertion loss and VSWR (see Figures 3 and 4). These assemblies
provide reliable electrical and mechanical performance (see Table
5).
Figure 3: Typical VSWR
1
2
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
VSWR
0
10
20
30
40 50 60 70
Frequency (GHz)
80
90
100 110
Figure 4: Typical Insertion Loss
1
0
-1
-2
Loss
-3
Table 5: 110 GHz Test Assembly Specifications
1
Gore Cable Type
Maximum Frequency (GHz)
Typical VSWR
Typical Insertion Loss (dB)
Impedance (Nominal) (Ohms)
Typical Phase Stability (degree)
2
Typical Amplitude Stability (dB)
2
Dielectric Constant (Nominal)
Velocity of Propagation (Nominal) (%)
Shielding Effectiveness (dB through 18 GHz)
3
Time Delay (Nominal) ns/cm (ns/in)
Center Conductor
Overall Diameter mm (in)
Nominal Weight g/m (oz/ft)
Minimum Bend Radius mm (in)
Temperature Range (
˚
C)
Crush Resistance kgf/cm (lbf/in)
CX
110
1.20:1
2.14
50
±1.0
< ±0.05
1.4
85
> 100
0.04 (0.103)
Solid
4.2 (0.167)
55.8 (0.60)
10.2 (0.40)
-55 to 125
44.6 (250)
-4
-5
0
10
20
30
The electrical specifications in this table are based on a 16 cm (6.3 in)
assembly length.
2
When cable is bent 90˚ around a 25.4 mm (1 in) radius mandrel.
3
MIL-STD-1344, method 3008.
1
Mech./Env. Properties
Electrical Properties
40 50 60 70
Frequency (GHz)
80
90
100 110
